mercurynews--2020-03-06--Six former athletes say Jordan knew about abusive Ohio State doctor

Tito Vazquez says he still remembers the day three decades ago when , as a wrestler at Ohio State University , the doctor he ’ d gone to see about a bloody nose insisted on examining his genitals .
He also recalls how one of his coaches dismissed his immediate complaint .
“ ‘ I have nothing to do with this , ' ” Vazquez quoted the assistant coach saying , as he effectively ended the conversation and went on with wrestling practice .
That coach , Vazquez says , was Jim Jordan , now an Ohio congressman and an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ best known for his pugnacious defense of President Donald Trump during the recent impeachment proceedings .
Vazquez is one of six former OSU wrestlers who told CNN in recent interviews that they were present when Jordan heard or responded to sexual misconduct complaints about team doctor Richard Strauss .
Eight others say Strauss ’ inappropriate behavior was an open secret in the athletic department and that Jordan , among others , must have known about it .
What Jordan and other coaches knew , and when they knew it , has been under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an investigation into the allegations against Strauss .
An independent report commissioned by the university concluded last year that Strauss “ sexually abused at least 177 male student-patients ” between 1979 and 1998 .
The doctor died by suicide in 2005 .
A number of lawsuits have been filed against OSU over allegations related to Strauss .
On Friday , OSU announced that it reached a monetary settlement with Strauss ’ victims in 11 out of 18 pending cases .
Since the scandal emerged , Jordan has emphatically denied that he knew anything @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years working at OSU , between 1987 and 1995 .
“ Congressman Jordan never saw any abuse , never heard about any abuse , and never had any abuse reported to him during his time as a coach at Ohio State , ” his congressional office said in 2018 .
His campaign went so far as to hire a public relations firm to push back on the allegations .
But Vazquez , for one , doesn ’ t believe Jordan ’ s claims .
“ When these complaints come and he pretends now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , that ’ s betrayal in the highest level , ” said Vazquez , now a public school teacher , who added that the continued denials played a role in prompting him to speak out about his experience .
The OSU-commissioned report did not reach conclusions regarding each coach ’ s knowledge of Strauss ’ abuse , but it did note that “ numerous ” student-athletes said they “ talked about Strauss ’ inappropriate genital exams and complained about Strauss ’ locker room and shower room voyeurism , directly to—or in front of—OSU @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 22 coaches — unnamed in the report — said they were aware of rumors or complaints about Strauss .
Since the release of that report , additional former student-athletes have come forward to publicly testify at the Ohio statehouse about Strauss ’ abuse .
The state House of Representatives is considering a bill that would lift the statute of limitations for Strauss ’ victims and clear the way for them to sue OSU .
In an interview with CNN last week , Jordan again denied having prior knowledge of any abuse by Strauss @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more former student-athletes have spoken out given the possibility of OSU paying them settlement money .
“ The idea that I wouldn ’ t stand up for these athletes is ridiculous , ” Jordan said .
“ I feel sorry for these guys , the fact that they aren ’ t telling the truth .
I mean these are guys I trained with , these are guys I worked out with , I ran with , wrestled with , and the idea that now they are saying what they are , it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrestlers say Jordan knew of abuse Multiple former OSU athletes told CNN they found Jordan ’ s denials puzzling , because they say they distinctly remember him responding to complaints about Strauss .
One former wrestler , Dan Ritchie , said he remembers a teammate complained about Strauss and that Jordan said , “ If he ever tried that with me I ’ d snap his neck like a stick of dry balsa wood.
” Ritchie said Strauss ’ behavior was an ongoing , uncomfortable joke among athletes .
He said Strauss tried @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the inappropriate nature of the examinations , which became increasingly abusive over time .
Ritchie said he ultimately quit the team because of Strauss ’ behavior .
“ When we heard Jim say he wasn ’ t aware , everyone just thought , ‘ Are you kidding ? '
” Ritchie said .
“ I like Jimmy , but I think he took the wrong stance off the get go and now he can ’ t backtrack.
” Another former wrestler , Mike Flusche , told CNN that he also remembers Jordan responding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he would break the doctor ’ s neck if he ever tried something similar on him .
“ It ’ s weird to play back something in your mind that you remember and have someone say it ’ s not true , ” Flusche said .
Dunyasha Yetts said he first raised concerns about Strauss with Jordan and the head coach of the team at the time , Russ Hellickson , in 1992 , after Yetts transferred to wrestle for OSU from Purdue University .
He said he was shocked when Strauss groped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ According to Yetts , he told both coaches he was uncomfortable .
“ I even told them that if I had to go through this again , I ’ m not staying here , ” Yetts told CNN .
In January 1993 , Yetts said , he went to Strauss after he injured his thumb in practice .
During the examination , the doctor tried to remove his wrestling shorts .
“ I said , ‘ Doc , it ’ s my damn thumb.
’ So I literally got up off the table @ @ @ @ @ @ @ door , ” Yetts said .
Yetts said he came out and complained to Jordan and other wrestlers about what happened .
He said Jordan responded by saying something like , “ If he tried that on me , I would kill him.
” Two former wrestlers , Shawn Dailey and Mike Glane , told CNN they remember witnessing Yetts complain about Strauss ’ behavior immediately after the incident , in the presence of Jordan .
NBC News first reported the description of that event from Yetts , who has had his credibility @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 18 months in prison for fraud .
Yetts said he made a mistake , did his time and has moved on .
In a lawsuit filed last year , a wrestling referee alleged Strauss masturbated in front of him inside a locker-room shower in the mid-1990s , and that when he reported the incident to then-coaches Jordan and Hellickson , they responded , “ Yeah , that ’ s Strauss , ” and did not take further action .
Neither Jordan nor Hellickson was named as a defendant in the suit .
Hellickson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had a discussion with Strauss about his physical contact with the wrestlers , and told Strauss that wrestlers were uncomfortable showering with the doctor .
He also defended Jordan and said Jordan may not have known about the alleged abuse .
Yet despite that earlier statement , Hellickson told CNN in a recent interview , “ I learned of Dr. Strauss ’ abuse two years ago .
No one on any team ever told me a thing about being abused by Dr. Strauss.
” Hellickson and five former OSU assistant coaches who worked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that said , “ None of us saw or heard of abuse of OSU wrestlers .
The well-being of student-athletes was all of our concern .
If we had heard of any abuse , we would have spoken up.
” When allegations about what Jordan knew regarding Strauss first surfaced two years ago , the Ohio lawmaker actively disputed the accusations .
His campaign turned to the PR company Shirley & Banister Public Affairs , which distributed statements on the matter and set up a website presenting support for Jordan .
Jordan ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 95,000 in 2018 , according to campaign finance records .
The firm ’ s founder , Craig Shirley , initially told CNN his firm did not provide services to the Jordan campaign unrelated to the Strauss matter , but later said that the firm also worked on “ other things ” for the campaign , though he did not provide detail .
Former OSU wrestler Adam DiSabato told Ohio state legislators in February that Jordan called him in 2018 and asked him to contradict statements by his brother , who had publicly alleged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he worked for the university .
“ Jim Jordan called me crying , crying .
Groveling .
On the 4th of July , begging me to go against my brother .
Begging me .
Crying for a half hour .
That ’ s the kind of cover-ups that ’ s going on there , ” DiSabato told legislators .
Another former OSU wrestler , who spoke on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issue , told CNN that Jordan called him on July 6 , 2018 .
The former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wanted him to speak out on his behalf and wanted to know more about ongoing discussions among former members of the wrestling team , though he said he never issued any statement about Jordan .
Rick Burlenski , another former OSU wrestler , said Jordan also called him in July 2018 and thanked him , after Burlenski told POLITICO that he “ never had an issue with Dr. Strauss ” and said of OSU coaches at the time , “ If there was an issue , I would have thought those guys would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an interview with CNN that upon further reflection , he has realized that Strauss ’ examinations of him and other wrestlers were inappropriate .
“ When I got the first phone call from a reporter in 2018 , I made everything sound like it was hunky-dory and I thought it was going to go away , but then I heard the extent of it , ” Burlenski said .
“ It ’ s mind-boggling .
It should have been stopped before it got to us.
” Burlenski said he doesn ’ t know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a supportive coach , would have known about the abuse , though he said he remembers upperclassmen openly teasing incoming athletes about Strauss ’ examinations , as if they were a hazing ritual .
“ I would guess that , realistically , if you ’ re on the coaching staff you would know something about it , but whether they heard specifics and were more directly involved , that ’ s another question , ” Burlenski said .
Not all former OSU wrestlers agree on the severity of Strauss ’ abuse or the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the team .
A handful who spoke to CNN said they have no knowledge of Jordan hearing about the issue .
“ Did [ Strauss ] molest some of the athletes ?
Sure .
Was it as rampant as people make it out to be ?
No , ” said former OSU wrestler George Pardos , who added he never experienced any abuse by Strauss .
Mike Alf , an OSU wrestler from 1988 to 1992 , previously told CNN there ’ s no way Jordan would have known about the abuse and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jordan , ” Alf said .
“ He would do anything to protect us.
” OSU ultimately suspended Strauss in 1996 after a patient accused him of fondling him during an exam , but according to the OSU-commissioned report , university personnel had knowledge of the doctor ’ s abuse as early as 1979 .
Strauss voluntarily retired in 1998 .
Among the lawsuits filed against OSU over the Strauss allegations was one brought by Yetts and other former wrestlers who allege university personnel “ added , abetted , and/or concealed Dr. Strauss @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not among the group of settlements that OSU announced on Friday .
The suit involving Yetts also argues the university failed to protect students from voyeurism and other harassment that occurred within their locker room and shower facility , which was open to the general OSU population .
OSU and victims of Strauss have been involved in a mediation process , but attorneys for plaintiffs in four lawsuits recently asked a federal judge to allow litigation to resume because “ OSU has refused to engage in productive settlements talks , ” according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ An OSU spokesperson , Ben Johnson , said the university is actively participating in a good-faith mediation process .
“ Ohio State has led the effort to investigate and expose Richard Strauss ’ abuse and the university ’ s failure at the time to adequately respond to or prevent it .
We express our deep regret and apologies to all who experienced Strauss ’ abuse and remain actively committed to a fair resolution , including a monetary resolution , ” Johnson said in a statement .
Hunter Shepard , who wrestled for OSU @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wants closure on a dark chapter in his life that continues to haunt him today .
He described Strauss as a consistent presence within the wrestling team .
Aside from abusive examinations , he said Strauss would shower with athletes , sit in the sauna with team members and invite them to his house .
Shepard believes that Jordan , along with numerous other university personnel , was aware of Strauss ’ behavior and should have done more .
“ I don ’ t care what your title was , who you were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a doubt , everyone knew what was going on , ” Shepard said .

