mercurynews--2020-08-18--Manresa’s Kinch issues call to action for restaurant industry, withdraws from James Beard Award comp

Manresa’s Kinch issues call to action for restaurant industry, withdraws from James Beard Award competition

Citing a need to revamp the entire restaurant industry — from paying living wages to addressing gender and racial inequalities — Manresa chef-owner David Kinch has removed himself from contention for the prestigious 2020 James Beard Foundation Award for Outstanding Chef .
“ The idea of celebrating achievement — and all that our @ Manresarestaurant team has accomplished — simply does not feel right in the midst of the ongoing pandemic , and the devastation it has pressed upon our chosen metier and industry , ” the acclaimed Los Gatos chef wrote in an Instagram post addressed to his staff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the restaurant industry home.
” While the pre-pandemic culinary revolution was seen by many as a “ Golden Age of restaurants , ” Kinch raised the prospect that it was , instead , “ a Gilded Age.
” “ We have been pretending that we could continue to support our employees , front- and back-of house , maintain a level of service , equality and innovation while welcoming our guests each day — knowing in our hearts that it never could be sustainable , ” said Kinch , who owns and runs not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bywater restaurant in Los Gatos , Mentone in Aptos and the Manresa Bread bakeries in Campbell , Los Gatos and Los Altos .
“ And now , those efforts seem foolhardy .
Quite frankly , the damage to independent restaurants is widespread and may be irreversible without united action .
There are always economic corrections , but this is unprecedented.
” Calling the pandemic “ our reset button , ” Kinch called for the following actions : — Address the fact that the hospitality industry is “ rife with rampant gender and racial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ archaic tipping system , ” which prevents the industry from achieving parity between the kitchen staff and the front-of-house staff .
“ Now is the time to embrace service charges and join the 21st century and the rest of the world in paying a fair , competitive wage.
” — Guests “ must do their part and accept the true cost of dining out.
” He said that means “ not what they feel that it should cost , but what it actually costs to support the livelihood of the industry and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ community.
” On May 4 , the Beard Foundation announced that Kinch was again a finalist in the Outstanding Chef category .
His bakery partner , Avery Ruzicka of Manresa Bread , is a finalist for Outstanding Baker .
The winners will be announced Sept. 25 in a virtual ceremony from Chicago .
“ No single event has triggered this decision ” to withdraw from the competition , he said , noting that he was “ honored ” by and “ appreciative ” of the nomination .
“ This is purely a personal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anyone who will be rightly recognized by the Foundation this year.
” • COVID-19 keeping you from SF ?
These SF restaurants come to a corner near you • Provence Pizza fires up the ovens at Danville ’ s Iron Horse Plaza His call to action ended with this statement : “ I want to imagine a new reality , a new possibility for when we all come out on the other side .
That seems a more fitting way to demonstrate commendable leadership and support the James Beard Foundation ’ s ‘ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , inclusive , ethical food community.
’ “

Citing a need to revamp the entire restaurant industry — from paying living wages to addressing gender and racial inequalities — Manresa chef-owner David Kinch has removed himself from contention for the prestigious 2020 James Beard Foundation Award for Outstanding Chef.
“The idea of celebrating achievement — and all that our @Manresarestaurant team has accomplished — simply does not feel right in the midst of the ongoing pandemic, and the devastation it has pressed upon our chosen metier and industry,” the acclaimed Los Gatos chef wrote in an Instagram post addressed to his staff, customers and “all who call the restaurant industry home.”
While the pre-pandemic culinary revolution was seen by many as a “Golden Age of restaurants,” Kinch raised the prospect that it was, instead, “a Gilded Age.”
“We have been pretending that we could continue to support our employees, front- and back-of house, maintain a level of service, equality and innovation while welcoming our guests each day — knowing in our hearts that it never could be sustainable,” said Kinch, who owns and runs not only the three-Michelin-starred Manresa but also The Bywater restaurant in Los Gatos, Mentone in Aptos and the Manresa Bread bakeries in Campbell, Los Gatos and Los Altos.
“And now, those efforts seem foolhardy. Quite frankly, the damage to independent restaurants is widespread and may be irreversible without united action. There are always economic corrections, but this is unprecedented.”
Calling the pandemic “our reset button,” Kinch called for the following actions:
— Address the fact that the hospitality industry is “rife with rampant gender and racial inequality.”
— Do away with the “archaic tipping system,” which prevents the industry from achieving parity between the kitchen staff and the front-of-house staff. “Now is the time to embrace service charges and join the 21st century and the rest of the world in paying a fair, competitive wage.”
— Guests “must do their part and accept the true cost of dining out.” He said that means “not what they feel that it should cost, but what it actually costs to support the livelihood of the industry and reflect the value of restaurants in building community.”
On May 4, the Beard Foundation announced that Kinch was again a finalist in the Outstanding Chef category. His bakery partner, Avery Ruzicka of Manresa Bread, is a finalist for Outstanding Baker. The winners will be announced Sept. 25 in a virtual ceremony from Chicago.
“No single event has triggered this decision” to withdraw from the competition, he said, noting that he was “honored” by and “appreciative” of the nomination.
“This is purely a personal decision, and not a reflection on anyone who will be rightly recognized by the Foundation this year.”


mercurynews--2020-08-18--Trump retweets Russian propaganda about Biden

President Donald Trump on Sunday night retweeted Russian propaganda about former Vice President Joe Biden that the US intelligence community recently announced was part of Moscow ’ s ongoing effort to “ denigrate ” the Democrat ahead of November ’ s election .
Late Sunday , Trump amplified a tweet that contained audiotapes of a 2016 conversation between Biden and then-Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko — material that was released earlier this year by Andriy Derkach , a Ukrainian lawmaker named by the US intelligence community in its August 7 statement about Russia ’ s disinformation campaign against Biden .
US @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disinformation because they are intentionally designed to spread false or misleading information about Biden .
By retweeting material that the US government has already labeled as propaganda — and doing so with the 2020 Democratic National Convention kicking off on Monday — Trump demonstrated once again that he is willing to capitalize on foreign election meddling for his own political gain .
There is no proof of wrongdoing on the tapes of Biden and Poroshenko .
But Trump and his allies , as well as Kremlin-controlled media outlets , have used the tapes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dealings with Ukraine .
Sen. Mark Warner , the top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee , responded to Trump ’ s retweet Monday by calling out the President for amplifying Russian disinformation .
“ The President of the United States should never be a willing mouthpiece for Russian propaganda , ” Warner wrote in a tweet of his own .
Trump ’ s amplification of this disinformation comes as Biden is set to accept the Democratic presidential nomination this week , and it poses a significant challenge for US intelligence and national @ @ @ @ @ @ @ election from foreign interference .
While relevant US agencies have adopted a whole-of-government approach focused on countering foreign disinformation and seeks to inform the American public about such efforts , there seems to be no plan in place for addressing false information coming from the President himself .
The Office of the Director of National Intelligence referred questions about the President ’ s tweets to the White House .
The White House responded to CNN ’ s request for comment by directing inquiries to the Trump campaign .
The Trump campaign has not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ After this story was published , Biden campaign spokesman Andrew Bates told CNN in a statement that Trump “ habitually attacked the sovereignty of American elections ” and said the President has “ irrevocably shown his true colors yet again ” by retweeting Russian propaganda .
However , top US intelligence officials made clear in the August 7 statement on foreign election interference that Derkach is part of the Russian disinformation effort intended to damage Biden ’ s candidacy .
“ We assess that Russia is using a range of measures to primarily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it sees as an anti-Russia ‘ establishment.
’ This is consistent with Moscow ’ s public criticism of him when he was Vice President for his role in the Obama Administration ’ s policies on Ukraine and its support for the anti-Putin opposition inside Russia , ” William R. Evanina , director of the National Counterintelligence and Security Center , said in a statement earlier this month updating the election threat landscape heading into the November election .
“ For example , pro-Russia Ukrainian parliamentarian Andriy Derkach is spreading claims about corruption — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to undermine former Vice President Biden ’ s candidacy and the Democratic Party , ” Evanina said .
Derkach denies that he ’ s working for the Kremlin .
The anti-Biden content retweeted by Trump ahead of this week ’ s Democratic National Convention was posted by an account with the name “ Walt Kowalski , ” Clint Eastwood ’ s character in the 2008 film “ Gran Torino.
” The account was created in September 2019 , around the same time that the anti-Biden disinformation campaign ramped up , coinciding with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ account has only a few hundred followers , and the user ’ s biography section is solely focused on anti-Biden disinformation .
Derkach is among a small group of Ukrainian political figures who have , in recent months , injected themselves into the 2020 US presidential election by releasing and promoting alleged audiotapes of Biden .
Some of these figures are connected to Kremlin interests or to Russian intelligence agencies , according to experts and the intelligence community , which says they are part of a Russian-backed misinformation campaign .
The recordings are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the former Ukrainian President , and they appear authentic .
But the material reinforces Biden ’ s claims that he promoted US interests and didn ’ t do anything improper in Ukraine .
There is no proof of wrongdoing on the tapes , and the Biden campaign maintains that these releases are blatant Russian meddling against the former vice president .
Trump ’ s willingness to capitalize on Russian meddling in the 2020 election is a similar tactic to the one that Trump ’ s campaign embraced in 2016 , as Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ facilitated by Russia , according to special counsel Robert Mueller .
Four years ago , the first WikiLeaks releases arrived on the eve of the Democratic convention in July 2016 , and Trump used the stolen emails to inflame divisions within the Democratic Party , tweeting , “ The Wikileaks e-mail release today was so bad to Sanders that it will make it impossible for him to support her.
” Mueller ’ s investigation later revealed that this intraparty tension was exactly what the Russians were hoping to stoke .
The major difference @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the US intelligence community has publicly put Trump and the entire world on notice early on of what the Russians are up to .
• MSNBC ’ s Nicolle Wallace on being fired from ‘ The View ’ : It felt ‘ personal ’ • Former Trump administration official endorses Biden for president Even so , some Republicans and right-wing news outlets have embraced the baseless claims being levied by these controversial Ukrainian figures , some of whom , including Derkach , have worked closely with Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani .
Many of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and others , and now being amplified by the President , played a central role in his impeachment proceedings .
At that time , Fiona Hill , who was Trump ’ s top adviser on Russia , testified that some Republicans were promoting a “ fictional narrative ” that was concocted by Russian intelligence agencies , and were thus peddling “ politically derivative falsehoods that so clearly advance Russian interests .
”

