mercurynews--2020-08-21--Harriette Cole: Being a generous guest costs me too much

DEAR HARRIETTE : I am always shopping .
Whether it is for myself or someone else , I find myself gathering items in a store that I see fit to have but may not necessarily need at that point in time .
I never go to an event or friend ’ s home empty-handed , and when it comes to birthdays , I believe that it is always polite to give a gift — even if small — if I am celebrating with someone .
Every time I pay off my credit card , the next week I find the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the week before .
I ’ ve come to find that I just buy too often !
How do I put a cap on what I buy and stop giving out gifts all the time ?
Any suggestions ?
DEAR SHOPAHOLIC : Compulsive shopping is considered to be an addiction , much like excessive drinking , gambling or smoking .
It is real and hard to control .
This doesn ’ t mean you should give in to it .
Just know that your behavior seems to be out of your control , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how to alter your behavior .
Much like Alcoholics Anonymous , there is an organization that may be able to help you ; shopaholicsanonymous.org exists for people just like you .
In a community of peers , you can talk about your compulsions and discover healthier options for how to spend your time .
• Harriette Cole : I ’ m different , and my boss won ’ t accept that • Harriette Cole : My young siblings want to live with me , not with our parents • Harriette Cole : My @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on a string • Harriette Cole : I regret my decision about the family dog • Harriette Cole : My mom has an offensive person living on her driveway Some people make exhaustive lists of what they need to do and how they intend to spend their money .
By following their lists , they set themselves up for the possibility of success .
Only what is on the list is allowed for them to do , including what they do with their money .
This could include a cap on what you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yourself as well — including home-cooked food and handmade cards .
Get creative .
DEAR HARRIETTE : I am in my mid-30s , and with the quarantine , I began to search for a way to earn a certificate online to start my own business , but I am not sure what direction to go in .
I pretty much know everything about cars , mechanics , design and how to sell , but I can ’ t seem to figure out how to focus my plan .
What ’ s the best @ @ @ @ @ @ @ STARTING A BUSINESS : Write down everything that interests you and what types of opportunities are available in those areas .
Figure out where there is a need .
I was told years ago by a successful entrepreneur that if you can identify a need and fill it , you will make money .
People want their problems solved .
As you consider what specifically you want to do , be sure to identify a way to help resolve problems , and your chances for success will increase exponentially .
Since you know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mechanical side of things , figure out what you can do in that space that will differentiate you from others in your area .
If you can carve out a specialty that will draw clients to you , you automatically create a unique space for yourself .
Just make sure that the need you identify has enough potential customers to be sustainable over time .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1130 Walnut St. , Kansas City , MO 64106 .

DEAR HARRIETTE: I am always shopping. Whether it is for myself or someone else, I find myself gathering items in a store that I see fit to have but may not necessarily need at that point in time.
I never go to an event or friend’s home empty-handed, and when it comes to birthdays, I believe that it is always polite to give a gift — even if small — if I am celebrating with someone.
Every time I pay off my credit card, the next week I find the balance is right back where it was the week before. I’ve come to find that I just buy too often!
How do I put a cap on what I buy and stop giving out gifts all the time? Any suggestions?
Shopaholic
DEAR SHOPAHOLIC: Compulsive shopping is considered to be an addiction, much like excessive drinking, gambling or smoking. It is real and hard to control.
This doesn’t mean you should give in to it. Just know that your behavior seems to be out of your control, and you should get help to learn how to alter your behavior. Much like Alcoholics Anonymous, there is an organization that may be able to help you; shopaholicsanonymous.org exists for people just like you. In a community of peers, you can talk about your compulsions and discover healthier options for how to spend your time.
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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 Some people make exhaustive lists of what they need to do and how they intend to spend their money. By following their lists, they set themselves up for the possibility of success. Only what is on the list is allowed for them to do, including what they do with their money. This could include a cap on what you spend on gifts. Consider making gifts yourself as well — including home-cooked food and handmade cards. Get creative.
DEAR HARRIETTE: I am in my mid-30s, and with the quarantine, I began to search for a way to earn a certificate online to start my own business, but I am not sure what direction to go in. I pretty much know everything about cars, mechanics, design and how to sell, but I can’t seem to figure out how to focus my plan. What’s the best way to start a business?
Starting a Business
DEAR STARTING A BUSINESS: Write down everything that interests you and what types of opportunities are available in those areas. Figure out where there is a need. I was told years ago by a successful entrepreneur that if you can identify a need and fill it, you will make money. People want their problems solved. As you consider what specifically you want to do, be sure to identify a way to help resolve problems, and your chances for success will increase exponentially.
Since you know you are interested in cars and the mechanical side of things, figure out what you can do in that space that will differentiate you from others in your area. If you can carve out a specialty that will draw clients to you, you automatically create a unique space for yourself. Just make sure that the need you identify has enough potential customers to be sustainable over time.
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--2020-08-21--Miss Manners: My kind friend has gone to jail, and I don’t know what to say

DEAR MISS MANNERS : A lifelong friend of mine was incarcerated for a white-collar crime of a rather serious nature , and the possibility of him leaving jail in the next few years seems slim .
I ’ ve only known him as a kind , friendly and honest person , though the state prosecutors portrayed another side of him .
We ’ ve remained in touch with letters throughout the years , and I do not wish to desert him , especially since most everyone else in his life has .
However , I ’ m in a quandary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about now .
Obviously , I can not talk solely about what ’ s happening in my life , which is relatively carefree , and ignore the circumstances of his confinement and the possibility of his prolonged imprisonment .
It ’ s also difficult to wish him “ Happy Birthday , ” “ Happy New Year ” or the like , when “ happy ” is not an operative word in his world at the moment .
• Miss Manners : My letter got sent back , and I ’ m afraid he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This dishwashing incident years ago still bugs me • Miss Manners : The bride has something to say , and the wording is a little tricky • Miss Manners : Why is my co-worker suddenly shunning me ?
• Miss Manners : How do I warn her that her boyfriend is a jerk ?
Mainly , I would like to convey to him that I ’ m still his friend and would like to keep a conversation going throughout this ordeal , even if the situation is an awkward one .
How can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It seems to Miss Manners that the thing you may both have in common at the moment is leisure time .
She suggests that you talk about what you are doing to occupy it , by telling him what books you are reading or shows you are watching .
The conversation should therefore be equitable , since you will both be able to make recommendations — and mutually expand your repertoires .
DEAR MISS MANNERS : I have a sister who lives in another state and calls almost every day .
She is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ herself talk , and a terrible listener .
She will tell you what she “ knows , ” and will argue her point to the bitter end .
She is divorced and has alienated all her children , though she doesn ’ t understand why .
She hasn ’ t spoken to her only daughter for over a year .
We were raised in different households , due to the death of our parents when we were children — she was adopted by a relative — so we were more like cousins growing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her in my life , but I ’ m tired of being on the defensive every time I talk with her .
Our last conversation didn ’ t end too well , so maybe it ’ ll be a few days before I hear from her .
GENTLE READER : Try just listening .
That is likely all that your sister wants , and if you can train yourself to tune out any unwanted information , your relationship will be the better for it .
This is not to say that you should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ untoward schemes or sentiments .
Just a simple , “ I am afraid that I don ’ t agree , ” without elaborating , should help quiet her .
As she has alienated her other relatives , Miss Manners hopes that this will teach your sister to be more temperate .
Or else it will infuriate her to the point of not calling for a while , and then you will at least be given another break .
Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website , www.missmanners.com ; to her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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: A lifelong friend of mine was incarcerated for a white-collar crime of a rather serious nature, and the possibility of him leaving jail in the next few years seems slim.
I’ve only known him as a kind, friendly and honest person, though the state prosecutors portrayed another side of him.
We’ve remained in touch with letters throughout the years, and I do not wish to desert him, especially since most everyone else in his life has.
However, I’m in a quandary as to what to write to him about now. Obviously, I cannot talk solely about what’s happening in my life, which is relatively carefree, and ignore the circumstances of his confinement and the possibility of his prolonged imprisonment. It’s also difficult to wish him “Happy Birthday,” “Happy New Year” or the like, when “happy” is not an operative word in his world at the moment.
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GENTLE READER: It seems to Miss Manners that the thing you may both have in common at the moment is leisure time. She suggests that you talk about what you are doing to occupy it, by telling him what books you are reading or shows you are watching. The conversation should therefore be equitable, since you will both be able to make recommendations — and mutually expand your repertoires.
DEAR MISS MANNERS: I have a sister who lives in another state and calls almost every day. She is an opinionated person who loves to hear herself talk, and a terrible listener. She will tell you what she “knows,” and will argue her point to the bitter end.
She is divorced and has alienated all her children, though she doesn’t understand why. She hasn’t spoken to her only daughter for over a year. We were raised in different households, due to the death of our parents when we were children — she was adopted by a relative — so we were more like cousins growing up.
I am thankful to have her in my life, but I’m tired of being on the defensive every time I talk with her. Our last conversation didn’t end too well, so maybe it’ll be a few days before I hear from her.
GENTLE READER: Try just listening. That is likely all that your sister wants, and if you can train yourself to tune out any unwanted information, your relationship will be the better for it.
This is not to say that you should allow yourself to be complicit in any untoward schemes or sentiments. Just a simple, “I am afraid that I don’t agree,” without elaborating, should help quiet her.
As she has alienated her other relatives, Miss Manners hopes that this will teach your sister to be more temperate. Or else it will infuriate her to the point of not calling for a while, and then you will at least be given another break.
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--2020-08-21--Dear Abby: He won’t tell her the real reason their affair is doomed

