mercurynews--2020-07-11--4-alarm fire destroys most of Mission San Gabriel

A raging fire tore through the church at Mission San Gabriel Arcángel early Saturday , July 11 , destroying almost all of the 245-year-old building that is an icon in the small Los Angeles County town .
The roof collapsed and the interior was gutted up to the altar , with mostly only the walls still standing at the fortress-style building , San Gabriel Fire Department Capt .
Antonio Negrete said .
The rectory where priests stay and the museum , both in separate buildings from the church , did not catch fire , Negrete said .
The mission bell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that had been stored off-site during recent renovations , he said .
The mission holds great significance in the 4-square-mile city of 40,000 residents that was incorporated in 1913 south of Pasadena .
“ The city of San Gabriel is a tight-knit community and this fire has affected a lot of people , not just parishioners , ” said Negrete , who had his Confirmation ceremony at the church when he was 12 .
“ It is our city identifier ; it ’ s what we are known for .
This is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lot of people sad.
” Most Reverend Jose H. Gomez , the Archbishop of Los Angeles , was at the mission late Saturday morning .
“ Our beloved # SanGabrielMission , founded in 1771 , devastated by fire before dawn , ” he tweeted .
“ St .
Junípero Serra , pray for this land that you helped to found.
” “ Makes me want to cry ” Handfuls of onlookers arrived in the late morning , surveying the damage .
Some took photos and video , some sat down and appeared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , staring at the church from afar .
While the damaged roof was visible , most did not see the destruction inside .
Scorched pews were toppled by debris from the roof near scarred walls , in spots bearing the stonework beneath .
Only the altar appeared to be nearly undamaged .
“ It makes me want to cry , ” said Theresa Barrera , 53 .
“ It ’ s a part of my family and I feel like I ’ ve lost memories with it.
” Barrera , a Rosemead resident @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family friend had their weddings at the church .
But she also noted the historical significance of the church .
She , and many others have studied California missions in school .
She received a call from her sister saying the roof had burned .
“ I ’ m at a loss for words , ” Barrera said .
“ I was out and about thinking it was only the roof that was burned .
I didn ’ t think it had gotten inside.
” Anita Chavez , 70 , also surveyed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and granddaughter .
Lifelong San Gabriel residents , she volunteers at the church and teaches Catechism to children , she said .
“ It ’ s like a bad dream , ” she said .
“ San Gabriel is such a tight-knit community , with generations of families becoming friends , it ’ s dynamic .
This ( church ) is us .
We baptized our children here and go to masses.
” “ This is the only thing familiar to us when everything else around us is changing , ” Teresa Chavez @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said recent work had been done outside the church as it was in the beginning stages of preparing for a 250th anniversary celebration .
She tried to remain positive , reminding herself that everything happens for a reason .
The mission was the fourth of the 21 California missions — each a day ’ s travel away — established by Franciscan friar Father Junipero Serra .
Mission San Gabriel was founded in 1771 and relocated to its current site in 1775 .
The first firefighters to arrive Saturday morning had to force their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was no obvious evidence immediately seen that the blaze had been set .
Mission officials had recently refurbished the church pews , Negrete said .
The mission had been closed to visitors , and no services had been held since March because of the coronavirus pandemic , he said .
The legacy of Junipero Serra , who was canonized in 2015 , has come under new scrutiny during the intense focus on social and racial justice following the death of George Floyd , a Black man , after a white Minneapolis police officer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ neck for almost nine minutes on Memorial Day .
Since then , protesters have demanded the removal of monuments to Serra and in some cases vandalized them .
The cause of the four-alarm fire is under investigation .
The Bureau of Alcohol , Tobacco , Firearms and Explosives was assisting in the probe on Saturday afternoon .
“ ATF is here due to the nature of the fire , ” Negrete said , referring to the blaze breaking out at a church as well as the recent vandalism to Serra statues elsewhere .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ is aware of the fire and as a result , has increased patrols around Mission San Juan Capistrano , spokeswoman Carrie Braun said .
Firefighters received a report of a fire alarm sounding at the San Gabriel mission at 428 S. Mission Drive at 4:24 a.m. and encountered smoke and flames coming from the building .
The firefighters aggressively attacked the fire from inside .
But because the roof was made of wood and the historical classification prevented the installation of sprinklers , the flames quickly spread , Negrete said .
The roof @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ arrival .
“ They couldn ’ t get ahead of it , ” Negrete said .
Firefighters left the building when pieces of the roof fell on them and fought the flames from the outside , Negrete said .
No injuries were reported .
About 50 firefighters fought the blaze , including from Monterey Park , Pasadena , South Pasadena , Alhambra and San Marino .
They were still hosing down portions of the roof into the early afternoon .
Junipero Serra Drive was closed , and Mission Road was closed between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Saturday , the San Gabriel Police Department said .
Negrete said the roads would likely remain closed well into the afternoon .
“ It tugs at your heartstrings because of the age of the building and the significance to the Los Angeles area , ” Negrete said .

A raging fire tore through the church at Mission San Gabriel Arcángel early Saturday, July 11, destroying almost all of the 245-year-old building that is an icon in the small Los Angeles County town.
The roof collapsed and the interior was gutted up to the altar, with mostly only the walls still standing at the fortress-style building, San Gabriel Fire Department Capt. Antonio Negrete said.
The rectory where priests stay and the museum, both in separate buildings from the church, did not catch fire, Negrete said. The mission bell also survived, as did historical relics that had been stored off-site during recent renovations, he said.
The mission holds great significance in the 4-square-mile city of 40,000 residents that was incorporated in 1913 south of Pasadena.
“The city of San Gabriel is a tight-knit community and this fire has affected a lot of people, not just parishioners,” said Negrete, who had his Confirmation ceremony at the church when he was 12. “It is our city identifier; it’s what we are known for. This is a big hit for us and it has a lot of people sad.”
Most Reverend Jose H. Gomez, the Archbishop of Los Angeles, was at the mission late Saturday morning.
“Our beloved #SanGabrielMission, founded in 1771, devastated by fire before dawn,” he tweeted. “St. Junípero Serra, pray for this land that you helped to found.”
Our beloved #SanGabrielMission, founded in 1771, devastated by fire before dawn. St. Junípero Serra, pray for this land that you helped to found. pic.twitter.com/aX0X4qCvJ7 — Abp. José H. Gomez (@ArchbishopGomez) July 11, 2020
“Makes me want to cry”
Handfuls of onlookers arrived in the late morning, surveying the damage. Some took photos and video, some sat down and appeared to pray and others stood in shock, staring at the church from afar.
While the damaged roof was visible, most did not see the destruction inside. Scorched pews were toppled by debris from the roof near scarred walls, in spots bearing the stonework beneath. Only the altar appeared to be nearly undamaged.
“It makes me want to cry,” said Theresa Barrera, 53. “It’s a part of my family and I feel like I’ve lost memories with it.”
Barrera, a Rosemead resident, said her older brother and a family friend had their weddings at the church. But she also noted the historical significance of the church. She, and many others have studied California missions in school.
She received a call from her sister saying the roof had burned.
“I’m at a loss for words,” Barrera said. “I was out and about thinking it was only the roof that was burned. I didn’t think it had gotten inside.”
Anita Chavez, 70, also surveyed the damage with her daughter, Teresa, and granddaughter. Lifelong San Gabriel residents, she volunteers at the church and teaches Catechism to children, she said.
“It’s like a bad dream,” she said. “San Gabriel is such a tight-knit community, with generations of families becoming friends, it’s dynamic. This (church) is us. We baptized our children here and go to masses.”
“This is the only thing familiar to us when everything else around us is changing,” Teresa Chavez, 49, said.
Anita Chavez said recent work had been done outside the church as it was in the beginning stages of preparing for a 250th anniversary celebration.
She tried to remain positive, reminding herself that everything happens for a reason.
The mission was the fourth of the 21 California missions — each a day’s travel away — established by Franciscan friar Father Junipero Serra. Mission San Gabriel was founded in 1771 and relocated to its current site in 1775.
The first firefighters to arrive Saturday morning had to force their way inside, Negrete said. There was no obvious evidence immediately seen that the blaze had been set.
Mission officials had recently refurbished the church pews, Negrete said. The mission had been closed to visitors, and no services had been held since March because of the coronavirus pandemic, he said.
Investigation underway
The legacy of Junipero Serra, who was canonized in 2015, has come under new scrutiny during the intense focus on social and racial justice following the death of George Floyd, a Black man, after a white Minneapolis police officer pressed his knee on Floyd’s neck for almost nine minutes on Memorial Day.
Since then, protesters have demanded the removal of monuments to Serra and in some cases vandalized them.
The cause of the four-alarm fire is under investigation. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives was assisting in the probe on Saturday afternoon.
“ATF is here due to the nature of the fire,” Negrete said, referring to the blaze breaking out at a church as well as the recent vandalism to Serra statues elsewhere.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Department is aware of the fire and as a result, has increased patrols around Mission San Juan Capistrano, spokeswoman Carrie Braun said.
Firefighters received a report of a fire alarm sounding at the San Gabriel mission at 428 S. Mission Drive at 4:24 a.m. and encountered smoke and flames coming from the building. The firefighters aggressively attacked the fire from inside. But because the roof was made of wood and the historical classification prevented the installation of sprinklers, the flames quickly spread, Negrete said.
The roof was destroyed within 15 minutes of firefighters’ arrival.
“They couldn’t get ahead of it,” Negrete said.
Firefighters left the building when pieces of the roof fell on them and fought the flames from the outside, Negrete said. No injuries were reported. About 50 firefighters fought the blaze, including from Monterey Park, Pasadena, South Pasadena, Alhambra and San Marino.
They were still hosing down portions of the roof into the early afternoon.
Junipero Serra Drive was closed, and Mission Road was closed between Ramona Street and Clary Avenue, on Saturday, the San Gabriel Police Department said. Negrete said the roads would likely remain closed well into the afternoon.
“It tugs at your heartstrings because of the age of the building and the significance to the Los Angeles area,” Negrete said.


