mercurynews--2020-11-26--Nearly 60 test positive for COVID-19 in Capitola skilled nursing facility

SANTA CRUZ — The skilled nursing facility Pacific Coast Manor in Capitola is reporting 33 resident cases and 26 staff cases of COVID-19 , according to the most recent data from the California Department of Public Health .
According to the California Department of Public Health , Pacific Coast Manor — has 29 COVID-positive residents at this time .
Through a dedicated COVID-19 update page on the facility ’ s website , Pacific Coast Manor confirmed the outbreak for the sake of the health and well-being of others .
“ To add an additional level of protection we are committed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff in collaboration with local public health departments , ” administrators added in their posting .
“ In this new world of COVID-19 , rest assured we are aggressively treating and responding to potential community exposures by conducting routine testing of all our residents and staff until such time as a vaccine becomes available or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention instructs otherwise.
” State and local health departments are helping Pacific Coast Manor stabilize the outbreak through additional guidance .
Going forward , the facility will be implementing additional precautions : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ entering the facility .
• Providing personal protective equipment ( PPE ) based on the staff ’ s respective tasks within the facility .
• Creating an observation unit where all new admissions are admitted to be quarantined , tested and closely monitored for any signs of COVID-19 prior to moving to a standard room .
• Designating separate wings of the center for residents who may test positive for COVID-19 .
“ We would also like to thank our local hospitals , managed care organizations , local police departments , fire departments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the tremendous support we have been given as we navigate through this pandemic together , ” operators wrote .
Four other skilled nursing facilities and one residential care facility are have reported cases in recent days , according to both the California Department of Public Health and the California Department of Social Services .
The California Department of Public Health , which licenses skilled nursing facilities experiencing outbreaks already reported such as Santa Cruz Post Acute Center and Watsonville Post Acute Center , has publicized a report showing that four additional facilities are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the definition of an “ outbreak ” at facilities with staff that care for vulnerable populations such as these .
Hearts & Hands Post Acute and Rehab Center in Santa Cruz and Valley Convalescent Hospital in Watsonville showed active cases on Monday , while Watsonville Nursing Center and Driftwood Healthcare Center in Santa Cruz have no active cases but did have a record for cumulative cases of fewer than 11 .
Both the California Department of Public Health and California Department of Social Services use case tracking models to report COVID-19 cases that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accordance with “ de-identification guidelines.
” True values of zero remain listed at zero .
Driftwood Healthcare Center administrator Lance Bailey said Wednesday afternoon that the facility ’ s outbreak was caused by a family member visiting a resident without clearance when the state prohibited the practice in July .
From there , it spread to the senior ’ s roommate , and then their certified nursing assistants and two more residents .
In total , four residents and six staff members became infected with COVID-19 ; one resident was hospitalized .
All @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take the situation a little bit more seriously thereafter , Bailey said .
“ I don ’ t think COVID is something to be scared of in the general public , it ’ s just common sense , ” Bailey said .
“ Do what you ’ re asked to do when you ’ re out in public … and with nursing homes , just stay away .
Families just need to be patient and wait until at least a vaccine to where we can protect our residents .
We understand they miss @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for them .
But at the same time , we feel a great responsibility to protect all residents.
” If one person disobeys the rules , Bailey said , there ’ s a potential that the situation is ruined for everyone .
Hearts & Hands Post Acute Care and Rehab Center have fewer than 11 active cases of COVID-19 among residents , and less than 11 total resident cases have been reported .
Less than 11 staff members have tested positive for the virus since the Hearts & Hands outbreak began .
California @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hospital had less than 11 COVID-positive residents as of Monday and a cumulative less than 11 cases recorded within the resident population overall .
Fewer than 11 staff members have contracted the virus as a result of the outbreak .
The California Department of Social Services , the agency that licenses residential care facilities for the elderly and adult residential facilities like Maple House II in Live Oak — the county ’ s second-reported outbreak between skilled and residential care facilities — reported through its most recent update that there is one addition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ list in Santa Cruz County : Westwind Memory Care in Santa Cruz .
According to California Department of Social Services data , less than 11 staff members and less than 11 residents have contracted COVID-19 in recent days .
None of the facilities reported this week have associated deaths , according to the data from the two agencies .
No representatives of the county or its Health Services Agency , the entity that visited skilled nursing and residential care facilities early on in the pandemic to create preparation plans , could be reached @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Automatic email responses cited existing furloughs and the Thanksgiving holiday .
The Sentinel has contacted the facilities for information .

SANTA CRUZ — The skilled nursing facility Pacific Coast Manor in Capitola is reporting 33 resident cases and 26 staff cases of COVID-19, according to the most recent data from the California Department of Public Health.
According to the California Department of Public Health, Pacific Coast Manor — has 29 COVID-positive residents at this time. Through a dedicated COVID-19 update page on the facility’s website, Pacific Coast Manor confirmed the outbreak for the sake of the health and well-being of others.
“To add an additional level of protection we are committed to facility-wide testing on all residents and staff in collaboration with local public health departments,” administrators added in their posting. “In this new world of COVID-19, rest assured we are aggressively treating and responding to potential community exposures by conducting routine testing of all our residents and staff until such time as a vaccine becomes available or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention instructs otherwise.”
State and local health departments are helping Pacific Coast Manor stabilize the outbreak through additional guidance. Going forward, the facility will be implementing additional precautions:
Screening staff and medical personnel before entering the facility.
Providing personal protective equipment (PPE) based on the staff’s respective tasks within the facility.
Creating an observation unit where all new admissions are admitted to be quarantined, tested and closely monitored for any signs of COVID-19 prior to moving to a standard room.
Designating separate wings of the center for residents who may test positive for COVID-19.
“We would also like to thank our local hospitals, managed care organizations, local police departments, fire departments, transportation companies and local businesses for the tremendous support we have been given as we navigate through this pandemic together,” operators wrote.
New cases cropping up
Four other skilled nursing facilities and one residential care facility are have reported cases in recent days, according to both the California Department of Public Health and the California Department of Social Services.
The California Department of Public Health, which licenses skilled nursing facilities experiencing outbreaks already reported such as Santa Cruz Post Acute Center and Watsonville Post Acute Center, has publicized a report showing that four additional facilities are reporting at least one COVID-19 case — the definition of an “outbreak” at facilities with staff that care for vulnerable populations such as these.
Hearts & Hands Post Acute and Rehab Center in Santa Cruz and Valley Convalescent Hospital in Watsonville showed active cases on Monday, while Watsonville Nursing Center and Driftwood Healthcare Center in Santa Cruz have no active cases but did have a record for cumulative cases of fewer than 11. Both the California Department of Public Health and California Department of Social Services use case tracking models to report COVID-19 cases that masks values of less than 11 in accordance with “de-identification guidelines.” True values of zero remain listed at zero.
Driftwood Healthcare Center administrator Lance Bailey said Wednesday afternoon that the facility’s outbreak was caused by a family member visiting a resident without clearance when the state prohibited the practice in July. From there, it spread to the senior’s roommate, and then their certified nursing assistants and two more residents. In total, four residents and six staff members became infected with COVID-19; one resident was hospitalized. All ill parties recovered and staff started to take the situation a little bit more seriously thereafter, Bailey said.
“I don’t think COVID is something to be scared of in the general public, it’s just common sense,” Bailey said. “Do what you’re asked to do when you’re out in public … and with nursing homes, just stay away. Families just need to be patient and wait until at least a vaccine to where we can protect our residents. We understand they miss their family members and our heart aches for them. But at the same time, we feel a great responsibility to protect all residents.”
If one person disobeys the rules, Bailey said, there’s a potential that the situation is ruined for everyone.
Hearts & Hands Post Acute Care and Rehab Center have fewer than 11 active cases of COVID-19 among residents, and less than 11 total resident cases have been reported. Less than 11 staff members have tested positive for the virus since the Hearts & Hands outbreak began.
California Department of Public Health shows Valley Convalescent Hospital had less than 11 COVID-positive residents as of Monday and a cumulative less than 11 cases recorded within the resident population overall. Fewer than 11 staff members have contracted the virus as a result of the outbreak.
The California Department of Social Services, the agency that licenses residential care facilities for the elderly and adult residential facilities like Maple House II in Live Oak — the county’s second-reported outbreak between skilled and residential care facilities — reported through its most recent update that there is one addition to the COVID-19 residential care facility outbreak list in Santa Cruz County: Westwind Memory Care in Santa Cruz. According to California Department of Social Services data, less than 11 staff members and less than 11 residents have contracted COVID-19 in recent days.
None of the facilities reported this week have associated deaths, according to the data from the two agencies.
No representatives of the county or its Health Services Agency, the entity that visited skilled nursing and residential care facilities early on in the pandemic to create preparation plans, could be reached as the county was closed Wednesday. Automatic email responses cited existing furloughs and the Thanksgiving holiday.
The Sentinel has contacted the facilities for information.
By the numbers
Total known cases: 4,198
Active known cases: 957
Recovered known cases: 3,213
Related deaths: 28
Cases requiring hospitalization: 217
Total negative tests conducted: 72,096
Check back for updates.