By Curt Devine, Drew Griffin and Majlie de Puy Kamp | CNN
Tito Vazquez says he still remembers the day three decades ago when, as a wrestler at Ohio State University, the doctor he’d gone to see about a bloody nose insisted on examining his genitals. He also recalls how one of his coaches dismissed his immediate complaint.
“‘I have nothing to do with this,'” Vazquez quoted the assistant coach saying, as he effectively ended the conversation and went on with wrestling practice.
That coach, Vazquez says, was Jim Jordan, now an Ohio congressman and an influential voice in Republican politics, perhaps best known for his pugnacious defense of President Donald Trump during the recent impeachment proceedings.
Vazquez is one of six former OSU wrestlers who told CNN in recent interviews that they were present when Jordan heard or responded to sexual misconduct complaints about team doctor Richard Strauss. Eight others say Strauss’ inappropriate behavior was an open secret in the athletic department and that Jordan, among others, must have known about it.
What Jordan and other coaches knew, and when they knew it, has been under scrutiny since 2018, when OSU announced an investigation into the allegations against Strauss. An independent report commissioned by the university concluded last year that Strauss “sexually abused at least 177 male student-patients” between 1979 and 1998. The doctor died by suicide in 2005.
A number of lawsuits have been filed against OSU over allegations related to Strauss. On Friday, OSU announced that it reached a monetary settlement with Strauss’ victims in 11 out of 18 pending cases.
Since the scandal emerged, Jordan has emphatically denied that he knew anything about Strauss’ abuse during his own years working at OSU, between 1987 and 1995. “Congressman Jordan never saw any abuse, never heard about any abuse, and never had any abuse reported to him during his time as a coach at Ohio State,” his congressional office said in 2018.
His campaign went so far as to hire a public relations firm to push back on the allegations.
But Vazquez, for one, doesn’t believe Jordan’s claims. “When these complaints come and he pretends now that he had no knowledge of it, that’s betrayal in the highest level,” said Vazquez, now a public school teacher, who added that the continued denials played a role in prompting him to speak out about his experience.
The OSU-commissioned report did not reach conclusions regarding each coach’s knowledge of Strauss’ abuse, but it did note that “numerous” student-athletes said they “talked about Strauss’ inappropriate genital exams and complained about Strauss’ locker room and shower room voyeurism, directly to—or in front of—OSU coaching staff.” The report stated that 22 coaches — unnamed in the report — said they were aware of rumors or complaints about Strauss.
Since the release of that report, additional former student-athletes have come forward to publicly testify at the Ohio statehouse about Strauss’ abuse. The state House of Representatives is considering a bill that would lift the statute of limitations for Strauss’ victims and clear the way for them to sue OSU.
In an interview with CNN last week, Jordan again denied having prior knowledge of any abuse by Strauss and said he found it interesting that more former student-athletes have spoken out given the possibility of OSU paying them settlement money.
“The idea that I wouldn’t stand up for these athletes is ridiculous,” Jordan said. “I feel sorry for these guys, the fact that they aren’t telling the truth. I mean these are guys I trained with, these are guys I worked out with, I ran with, wrestled with, and the idea that now they are saying what they are, it’s just not true.”
Former OSU wrestlers say Jordan knew of abuse
Multiple former OSU athletes told CNN they found Jordan’s denials puzzling, because they say they distinctly remember him responding to complaints about Strauss.
One former wrestler, Dan Ritchie, said he remembers a teammate complained about Strauss and that Jordan said, “If he ever tried that with me I’d snap his neck like a stick of dry balsa wood.”
Ritchie said Strauss’ behavior was an ongoing, uncomfortable joke among athletes.
He said Strauss tried to “groom” students to accept the inappropriate nature of the examinations, which became increasingly abusive over time. Ritchie said he ultimately quit the team because of Strauss’ behavior.
“When we heard Jim say he wasn’t aware, everyone just thought, ‘Are you kidding?'” Ritchie said. “I like Jimmy, but I think he took the wrong stance off the get go and now he can’t backtrack.”
Another former wrestler, Mike Flusche, told CNN that he also remembers Jordan responding to a complaint about Strauss by saying he would break the doctor’s neck if he ever tried something similar on him.
“It’s weird to play back something in your mind that you remember and have someone say it’s not true,” Flusche said.
Dunyasha Yetts said he first raised concerns about Strauss with Jordan and the head coach of the team at the time, Russ Hellickson, in 1992, after Yetts transferred to wrestle for OSU from Purdue University. He said he was shocked when Strauss groped him during his initial physical exam. According to Yetts, he told both coaches he was uncomfortable. “I even told them that if I had to go through this again, I’m not staying here,” Yetts told CNN.
In January 1993, Yetts said, he went to Strauss after he injured his thumb in practice. During the examination, the doctor tried to remove his wrestling shorts.
“I said, ‘Doc, it’s my damn thumb.’ So I literally got up off the table, turned around and busted through the door,” Yetts said.
Yetts said he came out and complained to Jordan and other wrestlers about what happened. He said Jordan responded by saying something like, “If he tried that on me, I would kill him.”
Two former wrestlers, Shawn Dailey and Mike Glane, told CNN they remember witnessing Yetts complain about Strauss’ behavior immediately after the incident, in the presence of Jordan.
NBC News first reported the description of that event from Yetts, who has had his credibility questioned by Jordan supporters because he served 18 months in prison for fraud. Yetts said he made a mistake, did his time and has moved on.
In a lawsuit filed last year, a wrestling referee alleged Strauss masturbated in front of him inside a locker-room shower in the mid-1990s, and that when he reported the incident to then-coaches Jordan and Hellickson, they responded, “Yeah, that’s Strauss,” and did not take further action. Neither Jordan nor Hellickson was named as a defendant in the suit.