DEAR ABBY : Last night I visited my 47-year-old son .
After a 23-year marriage , he is going through a nasty divorce .
While I was there , he asked my opinion about what he should do regarding a “ situation.
” A 62-year-old female divorced neighbor , who looks much younger , befriended him , and they ’ ve been having sex and spending time together for several months .
She hasn ’ t been in any relationships for two years .
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What do I do now ?
• Dear Abby : I wish I had known what my wife ’ s living will said He told her he ’ s not interested in a permanent relationship because he ’ s still not in a good emotional place , but he told me the real reason is their age difference .
She told him she wants to continue , hoping it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wants to be friends with benefits but doesn ’ t want to hurt her feelings by telling her this .
He ’ s a decent guy and feels he ’ s being deceptive .
I suggested he be honest and tell her it ’ s because of the age difference .
What do you recommend ?
DEAR MOM : Does your son think it will hurt the woman ’ s feelings less if he monopolizes her for months — or more — and breaks the news later ?
For some people , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But the longer this arrangement continues , the more hurt she will be when she finds out how much it matters to him .
I agree with you .
Honesty is the best policy .
And you know what ?
If she ’ s as worldly as I suspect she may be , she may agree to continue the arrangement just the way it is .
DEAR ABBY : I am a quilter .
I have created hundreds of quilts as gifts for friends and family over the last 30 years .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ s uncle passed away , and my mother-in-law brought his quilt over and gave it back to me .
When my mother passed recently , I was given her quilt back , too .
Looking at them makes me sad , but I can ’ t bear to just throw them away .
My question is , what do I do with them ?
And what can I say to people about not returning these gifts I made without hurting their feelings at the time they ’ ve lost their loved ones ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ I have heard about returning personal gifts to the givers after someone passes away , and frankly , I am surprised .
I wonder if the same would be true of gifts of expensive jewelry or clothing ?
If it happens again , all you have to say is how sorry you are for the person ’ s loss but that you don ’ t “ need ” the quilt back and suggest it be donated to a hospital , nursing home , senior center or orphanage .
Consider contacting a local church @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needed .
As to what to say to these grieving relatives , remember that when a gift is given , it is the recipient ’ s — or the recipient ’ s survivors — to do with as they wish .
Try not to take it so personally .
DEAR ABBY : What do you say to a guy who resurfaces 10 months after our first encounter and wants to know if I want to “ see ” him again ?
He didn ’ t mention going to dinner or a movie or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10 days or so .
DEAR UNDECIDED : I ’ m not you , but this is what I would say : “ What do you have in mind ?
A hike ?
A picnic at the beach ?
A socially distanced dinner ?
” And if his answer isn ’ t something more than getting together for sex , I ’ d pass .
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren , also known as Jeanne Phillips , and was founded by her mother , Pauline Phillips .
Contact Dear Abby @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Los Angeles , CA 90069 .

DEAR ABBY: Last night I visited my 47-year-old son. After a 23-year marriage, he is going through a nasty divorce.
While I was there, he asked my opinion about what he should do regarding a “situation.”
A 62-year-old female divorced neighbor, who looks much younger, befriended him, and they’ve been having sex and spending time together for several months. She hasn’t been in any relationships for two years.
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She told him she wants to continue, hoping it will lead to something permanent. He wants to be friends with benefits but doesn’t want to hurt her feelings by telling her this.
He’s a decent guy and feels he’s being deceptive. I suggested he be honest and tell her it’s because of the age difference. What do you recommend?
MOM IN THE MIDDLE
DEAR MOM: Does your son think it will hurt the woman’s feelings less if he monopolizes her for months — or more — and breaks the news later? For some people, a 15-year age difference is no big deal. But the longer this arrangement continues, the more hurt she will be when she finds out how much it matters to him.
I agree with you. Honesty is the best policy. And you know what? If she’s as worldly as I suspect she may be, she may agree to continue the arrangement just the way it is.
DEAR ABBY: I am a quilter. I have created hundreds of quilts as gifts for friends and family over the last 30 years.
Earlier this year, my husband’s uncle passed away, and my mother-in-law brought his quilt over and gave it back to me. When my mother passed recently, I was given her quilt back, too. Looking at them makes me sad, but I can’t bear to just throw them away.
My question is, what do I do with them? And what can I say to people about not returning these gifts I made without hurting their feelings at the time they’ve lost their loved ones?
HURT IN CALIFORNIA
DEAR HURT: This is the first I have heard about returning personal gifts to the givers after someone passes away, and frankly, I am surprised. I wonder if the same would be true of gifts of expensive jewelry or clothing?
If it happens again, all you have to say is how sorry you are for the person’s loss but that you don’t “need” the quilt back and suggest it be donated to a hospital, nursing home, senior center or orphanage. Consider contacting a local church for information on where they might be needed.
As to what to say to these grieving relatives, remember that when a gift is given, it is the recipient’s — or the recipient’s survivors — to do with as they wish. Try not to take it so personally.
DEAR ABBY: What do you say to a guy who resurfaces 10 months after our first encounter and wants to know if I want to “see” him again? He didn’t mention going to dinner or a movie or anything — just seeing each other every 10 days or so.
UNDECIDED IN FLORIDA
DEAR UNDECIDED: I’m not you, but this is what I would say: “What do you have in mind? A hike? A picnic at the beach? A socially distanced dinner?” And if his answer isn’t something more than getting together for sex, I’d pass.
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--2020-08-22--‘We all have our fingers crossed for him:’ California wildfires threaten home of A’s coach

Quality control coach Mark Kotsay filled in as the first base coach Thursday and Friday .
That ’ s because Mike Aldrete , the A ’ s first base coach , was not with the team .
His home is close to the wildfires that are tearing through Northern California .
“ It ’ s close enough to where we all have our fingers crossed for him , ” manager Bob Melvin said .
Reminders of the nearby disasters hovered over the Coliseum this week ; the A ’ s were hitting balls through a smoky haze .
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“ Obviously being from California I know what that means and it just means that the fires are getting worse … It ’ s something @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s just sad.
” Melvin said Aldrete ’ s experience has put baseball in perspective .
“ It ’ s just some heavy hearts for what ’ s going on here right now , ” Melvin said prior to Thursday ’ s game .
“ It is so sad .
Especially the people that have been here and grew up here and see what ’ s going on here .
It ’ s just an awful feeling .
And we pray for everybody out there.
” As for the smoke at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ postponements are entirely dependent on whether team doctors on site determine the air to be healthy or unhealthy AQI levels .
The AQI levels haven ’ t been close to high enough for game postponement , Melvin said , believing a 200 AQI to be the limit .
He was told the AQI reached 150 or 160 at the Coliseum .

Quality control coach Mark Kotsay filled in as the first base coach Thursday and Friday.
That’s because Mike Aldrete, the A’s first base coach, was not with the team. His home is close to the wildfires that are tearing through Northern California.
“It’s close enough to where we all have our fingers crossed for him,” manager Bob Melvin said.
Reminders of the nearby disasters hovered over the Coliseum this week; the A’s were hitting balls through a smoky haze.
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San Francisco’s 166-year-old luxury retailer Gumps warns: This could be our last year California News | California welder moved to Maui for new job 2 days before disaster struck “It’s just sad,” A’s third baseman Matt Chapman said. “Obviously being from California I know what that means and it just means that the fires are getting worse … It’s something that’s definitely serious and it’s just sad.”
Melvin said Aldrete’s experience has put baseball in perspective.
“It’s just some heavy hearts for what’s going on here right now,” Melvin said prior to Thursday’s game. “It is so sad. Especially the people that have been here and grew up here and see what’s going on here. It’s just an awful feeling. And we pray for everybody out there.”
As for the smoke at the Oakland Coliseum, Melvin says possible game postponements are entirely dependent on whether team doctors on site determine the air to be healthy or unhealthy AQI levels.
The AQI levels haven’t been close to high enough for game postponement, Melvin said, believing a 200 AQI to be the limit. He was told the AQI reached 150 or 160 at the Coliseum.


mercurynews--2020-08-22--Belarus leader blames the US for anti-government protests

