mercurynews--2020-01-12--Ask Amy: I finally feel free, but she would find it sinful

DEAR AMY : “ Caroline ” has been a dear friend since we were teens 35 years ago .
We both came from very religious , conservative families , and have always shared the same beliefs — until now .
Over the last five years , my way of life has changed a lot .
For many reasons , I no longer attend church or believe in her religion .
I defend equality rights that she views as sinful , and I even cuss and have a beer on occasion .
It has been a long and liberating journey for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Caroline that I ’ ve changed .
I only see her once a year .
I realize that I am not what she thinks I am .
Perhaps I ’ m being a coward , but I just don ’ t want to discuss this with her .
I know she will be disappointed , judgmental , and try to evangelize to me .
She is smart and very good at debating , and has a quick answer for everything .
Sadly , I stink at that , even when I feel very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Ask Amy : He has his hooks in his college girlfriend .
Should I tell her what I know ?
• Ask Amy : My new husband has become very strange about my job • Ask Amy : I learned upsetting news about my husband ’ s past • Ask Amy : I was ordered to flirt with my gay client • Ask Amy : Are these compliments offensive to women ?
She is going to visit me in a few months .
Is it necessary to have a conversation with her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any advice on how to have this conversation ?
DEAR LOSING : One of the many benefits of adulthood is that adults get to change .
Another benefit is that you don ’ t have to discuss anything you don ’ t want to discuss .
It is not “ necessary ” to have any particular conversation .
Keep in mind that your old friend has the same benefits ( toward change or stasis ) that you possess .
And , like you , she might have areas of her life that she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you two spend time together and you find that you want to discuss the change in your faith-status , you should keep it simple .
The more detail you overlay onto your point , the more points “ Caroline ” will find to debate .
Her disappointment regarding your life-change is her burden to bear .
You should not assume responsibility for her reactions .
If she feels the need to evangelize to you , ask her to stop , and say , “ I ’ m completely at peace with my point @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t up for discussion , ” and change the subject .
There is nothing wrong with engaging in a hearty debate , by the way , if both sides are permitted to express themselves and each of you listen and respond respectfully .
DEAR AMY : Like many people , my wife and I send out Christmas cards during the holiday season — one card to each household on our list .
Some folks who have other household members ( age 21 and above ) living with them have asked us to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their adult children in the household .
These are single adults still living in their childhood bedroom , not a family living in separate quarters on the property .
We think “ and family ” covers everyone under the same roof .
By the way , those extra adults do not send out their own cards .
We update addresses , and add or drop folks , in what we believe to be normal Christmas list maintenance .
Did some etiquette change ?
DEAR CARDED : I understand that there are circumstances where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need and will be cohabiting with parents for the duration of their lifetime .
In that case , it would be kindest to send the adult child a separate card .
Otherwise — the idea that these parents would advocate for their babies to receive separate Christmas cards sent to their home address tells me that these parents will be enjoying the company of their adult children in their household for many Christmases to come .
Tell them , “ When the kids have their own mailing addresses , we will be delighted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” DEAR AMY : I am a university professor of pharmacy science .
A recent question from “ Wondering , ” regarding using CBD , prompted me to respond .
Anyone using any form of cannabidiol ( CBD ) should talk with their pharmacist about possible drug-to-drug interactions and side effects .
Pharmacists are the drug experts .
We answer questions about drugs and dietary supplements every day .
We are happy to provide correct and scientifically sound information about any drug a patient chooses to use , including cannabidiol .
Thank you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s lives better , and for helping to promote the safe use of medications , even those that may be purchased without a prescription .
DEAR ALLY : My local pharmacist is a font of information — and a lifesaver .
You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy @ amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy , P.O .
Box 194 , Freeville , NY 13068 .
You can also follow her on Twitter @ askingamy or Facebook .

DEAR AMY: “Caroline” has been a dear friend since we were teens 35 years ago. We both came from very religious, conservative families, and have always shared the same beliefs — until now.
Over the last five years, my way of life has changed a lot. For many reasons, I no longer attend church or believe in her religion. I defend equality rights that she views as sinful, and I even cuss and have a beer on occasion. It has been a long and liberating journey for me.
I have not explicitly told Caroline that I’ve changed. I only see her once a year. I realize that I am not what she thinks I am.
Perhaps I’m being a coward, but I just don’t want to discuss this with her. I know she will be disappointed, judgmental, and try to evangelize to me. She is smart and very good at debating, and has a quick answer for everything. Sadly, I stink at that, even when I feel very strongly that I’m right.
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Losing My Religion
DEAR LOSING: One of the many benefits of adulthood is that adults get to change.
Another benefit is that you don’t have to discuss anything you don’t want to discuss. It is not “necessary” to have any particular conversation.
Keep in mind that your old friend has the same benefits (toward change or stasis) that you possess. And, like you, she might have areas of her life that she would prefer to keep off-limits.
If you two spend time together and you find that you want to discuss the change in your faith-status, you should keep it simple. The more detail you overlay onto your point, the more points “Caroline” will find to debate.
Her disappointment regarding your life-change is her burden to bear. You should not assume responsibility for her reactions.
If she feels the need to evangelize to you, ask her to stop, and say, “I’m completely at peace with my point of view, so this really isn’t up for discussion,” and change the subject.
There is nothing wrong with engaging in a hearty debate, by the way, if both sides are permitted to express themselves and each of you listen and respond respectfully.
DEAR AMY: Like many people, my wife and I send out Christmas cards during the holiday season — one card to each household on our list.
Some folks who have other household members (age 21 and above) living with them have asked us to send a separate card to each of their adult children in the household.
These are single adults still living in their childhood bedroom, not a family living in separate quarters on the property.
We think “and family” covers everyone under the same roof. By the way, those extra adults do not send out their own cards.
We update addresses, and add or drop folks, in what we believe to be normal Christmas list maintenance. Did some etiquette change?
Getting Carded
DEAR CARDED: I understand that there are circumstances where perhaps an adult child has a special need and will be cohabiting with parents for the duration of their lifetime. In that case, it would be kindest to send the adult child a separate card.
Otherwise — the idea that these parents would advocate for their babies to receive separate Christmas cards sent to their home address tells me that these parents will be enjoying the company of their adult children in their household for many Christmases to come.
Tell them, “When the kids have their own mailing addresses, we will be delighted to add them to our mailing list.”
Want Ask Amy delivered to your inbox for free on weekdays?
DEAR AMY: I am a university professor of pharmacy science. A recent question from “Wondering,” regarding using CBD, prompted me to respond.
Anyone using any form of cannabidiol (CBD) should talk with their pharmacist about possible drug-to-drug interactions and side effects.
Pharmacists are the drug experts. We answer questions about drugs and dietary supplements every day. We are happy to provide correct and scientifically sound information about any drug a patient chooses to use, including cannabidiol.
Thank you for all you do to make people’s lives better, and for helping to promote the safe use of medications, even those that may be purchased without a prescription.
Ally
DEAR ALLY: My local pharmacist is a font of information — and a lifesaver.
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--2020-01-12--Dear Abby: I found out years later that my mom drove my boyfriend away

DEAR ABBY : Parents frequently write to you asking for advice about their children , seemingly asking permission to butt in where they should not .
When I was in my 20s , I dated a guy who had just returned from the Navy .
I saw him — and others — while working and going to college .
Sometimes I ’ d drive 40 miles to visit him and stay with my mother .
At some point , he told me we wouldn ’ t be seeing each other anymore .
He doesn ’ t remember the details of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I liked him very much and may have been in love .
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• Dear Abby : My dates seem to expect things I can ’ t afford • Dear Abby : They ridicule me for my food choices • Dear Abby : My husband is weirdly close to his sister , and people are noticing • Dear Abby : I said something in the job interview that I regret I found out years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to her house and told him to marry me or let me go .
We were both young and not ready for marriage .
I have no idea what possessed her to do that .
Sometimes I wish I had talked with her about it , but it wouldn ’ t have changed anything .
He and I have visited a few times during the past few years .
We both married wonderful people , had kids , and have had good lives .
Yet there has always been the question : What @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , please advise parents to mind their own business , especially where adult children are involved .
DEAR F.Y.W .
: Whether that romance would have led to marriage had your mother stayed out of it , I can ’ t guess and neither can you .
Fortunately , you and the young man went on to have happy lives and successful marriages .
Some mothers can ’ t resist the temptation to interfere in their adult children ’ s lives .
Today , when it is constant , it ’ s called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unfortunate result can be disabling rather than helping because it prevents children from resolving their own issues .
DEAR ABBY : My 30-plus-year-old brother struggles with substance abuse .
It has been going on for years .
After countless trips to rehab , inpatient , outpatient and all the step programs , he still uses .
Periodically he ’ ll be sober for a short time , but it never lasts .
For a long time , I have been torn between total disassociation or the sporadic run-in at family events .
Seven @ @ @ @ @ @ @ born with narcotics in his system .
Birds of a feather flock together , I guess .
Since then he hasn ’ t been invited to my home or any event I have hosted .
My mother and the rest of my siblings still invite him into their homes and act as if his lifestyle choices are OK. Am I supposed to boycott family functions ( holiday gatherings , summer BBQs , birthday parties for my kids , nieces and nephews ) because they all continue allowing him to attend ?
I honestly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here .
Please help .
HAD ENOUGH IN NEW YORK DEAR HAD ENOUGH : Your brother has an addiction he can not seem to shake .
It is a disease that , in spite of treatment , persists .
If you prefer not to include him at events you host or invite him into your home , that is your right .
But for you to forgo family events in an attempt to punish him is isolating only yourself , and I see nothing positive to be gained by it .
Because your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the ultimate decision is yours .
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: Parents frequently write to you asking for advice about their children, seemingly asking permission to butt in where they should not.
When I was in my 20s, I dated a guy who had just returned from the Navy. I saw him — and others — while working and going to college. Sometimes I’d drive 40 miles to visit him and stay with my mother.
At some point, he told me we wouldn’t be seeing each other anymore. He doesn’t remember the details of the conversation, and neither do I. I liked him very much and may have been in love.
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He and I have visited a few times during the past few years. We both married wonderful people, had kids, and have had good lives. Yet there has always been the question: What if Mom had not interfered?
Abby, please advise parents to mind their own business, especially where adult children are involved.
FIFTY YEARS WONDERING
DEAR F.Y.W.: Whether that romance would have led to marriage had your mother stayed out of it, I can’t guess and neither can you. Fortunately, you and the young man went on to have happy lives and successful marriages.
Some mothers can’t resist the temptation to interfere in their adult children’s lives. Today, when it is constant, it’s called “helicopter parenting,” and the unfortunate result can be disabling rather than helping because it prevents children from resolving their own issues.
DEAR ABBY: My 30-plus-year-old brother struggles with substance abuse. It has been going on for years. After countless trips to rehab, inpatient, outpatient and all the step programs, he still uses. Periodically he’ll be sober for a short time, but it never lasts. For a long time, I have been torn between total disassociation or the sporadic run-in at family events.
Seven months ago, his baby boy was born with narcotics in his system. Birds of a feather flock together, I guess. Since then he hasn’t been invited to my home or any event I have hosted. My mother and the rest of my siblings still invite him into their homes and act as if his lifestyle choices are OK.
Am I supposed to boycott family functions (holiday gatherings, summer BBQs, birthday parties for my kids, nieces and nephews) because they all continue allowing him to attend? I honestly don’t know what is right here. Please help.
HAD ENOUGH IN NEW YORK
DEAR HAD ENOUGH: Your brother has an addiction he cannot seem to shake. It is a disease that, in spite of treatment, persists.
If you prefer not to include him at events you host or invite him into your home, that is your right. But for you to forgo family events in an attempt to punish him is isolating only yourself, and I see nothing positive to be gained by it. Because your feelings about this situation are so strong, the ultimate decision is yours.
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.