mercurynews--2020-11-26--Falcons’ Raheem Morris indebted to Raiders’ Jon Gruden for getting his start in coaching

How much does Jon Gruden love football coaches ?
He ’ s got a soft spot for the guy who took his job .
The Raiders visit the Atlanta Falcons Sunday , the first of two East Coast games in a row .
On the opposite sideline is Raheem Morris , the interim head coach who took over on Oct. 11 when Dan Quinn was fired after an 0-5 start .
The same Morris who worked on Gruden ’ s staff with Tampa Bay and who was in line to be the Bucs ’ defensive coordinator in 2009 after Monte @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the University of Tennessee .
Little did Gruden know Tampa Bay management had other ideas .
The Bucs fired Gruden , as well as general manager Bruce Allen , and instead made Morris a 32-year-old head coach .
The Bucs closed the 2008 season with four straight losses to go from division leaders to out of the playoff race , falling at home 31-24 to the Raiders in the finale .
Since the firing came nearly three weeks after the season ended , Gruden was never expecting it .
And as reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the text message he received from his former boss after learning he would be taking his job : “ Take it and run with it.
” Morris followed the same path others who worked with Gruden did to climb the coaching ladder .
He started as a quality control assistant on defense .
It ’ s the same position Gruden held with the 49ers under head coach George Seifert and offensive coordinator Mike Holmgren .
The same job David Shaw .
Jay Gruden , Kyle Shanahan and Sean McVay all held under Gruden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rest with the Buccaneers .
All became head coaches , Shaw at Stanford , Jay Gruden with Washington , Shanahan with the 49ers and McVay with the Rams .
They have different styles , but all found Gruden ’ s energy and love for the sport contagious .
Quality control work is ground floor stuff , drawing plays on computers and doing the necessary grunt work so the head coach and coordinators can prepare a game plan .
Morris had worked as an assistant coach at Hofstra and Cornell and had a minority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2001 before Gruden brought him aboard not long after he was traded by Al Davis from the Bucs to the Raiders .
“ Greatest time of my life , ” Morris said in a conference call .
“ Jon Gruden was a treat to football , and he ’ s a treat to how to go about your business , how to learn football from all aspects from being on the field to evaluation.
” Morris left for a year 2006 to become defensive coordinator at Kansas State .
But when Bucs ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coach the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2007 , Gruden brought Morris back to coach the Bucs ’ secondary .
Morris milked the opportunity for all it was worth .
“ I used to actually go in to my defensive room in my first year and try to get my work done as quickly and efficiently as possible so I could sit in the back of Jon Gruden ’ s quarterback meetings , ” Morris said .
“ I was able to sit back and learn all the information and what he was teaching , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all kinds of props .
He had a million beta tapes — I don ’ t know if he ’ s still using beta .
I ’ m sure he is .
“ He was always efficient , he was always prepared and it always felt like just the best meeting you have ever gone to in your life .
It was something that you never forget .
” Gruden ’ s beta tape collection , by the way , remains in the space he leased at a Tampa strip mall that he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he studied football while working for ESPN .
• Raiders ’ Derek Carr keeping defenses and viewers guessing with ‘ Purple Walrus ’ and other audibles • NFL Week 12 picks : Cowboys , Steelers win at home ; 49ers fall at Rams ; Raiders rebound in Atlanta • Inside the Raiders : Why this year ’ s 6-4 team is different from 2019 ’ s collapsing Raiders The Falcons are 3-7 , but 3-2 under Morris after having a three-game win streak snapped against New Orleans .
Once the Falcons hire a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to have a chance to remove his “ interim ” label and stay on as head coach .
Gruden remained a resource as well as a friend to Morris , who went 3-13 , 10-6 and then 4-12 before he met the same fate as his mentor .
“ He and Mike Tomlin were young secondary coaches when I was in Tampa , and I had more fun with those guys , I can ’ t even get into some of the stories , ” Gruden said .
“ But Raheem is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s a great guy and he knows the game inside-out .
I pull for him every week except this week .
I can ’ t wait to see him .
I can ’ t wait to compete against him and I know he ’ s going to have his team ready .
”

How much does Jon Gruden love football coaches?
He’s got a soft spot for the guy who took his job.
The Raiders visit the Atlanta Falcons Sunday, the first of two East Coast games in a row. On the opposite sideline is Raheem Morris, the interim head coach who took over on Oct. 11 when Dan Quinn was fired after an 0-5 start.
The same Morris who worked on Gruden’s staff with Tampa Bay and who was in line to be the Bucs’ defensive coordinator in 2009 after Monte Kiffin left to join his son Lane at the University of Tennessee. Little did Gruden know Tampa Bay management had other ideas.
The Bucs fired Gruden, as well as general manager Bruce Allen, and instead made Morris a 32-year-old head coach.
The Bucs closed the 2008 season with four straight losses to go from division leaders to out of the playoff race, falling at home 31-24 to the Raiders in the finale. Since the firing came nearly three weeks after the season ended, Gruden was never expecting it.
And as reported in The Athletic, Morris never expected the text message he received from his former boss after learning he would be taking his job:
“Take it and run with it.”
Morris followed the same path others who worked with Gruden did to climb the coaching ladder. He started as a quality control assistant on defense.
It’s the same position Gruden held with the 49ers under head coach George Seifert and offensive coordinator Mike Holmgren. The same job David Shaw. Jay Gruden, Kyle Shanahan and Sean McVay all held under Gruden, Shaw with the Raiders and the rest with the Buccaneers.
All became head coaches, Shaw at Stanford, Jay Gruden with Washington, Shanahan with the 49ers and McVay with the Rams. They have different styles, but all found Gruden’s energy and love for the sport contagious.
Quality control work is ground floor stuff, drawing plays on computers and doing the necessary grunt work so the head coach and coordinators can prepare a game plan.
Morris had worked as an assistant coach at Hofstra and Cornell and had a minority internship with the New York Jets in 2001 before Gruden brought him aboard not long after he was traded by Al Davis from the Bucs to the Raiders.
“Greatest time of my life,” Morris said in a conference call. “Jon Gruden was a treat to football, and he’s a treat to how to go about your business, how to learn football from all aspects from being on the field to evaluation.”
Morris left for a year 2006 to become defensive coordinator at Kansas State. But when Bucs’ secondary coach Mike Tomlin was hired to coach the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2007, Gruden brought Morris back to coach the Bucs’ secondary.
Morris milked the opportunity for all it was worth.
“I used to actually go in to my defensive room in my first year and try to get my work done as quickly and efficiently as possible so I could sit in the back of Jon Gruden’s quarterback meetings,” Morris said. “I was able to sit back and learn all the information and what he was teaching, with all his energy. He had all kinds of props. He had a million beta tapes — I don’t know if he’s still using beta. I’m sure he is.
“He was always efficient, he was always prepared and it always felt like just the best meeting you have ever gone to in your life. It was something that you never forget.”
Gruden’s beta tape collection, by the way, remains in the space he leased at a Tampa strip mall that he called the Fired Football Coaches Association where he studied football while working for ESPN.
The Falcons are 3-7, but 3-2 under Morris after having a three-game win streak snapped against New Orleans. Once the Falcons hire a new general manager, Morris is expected to have a chance to remove his “interim” label and stay on as head coach.
Gruden remained a resource as well as a friend to Morris, who went 3-13, 10-6 and then 4-12 before he met the same fate as his mentor.
“He and Mike Tomlin were young secondary coaches when I was in Tampa, and I had more fun with those guys, I can’t even get into some of the stories,” Gruden said. “But Raheem is a heck of a coach. He’s a great guy and he knows the game inside-out. I pull for him every week except this week. I can’t wait to see him. I can’t wait to compete against him and I know he’s going to have his team ready.”


mercurynews--2020-11-26--49ers Mostert, Coleman regroup with running backs to likely face favored Rams