MINSK , Belarus — Authorities in Belarus detained a leader of striking factory workers and threatened demonstrators with criminal charges Friday in a bid to stop the massive post-election protests challenging the country ’ s authoritarian president , who accused the United States of fomenting the unrest .
Investigators also summoned several opposition activists for questioning as part of a criminal probe into a council they created with the goal of coordinating a transition of power for the ex-Soviet nation that President Alexander Lukashenko has ruled with an iron fist for 26 years .
Protesters are demanding that Lukashenko resign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ term in office by rigging the country ’ s Aug. 9 presidential election .
Many are fed up with sinking living standards and the lack of opportunities under Lukashenko , and their disgust grew deeper as he dismissed the coronavirus pandemic and refused to order a lockdown .
Unfazed by government threats , thousands of demonstrators on Friday formed “ chains of solidarity ” across the capital of Minsk before marching to the central Independence Square as post-election protests entered their 13th straight day .
Motorists honked and slowed down to block traffic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I have come through the hell , they were beating me without stop for two days , ” said Artyom Progin , an artist whose legs have black marks from police clubs .
“ Bruises and scratches will heal , but the memory of these crimes will last.
” The 65-year-old leader blamed the U.S. for instigating the protests that started on election night and intensified after officials declared him the winner with 80 % of the vote .
“ The U.S. is planning and directing everything , and the Europeans are playing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while visiting a state farm Friday .
The United States on Thursday described the Belarus presidential election as neither free nor fair and urged authorities to engage in a dialogue with the opposition council .
European Union leaders are preparing sanctions against Belarusian officials .
Speaking to agricultural workers , Lukashenko bluntly rejected Western offers to mediate between his government and the opposition , telling the U.S. and the EU to mind their own business .
“ They should sort out their own affairs first , ” he said .
Belarus ’ Interior @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who organized a strike at the huge Minsk Automobile Plant , was detained , but gave no further details .
Workers at the factory manufacturing heavy trucks have been on strike since Monday to push for Lukashenko ’ s resignation , as have workers at many other industrial plants across the country .
The strike committee at the giant Belaruskali potash factory in Soligorsk said agents from state security agency KGB detained one of the organizers of the walkout , Dmitry Kudelevich , but he managed to escape through a toilet window and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ action has presented a tough challenge for Lukashenko , who has relied on blue-collar workers as his core support base for decades .
He has warned that strikers could be fired and ordered law enforcement to protect factory managers from opposition pressure .
“ Most of all , Lukashenko fears the factory workers ’ protest , so he tries to scare strike organizers and stop the strikes , ” said Sergei Dylevsky , the leader of the strike-organizing committee at the Minsk Tractor Plant .
Dylevsky , a member of the opposition Coordination @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with another council member , lawyer Maxim Znak .
“ Even if they arrest us , it will not stop the protests and make Lukashenko look legitimate , ” Dylevsky said .
The Prosecutor General ’ s office has opened a criminal probe into the creation of the Coordination Council , charging it violated the constitution and threatened national security .
The council members have rejected the accusations and insist their actions fully comply with Belarusian law .
The council has called for a new presidential election organized by a newly formed election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investigation into the protest crackdown and compensation for victims of police violence .
In a bid to stem the daily demonstrations , Belarus Prosecutor General Alexander Konyuk on Friday warned that participants in unsanctioned protests could face criminal charges .
During the first four days of post-election protests , police detained almost 7,000 people and injured hundreds with rubber bullets , stun grenades and clubs .
At least three protesters died and scores displayed serious bruises from police beatings .
On Friday , the state Investigative Committee opened an inquiry into the claims @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The ferocious crackdown fueled massive outrage and swelled protesters ’ ranks , forcing authorities to change tactics and stop breaking up crowds .
But after standing back for several days , police again beefed up their presence on the streets and deployed outside major factories that have joined the strike .
On Friday , Lukashenko once again derided the opposition as Western puppets and vowed to take action quickly .
“ You shouldn ’ t worry about that .
It ’ s my problem that I must solve .
And believe me , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days , ” he said .
To counter the opposition pressure , thousands of Lukashenko ’ s supporters have rallied in Minsk and other cities over the past days .
“ The country needs stability and peace , and they are trying to enforce a revolution on us , ” said 46-year-old electrician Dmitry Shparzh who attended Friday ’ s rally in Minsk .
“ How should Lukashenko react ?
Naturally , he is moving to restore order.
” Hundreds of state television employees have also gone on strike this week , shaking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ media .
Lukashenko acknowledged Friday that several Russian TV journalists were working at Belarusian state TV to fill the gap .
Seeking to tighten government control over information , the state publishing house has stopped printing top independent newspapers , the Narodnaya Volya and Komsomolskaya Pravda , citing equipment malfunction .
“ It effectively amounts to the introduction of censorship , ” said Narodnaya Volya editor Iosif Seredich .
• Appeals court won ’ t step in for now on Trump tax records • EU agrees to cut taxes on imported US lobsters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ election challenger and the wife of an opposition blogger who has been jailed since May , urged factory workers to continue striking in a video released Friday .
Tsikhanouskaya , who left Belarus for Lithuania after contesting the election results that gave her 10 % of the vote , spoke Friday at a news conference in Vilnius , calling for a new election .
Her lawyer on Friday submitted a formal appeal to Belarus ’ Supreme Court to try to get the Aug. 9 vote invalidated .
“ New fair , free and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tsikhanouskaya said .
“ The people of Belarus have woken up , and they do not want to live in fear and lies anymore.
” Vladimir Isachenkov in Moscow and Liudas Dapkus in Vilnius , Lithuania , contributed to this report .

By Yuras Karmanau | Associated Press
MINSK, Belarus — Authorities in Belarus detained a leader of striking factory workers and threatened demonstrators with criminal charges Friday in a bid to stop the massive post-election protests challenging the country’s authoritarian president, who accused the United States of fomenting the unrest.
Investigators also summoned several opposition activists for questioning as part of a criminal probe into a council they created with the goal of coordinating a transition of power for the ex-Soviet nation that President Alexander Lukashenko has ruled with an iron fist for 26 years.
Protesters are demanding that Lukashenko resign, accusing him of stealing a sixth term in office by rigging the country’s Aug. 9 presidential election. Many are fed up with sinking living standards and the lack of opportunities under Lukashenko, and their disgust grew deeper as he dismissed the coronavirus pandemic and refused to order a lockdown.
Unfazed by government threats, thousands of demonstrators on Friday formed “chains of solidarity” across the capital of Minsk before marching to the central Independence Square as post-election protests entered their 13th straight day. Motorists honked and slowed down to block traffic in a show of solidarity.
“I have come through the hell, they were beating me without stop for two days,” said Artyom Progin, an artist whose legs have black marks from police clubs. “Bruises and scratches will heal, but the memory of these crimes will last.”
The 65-year-old leader blamed the U.S. for instigating the protests that started on election night and intensified after officials declared him the winner with 80% of the vote.
“The U.S. is planning and directing everything, and the Europeans are playing up to it,” Lukashenko said while visiting a state farm Friday.
The United States on Thursday described the Belarus presidential election as neither free nor fair and urged authorities to engage in a dialogue with the opposition council. European Union leaders are preparing sanctions against Belarusian officials.
Speaking to agricultural workers, Lukashenko bluntly rejected Western offers to mediate between his government and the opposition, telling the U.S. and the EU to mind their own business.
“They should sort out their own affairs first,” he said.
Belarus’ Interior Ministry said Friday that Yevgeny Bokhvalov, who organized a strike at the huge Minsk Automobile Plant, was detained, but gave no further details. Workers at the factory manufacturing heavy trucks have been on strike since Monday to push for Lukashenko’s resignation, as have workers at many other industrial plants across the country.
The strike committee at the giant Belaruskali potash factory in Soligorsk said agents from state security agency KGB detained one of the organizers of the walkout, Dmitry Kudelevich, but he managed to escape through a toilet window and fled to neighboring Ukraine.
The labor action has presented a tough challenge for Lukashenko, who has relied on blue-collar workers as his core support base for decades. He has warned that strikers could be fired and ordered law enforcement to protect factory managers from opposition pressure.
“Most of all, Lukashenko fears the factory workers’ protest, so he tries to scare strike organizers and stop the strikes,” said Sergei Dylevsky, the leader of the strike-organizing committee at the Minsk Tractor Plant.
Dylevsky, a member of the opposition Coordination Council, was summoned for interrogation along with another council member, lawyer Maxim Znak.
“Even if they arrest us, it will not stop the protests and make Lukashenko look legitimate,” Dylevsky said.
The Prosecutor General’s office has opened a criminal probe into the creation of the Coordination Council, charging it violated the constitution and threatened national security. The council members have rejected the accusations and insist their actions fully comply with Belarusian law.
The council has called for a new presidential election organized by a newly formed election commission, as well as for an investigation into the protest crackdown and compensation for victims of police violence.
In a bid to stem the daily demonstrations, Belarus Prosecutor General Alexander Konyuk on Friday warned that participants in unsanctioned protests could face criminal charges.
During the first four days of post-election protests, police detained almost 7,000 people and injured hundreds with rubber bullets, stun grenades and clubs. At least three protesters died and scores displayed serious bruises from police beatings. On Friday, the state Investigative Committee opened an inquiry into the claims that police raped women in custody.
The ferocious crackdown fueled massive outrage and swelled protesters’ ranks, forcing authorities to change tactics and stop breaking up crowds. But after standing back for several days, police again beefed up their presence on the streets and deployed outside major factories that have joined the strike.
On Friday, Lukashenko once again derided the opposition as Western puppets and vowed to take action quickly.
“You shouldn’t worry about that. It’s my problem that I must solve. And believe me, we will solve it in the nearest days,” he said.
To counter the opposition pressure, thousands of Lukashenko’s supporters have rallied in Minsk and other cities over the past days.
“The country needs stability and peace, and they are trying to enforce a revolution on us,” said 46-year-old electrician Dmitry Shparzh who attended Friday’s rally in Minsk. “How should Lukashenko react? Naturally, he is moving to restore order.”
Hundreds of state television employees have also gone on strike this week, shaking the government’s control of the media. Lukashenko acknowledged Friday that several Russian TV journalists were working at Belarusian state TV to fill the gap.
Seeking to tighten government control over information, the state publishing house has stopped printing top independent newspapers, the Narodnaya Volya and Komsomolskaya Pravda, citing equipment malfunction.
“It effectively amounts to the introduction of censorship,” said Narodnaya Volya editor Iosif Seredich.
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, Lukashenko’s leading election challenger and the wife of an opposition blogger who has been jailed since May, urged factory workers to continue striking in a video released Friday.
Tsikhanouskaya, who left Belarus for Lithuania after contesting the election results that gave her 10% of the vote, spoke Friday at a news conference in Vilnius, calling for a new election. Her lawyer on Friday submitted a formal appeal to Belarus’ Supreme Court to try to get the Aug. 9 vote invalidated.
“New fair, free and transparent elections must be held,” Tsikhanouskaya said. “The people of Belarus have woken up, and they do not want to live in fear and lies anymore.”
Vladimir Isachenkov in Moscow and Liudas Dapkus in Vilnius, Lithuania, contributed to this report.