mercurynews--2020-07-11--Pelosi blasts Roger Stone commutation as ‘an act of staggering corruption’ as Trump defends move

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Saturday slammed President Donald Trump ’ s decision to commute the prison sentence of his long-time friend and political adviser Roger Stone as “ an act of staggering corruption.
” “ President Trump ’ s decision to commute the sentence of top campaign advisor Roger Stone , who could directly implicate him in criminal misconduct , is an act of staggering corruption , ” Pelosi said in a statement .
Pelosi said that Congress will take action to “ prevent this type of brazen wrongdoing ” and that legislation is needed to “ ensure that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sentence of an individual who is engaged in a cover-up campaign to shield that President from criminal prosecution.
” The President has broad constitutional power to pardon and grant clemency , and Friday night the White House announced that Trump commuted Stone ’ s sentence days before he was set to report to a federal prison in Georgia .
Before the White House ’ s announcement late Friday , Pelosi told CNN ’ s Anderson Cooper that granting clemency for Stone is “ appalling ” and “ ridiculous.
” Stone was convicted in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lying to Congress and witness tampering , as part of former special counsel Robert Mueller ’ s Russia investigation .
Among the things he misled Congress about were his communications with Trump campaign officials , which prosecutors said Stone hid out of his desire to protect the President .
Trump ’ s move spares Stone from having to serve jail time after a judge sentenced him in February to 40 months in prison — but the guilty verdicts remain on the books .
The President defended his decision in his first public comments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stone was targeted by an illegal Witch Hunt that never should have taken place .
It is the other side that are criminals , including Biden and Obama , who spied on my campaign – AND GOT CAUGHT !
” the President wrote on Twitter .
Trump nor his allies have offered any proof that former President Barack Obama or former Vice President Joe Biden had “ spied on ” Trump ’ s 2016 campaign .
The President appeared to be referring to court-authorized wiretaps of former Trump campaign official Carter Page — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ although the Justice Department later said it had “ insufficient ” reason to continue the wiretaps .
House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff told NBC News on Saturday that by granting clemency to Stone , Trump is sending the message “ if you lie for the President , if you cover up for the President , if you withhold incriminating evidence for the President , you get a pass from Donald Trump.
” Schiff , a Democrat , argued that such actions establish two standards of justice in the United States — one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” and another for everyone else .
He argued that legislation to curb future abuses needs to be passed , pointing to a bill he introduced in March 2019 .
Schiff ’ s bill , the “ Abuse of the Pardon Prevention Act , ” would require any evidence be provided to Congress if a president grants clemency to an individual tied to an investigation in which the president or a family member is a witness , subject , or target .
The bill was introduced amid Schiff ’ s concerns that Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investigation by using his pardon powers and before Trump ’ s former campaign manager Paul Manafort was scheduled to be sentenced .
As Democratic leadership on Saturday condemned the President ’ s act of clemency for his friend , most Republican lawmakers have so far remained quiet on the matter .
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell ’ s office had no comment on Stone ’ s commutation .
And a spokesman for House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy hasn ’ t responded to a request for comment .
GOP Sen. Mitt Romney , however @ @ @ @ @ @ @ move as “ unprecedented , historic corruption.
” “ Unprecedented , historic corruption : an American president commutes the sentence of a person convicted by a jury of lying to shield that very president , ” the Utah Republican said on Twitter Saturday .
White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany responded to Romney ’ s comments on Saturday , saying in part that “ the only ‘ unprecedented , historic corruption ’ that occurred was during the Obama-Biden administration.
” McEnany , in her Saturday response , also repeated some of the false @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lengthy statement following the commutation .
Once the party ’ s standard-bearer and presidential nominee , Romney is often one of the GOP ’ s only members voicing opposition to some of Trump ’ s actions .
Romney was the sole Republican senator earlier this year to break with his party and vote to convict Trump on one of the articles of impeachment against the President , abuse of power .
The Senate ultimately voted to acquit Trump on two articles of impeachment , finding he was not guilty of abuse of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Saturday , another Republican , Sen. Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania , called Trump ’ s decision to commute Stone ’ s sentence a “ mistake ” and said that the president ’ s power to grant clemency for federal crimes “ should be used judiciously and very rarely.
” “ While I understand the frustration with the badly flawed Russia-collusion investigation , in my view , commuting Roger Stone ’ s sentence is a mistake , ” Toomey said in a statement .
“ He was duly convicted of lying to Congress @ @ @ @ @ @ @ congressional investigation conducted by a Republican-led committee.
” This story has been updated to include comments from Sen. Mitt Romney , the White House ’ s reaction to them and a statement from Sen. Pat Toomey .

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Saturday slammed President Donald Trump’s decision to commute the prison sentence of his long-time friend and political adviser Roger Stone as “an act of staggering corruption.”
“President Trump’s decision to commute the sentence of top campaign advisor Roger Stone, who could directly implicate him in criminal misconduct, is an act of staggering corruption,” Pelosi said in a statement.
Pelosi said that Congress will take action to “prevent this type of brazen wrongdoing” and that legislation is needed to “ensure that no President can pardon or commute the sentence of an individual who is engaged in a cover-up campaign to shield that President from criminal prosecution.”
The President has broad constitutional power to pardon and grant clemency, and Friday night the White House announced that Trump commuted Stone’s sentence days before he was set to report to a federal prison in Georgia.
Before the White House’s announcement late Friday, Pelosi told CNN’s Anderson Cooper that granting clemency for Stone is “appalling” and “ridiculous.”
Stone was convicted in November of seven charges, which included lying to Congress and witness tampering, as part of former special counsel Robert Mueller’s Russia investigation. Among the things he misled Congress about were his communications with Trump campaign officials, which prosecutors said Stone hid out of his desire to protect the President.
Trump’s move spares Stone from having to serve jail time after a judge sentenced him in February to 40 months in prison — but the guilty verdicts remain on the books.
The President defended his decision in his first public comments on the matter Saturday.
“Roger Stone was targeted by an illegal Witch Hunt that never should have taken place. It is the other side that are criminals, including Biden and Obama, who spied on my campaign – AND GOT CAUGHT!” the President wrote on Twitter.
Trump nor his allies have offered any proof that former President Barack Obama or former Vice President Joe Biden had “spied on” Trump’s 2016 campaign.
The President appeared to be referring to court-authorized wiretaps of former Trump campaign official Carter Page — after he had left the campaign — although the Justice Department later said it had “insufficient” reason to continue the wiretaps.
[vemba-video id=”politics/2020/07/11/roger-stone-sentence-commuted-trump-ac360-sot-vpx.cnn”]
House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff told NBC News on Saturday that by granting clemency to Stone, Trump is sending the message “if you lie for the President, if you cover up for the President, if you withhold incriminating evidence for the President, you get a pass from Donald Trump.”
Schiff, a Democrat, argued that such actions establish two standards of justice in the United States — one for Trump’s “criminal cronies” and another for everyone else.
He argued that legislation to curb future abuses needs to be passed, pointing to a bill he introduced in March 2019.
Schiff’s bill, the “Abuse of the Pardon Prevention Act,” would require any evidence be provided to Congress if a president grants clemency to an individual tied to an investigation in which the president or a family member is a witness, subject, or target.
The bill was introduced amid Schiff’s concerns that Trump would “undermine” Mueller’s investigation by using his pardon powers and before Trump’s former campaign manager Paul Manafort was scheduled to be sentenced.
Romney condemns ‘unprecedented, historic corruption’
As Democratic leadership on Saturday condemned the President’s act of clemency for his friend, most Republican lawmakers have so far remained quiet on the matter.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s office had no comment on Stone’s commutation. And a spokesman for House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy hasn’t responded to a request for comment.
GOP Sen. Mitt Romney, however, swiftly condemned the President’s move as “unprecedented, historic corruption.”
“Unprecedented, historic corruption: an American president commutes the sentence of a person convicted by a jury of lying to shield that very president,” the Utah Republican said on Twitter Saturday.
White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany responded to Romney’s comments on Saturday, saying in part that “the only ‘unprecedented, historic corruption’ that occurred was during the Obama-Biden administration.” McEnany, in her Saturday response, also repeated some of the false claims the White House made Friday in a lengthy statement following the commutation.
Once the party’s standard-bearer and presidential nominee, Romney is often one of the GOP’s only members voicing opposition to some of Trump’s actions.
Romney was the sole Republican senator earlier this year to break with his party and vote to convict Trump on one of the articles of impeachment against the President, abuse of power. The Senate ultimately voted to acquit Trump on two articles of impeachment, finding he was not guilty of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.
Later on Saturday, another Republican, Sen. Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania, called Trump’s decision to commute Stone’s sentence a “mistake” and said that the president’s power to grant clemency for federal crimes “should be used judiciously and very rarely.”
Related Articles Politics | Opinion: Every American has a stake in seeing Trump’s trial on TV
Opinion: Every American has a stake in seeing Trump’s trial on TV Politics | Mar-a-Lago property manager De Oliveira pleads not guilty
Mar-a-Lago property manager De Oliveira pleads not guilty Politics | Giuliani: Legal quagmires have left him broke
Giuliani: Legal quagmires have left him broke Politics | Prosecutors, defense spar over fate of Hunter Biden gun deal
Prosecutors, defense spar over fate of Hunter Biden gun deal Politics | GOP rivals prepare for possible Trump-less debate “While I understand the frustration with the badly flawed Russia-collusion investigation, in my view, commuting Roger Stone’s sentence is a mistake,” Toomey said in a statement. “He was duly convicted of lying to Congress, witness tampering, and obstructing a congressional investigation conducted by a Republican-led committee.”
This story has been updated to include comments from Sen. Mitt Romney, the White House’s reaction to them and a statement from Sen. Pat Toomey.
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2020 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved.