mercurynews--2020-01-12--Problem Solved: My food is spoiling while Best Buy gives me the runaround on a broken refrigerator

Q : Best Buy sold me a defective LG refrigerator in 2016 with a Geek Squad protection plan .
Instead of helping me , Best Buy referred me to LG .
After dozens of phone calls , and after a refrigerator technician stood me up and then rescheduled , LG diagnosed the problem as a defective compressor .
I am currently without a working fridge .
I ’ ve contacted Best Buy multiple times and complained to the BBB .
I ’ d like to exchange the refrigerator for one with a working compressor .
I would prefer a different @ @ @ @ @ @ @ compressor doesn ’ t die again and put me through all this again and again for the next 10 years .
I don ’ t want to wait for another month to go through LG when I bought it from Best Buy .
I want a fridge in my home now .
I want reimbursement for the actual loss of food and costs of ice , and meals out while I wait for them to live up to their agreement .
Could you help me ?
A : Best Buy sold you a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ along with an expensive warranty , and then punted to the manufacturer when you had a problem ?
Welcome to the wacky world of electronics retailing .
Best Buy buries the terms and conditions of its extended Geek Squad warranty on its site .
They ’ re worth reviewing before you buy your next appliance or say “ yes ” to the Geek Squad .
( Note : I couldn ’ t find the terms of your 2016 purchase , but they are similar . )
Why read all the fine print before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doesn ’ t work ?
Because it fully describes the coverage you are — and aren ’ t — getting .
The biggest takeaway : Many of your Geek Squad coverages begin when the manufacturer ’ s warranty ends .
So , if LG covered your refrigerator under its warranty , Best Buy had to go through LG for a repair first .
For you , the most important part of the warranty was the replacement credit .
If your appliance stops working , Best Buy appears to limit you to a $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As is so often the case with warranty cases , there ’ s what ’ s written — and there ’ s the right thing to do .
Best Buy seems to be following its warranty terms .
But the right thing to do , in terms of customer service , is to find you a working refrigerator .
Quickly .
You could have appealed this to someone higher up at the company .
I list the names , numbers and email addresses of the Best Buy customer service executives on my nonprofit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contacted Best Buy on your behalf .
It approved a swap-out of your nonworking refrigerator .
Christopher Elliott ’ s latest book is “ How to Be the World ’ s Smartest Traveler ” ( National Geographic ) .
You can get real-time answers to any consumer question on his forum , elliott.org/forum , or by emailing him at chris @ elliott.org .

Christopher Elliott, King Features Syndicate, Inc.

Q: Best Buy sold me a defective LG refrigerator in 2016 with a Geek Squad protection plan. Instead of helping me, Best Buy referred me to LG. After dozens of phone calls, and after a refrigerator technician stood me up and then rescheduled, LG diagnosed the problem as a defective compressor.
I am currently without a working fridge. I’ve contacted Best Buy multiple times and complained to the BBB.
I’d like to exchange the refrigerator for one with a working compressor. I would prefer a different brand instead of having to hope the compressor doesn’t die again and put me through all this again and again for the next 10 years. I don’t want to wait for another month to go through LG when I bought it from Best Buy. I want a fridge in my home now. I want reimbursement for the actual loss of food and costs of ice, and meals out while I wait for them to live up to their agreement. Could you help me?
Jane Weir, Middletown, Maryland
A: Best Buy sold you a refrigerator that doesn’t work, along with an expensive warranty, and then punted to the manufacturer when you had a problem? Welcome to the wacky world of electronics retailing. Best Buy buries the terms and conditions of its extended Geek Squad warranty on its site. They’re worth reviewing before you buy your next appliance or say “yes” to the Geek Squad. (Note: I couldn’t find the terms of your 2016 purchase, but they are similar.)
Why read all the fine print before you end up with a refrigerator that doesn’t work? Because it fully describes the coverage you are — and aren’t — getting. The biggest takeaway: Many of your Geek Squad coverages begin when the manufacturer’s warranty ends. So, if LG covered your refrigerator under its warranty, Best Buy had to go through LG for a repair first.
For you, the most important part of the warranty was the replacement credit. If your appliance stops working, Best Buy appears to limit you to a $750 credit for a new refrigerator.
As is so often the case with warranty cases, there’s what’s written — and there’s the right thing to do. Best Buy seems to be following its warranty terms. But the right thing to do, in terms of customer service, is to find you a working refrigerator. Quickly.
You could have appealed this to someone higher up at the company. I list the names, numbers and email addresses of the Best Buy customer service executives on my nonprofit consumer advocacy site, Elliott.org.
I contacted Best Buy on your behalf. It approved a swap-out of your nonworking refrigerator.
Christopher Elliott’s latest book is “How to Be the World’s Smartest Traveler” (National Geographic). You can get real-time answers to any consumer question on his forum, elliott.org/forum, or by emailing him at chris@elliott.org.


mercurynews--2020-01-12--On Joe Pavelski’s return, Patrick Marleau, Aaron Dell steal the show

SAN JOSE — Patrick Marleau and Aaron Dell spoiled Joe Pavelski ’ s return to SAP Center on Saturday night .
Marleau ’ s goal at the 2:56 mark of the second period proved to be the winner , as the Sharks held on to beat the Dallas Stars 2-1 , their fourth victory in six games and their second straight without injured captain Logan Couture .
Brent Burns assisted on Marleau ’ s goal and also scored in the first period , as the Sharks erased an early Stars lead .
On Marleau ’ s goal , Burns fired @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Stars goalie Anton Khudobin .
After Tomas Hertl took a whack at the loose puck , it came to Marleau , who jumped on the rebound and tapped it in for his eighth goal of the season .
Marleau was playing his 1,700th NHL game Saturday , becoming only the fifth player in the history of the NHL to reach that milestone , joining Gordie Howe ( 1,767 ) , Mark Messier ( 1,756 ) , Jaromir Jagr ( 1,733 ) and Ron Francis ( 1,731 ) .
Marleau is the only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his 1,700th game .
The Sharks killed a third period penalty to Brenden Dillon and got 27 saves from goalie Aaron Dell to improve their record to 5-2-2 since the Christmas break .
The Sharks ’ begin a three-game road trip Tuesday against the Arizona Coyotes .
The Sharks honored their former captain with a three minute tribute video before the start of their game with the Stars .
Pavelski stayed near the Stars bench as he watched the presentation , a montage of his more memorable moments in a Sharks uniform .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ over 13 seasons and ended his career in teal with 761 points .
Pavelski signed a three-year contract with the Stars on July 1 , 2019 .
The Stars made themselves feel at home , too , in the game ’ s opening minutes .
With Evander Kane serving a high-sticking penalty , Jamie Benn redirected a Tyler Seguin pass past Dell to give Dallas a 1-0 lead just 1:32 into the first period .
Burns left Saturday ’ s game midway through the second period after he took a hit from Stars @ @ @ @ @ @ @ early in the third .
Burns had just taken the puck from defense partner Brenden Dillon in the neutral zone and fired it toward Timo Meier when Hintz closed on him to make a hit .
Burns then went to the Sharks ’ dressing room did not play the rest of the second period .
Burns did not return to the bench for the start of the third period , but came out of the dressing room roughly four minutes after the period started .
His first shift back came at the 4:13 @ @ @ @ @