mercurynews--2020-08-22--California wildfires: How short is the state on firefighters as fires burn out of control?

California is desperately summoning help for firefighters from across the country and beyond , with everyone from Gov .
Gavin Newsom to overwhelmed fire crews complaining about a severe shortage of resources to fight this growing siege of lightning-sparked blazes .
“ These fires again are stretching our resources , stressing our personnel , ” Newsom said at a Friday news conference , recalling a visit with exhausted fire crews in San Jose a day earlier who were preparing to go back out on the job .
“ I was down there in Santa Clara yesterday meeting with some San @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saying we need more support .
They were simply overwhelmed by what they saw.
” But how strapped are we ?
It ’ s hard to quantify .
State officials say they have 12,000 firefighters currently battling wildfires .
But California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection spokeswoman Heather Williams couldn ’ t say how that compares to past fire seasons and major wildfires , or how many the agency requires at the moment .
“ There ’ s no magic number to say , ‘ this number is the effective amount , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ personnel is roughly twice those deployed during the peak of the deadly 2018 Camp Fire .
A Bay Area News Group analysis of Cal Fire resources reported for current major fires and epic blazes in past years doesn ’ t suggest any clear difference in terms of firefighters and engines per acre burned when comparing this year ’ s major wildfires and ones in previous years .
However , the figures only represent Cal Fire personnel and equipment , not those of other agencies , so it is not a reflection of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 50,000-acre CZU Lightning Complex fires raging through Santa Cruz and San Mateo counties , Cal Fire had a firefighter for every 49 acres and engine for every 610 acres .
For the 219,067-acre LNU Lightning Complex in the North Bay , Cal Fire had a firefighter for every 207 acres and engine for every 2,148 acres .
And for the even more massive 229,968-acre SCU Lightning Complex , Cal Fire had a firefighter for every 206 acres and engine for every 2,277 acres .
By comparison , Cal Fire at last year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fire had a firefighter for every 1,414 acres and engine for every 15,552 acres .
And for the 153,336-acre Camp Fire in 2018 , the agency had a firefighter for every 144 acres and engine for every 2,101 acres .
“ So many variables go into what resources are needed , and no fire is the same , ” Williams said .
But firefighters on the front lines are quite clear they could use more help .
Bryan Weber , the Ben Lomond Fire Department Battalion Chief and a retired CalFire firefighter , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resources .
His department is currently using all four of the department ’ s engines .
Yet , he said , they could use closer to 50 .
“ There ’ s so many fires in the state that we ’ re just out here trying to pre-treat this area to keep the fire from spreading through the homes without almost any additional resources , ” Weber said .
Scotts Valley ’ s mayor said echoed that , saying the roughly 1,000 firefighters they have in the area are under-resourced due to unavailability @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The COVID-19 pandemic has created additional complications , limiting availability of the low-risk inmate fire crews the state typically relies on , as state officials have urged early release of minor offenders to avoid prison crowding and spread of the disease .
Williams said Cal Fire , which is budgeted for 192 inmate fire crews , currently has just 90 .
But Newsom noted the state approved $ 72 million to hire more firefighters to make up for that , enough for an additional 838 firefighters — about 56 more crews , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his counterparts in 10 states asking them personally to spare firefighting personnel and equipment , and was able to secure 10 engines from Arizona , 25 from Oregon , five from Texas and Nevada , and an another five from New Mexico .
Firefighters also are coming in from Australia , where it is currently winter and where California has sent crews to help with their wildfires in recent years .
None of that is particularly unprecedented , Williams said .
“ It ’ s what we do if we get the call @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she said .
But the nature of the current rash of wildfires makes it a particular strain on firefighting resources , Williams said .
Lightning tends to spark dozens of separate wildfires , each of which takes considerable effort to track and tamp down , as opposed to , say , last year ’ s Kincade Fire , ignited by faulty high-voltage electrical equipment in a single spot during a wind storm .
The sheer number of fires , several of which have merged into monster blazes , creates special challenges , she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ largest wildfire was the 459,123-acre Mendocino Complex in 2018 .
This year , all told , 771,000 acres have burned since August 15 , an area bigger than Yosemite National Park .
Randy Moore , regional forester for the US Forest Service said Northern California is at level 5 on a scale of 1-5 that the Forest Service uses to measure fire severity .
“ We expect this heavy fire activity to continue well until the fall , ” he said .
“ We can not fight every fire the same way .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ first , then property and infrastructure next.
” Staff writers Maggie Angst , Paul Rogers and Ethan Baron contributed to this report .

California is desperately summoning help for firefighters from across the country and beyond, with everyone from Gov. Gavin Newsom to overwhelmed fire crews complaining about a severe shortage of resources to fight this growing siege of lightning-sparked blazes.
“These fires again are stretching our resources, stressing our personnel,” Newsom said at a Friday news conference, recalling a visit with exhausted fire crews in San Jose a day earlier who were preparing to go back out on the job. “I was down there in Santa Clara yesterday meeting with some San Jose firefighters that looked completely wiped, saying we need more support. They were simply overwhelmed by what they saw.”
But how strapped are we?
It’s hard to quantify. State officials say they have 12,000 firefighters currently battling wildfires. But California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection spokeswoman Heather Williams couldn’t say how that compares to past fire seasons and major wildfires, or how many the agency requires at the moment.
“There’s no magic number to say, ‘this number is the effective amount,” Williams said. The 12,000 fire personnel is roughly twice those deployed during the peak of the deadly 2018 Camp Fire.
A Bay Area News Group analysis of Cal Fire resources reported for current major fires and epic blazes in past years doesn’t suggest any clear difference in terms of firefighters and engines per acre burned when comparing this year’s major wildfires and ones in previous years. However, the figures only represent Cal Fire personnel and equipment, not those of other agencies, so it is not a reflection of the full response.
For example, for the 50,000-acre CZU Lightning Complex fires raging through Santa Cruz and San Mateo counties, Cal Fire had a firefighter for every 49 acres and engine for every 610 acres.
For the 219,067-acre LNU Lightning Complex in the North Bay, Cal Fire had a firefighter for every 207 acres and engine for every 2,148 acres. And for the even more massive 229,968-acre SCU Lightning Complex, Cal Fire had a firefighter for every 206 acres and engine for every 2,277 acres.
By comparison, Cal Fire at last year’s 77,758-acre Kincade Fire, Cal Fire had a firefighter for every 1,414 acres and engine for every 15,552 acres. And for the 153,336-acre Camp Fire in 2018, the agency had a firefighter for every 144 acres and engine for every 2,101 acres.
“So many variables go into what resources are needed, and no fire is the same,” Williams said.
But firefighters on the front lines are quite clear they could use more help.
Bryan Weber, the Ben Lomond Fire Department Battalion Chief and a retired CalFire firefighter, said Friday his biggest problem is lacking resources. His department is currently using all four of the department’s engines. Yet, he said, they could use closer to 50.
“There’s so many fires in the state that we’re just out here trying to pre-treat this area to keep the fire from spreading through the homes without almost any additional resources,” Weber said.
Scotts Valley Mayor Randy Johnson echoed that, saying the roughly 1,000 firefighters they have in the area are under-resourced due to unavailability of aircraft support due to thick smoke.
The COVID-19 pandemic has created additional complications, limiting availability of the low-risk inmate fire crews the state typically relies on, as state officials have urged early release of minor offenders to avoid prison crowding and spread of the disease. Williams said Cal Fire, which is budgeted for 192 inmate fire crews, currently has just 90. But Newsom noted the state approved $72 million to hire more firefighters to make up for that, enough for an additional 838 firefighters — about 56 more crews, which average 15 firefighters.
Newsom phoned his counterparts in 10 states asking them personally to spare firefighting personnel and equipment, and was able to secure 10 engines from Arizona, 25 from Oregon, five from Texas and Nevada, and an another five from New Mexico. Firefighters also are coming in from Australia, where it is currently winter and where California has sent crews to help with their wildfires in recent years.
None of that is particularly unprecedented, Williams said.
“It’s what we do if we get the call we respond with resources too,” she said.
But the nature of the current rash of wildfires makes it a particular strain on firefighting resources, Williams said. Lightning tends to spark dozens of separate wildfires, each of which takes considerable effort to track and tamp down, as opposed to, say, last year’s Kincade Fire, ignited by faulty high-voltage electrical equipment in a single spot during a wind storm.
The sheer number of fires, several of which have merged into monster blazes, creates special challenges, she said. The state’s single largest wildfire was the 459,123-acre Mendocino Complex in 2018.
This year, all told, 771,000 acres have burned since August 15, an area bigger than Yosemite National Park.
Randy Moore, regional forester for the US Forest Service said Northern California is at level 5 on a scale of 1-5 that the Forest Service uses to measure fire severity.
“We expect this heavy fire activity to continue well until the fall,” he said. “We cannot fight every fire the same way. We have to prioritize resources. Life first, then property and infrastructure next.”
Staff writers Maggie Angst, Paul Rogers and Ethan Baron contributed to this report.


