mercurynews--2020-01-10--Texas becomes first state under Trump rule to refuse refugees

NEW YORK – Governor Greg Abbott of Texas on Friday became the first governor in the United States to refuse to accept refugees under an executive order requiring local jurisdictions to actively opt in to the federal resettlement program .
The decision is a major blow to the program since Texas is the largest recipient of refugees in the country .
“ At this time , the state and non-profit organizations have a responsibility to dedicate available resources to those who are already here , including refugees , migrants and the homeless , ” Abbott , a Republican , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Department .
“ As a result , Texas can not consent , ” to refugee resettlement this fiscal year , he said .
A State Department official said the executive order signed by President Donald Trump only affects the federal government ’ s decision about where to place refugees immediately after they arrive .
It does not apply to a refugee ’ s spouse or unmarried children under 21 who are being admitted to join them in the United States , the official said .
Refugees who are initially settled in another U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but they would not have access to federal resettlement benefits , such as housing , there , resettlement agencies say .
“ This is a deeply disappointing decision , ” said Krish O ’ Mara Vignarajah , president and chief executive officer of the resettlement agency Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service ( LIRS ) .
“ Historically , Texas has served as a beacon of hope for refugees from across the globe.
” So far , 41 governors – 18 of them Republican – and at least seven dozen local officials have consented @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tally .
Florida and Georgia , other major recipients of refugees , have so far remained silent on their stance .
The governor ’ s office in Florida said it was still reviewing the issue and Georgia declined to comment .
Cutting immigration has been a centerpiece of Trump ’ s presidency and 2020 re-election campaign .
One of his first acts after assuming office in January 2017 was to issue an order capping the maximum number of refugees that year at 50,000 .
Since then , the cap has been slashed every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 18,000 refugee admissions for this year , the lowest level since the modern refugee program began in 1980 .
By contrast , former Democratic President Barack Obama proposed resettling 110,000 refugees in the 2017 fiscal year ending in September .
Approximately 2,500 refugees were resettled in Texas in the 2019 fiscal year , down 70 percent from fiscal 2016 , according to State Department data .
• New Iran sanctions ordered as doubts remain about drone strike • Pelosi : House will send impeachment articles to Senate next week • For help with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he spurned The administration has said the consent requirement , signed in September , aimed to ensure receiving communities have the resources to integrate refugees .
But refugee resettlement groups have argued that giving local governors and mayors a veto over whom they accept is unconstitutional and would disrupt the way they work .
Three of the nine national resettlement agencies sued the Trump administration in federal court in an effort to block the order from being implemented .
Arguments in the case were held this week , and U.S. District Judge Peter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by former Democratic President Bill Clinton , could rule on the case soon .

By Mica Rosenberg | Reuters
NEW YORK – Governor Greg Abbott of Texas on Friday became the first governor in the United States to refuse to accept refugees under an executive order requiring local jurisdictions to actively opt in to the federal resettlement program.
The decision is a major blow to the program since Texas is the largest recipient of refugees in the country.
“At this time, the state and non-profit organizations have a responsibility to dedicate available resources to those who are already here, including refugees, migrants and the homeless,” Abbott, a Republican, said in his letter to the U.S. State Department.
“As a result, Texas cannot consent,” to refugee resettlement this fiscal year, he said.
A State Department official said the executive order signed by President Donald Trump only affects the federal government’s decision about where to place refugees immediately after they arrive. It does not apply to a refugee’s spouse or unmarried children under 21 who are being admitted to join them in the United States, the official said.
Refugees who are initially settled in another U.S. state can subsequently move to Texas, but they would not have access to federal resettlement benefits, such as housing, there, resettlement agencies say.
“This is a deeply disappointing decision,” said Krish O’Mara Vignarajah, president and chief executive officer of the resettlement agency Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS). “Historically, Texas has served as a beacon of hope for refugees from across the globe.”
So far, 41 governors – 18 of them Republican – and at least seven dozen local officials have consented to resettlement, according to a LIRS tally.
Florida and Georgia, other major recipients of refugees, have so far remained silent on their stance. The governor’s office in Florida said it was still reviewing the issue and Georgia declined to comment.
Cutting immigration has been a centerpiece of Trump’s presidency and 2020 re-election campaign. One of his first acts after assuming office in January 2017 was to issue an order capping the maximum number of refugees that year at 50,000. Since then, the cap has been slashed every year.
Trump set a ceiling of 18,000 refugee admissions for this year, the lowest level since the modern refugee program began in 1980. By contrast, former Democratic President Barack Obama proposed resettling 110,000 refugees in the 2017 fiscal year ending in September.
Approximately 2,500 refugees were resettled in Texas in the 2019 fiscal year, down 70 percent from fiscal 2016, according to State Department data.
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But refugee resettlement groups have argued that giving local governors and mayors a veto over whom they accept is unconstitutional and would disrupt the way they work.
Three of the nine national resettlement agencies sued the Trump administration in federal court in an effort to block the order from being implemented.
Arguments in the case were held this week, and U.S. District Judge Peter Messitte in Greenbelt, Maryland, appointed by former Democratic President Bill Clinton, could rule on the case soon.


mercurynews--2020-01-10--Can cash buy the nomination? Two billionaires are trying

By Brian Slodysko , Meg Kinnard and Michelle L. Price | Associated Press WASHINGTON — Billionaires Michael Bloomberg and Tom Steyer are testing an unproven theory in the contest for the Democratic presidential nomination : that their vast personal wealth can buy the trophy .
Not since Texas businessman Ross Perot spent $ 63.5 million in 1992 ( more than $ 100 million in today ’ s dollars ) on his run for president as an independent have candidates for the White House banked so much on their massive fortunes alone on delivering results .
Donald Trump spent about $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2016 .
Bloomberg has spent more than three times that amount in a little over two months .
Bloomberg , who founded a financial data and media company and served three terms as New York mayor , and Steyer , a California businessman , have saturated key primary states with hundreds of millions in TV and social media advertising .
They ’ ve also recruited top staff with above-market salaries while offering political figures and nonprofits generous contributions as they work to build networks of support .
To the dismay of many in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ People underestimate the billionaires at their own peril , ” said Rebecca Katz , a progressive Democratic strategist in New York .
“ Just because you have all the money in the world doesn ’ t mean you will win the nomination and become president .
But it ’ s a hell of a head start.
” Democrats have long grappled with the sway the wealthy hold over politics , an issue that took on added gravity after the Supreme Court ’ s landmark 2010 Citizens United decision cleared the way for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the political system .
The party ’ s progressive wing sought to make the 2020 contest a referendum on the taint of big money in politics .
They championed small online donations from the grassroots base as the purest indicator of voter enthusiasm .
Bloomberg and Steyer have turned that argument inside out by eliminating the need for donors altogether , though unlike Bloomberg , Steyer does accept campaign contributions .
“ There is no question that the system is set up to benefit people who can self-fund , ” said Jared Leopold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Jay Inslee , who dropped out of the 2020 presidential race after struggling to attract donors .
“ They are twisted rules , but that ’ s the reality.
” Bloomberg and Steyer flirted with presidential bids early last year but pulled back at the last minute .
Yet after no clear front-runner emerged this cycle , Steyer , who is worth an estimated $ 1.6 billion by Forbes , entered the race in July .
Bloomberg — whose net worth Forbes said is greater than $ 50 billion — announced his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Steyer had spent more than $ 60 million on ads , according to the tracking firm Advertising Analytics .
Bloomberg , meanwhile , crossed the $ 200 million ad spending threshold Friday morning , the firm announced , a sum that nearly surpasses the $ 222 million spent by the entire rest of the field .
For now , their big-money approach appears to be paying some dividends .
Steyer made waves Thursday when Fox News polls in Nevada and South Carolina measured his support in those states in double digits , though @ @ @ @ @ @ @ national polls released in December , as well as in Iowa and New Hampshire .
Bloomberg has not focused his attention on the early primary and caucus states and has instead zeroed in on the larger delegate-rich states on Super Tuesday and later primaries .
He has registered mid-single-digit support in national polls but has risen steadily along with his advertising .
He has come in below former Vice President Joe Biden , as well as Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren , but higher in some polls than either @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker .
Their wealth has given them a resiliency that other prominent candidates in the race did not enjoy , which hastened their exit , including California Sen. Kamala Harris , New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand , former Texas Rep. Beto O ’ Rourke and Inslee .
“ If you are out-of-sight and out-of-mind in the air wars , it ’ s hard to envision a circumstance where you can come back and win the nomination .
That ’ s just the harsh reality of a crowded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who was Harris ’ lead spokesman before she left the race last month .
“ No single factor led to Kamala ’ s exit from this race as much as a lack of financial resources.
” So far , Steyer and Bloomberg have largely avoided the attacks from rivals and intense media scrutiny that can sink a candidacy .
That will change if they become top-tier candidates .
Steyer briefly found himself in an unwanted spotlight in November after The Associated Press revealed a top aide in Iowa was offering campaign contributions in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a virtual monopoly on presidential advertising and campaigning in the states that follow the traditional starting-gun states of Iowa and New Hampshire .
In Georgia , which won ’ t vote until after Super Tuesday , he recently donated $ 5 million to a voting rights political group led by Stacey Abrams , a rising star who nearly became Georgia ’ s first black female governor in 2018 , losing a close race .
During an appearance there on Friday , he described himself as a “ middle-class kid ” who was “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ find success .
He only glancingly referred to his own staggering wealth , noting that he ’ s not accepting contributions from anyone .
Steyer , too , appears to be benefiting from limited competition in states that have yet to draw a glut of advertising from the other candidates , most of whom are more focused on Iowa and New Hampshire .
In Nevada , where Steyer was already known as the man running commercials calling for Trump to be impeached , his face and voice dominate the airwaves — unlike most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He also invested in conspicuous electronic billboards that beam his name at drivers on highways around Las Vegas .
In South Carolina , Steyer has spent more than $ 10 million on ads .
Most of the state ’ s Democratic electorate is black , and he ’ s targeted minority-owned media in particular , spending a half million dollars on black radio .
• Spiritual guru Marianne Williamson ends her bid for the White House • Facebook says politicians can still tell lies in their online ads • Top Facebook executive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ‘ best digital ad campaign ’ ever “ Communicating in a vacuum can move numbers , ” said Leopold , the Inslee adviser .
“ But the question is when people start tuning into other names and seeing other people on their TV set , do they stick with Steyer , or is that just a sugar high ?
” In the meantime , it ’ s drawing him attention , including at an event last month at Allen University , a historically black college in Columbia .
When Steyer took the stage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up until that moment hadn ’ t been paying attention perked up and exclaimed : “ Oh , it ’ s that guy — I ’ ve seen him on TV .
”