mercurynews--2020-07-11--Ex-USA Gymnastics national team coach Terry Gray arrested on lewdness charges

A former USA Gymnastics women ’ s national team coach has been arrested in Las Vegas and charged with 14 counts of lewdness with a child under 14 , according to Clark County inmate records and two people familiar with the case .
Terry Gray , who also coached at high profile gyms in Southern California and Ohio , was arrested late Friday night , nine months after he was suspended from the sport for two years by the U.S. Center for SafeSport for sexual misconduct with a minor .
Gray continued to coach young female gymnasts at SCEGA Gymnastics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investigation by the U.S. Center for SafeSport until his suspension last October .
Gray ’ s arrest stems from alleged incidents at Brown ’ s Gymnastics , a Las Vegas club with a history of producing U.S. national team members and NCAA Division I gymnasts .
There are at least three alleged victims , according to a person familiar with the case .
Gray worked for Brown ’ s Gymnastics in Las Vegas in 2012 .
He was in custody in Las Vegas Saturday and is scheduled to make a court appearance Monday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team coach Mary Lee Tracy at Cincinnati Gymnastics , where he coached Morgan White and Alyssa Beckerman .
White qualified for the 2000 U.S. Olympic team but was unable to compete at the Sydney Games because of injury .
Beckerman was an alternate on the 2000 Olympic team .
SCEGA is recognized as a national team training center by USA Gymnastics .
Gray appeared in promotional campaigns with SCEGA director Kathy Strate on the club ’ s social media platforms with as recently as September .
Gray was placed on interim suspension on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. Center for SafeSport pending the completion of the center ’ s investigation .
Gray was “ suspended from all contact ” according to USA Gymnastics .
Under the suspension Gray “ is not permitted any contact with any USA Gymnastics-sanctioned event , member club , professional member or athlete involved with USA Gymnastics member clubs or events.
” But SCEGA continued to allow him to coach at the gym until his suspension in October 2019 .
The Gray case gained national attention during a U.S. Senate hearing in July 2018 in which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Register report during heated questioning of USA Gymnastics and U.S. Olympic Committee officials .
The Register report , posted a day before the hearing , detailed how Gray and other suspended coaches under USA Gymnastics and SafeSport rules were able to continue coaching young athletes at Southern California gymnastics clubs while under investigation .
Sen. Jerry Moran , R-Kansas , the chairman of a Senate subcommittee looking into sexual abuse in American Olympic sports , grilled then-USA Gymnastics president Kerry Perry at length over the policies and events that resulted in Gray continuing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Blumenthal , D-Connecticut , the subcommittee ’ s ranking member , entered the Register report into the official record of the hearing .
• Mary Kay Letourneau , teacher who served prison time for sexual relationship with sixth-grade student , dies at 58 • Lawyer of sex abuse victims calls on USA Swimming to purge its ranks • Simone Biles , survivors ask court to force USOPC to provide answers in Larry Nassar cases “ I don ’ t understand the law and a system that the two people that are coaching in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them to do that is what ?
” Moran asked Perry .
Perry acknowledged flaws in policies in which some coaches under investigation for sexual misconduct offenses continued to have supervised contact with minor-aged athletes pending their disciplinary hearings

A former USA Gymnastics women’s national team coach has been arrested in Las Vegas and charged with 14 counts of lewdness with a child under 14, according to Clark County inmate records and two people familiar with the case.
Terry Gray, who also coached at high profile gyms in Southern California and Ohio, was arrested late Friday night, nine months after he was suspended from the sport for two years by the U.S. Center for SafeSport for sexual misconduct with a minor.
Gray continued to coach young female gymnasts at SCEGA Gymnastics in Temecula during a more than year-long investigation by the U.S. Center for SafeSport until his suspension last October.
Gray’s continued coaching presence at SCEGA sparked Congressional outrage in 2018.
Gray’s arrest stems from alleged incidents at Brown’s Gymnastics, a Las Vegas club with a history of producing U.S. national team members and NCAA Division I gymnasts. There are at least three alleged victims, according to a person familiar with the case.
Gray worked for Brown’s Gymnastics in Las Vegas in 2012. He was in custody in Las Vegas Saturday and is scheduled to make a court appearance Monday morning.
He previously worked under Olympic team coach Mary Lee Tracy at Cincinnati Gymnastics, where he coached Morgan White and Alyssa Beckerman. White qualified for the 2000 U.S. Olympic team but was unable to compete at the Sydney Games because of injury. Beckerman was an alternate on the 2000 Olympic team.
SCEGA is recognized as a national team training center by USA Gymnastics. Gray appeared in promotional campaigns with SCEGA director Kathy Strate on the club’s social media platforms with as recently as September.
Gray was placed on interim suspension on June 29, 2018, by the U.S. Center for SafeSport pending the completion of the center’s investigation.
Gray was “suspended from all contact” according to USA Gymnastics. Under the suspension Gray “is not permitted any contact with any USA Gymnastics-sanctioned event, member club, professional member or athlete involved with USA Gymnastics member clubs or events.” But SCEGA continued to allow him to coach at the gym until his suspension in October 2019.
The Gray case gained national attention during a U.S. Senate hearing in July 2018 in which angry senators repeatedly cited an Orange County Register report during heated questioning of USA Gymnastics and U.S. Olympic Committee officials.
The Register report, posted a day before the hearing, detailed how Gray and other suspended coaches under USA Gymnastics and SafeSport rules were able to continue coaching young athletes at Southern California gymnastics clubs while under investigation.
Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kansas, the chairman of a Senate subcommittee looking into sexual abuse in American Olympic sports, grilled then-USA Gymnastics president Kerry Perry at length over the policies and events that resulted in Gray continuing to coach at SCEGA. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Connecticut, the subcommittee’s ranking member, entered the Register report into the official record of the hearing.


mercurynews--2020-07-11--Photos: “Skate to Erase Hate” protest rolls through downtown San Jose

CLICK HERE if you are having a problem viewing the photos on a mobile device Roller skaters gathered at City @ @ @ @ @ the “ Skate to Erase Hate ” protest in San Jose , Calif. , on @ @ @ @ @ 2020 .
The event that coincides with Worldwide Rollout Day drew close to a hundred @ @ @ @ @ scooter and bike riders .

CLICK HERE if you are having a problem viewing the photos on a mobile device
Roller skaters gathered at City Hall before setting off for the “Skate to Erase Hate” protest in San Jose, Calif., on Saturday, July 11, 2020. The event part of Worldwide Rollout Day drew close to a hundred roller skaters, skateboarders, scooter and bike riders.
Worldwide Rollout Day was created and organized on Instagram by @skatefantacee an Atlanta, Georgia roller skater to build community cooperation and roll to erase hate.


mercurynews--2020-07-12--Pitts: There’s ample blame to go around in teen’s COVID-19 death