SAN JOSE — Patrick Marleau and Aaron Dell spoiled Joe Pavelski’s return to SAP Center on Saturday night.
Marleau’s goal at the 2:56 mark of the second period proved to be the winner, as the Sharks held on to beat the Dallas Stars 2-1, their fourth victory in six games and their second straight without injured captain Logan Couture.
Brent Burns assisted on Marleau’s goal and also scored in the first period, as the Sharks erased an early Stars lead.
On Marleau’s goal, Burns fired a shot on net that was stopped by Stars goalie Anton Khudobin. After Tomas Hertl took a whack at the loose puck, it came to Marleau, who jumped on the rebound and tapped it in for his eighth goal of the season.
Marleau was playing his 1,700th NHL game Saturday, becoming only the fifth player in the history of the NHL to reach that milestone, joining Gordie Howe (1,767), Mark Messier (1,756), Jaromir Jagr (1,733) and Ron Francis (1,731). Marleau is the only player in that group to score in his 1,700th game.
The Sharks killed a third period penalty to Brenden Dillon and got 27 saves from goalie Aaron Dell to improve their record to 5-2-2 since the Christmas break. The Sharks’ begin a three-game road trip Tuesday against the Arizona Coyotes.
The Sharks honored their former captain with a three minute tribute video before the start of their game with the Stars. Pavelski stayed near the Stars bench as he watched the presentation, a montage of his more memorable moments in a Sharks uniform.
Pavelski played 963 games for the Sharks over 13 seasons and ended his career in teal with 761 points. Pavelski signed a three-year contract with the Stars on July 1, 2019.
The Stars made themselves feel at home, too, in the game’s opening minutes. With Evander Kane serving a high-sticking penalty, Jamie Benn redirected a Tyler Seguin pass past Dell to give Dallas a 1-0 lead just 1:32 into the first period.
Burns left Saturday’s game midway through the second period after he took a hit from Stars forward Roope Hintz, but later returned early in the third.
Burns had just taken the puck from defense partner Brenden Dillon in the neutral zone and fired it toward Timo Meier when Hintz closed on him to make a hit.
Burns then went to the Sharks’ dressing room did not play the rest of the second period. Burns did not return to the bench for the start of the third period, but came out of the dressing room roughly four minutes after the period started. His first shift back came at the 4:13 mark of the third.


mercurynews--2020-01-12--Sharks’ Brent Burns leaves game vs. Dallas Stars, then returns

SAN JOSE — Sharks ’ defenseman Brent Burns had to leave Saturday ’ s game with the Dallas Stars midway through the second period , but later returned early in the third .
Burns left the game with 10:22 left in the second period shortly after he took a hit from Stars forward Roope Hintz .
Burns had just taken the puck from defense partner Brenden Dillon in the neutral zone and fired it toward Timo Meier when Hintz closed on him to make a check .
Burns then went to the Sharks ’ dressing room and did not play @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Burns did not return to the bench for the start of the third period , but came out of the dressing room roughly four minutes after the period started .
His first shift back came at the 4:13 mark of the third .
Sharks interim coach Bob Boughner said Burns was dealing with an upper body injury .
“ He tried to come back in the third and he played through it , so I don ’ t think it ’ s anything major , ” Boughner said .
“ We ’ ll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but I don ’ t think it ’ s anything too crazy.
” Burns and Patrick Marleau both scored for the Sharks on Saturday as they took a 2-1 lead after 40 minutes .
Burns ’ goal came at the 15:33 mark of the first period , as he redirected a pass from Meier past Dallas goalie Anton Khudobin for his ninth goal of the season .
Burns , the 2017 Norris Trophy winner , also assisted on Marleau ’ s second period goal , and now has 32 points in 47 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assists in his last six .
Burns came into Saturday averaging 24 minutes and 59 seconds of ice time per game .
He finished Saturday with 19:27 of ice time .
The Sharks ’ next game is Tuesday in Arizona , kicking off a three game road trip that continues with games in Colorado on Thursday and Vancouver on Saturday .

Brent Burns is in the dressing room. The #SJSharks broadcasters wonder if it's from this hit by #GoStars Hintz pic.twitter.com/B8nP46oxQz — Teal Town USA – A San Jose Sharks Podcast (@TealTownUSA) January 12, 2020
SAN JOSE — Sharks’ defenseman Brent Burns had to leave Saturday’s game with the Dallas Stars midway through the second period, but later returned early in the third.
Burns left the game with 10:22 left in the second period shortly after he took a hit from Stars forward Roope Hintz.
Burns had just taken the puck from defense partner Brenden Dillon in the neutral zone and fired it toward Timo Meier when Hintz closed on him to make a check.
Burns then went to the Sharks’ dressing room and did not play the rest of the second period. Burns did not return to the bench for the start of the third period, but came out of the dressing room roughly four minutes after the period started. His first shift back came at the 4:13 mark of the third.
Sharks interim coach Bob Boughner said Burns was dealing with an upper body injury.
“He tried to come back in the third and he played through it, so I don’t think it’s anything major,” Boughner said. “We’ll have a better idea (Sunday), but I don’t think it’s anything too crazy.”
Burns and Patrick Marleau both scored for the Sharks on Saturday as they took a 2-1 lead after 40 minutes. Burns’ goal came at the 15:33 mark of the first period, as he redirected a pass from Meier past Dallas goalie Anton Khudobin for his ninth goal of the season.
Burns, the 2017 Norris Trophy winner, also assisted on Marleau’s second period goal, and now has 32 points in 47 games, including three goals and three assists in his last six.
Burns came into Saturday averaging 24 minutes and 59 seconds of ice time per game. He finished Saturday with 19:27 of ice time.
The Sharks’ next game is Tuesday in Arizona, kicking off a three game road trip that continues with games in Colorado on Thursday and Vancouver on Saturday.


mercurynews--2020-01-12--Saturday Night Five: Leach vs. Petersen, resource comparisons, Pac-12 staff salaries, new coordinato

Saturday Night Five: Leach vs. Petersen, resource comparisons, Pac-12 staff salaries, new coordinators and more