mercurynews--2020-08-22--Mexico’s famous floating gardens reopen after virus shutdown

MEXICO CITY — The famous “ floating gardens ” of Xochimilco reopened to visitors Friday after a five-month lockdown for the coronavirus pandemic .
The canals that run through man-made islands created by the Aztecs on what is now the south side of Mexico City provide a popular day trip for tourists , with flat-bottom boats plying the water and mariachis playing music .
Seeking to reassure people , the borough government cleaned and disinfected the flower-decked boats and docks , and enforced special hygiene rules , but there were few tourists or revelers for the reopening .
That contrasts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , like 2015 , when about 2 million people visited the floating gardens .
The tourism industry in Mexico accounts for 8.7 % of the country ’ s gross domestic product , and has been left gasping by the pandemic as both domestic and foreign tourists stay home .
Mexico City , which has nearly 90,000 confirmed coronavirus cases and about 10,000 deaths , is still on the second-highest form of alert .
Tourism has long been particularly important for Xochimilco , where borough officials have long struggled to defend the islands , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ encroaching development .
People build houses on the unstable islands , which were created by the Aztecs by laying down woven reed mats , covering them with dirt and planting trees or other plants to root the floating islands to the bottom of the shallow lake .
As he poled his boat , known as a “ trajinera , ” through the waterways with a long barge pole , one boatman noted ruefully that even once people feel reassured about Xochimilco health precautions , many Mexico City residents may no longer have the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic ’ s economic blow .
The borough government sent squads of workers in protective suits through the boats , docks and surrounding markets early Friday to spray disinfectant .
Boat personnel are required to wear face masks and face shields , and to limit crowd size there is a ban on the traditional practice of tying up two boats so passengers can party in larger groups .
The boats can usually hold about 20 passengers in a pinch , but are now limited to 12 passengers .
The tradition is to order @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eat , drink and listen to mariachi music .
The boats will be allowed to operate only between 9 a.m and 5 p.m .
In the market , only every other artisan stall can be open on a given day .
However , there may be a bright side to Xochimilco ’ s dilemma : With all bars and nightclubs in Mexico City closed due to the pandemic , the boats , floating gardens and nearby market may be one of the few places in the city of almost 9 million inhabitants where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at home .
With so many people locked up at home for months , there are hopes that many city residents will want to go to Xochimilco and soak up the atmosphere — and a “ michelada , ” a local drink of beer , salt , sauce and lime .

Associated Press
MEXICO CITY — The famous “floating gardens” of Xochimilco reopened to visitors Friday after a five-month lockdown for the coronavirus pandemic.
The canals that run through man-made islands created by the Aztecs on what is now the south side of Mexico City provide a popular day trip for tourists, with flat-bottom boats plying the water and mariachis playing music.
Seeking to reassure people, the borough government cleaned and disinfected the flower-decked boats and docks, and enforced special hygiene rules, but there were few tourists or revelers for the reopening. That contrasts with the crowds in a good year, like 2015, when about 2 million people visited the floating gardens.
The tourism industry in Mexico accounts for 8.7% of the country’s gross domestic product, and has been left gasping by the pandemic as both domestic and foreign tourists stay home. Mexico City, which has nearly 90,000 confirmed coronavirus cases and about 10,000 deaths, is still on the second-highest form of alert.
Tourism has long been particularly important for Xochimilco, where borough officials have long struggled to defend the islands, known as “chinampas,” from encroaching development. People build houses on the unstable islands, which were created by the Aztecs by laying down woven reed mats, covering them with dirt and planting trees or other plants to root the floating islands to the bottom of the shallow lake.
As he poled his boat, known as a “trajinera,” through the waterways with a long barge pole, one boatman noted ruefully that even once people feel reassured about Xochimilco health precautions, many Mexico City residents may no longer have the money to do visit because of the pandemic’s economic blow.
The borough government sent squads of workers in protective suits through the boats, docks and surrounding markets early Friday to spray disinfectant.
Boat personnel are required to wear face masks and face shields, and to limit crowd size there is a ban on the traditional practice of tying up two boats so passengers can party in larger groups. The boats can usually hold about 20 passengers in a pinch, but are now limited to 12 passengers. The tradition is to order food from vendors in passing boats, eat, drink and listen to mariachi music.
The boats will be allowed to operate only between 9 a.m and 5 p.m. In the market, only every other artisan stall can be open on a given day.
However, there may be a bright side to Xochimilco’s dilemma: With all bars and nightclubs in Mexico City closed due to the pandemic, the boats, floating gardens and nearby market may be one of the few places in the city of almost 9 million inhabitants where revelers can still drink, other than at home.
With so many people locked up at home for months, there are hopes that many city residents will want to go to Xochimilco and soak up the atmosphere — and a “michelada,” a local drink of beer, salt, sauce and lime.


mercurynews--2020-08-22--A.J. Puk, close to return, could fill in role left by injured Burch Smith

A.J .
Puk threw a bullpen session Friday at the alternate site in San Jose and is expected to start throwing to hitters in the next two-to-three days .
After an expected two sessions against hitters , Puk is expected to return to the A ’ s in Oakland .
Though he was slated for the rotation before his injury , expect Puk to spend the 2020 season throwing multiple innings out of the bullpen .
He won ’ t have the time within this truncated season to ramp up his pitch count to slide into the rotation while Oakland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he could slide into the reliever role left by an injured Burch Smith .
Smith had a 10 1/3 inning scoreless streak in a breakout A ’ s debut and was quickly becoming one of the bullpen ’ s staunchest innings eaters — primed to become one of the A ’ s more dependable arms as the 2020 season grows tenser .
But , Smith could miss the remainder of the season with a strained right forearm .
The right-handed pitcher had Tommy John surgery in 2015 .
Puk came out of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his 11 1/3 innings with a 3.18 ERA .
Puk hasn ’ t played a game this season after straining his throwing shoulder days before opening day .
It was the same injury that sidelined the A ’ s prized left-handed pitcher during spring training in early March .

A.J. Puk threw a bullpen session Friday at the alternate site in San Jose and is expected to start throwing to hitters in the next two-to-three days. After an expected two sessions against hitters, Puk is expected to return to the A’s in Oakland.
Though he was slated for the rotation before his injury, expect Puk to spend the 2020 season throwing multiple innings out of the bullpen. He won’t have the time within this truncated season to ramp up his pitch count to slide into the rotation while Oakland is sprinting toward the postseason, but he could slide into the reliever role left by an injured Burch Smith.
Smith had a 10 1/3 inning scoreless streak in a breakout A’s debut and was quickly becoming one of the bullpen’s staunchest innings eaters — primed to become one of the A’s more dependable arms as the 2020 season grows tenser.
But, Smith could miss the remainder of the season with a strained right forearm. The right-handed pitcher had Tommy John surgery in 2015.
Puk came out of the bullpen in his 2019 debut and finished his 11 1/3 innings with a 3.18 ERA.
Puk hasn’t played a game this season after straining his throwing shoulder days before opening day. It was the same injury that sidelined the A’s prized left-handed pitcher during spring training in early March.


mercurynews--2020-08-21--Biden, allies report raising $70M during the convention

NEW YORK – U.S. presidential candidate Joe Biden and closely allied Democratic groups raised $ 70 million during their four-day convention this week , Biden ’ s election campaign said on Friday .
The convention ’ s broadcasts drew 122 million views across 15 digital platform livestreams and also attracted 85.1 million to television broadcasts , the campaign said in an emailed statement .
Republican President Donald Trump ’ s campaign and closely allied groups pulled in $ 165 million during the typically sluggish political fundraising month of July , more than Democratic rival Joe Biden ’ s $ 140 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ earlier this month .
That result allows Trump to enter the final stretch of the U.S. presidential campaign with a slim , but intact , cash advantage .
Trump and party-backed groups now have more than $ 300 million to spend on advertisement , door-knocking organizers and other political expenses , they said , compared with Biden ’ s $ 294 million .
The virtual Democratic convention wrapped up on Thursday night with Biden accepting his party ’ s nomination during a speech in which he accused Trump of a chaotic and divisive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ night attracted roughly 24.6 million primetime television viewers , the largest audience of the week , according to data from the Nielsen ratings agency .
Trump ’ s four-day nominating convention , a mix of virtual and live events , starts on Monday .