A few words on the death of Carsyn Leigh Davis .
It has become predictable that the political right always knows whom to blame for disaster .
After the 2018 massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland , Florida , Donald Trump blamed video games .
After the 2010 earthquake in Haiti , Pat Robertson blamed a pact with the devil .
After the 2001 terrorist attacks , the late Jerry Falwell Sr. blamed abortion , feminists and the ACLU .
But if any prominent conservative has assigned blame for Carsyn ’ s death , it has escaped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while the lines of causality they ’ ve drawn in previous tragedies have seemed fanciful at best , the lines leading to this one are clear and easily read .
Carsyn was a teenager from Fort Myers , Fla. , who had battled health issues all her life , including cancer and a rare autoimmune disorder .
Then she contracted COVID-19 .
This , after an event at her church .
“ Service is back and better than ever !
” crowed the church on social media .
They billed it as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ post that brought Carsyn ’ s death to widespread attention , Rebekah Jones , a Florida data scientist , called it a “ COVID party.
” She posted a screen grab of a social-media post by Carsyn ’ s mother , Carole , promoting a website : dontmaskourkids.com .
For the record : Jones was fired by the state in May for , she says , refusing to make changes to coronavirus data to suggest Florida was doing better than it was .
She has since been keeping track on her own .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the June 10 party .
Afterward , says Jones , Carole , “ who is not a doctor , ” gave Carsyn a precautionary dose of azithromycin , “ an anti-bacterial drug with no known benefits for fighting COVID-19.
” But Carsyn got sick : headaches , sinus pressure , a cough .
Carole put her on her grandfather ’ s oxygen machine .
And she gave her hydroxychloroquine , the drug Trump touted as a possible cure , but that actual doctors say is dangerous .
Finally , Carole took her daughter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Carsyn couldn ’ t breathe , but for several days , Carole refused to allow a breathing tube to be inserted .
Carsyn died on June 23rd — two days after her 17th birthday .
And if no one else wants to assign blame , yours truly is not reticent .
Blame the church .
You don ’ t hold a party in a pandemic .
Blame the parents .
They failed their daughter .
But you must also blame the forces of conspiracy and confusion that invite people to ignore medical science @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Rush Limbaugh and every other loudmouth peddling alternatives to reality and forgeries of fact .
Blame Donald Trump , Roger Stone and every other political hack who thrives on the gullibility of the ill-informed .
Blame social media for allowing dangerous propaganda to be spread anonymously and globally with no accountability .
And blame traditional news media .
We heirs of Murrow , Cronkite , Woodward and Bernstein , of those who famously and bravely told it like it was , are so enthralled by false equivalence in the name of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ policy memos and special dispensation to call the obvious lie an obvious lie .
We ’ ve too often been faint-hearted and mealy-mouthed in standing up for the principle that truth matters .
By such actions and inactions , America manufactures ignorance on an industrial scale .
And not without cost .
This did not have to happen , yet it did .
Carsyn Leigh Davis is dead .
And there is plenty of blame to go around .

A few words on the death of Carsyn Leigh Davis.
It has become predictable that the political right always knows whom to blame for disaster. After the 2018 massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, Donald Trump blamed video games. After the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, Pat Robertson blamed a pact with the devil. After the 2001 terrorist attacks, the late Jerry Falwell Sr. blamed abortion, feminists and the ACLU.
But if any prominent conservative has assigned blame for Carsyn’s death, it has escaped notice. Which is unfortunate. Because while the lines of causality they’ve drawn in previous tragedies have seemed fanciful at best, the lines leading to this one are clear and easily read.
Carsyn was a teenager from Fort Myers, Fla., who had battled health issues all her life, including cancer and a rare autoimmune disorder. Then she contracted COVID-19. This, after an event at her church.
“Service is back and better than ever!” crowed the church on social media. They billed it as a “release party.” In the blog post that brought Carsyn’s death to widespread attention, Rebekah Jones, a Florida data scientist, called it a “COVID party.” She posted a screen grab of a social-media post by Carsyn’s mother, Carole, promoting a website: dontmaskourkids.com. For the record: Jones was fired by the state in May for, she says, refusing to make changes to coronavirus data to suggest Florida was doing better than it was. She has since been keeping track on her own.
A hundred kids, unmasked, attended the June 10 party. Afterward, says Jones, Carole, “who is not a doctor,” gave Carsyn a precautionary dose of azithromycin, “an anti-bacterial drug with no known benefits for fighting COVID-19.”
But Carsyn got sick: headaches, sinus pressure, a cough. Carole put her on her grandfather’s oxygen machine. And she gave her hydroxychloroquine, the drug Trump touted as a possible cure, but that actual doctors say is dangerous.
Finally, Carole took her daughter to the hospital. By then, Carsyn couldn’t breathe, but for several days, Carole refused to allow a breathing tube to be inserted. Carsyn died on June 23rd — two days after her 17th birthday.
And if no one else wants to assign blame, yours truly is not reticent.
Blame the church. You don’t hold a party in a pandemic.
Blame the parents. They failed their daughter.
But you must also blame the forces of conspiracy and confusion that invite people to ignore medical science and common sense.
Blame Tucker Carlson, Rush Limbaugh and every other loudmouth peddling alternatives to reality and forgeries of fact.
Blame Donald Trump, Roger Stone and every other political hack who thrives on the gullibility of the ill-informed.
Blame social media for allowing dangerous propaganda to be spread anonymously and globally with no accountability.
And blame traditional news media. We heirs of Murrow, Cronkite, Woodward and Bernstein, of those who famously and bravely told it like it was, are so enthralled by false equivalence in the name of a spurious “objectivity” that we require policy memos and special dispensation to call the obvious lie an obvious lie. We’ve too often been faint-hearted and mealy-mouthed in standing up for the principle that truth matters.
By such actions and inactions, America manufactures ignorance on an industrial scale. And not without cost. This did not have to happen, yet it did. Carsyn Leigh Davis is dead.
And there is plenty of blame to go around.
Leonard Pitts is a Miami Herald columnist. ©2020 Miami Herald. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency.


mercurynews--2020-07-12--Me & My Car: ’48 Diamond truck perfect for antique business

Editor ’ s note : David Krumboltz ’ s regular column is on hiatus until further notice due to the ongoing COVID-19 ( coronavirus ) pandemic .
In its place , we ’ re running some of Dave ’ s favorite past columns .
This one originally ran in January 2016 .
• Me & My Car : Willys-Knight partnership beneficial for early auto industry • Me & My Car : 60 mph was fast when 1912 Hudson was new • Me & My Car : 1939 Lincoln Zephyr ( almost ) perfectly restored • Me & My Car : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is perfection epitomized C.A .
Tilt built his first car in 1905 , and the name he used was Diamond T , the same as his father ’ s shoe manufacturing business .
The diamond indicated quality , and “ T ” was for his name .
Tilt made cars that could carry three passengers until about 1911 , when a customer asked Tilt to build him a truck .
Tilt soon learned that there were more bucks in trucks so he quit making cars .
Diamond T had their best year in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 8,750 trucks .
Over the 56-year history of the company about 250,000 stylish Diamond T trucks were sold .
“ A truck doesn ’ t have to be homely , ” Tilt often said .
White Motor Co. bought Diamond T in 1958 and then merged it with their Reo Trucks division to form the Diamond Reo Trucks division .
The last of the Diamond T trucks were built in the 1966 model year .
When Lafayette owner Lawrence Siegel was in high school , he was a car nut .
He and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ car and truck dealers in and around Emeryville to look at the new vehicles and collect their brochures .
“ When I saw the Diamond T , I said , ‘ That is the ultimate truck .
Someday I ’ m going to have one.
’ It was love at first sight.
” “ Someday ” came about three years ago , when Siegel saw an ad in “ Hemmings Magazine ” for this issue ’ s 1948 Diamond T pickup model 201 .
“ I saw the ad , called the owner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The truck was in Glenwood Springs , Colorado.
” Siegel paid $ 35,000 for his Diamond T pickup , sight-unseen .
It ’ s appropriate for Siegel to want this antique truck , as he and his wife , Sarah , own Cuesta Antiques in Lafayette .
He uses the truck as a daily driver and to carry antiques for their store .
The original engine for Siegel ’ s truck was a 91-horsepower , 236-cubic-inch Hercules L-head engine with a three-speed Warner transmission .
A four-speed “ granny ” low-speed transmission was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ currently has a 350-cubic-inch Chevy V8 engine with a floor-shift , four-speed Hydro-matic automatic transmission .
It also has power steering and brakes .
When new , the price of this 1-ton pickup was $ 1,275 for the chassis , $ 215 for the cab and $ 165 for the body , for a total of $ 1,655 total ( about $ 16,480 in today ’ s dollars ) .
For a comparison , a Ford 1-ton truck would cost a couple of hundred less and the better-selling Ford half-ton was $ 1,232 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chevy pickups , within a company the Diamond T would simply be called “ The Boss ’ s Truck.
” It was commonly known as “ The Cadillac of Trucks.
” Tilt insisted his Diamond T trucks offered style from the get-go .
His trucks were more than simple work trucks .
Red paint was used on the wheels and sheet metal with accent striping in the cab .
The deluxe model had very fancy hub caps and stainless steel framing around the split “ V ” front windshield .
Each side of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ventilation .
Siegel believes that Diamond T actually lost money on the pickup trucks they sold , as the primary business was larger commercial trucks , but they were good for the company ’ s image .
Siegel has invested an additional $ 35,000 in the Diamond T , making his total investment about $ 70,000 .
There was considerable work to be done once acquired .
Siegel did some of the work himself and had much of the work professionally done by Orinda Motors .
“ The only thing that looked the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bumpers , ” he said .
“ I did everything electrical , some engine work , new jets for the fuel injection , new tires , hub caps , which were very tough to find , new authentic Diamond T seats , reconfigured the exhaust , some painting on the tailgate and found the correct badges .
I also put sideboards on the pickup bed and installed new glass all the way around.
” It ’ s hard to put an exact market value on this truck as there were only 7,000 trucks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1949 .
This truck is number 4,116 , and Siegel thinks its value could be as high as $ 160,000 .
While the owner doesn ’ t consider his truck a show vehicle , it is very unique and always gets attention , sometimes winning awards in various local car shows .
Siegel said he has no plans to ever sell the truck , but then he had no plans to every sell his antique 1926 Studebaker Taxi either , the only other collector car he has had .
“ One day a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Do you want to sell it ?
’ I didn ’ t , so I named a ridiculous price , and he said , ‘ I ’ ll take it , ’ ” he explained .
Could the antique Diamond T have the same fate ?
After all , he is in the antique business .
Have an interesting vehicle ?
Contact David Krumboltz at MOBopoly @ yahoo.com .
To view more photos of this and other issues ’ vehicles or to read more of Dave ’ s columns , visit mercurynews.com/author/david-krumboltz .