*** Instant reaction to developments on and off the field .
( For a subscription to the Hotline newsletter , click here . )
… Together in the Pacific Northwest for six years , gone their separate ways in six weeks .
And like that , Chris Petersen and Mike Leach — two of the most successful and longest-tenured coaches in the conference — are finished in Seattle and Pullman , respectively .
Petersen : Swallowed by the grind and in need of recharging .
Leach : Headed to the SEC for a new challenge .
Here ’ s our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a bigger blow to the conference ?
We won ’ t know with any degree of certainty for several years — it all depends , of course , on the success attained by their replacements ( Jimmy Lake and TBD ) .
And to be clear : We ’ re not debating whether Leach is a better coach than Petersen or vice versa .
To different degrees and via different methods , both have been tremendously successful over the past 15 years .
But the Hotline believes — to the extent that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Leach ’ s departure is a bigger blow to the Pac-12 collective than Petersen ’ s exit .
It ’ s a bigger blow not because of each program ’ s ceiling , but because of the floor .
It ’ s a bigger blow not because of the likely victories , but because of the potential losses .
The Pac-12 needs playoff contenders — of that , there is no doubt .
But a stout middle is also important .
Washington is far more likely to compete for the CFP than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infinitely more likely than the Huskies to slip into oblivion .
The Huskies have more resources , a larger recruiting base and richer tradition .
The Cougars , while not without pockets of high-level success over the decades ( Rose Bowls in ’ 97 and ’ 02 ) , possess a far smaller margin for error .
The Pac-12 has missed the playoff three years in a row and four of the past five .
Its strength at this moment in time — it ’ s calling card on the Power Five stage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that expansive middle , of which WSU has been an essential piece for five years , there would be little left on the resume .
Leach ’ s successor will have far more difficulty maintaining the Cougars ’ recent standard than Lake will keeping the Huskies on their current perch as one of the top programs west of Norman , OK. Because the likelihood of the Cougars slipping substantially without Leach is greater than the likelihood of Washington attaining a higher tier without Petersen , we view the former ’ s exit as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 1 million per year more than his WSU salary , based on the terms of the extension he signed in December.. And the incentives in Starkville ( per the Clarion-Ledger ) ?
Oh , my : — $ 100,000 for being National Coach of the Year But the number that caught our eye : $ 4.7 million , the reported salary pool for Leach ’ s assistants/coordinators .
That ’ s 35 percent more than Washington State ’ s staff pool in 2019 , according to USA Today ’ s salary database @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his staff , and the Bulldogs will plow a tick less than $ 10 million annually into salaries for the coaches .
That ’ s comparable to the top-end allocation in the Pac-12 — Washington devoted $ 10.5 million to Petersen and his staff last year — and Mississippi State is , at best , the No .
11 or 12 football program in the SEC .
But the Bulldogs have the revenue to make it work , thanks partly to $ 44 million ( approx ) in media rights payouts from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 31 million to its schools .
We don ’ t view Leach ’ s move as a full-force slap in the Pac-12 ’ s face — not with the competitive allure for Leach , who has coached in the Big 12 and Pac-12 but not the SEC .
Had he jumped from Washington or Oregon to Starkville , that would have been an absolute right cross to the jaw .
But his departure , and the financial underpinnings of the new gig , help illuminate the resource disparity .
It ’ s a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any given program .
The topic is addressed on the Hotline , but not often enough .
For readers unfamiliar , here is the staff compensation in 2019 ( coordinators and assistants ) for each of the conference ’ s 10 public schools .
The information is courtesy of USAT , which updates the fabulous database annually .
The Huskies , although tops in the Pac-12 , are only 10th nationally .
The Ducks , second in the conference , are 18th nationally .
Perhaps most telling of all : Kansas — Kansas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for assistant coaches than four Pac-12 programs .
4 .
Two down , one to go .
Now , only Oregon remains from the group of three North programs that began 2020 with offensive coordinator vacancies .
We like Cal ’ s hire , because Musgrave ’ s background fits the style of offense ( multiple , with tight ends ) best suited for the Bears ’ personnel and recruiting pool .
But Donovan , whose college stops include Maryland , Vanderbilt and Penn State , is a bit of a mystery , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s not Kellen Moore or Mark Helfrich — two of the rumored names — and that ’ s about it , except : He spent the past four years as an offensive assistant with the Jaguars .
Both the Bears and the Huskies turned to the NFL for their coordinators , which makes sense from sophistication , teaching and recruiting standpoints .
And it got us thinking about the background of the current playcallers across the conference .
Only three have extensive NFL coaching experience .
Arizona ’ s Noel Mazzone : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Zak Hill : No NFL experience Cal ’ s Bill Musgrave : 19 years in the NFL Colorado ’ s Jay Johnson : No NFL experience Oregon : TBA Oregon State ’ s Brian Lindgren : No NFL experience Stanford ’ s Tavita Pritchard : No NFL experience UCLA : No OC ( Chip Kelly calls the plays ) USC ’ s Graham Harrell : No NFL experience Utah ’ s Andy Ludwig : No NFL experience Washington ’ s John Donovan : Four years in the NFL Washington State : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from now , there will be more than three playcallers with the NFL experience on their coaching resume .
Not all the top draft-eligible sophomores and juniors are turning pro .
Stanford , which has half its roster in the transfer portal ( or so it seems ) , received a major boost Friday when Paulson Adebo announced he would return for 2020 .
If he ’ s not the best cornerback in the Pac-12 , Adebo is in the top two or three .
He ’ s two-time , first-team all-conference selection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he improves Stanford ’ s early-entry hit rate to 66.7 percent : All-American tackle Walker Little is also returning , while tight end Colby Parkinson is turning pro .
And Stanford is hardly the only beneficiary of NFL Draft rejection across the conference .
So are Washington cornerback Elijah Molden and defensive end Levi Onwuzurike .
At this point , in fact , the exodus is moderate .
If that status holds through the deadline ( late next week ) , the Pac-12 will have come out ahead in the early-entry game .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of weekend developments in Pac-12 basketball will be published Monday morning .
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*** Instant reaction to developments on and off the field. (For a subscription to the Hotline newsletter, click here.) …
1. Weighing the departures.
Together in the Pacific Northwest for six years, gone their separate ways in six weeks.
And like that, Chris Petersen and Mike Leach — two of the most successful and longest-tenured coaches in the conference — are finished in Seattle and Pullman, respectively.
Petersen: Swallowed by the grind and in need of recharging.
Leach: Headed to the SEC for a new challenge.
Here’s our question of the week: Which departure is a bigger blow to the conference?
We won’t know with any degree of certainty for several years — it all depends, of course, on the success attained by their replacements (Jimmy Lake and TBD).
And to be clear: We’re not debating whether Leach is a better coach than Petersen or vice versa.
To different degrees and via different methods, both have been tremendously successful over the past 15 years.
But the Hotline believes — to the extent that we can make an educated guess — that Leach’s departure is a bigger blow to the Pac-12 collective than Petersen’s exit.
It’s a bigger blow not because of each program’s ceiling, but because of the floor.
It’s a bigger blow not because of the likely victories, but because of the potential losses.
The Pac-12 needs playoff contenders — of that, there is no doubt. But a stout middle is also important.
Washington is far more likely to compete for the CFP than the Cougars, but Washington State is infinitely more likely than the Huskies to slip into oblivion.
Losing seasons in the Pac-10/12 era (i.e., 1978-present)
Washington: 6
Washington State: 25
The Huskies have more resources, a larger recruiting base and richer tradition.
The Cougars, while not without pockets of high-level success over the decades (Rose Bowls in ’97 and ’02), possess a far smaller margin for error.
The Pac-12 has missed the playoff three years in a row and four of the past five. Its strength at this moment in time — it’s calling card on the Power Five stage — is unsurpassed competitive balance.
Without that expansive middle, of which WSU has been an essential piece for five years, there would be little left on the resume.
Leach’s successor will have far more difficulty maintaining the Cougars’ recent standard than Lake will keeping the Huskies on their current perch as one of the top programs west of Norman, OK.
Put another way:
Because the likelihood of the Cougars slipping substantially without Leach is greater than the likelihood of Washington attaining a higher tier without Petersen, we view the former’s exit as a greater loss.
(Our deep dive into Leach’s legacy and what’s next for the Cougars can be found here.)
2. Money matters.
Leach signed a four-year deal with Mississippi State worth $5 million annually.
That’s $1 million per year more than his WSU salary, based on the terms of the extension he signed in December..
And the incentives in Starkville (per the Clarion-Ledger)? Oh, my:
— $100,000 for being National Coach of the Year
— $250,000 for winning the SEC championship
— $1 million for winning the national title
But the number that caught our eye: $4.7 million, the reported salary pool for Leach’s assistants/coordinators.
That’s 35 percent more than Washington State’s staff pool in 2019, according to USA Today’s salary database.
Combine the compensation for Leach and his staff, and the Bulldogs will plow a tick less than $10 million annually into salaries for the coaches.
That’s comparable to the top-end allocation in the Pac-12 — Washington devoted $10.5 million to Petersen and his staff last year — and Mississippi State is, at best, the No. 11 or 12 football program in the SEC.
But the Bulldogs have the revenue to make it work, thanks partly to $44 million (approx) in media rights payouts from the SEC.
The Pac-12 distributes about $31 million to its schools.
We don’t view Leach’s move as a full-force slap in the Pac-12’s face — not with the competitive allure for Leach, who has coached in the Big 12 and Pac-12 but not the SEC.
Had he jumped from Washington or Oregon to Starkville, that would have been an absolute right cross to the jaw.
But his departure, and the financial underpinnings of the new gig, help illuminate the resource disparity.
3. Speaking of staff salaries …
It’s a vital piece to the broader canvass for any given program.
The topic is addressed on the Hotline, but not often enough.
For readers unfamiliar, here is the staff compensation in 2019 (coordinators and assistants) for each of the conference’s 10 public schools.
The information is courtesy of USAT, which updates the fabulous database annually.
Washington: $5.9 million
Oregon: $5.0 million
UCLA: $4.2 million
Utah: $4.1 million
Cal: $4.1 million
Arizona State: $4.0 million
Washington State: $3.5 million
Colorado: $3.2 million
Oregon State: $3.1 million
Arizona: $3.0 million
The Huskies, although tops in the Pac-12, are only 10th nationally.
The Ducks, second in the conference, are 18th nationally.
Perhaps most telling of all:
Kansas — Kansas! — had a larger salary pool for assistant coaches than four Pac-12 programs.
4. Two down, one to go.
Cal moved first, with Bill Musgrave.
Then Washington jumped, with John Donovan.
Now, only Oregon remains from the group of three North programs that began 2020 with offensive coordinator vacancies.
We like Cal’s hire, because Musgrave’s background fits the style of offense (multiple, with tight ends) best suited for the Bears’ personnel and recruiting pool.
But Donovan, whose college stops include Maryland, Vanderbilt and Penn State, is a bit of a mystery, to be honest.
We know he’s not Kellen Moore or Mark Helfrich — two of the rumored names — and that’s about it, except:
He spent the past four years as an offensive assistant with the Jaguars.
Both the Bears and the Huskies turned to the NFL for their coordinators, which makes sense from sophistication, teaching and recruiting standpoints.
And it got us thinking about the background of the current playcallers across the conference.
Only three have extensive NFL coaching experience.
Here’s the list:
Arizona’s Noel Mazzone: Three years in the NFL
Arizona State’s Zak Hill: No NFL experience
Cal’s Bill Musgrave: 19 years in the NFL
Colorado’s Jay Johnson: No NFL experience
Oregon: TBA
Oregon State’s Brian Lindgren: No NFL experience
Stanford’s Tavita Pritchard: No NFL experience
UCLA: No OC (Chip Kelly calls the plays)
USC’s Graham Harrell: No NFL experience
Utah’s Andy Ludwig: No NFL experience
Washington’s John Donovan: Four years in the NFL
Washington State: TBA
(All but Pritchard have coached at more than one school, and Harrell and Musgrave played in the NFL.)
Our guess: A few years from now, there will be more than three playcallers with the NFL experience on their coaching resume.
5. Draft dodgers.
Not all the top draft-eligible sophomores and juniors are turning pro.
Stanford, which has half its roster in the transfer portal (or so it seems), received a major boost Friday when Paulson Adebo announced he would return for 2020.
If he’s not the best cornerback in the Pac-12, Adebo is in the top two or three.
He’s two-time, first-team all-conference selection and future high-round draft pick, and he improves Stanford’s early-entry hit rate to 66.7 percent:
All-American tackle Walker Little is also returning, while tight end Colby Parkinson is turning pro.
And Stanford is hardly the only beneficiary of NFL Draft rejection across the conference.
Oregon State edge rusher Hamilcar Rashed is coming back.
So are Washington cornerback Elijah Molden and defensive end Levi Onwuzurike.
And Oregon tailback C.J. Verdell.
And Colorado recover K.D. Nixon.
At this point, in fact, the exodus is moderate.
If that status holds through the deadline (late next week), the Pac-12 will have come out ahead in the early-entry game.
***Note: The Hotline’s recap of weekend developments in Pac-12 basketball will be published Monday morning.
Support the Hotline: Several Hotline articles will remain free each month (as will the newsletter), but for access to all content, you’ll need to subscribe. I’ve secured a rate of $1 per week for a full year or — introductory offer alert! — just 99 cents for the first month, with the option to cancel anytime. Click here. And thanks for your loyalty.
*** Send suggestions, comments and tips (confidentiality guaranteed) to pac12hotline@bayareanewsgroup.com or call 408-920-5716
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*** Pac-12 Hotline is not endorsed or sponsored by the Pac-12 Conference, and the views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the views of the Conference.


mercurynews--2020-01-13--Photos: Fires continue to rage in Australia as injured animals are treated

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KANGAROO ISLAND , AUSTRALIA – An injured koala is treated at the Kangaroo Island Wildlife Zoo on January 10 , 2020 in Kangaroo Island , Australia .
The town of Kingscote was cut off last night as the Country Fire Service ( CFS ) continued to battle a number of out-of-control blazes .
The fires have taken two lives on the island and burnt more than 155,000 hectares destroying at least 56 homes since starting on January 4th .
The Dunn Road fire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mount Adrah , Australia .
NSW is bracing for severe fire conditions , with high temperatures and strong winds forecast across the state .
There are about 135 fires burning in NSW , 50 of which are uncontained .
20 people have died in the bushfires across Australia in recent weeks , including three volunteer firefighters .
About 1995 homes have been destroyed and another 816 have been damaged across NSW .
Australia ’ s Bago State Forest near Bago was also decimated by the the Dunns Road wildfire .
Meanwhile , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Sydney Town Hall on Friday .
Protests around the country were organised in response to the ongoing bushfire crisis in Australia .
Fires in New South Wales , Victoria , Queensland , Western Australia and South Australia have burned 8.4 million hectares of land .
At least 25 people have been killed , including three volunteer firefighters , and thousands of homes and buildings have been destroyed .