By Brian Slodysko, Meg Kinnard and Michelle L. Price | Associated Press
WASHINGTON — Billionaires Michael Bloomberg and Tom Steyer are testing an unproven theory in the contest for the Democratic presidential nomination: that their vast personal wealth can buy the trophy.
Not since Texas businessman Ross Perot spent $63.5 million in 1992 (more than $100 million in today’s dollars) on his run for president as an independent have candidates for the White House banked so much on their massive fortunes alone on delivering results. Donald Trump spent about $65 million of his own money in 2016. Bloomberg has spent more than three times that amount in a little over two months.
Bloomberg, who founded a financial data and media company and served three terms as New York mayor, and Steyer, a California businessman, have saturated key primary states with hundreds of millions in TV and social media advertising. They’ve also recruited top staff with above-market salaries while offering political figures and nonprofits generous contributions as they work to build networks of support.
To the dismay of many in the party, it might work.
“People underestimate the billionaires at their own peril,” said Rebecca Katz, a progressive Democratic strategist in New York. “Just because you have all the money in the world doesn’t mean you will win the nomination and become president. But it’s a hell of a head start.”
Democrats have long grappled with the sway the wealthy hold over politics, an issue that took on added gravity after the Supreme Court’s landmark 2010 Citizens United decision cleared the way for the flood of cash now coursing through the political system.
The party’s progressive wing sought to make the 2020 contest a referendum on the taint of big money in politics. They championed small online donations from the grassroots base as the purest indicator of voter enthusiasm.
Bloomberg and Steyer have turned that argument inside out by eliminating the need for donors altogether, though unlike Bloomberg, Steyer does accept campaign contributions.
“There is no question that the system is set up to benefit people who can self-fund,” said Jared Leopold, a senior adviser to Washington Gov. Jay Inslee, who dropped out of the 2020 presidential race after struggling to attract donors. “They are twisted rules, but that’s the reality.”
Bloomberg and Steyer flirted with presidential bids early last year but pulled back at the last minute. Yet after no clear front-runner emerged this cycle, Steyer, who is worth an estimated $1.6 billion by Forbes, entered the race in July. Bloomberg — whose net worth Forbes said is greater than $50 billion — announced his campaign in November.
By December, Steyer had spent more than $60 million on ads, according to the tracking firm Advertising Analytics. Bloomberg, meanwhile, crossed the $200 million ad spending threshold Friday morning, the firm announced, a sum that nearly surpasses the $222 million spent by the entire rest of the field.
For now, their big-money approach appears to be paying some dividends.
Steyer made waves Thursday when Fox News polls in Nevada and South Carolina measured his support in those states in double digits, though he fell well below that mark in national polls released in December, as well as in Iowa and New Hampshire.
Bloomberg has not focused his attention on the early primary and caucus states and has instead zeroed in on the larger delegate-rich states on Super Tuesday and later primaries. He has registered mid-single-digit support in national polls but has risen steadily along with his advertising. He has come in below former Vice President Joe Biden, as well as Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, but higher in some polls than either Steyer or some of the established candidates, including New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker.
Their wealth has given them a resiliency that other prominent candidates in the race did not enjoy, which hastened their exit, including California Sen. Kamala Harris, New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, former Texas Rep. Beto O’Rourke and Inslee.
“If you are out-of-sight and out-of-mind in the air wars, it’s hard to envision a circumstance where you can come back and win the nomination. That’s just the harsh reality of a crowded field,” said Ian Sams, who was Harris’ lead spokesman before she left the race last month. “No single factor led to Kamala’s exit from this race as much as a lack of financial resources.”
So far, Steyer and Bloomberg have largely avoided the attacks from rivals and intense media scrutiny that can sink a candidacy. That will change if they become top-tier candidates.
Steyer briefly found himself in an unwanted spotlight in November after The Associated Press revealed a top aide in Iowa was offering campaign contributions in exchange for endorsements.
Bloomberg has had a virtual monopoly on presidential advertising and campaigning in the states that follow the traditional starting-gun states of Iowa and New Hampshire.
In Georgia, which won’t vote until after Super Tuesday, he recently donated $5 million to a voting rights political group led by Stacey Abrams, a rising star who nearly became Georgia’s first black female governor in 2018, losing a close race.
During an appearance there on Friday, he described himself as a “middle-class kid” who was “lucky enough” to finish college and find success.
He only glancingly referred to his own staggering wealth, noting that he’s not accepting contributions from anyone.
Steyer, too, appears to be benefiting from limited competition in states that have yet to draw a glut of advertising from the other candidates, most of whom are more focused on Iowa and New Hampshire.
In Nevada, where Steyer was already known as the man running commercials calling for Trump to be impeached, his face and voice dominate the airwaves — unlike most of the rest of the 2020 field. He also invested in conspicuous electronic billboards that beam his name at drivers on highways around Las Vegas.
In South Carolina, Steyer has spent more than $10 million on ads. Most of the state’s Democratic electorate is black, and he’s targeted minority-owned media in particular, spending a half million dollars on black radio.
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In the meantime, it’s drawing him attention, including at an event last month at Allen University, a historically black college in Columbia.
When Steyer took the stage, a student in the audience who up until that moment hadn’t been paying attention perked up and exclaimed: “Oh, it’s that guy — I’ve seen him on TV.”


mercurynews--2020-01-10--Joe Pavelski returns to San Jose: Listing the ways his absence has affected the Sharks