By Zachary Cohen and Marshall Cohen | CNN
President Donald Trump on Sunday night retweeted Russian propaganda about former Vice President Joe Biden that the US intelligence community recently announced was part of Moscow’s ongoing effort to “denigrate” the Democrat ahead of November’s election.
Late Sunday, Trump amplified a tweet that contained audiotapes of a 2016 conversation between Biden and then-Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko — material that was released earlier this year by Andriy Derkach, a Ukrainian lawmaker named by the US intelligence community in its August 7 statement about Russia’s disinformation campaign against Biden. US authorities labeled Derkach’s efforts as disinformation because they are intentionally designed to spread false or misleading information about Biden.
By retweeting material that the US government has already labeled as propaganda — and doing so with the 2020 Democratic National Convention kicking off on Monday — Trump demonstrated once again that he is willing to capitalize on foreign election meddling for his own political gain.
There is no proof of wrongdoing on the tapes of Biden and Poroshenko. But Trump and his allies, as well as Kremlin-controlled media outlets, have used the tapes to foment conspiracies about Biden’s dealings with Ukraine.
‘A willing mouthpiece’
Sen. Mark Warner, the top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, responded to Trump’s retweet Monday by calling out the President for amplifying Russian disinformation.
“The President of the United States should never be a willing mouthpiece for Russian propaganda,” Warner wrote in a tweet of his own.
Trump’s amplification of this disinformation comes as Biden is set to accept the Democratic presidential nomination this week, and it poses a significant challenge for US intelligence and national security officials tasked with protecting the 2020 election from foreign interference.
While relevant US agencies have adopted a whole-of-government approach focused on countering foreign disinformation and seeks to inform the American public about such efforts, there seems to be no plan in place for addressing false information coming from the President himself.
The Office of the Director of National Intelligence referred questions about the President’s tweets to the White House. The White House responded to CNN’s request for comment by directing inquiries to the Trump campaign. The Trump campaign has not responded to CNN’s request.
After this story was published, Biden campaign spokesman Andrew Bates told CNN in a statement that Trump “habitually attacked the sovereignty of American elections” and said the President has “irrevocably shown his true colors yet again” by retweeting Russian propaganda.
However, top US intelligence officials made clear in the August 7 statement on foreign election interference that Derkach is part of the Russian disinformation effort intended to damage Biden’s candidacy.
“We assess that Russia is using a range of measures to primarily denigrate former Vice President Biden and what it sees as an anti-Russia ‘establishment.’ This is consistent with Moscow’s public criticism of him when he was Vice President for his role in the Obama Administration’s policies on Ukraine and its support for the anti-Putin opposition inside Russia,” William R. Evanina, director of the National Counterintelligence and Security Center, said in a statement earlier this month updating the election threat landscape heading into the November election.
“For example, pro-Russia Ukrainian parliamentarian Andriy Derkach is spreading claims about corruption — including through publicizing leaked phone calls — to undermine former Vice President Biden’s candidacy and the Democratic Party,” Evanina said.
Derkach denies that he’s working for the Kremlin.
The anti-Biden content retweeted by Trump ahead of this week’s Democratic National Convention was posted by an account with the name “Walt Kowalski,” Clint Eastwood’s character in the 2008 film “Gran Torino.”
The account was created in September 2019, around the same time that the anti-Biden disinformation campaign ramped up, coinciding with the impeachment inquiry into the President. The account has only a few hundred followers, and the user’s biography section is solely focused on anti-Biden disinformation.
Kremlin connections
Derkach is among a small group of Ukrainian political figures who have, in recent months, injected themselves into the 2020 US presidential election by releasing and promoting alleged audiotapes of Biden. Some of these figures are connected to Kremlin interests or to Russian intelligence agencies, according to experts and the intelligence community, which says they are part of a Russian-backed misinformation campaign.
The recordings are of Biden’s dealings with Poroshenko, the former Ukrainian President, and they appear authentic. But the material reinforces Biden’s claims that he promoted US interests and didn’t do anything improper in Ukraine. There is no proof of wrongdoing on the tapes, and the Biden campaign maintains that these releases are blatant Russian meddling against the former vice president.
Trump’s willingness to capitalize on Russian meddling in the 2020 election is a similar tactic to the one that Trump’s campaign embraced in 2016, as Trump advisers strategized around WikiLeaks disclosures that were facilitated by Russia, according to special counsel Robert Mueller.
Four years ago, the first WikiLeaks releases arrived on the eve of the Democratic convention in July 2016, and Trump used the stolen emails to inflame divisions within the Democratic Party, tweeting, “The Wikileaks e-mail release today was so bad to Sanders that it will make it impossible for him to support her.” Mueller’s investigation later revealed that this intraparty tension was exactly what the Russians were hoping to stoke.
The major difference is that, this time around, the US intelligence community has publicly put Trump and the entire world on notice early on of what the Russians are up to.
Even so, some Republicans and right-wing news outlets have embraced the baseless claims being levied by these controversial Ukrainian figures, some of whom, including Derkach, have worked closely with Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani.
Many of these false narratives being promoted by Derkach and others, and now being amplified by the President, played a central role in his impeachment proceedings. At that time, Fiona Hill, who was Trump’s top adviser on Russia, testified that some Republicans were promoting a “fictional narrative” that was concocted by Russian intelligence agencies, and were thus peddling “politically derivative falsehoods that so clearly advance Russian interests.”


mercurynews--2020-08-18--NBA draft lottery first step in pivotal Warriors offseason

The most pivotal offseason of Bob Myers ’ tenure as general manager will begin Thursday , when the Warriors will learn where they will pick in October ’ s NBA draft .
Over the last year , the Warriors withstood an NBA Finals loss , Kevin Durant ’ s departure , Klay Thompson ’ s torn ACL and Stephen Curry ’ s broken left hand , all contributing to a season in which they posted a league-worst 15-50 record , securing the best odds in Thursday ’ s draft lottery , which will air on ESPN at 5:30 p.m .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ chance to land the No .
1 pick , a 40.1 % chance at a top-three pick and are the only team guaranteed a top-five pick .
For Myers and his front office staff , the pick is a rare opportunity to add a young talent who can immediately contribute to a team that hopes to vault back into contention , but could also become the future face of the franchise .
Despite the stakes , Myers isn ’ t as nervous for this pick as he was ahead of his first draft @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years ago , when he had three picks in the top 35 .
“ That was overwhelming , just to have that many picks in the draft and the very first time sitting in the chair , ” Myers said Monday .
“ I don ’ t feel that way ( now ) .
I ’ m more excited about this opportunity than anything.
” Those picks became Harrison Barnes , Festus Ezeli and Draymond Green , all of whom played for the Warriors ’ first championship under Myers in 2015 that started @ @ @ @ @ @ @ With Curry ( 32 ) , Green ( 30 ) and Thompson ( 30 ) all on the other side of 30 years old , the Warriors believe that championship window is open for another three or four seasons .
Those three foundational players will return next season to a team that underwent an infusion of youth , as contributors like Andrew Wiggins , Eric Paschall and Marquese Chriss are each 25 or younger .
A second-round pick last June , Paschall emerged as a top performer for the Warriors in a down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rebounds and 2.1 assists per game .
Wiggins , the former No .
1 pick acquired in February in a trade that sent D ’ Angelo Russell and others to Minnesota , will look to resuscitate his career next to Golden State ’ s All-Stars .
Chriss turned a training camp invite to a multi-year deal after emerging as the starting center .
October ’ s pick will hope to crack Golden State ’ s rotation , but could face competition from experienced players acquired with a trade exception and in free agency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ barriers to playing time than many of his draft classmates , so Myers ’ goal is to draft someone who can help right away , but won ’ t be limited to selecting a certain position of need .
“ I don ’ t think you want to necessarily think too short term and sacrifice big upside , ” Myers said .
“ If you see the guy has a lower ceiling and can help you for the next few years but not as much after that , you want to avoid that.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ former Memphis center James Wiseman and LaMelo Ball of the National Basketball League ’ s Illawarra Hawks are considered this draft ’ s top prospects by most .
All , at least theoretically , provide an immediate NBA skill ( Edwards ’ finishing ability , Ball ’ s passing and Wiseman ’ s rim protection ) and franchise-player caliber upside , though not with significant flaws .
Others such as Iowa State ’ s Tyrese Haliburton , Dayton ’ s Obi Toppin and Auburn ’ s Isaac Okoro would likely play meaningful minutes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ All-Star potential .
Since the NBA went on hiatus in mid-March , the Warriors have worked best they could to evaluate prospects despite limited information .
While the Warriors ’ scouting department has attended games of the top 15 to 20 players , they have not been able to interview them in person or host any for workouts at the team ’ s San Francisco facility .
While Myers places a priority on the use of analytics and film , he puts just as high a value in face-to-face meetings .
Unfortunately for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a player who he has yet to meet in person .
“ Which makes you a little uncomfortable , to be honest , ” Myers said .
That fact only exacerbates the pressure associated with a top pick .
The upcoming draft is often compared to the 2013 class , which did not have an immediately-apparent star .
In that draft , reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo was selected at No .
15 and two-time Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert went No .
27 overall .
With the No .
1 pick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who hasn ’ t played in an NBA game since 2017 .
Bennett has become the poster child of a draft pick gone wrong .
Meanwhile , the Phoenix Suns took Alex Len at No .
5 and have toiled near the bottom of the league for a decade .
“ If you get the No .
1 pick wrong , people don ’ t forget that , ” Myers said .
“ If you get the No .
5 pick wrong , people are more likely to move on .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of fear .
Somebody in my position , you just have to do what you think is right .
And I think anybody would want ( the No .
1 ) pick.
” Entering Thursday ’ s lottery , Golden State is tied with Cleveland and Minnesota with the best odds to land the top pick .
On the 21 occasions Golden State was involved in the lottery , it has stayed in the same draft spot 10 times , dropped eight times and moved up three times .
The lottery is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ giant index cards and flashy team representatives that will draw viewers and intrigue as teams chart their offseasons in hopes of avoiding the lottery next season .
After months of scouting , Myers is eager to take the next step in this crucial offseason .
With the event being virtual this year , he will have to tune in just like everyone else to find out the results .
“ I know this is for the purposes of entertainment , but just tell me where we pick , ” Myers said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
”