By Trevor Hunnicutt | Reuters
NEW YORK – U.S. presidential candidate Joe Biden and closely allied Democratic groups raised $70 million during their four-day convention this week, Biden’s election campaign said on Friday.
The convention’s broadcasts drew 122 million views across 15 digital platform livestreams and also attracted 85.1 million to television broadcasts, the campaign said in an emailed statement.
Republican President Donald Trump’s campaign and closely allied groups pulled in $165 million during the typically sluggish political fundraising month of July, more than Democratic rival Joe Biden’s $140 million, Trump’s campaign said earlier this month.
That result allows Trump to enter the final stretch of the U.S. presidential campaign with a slim, but intact, cash advantage.
Trump and party-backed groups now have more than $300 million to spend on advertisement, door-knocking organizers and other political expenses, they said, compared with Biden’s $294 million.
The virtual Democratic convention wrapped up on Thursday night with Biden accepting his party’s nomination during a speech in which he accused Trump of a chaotic and divisive presidency.
The convention’s closing night attracted roughly 24.6 million primetime television viewers, the largest audience of the week, according to data from the Nielsen ratings agency.
Trump’s four-day nominating convention, a mix of virtual and live events, starts on Monday.


mercurynews--2020-08-21--Nashville mural highlights Dolly Parton’s BLM quote

NASHVILLE , Tenn. — Tourists are flocking to Nashville to see a new mural of Dolly Parton that celebrates her position on Black Lives Matter .
Mural artist Kim Radford had already decided to paint the mural of the country music icon on the side of a local music club called The 5 Spot , which was made famous for being one of the many filming locations for the TV show “ Nashville.
” But as she was finishing the mural , Radford saw an article from Billboard in which Parton said she supported the Black Lives Matter movement , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Do we think our little white ( expletive ) are the only ones that matter ?
” So Radford quickly added the quote to the top of the mural , replacing part of the curse word with butterflies and soon enough , pictures started spreading on social media .
The mural features cascading waves of Parton ’ s signature high-volume blond hair surrounded by butterflies and wildflowers .
“ I looked at her quote in particular and it was so sassy and a sensitive comment about something ’ s that got a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now , ” said Radford .
“ And she just treated it just like Dolly does : lovingly .
And it was just perfect.
” The mural features cascading waves of Parton ’ s signature high-volume blond hair surrounded by butterflies and wildflowers .
“ I wanted it to be a real display of an icon , fun , bright , artistic way , ” said Radford .
“ It ’ s a representation of an icon that Americans and really people across the globe are really proud to know and love her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ old , the mural has become a hot spot for tourists visiting Music City to get a selfie .
Radford herself got stopped by Dolly fans in front of the mural to pose for pictures .
“ I ’ ve had fans reach out from as far as Dubai , ” said Radford .
“ A lot of women .
And I have to say , 95 % super positive .
”

By Kristin M. Hall | Associated Press
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Tourists are flocking to Nashville to see a new mural of Dolly Parton that celebrates her position on Black Lives Matter.
Mural artist Kim Radford had already decided to paint the mural of the country music icon on the side of a local music club called The 5 Spot, which was made famous for being one of the many filming locations for the TV show “Nashville.”
But as she was finishing the mural, Radford saw an article from Billboard in which Parton said she supported the Black Lives Matter movement, saying “Of course Black lives matter. Do we think our little white (expletive) are the only ones that matter?”
[vemba-video id=”entertainment/2020/08/14/dolly-parton-black-lives-matter-mxp-vpx.cnn”]
Video: Dolly Parton says ‘Of course Black lives matter’
So Radford quickly added the quote to the top of the mural, replacing part of the curse word with butterflies and soon enough, pictures started spreading on social media. The mural features cascading waves of Parton’s signature high-volume blond hair surrounded by butterflies and wildflowers.
“I looked at her quote in particular and it was so sassy and a sensitive comment about something’s that got a lot of friction in the air right now,” said Radford. “And she just treated it just like Dolly does: lovingly. And it was just perfect.”
The mural features cascading waves of Parton’s signature high-volume blond hair surrounded by butterflies and wildflowers.
“I wanted it to be a real display of an icon, fun, bright, artistic way,” said Radford. “It’s a representation of an icon that Americans and really people across the globe are really proud to know and love her music.”
Now less than a week old, the mural has become a hot spot for tourists visiting Music City to get a selfie. Radford herself got stopped by Dolly fans in front of the mural to pose for pictures.
“I’ve had fans reach out from as far as Dubai,” said Radford. “A lot of women. And I have to say, 95% super positive.”


mercurynews--2020-08-21--Ranking the Top 30 characters from ‘The Office’

If you ’ re like us , you love lists and rankings .
The more the better .
Bring it .
This summer , the pop culture-loving geeks at TVLine.com have been busy cranking out all kinds of lists as they strive to determine TV ’ s greatest teen couples , the best characters on “ This Is Us , ” etc .
etc .
It ’ s a pretty good use of all those shelter-in-place hours .
But one of the great things about lists is the arguments they can spark .
And we have a feeling that many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Line ’ s rankings of the best characters ever on “ The Office.
” We ’ re not going to spoil their fun by revealing the whole list here .
You ’ ll have to go to the website .
But we will point out a few surprises , like : — Jim Halpert ( John Krasinski ) just barely made the Top 10 .
Say , what ?
How about a little more respect for Big Tuna !
— And while we might question how relatively low Jim resides , we ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Mindy Kaling ’ s Kelly Kapoor ( No .
6 ) and the enigmatic Creed Bratton ( No .
5 ) .
Yes , we loved them both , but c ’ mon .
Creed , especially , was the bittiest of bit characters ( though we ’ ll never forget his Joker costume in Season 5 ) .
— The TVLine crew clearly have something against James Spader ’ s Robert California , who was placed dead last in the No .
30 slot .
They say “ his weirdo antics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meshed with the rest of the ensemble.
” In explaining the rankings overall , TVLine points out : “ These aren ’ t the characters we like the most , necessarily , but the richest , most intriguing characters that kept us watching… and laughing.
” And that ’ s what she said .
You can find the entire list right here .

If you’re like us, you love lists and rankings. The more the better. Bring it.
This summer, the pop culture-loving geeks at TVLine.com have been busy cranking out all kinds of lists as they strive to determine TV’s greatest teen couples, the best characters on “This Is Us,” etc. etc. It’s a pretty good use of all those shelter-in-place hours.
But one of the great things about lists is the arguments they can spark. And we have a feeling that many fans will find some fault with TV Line’s rankings of the best characters ever on “The Office.”
We’re not going to spoil their fun by revealing the whole list here. You’ll have to go to the website. But we will point out a few surprises, like:
— Jim Halpert (John Krasinski) just barely made the Top 10. Say, what? How about a little more respect for Big Tuna!
— And while we might question how relatively low Jim resides, we’ll also mildly dispute the high rankings for Mindy Kaling’s Kelly Kapoor (No. 6) and the enigmatic Creed Bratton (No. 5). Yes, we loved them both, but c’mon. Creed, especially, was the bittiest of bit characters (though we’ll never forget his Joker costume in Season 5).
— The TVLine crew clearly have something against James Spader’s Robert California, who was placed dead last in the No. 30 slot. They say “his weirdo antics quickly grew tiresome, and he never meshed with the rest of the ensemble.”
In explaining the rankings overall, TVLine points out: “These aren’t the characters we like the most, necessarily, but the richest, most intriguing characters that kept us watching… and laughing.”
And that’s what she said.
You can find the entire list right here.