SANTA CLARA — Lil Wayne ’ s track “ Bill Gates ” blared over the 49ers ’ practice field , much to their running backs ’ delight as they stretched .
Raheem Mostert moved his hands as if he was banging drums , then his arms flailed , his head bobbed and he was onto the beat .
Next to him , Jeff Wilson Jr. was pounding his chest and finding the groove , too .
Tevin Coleman danced wearing red gloves and a red hoodie that popped out from his white , No .
26 jersey .
The 49ers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and , at long last , back at full strength , with Jerick McKinnon and fullback Kyle Juszczyk in their midst , too .
This is exactly the positive vibe the 49ers ( 4-6 ) need if their run game is to help Nick Mullens and a still-undermanned offense upset the host Los Angeles Rams ( 7-3 ) on Sunday .
This was a stark contrast to the 49ers ’ last game , a Nov. 15 loss in New Orleans , where sixth-stringer Austin Walter finished as their only backfield option .
Undrafted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ broke his left collarbone earlier in the fourth quarter .
McKinnon , ironically the 49ers ’ most durable rusher this year after missing the past two seasons , sustained a shoulder stinger and did not return after blocking a blitzing linebacker early in the fourth quarter .
Once the 27-13 loss was complete and the 49ers headed for their locker room , McKinnon lingered on the bench with Richie James , who muffed a fourth-punt return .
“ Anytime you have a loss , you self-reflect , ” McKinnon said Wednesday .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ self-reflecting : ‘ What could I have done better and extra to change the outcome of the game.
’ ” Give McKinnon points for accountability , after a sub-par outing in which he struggled as a rusher ( season-high 18 carries , 33 yards ) , as a kick returner ( to the 14-yard line once the Saints tied it at 10 ) and as a pass protector for the still-young Mullens .
Thing is , McKinnon has exceeded expectations this year , because of the volume he ’ s played on a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the past two seasons began .
McKinnon should have been a complementary weapon in his comeback .
He ’ s played every game .
He ’ s run for five touchdowns on 77 carries ( 294 yards ; 3.8 average ) , and he ’ s caught 25 of 36 targets ( 186 yards , one touchdown ) .
Injuries to Mostert , Coleman and Wilson have throttled this run-oriented offense throughout a discombobulated season .
Getting them back is vital for the 49ers ’ slim playoff chances .
Coleman was limited Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be activated off Injured Reserve to play Sunday .
Last season ’ s breakout rusher , Mostert looks fresh .
A high ankle sprain cost him the past four games , after a knee sprain kept him out Weeks 3 and 4 against the New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles .
A Week 2 knee sprain has limited Coleman to only three games ( 21 carries , 50 yards ) .
His presence wasn ’ t flashy as last season ’ s starter but his role obviously was beneficial .
Wilson hasn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on his third touchdown run in the 49ers ’ last win , Oct. 25 at New England .
His comeback wasn ’ t initially penciled in for this coming game , so the 49ers may want to stash him for the next outing .
• What we ’ re learning Wednesday at 49ers HQ ahead of visit to Los Angeles Rams • Thursday night swap : Why the NFL moved Ravens-Steelers , but not 49ers-Packers • Former 49ers coach joins columnist Mark Purdy , two others as latest San Jose Sports Hall of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Cowboys , Steelers win at home ; 49ers fall at Rams ; Raiders rebound in Atlanta A year after owning the NFL ’ s second-ranked rushing attack , the 49ers are a pedestrian No .
17 this season ( 112 yards per game ) .
The Rams tout the NFL ’ s fifth-best run defense ( 91.3 ypg ) .
Running room should be scarce Sunday .
But the 49ers look more capable of finding it with a healthier stable of rushers .
If left tackle Trent Williams can ’ t play @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 test , then Mullens ’ blind side won ’ t be as protected if the 49ers must play catch up via the pass .
Dealing with coronavirus- and injury-related absences is par for the 2020 course .
“ It ’ s the new norm , ” McKinnon said .
“ This isn ’ t first time we ’ ve had somebody test for COVID .
To be honest , it ’ s not different than a guy getting injured ; the next guy has to step in and make plays.
” The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Wilson and , alas , other options to help McKinnon and the 49ers run game .

SANTA CLARA — Lil Wayne’s track “Bill Gates” blared over the 49ers’ practice field, much to their running backs’ delight as they stretched.
Raheem Mostert moved his hands as if he was banging drums, then his arms flailed, his head bobbed and he was onto the beat.
Next to him, Jeff Wilson Jr. was pounding his chest and finding the groove, too. Tevin Coleman danced wearing red gloves and a red hoodie that popped out from his white, No. 26 jersey.
The 49ers’ running back corps looked happy, and, at long last, back at full strength, with Jerick McKinnon and fullback Kyle Juszczyk in their midst, too.
That scene is exactly the positive vibe the 49ers (4-6) need if their run game is to help Nick Mullens and a still-undermanned offense upset the host Los Angeles Rams (7-3) on Sunday.
Add Deebo Samuel back in the mix and the 49ers will look to recreate their 24-16 win over the Rams in Week 6.
This was a stark contrast to the 49ers’ last game, a Nov. 15 loss in New Orleans, where sixth-stringer Austin Walter finished as their only backfield option.
Undrafted rookie JaMycal Hasty, their fifth-stringer, broke his left collarbone earlier in the fourth quarter. McKinnon, ironically the 49ers’ most durable rusher this year after missing the past two seasons, sustained a shoulder stinger and did not return after blocking a blitzing linebacker early in the fourth quarter.
Once the 27-13 loss was complete and the 49ers headed for their locker room, McKinnon lingered on the bench with Richie James, who muffed a fourth-punt return.
“Anytime you have a loss, you self-reflect,” McKinnon said Wednesday. “That’s all it was, self-reflecting: ‘What could I have done better and extra to change the outcome of the game.’ ”
Give McKinnon points for accountability, after a sub-par outing in which he struggled as a rusher (season-high 18 carries, 33 yards), as a kick returner (to the 14-yard line once the Saints tied it at 10) and as a pass protector for the still-young Mullens.
Thing is, McKinnon has exceeded expectations this year, because of the volume he’s played on a right knee that required season-ending surgeries before the past two seasons began.
McKinnon should have been a complementary weapon in his comeback. He’s played every game. He’s run for five touchdowns on 77 carries (294 yards; 3.8 average), and he’s caught 25 of 36 targets (186 yards, one touchdown).
Injuries to Mostert, Coleman and Wilson have throttled this run-oriented offense throughout a discombobulated season. Getting them back is vital for the 49ers’ slim playoff chances. Coleman was limited Thursday; Mostert and Wilson still have to be activated off Injured Reserve to play Sunday.
Last season’s breakout rusher, Mostert looks fresh. A high ankle sprain cost him the past four games, after a knee sprain kept him out Weeks 3 and 4 against the New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles.
A Week 2 knee sprain has limited Coleman to only three games (21 carries, 50 yards). His presence wasn’t flashy as last season’s starter but his role obviously was beneficial.
Wilson hasn’t played since a high ankle sprain on his third touchdown run in the 49ers’ last win, Oct. 25 at New England. His comeback wasn’t initially penciled in for this coming game, so the 49ers may want to stash him for the next outing.
A year after owning the NFL’s second-ranked rushing attack, the 49ers are a pedestrian No. 17 this season (112 yards per game). The Rams tout the NFL’s fifth-best run defense (91.3 ypg).
Running room should be scarce Sunday. But the 49ers look more capable of finding it with a healthier stable of rushers.
If left tackle Trent Williams can’t play because of last week’s positive COVID-19 test, then Mullens’ blind side won’t be as protected if the 49ers must play catch up via the pass.
Dealing with coronavirus- and injury-related absences is par for the 2020 course.
“It’s the new norm,” McKinnon said. “This isn’t first time we’ve had somebody test for COVID. To be honest, it’s not different than a guy getting injured; the next guy has to step in and make plays.”
The next guys might be Mostert, Coleman, Wilson and, alas, other options to help McKinnon and the 49ers run game.
—Three players did not practice Thursday because of illness, as the league advises out of COVID-19 precautions: tight end Jordan Reed and linebackers Azeez Al-Shaair and Dre Greenlaw. Had any of them tested positive for the coronavirus, they would have gone on the NFL’s COVID-19 reserve list.
The 49ers have seven players on that COVID-19 reserve list, even after Wednesday’s activations of Arik Armstead and Hroniss Grasu. Among those still out are left tackle Trent Williams, wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk and defensive tackles D.J. Jones and Javon Kinlaw.
Linebacker Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles (hamstring) and cornerback K’Waun Williams (ankle) remained out of practice.
Limited were Coleman, Samuel (hamstring) and Armstead.