Hellickson told CNN in 2018 that he had had a discussion with Strauss about his physical contact with the wrestlers, and told Strauss that wrestlers were uncomfortable showering with the doctor. He also defended Jordan and said Jordan may not have known about the alleged abuse.
Yet despite that earlier statement, Hellickson told CNN in a recent interview, “I learned of Dr. Strauss’ abuse two years ago. No one on any team ever told me a thing about being abused by Dr. Strauss.”
Hellickson and five former OSU assistant coaches who worked with Jordan previously issued a joint statement that said, “None of us saw or heard of abuse of OSU wrestlers. The well-being of student-athletes was all of our concern. If we had heard of any abuse, we would have spoken up.”
Jordan pushed back on allegations
When allegations about what Jordan knew regarding Strauss first surfaced two years ago, the Ohio lawmaker actively disputed the accusations.
His campaign turned to the PR company Shirley & Banister Public Affairs, which distributed statements on the matter and set up a website presenting support for Jordan.
Jordan’s campaign paid the firm about $95,000 in 2018, according to campaign finance records.
The firm’s founder, Craig Shirley, initially told CNN his firm did not provide services to the Jordan campaign unrelated to the Strauss matter, but later said that the firm also worked on “other things” for the campaign, though he did not provide detail.
Former OSU wrestler Adam DiSabato told Ohio state legislators in February that Jordan called him in 2018 and asked him to contradict statements by his brother, who had publicly alleged Jordan knew about Strauss’ abuse when he worked for the university.
“Jim Jordan called me crying, crying. Groveling. On the 4th of July, begging me to go against my brother. Begging me. Crying for a half hour. That’s the kind of cover-ups that’s going on there,” DiSabato told legislators.
Another former OSU wrestler, who spoke on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issue, told CNN that Jordan called him on July 6, 2018. The former wrestler said he had the impression Jordan wanted him to speak out on his behalf and wanted to know more about ongoing discussions among former members of the wrestling team, though he said he never issued any statement about Jordan.
Rick Burlenski, another former OSU wrestler, said Jordan also called him in July 2018 and thanked him, after Burlenski told POLITICO that he “never had an issue with Dr. Strauss” and said of OSU coaches at the time, “If there was an issue, I would have thought those guys would have handled it.”
Burlenski said in an interview with CNN that upon further reflection, he has realized that Strauss’ examinations of him and other wrestlers were inappropriate.
“When I got the first phone call from a reporter in 2018, I made everything sound like it was hunky-dory and I thought it was going to go away, but then I heard the extent of it,” Burlenski said. “It’s mind-boggling. It should have been stopped before it got to us.”
Burlenski said he doesn’t know whether Jordan, whom he described as a supportive coach, would have known about the abuse, though he said he remembers upperclassmen openly teasing incoming athletes about Strauss’ examinations, as if they were a hazing ritual.
“I would guess that, realistically, if you’re on the coaching staff you would know something about it, but whether they heard specifics and were more directly involved, that’s another question,” Burlenski said.
Not all former OSU wrestlers agree on the severity of Strauss’ abuse or the extent to which it was discussed within the team. A handful who spoke to CNN said they have no knowledge of Jordan hearing about the issue.
“Did [Strauss] molest some of the athletes? Sure. Was it as rampant as people make it out to be? No,” said former OSU wrestler George Pardos, who added he never experienced any abuse by Strauss.
Mike Alf, an OSU wrestler from 1988 to 1992, previously told CNN there’s no way Jordan would have known about the abuse and not intervened.
“I know Jim Jordan,” Alf said. “He would do anything to protect us.”
OSU accused of concealing Strauss’ abuse
OSU ultimately suspended Strauss in 1996 after a patient accused him of fondling him during an exam, but according to the OSU-commissioned report, university personnel had knowledge of the doctor’s abuse as early as 1979. Strauss voluntarily retired in 1998.
Among the lawsuits filed against OSU over the Strauss allegations was one brought by Yetts and other former wrestlers who allege university personnel “added, abetted, and/or concealed Dr. Strauss’ sexual predation.” That suit was not among the group of settlements that OSU announced on Friday.
The suit involving Yetts also argues the university failed to protect students from voyeurism and other harassment that occurred within their locker room and shower facility, which was open to the general OSU population.
OSU and victims of Strauss have been involved in a mediation process, but attorneys for plaintiffs in four lawsuits recently asked a federal judge to allow litigation to resume because “OSU has refused to engage in productive settlements talks,” according to a letter they filed in court.
An OSU spokesperson, Ben Johnson, said the university is actively participating in a good-faith mediation process.
“Ohio State has led the effort to investigate and expose Richard Strauss’ abuse and the university’s failure at the time to adequately respond to or prevent it. We express our deep regret and apologies to all who experienced Strauss’ abuse and remain actively committed to a fair resolution, including a monetary resolution,” Johnson said in a statement.
Hunter Shepard, who wrestled for OSU in the mid-90s, said he just wants closure on a dark chapter in his life that continues to haunt him today.
He described Strauss as a consistent presence within the wrestling team. Aside from abusive examinations, he said Strauss would shower with athletes, sit in the sauna with team members and invite them to his house.
Shepard believes that Jordan, along with numerous other university personnel, was aware of Strauss’ behavior and should have done more.
“I don’t care what your title was, who you were then or where you are now… without a doubt, everyone knew what was going on,” Shepard said.