The most pivotal offseason of Bob Myers’ tenure as general manager will begin Thursday, when the Warriors will learn where they will pick in October’s NBA draft.
Over the last year, the Warriors withstood an NBA Finals loss, Kevin Durant’s departure, Klay Thompson’s torn ACL and Stephen Curry’s broken left hand, all contributing to a season in which they posted a league-worst 15-50 record, securing the best odds in Thursday’s draft lottery, which will air on ESPN at 5:30 p.m.
The Warriors will have a 14% chance to land the No. 1 pick, a 40.1% chance at a top-three pick and are the only team guaranteed a top-five pick.
For Myers and his front office staff, the pick is a rare opportunity to add a young talent who can immediately contribute to a team that hopes to vault back into contention, but could also become the future face of the franchise.
Despite the stakes, Myers isn’t as nervous for this pick as he was ahead of his first draft as the Warriors’ general manager eight years ago, when he had three picks in the top 35.
“That was overwhelming, just to have that many picks in the draft and the very first time sitting in the chair,” Myers said Monday. “I don’t feel that way (now). I’m more excited about this opportunity than anything.”
Those picks became Harrison Barnes, Festus Ezeli and Draymond Green, all of whom played for the Warriors’ first championship under Myers in 2015 that started Golden State’s recent dynasty.
With Curry (32), Green (30) and Thompson (30) all on the other side of 30 years old, the Warriors believe that championship window is open for another three or four seasons.
Those three foundational players will return next season to a team that underwent an infusion of youth, as contributors like Andrew Wiggins, Eric Paschall and Marquese Chriss are each 25 or younger.
A second-round pick last June, Paschall emerged as a top performer for the Warriors in a down year, averaging 14 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game. Wiggins, the former No. 1 pick acquired in a February trade that sent D’Angelo Russell and others to Minnesota, will look to resuscitate his career next to Golden State’s All-Stars. Chriss turned a training camp invite to a multi-year deal after emerging as the starting center.
October’s pick will hope to crack Golden State’s rotation, but could face competition from experienced players acquired with a trade exception and in free agency. This top-five pick will face more barriers to playing time than many of his draft classmates, so Myers’ goal is to draft someone who can help right away, but won’t be limited to selecting a certain position of need.
“I don’t think you want to necessarily think too short term and sacrifice big upside,” Myers said. “If you see the guy has a lower ceiling and can help you for the next few years but not as much after that, you want to avoid that.”
Georgia’s Anthony Edwards, former Memphis center James Wiseman and LaMelo Ball of the National Basketball League’s Illawarra Hawks are considered this draft’s top prospects by most. All, at least theoretically, provide an immediate NBA skill (Edwards’ finishing ability, Ball’s passing and Wiseman’s rim protection) and franchise player-caliber upside, though not with significant flaws.
Others such as Iowa State’s Tyrese Haliburton, Dayton’s Obi Toppin and Auburn’s Isaac Okoro would likely play meaningful minutes right away, but may not have All-Star potential.
Since the NBA went on hiatus in mid-March, the Warriors have worked best they could to evaluate prospects despite limited information. While the Warriors’ scouting department has attended games of the top 15 to 20 players, they have not been able to interview them in person or host any for workouts at the team’s San Francisco facility.
While Myers places a priority on the use of analytics and film, he puts just as high a value in face-to-face meetings. Unfortunately for Myers, he may have to select a player who he has yet to meet in person.
“Which makes you a little uncomfortable, to be honest,” Myers said.
That fact only exacerbates the pressure associated with a top pick. The upcoming draft is often compared to the 2013 class, which did not have an immediately-apparent star. In that draft, reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo was selected at No. 15 and two-time Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert went No. 27 overall. With the No. 1 pick, the Cleveland Cavaliers selected Anthony Bennett, who hasn’t played in an NBA game since 2017.
Bennett has become the poster child of a draft pick gone wrong. Meanwhile, the Phoenix Suns took Alex Len at No. 5 and have toiled near the bottom of the league for a decade.
“If you get the No. 1 pick wrong, people don’t forget that,” Myers said. “If you get the No. 5 pick wrong, people are more likely to move on. But you don’t do the job out of fear. Somebody in my position, you just have to do what you think is right. And I think anybody would want (the No. 1) pick.”
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Report: Bob Myers returning to NBA in a different role Golden State Warriors | Warriors to face Suns on NBA Opening Night, per report Entering Thursday’s lottery, Golden State is tied with Cleveland and Minnesota with the best odds to land the top pick. On the 21 occasions Golden State was involved in the lottery, it has stayed in the same draft spot 10 times, dropped eight times and moved up three times.
The lottery is a made-for-TV event featuring ping-pong balls, giant index cards and flashy team representatives that will draw viewers and intrigue as teams chart their offseasons in hopes of avoiding the lottery next season. After months of scouting, Myers is eager to take the next step in this crucial offseason. With the event being virtual this year, he will have to tune in just like everyone else to find out the results.
“I know this is for the purposes of entertainment, but just tell me where we pick,” Myers said. “Just tell me what number it is.”


mercurynews--2020-08-18--Cupertino: Man killed in hit-and-run at I-280 and Wolfe Road

CUPERTINO – A man in his 50s was killed in an apparent hit-and-run collision early Sunday in Cupertino , authorities @ @ @ @ @ reported about 2:45 a.m. at the intersection of Interstate 280 and North Wolfe Road , @ @ @ @ @ of the Santa Clara County Sheriff ’ s Office .
Deputies arrived to find a @ @ @ @ @ next to a bicycle .
Low said the man appeared to have suffered a head @ @ @ @ @ damage to the bicycle .
Medical personnel tried to resuscitate the man , but he @ @ @ @ @ scene about 3 a.m. , Low said .
The Santa Clara County Medical Examiner-Coroner ’ @ @ @ @ @ man ’ s identity once it has been confirmed and his next of kin is @ @ @ @ @ been arrested or identified .
Low said the cause and circumstances surrounding the hit-and-run are @ @ @ @ @ information can contact the sheriff ’ s office traffic investigative division at 408-868-6600 or the @ @ @ @ @ at 408-808-4431 .

CUPERTINO – A man in his 50s was killed in an apparent hit-and-run collision early Sunday in Cupertino, authorities said.
The hit-and-run was reported about 2:45 a.m. at the intersection of Interstate 280 and North Wolfe Road, said Sgt. Michael Low of the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies arrived to find a man unresponsive in the roadway next to a bicycle.
Low said the man appeared to have suffered a head injury and there was moderate damage to the bicycle.
Medical personnel tried to resuscitate the man, but he was pronounced dead at the scene about 3 a.m., Low said. The Santa Clara County Medical Examiner-Coroner’s Office will release the man’s identity once it has been confirmed and his next of kin is notified.
No suspects have been arrested or identified.
Low said the cause and circumstances surrounding the hit-and-run are under investigation. Anyone with information can contact the sheriff’s office traffic investigative division at 408-868-6600 or the investigative services anonymous tip line at 408-808-4431.


mercurynews--2020-08-18--Santa Clara County starts enforcing coronavirus health orders