CLICK HERE if you are having a problem viewing the photos or video on a mobile device SAN JOSE — Doug Wilson made the boldest move — and maybe even his biggest gamble — of his tenure as Sharks general manager when in June of last year he signed two-time Norris Trophy winner Erik Karlsson to a eight-year , $ 92 million contract extension , the richest deal in team history .
But with that decision came ramifications .
The most of important of which was that there was not going to be enough room under this season ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 81.5 million to fit Joe Pavelski , who established himself as one of the greatest players in team history .
“ The impact he ’ s had on this franchise and his teammates are going to be felt for years to come , ” Wilson said July 1 , the day Pavelski signed a three-year , $ 21 million deal with the Dallas Stars .
“ With a cap system , these are pretty difficult decisions.
” The Sharks will welcome back Pavelski on Saturday night when they host the Stars in one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at SAP Center in recent memory .
Pavelski played 13 seasons in San Jose , serving as captain from 2015-2019 , and finished his career with the Sharks with 335 goals and 761 points in 963 regular season games .
“ It ’ ll be weird , ” Pavelski said Friday .
“ Probably just seeing the jersey ’ s going to be the toughest part .
Just be awkward in a lot of ways , probably.
” The Sharks have felt his absence from a production standpoint , as they are averaging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the NHL .
They sit 13th in the Western Conference with a 20-22-4 record , and odds are they will miss the playoffs for just the second time in the last 16 seasons .
But there may be more to it than just the numbers .
With the way he carried himself , Pavelski , now 35 , became the heart-and-soul of the Sharks , synonymous with the crest he wore and the city he grew up in .
“ You could argue that it ’ s still a bit of an adjustment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said of the team ’ s time without their former captain , adding that Pavelski was , “ everything about Sharks hockey.
” Let ’ s look at the ways Pavelski ’ s absence has been felt .
1 .
Even strength play : Pavelski had 219 goals and 236 assists at even strength in his 13 seasons with the Sharks .
Twenty-five of those goals came last season .
This season , the Sharks ’ leader in even strength goals is Logan Couture with 14 , followed by Timo Meier with 13 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pavelski had to miss seven games late last season with a lower body injury , the Sharks , also without Erik Karlsson at that time , went 1-5-1 and scored just 15 even strength goals .
As Pavelski has struggled to find the back of the net this season with just eight goals in 44 games , the Sharks have had a team-wide problem producing at even strength .
Going into Saturday , the Sharks are 23rd in the NHL with 82 goals coming at 5 on 5 .
Pavelski averaged close to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the Sharks and won 55 percent of his faceoffs .
He had 58 game-winning goals .
“ Especially our system , it was made perfectly for Pavs , ” Sharks winger Timo Meier said .
“ Him and ( Thornton ) with those high tips .
I don ’ t know how many tips ( Pavelski ) got when he and ( Brent Burns ) connected .
He was definitely a huge part of our success.
” Besides his production , Pavelski showed his importance over the years by sliding over and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with injuries to players such as Joe Thornton and Hertl .
His natural position is right wing .
The Sharks are dealing with those issues right now with Couture out for approximately six weeks with a broken bone in his left ankle .
Marleau can slide over and play center if need be , but at the moment , the Sharks have Hertl , Thornton , Antti Suomela and Joel Kellman as their four centers .
The Sharks won their first game without Couture on Thursday , beating the Columbus Blue Jackets 3-1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Without Pavelski , the Sharks were a mess with the man advantage throughout much of the first half the season .
After 41 games , they had just 17 power play goals in 119 chances , a 14.3 success rate that ranked 29th in the league .
Including their 2-0 loss to Detroit Red Wings , the Sharks , in a 20-game stretch , went 2-for-49 with the man advantage .
The Sharks have turned things around recently , switching up the personnel on the two power play units and having players in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a surge in production , as the Sharks have five power play goals in their last five games , and was ranked 24th in the NHL ( 16.9 percent ) as of Friday morning .
The Sharks had a 16.7 percent success rate on the power play in 2016-17 , but otherwise never finished a season below 17 percent with Pavelski on the roster .
From 2006 to 2019 , Pavelski had 278 power play points , second only in that time to Thornton ’ s 354 .
Without a tipper like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as effective with their low to high strategy , where pucks are shot from the point toward the net with traffic in front .
3 .
Leadership : Kevin Labanc told a story about how Pavelski mentored him when he was first breaking into the NHL in the 2016-17 season .
“ Changing in the offensive zone , ” Labanc said with a smile about some bad habits he picked up in junior hockey .
“ But he ’ s so right .
Just having a shorter shift , it helps you so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not back-checking or playing good defensively , he ’ ll be on you.
” The Sharks have plenty of leaders .
Couture has found his voice as a first year captain , and there ’ s other veteran voices in the room to hold each player accountable .
But everyone noticed when he and Burns used to be the first players on the ice before a practice or a morning skate .
He did things the right way , every day .
“ It didn ’ t matter the fact that he 800 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he was always out there working on his craft , ” Dillon said .
“ He was the first guy — whether you were someone coming into play your first game or play your 1,500th game — he ’ d find a way to connect and make you feel special , make you feel a part of the group .
“ I think that was most ( impressive ) part about it.
” To be clear , the Sharks did not want to let Pavelski go .
But more than the money @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sticking point was the term .
Pavelski wanted a three-year deal , and Wilson was not willing to extend that far .
• Watch : Former Sharks captain Joe Pavelski talks before his return to SAP Center • Sharks ’ Logan Couture discusses injury , what ’ s next for him • Doug Wilson says Sharks ’ Couture out several weeks with ankle fracture “ Always had a feeling that something would probably work out , ” Pavelski said Friday of contract talks with the Sharks .
“ Until it didn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any reason really not to ( think that way ) .
” “ It ’ s emotional , ” Wilson said July 1 .
“ You have a heart and you have a head , and you understand these decisions have to get made , and they get made .
So , you have mixed emotions .
”

CLICK HERE if you are having a problem viewing the photos or video on a mobile device
SAN JOSE — Doug Wilson made the boldest move — and maybe even his biggest gamble — of his tenure as Sharks general manager when in June of last year he signed two-time Norris Trophy winner Erik Karlsson to a eight-year, $92 million contract extension, the richest deal in team history.
But with that decision came ramifications.
The most of important of which was that there was not going to be enough room under this season’s NHL’s salary cap of $81.5 million to fit Joe Pavelski, who established himself as one of the greatest players in team history.
“The impact he’s had on this franchise and his teammates are going to be felt for years to come,” Wilson said July 1, the day Pavelski signed a three-year, $21 million deal with the Dallas Stars. “With a cap system, these are pretty difficult decisions.”
The Sharks will welcome back Pavelski on Saturday night when they host the Stars in one of the more anticipated regular season games at SAP Center in recent memory.
Pavelski played 13 seasons in San Jose, serving as captain from 2015-2019, and finished his career with the Sharks with 335 goals and 761 points in 963 regular season games.
“It’ll be weird,” Pavelski said Friday. “Probably just seeing the jersey’s going to be the toughest part. Just be awkward in a lot of ways, probably.”
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The Sharks have felt his absence from a production standpoint, as they are averaging 2.64 goals per game, 26th-best in the NHL. They sit 13th in the Western Conference with a 20-22-4 record, and odds are they will miss the playoffs for just the second time in the last 16 seasons.
But there may be more to it than just the numbers. With the way he carried himself, Pavelski, now 35, became the heart-and-soul of the Sharks, synonymous with the crest he wore and the city he grew up in.
“You could argue that it’s still a bit of an adjustment period,” Sharks defenseman Brenden Dillon said of the team’s time without their former captain, adding that Pavelski was, “everything about Sharks hockey.”
Let’s look at the ways Pavelski’s absence has been felt.
1. Even strength play: Pavelski had 219 goals and 236 assists at even strength in his 13 seasons with the Sharks. Twenty-five of those goals came last season.
This season, the Sharks’ leader in even strength goals is Logan Couture with 14, followed by Timo Meier with 13 ad Tomas Hertl with 11.
When Pavelski had to miss seven games late last season with a lower body injury, the Sharks, also without Erik Karlsson at that time, went 1-5-1 and scored just 15 even strength goals.
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As Pavelski has struggled to find the back of the net this season with just eight goals in 44 games, the Sharks have had a team-wide problem producing at even strength. Going into Saturday, the Sharks are 23rd in the NHL with 82 goals coming at 5 on 5.
Pavelski averaged close to 19 minutes per game in his time with the Sharks and won 55 percent of his faceoffs. He had 58 game-winning goals.
“Especially our system, it was made perfectly for Pavs,” Sharks winger Timo Meier said. “Him and (Thornton) with those high tips. I don’t know how many tips (Pavelski) got when he and (Brent Burns) connected. He was definitely a huge part of our success.”
Besides his production, Pavelski showed his importance over the years by sliding over and playing center when the Sharks were dealing with injuries to players such as Joe Thornton and Hertl. His natural position is right wing.
The Sharks are dealing with those issues right now with Couture out for approximately six weeks with a broken bone in his left ankle. Marleau can slide over and play center if need be, but at the moment, the Sharks have Hertl, Thornton, Antti Suomela and Joel Kellman as their four centers.
The Sharks won their first game without Couture on Thursday, beating the Columbus Blue Jackets 3-1.
2. Power play production: Without Pavelski, the Sharks were a mess with the man advantage throughout much of the first half the season. After 41 games, they had just 17 power play goals in 119 chances, a 14.3 success rate that ranked 29th in the league.
Including their 2-0 loss to Detroit Red Wings, the Sharks, in a 20-game stretch, went 2-for-49 with the man advantage.
The Sharks have turned things around recently, switching up the personnel on the two power play units and having players in different spots. That’s led to a surge in production, as the Sharks have five power play goals in their last five games, and was ranked 24th in the NHL (16.9 percent) as of Friday morning.
The Sharks had a 16.7 percent success rate on the power play in 2016-17, but otherwise never finished a season below 17 percent with Pavelski on the roster. From 2006 to 2019, Pavelski had 278 power play points, second only in that time to Thornton’s 354.
Without a tipper like Pavelski, the Sharks weren’t as effective with their low to high strategy, where pucks are shot from the point toward the net with traffic in front.
3. Leadership: Kevin Labanc told a story about how Pavelski mentored him when he was first breaking into the NHL in the 2016-17 season.
“Changing in the offensive zone,” Labanc said with a smile about some bad habits he picked up in junior hockey. “But he’s so right. Just having a shorter shift, it helps you so much.
“If you’re not back-checking or playing good defensively, he’ll be on you.”
The Sharks have plenty of leaders. Couture has found his voice as a first year captain, and there’s other veteran voices in the room to hold each player accountable.
But everyone noticed when he and Burns used to be the first players on the ice before a practice or a morning skate. He did things the right way, every day.
“It didn’t matter the fact that he 800, 900 games or hundreds of goals, he was always out there working on his craft,” Dillon said. “He was the first guy — whether you were someone coming into play your first game or play your 1,500th game — he’d find a way to connect and make you feel special, make you feel a part of the group.
“I think that was most (impressive) part about it.”
To be clear, the Sharks did not want to let Pavelski go. But more than the money he received from the Stars, the sticking point was the term. Pavelski wanted a three-year deal, and Wilson was not willing to extend that far.
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“It’s emotional,” Wilson said July 1. “You have a heart and you have a head, and you understand these decisions have to get made, and they get made. So, you have mixed emotions.”