mercurynews--2020-03-06--What you need to know about coronavirus, plus prevention tips to slow spread

As the number of coronavirus cases in the Bay Area continues to grow , public health authorities have urged residents to pay attention to tips that can slow the spread and keep you and your family safe .
Here are stories that provide background on the virus , answer frequent questions and provide tips on what to do – and not do – to help contain the spread .
You ’ ll find the latest updates on the COVID-19 virus in the Bay Area , California and elsewhere on our Coronavirus page , which also contains an interactive map showing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Northern California counties .
• Coronavirus Q & A : What you need to know if you ’ re asked to self-quarantine • It ’ s not too late .
7 things you can do to prepare for coronavirus • Disinfectants for coronavirus : The official list • Everything travelers need to know about coronavirus • The best prevention against the coronavirus is still washing your hands .
Here ’ s the proper way to do it • Don ’ t try to make your own hand sanitizer just because there ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may actually increase your coronavirus risk if worn improperly , surgeon general warns • Some coronavirus patients live , some die .
Why ?
• Coronavirus Q & A : What California parents and students should know about COVID-19 • How long can coronavirus survive on surfaces ?
Experts aren ’ t sure • Can I get coronavirus from a package delivered from China ?
Here are the five most recent articles :

As the number of coronavirus cases in the Bay Area continues to grow, public health authorities have urged residents to pay attention to tips that can slow the spread and keep you and your family safe.
Here are stories that provide background on the virus, answer frequent questions and provide tips on what to do – and not do – to help contain the spread.
You’ll find the latest updates on the COVID-19 virus in the Bay Area, California and elsewhere on our Coronavirus page, which also contains an interactive map showing the number of cases and deaths reported in Northern California counties.
Here are the five most recent articles:


mercurynews--2020-03-06--South by Southwest is cancelled because of coronavirus fears