Mask and social distancing scofflaws beware : Santa Clara County has started enforcing its coronavirus health orders , and violators could face steep fines .
Since the Board of Supervisors voted to authorize enforcement last week , the county has sent notices of violation to three businesses , according to a county news release .
Two of the three non-compliant businesses corrected the issues and will not be penalized .
The third business still has time to fix the violation and avoid a fine .
Santa Clara County allows a grace period of 24 to 72 hours before issuing fines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and $ 5,000 for businesses .
“ We are glad to see corrections being made in response to the citations of the Health Officer orders issued by the designated enforcement officers , ” Michael Balliet , Santa Clara County director of environmental health , wrote in the news release .
“ Our goal is to educate and not fine businesses , but fines will be issued if businesses refuse to comply with the laws protecting the public from COVID-19.
” San Mateo , Contra Costa , Santa Clara , Santa Cruz , Napa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and the city of Livermore joined the pack last week .
• Manresa ’ s Kinch issues call to action for restaurant industry , withdraws from James Beard Award competition • Volaris adds new flights between San Jose and Mexico County health orders already allowed law enforcement officers to arrest people who don ’ t wear masks or comply with social-distancing rules , opening up violators to large fines and potential jail time .
But police and sheriff ’ s deputies have been reluctant to do so .
The new civil penalties @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — about equivalent to a traffic ticket — are intended to make enforcement easier .
“ This ordinance provides an added tool to enforce the Health Officer ’ s orders and protect the public in Santa Clara County , ” County Counsel James Williams wrote .
“ It is our hope that businesses will use the grace period to make the necessary corrections and avoid fines , but if they fail to do so , the penalties are significant .
The vast majority of businesses are playing by the rules and keeping our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but those that are not need to know that our community is serious about enforcement .
”

Mask and social distancing scofflaws beware: Santa Clara County has started enforcing its coronavirus health orders, and violators could face steep fines.
Since the Board of Supervisors voted to authorize enforcement last week, the county has sent notices of violation to three businesses, according to a county news release. Two of the three non-compliant businesses corrected the issues and will not be penalized. The third business still has time to fix the violation and avoid a fine.
Santa Clara County allows a grace period of 24 to 72 hours before issuing fines of up to $500 for individuals and $5,000 for businesses.
“We are glad to see corrections being made in response to the citations of the Health Officer orders issued by the designated enforcement officers,” Michael Balliet, Santa Clara County director of environmental health, wrote in the news release. “Our goal is to educate and not fine businesses, but fines will be issued if businesses refuse to comply with the laws protecting the public from COVID-19.”
San Mateo, Contra Costa, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Napa and Marin counties have authorized similar fines, and the city of Livermore joined the pack last week.
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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 County health orders already allowed law enforcement officers to arrest people who don’t wear masks or comply with social-distancing rules, opening up violators to large fines and potential jail time. But police and sheriff’s deputies have been reluctant to do so. The new civil penalties passed in Santa Clara and other counties — about equivalent to a traffic ticket — are intended to make enforcement easier.
“This ordinance provides an added tool to enforce the Health Officer’s orders and protect the public in Santa Clara County,” County Counsel James Williams wrote. “It is our hope that businesses will use the grace period to make the necessary corrections and avoid fines, but if they fail to do so, the penalties are significant. The vast majority of businesses are playing by the rules and keeping our community’s wellbeing as their priority, but those that are not need to know that our community is serious about enforcement.”


mercurynews--2020-08-17--Homicide investigation underway in Gilroy

GILROY – A person was killed in Gilroy , leading to a homicide investigation , police said Monday afternoon .
@ @ @ @ @ Gilroy Police Department said the homicide occurred on the 7700 block of Murray Avenue earlier @ @ @ @ @ weapon believed to be used in the killing was recovered .
No suspects have been @ @ @ @ @ did not offer any other information about the incident .
Anyone with information about the @ @ @ @ @ 408-846-0335 or the anonymous tip line at 408-846-0330 .

GILROY – Authorities on Monday were investigating a homicide at or near San Ysidro Park in Gilroy.
In an advisory, the Gilroy Police Department said the homicide occurred on the 7700 block of Murray Avenue in the morning. A weapon believed to be used in the killing was recovered.
No suspects have been arrested or identified.
“More information will be provided as it becomes available,” police said in the advisory.
Anyone with information about the homicide can contact Gilroy police detectives at 408-846-0335 or the anonymous tip line at 408-846-0330.
Check back for updates.


mercurynews--2020-08-17--Trailing Biden, Trump warns of a ‘rigged election’

President Donald Trump ’ s darkly portentous campaign message came into stark focus Monday as he launched his most intensive campaign swing since the start of the coronavirus pandemic , warning of “ fascist ” Democrats with a “ Trojan horse ” candidate during stops in the Upper Midwest .
The dire warnings — reliant on false information and racist tropes — foreshadowed a bitter fall campaign as Trump seeks to reverse a slide in the polls .
And they presaged a drawn out post-election battle as Trump preempted a potential loss with warnings of fraud .
“ The only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this election is if this election is rigged , ” he said during a stop in Oshkosh , Wisconsin , the second of several battleground events he is using this week to counterprogram the Democrats ’ all-digital convention .
Leaning heavily on the “ law and order ” mantle he adopted in the wake of racially charged protests earlier this summer , Trump declared it “ crunch time ” for a campaign that many of his advisers have been urging him to focus on more intently as Election Day nears .
Over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at shoring up his political standing have taken on a frantic and often conspiratorial energy , including attempts to limit mail-in voting by refusing new funding for the post office , racist and sexist attacks on former Vice President Joe Biden ’ s new running mate and persistent unfounded warnings that November ’ s vote will be rigged .
He appeared to inject a new scheme meant to deprive him of a second term on Monday : a “ deep state ” he is concerned might announce a coronavirus vaccine on November 4 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I don ’ t need that , ” he said during his late-afternoon speech in Wisconsin , which he also used to escalate his attacks on Biden to dramatic new levels as he hopes to blunt whatever bounce his rival might enjoy from this week ’ s convention .
“ Do you want to be ruled by the radical left-wing mob or do you want to stand tall as free men and women in the greatest country on Earth ?
” Trump asked , echoing equally pessimistic remarks earlier Monday in Minnesota @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have an election that is all about the survival of the nation , ” Trump told a crowd that had gathered inside an airport hanger south of Minneapolis for a scaled-down version of one of his signature rallies .
“ Joe Biden is the puppet of left-wing extremists trying to erase our borders , eliminate our police , indoctrinate our children , vilify our heroes , take away our energy , ” Trump added , claiming Biden was looking to “ replace American freedom with left-wing fascism.
” “ Fascists , ” he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Unwilling to cede the week to Democrats as they convene their presidential nominating convention , Trump was planning a series of stops in battleground states , including near Biden ’ s hometown in Pennsylvania on Thursday , the same day he ’ s expected to formally accept the Democratic nomination .
Trump also plans to travel to Arizona , and said Monday he would stop in Iowa to survey storm damage .
All states will prove essential for Trump if he hopes to win in November .
Polls have shown him trailing Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by SSRS released on Monday showed the race tightening .
Once his trademark political event , massive arena rallies appear off-limits for the foreseeable future amid concerns about the still-raging coronavirus pandemic .
Instead , Trump is flying from airport to airport and greeting crowds gathered in hangars that are partially outdoors .
Initially resistant to the idea of smaller rallies , Trump eventually came around to the idea when advisers told him they could ultimately be the only type of political event possible this season .
That is , for now , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he has convened online events and , along with every other speaker , will appear at his nominating convention this week remotely .
Republicans believe the week-long event will get heavy media attention and voter attention , part of the reason Trump ’ s campaign is unleashing a counter-programming effort that includes Trump ’ s travel along with a massive digital ad buy that includes a rare four-day takeover of the YouTube banner .
Vice President Mike Pence and the President ’ s children are also planning campaign events .
Meanwhile , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about their own convention plans for next week .
They have yet to reveal a speakers list or even the venue where the speeches will occur .
Trump said in Wisconsin on Monday that he would deliver his own acceptance speech from the White House and the Republican National Committee has applied for a permit to conduct a fireworks display over the Washington Monument on August 27 , the day Trump is expected to deliver his acceptance address .
“ We ’ re doing a real speech on Thursday , next Thursday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you ’ ll be listening — live from the White House .
And we have plenty to say.
” Trump ’ s advisers have been working on drafts of his speech that , like his speeches on Monday , delve heavily into the law and order themes the President has adopted as his election rallying cry .
It was rhetoric he began scaling up amid protests and riots in June following the killing of George Floyd , a Black man who died in Minneapolis when a White police officer knelt on his neck @ @ @ @ @ @ @ visit the site of his death on Monday but did host an event with businesses owners affected by the unrest .
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| Trump option | EPA rollback In remarks later , Trump railed against Biden for not being sufficiently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decision to suspend refugee settlement during the pandemic , singling out “ terror afflicted nations like Syria and Somalia.
” Minnesota has a sizable community of Somali immigrants — including Rep. Ilhan Omar , a progressive firebrand who Trump has assailed as being insufficiently patriotic .
In his remarks , Trump called out Omar by name claiming she was “ a horrible woman who hates our country .
”