Word Game: Nov. 26, 2020

Can you find 30 or more words in SANGUINE ?
The list will be published tomorrow .
To purchase the @ @ @ @ @ WordGameBooks.com .
Order it now for just $ 5 while supplies last !
1 .
@ @ @ @ @ or more letters .
2 .
Words that acquire four letters by the addition of @ @ @ @ @ as “ bats ” or “ dies , ” are not allowed .
3 .
@ @ @ @ @ a “ d ” or an “ s ” may not be used .
For @ @ @ @ @ ” is used , “ baked ” or “ bakes ” are not allowed , @ @ @ @ @ “ baking ” are admissible .
4 .
Proper nouns , slang words , or @ @ @ @ @ are not allowed .

TODAY’S WORD — SANGUINE (SANGUINE: SAN-gwin: Confidently optimistic.)
Average mark 20 words
Time limit 35 minutes
Can you find 30 or more words in SANGUINE? The list will be published tomorrow.
YESTERDAY’S WORD — GARBANZOS garb gnar grab groan agar angora argon arson
rang roan bang barn baron boar bong born brag bran brogan orang organ sabra saga sang
saran sarong snag snob soar sonar song sora sorb
To purchase the Word Game book, visit WordGameBooks.com. Order it now for just $5 while supplies last!
RULES OF THE GAME:
1. Words must be of four or more letters.
2. Words that acquire four letters by the addition of “s,” such as “bats” or “dies,” are not allowed.
3. Additional words made by adding a “d” or an “s” may not be used. For example, if “bake” is used, “baked” or “bakes” are not allowed, but “bake” and “baking” are admissible.
4. Proper nouns, slang words, or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed.
Contact Word Game creator Kathleen Saxe at kzsaxe@gmail.com.


Bridge: Nov. 26, 2020

I ’ ve heard an “ obstacle ” defined as what you see if you take your eye off the goal you should be focused on .
It takes four tricks to beat a major-suit game , but defenders have been known to get distracted .
Today ’ s West led his singleton spade against four hearts , and East won and swiftly returned a spade for his partner to ruff .
After that , the defense faced insurmountable obstacles .
West led a diamond , but South took the ace and forced out East ’ s ace of trumps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ South ruffed high for safety , drew trumps and ruffed his last diamond in dummy .
He threw his jack of clubs on the good king of spades and claimed .
East took his eye off the goal .
Since he has the ace of trumps for a fast re-entry , West ’ s spade ruff can wait .
To get four tricks , East leads the queen of clubs at Trick Two .
Declarer wins and leads a trump , but East takes the ace and leads a spade .
West ruffs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wins the setting trick with a ruff .
You hold : S A 10 9 8 7 6 H A 3 D K 10 4 2 C Q .
Your partner opens one club , you respond one spade and he bids three spades .
What do you say ?
ANSWER : You certainly have a small slam .
A typical minimum hand for your partner such as K J 5 3 , K 4 2 , 6 , A K J 4 3 will make six spades all but a laydown .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ shows one ace , bid six spades .
If he shows two , continue with 5NT , not only asking for kings but suggesting a grand slam .

I’ve heard an “obstacle” defined as what you see if you take your eye off the goal you should be focused on.
It takes four tricks to beat a major-suit game, but defenders have been known to get distracted. Today’s West led his singleton spade against four hearts, and East won and swiftly returned a spade for his partner to ruff.
After that, the defense faced insurmountable obstacles. West led a diamond, but South took the ace and forced out East’s ace of trumps. When East led another spade, South ruffed high for safety, drew trumps and ruffed his last diamond in dummy. He threw his jack of clubs on the good king of spades and claimed.
RE-ENTRY
East took his eye off the goal. Since he has the ace of trumps for a fast re-entry, West’s spade ruff can wait. To get four tricks, East leads the queen of clubs at Trick Two.
Declarer wins and leads a trump, but East takes the ace and leads a spade. West ruffs and returns a club, and East wins the setting trick with a ruff.
DAILY QUESTION
You hold: S A 10 9 8 7 6 H A 3 D K 10 4 2 C Q. Your partner opens one club, you respond one spade and he bids three spades. What do you say?
ANSWER: You certainly have a small slam. A typical minimum hand for your partner such as K J 5 3, K 4 2, 6, A K J 4 3 will make six spades all but a laydown. Bid 4NT, Blackwood. If partner shows one ace, bid six spades. If he shows two, continue with 5NT, not only asking for kings but suggesting a grand slam.
East dealer
N-S vulnerable
NORTH
S K J 5 2
H K Q 8
D 7
C 10 8 6 5 2
WEST
S 3
H 7 6
D Q 9 8 6 5 3
C 9 7 4 3
EAST
S A 10 9 8 7 6
H A 3
D K 10 4 2
C Q
SOUTH
S Q 4
H J 10 9 5 4 2
D A J
C A K J
East South West North
1 S 2 H Pass 3 H
Pass 4 H All Pass
Opening lead — S 3
(C)2020 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.


mercurynews--2020-11-26--Horoscopes Nov. 26, 2020: Rich Little, put a diligent health regimen in place

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY : Peter Facinelli , 47 ; Garcelle Beauvais , 54 ; Tina Turner , 81 ; Rich Little , 82 .
Happy Birthday : A selective approach to the information offered to you this year will be critical .
Stay focused on what ’ s simple , feasible and within your budget .
Refuse to let anyone railroad you into something that will take away from your interests .
Put a diligent health regimen in place .
Fitness , diet and a positive lifestyle will build courage and strength of character .
Your numbers are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 36 , 40 , 43 .
ARIES ( March 21-April 19 ) : Pay closer attention to contracts , money matters and partnerships .
Be aggressive when it comes to the vocal contributions you make , but don ’ t let anger or frustration take over .
Remaining calm and offering sound suggestions will help you get ahead .
3 stars TAURUS ( April 20-May 20 ) : You are overdue for a change .
Look through your wardrobe , and consider your current appeal and how you would like to present @ @ @ @ @ @ @ An opportunity to ask someone to repay a favor will help you professionally and personally .
3 stars GEMINI ( May 21-June 20 ) : Take care of your responsibilities .
If you rely on someone , you ’ ll be disappointed .
Refrain from sharing too much information or presenting something you are working on prematurely .
Put your energy into what counts and matters to you most .
4 stars CANCER ( June 21-July 22 ) : Get involved in something you care about , and make a difference .
Refuse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ argument .
You ’ ll accomplish the most if you are dedicated and determined to reach your goal .
Don ’ t be afraid to do things differently .
2 stars LEO ( July 23-Aug. 22 ) : Give others the same freedom you want in return .
Don ’ t waste time trying to change someone ’ s mind .
Spend your time focusing on self-improvement .
A change someone makes may not be to your liking , but it will be beneficial in the end .
5 stars VIRGO ( Aug. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you need and want .
A change of plans will give you the chance to explore different lifestyles .
Do your best to learn more , and you will discover you have more options than you realize .
Love and romance are favored .
3 stars LIBRA ( Sept. 23-Oct. 22 ) : Pay closer attention to your relationships with others .
Don ’ t start something you can not finish .
Uncertainty will prevail if you send mixed messages .
A physical outlet will help clear your mind .
A change will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3 stars SCORPIO ( Oct. 23-Nov. 21 ) : Pay closer attention to your responsibilities .
Don ’ t leave anything undone or to chance .
A risk will cause uncertainty that can lead to problems with a friend or colleague .
Use your intellect and intuition , and you ’ ll find the best solution .
3 stars SAGITTARIUS ( Nov. 22-Dec. 21 ) : Improve your surroundings , and it will make a difference to your emotional well-being .
How you live will impact your attitude and ability to forge ahead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yourself , not what someone leads you to believe .
5 stars CAPRICORN ( Dec. 22-Jan. 19 ) : It ’ s good to be passionate about something , but not when it comes between you and the success you are trying to achieve .
Settle down and refuse to let temper , ego and frustration take over .
You ’ ll do best when you work alone .
2 stars AQUARIUS ( Jan. 20-Feb. 18 ) : Make plans that will help you take your best assets and turn them into something @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doing and do well .
Ignore negativity or those who don ’ t believe in you .
Do your own thing .
4 stars PISCES ( Feb. 19-March 20 ) : Mixed emotions will stand between you and what you want to accomplish .
Be patient and focus on your objective , and doors will open .
The help you need will appear .
A joint venture will lead to victory .
3 stars Birthday Baby : You are demonstrative , active and competitive .
You are playful and daring .