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KANGAROO ISLAND, AUSTRALIA – An injured koala is treated at the Kangaroo Island Wildlife Zoo on January 10, 2020 in Kangaroo Island, Australia. The town of Kingscote was cut off last night as the Country Fire Service (CFS) continued to battle a number of out-of-control blazes. The fires have taken two lives on the island and burnt more than 155,000 hectares destroying at least 56 homes since starting on January 4th.
The Dunn Road fire burns on January 10, 2020 in Mount Adrah, Australia. NSW is bracing for severe fire conditions, with high temperatures and strong winds forecast across the state. There are about 135 fires burning in NSW, 50 of which are uncontained. 20 people have died in the bushfires across Australia in recent weeks, including three volunteer firefighters. About 1995 homes have been destroyed and another 816 have been damaged across NSW. Australia’s Bago State Forest near Bago was also decimated by the the Dunns Road wildfire.
Meanwhile, in Sydney, activists rallied for climate action at Sydney Town Hall on Friday. Protests around the country were organised in response to the ongoing bushfire crisis in Australia. Fires in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia and South Australia have burned 8.4 million hectares of land. At least 25 people have been killed, including three volunteer firefighters, and thousands of homes and buildings have been destroyed.


mercurynews--2020-01-13--49ers-Vikings TV ratings: How many people watched the game?

As they make their drive for the Super Bowl , the San Francisco 49ers have become must-see TV .
NBC reported today that the network ’ s broadcast of the 49ers ’ 27-10 victory over the Minnesota Vikings on Saturday at Levi ’ s Stadium in the NFC Divisional Playoff averaged a whopping 29.3 million television viewers .
That ranks as the most-watched Saturday afternoon NFL Divisional Playoff game since the Kansas City Chiefs and New England Patriots drew 31.5 million viewers in 2016 on CBS .
The 49ers-Vikings game , which resulted in San Francisco ’ s first playoff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 32.0 million viewers from 3:15-3:30 p.m .
In addition , the 49ers-Vikings game averaged a Total Audience Delivery ( TAD ) average of 30.1 million across television and digital , according to fast national live-plus-same-day data from Nielsen , and digital data from Adobe Analytics .
Coupled with last Sunday ’ s 35.8 million TAD for Seahawks-Eagles , the 2019 playoffs mark the second time in the 14-year history of “ NBC Sunday Night Football ” that both NBC NFL playoff games topped 30 million viewers .
For this season ’ s NFL @ @ @ @ @ @ @ average of 33.1 million viewers .

As they make their drive for the Super Bowl, the San Francisco 49ers have become must-see TV.
NBC reported today that the network’s broadcast of the 49ers’ 27-10 victory over the Minnesota Vikings on Saturday at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, in a NFC Divisional Playoff game, averaged a whopping 29.3 million television viewers.
That ranks as the most-watched Saturday afternoon NFL Divisional Playoff game since the Kansas City Chiefs and New England Patriots drew 31.5 million viewers in 2016 on CBS.
The 49ers-Vikings game, which resulted in San Francisco’s first playoff victory in six years, peaked at 32 million viewers from 3:15-3:30 p.m.
In addition, the 49ers-Vikings game averaged a Total Audience Delivery (TAD) average of 30.1 million across television and digital, according to data compiled by Nielsen and Adobe Analytics.
Coupled with last Sunday’s 35.8 million TAD for the Seahawks-Eagles game, the 2019 playoffs mark the second time in the 14-year history of “NBC Sunday Night Football” that both NBC NFL playoff games topped 30 million viewers.
For this season’s NFL Playoffs, NBC delivered a two-game TAD average of 33.1 million viewers.


mercurynews--2020-01-12--Rapper Trick Daddy arrested on cocaine possession charge

The rapper Trick Daddy was arrested in Florida on Saturday and charged with cocaine possession , according to the Miami-Dade County Clerk of Courts .
Trick Daddy , whose real name is Maurice Samuel Young , “ appeared to be asleep behind the wheel ” when officers approached his vehicle early in the morning , the Miami Herald reported .
Young allegedly told the officer he had about five drinks hours earlier at a club in Miami Gardens , according to an arrest affidavit obtained by the Herald .
Young said he was dropping someone off and heading home .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , watery and glassy eyes , and the officer reported smelling alcohol on Young ’ s breath , the Herald reported .
Young could not successfully complete a field sobriety test .
Young was taken to a police station , where officers say they found cocaine inside a dollar bill , per the Herald ’ s report .
He was arrested , facing one charge of felony cocaine possession .
CNN has reached out to the Miami-Dade Department of Corrections and the Miami-Dade Police .
• Are young crusaders and heroes fair game @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Us ’ : Brace yourself for an ‘ Oh $ # @ % !
’ moment It was not immediately clear Sunday whether Young was represented by an attorney .

By Dakin Andone | CNN
The rapper Trick Daddy was arrested in Florida on Saturday and charged with cocaine possession, according to the Miami-Dade County Clerk of Courts.
Trick Daddy, whose real name is Maurice Samuel Young, “appeared to be asleep behind the wheel” when officers approached his vehicle early in the morning, the Miami Herald reported.
Young allegedly told the officer he had about five drinks hours earlier at a club in Miami Gardens, according to an arrest affidavit obtained by the Herald. Young said he was dropping someone off and heading home.
The rapper had slurred speech and bloodshot, watery and glassy eyes, and the officer reported smelling alcohol on Young’s breath, the Herald reported. Young could not successfully complete a field sobriety test.
Young was taken to a police station, where officers say they found cocaine inside a dollar bill, per the Herald’s report. He was arrested, facing one charge of felony cocaine possession.
CNN has reached out to the Miami-Dade Department of Corrections and the Miami-Dade Police.
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mercurynews--2020-01-12--Super Bowl matchup the 49ers don’t want — Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs

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The 49ers can ’ t afford to look past the NFC Championship game and to Super Bowl LIV in Miami , but that won ’ t stop everyone else .
And assuming the 49ers win next Sunday in the NFC Championship at Levi ’ s Stadium , the best match-up for viewing purposes is the one they want the least .
Better to have Derrick Henry coming straight at you with the Tennessee Titans than Patrick Mahomes attacking from every conceivable angle for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wake of Kansas City ’ s 51-31 win over the Houston Texans at Arrowhead Stadium , there can be no doubt that Mahomes is the NFL ’ s transcendent talent and his appearance on the NFL ’ s biggest stage against a very good 49ers team would be must-see T.V .
It would also be the biggest headache in terms of preparation for 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh .
There ’ s no minimizing what Tennessee has accomplished , with Henry putting the Titans on his broad shoulders and bowling over everything in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ravens on Saturday night .
Tennessee owns a 35-32 regular-season win over the Chiefs in Nashville , so it ’ s not as if Kansas City coach Andy Reid is a lock to get a crack at his first Super Bowl win .
Henry is on an unprecedented run , racking up 195 yards on 30 carries in a 28-12 win over the Ravens one week after gaining 184 yards on 32 carries in a 20-13 win over the New England Patriots .
But postseason football is about quarterbacks .
If the 49ers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff can zero in on Henry and force the game into the hands of quarterback Ryan Tannehill .
Tannehill would love nothing better than to return to Miami , where the Dolphins discarded him as their franchise quarterback .
But there ’ s reason to believe the 49ers can do a better job handling Henry than either the Patriots or Ravens .
They ’ re coming off bottling up Dalvin Cook and the Minnesota Vikings to 21 yards and 2.1 yards per carry .
And while Cook isn ’ t Henry , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good chance of keeping Henry from taking over the game .
Mahomes , who was 23 of 35 for 321 yards and five touchdowns against the Texans , would be a much , much more difficult challenge .
All Mahomes ’ brilliance was on display Sunday in the face of a 24-0 deficit that had nothing to do with his play .
By the time the score was 21-0 , the Chiefs had dropped three passes past the stake on third down plays .
Much of the blame for the Texans collapse will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brien , and he made some questionable decisions .
But the game ’ s dominant force wasn ’ t O ’ Brien ’ s momentum-killing calls on fourth-and-1 and an ill-advised fake punt .
It was Mahomes , who plays with a combination of execution and creativity which hasn ’ t been seen in the NFL .
The Chiefs scored touchdowns on seven straight red zone possessions , and all O ’ Brien ’ s calls did was forestall an inevitable end result .
Since Rich Gannon took the Raiders to the Super @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Super Bowl has been one of three men — Tom Brady , Peyton Manning or Ben Roethlisberger .
The only outlier was 2012 , when Joe Flacco and the Ravens beat the 49ers in New Orleans .
“ Tom Brady made a living doing it his way , ” Raiders coach Jon Gruden said last season .
“ But Mahomes is on the cutting edge of different , that ’ s for sure.
” Mahomes would be a welcome fresh face and present the 49ers with their most formidable challenge of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for throwing downfield , but Mahomes made throws in traffic to tight end Travis Kelce that defied description .
They were plays that looked as if they originated on a playground rather than a blackboard or I-pad .
It ’ s not an original idea , but Mahomes is the closest thing to Steph Curry on a football field .
Who else but Mahomes has a play walled off rolling to his left and managed to shotput a touchdown to Kelce through the tightest window possible .
Somehow , Mahomes , whether it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when to throw the ball before crossing the line of scrimmage for the touchdown that put the Chiefs up 28-24 at halftime .
O ’ Brien had nothing to do with the Chiefs dropping passes early at a ridiculous rate , with Mahomes going to the bench and giving a fire and brimstone talk to his offensive teammates .
The NFL ’ s MVP in 2018 , Mahomes play was in contrast to MVP-to-be Lamar Jackson the previous night in the Ravens loss to the Tennessee Titans .
Jackson piled up numbers after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first half , couldn ’ t get the Ravens in the end zone , an will wear the mantel of coming up short in the playoffs until he reverses the tide .
Mahomes has the look of a quarterback who can pull out just about any game , although he knows from experience how difficult it can be .
• 49ers fans can relax : Robert Saleh not headed to Browns • Nick Bosa marvels at 49ers teammate Dee Ford : ‘ I wish I could scare people with my presence ’ • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was path to NFC title game ?
• Video : Rookie Nick Bosa breaks down his first NFL playoff game Just last year , Mahomes had the Chiefs up 28-24 against the New England Patriots .
He would have won too , had not Chiefs edge rusher ( and current 49er ) Dee Ford had not been called for lining up in the neutral zone on a play in which Brady was intercepted by Charvarious Ward .
The turnover nullified , Brady put the Patriots back on top , only for Mahomes to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 27 yards to set up a field goal and send the game into overtime .
The Patriots drove for a touchdown after winning the toss , and Mahomes never saw the ball .
Based on what went down Sunday at Arrowhead Stadium , Mahomes has no intention of letting it happen again .
The beauty of facing the 49ers is Mahomes would be playing against a team under Kyle Shanahan that could conceivably match them score for score .
Seeing Mahomes attempt to escape , find seams and deliver passes anywhere from sidearm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rush would be a sublime match-up as well as the toughest one for San Francisco .