By Kevin Liptak | CNN
President Donald Trump’s darkly portentous campaign message came into stark focus Monday as he launched his most intensive campaign swing since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, warning of “fascist” Democrats with a “Trojan horse” candidate during stops in the Upper Midwest.
The dire warnings — reliant on false information and racist tropes — foreshadowed a bitter fall campaign as Trump seeks to reverse a slide in the polls.
And they presaged a drawn out post-election battle as Trump preempted a potential loss with warnings of fraud.
“The only way we’re going to lose this election is if this election is rigged,” he said during a stop in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, the second of several battleground events he is using this week to counterprogram the Democrats’ all-digital convention.
Leaning heavily on the “law and order” mantle he adopted in the wake of racially charged protests earlier this summer, Trump declared it “crunch time” for a campaign that many of his advisers have been urging him to focus on more intently as Election Day nears.
Over the past week, Trump’s attempts at shoring up his political standing have taken on a frantic and often conspiratorial energy, including attempts to limit mail-in voting by refusing new funding for the post office, racist and sexist attacks on former Vice President Joe Biden’s new running mate and persistent unfounded warnings that November’s vote will be rigged.
He appeared to inject a new scheme meant to deprive him of a second term on Monday: a “deep state” he is concerned might announce a coronavirus vaccine on November 4 — the day after the election.
“I don’t need that,” he said during his late-afternoon speech in Wisconsin, which he also used to escalate his attacks on Biden to dramatic new levels as he hopes to blunt whatever bounce his rival might enjoy from this week’s convention.
“Do you want to be ruled by the radical left-wing mob or do you want to stand tall as free men and women in the greatest country on Earth?” Trump asked, echoing equally pessimistic remarks earlier Monday in Minnesota.
“We’re going to have an election that is all about the survival of the nation,” Trump told a crowd that had gathered inside an airport hanger south of Minneapolis for a scaled-down version of one of his signature rallies.
“Joe Biden is the puppet of left-wing extremists trying to erase our borders, eliminate our police, indoctrinate our children, vilify our heroes, take away our energy,” Trump added, claiming Biden was looking to “replace American freedom with left-wing fascism.”
“Fascists,” he said. “They are fascists.”
Series of stops
Unwilling to cede the week to Democrats as they convene their presidential nominating convention, Trump was planning a series of stops in battleground states, including near Biden’s hometown in Pennsylvania on Thursday, the same day he’s expected to formally accept the Democratic nomination.
Trump also plans to travel to Arizona, and said Monday he would stop in Iowa to survey storm damage.
All states will prove essential for Trump if he hopes to win in November. Polls have shown him trailing Biden badly, though a CNN poll conducted by SSRS released on Monday showed the race tightening.
Once his trademark political event, massive arena rallies appear off-limits for the foreseeable future amid concerns about the still-raging coronavirus pandemic. Instead, Trump is flying from airport to airport and greeting crowds gathered in hangars that are partially outdoors. Initially resistant to the idea of smaller rallies, Trump eventually came around to the idea when advisers told him they could ultimately be the only type of political event possible this season.
That is, for now, more than Biden is attempting. Instead, he has convened online events and, along with every other speaker, will appear at his nominating convention this week remotely.
Republicans believe the week-long event will get heavy media attention and voter attention, part of the reason Trump’s campaign is unleashing a counter-programming effort that includes Trump’s travel along with a massive digital ad buy that includes a rare four-day takeover of the YouTube banner.
Vice President Mike Pence and the President’s children are also planning campaign events.
Convention under wraps
Meanwhile, the RNC and Trump campaign remain quiet about their own convention plans for next week. They have yet to reveal a speakers list or even the venue where the speeches will occur.
Trump said in Wisconsin on Monday that he would deliver his own acceptance speech from the White House and the Republican National Committee has applied for a permit to conduct a fireworks display over the Washington Monument on August 27, the day Trump is expected to deliver his acceptance address.
“We’re doing a real speech on Thursday, next Thursday,” he said. “So, you’ll be listening — live from the White House. And we have plenty to say.”
Trump’s advisers have been working on drafts of his speech that, like his speeches on Monday, delve heavily into the law and order themes the President has adopted as his election rallying cry.
It was rhetoric he began scaling up amid protests and riots in June following the killing of George Floyd, a Black man who died in Minneapolis when a White police officer knelt on his neck during an arrest. Trump did not visit the site of his death on Monday but did host an event with businesses owners affected by the unrest.
In remarks later, Trump railed against Biden for not being sufficiently supportive of police and touted his own decision to suspend refugee settlement during the pandemic, singling out “terror afflicted nations like Syria and Somalia.”
Minnesota has a sizable community of Somali immigrants — including Rep. Ilhan Omar, a progressive firebrand who Trump has assailed as being insufficiently patriotic.
In his remarks, Trump called out Omar by name claiming she was “a horrible woman who hates our country.”


mercurynews--2020-08-17--Feds drop appeal of ‘unconstitutional’ SFPD traffic stop; second federal case hurt by officers’ acti

Feds drop appeal of ‘unconstitutional’ SFPD traffic stop; second federal case hurt by officers’ actions

SAN FRANCISCO — For the second time in recent weeks , a federal gun case has been torpedoed after a federal judge ruled that San Francisco police officers violated the defendant ’ s constitutional rights during a traffic stop .
In June , U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer granted a defense motion to suppress evidence seized from searches of a Chevy Yukon SUV and a storage unit belonging to Tei Mati , unearthing drugs and a shotgun .
The U.S. Attorney ’ s office initially appealed Breyer ’ s ruling , but last week changed course and voluntarily dismissed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his ruling , Breyer found that San Francisco officers who pulled Mati over for a speeding violation illegally prolonged the traffic stop , and in so doing discovered that Mati was on probation with a condition allowing police searches .
It is unconstitutional for police to stall out a traffic stop beyond its original purpose in order to conduct such a search .
“ The officers ’ extension of the stop to inquire into Mati ’ s probation status , and specifically whether Mati had a search condition , was unconstitutional , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The officers ’ searches of the Yukon and the storage facility are therefore fruit of the poisonous tree.
” Federal prosecutors have not yet dropped the charges against Mati , but without evidence found during the illegal search , the case is likely hampered beyond all repair .
Breyer ’ s ruling is nearly identical to one issued in June by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey White , who wrote that an SFPD search during a traffic stop was unconstitutional because it had been prolonged and because officers ’ misunderstood the law .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ charges against Carl Bernard , who was facing 10 years in federal prison .
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But Bernard ’ s search clause permitted police searches only “ based upon reasonable suspicion of contraband or a violation of the terms of supervised release , ” not at the will of any law enforcement officer .
“ If the SFPD is indeed training its officers that federal supervised release conditions routinely permit searches without reasonable suspicion or probable cause , that training simply is not accurate , ” White wrote in his June ruling .

SAN FRANCISCO — For the second time in recent weeks, a federal gun case has been torpedoed after a federal judge ruled that San Francisco police officers violated the defendant’s constitutional rights during a traffic stop.
In June, U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer granted a defense motion to suppress evidence seized from searches of a Chevy Yukon SUV and a storage unit belonging to Tei Mati, unearthing drugs and a shotgun. The U.S. Attorney’s office initially appealed Breyer’s ruling, but last week changed course and voluntarily dismissed the appeal, court records show.
In his ruling, Breyer found that San Francisco officers who pulled Mati over for a speeding violation illegally prolonged the traffic stop, and in so doing discovered that Mati was on probation with a condition allowing police searches. It is unconstitutional for police to stall out a traffic stop beyond its original purpose in order to conduct such a search.
“The officers’ extension of the stop to inquire into Mati’s probation status, and specifically whether Mati had a search condition, was unconstitutional,” Breyer wrote in his ruling. “The officers’ searches of the Yukon and the storage facility are therefore fruit of the poisonous tree.”
Federal prosecutors have not yet dropped the charges against Mati, but without evidence found during the illegal search, the case is likely hampered beyond all repair.
Breyer’s ruling is nearly identical to one issued in June by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey White, who wrote that an SFPD search during a traffic stop was unconstitutional because it had been prolonged and because officers’ misunderstood the law. That ruling resulted in a dismissal of gun charges against Carl Bernard, who was facing 10 years in federal prison.
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Ex-Mississippi police officers plead guilty to torturing Black men Crime and Public Safety | Judge rules retrial of ex-Philadelphia officer in 2020 protest actions should be held outside city The officer wrote in his report that because Bernard was on probation, he believed he could search Bernard’s vehicle and give him a pat down. But Bernard’s search clause permitted police searches only “based upon reasonable suspicion of contraband or a violation of the terms of supervised release,” not at the will of any law enforcement officer.
“If the SFPD is indeed training its officers that federal supervised release conditions routinely permit searches without reasonable suspicion or probable cause, that training simply is not accurate,” White wrote in his June ruling.


mercurynews--2020-08-17--Giants make surprise decision, choose defense over bullpen help with latest roster move