mercurynews--2020-08-21--National Zoo welcomes new baby panda

National Zoo welcomes new baby panda

WASHINGTON — Giant panda Mei Xiang gave birth Friday to a wiggling cub and immediately began cuddling her offspring , Washington ’ s National Zoo said .
The cub was born at 6:35 p.m. Eastern Time , the zoo said in an Instagram post that announced the “ joyous news.
” It will take some time before the sex of the cub can be determined .
“ Mei Xiang picked the cub up immediately and began cradling and caring for it , ” the zoo said in a statement .
“ The panda team heard the cub vocalize.
” Panda @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see the birth on the zoo ’ s Panda Cam .
Zookeepers also were using the camera to keep an eye on mom and baby .
Video : How can you tell if a giant panda is pregnant ?
The cub is Mei Xiang ’ s fourth .
Her first three offspring , Tai Shan , Bao Bao and Bei Bei , were transported to China at age 4 under an agreement with the Chinese government .
“ Giant pandas are an international symbol of endangered wildlife and hope , and with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thrilled to offer the world a much-needed moment of pure joy , ” said Steve Monfort , John and Adrienne Mars Director of the Smithsonian ’ s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute .
“ Because Mei Xiang is of advanced maternal age , we knew the chances of her having a cub were slim .
However , we wanted to give her one more opportunity to contribute to her species ’ survival.
” At 22 , Mei Xiang is the oldest giant panda to successfully give birth in the United States .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in China at age 23 .
Mei Xiang gave birth in a small den , where she created a nest out of branches .
Although the place looks tiny for a big panda , the zoo said giant pandas in wild give birth in small dens .
“ They stay in these dens for about the cub ’ s first 100 days , ” the zoo said on Instagram .
Earlier this week , the zoo , part of the Smithsonian Institution , posted an image from Mei Xiang ’ s ultrasound that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ paws crossed !
” the zoo posted , reporting that the fetus was “ kicking and swimming in the amniotic fluid.
” “ We need this !
We totally need this joy , ” zoo spokeswoman Pamela Baker-Masson said earlier this week when the pregnancy was confirmed .
“ We are all in desperate need of these feel-goods.
” Giant pandas at birth are about the size of a stick of butter .
They ’ re pink and hairless ; the distinctive black and white fur markings of giant pandas come later .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ artificial insemination , a process which was heavily affected by precautions over the COVID-19 pandemic .
The procedure was conducted shortly after the entire zoo shut down on March 14 .
The zoo has since reopened on a limited basis .
Rather than using a combination of stored frozen sperm and fresh semen , the zoo inseminated Mei Xiang only with thawed-out semen to minimize the number of close-quarters medical procedures .
If successful , it would be the first of its kind in the U.S. using only frozen sperm .
Associated Press @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

By Carole Feldman | Associated Press
WASHINGTON — Giant panda Mei Xiang gave birth Friday to a wiggling cub and immediately began cuddling her offspring, Washington’s National Zoo said.
The cub was born at 6:35 p.m. Eastern Time, the zoo said in an Instagram post that announced the “joyous news.” It will take some time before the sex of the cub can be determined.
“Mei Xiang picked the cub up immediately and began cradling and caring for it,” the zoo said in a statement. “The panda team heard the cub vocalize.”
Panda lovers around the world were able to see the birth on the zoo’s Panda Cam. Zookeepers also were using the camera to keep an eye on mom and baby.
[vemba-video id=”travel/2020/08/16/national-zoo-panda-pregnancy-ultrasound-kj-orig.cnn”]
Video: How can you tell if a giant panda is pregnant?
The cub is Mei Xiang’s fourth. Her first three offspring, Tai Shan, Bao Bao and Bei Bei, were transported to China at age 4 under an agreement with the Chinese government.
“Giant pandas are an international symbol of endangered wildlife and hope, and with the birth of this precious cub we are thrilled to offer the world a much-needed moment of pure joy,” said Steve Monfort, John and Adrienne Mars Director of the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. “Because Mei Xiang is of advanced maternal age, we knew the chances of her having a cub were slim. However, we wanted to give her one more opportunity to contribute to her species’ survival.”
At 22, Mei Xiang is the oldest giant panda to successfully give birth in the United States. The oldest in the world gave birth in China at age 23.
Mei Xiang gave birth in a small den, where she created a nest out of branches. Although the place looks tiny for a big panda, the zoo said giant pandas in wild give birth in small dens. “They stay in these dens for about the cub’s first 100 days,” the zoo said on Instagram.
Earlier this week, the zoo, part of the Smithsonian Institution, posted an image from Mei Xiang’s ultrasound that confirmed the pregnancy. “Keep your paws crossed!” the zoo posted, reporting that the fetus was “kicking and swimming in the amniotic fluid.”
“We need this! We totally need this joy,” zoo spokeswoman Pamela Baker-Masson said earlier this week when the pregnancy was confirmed. “We are all in desperate need of these feel-goods.”
Giant pandas at birth are about the size of a stick of butter. They’re pink and hairless; the distinctive black and white fur markings of giant pandas come later.
The zoo said Mei was impregnated via artificial insemination, a process which was heavily affected by precautions over the COVID-19 pandemic. The procedure was conducted shortly after the entire zoo shut down on March 14. The zoo has since reopened on a limited basis.
The father is giant panda Tian Tian.
Rather than using a combination of stored frozen sperm and fresh semen, the zoo inseminated Mei Xiang only with thawed-out semen to minimize the number of close-quarters medical procedures. If successful, it would be the first of its kind in the U.S. using only frozen sperm.
Associated Press writer Ashfraf Khalil contributed to this report.


mercurynews--2020-08-21--SF Giants release elite defender who never made it to major league roster

SAN FRANCISCO — 2019 American League Gold Glove Award winner Yolmer Sánchez reportedly passed up major league opportunities to sign a minor league contract with the San Francisco Giants over the offseason .
Sánchez ’ s gamble was a bet on himself , but it didn ’ t pay off .
The Giants announced Friday they ’ ve released Sánchez so he could pursue other major league opportunities .
The release came at Sánchez ’ s request .
The former Chicago White Sox second baseman believed his best chance to earn a significant role at the major league level this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ looking to give under-the-radar talents more playing time .
Sánchez entered spring training as a potential backup at third base , shortstop and second , but he had trouble proving that changes he was making to his swing would lead to better offensive production .
During summer camp , Sánchez dealt with a back injury that initially crushed his chances of making the Opening Day roster , but after Donovan Solano got off to a hot start at the plate , the Giants had no room for Sánchez on their big league roster @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been healthy since Evan Longoria and Brandon Belt returned from the injured list after the first week of the season and most have done a decent job at the plate .
Despite the team ’ s early-season defensive struggles , the Giants opted to keep Sánchez at the team ’ s alternate camp in Sacramento .
With four weeks of the season down and a little more than five left to play , Sánchez is now looking for a chance to reestablish himself in the major leagues before the offseason rolls around @

SAN FRANCISCO — 2019 American League Gold Glove Award winner Yolmer Sánchez reportedly passed up major league opportunities to sign a minor league contract with the San Francisco Giants over the offseason.
Sánchez’s gamble was a bet on himself, but it didn’t pay off. The Giants announced Friday they’ve released Sánchez so he could pursue other major league opportunities.
The release came at Sánchez’s request.
The former Chicago White Sox second baseman believed his best chance to earn a significant role at the major league level this year would come with an inexperienced team looking to give under-the-radar talents more playing time. Sánchez entered spring training as a potential backup at third base, shortstop and second, but he had trouble proving that changes he was making to his swing would lead to better offensive production.
During summer camp, Sánchez dealt with a back injury that initially crushed his chances of making the Opening Day roster, but after Donovan Solano got off to a hot start at the plate, the Giants had no room for Sánchez on their big league roster.
All of the Giants’ infielders have been healthy since Evan Longoria and Brandon Belt returned from the injured list after the first week of the season and most have done a decent job at the plate. Despite the team’s early-season defensive struggles, the Giants opted to keep Sánchez at the team’s alternate camp in Sacramento.
With four weeks of the season down and a little more than five left to play, Sánchez is now looking for a chance to reestablish himself in the major leagues before the offseason rolls around.


mercurynews--2020-08-22--Coronavirus vaccine experts: Beware dangerous safety short cuts