Editor’s note: David Krumboltz’s regular column is on hiatus until further notice due to the ongoing COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. In its place, we’re running some of Dave’s favorite past columns. This one originally ran in January 2016.
Related Articles Me & My Car: Willys-Knight partnership beneficial for early auto industry
Me & My Car: 60 mph was fast when 1912 Hudson was new
Me & My Car: 1939 Lincoln Zephyr (almost) perfectly restored
Me & My Car: Alamo man’s ’76 Rolls-Royce is perfection epitomized C.A. Tilt built his first car in 1905, and the name he used was Diamond T, the same as his father’s shoe manufacturing business. The diamond indicated quality, and “T” was for his name. Tilt made cars that could carry three passengers until about 1911, when a customer asked Tilt to build him a truck. Tilt soon learned that there were more bucks in trucks so he quit making cars. Diamond T had their best year in 1936, when the Chicago company sold 8,750 trucks. Over the 56-year history of the company about 250,000 stylish Diamond T trucks were sold.
“A truck doesn’t have to be homely,” Tilt often said.
White Motor Co. bought Diamond T in 1958 and then merged it with their Reo Trucks division to form the Diamond Reo Trucks division. The last of the Diamond T trucks were built in the 1966 model year.
When Lafayette owner Lawrence Siegel was in high school, he was a car nut. He and a buddy used to go to the car and truck dealers in and around Emeryville to look at the new vehicles and collect their brochures.
“When I saw the Diamond T, I said, ‘That is the ultimate truck. Someday I’m going to have one.’ It was love at first sight.”
“Someday” came about three years ago, when Siegel saw an ad in “Hemmings Magazine” for this issue’s 1948 Diamond T pickup model 201.
“I saw the ad, called the owner, and we made a deal. The truck was in Glenwood Springs, Colorado.”
Siegel paid $35,000 for his Diamond T pickup, sight-unseen. It’s appropriate for Siegel to want this antique truck, as he and his wife, Sarah, own Cuesta Antiques in Lafayette. He uses the truck as a daily driver and to carry antiques for their store.
The original engine for Siegel’s truck was a 91-horsepower, 236-cubic-inch Hercules L-head engine with a three-speed Warner transmission. A four-speed “granny” low-speed transmission was also available as an option. It currently has a 350-cubic-inch Chevy V8 engine with a floor-shift, four-speed Hydro-matic automatic transmission. It also has power steering and brakes.
When new, the price of this 1-ton pickup was $1,275 for the chassis, $215 for the cab and $165 for the body, for a total of $1,655 total (about $16,480 in today’s dollars). For a comparison, a Ford 1-ton truck would cost a couple of hundred less and the better-selling Ford half-ton was $1,232. With the workers driving Ford and Chevy pickups, within a company the Diamond T would simply be called “The Boss’s Truck.” It was commonly known as “The Cadillac of Trucks.”
Tilt insisted his Diamond T trucks offered style from the get-go. His trucks were more than simple work trucks. Red paint was used on the wheels and sheet metal with accent striping in the cab. The deluxe model had very fancy hub caps and stainless steel framing around the split “V” front windshield. Each side of the windshield could be cranked open for ventilation.
Siegel believes that Diamond T actually lost money on the pickup trucks they sold, as the primary business was larger commercial trucks, but they were good for the company’s image. Siegel has invested an additional $35,000 in the Diamond T, making his total investment about $70,000. There was considerable work to be done once acquired. Siegel did some of the work himself and had much of the work professionally done by Orinda Motors.
“The only thing that looked the same was the paint job and the bumpers,” he said. “I did everything electrical, some engine work, new jets for the fuel injection, new tires, hub caps, which were very tough to find, new authentic Diamond T seats, reconfigured the exhaust, some painting on the tailgate and found the correct badges. I also put sideboards on the pickup bed and installed new glass all the way around.”
It’s hard to put an exact market value on this truck as there were only 7,000 trucks of this model produced from 1938 to 1949. This truck is number 4,116, and Siegel thinks its value could be as high as $160,000. While the owner doesn’t consider his truck a show vehicle, it is very unique and always gets attention, sometimes winning awards in various local car shows. Siegel said he has no plans to ever sell the truck, but then he had no plans to every sell his antique 1926 Studebaker Taxi either, the only other collector car he has had.
“One day a guy comes in and says, ‘Do you want to sell it?’ I didn’t, so I named a ridiculous price, and he said, ‘I’ll take it,’ ” he explained.
Could the antique Diamond T have the same fate? After all, he is in the antique business.
Have an interesting vehicle? Contact David Krumboltz at MOBopoly@yahoo.com. To view more photos of this and other issues’ vehicles or to read more of Dave’s columns, visit mercurynews.com/author/david-krumboltz.


mercurynews--2020-07-12--On this date, 1988: Terry Steinbach the unlikely All-Star Game MVP

CINCINNATI — The parade was continuing beneath the seats of Riverfront Stadium on Tuesday , in the tunnels and corridors .
The parade that no one could have foreseen .
The Terry Steinbach parade .
First came a man in a suit , holding the most-valuable-player trophy .
Then came the man in charge of lining up TV interviews for the next hour .
Then came the man himself , Terry Steinbach , smiling a wonderfully goofy smile .
When you looked at the parade , it reminded you of a procession at the county fair , with the small-town @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cow .
It was almost homey .
“ I hope I convinced the people who voted for me that they did the right thing , ” said Steinbach , a homey small-town guy from Minnesota who plays catcher for the A ’ s .
And now , the star of his own parade .
Steinbach was on the verge of giggling uncontrollably .
He looked at the mammoth trophy , a hunk of gleaming metal about three feet high , and wondered if he would have to buy another airplane ticket for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back home with him to Oakland .
“ Hey , we ’ re coming off a 14-day road trip , ” he said .
“ All of my bags are full of stuff .
I don ’ t know what I ’ ll do.
” He will find a place for the trophy .
That is what Steinbach will do .
When you hit a home run in your first at-bat of your first major league All-Star Game and later drive in another run and then win the MVP award , you find @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You know what I was thinking in the on-deck circle before I batted the first time ?
” Steinbach asked .
“ I was nervous and was just thinking , ‘ Don ’ t strike out .
Don ’ t mess up.
’ ” This was in the third inning .
Dwight Gooden was on the mound for the National League .
The odds were in favor of Steinbach ’ s nervous prediction .
“ Gooden ’ s got the best fastball around , ” Steinbach said .
“ So I was looking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ took one for a strike , and then .
.
.
well , I didn ’ t crush the ball .
But I knew I hit it to an area of the park where it might go out.
” And seconds later , it did , after right fielder Darryl Strawberry just missed a leaping grab at the ball .
Terry Steinbach had hit a home run to give the American League a 1-0 lead .
One inning later , he hit a sacrifice fly that accounted for the league ’ s only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Did someone get him the home-run ball ?
” asked one of the groundskeepers as the Steinbach parade walked past .
Yes , came the answer , someone had .
“ The guys in the dugout were teasing me , ” Steinbach said .
“ I hit a home run in my first major league at-bat , and now my first at-bat as an All-Star .
They ’ re already saying I ’ m an answer to a trivia question.
” You had to giggle along with him .
Just when you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ big-money baseball players and the glitzy commercialized nature of events like the All-Star Game , something like this comes along .
Gary Carter of the Mets has a clause in his contract that says he receives a $ 100,000 bonus if he wins the MVP award in this game .
Most of the other players had bonus clauses that paid them for simply appearing in the game .
Terry Steinbach had no such incentive clauses , for a basic reason .
He didn ’ t think he ’ d ever be able to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t even a full-time starter as a rookie last season with the A ’ s .
Why ask for a bonus clause like that ?
“ This is the Goodwill Games for me , I guess , ” Steinbach said and laughed again .
Before the first pitch , there were plenty of people who figured Steinbach should have been wearing the Donald Duck costume in the pregame Walt Disney show rather than wearing the catching gear .
Steinbach had the lowest batting average of any All-Star other than the pitchers — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at .216 — and was constantly having to justify his selection .
The company that presents souvenir bats to the players even misspelled his name .
“ I didn ’ t pay attention to any of those things , ” said Tom Kelly , the American League manager .
“ Hey , he must be doing something right .
The A ’ s are leading their division by 5 1/2 games.
” Dennis Eckersley , an A ’ s teammate who wound up pitching the last inning , felt the same way .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ tonight , ” Eckersley said .
“ When he was running from third toward home , he just looked like he was in a cloud .
I ’ m so glad this happened to him.
” Somebody mentioned that Steinbach was a rather unlikely hero for a game like this .
Eckersley ’ s eyes gleamed .
“ Those are the best kind , ” he said .
“ Don ’ t you think ?
” Yes .
We think .
We love a parade .