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Peter Facinelli, 47; Garcelle Beauvais, 54; Tina Turner, 81; Rich Little, 82.
Happy Birthday: A selective approach to the information offered to you this year will be critical. Stay focused on what’s simple, feasible and within your budget. Refuse to let anyone railroad you into something that will take away from your interests. Put a diligent health regimen in place. Fitness, diet and a positive lifestyle will build courage and strength of character. Your numbers are 4, 17, 23, 31, 36, 40, 43.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Pay closer attention to contracts, money matters and partnerships. Be aggressive when it comes to the vocal contributions you make, but don’t let anger or frustration take over. Remaining calm and offering sound suggestions will help you get ahead. 3 stars
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): You are overdue for a change. Look through your wardrobe, and consider your current appeal and how you would like to present who you are to the world. An opportunity to ask someone to repay a favor will help you professionally and personally. 3 stars
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Take care of your responsibilities. If you rely on someone, you’ll be disappointed. Refrain from sharing too much information or presenting something you are working on prematurely. Put your energy into what counts and matters to you most. 4 stars
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Get involved in something you care about, and make a difference. Refuse to let anyone bait you into an argument. You’ll accomplish the most if you are dedicated and determined to reach your goal. Don’t be afraid to do things differently. 2 stars
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Give others the same freedom you want in return. Don’t waste time trying to change someone’s mind. Spend your time focusing on self-improvement. A change someone makes may not be to your liking, but it will be beneficial in the end. 5 stars
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Sort through what you need and want. A change of plans will give you the chance to explore different lifestyles. Do your best to learn more, and you will discover you have more options than you realize. Love and romance are favored. 3 stars
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Pay closer attention to your relationships with others. Don’t start something you cannot finish. Uncertainty will prevail if you send mixed messages. A physical outlet will help clear your mind. A change will disrupt finances or prompt legal matters. 3 stars
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Pay closer attention to your responsibilities. Don’t leave anything undone or to chance. A risk will cause uncertainty that can lead to problems with a friend or colleague. Use your intellect and intuition, and you’ll find the best solution. 3 stars
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Improve your surroundings, and it will make a difference to your emotional well-being. How you live will impact your attitude and ability to forge ahead with confidence. Trust and believe in yourself, not what someone leads you to believe. 5 stars
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): It’s good to be passionate about something, but not when it comes between you and the success you are trying to achieve. Settle down and refuse to let temper, ego and frustration take over. You’ll do best when you work alone. 2 stars
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Make plans that will help you take your best assets and turn them into something lucrative. Concentrate on what you enjoy doing and do well. Ignore negativity or those who don’t believe in you. Do your own thing. 4 stars
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Mixed emotions will stand between you and what you want to accomplish. Be patient and focus on your objective, and doors will open. The help you need will appear. A joint venture will lead to victory. 3 stars
Birthday Baby: You are demonstrative, active and competitive. You are playful and daring.
Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.


mercurynews--2020-11-26--Ask Amy: He’s keeping a secret from our dad, and it’s making things worse

Dear Amy : My brother and his wife have been borrowing money from my father .
They have not paid him back , and now my brother and father are not speaking to each other .
When I visit my father , he will ask me if I have heard anything from my brother .
My father expects me to say something to my brother about paying him back , but I don ’ t want to be the middleman .
My brother has also put me in a tough spot .
He doesn ’ t want me to tell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which he says is the reason he and his wife haven ’ t paid Dad back .
I ’ ve asked my brother to please talk to Dad .
They are both very stubborn .
I know my father will be upset with me for not telling him about my brother ’ s health .
• Ask Amy : I resent these maskless people .
Am I being paranoid ?
• Ask Amy : We need to get our dad out of her clutches • Ask Amy : Should I let my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leaving her ?
• Ask Amy : Does this make me an alcoholic ?
• Ask Amy : I know she ’ s dying .
Is it wrong to acknowledge that with a gift ?
What should I do ?
Dear Middle : In theory , I completely agree with your stance , but you are also stubbornly sticking to your guns , when you might be able to offer a pathway out .
Tell your brother , “ Sorry .
I can ’ t keep this secret for you .
It has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and now it is affecting my relationship with both you and Dad.
” The next time you are with your dad , call your brother from your phone , and after he answers , hand it to your dad , saying , “ Here .
You two need to catch up.
” Dear Amy : My husband and I have a family member living with us who is fighting cancer .
Because of this person ’ s health , I don ’ t believe my parents ( who are in their 70s and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during the pandemic .
My ( adult ) daughter volunteered to stay with my parents during the pandemic , since she ’ s able to telework .
She is now at her wits ’ end .
My parents are sneaking out while she is out of their sight for more than 10 minutes .
She said it ’ s like she ’ s a mom to two teenagers .
They ’ re waiting for her to turn her back before they sneak out .
We all believe that their behavior could prove deadly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interested in some indoor hobbies , to no avail .
They say they ’ re being safe , but then admit to running into old friends and standing around chatting .
My daughter tried to take the car keys , but they invited her to leave !
( Of course , she won ’ t do that . )
I told my husband that if nothing else , I ’ m going to get their car keys .
Should I leave my sick one at home in order to watch over two healthy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is that your daughter should get tested , and if she tests negative for the virus , she should leave her grandparents ’ household , leaving their car keys behind .
You don ’ t mention that your parents are needy or impaired ( other than their judgment ) , so I ’ m assuming that they simply have minimal regard for their health or the health of others .
As the nation faces a dramatic surge of the virus , surely they know by now that if either one of them gets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contacts at great risk , and that their hospital stay will be a very lonely one .
You and your daughter should make sure that they have all of the basic knowledge and tools for cutting down their risk : Hand-washing and sanitizer in the car and at home , masks up when they enter a building or encounter anyone , and maintaining appropriate distance when they are visiting with others .
( Where I live , there is a mandatory mask mandate inside all public buildings , which really cuts out the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parents like toddlers , and they are responding like teenagers , so stop .
This would mean that you won ’ t be able to spend time with them until the all-clear , but that is a consequence of the choices they are making .
Dear Amy : We just adopted our first family dog and we ’ ve been having difficulty teaching our 8-year-old son how to interact with the dog gently .
His desire to hug and kiss the dog is sometimes met with a growl .
Based on your recent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the stopthe77.com video for my son , and it resonated for him in a way that our words did not .
He is now able to approach our dog with empathy .
Dear Family : An estimated 77 percent of dog bites come from a family or friend ’ s dog .
It turns out that , despite how much we love them , dogs do not like to be hugged .
You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy @ amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy , P.O .
Box 194 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can also follow her on Twitter @ askingamy or Facebook .

Dear Amy: My brother and his wife have been borrowing money from my father. They have not paid him back, and now my brother and father are not speaking to each other.
When I visit my father, he will ask me if I have heard anything from my brother. My father expects me to say something to my brother about paying him back, but I don’t want to be the middleman.
My brother has also put me in a tough spot. He doesn’t want me to tell my father anything about his health problems, which he says is the reason he and his wife haven’t paid Dad back.
I’ve asked my brother to please talk to Dad. They are both very stubborn.
I know my father will be upset with me for not telling him about my brother’s health.
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In the Middle
Dear Middle: In theory, I completely agree with your stance, but you are also stubbornly sticking to your guns, when you might be able to offer a pathway out.
Tell your brother, “Sorry. I can’t keep this secret for you. It has put me in a terrible position, and now it is affecting my relationship with both you and Dad.”
The next time you are with your dad, call your brother from your phone, and after he answers, hand it to your dad, saying, “Here. You two need to catch up.”
Dear Amy: My husband and I have a family member living with us who is fighting cancer. Because of this person’s health, I don’t believe my parents (who are in their 70s and healthy) should be staying with me during the pandemic.
My (adult) daughter volunteered to stay with my parents during the pandemic, since she’s able to telework. She is now at her wits’ end. My parents are sneaking out while she is out of their sight for more than 10 minutes.
She said it’s like she’s a mom to two teenagers. They’re waiting for her to turn her back before they sneak out. We all believe that their behavior could prove deadly.
We are trying to get them interested in some indoor hobbies, to no avail. They say they’re being safe, but then admit to running into old friends and standing around chatting.
My daughter tried to take the car keys, but they invited her to leave! (Of course, she won’t do that.) I told my husband that if nothing else, I’m going to get their car keys.
Should I leave my sick one at home in order to watch over two healthy parents?
Your suggestions?
Desperate
Dear Desperate: My suggestion is that your daughter should get tested, and if she tests negative for the virus, she should leave her grandparents’ household, leaving their car keys behind.
You don’t mention that your parents are needy or impaired (other than their judgment), so I’m assuming that they simply have minimal regard for their health or the health of others.
As the nation faces a dramatic surge of the virus, surely they know by now that if either one of them gets sick, they put all of their contacts at great risk, and that their hospital stay will be a very lonely one.
You and your daughter should make sure that they have all of the basic knowledge and tools for cutting down their risk: Hand-washing and sanitizer in the car and at home, masks up when they enter a building or encounter anyone, and maintaining appropriate distance when they are visiting with others. (Where I live, there is a mandatory mask mandate inside all public buildings, which really cuts out the guesswork).
You are treating your parents like toddlers, and they are responding like teenagers, so stop. This would mean that you won’t be able to spend time with them until the all-clear, but that is a consequence of the choices they are making.
Dear Amy: We just adopted our first family dog and we’ve been having difficulty teaching our 8-year-old son how to interact with the dog gently. His desire to hug and kiss the dog is sometimes met with a growl.
Based on your recent advice about aggressive dogs, I played the stopthe77.com video for my son, and it resonated for him in a way that our words did not. He is now able to approach our dog with empathy.
New Dog Family
Dear Family: An estimated 77 percent of dog bites come from a family or friend’s dog. It turns out that, despite how much we love them, dogs do not like to be hugged.
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--2020-11-26--Harriette Cole: Happy Thanksgiving. Now keep your distance.