The big South by Southwest media conference will not be held this year as officials in Austin , Texas on Friday pulled the plug on the event due to fears about the spread of coronavirus .
SXSW had been scheduled to run from March 13-22 .
Austin city officials cancelled the event just two days after public health authorities said it could go on .
However , after several attendees such as Facebook , Intel and Twitter dropped out of the music , film and technology event , Austin Mayor Steve Adler declared a local disaster in the city and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ planned .
It is the first time in the event ’ s 34-year history that it has been cancelled .
SXSW is one of the largest conferences to be cancelled because of concerns about the coronavirus situation .
Last year , SXSW brought in 73,000 attendees , with more than 25 % of those coming from outside the United States .
SXSW organizers said in a statement they were “ exploring options to reschedule the event and are working to provide a virtual SXSW online experience as soon as possible for 2020 participants.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ were scheduled to play the fest this year , according to the festival ’ s website , were San Francisco ’ s Con Brio , Sacramento duo Me & You , San Francisco alt-rock band Topographies , Oakland Latin rock band Las Rakas , Bay Area R & B/hip-hop duo Mirrror and Sacramento blues/folk artist Tre Burt .
The cancellation of SXSW comes amid a slate of events that are scrapping their plans as coronavirus continues to spread in the U.S.. As of Friday , 15 deaths had been attributed the virus , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the area around Seattle .
Earlier on Friday , the Ultra Music Festival in Miami was called off due to coronavirus concerns , with organizers saying they were officially postponing the event for one year .
Numerous Bay Area tech companies have also dropped their event plans over the last week .
Facebook cancelled its F8 developers conference , and Nvidia said it wouldn ’ t hold its GTC conference as previously planned .
Both events were to take place at the San Jose Convention Center .
Earlier this week , Google cancelled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place in Mountain View , and IBM cancelled its Think 2020 conference that was to be held at San Francisco ’ s Moscone Center , in May .

The big South by Southwest media conference will not be held this year as officials in Austin, Texas on Friday pulled the plug on the event due to fears about the spread of coronavirus.
SXSW had been scheduled to run from March 13-22. Austin city officials cancelled the event just two days after public health authorities said it could go on. However, after several attendees such as Facebook, Intel and Twitter dropped out of the music, film and technology event, Austin Mayor Steve Adler declared a local disaster in the city and said SXSW will not take place as planned.
It is the first time in the event’s 34-year history that it has been cancelled.
SXSW is one of the largest conferences to be cancelled because of concerns about the coronavirus situation. Last year, SXSW brought in 73,000 attendees, with more than 25% of those coming from outside the United States. SXSW organizers said in a statement they were “exploring options to reschedule the event and are working to provide a virtual SXSW online experience as soon as possible for 2020 participants.”
Among the Northern California bands that were scheduled to play the fest this year, according to the festival’s website, were San Francisco’s Con Brio, Sacramento duo Me&You, San Francisco alt-rock band Topographies, Oakland Latin rock band Las Rakas, Bay Area R&B/hip-hop duo Mirrror and Sacramento blues/folk artist Tre Burt.
The cancellation of SXSW comes amid a slate of events that are scrapping their plans as coronavirus continues to spread in the U.S.. As of Friday, 15 deaths had been attributed the virus, with the majority of those being in the area around Seattle.
Earlier on Friday, the Ultra Music Festival in Miami was called off due to coronavirus concerns, with organizers saying they were officially postponing the event for one year.
Numerous Bay Area tech companies have also dropped their event plans over the last week. Facebook cancelled its F8 developers conference, and Nvidia said it wouldn’t hold its GTC conference as previously planned. Both events were to take place at the San Jose Convention Center. Earlier this week, Google cancelled its I/O developers event set to take place in Mountain View, and IBM cancelled its Think 2020 conference that was to be held at San Francisco’s Moscone Center, in May.


mercurynews--2020-03-06--What we learned Friday at Oakland A’s HQ: Sean Manaea’s new slider, precautions against coronavirus