mercurynews--2020-01-10--Video: Florida mobilizes to rid Everglades of Burmese pythons

SUNRISE , Fla. — Miami ’ s upcoming Super Bowl will mean death for dozens of invasive Burmese pythons in the Everglades — and wildlife officials say that ’ s a good thing .
The game ’ s organizing committee is working with Florida to promote the Python Bowl , a 10-day contest that began Friday that will give out all-terrain vehicles and cash to the hunters who kill the most and biggest of these non-native snakes .
The pythons , which can grow to 20 feet ( 6.10 meters ) , are descended from pets released starting five decades @ @ @ @ @ @ @ devouring native mammal and bird populations .
Kristen Sommers , a wildlife impact manager for the state Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission , said officials understand the number of pythons caught during the contest won ’ t even make a dent in the population , which might exceed 100,000 .
But the goal is to raise the public ’ s awareness of the problem .
“ We hope we can minimize the python ’ s impact until some time in the future when some sort of silver bullet will be available , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kickoff event , commission biologist Robert Edman cleared a 25-foot circle and then brought out a white bag , dumping a 12-foot female python onto the ground .
Each adult female lays between 60 and 100 eggs per year .
Once the snakes reach adulthood in about five years they have no Florida predators besides armed humans and the occasional sawgrass death match with an adult alligator .
Demonstrating proper hunting technique , Edman poked at the tan-and-black spotted snake with a metal rod to make it uncoil .
He then crept behind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can inflict a painful but not deadly bite .
Pythons wrap around their prey and squeeze it to death .
Edman then used a hook on the end of the rod to clamp down at the base of the snake ’ s skull and pin it in place , using his knee to pin its body .
He didn ’ t kill it , but during an actual hunt , the snake would then be dispatched with a bolt gun or bullet to the brain or by decapitation .
Python trapper Tom Rahill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a slow hunt because of the moderate expected temperature range of 70 to 80 degrees ( 21 to 26 degrees Celsius ) .
Pythons are more likely to leave the brush and water and go into the open when it is especially hot or cold .
One advantage is that it is mating season , so males will travel for miles if they smell an eager female in the distance , said Rahill , who helps run Swamp Apes , an organization that assists military veterans cope with combat trauma by teaching @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has caught almost 800 pythons , said the key to success is persistence : Every eight hours of hunting averages one snake caught .
It takes a keen eye , looking for a telltale glistening under the water or in the bush during the day or staking out levees at night , waiting for one to appear .
“ It is a certain amount of luck , but it is being in the the right place at the right time , ” he said .

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[vemba-video id=”van/ns-acc/2020/01/10/SE-007FR_CNNA-ST1-1000000005940f00″]
By Terry Spencer | Associate Press
SUNRISE, Fla. — Miami’s upcoming Super Bowl will mean death for dozens of invasive Burmese pythons in the Everglades — and wildlife officials say that’s a good thing.
The game’s organizing committee is working with Florida to promote the Python Bowl, a 10-day contest that began Friday that will give out all-terrain vehicles and cash to the hunters who kill the most and biggest of these non-native snakes. The pythons, which can grow to 20 feet (6.10 meters), are descended from pets released starting five decades ago. The big serpents have been devouring native mammal and bird populations.
Kristen Sommers, a wildlife impact manager for the state Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, said officials understand the number of pythons caught during the contest won’t even make a dent in the population, which might exceed 100,000. But the goal is to raise the public’s awareness of the problem.
“We hope we can minimize the python’s impact until some time in the future when some sort of silver bullet will be available,” she said.
At Friday’s kickoff event, commission biologist Robert Edman cleared a 25-foot circle and then brought out a white bag, dumping a 12-foot female python onto the ground. Each adult female lays between 60 and 100 eggs per year. Once the snakes reach adulthood in about five years they have no Florida predators besides armed humans and the occasional sawgrass death match with an adult alligator.
Demonstrating proper hunting technique, Edman poked at the tan-and-black spotted snake with a metal rod to make it uncoil. He then crept behind it to avoid its fangs, which can inflict a painful but not deadly bite. Pythons wrap around their prey and squeeze it to death.
Edman then used a hook on the end of the rod to clamp down at the base of the snake’s skull and pin it in place, using his knee to pin its body. He didn’t kill it, but during an actual hunt, the snake would then be dispatched with a bolt gun or bullet to the brain or by decapitation.
Python trapper Tom Rahill said the next 10 days might make for a slow hunt because of the moderate expected temperature range of 70 to 80 degrees (21 to 26 degrees Celsius). Pythons are more likely to leave the brush and water and go into the open when it is especially hot or cold.
One advantage is that it is mating season, so males will travel for miles if they smell an eager female in the distance, said Rahill, who helps run Swamp Apes, an organization that assists military veterans cope with combat trauma by teaching them python hunting.
Rahill, who has caught almost 800 pythons, said the key to success is persistence: Every eight hours of hunting averages one snake caught. It takes a keen eye, looking for a telltale glistening under the water or in the bush during the day or staking out levees at night, waiting for one to appear.
“It is a certain amount of luck, but it is being in the the right place at the right time,” he said.


mercurynews--2020-01-10--49ers-Vikings: 6 new spots for watching Saturday’s playoff game

Since last season ’ s NFL playoff games , the Bay Area has become home to a bona fide contender and lots of new gastropubs , bars and restaurants where you can watch the aforementioned San Francisco 49ers .
Here are six that have opened in the past year or so : Brew City Grill , Campbell : This new Hamilton Avenue hangout features upscale pizzas , burgers and fries , plus enough interesting craft beers on tap — 24 — to fuel the 49er Faithful .
651 W. Hamilton Ave. Growler USA Kitchen & Taphouse , San Jose : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ finally brought its wall of 100 beer taps — plus bar bites — to California .
The TVs are on the other wall .
787 The Alameda .
Magpie , Oakland : Temescal ’ s new Magpie specializes in Neapolitan-style pizzas and tapas , with about 36 beer , cider and wine taps .
The bar ’ s got TVs for East Bay fans ready to embrace ( sort of ) the Niners now that the local guys have played their last in Oakland .
375 40th St .
Pinstripes , San Mateo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Center boasts bowling , bocce , bars , an Italian restaurant — and several TVs for watching sports events .
60 31st Ave. SideTrack Bar + Grill , Pleasanton : As the name implies , this rustic-industrial restaurant celebrates railroading — and does so with a lineup of local wines , craft beers and a chef-driven menu .
TVs are mounted in the bar for sports fans .
30 W. Angela St. Water Tower Kitchen , Campbell : This high-octane restaurant in a historic agricultural building features a chef-driven menu and a full @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including some 10-footers — downstairs and three upstairs .
201 Orchard City Drive .

Since last season’s NFL playoff games, the Bay Area has become home to a bona fide contender and lots of new gastropubs, bars and restaurants where you can watch the aforementioned San Francisco 49ers.
Here are six that have opened in the past year or so:
Brew City Grill, Campbell: This new Hamilton Avenue hangout features upscale pizzas, burgers and fries, plus enough interesting craft beers on tap — 24 — to fuel the 49er Faithful. 651 W. Hamilton Ave.
Growler USA Kitchen & Taphouse, San Jose: This Colorado-based chain of microbrewery pubs has finally brought its wall of 100 beer taps — plus bar bites — to California. The TVs are on the other wall. 787 The Alameda.
Magpie, Oakland: Temescal’s new Magpie specializes in Neapolitan-style pizzas and tapas, with about 36 beer, cider and wine taps. The bar’s got TVs for East Bay fans ready to embrace (sort of) the Niners now that the local guys have played their last in Oakland. 375 40th St.
Pinstripes, San Mateo: This new venue at Hillsdale Shopping Center boasts bowling, bocce, bars, an Italian restaurant — and several TVs for watching sports events. 60 31st Ave.
SideTrack Bar + Grill, Pleasanton: As the name implies, this rustic-industrial restaurant celebrates railroading — and does so with a lineup of local wines, craft beers and a chef-driven menu. TVs are mounted in the bar for sports fans. 30 W. Angela St.
Water Tower Kitchen, Campbell: This high-octane restaurant in a historic agricultural building features a chef-driven menu and a full bar. There are 14 TVs — including some 10-footers — downstairs and three upstairs. 201 Orchard City Drive.


mercurynews--2020-01-10--Car description released in Union City double murder

UNION CITY — Although no arrests have been made yet , a description of a car possibly used by whoever fatally shot two young boys in a school parking lot last November was released by police Friday .
Police would not say how they got the information about the car , which is described as a silver Toyota sedan similar to a mid to late-2000 ’ s model Camry or Corolla .
Lt. Steve Mendez on Friday said police would especially like to talk to anyone who saw the car either right before or right after the shooting .
Fatally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a.m. Nov. 23 as they sat in a van in the parking lot of Searles Elementary School near the 1800 block of Sherman drive were 11 and 14-year-old boys who police said were friends .
Police have not said why the boys were out so late or why they were in the parking lot .
Their names have not been released or confirmed by police at the request of their families .
Police believe more than one suspect was involved in the shooting .
An exact motive has not been determined yet , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were gang related has not been ruled out .
Detectives have spent hundreds of hours trying to identify suspects .
The killings took an emotional toll on the city .
Shortly after the killings , Mayor Carol Dutra-Vernaci said she was “ both outraged and saddened by the senseless ” deaths and that the community will need “ time to heal from this tragedy.
” The police department is encouraging anyone with information about the car or any possible suspects to call Detective Clubb at 510-675-5227 .
Contact can also be made using @ @ @ @ @ @ @ email at tips @ unioncity.org .
Calls and emails may be anonymous .