DEAR READERS : Happy Thanksgiving !
I want to wish each and every one of you a happy , healthy season of love and connection to family .
This is the time of year when so many people are focused on family , yet it is different this year .
Indeed , 2020 has proven different in myriad ways .
We have been living under the invisible veil of COVID-19 for many months now .
So many of us have lived in some form of perpetual quarantine in order to protect ourselves .
And right now , the surge of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be ever more vigilant .
Scientists suggest that one way that outbreaks are spiraling out of control is through intimate family contact .
Small gatherings of loved ones who let their guard down and do not wear masks are a current culprit in viral spread , primarily because — according to these scientists — the virus can be transmitted by people who have no apparent symptoms .
My intent is not to scare you .
Instead , in the spirit of family love and connection , I am reminding us to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my family , including my 91-year-old mother .
We are choosing to be together via videoconferencing to ensure that we do not infect anyone .
What are you choosing to do ?
If you decide to spend time physically with your loved ones , please be mindful to keep your distance and wear a mask — except when you are eating .
And while eating , please keep your distance .
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• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ didn ’ t realize was a secret , and all hell broke loose • Harriette Cole : The barista won ’ t leave me alone • Harriette Cole : My daughter , a social media influencer , wants cosmetic surgery .
I say no .
• Harriette Cole : Should I tell my neighbor what I saw when she was gone ?
I say this not as a political statement — at all .
I say it as a love statement .
My plea to all of us is to be able to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so very dear in the safest ways possible .
Let ’ s not risk each other ’ s health because we want to be together so badly .
It is possible to have both if we are cautious .
Like many of you , I am very close to my small family .
Typically , my husband , daughter and I drive about five hours to be with them because Thanksgiving is notoriously a high-traffic time of year .
We choose to share this time together .
This year , we are choosing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you will all pause and consider how you can show your gratitude for each other safely .
Envision your personal way of engaging family and friends with love and commitment , not missing a beat in terms of making your devotion clear without putting anyone in harm ’ s way .
My mother talks often about counting our blessings , especially during hard times .
For this Thanksgiving , let us all count our blessings .
We are here .
We are alive and able to express our love .
We are grateful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people who matter in our lives .
We can embrace this day with fullness of heart and an abundance of joy .
We can also use technology to keep close to one another .
I often think about the value of technology partnered with humanity .
Technological developments are amazing and can make it possible for us to see and talk to each other no matter where in the country or the world we are .
Let ’ s use all of the means we have to share our love .
And if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other physically , let us do so with an abundance of caution .
We are all worth it .
Happy Thanksgiving , all !
Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS , an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams .
You can send questions to askharriette @ harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication , 1130 Walnut St. , Kansas City , MO 64106 .

DEAR READERS: Happy Thanksgiving! I want to wish each and every one of you a happy, healthy season of love and connection to family. This is the time of year when so many people are focused on family, yet it is different this year. Indeed, 2020 has proven different in myriad ways.
We have been living under the invisible veil of COVID-19 for many months now. So many of us have lived in some form of perpetual quarantine in order to protect ourselves.
And right now, the surge of spread of this virus is requiring us to be ever more vigilant. Scientists suggest that one way that outbreaks are spiraling out of control is through intimate family contact. Small gatherings of loved ones who let their guard down and do not wear masks are a current culprit in viral spread, primarily because — according to these scientists — the virus can be transmitted by people who have no apparent symptoms.
My intent is not to scare you. Instead, in the spirit of family love and connection, I am reminding us to be vigilant. I long to be with my family, including my 91-year-old mother. We are choosing to be together via videoconferencing to ensure that we do not infect anyone. What are you choosing to do? If you decide to spend time physically with your loved ones, please be mindful to keep your distance and wear a mask — except when you are eating. And while eating, please keep your distance.
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Like many of you, I am very close to my small family. Typically, my husband, daughter and I drive about five hours to be with them because Thanksgiving is notoriously a high-traffic time of year. We choose to share this time together. This year, we are choosing to do it remotely.
I hope you will all pause and consider how you can show your gratitude for each other safely. Envision your personal way of engaging family and friends with love and commitment, not missing a beat in terms of making your devotion clear without putting anyone in harm’s way.
My mother talks often about counting our blessings, especially during hard times. For this Thanksgiving, let us all count our blessings. We are here. We are alive and able to express our love. We are grateful for the opportunity to connect with the people who matter in our lives. We can embrace this day with fullness of heart and an abundance of joy.
We can also use technology to keep close to one another. I often think about the value of technology partnered with humanity. Technological developments are amazing and can make it possible for us to see and talk to each other no matter where in the country or the world we are. Let’s use all of the means we have to share our love. And if we intend to spend time with each other physically, let us do so with an abundance of caution. We are all worth it. Happy Thanksgiving, all!
Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.


mercurynews--2020-11-26--Miss Manners: I froze when she pushed me to take her side

DEAR MISS MANNERS : My friend had a conflict with her now-former roommate when they were each moving out last month .
When my friend rented a moving van , the roommate asked if she could borrow it to move her stuff across town .
My friend was moving across state lines , and needed the van for much longer than the roommate did .
The final rental cost was about $ 600 .
My friend believes that the price should be split equally between them ; the ex-roommate thinks that because she only used it for a couple of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I kind of agree with the roommate .
But I feel awkward , because my friend was looking for someone to commiserate with her on how badly she got ripped off by this jerk .
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I didn ’ t understand why she was so upset , and kind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , “ Yeah , that sounds annoying.
” What would you do ?
GENTLE READER : What you did is acceptable and also makes your point , albeit while leaving you feeling awkward .
Miss Manners assumes you are interested in avoiding the awkwardness next time — not in advocating for the ex-roommate .
To do that , you need merely shorten the gap between your casual agreement and your changing the subject .
DEAR MISS MANNERS : When I was growing up , my mother always advised me to call friends between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ avoid disturbing them , unless they had specifically advised me to reach them at other times .
Since the advent of cellphones , I find that I have been receiving calls and texts at all hours of the day and night !
( None of which are regarding emergencies , by the way . )
Is this the new norm ?
Now I feel that I need to advise new friends and acquaintances to please call or text me only during certain hours unless it ’ s an emergency .
I say it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hours , etc .
Am I being too old-fashioned ?
GENTLE READER : The etiquette on this was evolving even before the pandemic , at which point it collapsed completely .
In the absence of weekdays or weekends , commutes or offices , school days or school holidays , work hours or nonwork hours , every daylight hour started to look the same .
Although she is not one to bend etiquette rules to convenience , Miss Manners nevertheless recognizes that the old rule was motivated by technological constraints .
For many years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a landline telephone that did not require subsequent repairs .
This is no longer the case .
Friends who call at all hours are still being inconsiderate ; they should know that they might be waking you up .
However , you need not inform them what time they may call as you can enforce obedience by — and Miss Manners realizes she is about to make a shocking suggestion — turning off your phone .
You are probably not the one to handle their emergencies anyway .
Please send your questions to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; to her email , dearmissmanners @ gmail.com ; or through postal mail to Miss Manners , Andrews McMeel Syndication , 1130 Walnut St. , Kansas City , MO 64106 .