When a bullpen is overworked and a reliever is struggling in the midst of a blowout , a manager sometimes has no choice but to let the pitcher “ wear it , ” and keep him in the game despite his troubles .
In baseball lingo , a pitcher who “ wears it ” almost always finds himself off the roster the next day .
Pitchers know that when they finally do give up the ball , they ’ ll be handing in their uniform too .
That was the case for Giants right-hander Dereck Rodríguez , who was left @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nine-run fifth-inning for the Oakland A ’ s offense in a 15-3 blowout loss at Oracle Park Sunday .
There was little doubt Rodríguez , who gave up seven hits and five runs over 1 2/3 innings , would be optioned to the team ’ s alternate site so the Giants could rotate in a new player for Monday ’ s game against the Angels .
The Giants executed the transaction on Monday , but they made a surprising decision to replace Rodríguez with a position player instead of a pitcher .
Rodríguez @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will remain on the taxi squad , but it ’ s outfielder Steven Duggar , not a long reliever , who is taking his place on the Giants ’ 28-man roster .
Giants president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi and manager Gabe Kapler discussed possible replacements for Rodríguez immediately after Sunday ’ s defeat , but didn ’ t settle on Duggar until Monday morning .
The decision wasn ’ t easy considering the Giants ’ leadership is attempting to solve catastrophic problems in the team ’ s bullpen and on defense .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ league-worst 24 home runs in 23 games this season while the team ’ s defense has committed a major league-worst 22 errors , which don ’ t include the countless mental mistakes that have cost the team several runs and two potential victories against the A ’ s .
The team ’ s 8-15 record suggests there ’ s no shortage of issues to solve , but the Giants ultimately chose Duggar to replace Rodríguez because Kapler said they felt as if they had enough coverage in their bullpen to cover Monday ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday ’ s probable pitcher , Trevor Cahill .
Anderson is built up to go five innings while Cahill can give the team “ four or four-plus , ” meaning Giants fans probably shouldn ’ t expect a quality start or two over the next two games .
Considering how much the Giants ’ defense struggled with routine plays during the team ’ s three-game sweep against the Oakland A ’ s , the bullpen may be thrilled that Duggar , the club ’ s best defensive outfielder , is returning to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t fly with the team to Southern California , he isn ’ t expected to arrive until 30-to-60 minutes before first pitch on Monday .
Kapler expects him to be available off the bench , meaning he should play in center or right field if the team has a lead to protect in the late innings .
Kapler didn ’ t want to provide many specifics during a pregame Zoom call with reporters Monday , but it sounds as if one of the primary reasons the Giants added Duggar is because Austin Slater @ @ @ @ @ @ @ isn ’ t available in the outfield .
Slater is out of Monday ’ s lineup and available off the bench to pinch-hit or run , but his elbow injury has prevented him from starting a throwing program and there ’ s no timetable set for when he could return to the field .
“ We are definitely taking Slater day-by-day , but he may not be ready to play defense for us and for that reason , Duggar is on our roster and he gives us another option to go play defense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for us , ” Kapler said .
With Slater down , the Giants had a maximum of two outfielders –Mike Yastrzemski and Mauricio Dubón– who could be considered league-average defenders .
Given Dubón ’ s up and down play in center field and the struggles Hunter Pence and Darin Ruf have had in the outfield of late , adding Duggar became a higher priority .
“ This is not an indictment on any one individual , it ’ s an opportunity for us to upgrade our outfield defense on the bench , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fails to have a clean start over the next two days , the Giants could once again be scrambling for help in the bullpen .
Kapler said the team is entering a series with the Angels without a designated long reliever , and with Rodríguez and Andrew Suárez having recently been optioned , it ’ s not clear when help might be on the way .
The best-case scenario for the Giants is for their starters to have efficient outings , the offense to perform well enough in the early innings that Duggar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s elbow trouble to clear up soon , but there ’ s clearly not much margin for error .
As the Giants learned against the A ’ s this weekend , things can spiral out of control quickly .
When that happens , it ’ s not pretty .
SF Giants Gameday : Listen to the Bay Area News Group ’ s daily San Francisco Giants podcast , hosted by our beat reporter Kerry Crowley .
We give you an all-access look at the 2020 regular season with soundbites from manager Gabe Kapler @ @ @ @ @ @ @ latest analysis on every move during an unprecedented season .
We Need Your Support !
Several Giants articles will remain free every 30 days – and I ’ ve launched a free newsletter and podcast that come Monday-Friday – but for access to all of my coverage you ’ ll need to subscribe to MercuryNews.com or EastBayTimes.com .
Click here for our latest Mercury News offer and here for the latest East Bay Times offer .
Thank you !
— Kerry Crowley

When a bullpen is overworked and a reliever is struggling in the midst of a blowout, a manager sometimes has no choice but to let the pitcher “wear it,” and keep him in the game despite his troubles.
In baseball lingo, a pitcher who “wears it” almost always finds himself off the roster the next day. Pitchers know that when they finally do give up the ball, they’ll be handing in their uniform too.
That was the case for Giants right-hander Dereck Rodríguez, who was left on the mound to suffer through a nine-run fifth-inning for the Oakland A’s offense in a 15-3 blowout loss at Oracle Park Sunday.
There was little doubt Rodríguez, who gave up seven hits and five runs over 1 2/3 innings, would be optioned to the team’s alternate site so the Giants could rotate in a new player for Monday’s game against the Angels.
The Giants executed the transaction on Monday, but they made a surprising decision to replace Rodríguez with a position player instead of a pitcher. Rodríguez traveled with the team to Anaheim and will remain on the taxi squad, but it’s outfielder Steven Duggar, not a long reliever, who is taking his place on the Giants’ 28-man roster.
Giants president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi and manager Gabe Kapler discussed possible replacements for Rodríguez immediately after Sunday’s defeat, but didn’t settle on Duggar until Monday morning. The decision wasn’t easy considering the Giants’ leadership is attempting to solve catastrophic problems in the team’s bullpen and on defense.
Giants relievers have given up a major league-worst 24 home runs in 23 games this season while the team’s defense has committed a major league-worst 22 errors, which don’t include the countless mental mistakes that have cost the team several runs and two potential victories against the A’s.
The team’s 8-15 record suggests there’s no shortage of issues to solve, but the Giants ultimately chose Duggar to replace Rodríguez because Kapler said they felt as if they had enough coverage in their bullpen to cover Monday’s starter, Tyler Anderson, and Tuesday’s probable pitcher, Trevor Cahill.
Anderson is built up to go five innings while Cahill can give the team “four or four-plus,” meaning Giants fans probably shouldn’t expect a quality start or two over the next two games.
Considering how much the Giants’ defense struggled with routine plays during the team’s three-game sweep against the Oakland A’s, the bullpen may be thrilled that Duggar, the club’s best defensive outfielder, is returning to the big leagues.
Because Duggar didn’t fly with the team to Southern California, he isn’t expected to arrive until 30-to-60 minutes before first pitch on Monday. Kapler expects him to be available off the bench, meaning he should play in center or right field if the team has a lead to protect in the late innings.
Kapler didn’t want to provide many specifics during a pregame Zoom call with reporters Monday, but it sounds as if one of the primary reasons the Giants added Duggar is because Austin Slater (right elbow flexor strain) still isn’t available in the outfield.
Slater is out of Monday’s lineup and available off the bench to pinch-hit or run, but his elbow injury has prevented him from starting a throwing program and there’s no timetable set for when he could return to the field.
“We are definitely taking Slater day-by-day, but he may not be ready to play defense for us and for that reason, Duggar is on our roster and he gives us another option to go play defense late in games or start some games for us,” Kapler said.
With Slater down, the Giants had a maximum of two outfielders –Mike Yastrzemski and Mauricio Dubón– who could be considered league-average defenders. Given Dubón’s up and down play in center field and the struggles Hunter Pence and Darin Ruf have had in the outfield of late, adding Duggar became a higher priority.
“This is not an indictment on any one individual, it’s an opportunity for us to upgrade our outfield defense on the bench,” Kapler said.
If Anderson or Cahill fails to have a clean start over the next two days, the Giants could once again be scrambling for help in the bullpen. Kapler said the team is entering a series with the Angels without a designated long reliever, and with Rodríguez and Andrew Suárez having recently been optioned, it’s not clear when help might be on the way.
The best-case scenario for the Giants is for their starters to have efficient outings, the offense to perform well enough in the early innings that Duggar can enter late and for Slater’s elbow trouble to clear up soon, but there’s clearly not much margin for error.
As the Giants learned against the A’s this weekend, things can spiral out of control quickly.
When that happens, it’s not pretty.
SF Giants Gameday: Listen to the Bay Area News Group’s daily San Francisco Giants podcast, hosted by our beat reporter Kerry Crowley. We give you an all-access look at the 2020 regular season with soundbites from manager Gabe Kapler and your favorite Giants players plus the latest analysis on every move during an unprecedented season.
We Need Your Support!
Several Giants articles will remain free every 30 days – and I’ve launched a free newsletter and podcast that come Monday-Friday – but for access to all of my coverage you’ll need to subscribe to MercuryNews.com or EastBayTimes.com. Click here for our latest Mercury News offer and here for the latest East Bay Times offer. Thank you! — Kerry Crowley


mercurynews--2020-08-18--SF Giants Gameday Podcast: How can the Giants recover from all of these awful losses?

The Giants haven ’ t invented new ways to lose during the 2020 season , but they have found ways to hit new depths over each of the past four days .
Right-hander Trevor Gott blew his third save in three chances on Monday against the Angels as the reliever gave up a two-run , walk-off home run to second baseman Tommy La Stella in another demoralizing 7-6 defeat .
The Giants ’ offense has played well and consistently given its bullpen opportunities to win games , but the club fell to 8-16 on Monday after another late meltdown .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ will look for a “ softer landing spot ” to find Gott work , but the Giants will likely look to give him a few days off before sending one of their most experienced relievers back to the mound .
For the time being , the closer role will remain up for grabs although it seems Kapler will likely be inclined to give veteran left-hander Tony Watson the first crack at the job .
Tyler Rogers and Jarlín García are also candidates to pitch in high-leverage situations in the ninth inning , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pick up the pieces and reevaluate every reliever ’ s role in a struggling bullpen .
Can Gott and the Giants recover from all the heartbreak they ’ ve experienced over the last week ?
Does it matter for a team that ’ s already eight games under .500 ?
In this episode of the SF Giants Gameday podcast , beat writer Kerry Crowley looks at a team and a bullpen that ’ s living through a nightmare .
SF Giants Gameday : Listen to the Bay Area News Group ’ s daily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our beat reporter Kerry Crowley .
We give you an all-access look at the 2020 regular season with soundbites from manager Gabe Kapler and your favorite Giants players plus the latest analysis on every move during an unprecedented season .
We Need Your Support !
Several Giants articles will remain free every 30 days – and I ’ ve launched a free newsletter and podcast that come Monday-Friday – but for access to all of my coverage you ’ ll need to subscribe to MercuryNews.com or EastBayTimes.com .
Click here for our latest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ latest East Bay Times offer .
Thank you !
— Kerry Crowley