UNION CITY — Although no arrests have been made yet, a description of a car possibly used by whoever fatally shot two young boys in a school parking lot last November was released by police Friday.
Police would not say how they got the information about the car, which is described as a silver Toyota sedan similar to a mid to late-2000’s model Camry or Corolla.
Lt. Steve Mendez on Friday said police would especially like to talk to anyone who saw the car either right before or right after the shooting.
Fatally wounded by gunfire that happened about 1:26 a.m. Nov. 23 as they sat in a van in the parking lot of Searles Elementary School near the 1800 block of Sherman drive were 11 and 14-year-old boys who police said were friends. Police have not said why the boys were out so late or why they were in the parking lot.
Their names have not been released or confirmed by police at the request of their families.
Police believe more than one suspect was involved in the shooting. An exact motive has not been determined yet, but Mendez said the possibility the killings were gang related has not been ruled out. Detectives have spent hundreds of hours trying to identify suspects.
The killings took an emotional toll on the city.
Shortly after the killings, Mayor Carol Dutra-Vernaci said she was “both outraged and saddened by the senseless” deaths and that the community will need “time to heal from this tragedy.”
The police department is encouraging anyone with information about the car or any possible suspects to call Detective Clubb at 510-675-5227. Contact can also be made using the UCPD tip line at 510-675-5207 or email at tips@unioncity.org. Calls and emails may be anonymous.


mercurynews--2020-01-10--NY students knit hats for Paradise’s Camp Fire survivors in act of love

An act of kindness , multiplied 500 times , is heading to the town of Paradise and the survivors of last year ’ s devastating Camp Fire , which killed 85 people and destroyed almost 19,000 homes and businesses .
About 500 hand-knitted caps , made by students at a New York school , are to be delivered to their counterparts at Paradise Unified School District next week .
The caps are symbols of love and support from the West Patent Elementary School in Bedford Hills , New York , gifts to the Camp Fire survivors in Paradise and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the West Patent Elementary knitting club turned into a community project they named “ Knitting for Friends , ” drawing in parents , volunteers and even knitters at Stanford and UC Berkeley .
The original goal was to knit 250 caps , but after a letter explaining the project was sent home to parents and an area store donated yarn and knitting needles , the project doubled .
The hats will be delivered on Jan. 17 , with JetBlue flying the bundles of hats and Knitting for Friends founders Margaret Rose Goodman , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Reino , the school nurse , to the Bay Area .
The pair also will present the school with copies of “ A Hat for Mrs. Goldman ” ( Schwartz & Wade Books ) by Michelle Edwards and Brian Karas .
The book is about a young girl , Sophia , who makes pompoms for the many hats her neighbor , Mrs. Goldman , knits for the neighborhood .
When Sophia realizes that Mrs. Goldman doesn ’ t have a hat for herself , she works to make her one .
The book @ @ @ @ @ @ @ students , has been incorporated into West Patent ’ s curriculum to encourage discussion about the knitting project , and reflects the school ’ s motto “ Be kind every day .
It ’ s the West Patent way.
” “ Our Knitting for Friends service learning project is really about kindness , caring , empathy , friendship , teamwork and community building , ” Goodman said .
“ It is children reaching out to other children , students learning how they can make this world a better place through their actions , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” This isn ’ t the first time West Patent students have reached out to Camp Fire survivors .
Last year , the school donated gently used books to help replenish libraries destroyed by wildfires .

An act of kindness, multiplied 500 times, is heading to the town of Paradise and the survivors of last year’s devastating Camp Fire, which killed 85 people and destroyed almost 19,000 homes and businesses.
About 500 hand-knitted caps, made by students at a New York school, are to be delivered to their counterparts at Paradise Unified School District next week.
The caps are symbols of love and support from the West Patent Elementary School in Bedford Hills, New York, gifts to the Camp Fire survivors in Paradise and the surrounding area.
The original plan by the West Patent Elementary knitting club turned into a community project they named “Knitting for Friends,” drawing in parents, volunteers and even knitters at Stanford and UC Berkeley.
The original goal was to knit 250 caps, but after a letter explaining the project was sent home to parents and an area store donated yarn and knitting needles, the project doubled.
The hats will be delivered on Jan. 17, with JetBlue flying the bundles of hats and Knitting for Friends founders Margaret Rose Goodman, an elementary consulting teacher, and Marie Reino, the school nurse, to the Bay Area.
The pair also will present the school with copies of “A Hat for Mrs. Goldman” (Schwartz & Wade Books) by Michelle Edwards and Brian Karas. The book is about a young girl, Sophia, who makes pompoms for the many hats her neighbor, Mrs. Goldman, knits for the neighborhood. When Sophia realizes that Mrs. Goldman doesn’t have a hat for herself, she works to Related Articles California News | Maui fire: ‘This whole town of Paradise knows exactly what they’re feeling’
Maui fire: ‘This whole town of Paradise knows exactly what they’re feeling’ California News | Paradise superintendent says construction helps show town’s rebound make her one.
The book, which will be read to Paradise students, has been incorporated into West Patent’s curriculum to encourage discussion about the knitting project, and reflects the school’s motto “Be kind every day. It’s the West Patent way.”
“Our Knitting for Friends service learning project is really about kindness, caring, empathy, friendship, teamwork and community building,” Goodman said. “It is children reaching out to other children, students learning how they can make this world a better place through their actions, and an entire learning community working together.”
This isn’t the first time West Patent students have reached out to Camp Fire survivors. Last year, the school donated gently used books to help replenish libraries destroyed by wildfires.


mercurynews--2020-01-11--Letter: Troubled by Trump’s recent actions and his dad’s dementia

Although the term “ dementia ” has been thrown about a lot in reference to President Trump , I feel @ @ @ @ @ citizens to seriously consider this possibility .
His father is known to have suffered from @ @ @ @ @ later life ( Alzheimer ’ s ) , and while this does not automatically mean @ @ @ @ @ , it can be hereditary .
The president ’ s speeches and actions in recent @ @ @ @ @ more erratic and careless .
• Letter : Some may be quitting the wrong vaping @ @ @ @ @ surprised many by selling out on water • Letter : AB 5 is a terrible @ @ @ @ @ s the saddest part If it scares you as it does me that this individual @ @ @ @ @ please think seriously about voting him out of office this year – for the sake @ @ @ @ @ Submit your letter to the editor via this form Read more Letters to the Editor

Trump’s dad’s dementia,
Trump’s actions troubling
Although the term “dementia” has been thrown about a lot in reference to President Trump, I feel it is necessary for all citizens to seriously consider this possibility.
His father is known to have suffered from a type of dementia in later life (Alzheimer’s), and while this does not automatically mean Donald Trump will experience it, it can be hereditary.
The president’s speeches and actions in recent months have become more and more erratic and careless.
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Marian Bruns
Newark
Submit your letter to the editor via this form
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mercurynews--2020-01-11--Letter: Some may be quitting the wrong vaping products

Re : “ Bay Area cities should get behind vaping ban ” ( Editorial , Mercurynews.com , Dec. 10 ) : A Mercury News editorial published Dec. 10 said the vaping death toll is due to e-cigarettes .
Per Scott Gottlieb , M.D.
, formerly FDA : “ If a product contains THC , it ’ s not an e-cigarette .
An e-cigarette is a term of art under existing regulations , it ’ s an electronic nicotine delivery system ( ENDS ) .
” The FDA confirms that the vast majority of vaping injuries are known to be due @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vapes .
The FDA has full specifications of legal U.S. e-cigarettes , frozen in 2017 .
No legally-purchased e-cigarettes ( ENDS ) have been recalled .
E-joint cartridges and e-cigarette cartridges are incompatible and from totally unrelated supply chains .
• Letter : Newsom surprised many by selling out on water • Letter : AB 5 is a terrible law — and here ’ s the saddest part The confusion in the media has reportedly led some people to quit the wrong products , continuing to vape dangerous illicit THC cartridges ( e-joints @ @ @ @ @ @ @ causing more injuries .
Submit your letter to the editor via this form Read more Letters to the Editor