(This story was originally published in 1988)
CINCINNATI — The parade was continuing beneath the seats of Riverfront Stadium on Tuesday, in the tunnels and corridors. The parade that no one could have foreseen. The Terry Steinbach parade.
First came a man in a suit, holding the most-valuable-player trophy. Then came the man in charge of lining up TV interviews for the next hour. Then came the man himself, Terry Steinbach, smiling a wonderfully goofy smile. When you looked at the parade, it reminded you of a procession at the county fair, with the small-town kid and the mayor and the prize cow. It was almost homey.
“I hope I convinced the people who voted for me that they did the right thing,” said Steinbach, a homey small-town guy from Minnesota who plays catcher for the A’s.
And now, the star of his own parade. Steinbach was on the verge of giggling uncontrollably. He looked at the mammoth trophy, a hunk of gleaming metal about three feet high, and wondered if he would have to buy another airplane ticket for the thing so that he could bring it back home with him to Oakland.
“Hey, we’re coming off a 14-day road trip,” he said. “All of my bags are full of stuff. I don’t know what I’ll do.”
He will find a place for the trophy. That is what Steinbach will do. When you hit a home run in your first at-bat of your first major league All-Star Game and later drive in another run and then win the MVP award, you find a place for the trophy.
“You know what I was thinking in the on-deck circle before I batted the first time?” Steinbach asked. “I was nervous and was just thinking, ‘Don’t strike out. Don’t mess up.’ ”
This was in the third inning. Dwight Gooden was on the mound for the National League. The odds were in favor of Steinbach’s nervous prediction.
“Gooden’s got the best fastball around,” Steinbach said. “So I was looking for fastballs all the way. I took one for a strike, and then . . . well, I didn’t crush the ball. But I knew I hit it to an area of the park where it might go out.”
And seconds later, it did, after right fielder Darryl Strawberry just missed a leaping grab at the ball. Terry Steinbach had hit a home run to give the American League a 1-0 lead. One inning later, he hit a sacrifice fly that accounted for the league’s only other run in a 2-1 victory.
“Did someone get him the home-run ball?” asked one of the groundskeepers as the Steinbach parade walked past. Yes, came the answer, someone had.
“The guys in the dugout were teasing me,” Steinbach said. “I hit a home run in my first major league at-bat, and now my first at-bat as an All-Star. They’re already saying I’m an answer to a trivia question.”
You had to giggle along with him. Just when you think you are getting too cynical about big-money baseball players and the glitzy commercialized nature of events like the All-Star Game, something like this comes along. Gary Carter of the Mets has a clause in his contract that says he receives a $100,000 bonus if he wins the MVP award in this game. Most of the other players had bonus clauses that paid them for simply appearing in the game.
Terry Steinbach had no such incentive clauses, for a basic reason. He didn’t think he’d ever be able to take advantage of them. He wasn’t even a full-time starter as a rookie last season with the A’s. Why ask for a bonus clause like that?
“This is the Goodwill Games for me, I guess,” Steinbach said and laughed again.
Before the first pitch, there were plenty of people who figured Steinbach should have been wearing the Donald Duck costume in the pregame Walt Disney show rather than wearing the catching gear. Steinbach had the lowest batting average of any All-Star other than the pitchers — Gooden was just one point lower, at .216 — and was constantly having to justify his selection. The company that presents souvenir bats to the players even misspelled his name.
“I didn’t pay attention to any of those things,” said Tom Kelly, the American League manager. “Hey, he must be doing something right. The A’s are leading their division by 5 1/2 games.”
Dennis Eckersley, an A’s teammate who wound up pitching the last inning, felt the same way.
“Terry was like a little kid tonight,” Eckersley said. “When he was running from third toward home, he just looked like he was in a cloud. I’m so glad this happened to him.”
Somebody mentioned that Steinbach was a rather unlikely hero for a game like this. Eckersley’s eyes gleamed.
“Those are the best kind,” he said. “Don’t you think?”
Yes. We think. We love a parade.


mercurynews--2020-07-12--Horoscopes July 12, 2020: Malala Yousafzai, make every move count.

Happy Birthday : Stay focused on what ’ s important to you .
If you let outside influences take over , you will miss opportunities .
Refuse to let anger consume you when applying your energy to something that is meaningful is how you will excel .
Make every move count .
Let your actions speak for you .
Set an example .
Your numbers are 5 , 13 , 21 , 28 , 34 , 41 , 48 .
ARIES ( March 21-April 19 ) : Redesign your goals to fit your circumstances .
Making personal changes that will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ push you in a healthier direction will pay off .
A romantic evening will bring you closer to someone you love .
3 stars TAURUS ( April 20-May 20 ) : Be smart , keep your opinions to yourself and avoid trouble .
You can control the outcome of a situation if you use finesse , discipline and restraint .
Take the high road ; forgo making a controversial statement .
3 stars GEMINI ( May 21-June 20 ) : Set up a virtual challenge with friends .
Your innovative idea can turn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to become lucrative .
A passionate implication you make will result in a closer bond between you and someone special .
4 stars CANCER ( June 21-July 22 ) : Emotional anger will not help you get things done .
Distance yourself from situations that are causing you grief .
Exercise your right to hide out and work on something that makes you happy .
A creative outlet will help ease stress .
2 stars LEO ( July 23-Aug. 22 ) : Look around you .
You ’ ll find the best way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ constructively .
What you learn will help you find new ways to put your skills to work for you .
A start-up project looks promising .
5 stars VIRGO ( Aug. 23-Sept. 22 ) : Don ’ t hesitate to embrace change if the opportunity arises .
Lean on your intelligence , not your emotions , to make decisions that can change your life .
Let go of the past , and pay attention to what makes you happy .
Live in the moment .
3 stars LIBRA ( Sept. 23-Oct. 22 ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that can lead to permanent consequences .
Bide your time , keep your distance and put your time and energy into personal growth and physical fitness .
Offer peace and love , not friction .
3 stars SCORPIO ( Oct. 23-Nov. 21 ) : Think about what you want , and take action .
Following up will be an essential path to consider if you ’ re going to shake things up .
An innovative idea is worth something only if you can turn it into reality .
Talk is cheap ; actions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ SAGITTARIUS ( Nov. 22-Dec. 21 ) : Home is where it ’ s at today .
Take on a challenging project and turn it into the centerpiece of your home .
Dress up your surroundings , and then turn your attention to personal enhancements , romance and enjoying life .
5 stars CAPRICORN ( Dec. 22-Jan. 19 ) : Sit tight , observe what ’ s going on and respond to the situations that surface before you consider making a change .
Timing is everything , and making a premature move will cause @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2 stars AQUARIUS ( Jan. 20-Feb. 18 ) : Swing into action , and channel your energy into the things you enjoy doing most .
A self-improvement project will turn out better than anticipated and result in compliments and a romantic gesture from someone special .
A gift or offering is heading your way .
4 stars PISCES ( Feb. 19-March 20 ) : Strive for perfection , and be sensitive to the way others feel .
Play it safe , and say no to a temptation that can put you in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home and meaningful relationships .
Put a smile on someone ’ s face .
3 stars Birthday Baby : You are expressive , passionate and intellectual .
You are resourceful and elaborate .

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Malala Yousafzai, 23; Kimberly Perry, 37; Topher Grace, 42; Steve Howey, 43.
Happy Birthday: Stay focused on what’s important to you. If you let outside influences take over, you will miss opportunities. Refuse to let anger consume you when applying your energy to something that is meaningful is how you will excel. Make every move count. Let your actions speak for you. Set an example. Your numbers are 5, 13, 21, 28, 34, 41, 48.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Redesign your goals to fit your circumstances. Making personal changes that will help you manage your money better and push you in a healthier direction will pay off. A romantic evening will bring you closer to someone you love. 3 stars
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Be smart, keep your opinions to yourself and avoid trouble. You can control the outcome of a situation if you use finesse, discipline and restraint. Take the high road; forgo making a controversial statement. 3 stars
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Set up a virtual challenge with friends. Your innovative idea can turn into a routine that has the potential to become lucrative. A passionate implication you make will result in a closer bond between you and someone special. 4 stars
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Emotional anger will not help you get things done. Distance yourself from situations that are causing you grief. Exercise your right to hide out and work on something that makes you happy. A creative outlet will help ease stress. 2 stars
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Look around you. You’ll find the best way to use your energy and physical strength constructively. What you learn will help you find new ways to put your skills to work for you. A start-up project looks promising. 5 stars
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Don’t hesitate to embrace change if the opportunity arises. Lean on your intelligence, not your emotions, to make decisions that can change your life. Let go of the past, and pay attention to what makes you happy. Live in the moment. 3 stars
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Refrain from stepping into a debate that can lead to permanent consequences. Bide your time, keep your distance and put your time and energy into personal growth and physical fitness. Offer peace and love, not friction. 3 stars
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Think about what you want, and take action. Following up will be an essential path to consider if you’re going to shake things up. An innovative idea is worth something only if you can turn it into reality. Talk is cheap; actions speak louder than words. 3 stars
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Home is where it’s at today. Take on a challenging project and turn it into the centerpiece of your home. Dress up your surroundings, and then turn your attention to personal enhancements, romance and enjoying life. 5 stars
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Sit tight, observe what’s going on and respond to the situations that surface before you consider making a change. Timing is everything, and making a premature move will cause problems with someone you care for. 2 stars
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Swing into action, and channel your energy into the things you enjoy doing most. A self-improvement project will turn out better than anticipated and result in compliments and a romantic gesture from someone special. A gift or offering is heading your way. 4 stars
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Strive for perfection, and be sensitive to the way others feel. Play it safe, and say no to a temptation that can put you in a vulnerable position. Protect your health, home and meaningful relationships. Put a smile on someone’s face. 3 stars
Birthday Baby: You are expressive, passionate and intellectual. You are resourceful and elaborate.
Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.