The Giants haven’t invented new ways to lose during the 2020 season, but they have found ways to hit new depths over each of the past four days.
Right-hander Trevor Gott blew his third save in three chances on Monday against the Angels as the reliever gave up a two-run, walk-off home run to second baseman Tommy La Stella in another demoralizing 7-6 defeat.
The Giants’ offense has played well and consistently given its bullpen opportunities to win games, but the club fell to 8-16 on Monday after another late meltdown.
Manager Gabe Kapler said postgame that he will look for a “softer landing spot” to find Gott work, but the Giants will likely look to give him a few days off before sending one of their most experienced relievers back to the mound.
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Can Gott and the Giants recover from all the heartbreak they’ve experienced over the last week? Does it matter for a team that’s already eight games under .500? In this episode of the SF Giants Gameday podcast, beat writer Kerry Crowley looks at a team and a bullpen that’s living through a nightmare.
SF Giants Gameday: Listen to the Bay Area News Group’s daily San Francisco Giants podcast, hosted by our beat reporter Kerry Crowley. We give you an all-access look at the 2020 regular season with soundbites from manager Gabe Kapler and your favorite Giants players plus the latest analysis on every move during an unprecedented season.
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Several Giants articles will remain free every 30 days – and I’ve launched a free newsletter and podcast that come Monday-Friday – but for access to all of my coverage you’ll need to subscribe to MercuryNews.com or EastBayTimes.com. Click here for our latest Mercury News offer and here for the latest East Bay Times offer. Thank you! — Kerry Crowley


mercurynews--2020-08-18--49ers’ Jalen Hurd ‘bummed’ after season-ending ACL tear

Wide receiver Jalen Hurd indeed tore his anterior cruciate knee ligament to further delay his 49ers debut for a second straight season , his agent confirmed Monday night .
“ It is a torn ACL , just a straight ACL , nothing more to it , nothing else involved , ” Hendrickson told KNBR 680-AM .
“ Just a torn ACL .
So an easy fix .
Probably will get it done in a couple weeks and then he ’ ll be good to go by next offseason.
” Hurd looked so good in last year ’ s two-touchdown , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fracture in his back shelved his entire rookie season .
Henrickson projected Hurd as one of the 49ers ’ top two wide receivers for the coming season , having worked hard in an offseason devoid of team workouts because of COVID-19 precautions .
“ I don ’ t know how related it is to guys being off for six months and what not .
I know a lot of guys got hurt today around the league , ” Hendrickson added .
“ It ( stinks ) for Jalen .
He ’ s bummed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be .
Now he ’ s going to pick up the pieces and get back after it , like he will.
” Hurd got hurt Sunday while running a route on the side with a 49ers trainer .
He participated in the offensive warmups Saturday and Sunday in the first practices of training camp and was intentionally held out of the second half of those practices so he could do conditioning work , as the 49ers are doing with tight end Jalen Reed , who also did not play last season while with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the media in a year , since his back injury .
He wasn ’ t seen around the locker room once he went on injured reserve in October , and during the media access before that , he wasn ’ t one of the more outgoing or outspoken players in terms of bantering with teammates or reporters .
All of which added to the mystery surrounding Hurd and his potential , inciting fans to constantly wonder his health status , which will be a rehashed theme next year .
Prior to Sunday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s return coincided with the comebacks of two other offensive catalysts , running back Jerick McKinnon and wide receiver Trent Taylor .
Now , Hurd should heed their advice on what they said Sunday in reflecting on their tough seasons away from the field .
“ It ’ s part of life .
You ’ ve got to take punches and keep rolling , ” said Taylor , who missed last season with a post-surgery foot infection .
“ I learned a lot about myself through all the situations I went through and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ look at it as a time I really grew within myself , and learned how to be a man and get past tough situations like that.
” McKinnon , who tore an ACL in non-contact fashion a week before the 2018 season , said : “ The harsh reality of it is when something like that happens , you have to go through mental challenges .
“ It was about leaning on my faith , my loved ones , teammates were reaching out to me to make sure I was in a good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ To me that was the most thing that kept me going the most , my teammates and coaches still encouraging me .
I hadn ’ t played in any games and that was just a booster for me throughout the process , to work that much harder and come back better than before.
” The 49ers ’ depth at wide receiver is becoming a crisis .
After Emmanuel Sanders left in free agency for New Orleans , they drafted Brandon Aiyuk ( first round ) and Jauan Jennings ( seventh ) .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and instantly became their best deep threat , but he opted out before camp for COVID-19 precautions .
With Deebo Samuel ( foot ) and Richie James Jr. ( wrist ) on the mend and not yet cleared to practice , the 49ers have turned to the free agent market for the fastest available wide receivers .
They signed Tavon Austin and J.J. Nelson on Saturday , and they ’ ve bringing in Jaron Brown for a workout , confirmed Hendrickson , his agent .
“ The Niners will probably go through a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guys in for the next month , seeing what fits and who ’ s the right guy for him , ” Hendrickson said .
“ I know they brought a bunch of guys in ( Monday ) and Jaron Brown could be a guy they do want to sign and would be great depth for them .
“ But Jalen will be good .
He ’ ll be OK. And it ’ ll be great to see what the Niners do this year , as well.
” • 49ers ’ Jalen Hurd to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • 49ers ’ well-paid rusher Jerick McKinnon on his comeback : ‘ I work like I ’ m broke ’ • 49ers training camp : Brandon Aiyuk off to graceful start while Jalen Hurd is not

Wide receiver Jalen Hurd indeed tore his anterior cruciate knee ligament Sunday to further delay his 49ers debut for a second straight season, his agent confirmed Monday night.
“It is a torn ACL, just a straight ACL, nothing more to it, nothing else involved,” Hendrickson told KNBR 680-AM. “Just a torn ACL. So an easy fix. Probably will get it done in a couple weeks and then he’ll be good to go by next offseason.”
Hurd looked so good in last year’s two-touchdown, exhibition-opener debut, but then a stress fracture in his back shelved his entire rookie season.
Hendrickson projected Hurd as one of the 49ers’ top two wide receivers for the coming season, having worked hard in an offseason devoid of team workouts because of COVID-19 precautions.
“I don’t know how related it is to guys being off for six months and what not. I know a lot of guys got hurt today around the league,” Hendrickson added. “It (stinks) for Jalen. He’s bummed out about it, like he should be. Now he’s going to pick up the pieces and get back after it, like he will.”
Hurd got hurt Sunday while running a route on the side with a 49ers trainer. He participated in the offensive warmups Saturday and Sunday in the first practices of training camp and was intentionally held out of the second half of those practices so he could do conditioning work, as the 49ers are doing with tight end Jordan Reed, who also did not play last season while with Washington.
Hurd hasn’t spoken to the media in a year, since his back injury. He wasn’t seen around the locker room once he went on injured reserve in October, and during the media access before that, he wasn’t one of the more outgoing or outspoken players in terms of bantering with teammates or reporters.
All of which added to the mystery surrounding Hurd and his potential, inciting fans to constantly wonder his health status, which will be a rehashed theme next year.
Prior to Sunday’s ACL tear, Hurd’s return coincided with the comebacks of two other offensive catalysts, running back Jerick McKinnon and wide receiver Trent Taylor. Now, Hurd should heed their advice on what they said Sunday in reflecting on their tough seasons away from the field.
“It’s part of life. You’ve got to take punches and keep rolling,” said Taylor, who missed last season with a post-surgery foot infection. “I learned a lot about myself through all the situations I went through and grew a lot. I like to look at it as a time I really grew within myself, and learned how to be a man and get past tough situations like that.”
McKinnon, who tore an ACL in non-contact fashion a week before the 2018 season, said: “The harsh reality of it is when something like that happens, you have to go through mental challenges.
“It was about leaning on my faith, my loved ones, teammates were reaching out to me to make sure I was in a good head space,” McKinnon added. “To me that was the most thing that kept me going the most, my teammates and coaches still encouraging me. I hadn’t played in any games and that was just a booster for me throughout the process, to work that much harder and come back better than before.”
The 49ers’ depth at wide receiver is becoming a crisis. After Emmanuel Sanders left in free agency for New Orleans, they drafted Brandon Aiyuk (first round) and Jauan Jennings (seventh). Veteran Travis Benjamin signed in free agency and instantly became their best deep threat, but he opted out before camp for COVID-19 precautions.
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“The Niners will probably go through a process over the next month bringing different guys in for the next month, seeing what fits and who’s the right guy for him,” Hendrickson said. “I know they brought a bunch of guys in (Monday) and Jaron Brown could be a guy they do want to sign and would be great depth for them.
“But Jalen will be good. He’ll be OK. And it’ll be great to see what the Niners do this year, as well.”


mercurynews--2020-08-18--Horoscopes Aug. 18, 2020: Madelaine Petsch, don’t buy into the changes others make