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The 49ers can’t afford to look past the NFC Championship game and to Super Bowl LIV in Miami, but that won’t stop everyone else.
And assuming the 49ers win next Sunday in the NFC Championship at Levi’s Stadium, the best match-up for viewing purposes is the one they want the least.
Better to have Derrick Henry coming straight at you with the Tennessee Titans than Patrick Mahomes attacking from every conceivable angle for the Kansas City Chiefs.
In the wake of Kansas City’s 51-31 win over the Houston Texans at Arrowhead Stadium, there can be no doubt that Mahomes is the NFL’s transcendent talent and his appearance on the NFL’s biggest stage against a very good 49ers team would be must-see T.V.
It would also be the biggest headache in terms of preparation for 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh.
There’s no minimizing what Tennessee has accomplished, with Henry putting the Titans on his broad shoulders and bowling over everything in his wake, including the top-seeded Baltimore Ravens on Saturday night. Tennessee owns a 35-32 regular-season win over the Chiefs in Nashville, so it’s not as if Kansas City coach Andy Reid is a lock to get a crack at his first Super Bowl win.
Henry is on an unprecedented run, racking up 195 yards on 30 carries in a 28-12 win over the Ravens one week after gaining 184 yards on 32 carries in a 20-13 win over the New England Patriots.
But postseason football is about quarterbacks. If the 49ers play the Titans, Saleh and his staff can zero in on Henry and force the game into the hands of quarterback Ryan Tannehill.
Tannehill would love nothing better than to return to Miami, where the Dolphins discarded him as their franchise quarterback.
But there’s reason to believe the 49ers can do a better job handling Henry than either the Patriots or Ravens. They’re coming off bottling up Dalvin Cook and the Minnesota Vikings to 21 yards and 2.1 yards per carry.
And while Cook isn’t Henry, the finally healthy 49ers defense would stand a good chance of keeping Henry from taking over the game.
Mahomes, who was 23 of 35 for 321 yards and five touchdowns against the Texans, would be a much, much more difficult challenge.
All Mahomes’ brilliance was on display Sunday in the face of a 24-0 deficit that had nothing to do with his play. By the time the score was 21-0, the Chiefs had dropped three passes past the stake on third down plays.
Much of the blame for the Texans collapse will be heaped upon coach Bill O’Brien, and he made some questionable decisions.
But the game’s dominant force wasn’t O’Brien’s momentum-killing calls on fourth-and-1 and an ill-advised fake punt. It was Mahomes, who plays with a combination of execution and creativity which hasn’t been seen in the NFL.
The Chiefs scored touchdowns on seven straight red zone possessions, and all O’Brien’s calls did was forestall an inevitable end result.
Since Rich Gannon took the Raiders to the Super Bowl in 2002, the AFC quarterback in the Super Bowl has been one of three men — Tom Brady, Peyton Manning or Ben Roethlisberger. The only outlier was 2012, when Joe Flacco and the Ravens beat the 49ers in New Orleans.
“Tom Brady made a living doing it his way,” Raiders coach Jon Gruden said last season. “But Mahomes is on the cutting edge of different, that’s for sure.”
Mahomes would be a welcome fresh face and present the 49ers with their most formidable challenge of the season.
He may be known for throwing downfield, but Mahomes made throws in traffic to tight end Travis Kelce that defied description. They were plays that looked as if they originated on a playground rather than a blackboard or I-pad.
It’s not an original idea, but Mahomes is the closest thing to Steph Curry on a football field. Who else but Mahomes has a play walled off rolling to his left and managed to shotput a touchdown to Kelce through the tightest window possible.
Somehow, Mahomes, whether it was instinct or luck, knew exactly when to throw the ball before crossing the line of scrimmage for the touchdown that put the Chiefs up 28-24 at halftime.
O’Brien had nothing to do with the Chiefs dropping passes early at a ridiculous rate, with Mahomes going to the bench and giving a fire and brimstone talk to his offensive teammates.
The NFL’s MVP in 2018, Mahomes play was in contrast to MVP-to-be Lamar Jackson the previous night in the Ravens loss to the Tennessee Titans. Jackson piled up numbers after Baltimore made mistake after mistake in the first half, couldn’t get the Ravens in the end zone, an will wear the mantel of coming up short in the playoffs until he reverses the tide.
Mahomes has the look of a quarterback who can pull out just about any game, although he knows from experience how difficult it can be.
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49ers: Shanahan sees bright side of Trey Lance’s performance vs. Raiders San Francisco 49ers | Kurtenbach: What’d I miss? A summer’s worth of takes on the Warriors, Giants, Niners, and Pac-12 Just last year, Mahomes had the Chiefs up 28-24 against the New England Patriots. He would have won too, had not Chiefs edge rusher (and current 49er) Dee Ford had not been called for lining up in the neutral zone on a play in which Brady was intercepted by Charvarious Ward.
The turnover nullified, Brady put the Patriots back on top, only for Mahomes to come back with passes of 21 and 27 yards to set up a field goal and send the game into overtime. The Patriots drove for a touchdown after winning the toss, and Mahomes never saw the ball.
Based on what went down Sunday at Arrowhead Stadium, Mahomes has no intention of letting it happen again.
The beauty of facing the 49ers is Mahomes would be playing against a team under Kyle Shanahan that could conceivably match them score for score.
Seeing Mahomes attempt to escape, find seams and deliver passes anywhere from sidearm to straight overhand against the 49ers pass rush would be a sublime match-up as well as the toughest one for San Francisco.
Bring it on.


mercurynews--2020-01-12--NFL playoffs: Chiefs use record-breaking comeback to blow out Texans

KANSAS CITY , Mo .
— The Kansas City Chiefs are back in the AFC championship game .
How they returned to the brink of their first Super Bowl appearance in 50 years was unlike anything anybody could have imagined .
After digging a 24-0 hole against Houston early in the second quarter Sunday , Patrick Mahomes and the rest of the high-flying Chiefs embarked on the biggest comeback in franchise history .
Their young superstar proceeded to throw for 321 yards and five touchdowns , Travis Kelce and Damien Williams reached the end zone three times apiece , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a 51-31 victory over the Texans in the divisional round of the playoffs .
The Chiefs ( 13-4 ) , who lost to the Patriots in overtime in last year ’ s conference title game , will play Tennessee next Sunday for a spot in Miami .
The Titans stunned Lamar Jackson and the top-seeded Baltimore Ravens on Saturday night .
Kelce finished with 10 catches for 134 yards , Williams ran for two scores while catching a TD pass , helping the Chiefs win their seventh consecutive game and reach back-to-back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Watson , meanwhile , threw for 388 yards and two touchdowns while running for another , but not even his heroics could bail out the Texans ( 11-7 ) after they were outscored 28-0 in the second quarter .
They continued to allow Kansas City to pull away during a dismal third , their epic collapse leaving the reborn Houston franchise 0-4 in the divisional round .
The Chiefs certainly gave them the perfect opportunity to finally break that streak in the first quarter .
On defense , Kansas City blew overage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , allowing him to walk into the end zone from 54 yards .
On offense , they wasted timeouts , dropped a series of easy passes and managed just 46 yards .
And on special teams , the Chiefs had a punt blocked for a score and fumbled a return that set up another touchdown .
Indeed , the Texans were humming right along after finishing on a 22-3 run to beat Buffalo last week , while the mountain of miscues made by the Chiefs made them only the fourth home playoff team @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Then it was the Texans ’ turn to struggle .
They had stretched the lead to 24-0 before the Chiefs , whose largest deficit overcome had been 21 points , put together a comeback for the ages .
Mahomes hit Williams with a quick touchdown toss to begin it , then Houston curiously faked a punt at its own 31-yard line and was stuffed , giving the Chiefs a short field and another easy touchdown .
On the ensuing kickoff , Texans return man DeAndre Carter had the ball pop loose and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whose return set up a second Mahomes-to-Kelce touchdown in a matter of seconds .
And a third came after the Chiefs forced a punt — a successful one , for a change — and they drove 90 yards to take a stunning 28-24 halftime lead .
The comeback became a clobbering by the time the third quarter ended .
The Chiefs ’ breezed downfield to start the second half , and Williams finished the drive with his first TD run .
Their overhauled defense under coordinator Steve Spagnuolo sacked Watson on fourth down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Mahomes and Co. required just six more plays to position Williams for another TD run and a 41-24 lead .
It was the most unanswered points in a playoff game since the Jets had 41 against the Colts in the 2002 wild-card round .
Even when the Texans finally cracked the scoreboard , when Watson scrambled to his left and dived over the pylon , the Chiefs rendered the touchdown moot .
In four plays they went 72 yards to set up the fifth TD pass by Mahomes , the strike to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Andy Reid ’ s team a postseason-record seven straight TD drives .
It also gave a festive crowd that turned out early in freezing weather and a slight drizzle a chance to celebrate early .
Houston played without S Jahleel Addae ( hamstring ) and TE Jordan Akins ( hamstring ) .
They also lost RT Chris Clark to a knee injury early in the game , and backup Roderick Johnson struggled against the Chiefs pass rush the rest of the game .
Kansas City sat defensive tackle Chris Jones , who strained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and couldn ’ t make it through pregame warm-ups .
WR Tyreek Hill left briefly after a hard hit but eventually returned to the game .
The Texans will spend the offseason wondering how they let a 24-0 lead slip away , and the Chiefs will begin preparing for the Titans in the AFC title game .
Kansas City lost lost 35-32 at Tennessee in Week 10 , when Derrick Henry ran for 188 yards and two touchdowns against them .
It was the most recent time the Chiefs lost a game .