MESA , Ariz. — Fans beneath the scoreboard in left field at Hohokam Stadium were under assault in the early innings of the A ’ s 11-5 loss to the Reds .
Matt Olson plopped a ball on the berm in his first at-bat , then Ramon Laureano put one in nearly the exact same spot two innings later .
For the A ’ s , it was just another day with another middle-of-the-order hitter going the other way for a two-strike home run .
On Friday , it was Olson who worked a 3-2 count before putting a fastball @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The day before , Matt Chapman homered into the back of the A ’ s bullpen in right field on a two-strike fastball .
But the left-field berm was hardly the A ’ s exclusive property .
Left-hander Sean Manaea was cruising before he ran into trouble in the third inning , surrendering three hits and two runs to start the inning .
Then , with two outs , Matt Davidson unleashed on a fastball that landed on the on the other side of the left-center field wall to plate two more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ innings , including all three batters in the second , but was tagged for four hits and four runs — all coming in the third .
He ’ s allowed at least two runs in all three of his spring starts , but most of the contact Friday was soft and Manaea said this one felt different — in the best way possible .
“ I felt really , really good , ” Manaea said .
“ It ’ s been a long time since I felt like that .
Everything just came @ @ @ @ @ @ @ firing his fastball at 94 mph in the first inning — and his new slider had the velocity to match .
After he debuted the the new grip in Las Vegas last week , Manaea said he ’ d never thrown a slider 85 mph before .
On Friday , the pitch hit 89 , including one to induce the first out of the game .
During a bullpen before his last start , pitching coach Scott Emerson suggested Manaea try out a new grip .
He told him to take his two-seam @ @ @ @ @ @ @ middle and index fingers are perpendicular to the seams , rather than on them .
“ It felt really good , ” Manaea said .
“ I just want to continue throwing that .
My other one was a little slow .
… This one just feels really good.
” The reworked the grip more closely resembles a cutter — and the extra oomph that comes with it .
“ It was crazy , ” Manaea said .
“ The velocity came right away .
… It ’ s fast with a little @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” By adding velocity to mirror a fastball , it only adds deception to a pitcher whose delivery is already made for it .
The pitch takes a sharp break away from left-handers , while his changeup does the same against righties .
It creates a trifecta of deception that makes it a challenge to identify his pitches .
“ He ’ s got the fastball from a funky angle , ” bench coach Ryan Christenson said .
“ He can cut the fastball off that same lane , then throw the changeup @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the same lane , as well , which is a tough mix.
” Maybe , Manaea posited , he could transform the old slider grip into a curveball sometime down the road .
Usually when the A ’ s split up for a pair of games during spring training , manager Bob Melvin is in charge of one squad , while bench coach Ryan Christenson helms the other .
On Friday , the Oakland sent half its squad to Goodyear to face Cleveland , while half stayed back for their game against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was back in the Bay Area , leaving managerial duties to his bench coach , Christenson , but also his former bench coach , Mark Kotsay , who managed the A ’ s for the day in Goodyear .
Kotsay transitioned into a new role as quality control coach after the 2017 season , but he previously served two seasons as bench coach under Melvin , so this was nothing new for him .
At Goodyear Ballpark , the A ’ s fell into holes of 4-0 and 6-3 against the Indians but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a 7-6 victory .
They scored runs in each of the final five innings of the game , including a solo home run in the eighth inning by Jason Krizan , a 30-year-old selected by the A ’ s in the minor-league portion of the Rule 5 draft this winter .
Oakland reassigned six more pitchers to minor-league camp and optioned Daulton Jefferies to Triple-A Las Vegas following Friday ’ s game .
The pitchers re-assigned to minor-league camp are : Right-handers Zach Lee , Brian Howard , Ian Gardeck , Parker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as left-hander Donnie Hart .
It ’ s the second straight day the A ’ s have winnowed their spring pitching staff .
On Thursday , they optioned Daniel Gossett , Grant Holmes and James Kaprielian to Las Vegas and re-assigned Tanner Anderson , Wandisson Charles and Miguel Romero .
The active roster now stands at 51 players .
Sean Murphy will be the A ’ s catcher on Opening Day , barring any unforeseen circumstances .
But he could be getting some competition down the road .
Jonah Heim , the 24-year-old @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s as the player to be named later in the 2017 trade of Joey Wendle , has slowly worked his way through the minor-league system and saw a breakout 2019 split between Double- and Triple-A .
So far this spring , he ’ s done nothing but impress , and that continued Friday against the Reds .
Heim ripped a single to right in his first at-bat of the day , his eighth hit in 16 at-bats ( he finished the day 8-for-18 — a .444 average — after two more ABs ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impressive , ” Christenson said .
“ He ’ s been calling a really good game .
I ’ ve heard ( pitching coach Scott Emerson ) talk really highly of him back there , paying attention to some details .
The fact that he ’ s a switch hitter I think is very intriguing with Murphy possibly starting out on a playing schedule.
” There are at least two areas that give Tony Kemp a leg up on his competition among middle infielders to make the A ’ s 26-man roster .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Kemp , Franklin Barreto , Jorge Mateo and Vimael Machin .
• What we learned Thursday at Oakland A ’ s HQ : A.J .
Puk visits specialist for shoulder soreness , Mike Fiers in midseason form • Oakland A ’ s mailbag : Who will be the second baseman ?
What ’ s the plan with Sean Murphy ?
• Four things we learned from A ’ s vs. White Sox : A.J .
Puk shut down with shoulder strain • Four things we learned from the A ’ s win @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A ’ s pitcher Frankie Montas opens up about his PED suspension Barreto , 26 , has gotten “ a couple opportunities the past couple years and really has not seized it , ” Melvin said on Monday .
He ’ s out of minor-league options , meaning he would have to pass through waivers if he doesn ’ t earn a spot on the 26-man roster .
Machin , a Rule 5 draft pick , must be offered back to the Cubs if he ’ s not on Oakland ’ s MLB @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Mateo , who would be able to to optioned to Triple-A , but none offer the positional flexibility of Kemp .
Kemp , primarily a second baseman , got the start in left field for the A ’ s game in Goodyear , going 1-for-3 from the left side of the plate and scoring a run .
Barreto led off and played second base , tripling to center field in his second at-bat but also striking out .
“ We ’ re a little left-handed thin , I think , as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Christenson said .
“ To have the opportunity to run a left-handed bat out there is a plus .
… So it ’ s good to see some versatility from him , not just at second base.
” There was a message for fans over the public address system at Hohokam Stadium before Friday ’ s game : abide by guidance put forth by the Centers for Disease Control and avoid shaking hands .
A similar message was relayed to the A ’ s in a team-wide meeting inside their clubhouse Friday morning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this week , MLB has advised teams to avoid signing autographs and pre-sign items to hand out instead .
There were two new additions to the A ’ s dugout : dispensers of hand sanitizer hanging on the walls and a container of baseballs and sharpies , ready to be autographed .
Before the game , A ’ s players were laughing and exchanging elbow bumps in the dugout and tossing baseballs like wedding bouquets over the netting above the first-base dugout .