Happy Birthday : Expand your mind , interests and spiritual awareness this year .
Personal growth will encourage you to envision life from a different perspective .
Don ’ t buy into the changes others make .
Create what you want to happen in your life .
It ’ s up to you to soothe your soul and live life your way .
Set goals , and pick up the knowledge and the skills to reach your destination .
Your numbers are 7 , 12 , 19 , 22 , 26 , 35 , 47 .
ARIES ( March 21-April @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to you to finish what you start .
Put your energy to good use , and take care of business before moving on to the things you ’ d prefer to pursue .
Too much of anything will end up dragging you down .
5 stars TAURUS ( April 20-May 20 ) : Take care of yourself .
Fitness , exercise , diet , rest and anything else that eases stress and makes your life better are encouraged .
A healthy attitude will promote a better and brighter lifestyle .
Personal gain is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ May 21-June 20 ) : Sit tight , take care of personal and domestic matters , make adjustments to the way you live and do your best to avoid anyone who likes to disrupt your life .
Don ’ t share secrets or gossip .
Concentrate on making positive changes at home .
4 stars CANCER ( June 21-July 22 ) : Reach out to someone you enjoy working with , and an opportunity to do something unique will arise .
Before you make a decision , confront issues that may become a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and growth are favored .
3 stars LEO ( July 23-Aug. 22 ) : Pick up the pace , and focus on whatever will help you accomplish what you set out to do .
Change is about following your heart , not someone else ’ s dream .
Put your heart into whatever you feel passionate about , and you ’ ll achieve peace of mind .
3 stars VIRGO ( Aug. 23-Sept. 22 ) : Be creative when dealing with changes you are facing or want to pursue .
Taking a different @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you feel about someone close to you .
Romance is on the rise .
3 stars LIBRA ( Sept. 23-Oct. 22 ) : Take the initiative , and do something that will help your community or family .
Getting angry will not solve problems , but making reasonable suggestions will .
Don ’ t take a risk when it comes to your health ; proceed with safety measures in place .
4 stars SCORPIO ( Oct. 23-Nov. 21 ) : Do what you can , and stop wasting time trying to achieve the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to use your talents that will also improve your lifestyle as well as your relationship with the people you deal with daily .
2 stars SAGITTARIUS ( Nov. 22-Dec. 21 ) : Concentrate on what ’ s important to you .
There is money to be made if you market your skills , knowledge and experience to fit the current economic trends .
Don ’ t sit back when you have so much to offer .
A contract looks promising .
5 stars CAPRICORN ( Dec. 22-Jan. 19 ) : Thrive on change @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Know what you want , and focus on what ’ s important .
Make your home environment welcoming , and it will help keep you and those you love and live with safe , happy and emotionally sound .
3 stars AQUARIUS ( Jan. 20-Feb. 18 ) : Don ’ t be a follower or fold under pressure .
Consider what ’ s best for you and the people you love .
Don ’ t let temptation or uncertainty created by an outsider ’ s influence overrule what is in your best @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and proceed with your plans .
3 stars PISCES ( Feb. 19-March 20 ) : Look for innovative ways to help those in need without yielding to unsafe situations .
A positive change in your personal life will make your life easier .
Share your intentions with someone you love , and make romance a priority .
3 stars Birthday Baby : You are passionate , rambunctious and generous .
You are ambitious and impressive .

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Madelaine Petsch, 26; Andy Samberg, 42; Edward Norton, 51; Robert Redford, 84.
Happy Birthday: Expand your mind, interests and spiritual awareness this year. Personal growth will encourage you to envision life from a different perspective. Don’t buy into the changes others make. Create what you want to happen in your life. It’s up to you to soothe your soul and live life your way. Set goals, and pick up the knowledge and the skills to reach your destination. Your numbers are 7, 12, 19, 22, 26, 35, 47.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): It’s up to you to finish what you start. Put your energy to good use, and take care of business before moving on to the things you’d prefer to pursue. Too much of anything will end up dragging you down. 5 stars
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Take care of yourself. Fitness, exercise, diet, rest and anything else that eases stress and makes your life better are encouraged. A healthy attitude will promote a better and brighter lifestyle. Personal gain is within reach. 2 stars
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Sit tight, take care of personal and domestic matters, make adjustments to the way you live and do your best to avoid anyone who likes to disrupt your life. Don’t share secrets or gossip. Concentrate on making positive changes at home. 4 stars
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Reach out to someone you enjoy working with, and an opportunity to do something unique will arise. Before you make a decision, confront issues that may become a problem before you begin. Personal improvement and growth are favored. 3 stars
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Pick up the pace, and focus on whatever will help you accomplish what you set out to do. Change is about following your heart, not someone else’s dream. Put your heart into whatever you feel passionate about, and you’ll achieve peace of mind. 3 stars
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Be creative when dealing with changes you are facing or want to pursue. Taking a different approach will alter your perspective regarding how you feel about someone close to you. Romance is on the rise. 3 stars
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Take the initiative, and do something that will help your community or family. Getting angry will not solve problems, but making reasonable suggestions will. Don’t take a risk when it comes to your health; proceed with safety measures in place. 4 stars
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Do what you can, and stop wasting time trying to achieve the impossible. Look for an alternative way to use your talents that will also improve your lifestyle as well as your relationship with the people you deal with daily. 2 stars
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Concentrate on what’s important to you. There is money to be made if you market your skills, knowledge and experience to fit the current economic trends. Don’t sit back when you have so much to offer. A contract looks promising. 5 stars
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Thrive on change, but don’t go overboard. Know what you want, and focus on what’s important. Make your home environment welcoming, and it will help keep you and those you love and live with safe, happy and emotionally sound. 3 stars
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Don’t be a follower or fold under pressure. Consider what’s best for you and the people you love. Don’t let temptation or uncertainty created by an outsider’s influence overrule what is in your best interest. Be reasonable, respond intelligently and proceed with your plans. 3 stars
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Look for innovative ways to help those in need without yielding to unsafe situations. A positive change in your personal life will make your life easier. Share your intentions with someone you love, and make romance a priority. 3 stars
Birthday Baby: You are passionate, rambunctious and generous. You are ambitious and impressive.


Word Game: Aug. 18, 2020

TODAY ’ S WORD — CELLIST ( CELLIST : CHEL-ist : One who plays the cello . )
Can you @ @ @ @ @ in CELLIST ?
The list will be published tomorrow .
To purchase the Word Game @ @ @ @ @ Order it now for just $ 5 while supplies last !
1 .
Words must @ @ @ @ @ letters .
2 .
Words that acquire four letters by the addition of “ s @ @ @ @ @ bats ” or “ dies , ” are not allowed .
3 .
Additional words @ @ @ @ @ d ” or an “ s ” may not be used .
For example , @ @ @ @ @ used , “ baked ” or “ bakes ” are not allowed , but “ @ @ @ @ @ ” are admissible .
4 .
Proper nouns , slang words , or vulgar or @ @ @ @ @ allowed .

TODAY’S WORD — CELLIST (CELLIST: CHEL-ist: One who plays the cello.)
Average mark 18 words
Time limit 30 minutes
Can you find 23 or more words in CELLIST? The list will be published tomorrow.
YESTERDAY’S WORD — DECLINE decile deice dele deli dice diel dine elide cede
lend lice lied lien line iced idle need nice niece
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: Aug. 18, 2020

Cy the Cynic asserts that two kinds of people don ’ t have much to say : those who are quiet and those who talk constantly .
Many players embrace an active competitive style : When it ’ s their turn , they bid .
They may disrupt the opponents ’ auction but may also impel them to bid with more resolve , then guide their play .
In today ’ s deal , West ’ s two-club cue bid showed length in both majors .
When East jumped to four hearts , South knew North ’ s hand was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have useful cards elsewhere .
So South bid slam .
South took the ace of hearts , drew trumps , cashed the top spades , ruffed a spade , ruffed a heart in dummy and ruffed the last spade .
He found that West had held five spades , and presumably five hearts and two trumps , so one diamond .
So South next led a low diamond .
When West played the ten , dummy played low , and the defender who won was end-played .
Making six .
Players who compete @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that style has cost .
You hold : S K 8 4 3 H 6 D Q 6 5 2 C A 10 9 3 .
Your partner opens one heart , you respond one spade and he bids two diamonds .
What do you say ?
ANSWER : This problem illustrates a weak area of “ Standard ” bidding .
Opener ’ s minimum change of suit may conceal quite a good hand — as many as 18 points — but he could have a minimum hand .
As responder , you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ raise to three diamonds or pass .
I would raise here , with misgivings .
South West North East 1 C 2 C 3 C 4 H 6 C All Pass

Cy the Cynic asserts that two kinds of people don’t have much to say: those who are quiet and those who talk constantly.
Many players embrace an active competitive style: When it’s their turn, they bid. They may disrupt the opponents’ auction but may also impel them to bid with more resolve, then guide their play.
In today’s deal, West’s two-club cue bid showed length in both majors. When East jumped to four hearts, South knew North’s hand was short in hearts, hence North would have useful cards elsewhere. So South bid slam.
LAST SPADE
South took the ace of hearts, drew trumps, cashed the top spades, ruffed a spade, ruffed a heart in dummy and ruffed the last spade. He found that West had held five spades, and presumably five hearts and two trumps, so one diamond. So South next led a low diamond. When West played the ten, dummy played low, and the defender who won was end-played. Making six.
Players who compete aggressively tend to forget the deals where that style has cost.
DAILY QUESTION
You hold: S K 8 4 3 H 6 D Q 6 5 2 C A 10 9 3. Your partner opens one heart, you respond one spade and he bids two diamonds. What do you say?
ANSWER: This problem illustrates a weak area of “Standard” bidding. Opener’s minimum change of suit may conceal quite a good hand — as many as 18 points — but he could have a minimum hand. As responder, you can’t be sure whether to raise to three diamonds or pass. I would raise here, with misgivings.
South dealer
Neither side vulnerable
NORTH
S K 8 4 3
H 6
D Q 6 5 2
C A 10 9 3
WEST
S Q J 10 9 5
H K J 10 9 4
D 10
C 8 4
EAST
S 7 2
H Q 8 7 3 2
D K J 9 8 4
C 7
SOUTH
S A 6
H A 5
D A 7 3
C K Q J 6 5 2
South West North East
1 C 2 C 3 C 4 H
6 C All Pass
Opening lead — H J
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