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KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Chiefs are back in the AFC championship game.
How they returned to the brink of their first Super Bowl appearance in 50 years was unlike anything anybody could have imagined.
After digging a 24-0 hole against Houston early in the second quarter Sunday, Patrick Mahomes and the rest of the high-flying Chiefs embarked on the biggest comeback in franchise history. Their young superstar proceeded to throw for 321 yards and five touchdowns, Travis Kelce and Damien Williams reached the end zone three times apiece, and Kansas City reeled off 41 consecutive points in a 51-31 victory over the Texans in the divisional round of the playoffs.
The Chiefs (13-4), who lost to the Patriots in overtime in last year’s conference title game, will play Tennessee next Sunday for a spot in Miami. The Titans stunned Lamar Jackson and the top-seeded Baltimore Ravens on Saturday night.
Kelce finished with 10 catches for 134 yards, Williams ran for two scores while catching a TD pass, helping the Chiefs win their seventh consecutive game and reach back-to-back AFC title games for the first time.
Watson, meanwhile, threw for 388 yards and two touchdowns while running for another, but not even his heroics could bail out the Texans (11-7) after they were outscored 28-0 in the second quarter. They continued to allow Kansas City to pull away during a dismal third, their epic collapse leaving the reborn Houston franchise 0-4 in the divisional round.
The Chiefs certainly gave them the perfect opportunity to finally break that streak in the first quarter.
On defense, Kansas City blew overage on Kenny Stills on the opening possession, allowing him to walk into the end zone from 54 yards. On offense, they wasted timeouts, dropped a series of easy passes and managed just 46 yards. And on special teams, the Chiefs had a punt blocked for a score and fumbled a return that set up another touchdown.
Indeed, the Texans were humming right along after finishing on a 22-3 run to beat Buffalo last week, while the mountain of miscues made by the Chiefs made them only the fourth home playoff team to trail 21-0 after the first quarter.
Then it was the Texans’ turn to struggle.
They had stretched the lead to 24-0 before the Chiefs, whose largest deficit overcome had been 21 points, put together a comeback for the ages. Mahomes hit Williams with a quick touchdown toss to begin it, then Houston curiously faked a punt at its own 31-yard line and was stuffed, giving the Chiefs a short field and another easy touchdown.
On the ensuing kickoff, Texans return man DeAndre Carter had the ball pop loose and into the arms of Darwin Thompson, whose return set up a second Mahomes-to-Kelce touchdown in a matter of seconds. And a third came after the Chiefs forced a punt — a successful one, for a change — and they drove 90 yards to take a stunning 28-24 halftime lead.
The comeback became a clobbering by the time the third quarter ended.
The Chiefs’ breezed downfield to start the second half, and Williams finished the drive with his first TD run. Their overhauled defense under coordinator Steve Spagnuolo sacked Watson on fourth down to get the ball right back, and Mahomes and Co. required just six more plays to position Williams for another TD run and a 41-24 lead.
It was the most unanswered points in a playoff game since the Jets had 41 against the Colts in the 2002 wild-card round.
Even when the Texans finally cracked the scoreboard, when Watson scrambled to his left and dived over the pylon, the Chiefs rendered the touchdown moot. In four plays they went 72 yards to set up the fifth TD pass by Mahomes, the strike to little-used tight end Blake Bell giving coach Andy Reid’s team a postseason-record seven straight TD drives.
It also gave a festive crowd that turned out early in freezing weather and a slight drizzle a chance to celebrate early.
INJURIES
Houston played without S Jahleel Addae (hamstring) and TE Jordan Akins (hamstring). They also lost RT Chris Clark to a knee injury early in the game, and backup Roderick Johnson struggled against the Chiefs pass rush the rest of the game.
Kansas City sat defensive tackle Chris Jones, who strained his calf muscle late in the week and couldn’t make it through pregame warm-ups. WR Tyreek Hill left briefly after a hard hit but eventually returned to the game.
UP NEXT
The Texans will spend the offseason wondering how they let a 24-0 lead slip away, and the Chiefs will begin preparing for the Titans in the AFC title game. Kansas City lost lost 35-32 at Tennessee in Week 10, when Derrick Henry ran for 188 yards and two touchdowns against them. It was the most recent time the Chiefs lost a game.


mercurynews--2020-01-12--Warriors waiting to sign Damion Lee for salary cap reasons

MEMPHIS — The Warriors will convert guard Damion Lee ’ s two-way contract to a standard NBA deal within the next few days , coach Steve Kerr said .
Lee , who is out for Sunday ’ s game in Memphis , used his final day with Golden State allotted under his two-way contract in Friday ’ s loss to the Clippers in Los Angeles .
The Warriors are postponing signing him in order to maximize their remaining space under the hard salary cap , but will do so by Wednesday .
Any contract Lee signs will be prorated for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ therefore , the more days the Warriors wait , the less it will count against the salary cap .
“ Basically , for cap purposes , he ’ s not going to sign for a couple more days , ” Kerr said .
After Lee signs , the Warriors will fill his vacated two-way contract position .
Kerr said they have already identified who that player will be , but the team is not disclosing that information .
The last day NBA teams can sign two-way contracts is Jan. 15 , so the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make the two roster moves .
[ Read more : Inside the summer that changed Damion Lee ’ s career ] Players signed to two-way contracts mid-season do not get the full 45-day allocation of NBA days .
Instead , they have a prorated amount of NBA days to use .
In this case , at the halfway point of the season , it would be around 20 .
Two-way contract do not count against the salary cap .
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MEMPHIS — The Warriors will convert guard Damion Lee’s two-way contract to a standard NBA deal within the next few days, coach Steve Kerr said.
Lee, who is out for Sunday’s game in Memphis, used his final day with Golden State allotted under his two-way contract in Friday’s loss to the Clippers in Los Angeles. The Warriors are postponing signing him in order to maximize their remaining space under the hard salary cap, but will do so by Wednesday.
Any contract Lee signs will be prorated for the remainder of the season and, therefore, the more days the Warriors wait, the less it will count against the salary cap.
“Basically, for cap purposes, he’s not going to sign for a couple more days,” Kerr said.
After Lee signs, the Warriors will fill his vacated two-way contract position. Kerr said they have already identified who that player will be, but the team is not disclosing that information. The last day NBA teams can sign two-way contracts is Jan. 15, so the Warriors can wait until then to officially make the two roster moves.
[Read more: Inside the summer that changed Damion Lee’s career]
Players signed to two-way contracts mid-season do not get the full 45-day allocation of NBA days. Instead, they have a prorated amount of NBA days to use. In this case, at the halfway point of the season, it would be around 20. Two-way contract do not count against the salary cap.


mercurynews--2020-01-12--Report: Feds to bill fire victims if utility doesn’t pay $4B