MESA, Ariz. — Fans beneath the scoreboard in left field at Hohokam Stadium were under assault in the early innings of the A’s 11-5 loss to the Reds. Matt Olson plopped a ball on the berm in his first at-bat, then Ramon Laureano put one in nearly the exact same spot two innings later.
For the A’s, it was just another day with another middle-of-the-order hitter going the other way for a two-strike home run. On Friday, it was Olson who worked a 3-2 count before putting a fastball onto the left-field berm at Hohokam Stadium. The day before, Matt Chapman homered into the back of the A’s bullpen in right field on a two-strike fastball.
But the left-field berm was hardly the A’s exclusive property.
Left-hander Sean Manaea was cruising before he ran into trouble in the third inning, surrendering three hits and two runs to start the inning. Then, with two outs, Matt Davidson unleashed on a fastball that landed on the on the other side of the left-center field wall to plate two more.
Manaea struck out six over three innings, including all three batters in the second, but was tagged for four hits and four runs — all coming in the third. He’s allowed at least two runs in all three of his spring starts, but most of the contact Friday was soft and Manaea said this one felt different — in the best way possible.
“I felt really, really good,” Manaea said. “It’s been a long time since I felt like that. Everything just came out really well today.”
Manaea tweaks his slider
Manaea was firing his fastball at 94 mph in the first inning — and his new slider had the velocity to match. After he debuted the the new grip in Las Vegas last week, Manaea said he’d never thrown a slider 85 mph before. On Friday, the pitch hit 89, including one to induce the first out of the game.
During a bullpen before his last start, pitching coach Scott Emerson suggested Manaea try out a new grip. He told him to take his two-seam grip and rotate it, so his middle and index fingers are perpendicular to the seams, rather than on them.
“It felt really good,” Manaea said. “I just want to continue throwing that. My other one was a little slow. … This one just feels really good.”
The reworked the grip more closely resembles a cutter — and the extra oomph that comes with it.
“It was crazy,” Manaea said. “The velocity came right away. … It’s fast with a little movement, rather than big and loopy.”
By adding velocity to mirror a fastball, it only adds deception to a pitcher whose delivery is already made for it. The pitch takes a sharp break away from left-handers, while his changeup does the same against righties. It creates a trifecta of deception that makes it a challenge to identify his pitches.
“He’s got the fastball from a funky angle,” bench coach Ryan Christenson said. “He can cut the fastball off that same lane, then throw the changeup that fades away from the hitter out of the same lane, as well, which is a tough mix.”
Maybe, Manaea posited, he could transform the old slider grip into a curveball sometime down the road.
Melvin takes a personal day
Usually when the A’s split up for a pair of games during spring training, manager Bob Melvin is in charge of one squad, while bench coach Ryan Christenson helms the other.
On Friday, the Oakland sent half its squad to Goodyear to face Cleveland, while half stayed back for their game against the Reds. Melvin, meanwhile, was back in the Bay Area, leaving managerial duties to his bench coach, Christenson, but also his former bench coach, Mark Kotsay, who managed the A’s for the day in Goodyear. Kotsay transitioned into a new role as quality control coach after the 2017 season, but he previously served two seasons as bench coach under Melvin, so this was nothing new for him.
At Goodyear Ballpark, the A’s fell into holes of 4-0 and 6-3 against the Indians but mounted a comeback to return to Mesa with a 7-6 victory. They scored runs in each of the final five innings of the game, including a solo home run in the eighth inning by Jason Krizan, a 30-year-old selected by the A’s in the minor-league portion of the Rule 5 draft this winter.
A’s make more roster moves
Oakland reassigned six more pitchers to minor-league camp and optioned Daulton Jefferies to Triple-A Las Vegas following Friday’s game.
The pitchers re-assigned to minor-league camp are: Right-handers Zach Lee, Brian Howard, Ian Gardeck, Parker Dunshee and Ben Bracewell, as well as left-hander Donnie Hart.
It’s the second straight day the A’s have winnowed their spring pitching staff. On Thursday, they optioned Daniel Gossett, Grant Holmes and James Kaprielian to Las Vegas and re-assigned Tanner Anderson, Wandisson Charles and Miguel Romero.
The active roster now stands at 51 players.
Heim continues to impress
Sean Murphy will be the A’s catcher on Opening Day, barring any unforeseen circumstances. But he could be getting some competition down the road.
Jonah Heim, the 24-year-old catcher who came to the A’s as the player to be named later in the 2017 trade of Joey Wendle, has slowly worked his way through the minor-league system and saw a breakout 2019 split between Double- and Triple-A.
So far this spring, he’s done nothing but impress, and that continued Friday against the Reds. Heim ripped a single to right in his first at-bat of the day, his eighth hit in 16 at-bats (he finished the day 8-for-18 — a .444 average — after two more ABs).
“The at-bats have been really impressive,” Christenson said. “He’s been calling a really good game. I’ve heard (pitching coach Scott Emerson) talk really highly of him back there, paying attention to some details. The fact that he’s a switch hitter I think is very intriguing with Murphy possibly starting out on a playing schedule.”
Tony Kemp’s ticket on the roster?
There are at least two areas that give Tony Kemp a leg up on his competition among middle infielders to make the A’s 26-man roster. Realistically, they will only keep two of Kemp, Franklin Barreto, Jorge Mateo and Vimael Machin.
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A’s suffer historic ninth-inning collapse while getting swept in Washington Oakland Athletics | A’s fall again as Nationals win on Ruiz’s walkoff home run Barreto, 26, has gotten “a couple opportunities the past couple years and really has not seized it,” Melvin said on Monday. He and Mateo are each out of minor-league options, meaning they would have to pass through waivers if either doesn’t earn a spot on the 26-man roster. Machin, a Rule 5 draft pick, must be offered back to the Cubs if he’s not on Oakland’s MLB roster. None offers the positional flexibility of Kemp.
Kemp, primarily a second baseman, got the start in left field for the A’s game in Goodyear, going 1-for-3 from the left side of the plate and scoring a run. Barreto led off and played second base, tripling to center field in his second at-bat but also striking out.
“We’re a little left-handed thin, I think, as the roster starts to shake out,” Christenson said. “To have the opportunity to run a left-handed bat out there is a plus. … So it’s good to see some versatility from him, not just at second base.”
A’s take precautions against coronavirus
There was a message for fans over the public address system at Hohokam Stadium before Friday’s game: abide by guidance put forth by the Centers for Disease Control and avoid shaking hands.
A similar message was relayed to the A’s in a team-wide meeting inside their clubhouse Friday morning. As this news organization reported earlier this week, MLB has advised teams to avoid signing autographs and pre-sign items to hand out instead.
There were two new additions to the A’s dugout: dispensers of hand sanitizer hanging on the walls and a container of baseballs and sharpies, ready to be autographed. Before the game, A’s players were laughing and exchanging elbow bumps in the dugout and tossing baseballs like wedding bouquets over the netting above the first-base dugout.


mercurynews--2020-03-06--The little newspaper that could: Martinez Gazette still alive, despite reports it was ending 151-yea

The little newspaper that could: Martinez Gazette still alive, despite reports it was ending 151-year run