Judith Martin, Nicholas Ivor Martin and Jacobina Martin

DEAR MISS MANNERS: My friend had a conflict with her now-former roommate when they were each moving out last month.
When my friend rented a moving van, the roommate asked if she could borrow it to move her stuff across town. My friend was moving across state lines, and needed the van for much longer than the roommate did.
The final rental cost was about $600. My friend believes that the price should be split equally between them; the ex-roommate thinks that because she only used it for a couple of hours, she only owes $50.
I kind of agree with the roommate. But I feel awkward, because my friend was looking for someone to commiserate with her on how badly she got ripped off by this jerk.
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GENTLE READER: What you did is acceptable and also makes your point, albeit while leaving you feeling awkward.
Miss Manners assumes you are interested in avoiding the awkwardness next time — not in advocating for the ex-roommate. To do that, you need merely shorten the gap between your casual agreement and your changing the subject.
DEAR MISS MANNERS: When I was growing up, my mother always advised me to call friends between approximately 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. to avoid disturbing them, unless they had specifically advised me to reach them at other times.
Since the advent of cellphones, I find that I have been receiving calls and texts at all hours of the day and night! (None of which are regarding emergencies, by the way.) Is this the new norm?
Now I feel that I need to advise new friends and acquaintances to please call or text me only during certain hours unless it’s an emergency. I say it apologetically and explain that I work later hours, etc. Am I being too old-fashioned?
GENTLE READER: The etiquette on this was evolving even before the pandemic, at which point it collapsed completely. In the absence of weekdays or weekends, commutes or offices, school days or school holidays, work hours or nonwork hours, every daylight hour started to look the same.
Although she is not one to bend etiquette rules to convenience, Miss Manners nevertheless recognizes that the old rule was motivated by technological constraints. For many years, there was no way to silence a landline telephone that did not require subsequent repairs. This is no longer the case. Friends who call at all hours are still being inconsiderate; they should know that they might be waking you up.
However, you need not inform them what time they may call as you can enforce obedience by — and Miss Manners realizes she is about to make a shocking suggestion — turning off your phone. You are probably not the one to handle their emergencies anyway.
Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners.com; to her email, dearmissmanners@gmail.com; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.


mercurynews--2020-11-27--Trebek, in posthumous message, urges viewers to ‘keep the faith’

Alex Trebek , the late host of the long-running game show “ Jeopardy !
, ” had a Thanksgiving message for viewers , urging them to “ be thankful ” and “ keep the faith.
” The message was recorded earlier this year as part of the Thanksgiving Day episode .
“ Jeopardy !
” tweeted the clip Thursday morning , ahead of the planned broadcast .
The beloved TV host died Nov. 8 , less than two years after announcing he was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer .
In the posthumous message , Trebek acknowledged the unprecedented difficulties @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You know , in spite of what America and the rest of the world is experiencing right now , there are many reasons to be thankful , ” Trebek said in the video .
“ There are more and more people extending helpful hands to do a kindness to their neighbors , ” he continued , “ and that ’ s a good thing.
” A spokesperson for the show did not immediately respond to inquiries regarding when the episode was taped .
The late host ’ s message airs as Americans observe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with record numbers of coronavirus infections and nearly a quarter of a million people dead from the virus .
Nationwide , families have been urged not to gather for the holiday in the hope of stopping the spread .
“ Keep the faith , ” Trebek urged .
“ We ’ re going to get through all of this , and we will be a better society because of it .
”

By Evan Simko-Bednarski | CNN
Alex Trebek, the late host of the long-running game show “Jeopardy!,” had a Thanksgiving message for viewers, urging them to “be thankful” and “keep the faith.”
The message was recorded earlier this year as part of the Thanksgiving Day episode. “Jeopardy!” tweeted the clip Thursday morning, ahead of the planned broadcast.
High on our list of things to be thankful for this year: Alex's Thanksgiving message from today's show. We hope you have a safe and happy Thanksgiving! pic.twitter.com/8OlpkSGi9r — Jeopardy! (@Jeopardy) November 26, 2020
The beloved TV host died Nov. 8, less than two years after announcing he was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer.
In the posthumous message, Trebek acknowledged the unprecedented difficulties facing the nation this Thanksgiving.
“You know, in spite of what America and the rest of the world is experiencing right now, there are many reasons to be thankful,” Trebek said in the video.
“There are more and more people extending helpful hands to do a kindness to their neighbors,” he continued, “and that’s a good thing.”
A spokesperson for the show did not immediately respond to inquiries regarding when the episode was taped.
The late host’s message airs as Americans observe a markedly different Thanksgiving from years past, with record numbers of coronavirus infections and nearly a quarter of a million people dead from the virus. Nationwide, families have been urged not to gather for the holiday in the hope of stopping the spread.
“Keep the faith,” Trebek urged. “We’re going to get through all of this, and we will be a better society because of it.”


mercurynews--2020-11-27--One dead, several injured in random Nevada shooting spree

Five people were shot , one fatally , and two suspects were arrested in Henderson , Nevada early Thanksgiving morning , police said .
Police received numerous calls from victims from different locations throughout Henderson , the Henderson Police Department said in a press release .
All five victims were found by police with gunshot wounds in the same location .
“ It is believed that the suspects were driving around the city randomly shooting at citizens with no apparent motive , ” the Henderson Police Department said .
The suspects were described as a White male , in his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and a White female , in her 20 ’ s , both with tattoos or paint on their faces , according to police .
A 22-year-old man whose name has not been released was found dead from an apparent gunshot wound , police said .
The four surviving victims , whose ages ranged from 18-53 years old , were transported to a hospital and are expected to survive .
The suspects were arrested on unrelated charges Thursday by the Arizona Department of Public Safety .
The department did not respond to CNN @ @ @ @ @ @ @ identities or the circumstances of their arrests .

By Andy Rose and Alaa Elassar | CNN
Five people were shot, one fatally, and two suspects were arrested in Henderson, Nevada early Thanksgiving morning, police said.
Police received numerous calls from victims from different locations throughout Henderson, the Henderson Police Department said in a press release. All five victims were found by police with gunshot wounds in the same location.
“It is believed that the suspects were driving around the city randomly shooting at citizens with no apparent motive,” the Henderson Police Department said.
The suspects were described as a White male, in his 20’s or 30’s, and a White female, in her 20’s, both with tattoos or paint on their faces, according to police.
A 22-year-old man whose name has not been released was found dead from an apparent gunshot wound, police said. The four surviving victims, whose ages ranged from 18-53 years old, were transported to a hospital and are expected to survive.
The suspects were arrested on unrelated charges Thursday by the Arizona Department of Public Safety.
The department did not respond to CNN’s request for details on their identities or the circumstances of their arrests.


mercurynews--2020-11-26--49ers injury report: Coronavirus precautions keep Jordan Reed, two linebackers out of practice

SANTA CLARA — Three 49ers did not practice Thursday because of illness amid COVID-19 precautions : tight end Jordan Reed and linebackers Azeez Al-Shaair and Dre Greenlaw .
Had any of them tested positive for the coronavirus , they would have gone on the NFL ’ s COVID-19 reserve list before 1 p.m .
The 49ers ( 4-6 ) had only one healthy linebacker on the active roster participate Thursday , that being leading tackler Fred Warner , who was on COVID-19 reserve just before the season started .
Safety Marcell Harris moonlighted as a linebacker last game and in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an option if the ailing linebackers can ’ t play Sunday at the Los Angeles Rams ( 6-3 ) .
Jonas Griffith is the 49ers ’ only linebacker on the practice squad .
Linebacker Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles ( hamstring ) remains out of practice and Mark Nzeocha ( quadriceps ) is on Injured Reserve .
Reed ’ s absence is especially concerning in that George Kittle ( foot fracture ) is on Injured Reserve and Daniel Helm is among seven 49ers on COVID-19 reserve .
Ross Dwelley and Charlie Woerner might be Nick Mullens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ target if Reed is out .
No 49ers came off that COVID-19 reserve list Thursday , even after Wednesday ’ s activations of Arik Armstead and Hroniss Grasu .
Among those still out are four starters : left tackle Trent Williams , wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk and defensive tackles D.J .
Jones and Javon Kinlaw .
Also on the COVID-19 reserve list are tight end Daniel Helm , linebacker Joe Walker and defensive end Jordan Willis .
Cornerback K ’ Waun Williams ( ankle ) remained out of practice .
• 49ers Mostert @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likely face favored Rams • What we ’ re learning Wednesday at 49ers HQ ahead of visit to Los Angeles Rams • Thursday night swap : Why the NFL moved Ravens-Steelers , but not 49ers-Packers • Former 49ers coach joins columnist Mark Purdy , two others as latest San Jose Sports Hall of Fame inductees • NFL Week 12 picks : Cowboys , Steelers win at home ; 49ers fall at Rams ; Raiders rebound in Atlanta