Informed policies needed
on vaping deaths, illnesses
Re: “Bay Area cities should get behind vaping ban” (Editorial, Mercurynews.com, Dec. 10):
A Mercury News editorial published Dec. 10 said the vaping death toll is due to e-cigarettes.
That is extremely misleading.
Per Scott Gottlieb, M.D., formerly FDA: “If a product contains THC, it’s not an e-cigarette. An e-cigarette is a term of art under existing regulations, it’s an electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS).”
The FDA confirms that the vast majority of vaping injuries are known to be due to Vitamin E Acetate in illicit THC vapes. The FDA has full specifications of legal U.S. e-cigarettes, frozen in 2017. No legally-purchased e-cigarettes (ENDS) have been recalled. E-joint cartridges and e-cigarette cartridges are incompatible and from totally unrelated supply chains.
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Jan Parcel
Cupertino
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Bridge: Jan. 11, 2020

“ Simple Saturday ” columns are meant to help aspiring players improve technique and develop logical thinking .
Many pairs would arrive at today ’ s four hearts with North as declarer after a “ transfer ” response by South .
West leads the five of diamonds , and you take dummy ’ s ace .
Count winners : You have six trumps plus three side aces .
For one more , you might try two finesses in spades , but a better plan is to use dummy ’ s clubs .
You can score the fifth club , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to ruff clubs , one to take the good fifth club .
The A-J of hearts and ace of clubs will be entries , but you can ’ t draw trumps , and you must save the ace of clubs until you are ready to start ruffing .
At Trick Two , lead a low club from dummy .
West wins , cashes the king of diamonds and leads a trump .
Win in your hand , take the ace of clubs , ruff a club high , lead a trump to dummy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you can draw the missing trump and pitch a loser on the good club .
You hold : S K Q 3 H 8 4 2 D K 10 8 5 3 C K 10 .
Your partner opens one club , you respond one diamond and he bids one heart .
What do you say ?
ANSWER : You have enough strength to invite game .
Since 3NT is the most likely game , jump to 2NT .
Partner should treat that bid as invitational .
If your hand were stronger — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could bid 3NT .
I will admit that your lack of aces is a negative feature ; a timid second bid of 1NT might be right .

“Simple Saturday” columns are meant to help aspiring players improve technique and develop logical thinking.
Many pairs would arrive at today’s four hearts with North as declarer after a “transfer” response by South. West leads the five of diamonds, and you take dummy’s ace.
Count winners: You have six trumps plus three side aces. For one more, you might try two finesses in spades, but a better plan is to use dummy’s clubs.
LONG SUIT
You can score the fifth club, but you need three dummy entries: two to ruff clubs, one to take the good fifth club. The A-J of hearts and ace of clubs will be entries, but you can’t draw trumps, and you must save the ace of clubs until you are ready to start ruffing.
At Trick Two, lead a low club from dummy. West wins, cashes the king of diamonds and leads a trump. Win in your hand, take the ace of clubs, ruff a club high, lead a trump to dummy and ruff a club high. Then you can draw the missing trump and pitch a loser on the good club.
DAILY QUESTION
You hold: S K Q 3 H 8 4 2 D K 10 8 5 3 C K 10. Your partner opens one club, you respond one diamond and he bids one heart. What do you say?
ANSWER: You have enough strength to invite game. Since 3NT is the most likely game, jump to 2NT. Partner should treat that bid as invitational. If your hand were stronger — if your spades were A-K-3 — you could bid 3NT. I will admit that your lack of aces is a negative feature; a timid second bid of 1NT might be right.
North dealer
N-S vulnerable
NORTH
S J 4 2
H A J 5
D A J
C A J 5 4 2
WEST
S K Q 3
H 8 4 2
D K 10 8 5 3
C K 10
EAST
S 8 7 6 5
H 7
D Q 9 6 4
C Q 9 8 7
SOUTH
S A 10 9
H K Q 10 9 6 3
D 7 2
C 6 3
North East South West
1 NT Pass 4 H All Pass
Opening lead — D 5
(C)2020 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.


Word Game: Jan. 11, 2020

Can you find 47 or more words in INCLEMENT ?
The list will be published Monday .
YESTERDAY ’ S @ @ @ @ @ notch oath octal canal canna cannon can not canola canon cant canto canton chant chat @ @ @ @ @ cola colt halo halt aloha alto anon atonal latch lath loan loath taco talc talon @ @ @ @ @ Word Game book , visit WordGameBooks.com .
Order it now for just $ 5 while @ @ @ @ @ Words must be of four or more letters .
2 .
Words that acquire four @ @ @ @ @ “ s , ” such as “ bats ” or “ dies , ” are @ @ @ @ @ Additional words made by adding a “ d ” or an “ s ” may @ @ @ @ @ example , if “ bake ” is used , “ baked ” or “ bakes @ @ @ @ @ but “ bake ” and “ baking ” are admissible .
4 .
Proper nouns @ @ @ @ @ vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed .

TODAY’S WORD — INCLEMENT (INCLEMENT: in-KLEM-ent: Stormy.)
Average mark 32 words
Time limit 45 minutes
Can you find 47 or more words in INCLEMENT? The list will be published Monday.
YESTERDAY’S WORD — NONCHALANT nacho natal notch oath octal
canal canna cannon cannot canola canon cant canto canton chant chat
clan clot cloth coal coat cola colt halo halt aloha alto anon atonal latch
lath loan loath taco talc talon than tonal
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.


mercurynews--2020-01-11--Horoscopes Jan. 11, 2020: Mary J. Blige on the verge of 50

Happy Birthday : Take your time , think matters through and refuse to let emotions take over or lead you astray .
Concentrate on your objective this year , not what others are doing or situations you can not change .
Turn any negative into a positive by refusing to get caught in someone else ’ s drama .
Choose to live life your way and to reap the rewards for your efforts .
Your numbers are 5 , 17 , 21 , 27 , 33 , 39 , 45 .
ARIES ( March 21-April 19 ) : Get your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a friendly budget set up .
Start a healthy routine to ensure that you reach your physical expectations .
Personal growth , romance and peace of mind should be your priorities .
5 stars TAURUS ( April 20-May 20 ) : An impulsive move based on an emotional situation will not turn out as planned .
Take a moment to rethink your strategy before you proceed .
Time is on your side , and a smart response will give you the leverage you need to excel .
2 stars GEMINI ( May @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to your to-do list will help you stay out of trouble and avoid complaints .
Concentrate on self-improvement , not trying to remake someone else .
Nurture essential relationships by offering kindness , understanding and love .
4 stars CANCER ( June 21-July 22 ) : Put in a couple of hours to tidy up unfinished business .
You ’ ll feel a lot better if you don ’ t have critical issues hanging over your head .
Look over a contract that has the potential to change your financial position or legal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 23-Aug. 22 ) : Take your time , and focus on physical fitness , health and prosperity .
Trying to alter the world or the people around you is a waste of time .
Change begins within , and if done correctly , will spread without using force .
3 stars VIRGO ( Aug. 23-Sept. 22 ) : If someone is in a snit , walk away and pursue your own happiness .
Surround yourself with positive thinkers who share suggestions geared toward making the world a better place .
Be the one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expand and experience .
3 stars LIBRA ( Sept. 23-Oct. 22 ) : Mull over what ’ s happening in your life , and consider the best way to handle people who are trying to coax you to head in a direction that doesn ’ t interest you .
Sticking to your principles and your plans will satisfy you .
4 stars SCORPIO ( Oct. 23-Nov. 21 ) : Travel mentally , physically or spiritually , and you will find a path that suits your needs .
Altering the way you approach life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and fleshing out what you believe is right and best for you are favored .
5 stars SAGITTARIUS ( Nov. 22-Dec. 21 ) : Trust is best earned .
If someone is being persuasive or using pressure tactics to push you in a direction that isn ’ t your choice , back away .
Physical activity will be a good outlet and stress-buster .
Put your needs first .
3 stars CAPRICORN ( Dec. 22-Jan. 19 ) : Handle partnerships with care .
Change is in the atmosphere , and a wrong move @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an avalanche of criticism .
Don ’ t reveal your plans until you have everything in place .
Be smart ; don ’ t let someone bait you .
3 stars AQUARIUS ( Jan. 20-Feb. 18 ) : Take the initiative to make things happen before someone takes over and slots you in a spot that doesn ’ t make you happy .
Take on a project that allows you the time and space to work quietly on your own without interference .
3 stars PISCES ( Feb. 19-March 20 ) : A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up to your expectations .
Be suspicious of what others allude to and the changes someone suggests you make .
Don ’ t question your beliefs ; question what others want you to believe .
3 stars Birthday Baby : You are impulsive , unpredictable and aggressive .
You are disciplined and cautious .