Bridge: July 12, 2020

Cy the Cynic ’ s former occupation , if ever he had one , is a topic of mystery at my club .
For some reason , Cy won ’ t talk about it — except to favor us with gag answers to queries .
“ Did you serve as an elected official ?
” “ I was devoted to that job.
” Cy was West in today ’ s deal , and his defense was derided by the kibitzers , not to mention by East .
Against South ’ s five diamonds , Cy led a club , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ club : queen , king , jack .
The Cynic then shifted to a trump .
South took the A-K of trumps and next the A-K of spades .
He cashed the ace of hearts , ruffed a heart , ruffed a spade in dummy , ruffed a heart and ruffed another spade .
South could then ruff a heart with his last trump and win the 13th trick with his good fifth spade .
Making five .
Cy ’ s defense resembled his career as a history teacher : There wasn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was sure to have five or more spades and likely to have five diamonds , hence a singleton heart .
At Trick Three , Cy must lead a third club , giving South a ruff-sluff .
Since South has no more fast losers , a discard won ’ t help him , but he will have to spend a trump he would otherwise use to set up and cash the long spade .
No other defense beats five diamonds .
Try it and see .

Cy the Cynic’s former occupation, if ever he had one, is a topic of mystery at my club. For some reason, Cy won’t talk about it — except to favor us with gag answers to queries.
“Cy, were you a clerk?”
“For a while, but I felt defiled.”
“Did you serve as an elected official?”
“I was devoted to that job.”
“How about a doorman, Cy?”
“No, I wouldn’t accept an entry-level position.”
“Were you a jockey?”
“Only until my boss derided me.”
Cy was West in today’s deal, and his defense was derided by the kibitzers, not to mention by East. Against South’s five diamonds, Cy led a club, and East took the ace and returned a club: queen, king, jack. The Cynic then shifted to a trump.
South took the A-K of trumps and next the A-K of spades. He cashed the ace of hearts, ruffed a heart, ruffed a spade in dummy, ruffed a heart and ruffed another spade. South could then ruff a heart with his last trump and win the 13th trick with his good fifth spade. Making five.
Cy’s defense resembled his career as a history teacher: There wasn’t any future in it. South was sure to have five or more spades and likely to have five diamonds, hence a singleton heart. At Trick Three, Cy must lead a third club, giving South a ruff-sluff.
Since South has no more fast losers, a discard won’t help him, but he will have to spend a trump he would otherwise use to set up and cash the long spade.
No other defense beats five diamonds. Try it and see.
North dealer
N-S vulnerable
NORTH
S A K
H A J 8 5 3
D A K Q J
C J 3
WEST
S Q 10 8 4
H Q 6
D 10 4
C K 10 7 4 2
EAST
S 7 3
H K 10 7 4 2
D 6 3
C A 9 6 5
SOUTH
S J 9 6 5 2
H 9
D 9 8 7 5 2
C Q 8
North East South West
2 C Pass 2 D Pass
2 H Pass 2 S Pass
3 D Pass 4 D Pass
5 D All Pass
Opening lead — C 4
(C)2020 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.


mercurynews--2020-07-12--Word Game: July 12, 2020

Word Game: July 12, 2020

Can you find 66 or more words in SHIBBOLETH ?
TODAY ’ S WORD — SHIBBOLETH shoe shot silo silt site slit slob sloe slot sloth soil sole stile stole heist helot hilt hobbies hobble hoist hole holiest holist hose host hostel hostile hotel isle islet isohel istle belt besot best bible bilbo bile bite bleb blest blithe blob blot boil bole bolt bosh both obit lest list lithe lobbies lobe lose lost loth ethos this thole those tile toil toile tole To purchase the Word Game book , visit WordGameBooks.com .
Order it now for just $ 5 while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sexually explicit words are not allowed .

TODAY’S WORD — SHIBBOLETH (SHIBBOLETH: SHIB-uh-leth: A commonplace saying or idea.)
Average mark 43 words
Time limit 60 minutes
Can you find 66 or more words in SHIBBOLETH?
TODAY’S WORD — SHIBBOLETH shoe shot silo silt site slit slob sloe slot sloth soil sole stile
stole heist helot hilt hobbies hobble hoist hole holiest holist hose host hostel hostile hotel isle
islet isohel istle belt besot best bible bilbo bile bite bleb blest blithe blob blot boil bole bolt bosh
both obit lest list lithe lobbies lobe lose lost loth ethos this thole those tile toil toile tole
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--2020-07-12--Ask Amy: I can’t sleep because her apartment is so messy

Dear Amy : My mom is 90 years old and has had a hoarding/messy-home problem , gambling addiction , and money issues for the past 25 years .
She is a compulsive shopper and was shopping almost every day when she was driving .
Last year she had a minor car accident that totaled her car , so she does not drive anymore and depends on me to take her for groceries , errands , doctor appointments , etc .
I had to clean out her car , which was so full of stuff that it took me five hours @ @ @ @ @ @ @ five large garbage bags of trash and 12 boxes of stuff .
I have had to “ clean up her mess ” many times over the years , sometimes at my insistence , and sometimes because she needs to let someone into her apartment and they can ’ t get in because of the mess .
Clothes are piled on the bed , groceries on the counters , and boxes on the floor .
• Ask Amy : I ’ m sure my reaction to the gift offended her , but what else @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : I just learned what he said about marrying me • Ask Amy : I ’ m a very sad mother , and it ’ s my daughter ’ s fault • Ask Amy : I just found out about my husband ’ s secret life • Ask Amy : I want my unhappy neighbor to leave me alone My daughter , who has helped me clean in the past , has very good organizational skills and works quickly .
She has agreed to help me this weekend .
( I have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t very helpful . )
In the past , Mom has told me that my cleaning makes her anxious .
Should I insist she let us do this ?
Mom ’ s apartment makes me sick , and I feel so overwhelmed when I am there because it is so bad .
I have trouble sleeping because it bothers me so much .
I have tried to get her counseling help in the past , but she only went to a few sessions .
If I clean now , it would be on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t force it now and something comes up with her apartment or health , I would be forced to clean it immediately .
She procrastinates until things become urgent with her ; then she makes me deal with this urgency .
I want to honor my mother and also be the responsible daughter .
Any advice ?
Dear Daughter : At the age of 90 , your mother is probably not going to make dramatic steps to change .
She might not be physically and emotionally able to deal with her hoarding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( Hoarding seems to be related to anxiety , and — longer-term — you should ask her primary care physician about appropriate anti-anxiety medication that might help . )
Because you seem to be her primary caretaker , I suggest that you take this on — on your terms .
Ask your sister if she can take your mother on errands/outings for the day .
Tell your mom that you and her granddaughter are going to handle this for her , and reassure her that when she returns , her home will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If your mother isn ’ t in the space and is instead distracted during the day , she might feel less anxious .
Dear Amy : In the past two years , I have given monetary gifts for graduations , birthdays , a bridal shower and a wedding .
I have not received any acknowledgment or thanks for any of these gifts .
At this point , I would settle for two words in a text message : “ thank you.
” Do young people feel so entitled that acknowledging a gift is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is now pregnant , and her mother-in-law is throwing a baby shower .
Of course , I ’ ll be invited .
I don ’ t want to go .
Friends have told me that I am being petty .
Am I ?
Dear Petty : You don ’ t seem petty as much as worn out .
And I don ’ t blame you .
A natural consequence of this lack of appreciation is that you will be less inspired to keep giving .
My only caution here is that baby showers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new baby , who is obviously innocent .
I think it is also time to contact the recipients of these gifts to tell them , “ I believe I ’ ve been generous to you , and I ’ ve always been happy to celebrate your milestones with gifts .
But you have never acknowledged or thanked me for a gift .
I ’ m not sure why this is , but it is quite discouraging.
” Dear Amy : “ Tom , in Los Angeles ” expressed extreme distress in where this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say , I was shocked ( pleasantly ) by your response .
Your first line got me : “ I think you should celebrate the freedom we each have to either launch an insurrection , or go to the movies.
” Dear Fan : Thank you .
I ’ m a huge movie buff — but I also love a good insurrection .
Onward !
You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy @ amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy , P.O .
Box 194 , Freeville , NY 13068 .
You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ askingamy or Facebook .