Whichever country produces the first workable vaccine will gain “ soft power ” on the global stage .
In the race to be first , China is giving an experimental vaccine to its military .
Russian President Putin announced recently that a fast-tracked vaccine is ready for widespread use .
And President Trump says he ’ s “ optimistic ” that a vaccine will be ready around Election Day .
But experts warn against a dangerous rush to get to the vaccine finish line first , saying that short cuts in testing for vaccine safety and efficacy endanger millions of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will damage public confidence in vaccines and in science for a long time to come .
In interviews sponsored by the National Press Foundation , vaccine authorities answered questions about the U.S. strategy .
Q : Who ’ s in charge in the U.S. ?
What are our plans ?
A : Right now , distribution is being coordinated through “ Operation Warp Speed ” — specifically , the U.S. Department of Defense .
“ They have been pretty quiet about how they ’ re planning to do this… Warp Speed is , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ box ’ … It has sort of that Department of Defense ethos , which is they just don ’ t tell you much .
I just wish this was a little more transparent of a process… But they have this kind of security issue fear ; cyber-attack or physical attack , they talk about that a lot..
It would be nice actually for them to put out their plan now so that we can coordinate with states and localities and districts about how to get it out there , because it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do that .
It ’ s much harder than just providing masks , PPE , contact tracing or testing .
This is going to be the hardest of all.
” • Dr. Paul A. Offit , chief of the division of infectious diseases at the Children ’ s Hospital of Philadelphia and co-inventor of the rotavirus vaccine Q : Will a vaccine be ready by Election Day ?
A : “ There is concern among some of us — actually , a number of us who are close to this — of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surprise.
’ I mean , the thing with Operation Warp Speed is that there are now tens of millions of doses that are being produced from several vaccines .
That is a large and tempting pool of vaccines into which the Administration could dip its hands .
I think it ’ s extremely unlikely that we would have clear evidence from phase three studies of efficacy by the end of October , beginning of November .
Nonetheless , President Trump has said that he expects fully that we would have a vaccine by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see how that ’ s possible , unless what happens is that the Administration dips their hand into Warp Speed , pulls out a couple of vaccines and says , ‘ Look , we ’ ve tested these on thousands of people .
It looks to be safe .
The immune responses are great .
I think that people are dying , and we need to get this vaccine out there.
’ I think that would be a mistake .
You want to make sure that we have clear efficacy data before we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there is a fragile vaccine confidence in this country .
You only get one chance to make the first impression .
These vaccines are critical .
I think between vaccines , population immunity and hygiene , that is our way out of this .
We can ’ t shake the confidence in vaccines.
” • Dr. Paul A. Offit , chief of the division of infectious diseases at the Children ’ s Hospital of Philadelphia and co-inventor of the rotavirus vaccine .
Q : Might there be a shortage of supplies ?
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a problem .
But vials and stoppers… If I was wanting to pay attention in what can go wrong , it ’ d be that.
” Q : What percentage of Americans would need to be vaccinated to combat COVID-19 ?
A : It depends on two things : Contagion and the effectiveness of the vaccine .
Let ’ s assume , as many experts do , that the transmission rate is two — that is , every sick person infects two people.Let ’ s also assume that a vaccine is 75 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ll accept 50 % efficacy . )
You would need to vaccinate about two-thirds of the American population to stop spread .
• Dr. Paul A. Offit , chief of the division of infectious diseases at the Children ’ s Hospital of Philadelphia and co-inventor of the rotavirus vaccine .
Q : How many doses are needed ?
A : If we vaccinate one-third of Americans , that ’ s 122 million people .
If we use a two-dose vaccine , that ’ s 240 million people .
That ’ s a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ biological product .
It ’ s also a logistically daunting goal .
“ And you have to then get that out there .
So , you have to be able to distribute the vaccine at sites far more than just the doctor ’ s office and the pharmacy .
You ’ re going to have a lot of points of care for that kind of load of vaccines to get it out there efficiently , into the right people , and make sure that they get a booster dose a month later.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the division of infectious diseases at the Children ’ s Hospital of Philadelphia and co-inventor of the rotavirus vaccine .
A : “ When a vaccine is actually administered in the scale of millions — which this vaccine , and all routinely recommended vaccines are — there will be adverse events .
( But ) there are systems that are in place now to actually detect these rare adverse events.
” • Dr. Julie Morita , Robert Wood Johnson Foundation , former director of the Chicago Department of Public Health Q : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ best ?
A : “ I ’ d like to firmly come down on ‘ beats me.
’ I am no longer making guesses about this anymore .
We ’ ll see what the data looks like .
We ’ re all in phase one .
We really don ’ t know .
It ’ s trying to read the tea leaves .
I ’ m open minded to any of these approaches or many of those approaches working… I ’ m not putting my money on anything.
” • Dr. Paul A.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ infectious diseases at the Children ’ s Hospital of Philadelphia and co-inventor of the rotavirus vaccine .
Q : Will there be more than one vaccine ?
What if they all work ?
A : “ We need multiple , multiple winners here .
We need vaccines for seven billion people on this planet .
No one manufacturer is going to be able to scale up and make enough doses .
I hope they all work .
And then over time we figure out which works better in certain situations , but let @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s a lot of winners here .
”

Whichever country produces the first workable vaccine will gain “soft power” on the global stage. In the race to be first, China is giving an experimental vaccine to its military. Russian President Putin announced recently that a fast-tracked vaccine is ready for widespread use.
And President Trump says he’s “optimistic” that a vaccine will be ready around Election Day.
But experts warn against a dangerous rush to get to the vaccine finish line first, saying that short cuts in testing for vaccine safety and efficacy endanger millions of lives in the short term, and will damage public confidence in vaccines and in science for a long time to come.
In interviews sponsored by the National Press Foundation, vaccine authorities answered questions about the U.S. strategy.
Q: Who’s in charge in the U.S.? What are our plans?
A: Right now, distribution is being coordinated through “Operation Warp Speed” — specifically, the U.S. Department of Defense.
“They have been pretty quiet about how they’re planning to do this… Warp Speed is, in many ways, a ‘black box’… It has sort of that Department of Defense ethos, which is they just don’t tell you much.
I just wish this was a little more transparent of a process… But they have this kind of security issue fear; cyber-attack or physical attack, they talk about that a lot..
It would be nice actually for them to put out their plan now so that we can coordinate with states and localities and districts about how to get it out there, because it’s going to be a tour de force to do that. It’s much harder than just providing masks, PPE, contact tracing or testing. This is going to be the hardest of all.”
Dr. Paul A. Offit, chief of the division of infectious diseases at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and co-inventor of the rotavirus vaccine
Q: Will a vaccine be ready by Election Day?
A: “There is concern among some of us — actually, a number of us who are close to this — of what we would call ‘the October surprise.’
I mean, the thing with Operation Warp Speed is that there are now tens of millions of doses that are being produced from several vaccines. That is a large and tempting pool of vaccines into which the Administration could dip its hands.
I think it’s extremely unlikely that we would have clear evidence from phase three studies of efficacy by the end of October, beginning of November. Nonetheless, President Trump has said that he expects fully that we would have a vaccine by Election Day.
Related Articles Health | San Jose office building wobbles into default — again
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Long Covid cases in US adults are on the decline, but many continue to struggle with symptoms Health | COVID Q&A: Can I use an expired test? Time to get boosted? How to cope with California’s sneaky summer surge I don’t see how that’s possible, unless what happens is that the Administration dips their hand into Warp Speed, pulls out a couple of vaccines and says, ‘Look, we’ve tested these on thousands of people. It looks to be safe. The immune responses are great. I think that people are dying, and we need to get this vaccine out there.’
I think that would be a mistake. You want to make sure that we have clear efficacy data before we put this vaccine out there, because there is a fragile vaccine confidence in this country.
You only get one chance to make the first impression. These vaccines are critical. I think between vaccines, population immunity and hygiene, that is our way out of this. We can’t shake the confidence in vaccines.”
Dr. Paul A. Offit, chief of the division of infectious diseases at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and co-inventor of the rotavirus vaccine.
Q: Might there be a shortage of supplies?
A: “Syringes are probably less of a problem. But vials and stoppers… If I was wanting to pay attention in what can go wrong, it’d be that.”
Dr. Georges Benjamin, executive director of the American Public Health Association
Q: What percentage of Americans would need to be vaccinated to combat COVID-19?
A: It depends on two things: Contagion and the effectiveness of the vaccine.
Let’s assume, as many experts do, that the transmission rate is two — that is, every sick person infects two people.Let’s also assume that a vaccine is 75% effective. (The FDA says they’ll accept 50% efficacy.)
You would need to vaccinate about two-thirds of the American population to stop spread.
Dr. Paul A. Offit, chief of the division of infectious diseases at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and co-inventor of the rotavirus vaccine.
Q: How many doses are needed?
A: If we vaccinate one-third of Americans, that’s 122 million people. If we use a two-dose vaccine, that’s 240 million people. That’s a lot of anything — especially a complicated biological product. It’s also a logistically daunting goal.
“And you have to then get that out there. So, you have to be able to distribute the vaccine at sites far more than just the doctor’s office and the pharmacy. You’re going to have a lot of points of care for that kind of load of vaccines to get it out there efficiently, into the right people, and make sure that they get a booster dose a month later.”
Dr. Paul A. Offit, chief of the division of infectious diseases at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and co-inventor of the rotavirus vaccine.
Q: Do you expect problems?
A: “When a vaccine is actually administered in the scale of millions — which this vaccine, and all routinely recommended vaccines are — there will be adverse events. (But) there are systems that are in place now to actually detect these rare adverse events.”
Dr. Julie Morita, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, former director of the Chicago Department of Public Health
Q: Right now, which vaccine looks the best?
A: “I’d like to firmly come down on ‘beats me.’ I am no longer making guesses about this anymore. We’ll see what the data looks like.
We’re all in phase one. We really don’t know. It’s trying to read the tea leaves. I’m open minded to any of these approaches or many of those approaches working… I’m not putting my money on anything.”
Dr. Paul A. Offit, chief of the division of infectious diseases at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and co-inventor of the rotavirus vaccine.
Q: Will there be more than one vaccine? What if they all work?
A: “We need multiple, multiple winners here. We need vaccines for seven billion people on this planet. No one manufacturer is going to be able to scale up and make enough doses.
I hope they all work. And then over time we figure out which works better in certain situations, but let’s just hope that there’s a lot of winners here.”