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Amanda Peet, 48; Mary J. Blige, 49; Kim Coles, 58; Naomi Judd, 74.
Happy Birthday: Take your time, think matters through and refuse to let emotions take over or lead you astray. Concentrate on your objective this year, not what others are doing or situations you cannot change. Turn any negative into a positive by refusing to get caught in someone else’s drama. Choose to live life your way and to reap the rewards for your efforts. Your numbers are 5, 17, 21, 27, 33, 39, 45.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Get your papers in order, your documents updated and a friendly budget set up. Start a healthy routine to ensure that you reach your physical expectations. Personal growth, romance and peace of mind should be your priorities. 5 stars
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): An impulsive move based on an emotional situation will not turn out as planned. Take a moment to rethink your strategy before you proceed. Time is on your side, and a smart response will give you the leverage you need to excel. 2 stars
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): An energetic approach to your to-do list will help you stay out of trouble and avoid complaints. Concentrate on self-improvement, not trying to remake someone else. Nurture essential relationships by offering kindness, understanding and love. 4 stars
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Put in a couple of hours to tidy up unfinished business. You’ll feel a lot better if you don’t have critical issues hanging over your head. Look over a contract that has the potential to change your financial position or legal implication. 3 stars
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Take your time, and focus on physical fitness, health and prosperity. Trying to alter the world or the people around you is a waste of time. Change begins within, and if done correctly, will spread without using force. 3 stars
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): If someone is in a snit, walk away and pursue your own happiness. Surround yourself with positive thinkers who share suggestions geared toward making the world a better place. Be the one to make a difference; explore, expand and experience. 3 stars
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Mull over what’s happening in your life, and consider the best way to handle people who are trying to coax you to head in a direction that doesn’t interest you. Sticking to your principles and your plans will satisfy you. 4 stars
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Travel mentally, physically or spiritually, and you will find a path that suits your needs. Altering the way you approach life and how you deal with others, and fleshing out what you believe is right and best for you are favored. 5 stars
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Trust is best earned. If someone is being persuasive or using pressure tactics to push you in a direction that isn’t your choice, back away. Physical activity will be a good outlet and stress-buster. Put your needs first. 3 stars
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Handle partnerships with care. Change is in the atmosphere, and a wrong move, gesture or word will set off an avalanche of criticism. Don’t reveal your plans until you have everything in place. Be smart; don’t let someone bait you. 3 stars
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Take the initiative to make things happen before someone takes over and slots you in a spot that doesn’t make you happy. Take on a project that allows you the time and space to work quietly on your own without interference. 3 stars
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): A trip down memory lane may not live up to your expectations. Be suspicious of what others allude to and the changes someone suggests you make. Don’t question your beliefs; question what others want you to believe. 3 stars
Birthday Baby: You are impulsive, unpredictable and aggressive. You are disciplined and cautious.
Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.


mercurynews--2020-01-11--Ask Amy: He has his hooks in his college girlfriend. Should I tell her what I know?

DEAR AMY : My “ very charming ” psychopath/personality-disordered almost-ex-husband has found his next victim — his first girlfriend from college .
It has been over 30 years since she dumped him in college , and she has likely forgotten the reasons behind their breakup .
He is using his fake charm to lure her into a long-distance relationship , and will trap her through marriage , etc .
with financial attachments .
This is how he got , trapped and messed me up with lies and a life of chaos .
Should I forewarn her of patterns to expect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like I was ?
DEAR SOON-TO-BE-EX : You might as well try to warn this woman about what she is in for , but you should expect to be ignored , disregarded , or criticized .
If delivering this warning would put your own legal separation/divorce proceedings or child custody at risk , do not do it .
Only do this if you can do so safely .
Write down your statement , and take a lot of time to review it .
Keep the tone as neutral as possible .
Do not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” etc . )
, but do tell her in general terms about the financial issues and overall chaos of your life with him .
Be aware that anything you write could be shared with others , and might be taken out of context and used against you .
Do not post this on social media .
It sounds as if your own life will stabilize once you are divorced .
I hope you will grasp and enjoy your own second chance .
DEAR AMY : My parents married in 1968 and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2010 .
They decided to remarry each other in 2013 and have been together ever since .
Had they stayed together the entire time , they would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2018 .
My husband and I recently threw my in-laws a 50th wedding anniversary party .
My dad is miffed that we didn ’ t offer to throw them a 50th anniversary party last year .
He feels the years should be “ bridged.
” I don ’ t agree , but it seems he won ’ t let @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take on this ?
DEAR DAUGHTER : My take is that your father needs a party , stat !
I well understand your frustration concerning your folks .
Because your dad is reacting to another couple ’ s celebration , his behavior regarding his own anniversary seems petty , selfish and self-serving .
However , I believe that ANY couple that manages to stay together for such a long time — through thick and thin ( and thick again ) — should be celebrated on whatever timeline works well for the clan .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ — none of this is going to matter when you gather to recognize the full and rich reality of a very long ( and sometimes imperfect ) union .
The tricky math here will give all of you some talking points during your toasts to the couple .
Keep it good-natured , and celebrate .
DEAR AMY : “ Grounded ” described her life , working full-time while her spouse ( retired early ) travels the world without her , spending down their nest egg in the process .
I think Grounded should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up from a local financial planning advertisement : “ Retirement is just unemployment without the paycheck.
” I would also suggest she seek out some counseling , as I have finally done , to work through the resentment of having to work after watching the nest egg we had set aside dwindle to nothing .
All of this has been happening while we still owe a substantial amount on our home .
In my case , my husband didn ’ t travel , but due to poor health he just sat at home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to keep himself occupied .
And yes , I should have been more aware , but I had confidence that he was watching out for our financial health .
How wrong I was !
I am well into my senior years , so it gets even harder to go to work every day ( both physically and mentally ) , but such is life .
DEAR EXHAUSTED : I can absolutely feel your exhaustion as you describe your life .
Now that you know what is going on , please do everything possible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a financial counselor or social worker to see what you can do to safeguard your income in order to try to secure a more stable future .
Given that the real estate market seems fairly robust right now , it might be wisest to sell your home , pay off your loan , and relocate to something smaller .
You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy @ amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy , P.O .
Box 194 , Freeville , NY 13068 .
You can also follow her on @ @ @ @ @ @

DEAR AMY: My “very charming” psychopath/personality-disordered almost-ex-husband has found his next victim — his first girlfriend from college.
It has been over 30 years since she dumped him in college, and she has likely forgotten the reasons behind their breakup.
He is using his fake charm to lure her into a long-distance relationship, and will trap her through marriage, etc. with financial attachments. This is how he got, trapped and messed me up with lies and a life of chaos.
Should I forewarn her of patterns to expect so that she’s not fooled like I was?
Soon-to-be-Ex
DEAR SOON-TO-BE-EX: You might as well try to warn this woman about what she is in for, but you should expect to be ignored, disregarded, or criticized.
If delivering this warning would put your own legal separation/divorce proceedings or child custody at risk, do not do it.
Only do this if you can do so safely. Write down your statement, and take a lot of time to review it. Keep the tone as neutral as possible. Do not use any inflammatory language (“psychopath,” etc.), but do tell her in general terms about the financial issues and overall chaos of your life with him. Be aware that anything you write could be shared with others, and might be taken out of context and used against you.
Do not post this on social media.
It sounds as if your own life will stabilize once you are divorced. I hope you will grasp and enjoy your own second chance.
DEAR AMY: My parents married in 1968 and divorced almost 42 years later, in 2010.
They decided to remarry each other in 2013 and have been together ever since. Had they stayed together the entire time, they would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2018.
My husband and I recently threw my in-laws a 50th wedding anniversary party.
My dad is miffed that we didn’t offer to throw them a 50th anniversary party last year. He feels the years should be “bridged.”
I don’t agree, but it seems he won’t let it go.
What’s your take on this?
Wondering Daughter
DEAR DAUGHTER: My take is that your father needs a party, stat!
I well understand your frustration concerning your folks. Because your dad is reacting to another couple’s celebration, his behavior regarding his own anniversary seems petty, selfish and self-serving.
However, I believe that ANY couple that manages to stay together for such a long time — through thick and thin (and thick again) — should be celebrated on whatever timeline works well for the clan. One year here, one year there — none of this is going to matter when you gather to recognize the full and rich reality of a very long (and sometimes imperfect) union.
The tricky math here will give all of you some talking points during your toasts to the couple. Keep it good-natured, and celebrate.
Want Ask Amy delivered to your inbox for free on weekdays?
DEAR AMY: “Grounded” described her life, working full-time while her spouse (retired early) travels the world without her, spending down their nest egg in the process.
I think Grounded should consider using the phrase I have picked up from a local financial planning advertisement: “Retirement is just unemployment without the paycheck.”
Unfortunately, life is expensive.
I would also suggest she seek out some counseling, as I have finally done, to work through the resentment of having to work after watching the nest egg we had set aside dwindle to nothing. All of this has been happening while we still owe a substantial amount on our home.
In my case, my husband didn’t travel, but due to poor health he just sat at home on the computer with a credit card to keep himself occupied.
And yes, I should have been more aware, but I had confidence that he was watching out for our financial health. How wrong I was!
I am well into my senior years, so it gets even harder to go to work every day (both physically and mentally), but such is life.
Exhausted
DEAR EXHAUSTED: I can absolutely feel your exhaustion as you describe your life.
Now that you know what is going on, please do everything possible to mitigate your current situation. Meet with a financial counselor or social worker to see what you can do to safeguard your income in order to try to secure a more stable future. Given that the real estate market seems fairly robust right now, it might be wisest to sell your home, pay off your loan, and relocate to something smaller.
You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.


mercurynews--2020-01-11--Harriette Cole: Her life is a romantic movie, and I’m worried