SANTA CLARA — Three 49ers did not practice Thursday because of illness amid COVID-19 precautions: tight end Jordan Reed and linebackers Azeez Al-Shaair and Dre Greenlaw.
Had any of them tested positive for the coronavirus, they would have gone on the NFL’s COVID-19 reserve list before 1 p.m.
The 49ers (4-6) had only one healthy linebacker on the active roster participate Thursday, that being leading tackler Fred Warner, who was on COVID-19 reserve just before the season started.
Safety Marcell Harris moonlighted as a linebacker last game and in practice this week, so he is an option if the ailing linebackers can’t play Sunday at the Los Angeles Rams (6-3). Jonas Griffith is the 49ers’ only linebacker on the practice squad.
Linebacker Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles (hamstring) remains out of practice and Mark Nzeocha (quadriceps) is on Injured Reserve.
Reed’s absence is especially concerning in that George Kittle (foot fracture) is on Injured Reserve and Daniel Helm is among seven 49ers on COVID-19 reserve. Ross Dwelley and Charlie Woerner might be Nick Mullens’ only options at tight end to target if Reed is out.
No 49ers came off that COVID-19 reserve list Thursday, even after Wednesday’s activations of Arik Armstead and Hroniss Grasu.
Among those still out are four starters: left tackle Trent Williams, wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk and defensive tackles D.J. Jones and Javon Kinlaw.
Also on the COVID-19 reserve list are tight end Daniel Helm, linebacker Joe Walker and defensive end Jordan Willis.
Cornerback K’Waun Williams (ankle) remained out of practice.


mercurynews--2020-11-26--Trump says he will leave White House if EC votes for Biden

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump said on Thursday he will leave the White House if the Electoral College votes for President-elect Joe Biden , the closest he has come to conceding the Nov. 3 election , even as he repeated his unfounded claims of massive voter fraud .
Speaking to reporters on the Thanksgiving holiday , Republican Trump said if Democrat Biden – who is due to be sworn in on Jan. 20 – is certified the election winner by the Electoral College , he will depart the White House .
But Trump said it would be hard for him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ declined to say whether he would attend Biden ’ s inauguration .
“ This election was a fraud , ” Trump insisted in a sometimes rambling discourse at the White House , while continuing to offer no concrete evidence of widespread voting irregularities .
Biden won the election with 306 Electoral College votes – many more than the 270 required – to Trump ’ s 232 , and the electors are scheduled to meet on Dec. 14 to formalize the outcome .
Biden also leads Trump by more than 6 million in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ far refused to fully acknowledge his defeat , though last week – with mounting pressure from his own Republican ranks – he agreed to let Biden ’ s transition process officially proceed .
Asked if he would leave the White House if the Electoral College votes for Biden , Trump said : “ Certainly I will .
Certainly I will .
And you know that.
” “ But I think that there will be a lot of things happening between now and the 20th of January .
A lot of things , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been found .
We ’ re like a third world country.
” Desperate efforts by Trump and his aides to overturn results in key states , either by lawsuits or by pressuring state legislators , have failed , and he is running out of options .
In the United States , a candidate becomes president by securing the most “ electoral ” votes rather than by winning a majority of the national popular vote .
Electors , allotted to the 50 states and the District of Columbia largely based on their population , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the candidate who won the popular vote in their state .
Biden and Trump both stayed close to home to celebrate Thanksgiving on Thursday as the coronavirus pandemic raged across the country .
Biden spent the holiday in the small seaside town of Rehoboth , Delaware , where he and his wife Jill have a vacation home .
The Bidens are hosting daughter Ashley Biden and her husband Dr. Howard Krein for the holiday meal .
The former vice president , appearing with his wife in a video message posted to his Twitter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ typically holds a large gathering on the island of Nantucket off Massachusetts , but would remain in Delaware this year “ with just a small group around our dinner table ” because of the pandemic .
In the presidential-style address to a nation that has lost more than 260,000 lives to the coronavirus , the Democratic president-elect said Americans were making a “ shared sacrifice for the whole country ” and a “ statement of common purpose ” by staying at home with their immediate families .
“ I know this isn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we ’ d spend our holiday .
We know that a small act of staying home is a gift to our fellow Americans , ” said Biden .
“ I know better days are coming.
” Trump often likes to celebrate holidays at his Mar-a-Largo resort in Florida .
But on Thursday he remained in the Washington area , spending part of the morning at his Trump National Golf Club in Virginia where he played a round of golf .
• Trump , allies continue to refuse to accept his loss • Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re all in this together ’ • Letters : Virtual Turkey Trot | First step | Safety not optional | An apt scale | New look for nuclear | Too late for dignity • Letters : Bay bad for otters | PG & E lines or trees ?
| Atlas off base | Dems ’ future | No equivalency It was a far cry from last year when he made a surprise visit to Afghanistan , where he served turkey to U.S. troops before sitting down to eat Thanksgiving dinner with them .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ link from the White House to members of the military .

By Jeff Mason and Simon Lewis | Reuters
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump said on Thursday he will leave the White House if the Electoral College votes for President-elect Joe Biden, the closest he has come to conceding the Nov. 3 election, even as he repeated his unfounded claims of massive voter fraud.
Speaking to reporters on the Thanksgiving holiday, Republican Trump said if Democrat Biden – who is due to be sworn in on Jan. 20 – is certified the election winner by the Electoral College, he will depart the White House.
But Trump said it would be hard for him to concede under the current circumstances and declined to say whether he would attend Biden’s inauguration.
“This election was a fraud,” Trump insisted in a sometimes rambling discourse at the White House, while continuing to offer no concrete evidence of widespread voting irregularities. Biden won the election with 306 Electoral College votes – many more than the 270 required – to Trump’s 232, and the electors are scheduled to meet on Dec. 14 to formalize the outcome. Biden also leads Trump by more than 6 million in the popular vote tally.
Trump has so far refused to fully acknowledge his defeat, though last week – with mounting pressure from his own Republican ranks – he agreed to let Biden’s transition process officially proceed.
Asked if he would leave the White House if the Electoral College votes for Biden, Trump said: “Certainly I will. Certainly I will. And you know that.”
“But I think that there will be a lot of things happening between now and the 20th of January. A lot of things,” he said. “Massive fraud has been found. We’re like a third world country.”
Desperate efforts by Trump and his aides to overturn results in key states, either by lawsuits or by pressuring state legislators, have failed, and he is running out of options.
In the United States, a candidate becomes president by securing the most “electoral” votes rather than by winning a majority of the national popular vote. Electors, allotted to the 50 states and the District of Columbia largely based on their population, are party loyalists who pledge to support the candidate who won the popular vote in their state.
Biden and Trump stay close to home amid pandemic
Biden and Trump both stayed close to home to celebrate Thanksgiving on Thursday as the coronavirus pandemic raged across the country.
Biden spent the holiday in the small seaside town of Rehoboth, Delaware, where he and his wife Jill have a vacation home. The Bidens are hosting daughter Ashley Biden and her husband Dr. Howard Krein for the holiday meal.
The former vice president, appearing with his wife in a video message posted to his Twitter account on Thanksgiving, said his family typically holds a large gathering on the island of Nantucket off Massachusetts, but would remain in Delaware this year “with just a small group around our dinner table” because of the pandemic.
In the presidential-style address to a nation that has lost more than 260,000 lives to the coronavirus, the Democratic president-elect said Americans were making a “shared sacrifice for the whole country” and a “statement of common purpose” by staying at home with their immediate families.
“I know this isn’t the way many of us hoped we’d spend our holiday. We know that a small act of staying home is a gift to our fellow Americans,” said Biden. “I know better days are coming.”
Trump often likes to celebrate holidays at his Mar-a-Largo resort in Florida. But on Thursday he remained in the Washington area, spending part of the morning at his Trump National Golf Club in Virginia where he played a round of golf.
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This time, Trump spoke by video link from the White House to members of the military.