Dear Amy: My mom is 90 years old and has had a hoarding/messy-home problem, gambling addiction, and money issues for the past 25 years.
She is a compulsive shopper and was shopping almost every day when she was driving. Last year she had a minor car accident that totaled her car, so she does not drive anymore and depends on me to take her for groceries, errands, doctor appointments, etc.
I had to clean out her car, which was so full of stuff that it took me five hours to clean it out. I filled five large garbage bags of trash and 12 boxes of stuff.
I have had to “clean up her mess” many times over the years, sometimes at my insistence, and sometimes because she needs to let someone into her apartment and they can’t get in because of the mess. Clothes are piled on the bed, groceries on the counters, and boxes on the floor.
Related Articles Advice | Ask Amy: I found the videos she posted about me, with all the demeaning comments
Ask Amy: I found the videos she posted about me, with all the demeaning comments Advice | Ask Amy: My fiance wants me to stay home. Should I bolt?
Ask Amy: My fiance wants me to stay home. Should I bolt? Advice | Ask Amy: Why did she react that way? It was a compliment!
Ask Amy: Why did she react that way? It was a compliment! Advice | Ask Amy: I’ve told them they need therapy, and they refuse to do it. What now?
Ask Amy: I’ve told them they need therapy, and they refuse to do it. What now? Advice | Ask Amy: The man I love is my grandchild’s uncle, and things have gotten messy My daughter, who has helped me clean in the past, has very good organizational skills and works quickly. She has agreed to help me this weekend. (I have a sister who lives locally but isn’t very helpful.)
In the past, Mom has told me that my cleaning makes her anxious.
Should I insist she let us do this? Mom’s apartment makes me sick, and I feel so overwhelmed when I am there because it is so bad. I have trouble sleeping because it bothers me so much.
I have tried to get her counseling help in the past, but she only went to a few sessions.
If I clean now, it would be on my terms, but if I don’t force it now and something comes up with her apartment or health, I would be forced to clean it immediately. She procrastinates until things become urgent with her; then she makes me deal with this urgency.
I want to honor my mother and also be the responsible daughter. Any advice?
Loving Daughter
Dear Daughter: At the age of 90, your mother is probably not going to make dramatic steps to change. She might not be physically and emotionally able to deal with her hoarding disorder in any truly substantial way. (Hoarding seems to be related to anxiety, and — longer-term — you should ask her primary care physician about appropriate anti-anxiety medication that might help.)
Because you seem to be her primary caretaker, I suggest that you take this on — on your terms.
Ask your sister if she can take your mother on errands/outings for the day. Tell your mom that you and her granddaughter are going to handle this for her, and reassure her that when she returns, her home will be much easier for her to navigate. If your mother isn’t in the space and is instead distracted during the day, she might feel less anxious.
Dear Amy: In the past two years, I have given monetary gifts for graduations, birthdays, a bridal shower and a wedding.
I have not received any acknowledgment or thanks for any of these gifts. At this point, I would settle for two words in a text message: “thank you.”
Do young people feel so entitled that acknowledging a gift is not necessary?
One of the recipients is now pregnant, and her mother-in-law is throwing a baby shower. Of course, I’ll be invited. I don’t want to go.
Friends have told me that I am being petty. Am I?
Petty in Maryland
Dear Petty: You don’t seem petty as much as worn out. And I don’t blame you. A natural consequence of this lack of appreciation is that you will be less inspired to keep giving.
My only caution here is that baby showers are intended as celebrations centered on a new baby, who is obviously innocent.
I think it is also time to contact the recipients of these gifts to tell them, “I believe I’ve been generous to you, and I’ve always been happy to celebrate your milestones with gifts. But you have never acknowledged or thanked me for a gift. I’m not sure why this is, but it is quite discouraging.”
Dear Amy: “Tom, in Los Angeles” expressed extreme distress in where this country is headed. I have to say, I was shocked (pleasantly) by your response. Your first line got me: “I think you should celebrate the freedom we each have to either launch an insurrection, or go to the movies.”
A Fan
Dear Fan: Thank you. I’m a huge movie buff — but I also love a good insurrection. Onward!
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--2020-07-12--Dear Abby: Is it unnatural for me to be this handsy?

DEAR ABBY : I ’ ve been married to the same woman for 24 years .
We have been faithful since we took our vows and have never had a reason to stray .
I have looked at her throughout the years and thought to myself how lucky I am to have such an unbelievably beautiful woman by my side .
She ’ s everything I ’ ve ever wanted and more — intelligent , empathetic and a fun and outgoing person to be in love with .
She keeps getting better looking .
My question is , after all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me to just want to be near her , to smell her , to hold her ?
I really can ’ t keep my hands off her .
• Dear Abby : Is my tattoo too offensive for the beach ?
• Dear Abby : She stole my cat and now she won ’ t speak to me • Dear Abby : It ’ s exhausting being with this woman I have a crush on • Harriette Cole : She won ’ t Zoom with us because it ’ s too religious • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boys why they can never live with their dad ?
DEAR HANDSY : As long as your wife doesn ’ t feel encroached upon , your need to touch her is not only natural , it is enviable .
Many women would not only love to be adored the way you do her but would reciprocate .
DEAR ABBY : I am 43 , and my boyfriend is 40 .
He is always at my house , but I can never go to his to sit around and relax .
When I get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to him about it , he tells me that ’ s not the case at all , that I ’ m welcome anytime .
But when I suggest it , I am always turned down .
I ’ m trying hard to be optimistic , but I have so many negative thoughts about this .
What should I do ?
KEPT OUT IN ALABAMA DEAR KEPT OUT : It appears your boyfriend is more comfortable at your place than hosting you at his .
Why that would be is anybody ’ s guess @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t want to straighten up for a guest .
Maybe he ’ s unwilling to provide food or a beverage you prefer .
Are you sure he lives alone and there isn ’ t another hen sitting in his nest ?
You haven ’ t said how long you have been together as a couple , but it does seem like he is taking advantage .
It also seems he is pretty slick about denying reality when it comes to hospitality .
Unless he can explain to you why you can ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about this may be warranted .
DEAR ABBY : I ’ m a male in my early 20s who has a very small appetite .
I eat small portions regularly throughout the day .
During holidays and other occasions , I eat at the parents ’ of my friends a lot , or at my grandparents ’ or other family members ’ homes .
They think I should have the typical “ growing boy ” appetite and consume large amounts of food at each meal .
When I don ’ t clean my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they ask me what ’ s wrong or if I didn ’ t like it .
Usually , I enjoyed it very much but just couldn ’ t finish the whole thing .
How do I navigate these dinners without offending anyone ’ s cooking ?
DEAR SATISFIED : If possible , what you should do is serve yourself the portions you are comfortable eating rather than waste the food .
If that is not possible , quietly point out to your hosts that although you love what they prepare , you are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ throughout the day and would appreciate it if they didn ’ t overwhelm you .
It ’ s a reasonable request , and it shouldn ’ t offend anyone .
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren , also known as Jeanne Phillips , and was founded by her mother , Pauline Phillips .
Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O .
Box 69440 , Los Angeles , CA 90069 .

DEAR ABBY: I’ve been married to the same woman for 24 years. We have been faithful since we took our vows and have never had a reason to stray.
I have looked at her throughout the years and thought to myself how lucky I am to have such an unbelievably beautiful woman by my side. She’s everything I’ve ever wanted and more — intelligent, empathetic and a fun and outgoing person to be in love with.
She keeps getting better looking.
My question is, after all these years, is it unnatural for me to just want to be near her, to smell her, to hold her? I really can’t keep my hands off her.
HANDSY IN NEW MEXICO
Related Articles Advice | Dear Abby: Is it weird that I think this actress could be my sister?
Dear Abby: Is it weird that I think this actress could be my sister? Advice | Dear Abby: Why are people so rude to me lately? I’m a nice guy.
Dear Abby: Why are people so rude to me lately? I’m a nice guy. Advice | Dear Abby: My financial adviser won’t listen to me, but he insists he’s not sexist
Dear Abby: My financial adviser won’t listen to me, but he insists he’s not sexist Advice | Dear Abby: Our teen’s messy breakup has had awkward repercussions for us
Dear Abby: Our teen’s messy breakup has had awkward repercussions for us Advice | Dear Abby: I was annoyed to discover why our friends picked this restaurant DEAR HANDSY: As long as your wife doesn’t feel encroached upon, your need to touch her is not only natural, it is enviable. Many women would not only love to be adored the way you do her but would reciprocate.
DEAR ABBY: I am 43, and my boyfriend is 40. He is always at my house, but I can never go to his to sit around and relax.
When I get upset about it and want to talk to him about it, he tells me that’s not the case at all, that I’m welcome anytime. But when I suggest it, I am always turned down.
I’m trying hard to be optimistic, but I have so many negative thoughts about this. What should I do?
KEPT OUT IN ALABAMA
DEAR KEPT OUT: It appears your boyfriend is more comfortable at your place than hosting you at his.
Why that would be is anybody’s guess. Maybe he is lazy and doesn’t want to straighten up for a guest. Maybe he’s unwilling to provide food or a beverage you prefer.
Are you sure he lives alone and there isn’t another hen sitting in his nest?
You haven’t said how long you have been together as a couple, but it does seem like he is taking advantage. It also seems he is pretty slick about denying reality when it comes to hospitality. Unless he can explain to you why you can’t come over, your negative thoughts about this may be warranted.
DEAR ABBY: I’m a male in my early 20s who has a very small appetite. I eat small portions regularly throughout the day.
During holidays and other occasions, I eat at the parents’ of my friends a lot, or at my grandparents’ or other family members’ homes. They think I should have the typical “growing boy” appetite and consume large amounts of food at each meal. When I don’t clean my plate (or even half), they ask me what’s wrong or if I didn’t like it. Usually, I enjoyed it very much but just couldn’t finish the whole thing.
How do I navigate these dinners without offending anyone’s cooking?
QUICKLY SATISFIED
DEAR SATISFIED: If possible, what you should do is serve yourself the portions you are comfortable eating rather than waste the food. If that is not possible, quietly point out to your hosts that although you love what they prepare, you are in the habit of eating small portions throughout the day and would appreciate it if they didn’t overwhelm you.
It’s a reasonable request, and it shouldn’t offend anyone.
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.