DEAR HARRIETTE : I went to visit my sister , who is single and retired .
We talk on the phone a lot , but we haven ’ t spent time together for a couple of years .
I was surprised to see how sedentary her life has become .
Basically she sits around and watches TV all day .
She looks at romantic movies back-to-back from the time she wakes up until late at night .
The only time she looks at anything else is when she is watching political news .
I thought I was going to lose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with her .
I tried to get her to take walks with me .
I suggested that we go to the mall or to visit friends .
Nada .
She just gets up , showers , cooks a few food items and sits in her chair .
I am worried about her .
This is no way to live .
How can I get her motivated to get up and move and engage with her friends ?
DEAR MOTIVATE MY SISTER : You may not be able to motivate your sister , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
• Harriette Cole : Does my dog deserve a better owner than me ?
• Harriette Cole : Should I skip the tip because of his attitude ?
• Harriette Cole : My husband says we shouldn ’ t tell our son what we found in his room • Harriette Cole : I haven ’ t told my wife I lost my job before Christmas Get her a fitness watch that can connect to yours .
Encourage her to take walks in her neighborhood at the same time that you take walks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can stay connected and stay active .
Perhaps you can entice her by suggesting that you watch a movie and take a walk .
If you do both together , she may get inspired to join you .
DEAR HARRIETTE : At my job , we usually get bonuses at the end of the year .
This year , I did not get a bonus .
We did have a modest holiday party , but that was it — at least for me .
I have worked at this job for more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know what happened .
The big boss didn ’ t say anything about us not getting bonuses , but I surely didn ’ t get anything .
I am afraid to ask my co-workers in case I ’ m the only one .
But I wonder what happened .
Should I ask my boss ?
DEAR NO BONUS : It ’ s worth it to ask your boss , privately , about bonuses and what happened .
It ’ s unfortunate that nothing was said to the group , given that it has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ give bonuses .
Talk to your boss to find out what happened .
Ask the questions that you want answered , including whether anyone else got a bonus and whether the company is financially healthy .
It is important for you to learn what happened for several reasons , including getting a sense of how you are regarded in the company in relation to your peers — especially if others received bonuses and you didn ’ t .
If nobody received a bonus , that could be a sign that your company is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ might want to start looking for a job .
Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS , an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams .
You can send questions to askharriette @ harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication , 1130 Walnut St. , Kansas City , MO 64106 .

DEAR HARRIETTE: I went to visit my sister, who is single and retired. We talk on the phone a lot, but we haven’t spent time together for a couple of years. I was surprised to see how sedentary her life has become.
Basically she sits around and watches TV all day. She looks at romantic movies back-to-back from the time she wakes up until late at night. The only time she looks at anything else is when she is watching political news.
I thought I was going to lose it for the week that I was with her. I tried to get her to take walks with me. I suggested that we go to the mall or to visit friends. Nada. She just gets up, showers, cooks a few food items and sits in her chair.
I am worried about her. This is no way to live. How can I get her motivated to get up and move and engage with her friends?
Motivate My Sister
DEAR MOTIVATE MY SISTER: You may not be able to motivate your sister, but it is worth it to keep trying.
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Harriette Cole: I’m ashamed to tell people I forgave my childhood friend Advice | Harriette Cole: I’ve worked hard, and my poor siblings resent my success Get her a fitness watch that can connect to yours. Encourage her to take walks in her neighborhood at the same time that you take walks in yours. Show her how you can stay connected and stay active. Perhaps you can entice her by suggesting that you watch a movie and take a walk. If you do both together, she may get inspired to join you.
DEAR HARRIETTE: At my job, we usually get bonuses at the end of the year. This year, I did not get a bonus. We did have a modest holiday party, but that was it — at least for me.
I have worked at this job for more than 10 years. I don’t know what happened. The big boss didn’t say anything about us not getting bonuses, but I surely didn’t get anything. I am afraid to ask my co-workers in case I’m the only one. But I wonder what happened. Should I ask my boss?
No Bonus
DEAR NO BONUS: It’s worth it to ask your boss, privately, about bonuses and what happened. It’s unfortunate that nothing was said to the group, given that it has been common practice for the company to give bonuses.
Talk to your boss to find out what happened. Ask the questions that you want answered, including whether anyone else got a bonus and whether the company is financially healthy. It is important for you to learn what happened for several reasons, including getting a sense of how you are regarded in the company in relation to your peers — especially if others received bonuses and you didn’t.
If nobody received a bonus, that could be a sign that your company is in trouble, in which case you might want to start looking for a job.
Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.


mercurynews--2020-01-11--Miss Manners: How should I have handled this woman’s parking lot rage?

DEAR MISS MANNERS : I had an unfortunate encounter in a parking lot .
When I got out of my car , the lady in the car next to me also got out , walked around her car , and physically placed herself in front of me to prevent me from leaving the space between the cars .
She then demanded that I allow her to open my driver ’ s door to make sure that my car had not dinged hers when I opened it .
The passenger side of her car was , to the naked eye , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see that my door had not scratched hers .
But she would not get out of my way without my compliance .
The doors could touch each other , it turned out , but again , no dings or scratches at point of contact .
She literally shoved her nose right up next to the car to examine her paint job , and had to admit that it was not scratched .
• Miss Manners : I want to stop them from tipping the bartender • Miss Manners : How can I correct @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Miss Manners : These kids loll about while grandma has holiday kitchen duty I had business inside , and when I came out , she was waiting for me , apparently to lecture me about my parking habits and demand to know if I worked at the business that owned the lot .
I advised her that if she did not want anyone touching her car , ever , she should leave it in her garage .
Then I got in my car and drove off .
I now wish I had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first demanded that I prove something that she could see for herself had not happened , but I don ’ t know how I could have done it within the bounds of civility .
Is there a way I could have extracted myself without giving in to her intimidation tactics , even as much as I did ?
GENTLE READER : Creating an implicit threat of bodily harm by not letting you pass is surely a greater infraction than potential damage to one ’ s car .
Miss Manners suggests that you point @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ If you would like to get the police involved to reinforce that the car has not been damaged , that is your right .
But I am afraid that if you continue to harass me by not letting me by , I will certainly have to involve them.
” DEAR MISS MANNERS : I ’ ve been dating a man for several months .
He picks his nose quite a lot , doesn ’ t use a tissue or wash his hands immediately .
I ’ m grossed out , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it up .
Once I pushed a tissue in his direction and he swatted it away — a bit defensively .
I feel petty for breaking up with him over it .
How do I bring it up in a way that doesn ’ t embarrass him ?
GENTLE READER : Squirm .
The next time he comes in for an embrace or to hold your hand , good-naturedly pull away saying , “ I will be much more amenable once I know that finger is clean.
” If there is otherwise true @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feels certain that he will mend his ways .
Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website , www.missmanners.com ; to her email , dearmissmanners @ gmail.com ; or through postal mail to Miss Manners , Andrews McMeel Syndication , 1130 Walnut St. , Kansas City , MO 64106 .

Judith Martin, Nicholas Ivor Martin and Jacobina Martin

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I had an unfortunate encounter in a parking lot. When I got out of my car, the lady in the car next to me also got out, walked around her car, and physically placed herself in front of me to prevent me from leaving the space between the cars.
She then demanded that I allow her to open my driver’s door to make sure that my car had not dinged hers when I opened it. The passenger side of her car was, to the naked eye, totally free from scratches; anyone could see that my door had not scratched hers. But she would not get out of my way without my compliance.
The doors could touch each other, it turned out, but again, no dings or scratches at point of contact. She literally shoved her nose right up next to the car to examine her paint job, and had to admit that it was not scratched.
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Miss Manners: She wants to turn our music festival into a get-drunk weekend Advice | Miss Manners: My rule is no gift for a second wedding, no attendance for a third I had business inside, and when I came out, she was waiting for me, apparently to lecture me about my parking habits and demand to know if I worked at the business that owned the lot.
I advised her that if she did not want anyone touching her car, ever, she should leave it in her garage. Then I got in my car and drove off.
I now wish I had shut her down earlier, when she first demanded that I prove something that she could see for herself had not happened, but I don’t know how I could have done it within the bounds of civility. Is there a way I could have extracted myself without giving in to her intimidation tactics, even as much as I did?
GENTLE READER: Creating an implicit threat of bodily harm by not letting you pass is surely a greater infraction than potential damage to one’s car.
Miss Manners suggests that you point that out, thus switching the blame. “If you would like to get the police involved to reinforce that the car has not been damaged, that is your right. But I am afraid that if you continue to harass me by not letting me by, I will certainly have to involve them.”
Want Miss Manners delivered to your inbox for free on weekdays?
DEAR MISS MANNERS: I’ve been dating a man for several months. He picks his nose quite a lot, doesn’t use a tissue or wash his hands immediately. I’m grossed out, but don’t know how to bring it up. Once I pushed a tissue in his direction and he swatted it away — a bit defensively.
I feel petty for breaking up with him over it. How do I bring it up in a way that doesn’t embarrass him?
GENTLE READER: Squirm. The next time he comes in for an embrace or to hold your hand, good-naturedly pull away saying, “I will be much more amenable once I know that finger is clean.” If there is otherwise true affection in this relationship, Miss Manners feels certain that he will mend his ways.
Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners.com; to her email, dearmissmanners@gmail.com; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.