SAN FRANCISCO ( AP ) — Federal officials are prepared to bill wildfire victims for a portion of the nearly $ 4 billion the government says it ’ s owed by Pacific Gas & Electric Co. , if the debt isn ’ t resolved as part of the utility ’ s bankruptcy case , according to a newspaper report Sunday .
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has asked for reimbursement from PG & E to cover costs from the government ’ s response to destructive fires in 2015 , 2017 and 2018 .
Under PG & E ’ s current @ @ @ @ @ @ @ payment to FEMA would have to come from the $ 13.5 billion the utility intends to reserve primarily to settle claims from wildfire victims , the San Francisco Chronicle reported .
Victims ’ lawyers are fighting FEMA ’ s claim , which would take up nearly 30 % of the settlement .
But FEMA told the Chronicle it is compelled to seek compensation from PG & E .
Otherwise , individual victims would be responsible if they get settlement funds that duplicate money already paid by the federal government , according to Bob @ @ @ @ @ @ @ administrator .
Fenton said FEMA has “ no interest ” in reducing the amount of settlement funds available for fire victims .
“ What we are interested in doing is holding PG & E responsible and accountable for the billions of dollars taxpayers provided to assist individuals and communities affected by the wildfires , ” he told the newspaper .
“ The last thing I want to do is have to go after these individuals that have received claims from the bankruptcy where certain parts of that claim may duplicate funding that we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s much easier up front to go ahead and simply deal with PG & E directly.
” The FEMA dispute is one of several major unresolved issues in the PG & E bankruptcy .
PG & E has already won court approval of its deal with victims ’ attorneys and a separate $ 11 billion settlement to resolve claims from insurance companies .
But the company must clear a series of other hurdles as it works to resolve the rest of the case , which includes a broader bankruptcy exit plan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ billion in bankruptcy claims against PG & E because of the 2015 Butte Fire , the 2017 wildfires in wine country and the 2018 Camp Fire .
Court papers show that only about $ 282 million of the total relates to individual assistance FEMA gave to victims of the disasters — the rest is for aid provided to other government agencies and administrative costs .
FEMA ’ s attempt to recover from PG & E was sharply criticized by 40 members of Congress in a letter to the agency ’ s acting administrator @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at FEMA ’ s “ decision to litigate claims to the settlement fund for wildfire victims established by PG & E. ” FEMA ’ s efforts also have drawn criticism from James Lee Witt , a former director of the agency , who told the Santa Rosa Press Democrat newspaper last month that it was an “ unusual ” and “ inappropriate ” request .
U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Dennis Montali is expected to consider the FEMA issue at a hearing next month .
Eric Goodman , an attorney for a committee of fire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bankruptcy case , said FEMA ’ s defense of its $ 3.9 billion request “ doesn ’ t hold any water ” with him .
Goodman ’ s firm is asking Montali to reject FEMA ’ s claim .
• 2017-2018 PG & E wildfire victims have until 5pm Tuesday to file In a statement to the Chronicle , PG & E said it agrees with the victims ’ committee that “ FEMA does not have a valid legal claim against the company .
”

SAN FRANCISCO — Federal officials are prepared to bill wildfire victims for a portion of the nearly $4 billion the government says it’s owed by Pacific Gas & Electric Co., if the debt isn’t resolved as part of the utility’s bankruptcy case, according to a newspaper report Sunday.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has asked for reimbursement from PG&E to cover costs from the government’s response to destructive fires in 2015, 2017 and 2018. Under PG&E’s current plan to resolve its bankruptcy, any payment to FEMA would have to come from the $13.5 billion the utility intends to reserve primarily to settle claims from wildfire victims, the San Francisco Chronicle reported.
Victims’ lawyers are fighting FEMA’s claim, which would take up nearly 30% of the settlement. But FEMA told the Chronicle it is compelled to seek compensation from PG&E. Otherwise, individual victims would be responsible if they get settlement funds that duplicate money already paid by the federal government, according to Bob Fenton, the agency’s regional administrator.
Fenton said FEMA has “no interest” in reducing the amount of settlement funds available for fire victims.
“What we are interested in doing is holding PG&E responsible and accountable for the billions of dollars taxpayers provided to assist individuals and communities affected by the wildfires,” he told the newspaper. “The last thing I want to do is have to go after these individuals that have received claims from the bankruptcy where certain parts of that claim may duplicate funding that we’ve already given them. … It’s much easier up front to go ahead and simply deal with PG&E directly.”
The FEMA dispute is one of several major unresolved issues in the PG&E bankruptcy. PG&E has already won court approval of its deal with victims’ attorneys and a separate $11 billion settlement to resolve claims from insurance companies. But the company must clear a series of other hurdles as it works to resolve the rest of the case, which includes a broader bankruptcy exit plan.
FEMA has requested about $3.9 billion in bankruptcy claims against PG&E because of the 2015 Butte Fire, the 2017 wildfires in wine country and the 2018 Camp Fire. Court papers show that only about $282 million of the total relates to individual assistance FEMA gave to victims of the disasters — the rest is for aid provided to other government agencies and administrative costs.
FEMA’s attempt to recover from PG&E was sharply criticized by 40 members of Congress in a letter to the agency’s acting administrator last week. The letter cited concern at FEMA’s “decision to litigate claims to the settlement fund for wildfire victims established by PG&E.”
FEMA’s efforts also have drawn criticism from James Lee Witt, a former director of the agency, who told the Santa Rosa Press Democrat newspaper last month that it was an “unusual” and “inappropriate” request.
U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Dennis Montali is expected to consider the FEMA issue at a hearing next month.
Eric Goodman, an attorney for a committee of fire victims involved in the PG&E bankruptcy case, said FEMA’s defense of its $3.9 billion request “doesn’t hold any water” with him. Goodman’s firm is asking Montali to reject FEMA’s claim.


mercurynews--2020-01-12--Conservative ‘Moms’ group slams Burger King for using ‘the d-word’ in a commercial

Activist conservative group One Million Moms is taking aim at Burger King for using what it calls the “ d-word ” in a commercial promoting the non-meat Impossible Whopper .
In the ad , a group of people taste-test the plant-based patty that has been a hit for the fast-food company .
With a mouthful of food , one man says , “ Damn , that ’ s good.
” That ad was posted online in August when Burger King began sales at stores nationwide .
But on Friday , One Million Moms posted a press release criticizing the use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ commercial .
“ One Million Moms finds this highly inappropriate .
When responding to the taste test , he didn ’ t have to curse .
Or if , in fact , it was a real and unscripted interview in which the man was not an actor , then Burger King could have simply chosen to edit the profanity out of the commercial , ” the group said in a press release .
“ Burger King ’ s Impossible Whopper ad is irresponsible and tasteless .
It is extremely destructive and damaging to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all know children repeat what they hear.
” One Million Moms is a division of the American Family Association , the non-profit evangelical Christian group .
Despite its name , it is not clear that the group has a million members .
According to its website , more than 8,000 people have taken action on the Burger King issue , and its Facebook group has just shy of 100,000 likes .
The activist group long has targeted groups that feature LGBT people or relationships in a positive light .
In 2012 , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ DeGeneres as its spokeswoman because she is gay , but the retailer stood behind the comedian .
• Palo Alto : Power outage leaves over 2,500 customers in the dark • Are young crusaders and heroes fair game for critics ?
Last month , One Million Moms successfully campaigned to have Hallmark remove a Zola ad featuring a lesbian couple at the altar on their wedding day .
Hallmark faced sharp criticism for the ad ’ s removal and later reversed itself , saying it made the “ wrong decision .
”

[vemba-video id=”us/2020/01/13/one-million-moms-burger-king-cursing-meade-mxp-vpx.hln”]
VIDEO: Conservative group slams Burger King for cursing in ad
By Eric Levenson | CNN
Activist conservative group One Million Moms is taking aim at Burger King for using what it calls the “d-word” in a commercial promoting the non-meat Impossible Whopper.
In the ad, a group of people taste-test the plant-based patty that has been a hit for the fast-food company. With a mouthful of food, one man says, “Damn, that’s good.”
That ad was posted online in August when Burger King began sales at stores nationwide. But on Friday, One Million Moms posted a press release criticizing the use of the “d-word” in the commercial.
“One Million Moms finds this highly inappropriate. When responding to the taste test, he didn’t have to curse. Or if, in fact, it was a real and unscripted interview in which the man was not an actor, then Burger King could have simply chosen to edit the profanity out of the commercial,” the group said in a press release.
“Burger King’s Impossible Whopper ad is irresponsible and tasteless. It is extremely destructive and damaging to impressionable children viewing the commercial. We all know children repeat what they hear.”
One Million Moms is a division of the American Family Association, the non-profit evangelical Christian group. Despite its name, it is not clear that the group has a million members. According to its website, more than 8,000 people have taken action on the Burger King issue, and its Facebook group has just shy of 100,000 likes.
The activist group long has targeted groups that feature LGBT people or relationships in a positive light. In 2012, the group called on JCPenney to remove Ellen DeGeneres as its spokeswoman because she is gay, but the retailer stood behind the comedian.
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mercurynews--2020-01-12--Palo Alto: Power outage leaves over 2,500 customers in the dark

PALO ALTO — A stray balloon could be the culprit for a Sunday afternoon power outage that left over 2,500 @ @ @ @ @ Alto Utilities officials reported shortly before 2 p.m. that crews were en route to restore @ @ @ @ @ neighborhood and surrounding area after a mylar balloon got caught on some power lines causing @ @ @ @ @ power could be restored by 4 p.m .

PALO ALTO — A stray metallic balloon was the culprit for a Sunday afternoon power outage that left over 2,500 customers without electricity.
The city-owned utilities’ spokeswoman Catherine Elvert confirmed Monday that a mylar balloon got caught in some wiring near the Barron Park neighborhood, causing an outage that lasted about two hours.
Power in the Barron Park & surrounding area was restored around 3 pm today. Outage was caused by a Mylar balloon in the wires. pic.twitter.com/MzhogzRggo — Palo Alto Utilities (@PAUtilities) January 13, 2020
Elvert said the metallic coating on Mylar balloons can conduct electricity and cause a short circuit or power surge when it comes in contact with power lines. The ballons, Elvert said, are among the most common causes for outages in urban areas.
Palo Alto Utilities officials first reported the outage shortly before 2 p.m. Sunday saying crews were en route to restore power to the area.
There is a current power outage for ~2500 customers in the Barron Park & surrounding areas. Cause most likely due to a mylar balloon in the wires. Crews in route to restore; estimated restoration in a couple of hours. Check https://t.co/uLtXCIWQUY for real time updates. pic.twitter.com/JNe4lVKUNu — Palo Alto Utilities (@PAUtilities) January 12, 2020
Although it was a short outage without extensive damage to electrical equipment, Elvert said it tested the city’s automated outage-reporting system and staff are in the process of evaluating what possible fixes could be made to the system to prevent it from reaching capacity.
Elvert said about 400 people called the utility’s phone number in the span of two hours, and about 1,100 hits were reported on the online outage map.
“We are exploring making some improvements and upgrades to that outage management system,” Elvert said, adding that the city has reached out to a vendor for help.