MARTINEZ — It turns out that news of the Martinez Gazette ’ s impending demise may have been a bit premature .
Though it was widely reported last year that the Gazette was scheduled to cease publishing at the end of 2019 , Contra Costa County ’ s oldest newspaper is still very much alive , both online and in print .
The paper had been owned by Gibson Publishing , which informed staff that it was shutting down the newsroom at year ’ s end .
But its editor , Rick Jones , said by year ’ s end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could to make sure the paper survived , even if it meant going out on his own .
“ I knew that there was a need there , and I frankly I didn ’ t know it existed util we announced our closing there was a such an outpouring of love , ” Jones said in an interview Friday .
“ It was definitely something the community wanted and can get behind.
” Jones said he has partnered with PCM Publishing , which also prints the Hemet and San Jacinto Chronicle , to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out the paper .
He said there is still a lot of work to be done , like building its online presence and shoring up distribution .
For now , subscribers have been getting the paper in the mail each week .
“ We ’ re crawling before we walk , so to speak , ” Jones said .
Founded in 1858 , the Gazette was originally a daily newspaper , but now publishes weekly , covering all things Martinez , as well as some statewide news .
“ There are so many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worked here at one time , delivered the paper , worked at the printing press , ” Jones said last year in an interview about the Gazette ’ s presumed closure .
“ This was a thriving daily paper for a long , long time .
A lot of peoples ’ lives have been touched by the Gazette .
”

MARTINEZ — It turns out that news of the Martinez Gazette’s impending demise may have been a bit premature.
Though it was widely reported last year that the Gazette was scheduled to cease publishing at the end of 2019, Contra Costa County’s oldest newspaper is still very much alive, both online and in print.
The paper had been owned by Gibson Publishing, which informed staff that it was shutting down the newsroom at year’s end. But its editor, Rick Jones, said by year’s end he was inspired to do what he could to make sure the paper survived, even if it meant going out on his own.
“I knew that there was a need there, and I frankly I didn’t know it existed util we announced our closing there was a such an outpouring of love,” Jones said in an interview Friday. “It was definitely something the community wanted and can get behind.”
Jones said he has partnered with PCM Publishing, which also prints the Hemet and San Jacinto Chronicle, to handle some of the logistics of putting out the paper. He said there is still a lot of work to be done, like building its online presence and shoring up distribution. For now, subscribers have been getting the paper in the mail each week.
“We’re crawling before we walk, so to speak,” Jones said.
Founded in 1858, the Gazette was originally a daily newspaper, but now publishes weekly, covering all things Martinez, as well as some statewide news.
“There are so many people in Martinez whose grandparents or parents worked here at one time, delivered the paper, worked at the printing press,” Jones said last year in an interview about the Gazette’s presumed closure. “This was a thriving daily paper for a long, long time. A lot of peoples’ lives have been touched by the Gazette.”


mercurynews--2020-03-07--Letter: The Democratic Party is tossing aside its strongest candidates

America is making all the wrong choices .
The three likeliest presidential candidates are all approaching 80 years of age .
One has had a heart attack .
One appears to be suffering from mild dementia .
That ’ s two out of three .
Being the president of the United States is perhaps the toughest job in the world .
Although elders might be good for counsel and advice , they are not in a position to tackle a 24-hour a day , high-stress job .
Yet America ’ s Democratic Party has chosen to toss aside it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to choose somebody who , in all likelihood , will be unable to run for a second term or , in the event of a tragedy , won ’ t finish their first .
• Letter : Imagine a novel where Sanders is president in one world , Trump in another • Letter : If not Costco , where can poor families get food ?
• Letter : I ’ ll tell you why I voted no on Contra Costa ’ s Measure J I ’ ll leave the GOP to live with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they have , or will have similar issues .
Submit your letter to the editor via this form Read more Letters to the Editor

Dem Party tossing aside
its strongest candidates
Re: “Biden’s surge shocks Sanders in primaries” (Page A1, March 4):
America is making all the wrong choices. The three likeliest presidential candidates are all approaching 80 years of age. One has had a heart attack. One appears to be suffering from mild dementia. That’s two out of three.
Being the president of the United States is perhaps the toughest job in the world. Although elders might be good for counsel and advice, they are not in a position to tackle a 24-hour a day, high-stress job. Yet America’s Democratic Party has chosen to toss aside it’s more capable candidates and stands poised to choose somebody who, in all likelihood, will be unable to run for a second term or, in the event of a tragedy, won’t finish their first.
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James Thurber
Mountain View
Submit your letter to the editor via this form
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mercurynews--2020-03-07--Horoscopes March 7, 2020: Just say yes, Rachel Weisz

Happy Birthday : Opportunity is heading your way , but taking advantage of what ’ s available will be up to you .
Take advantage of something that inspires you .
Don ’ t have regrets when a simple “ yes ” is all you have to say .
Be ready to spring forward and see what life has to offer .
Embrace change .
Your numbers are 2 , 13 , 21 , 26 , 35 , 39 , 48 .
ARIES ( March 21-April 19 ) : Remain calm , and you ’ ll get to the bottom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Keep your opinions to yourself until you ’ ve collected information and assessed a situation thoroughly .
Physical activity will help relieve stress and give you time to think .
5 stars TAURUS ( April 20-May 20 ) : You ’ ve got more going for you than you realize .
Don ’ t get drawn into someone ’ s emotional outburst .
A personal gain will come if you mind your own business and focus on what will help you take care of your responsibilities .
2 stars GEMINI ( May 21-June @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s going on in your backyard .
If you are too busy getting involved in other people ’ s business , you ’ ll miss something important in your life .
Don ’ t make promises that will put someone ’ s concerns before your own .
4 stars CANCER ( June 21-July 22 ) : Don ’ t hesitate .
Trust in your ability to get things done .
Shoot for the stars , and don ’ t look back .
You can make a difference and a positive change if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nurture a meaningful relationship .
Romance is encouraged .
3 stars LEO ( July 23-Aug. 22 ) : Don ’ t mislead anyone .
You are better off being blunt about what you can and can not do and avoiding making a rash decision or change .
Emotional spending will get you into financial trouble .
Your objective should be maintenance , not expansion .
3 stars VIRGO ( Aug. 23-Sept. 22 ) : A change will result in additional benefits .
Participate , stay where the action is and bring about change @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moves that will improve your image , health and popularity .
Romance is in the stars .
3 stars LIBRA ( Sept. 23-Oct. 22 ) : A financial change handled with moderation can help you get out of a situation that has been compromising .
Use your intelligence to come up with a plan that will help you cut your overhead .
Call in old debts and favors .
4 stars SCORPIO ( Oct. 23-Nov. 21 ) : Follow your heart , and you ’ ll end up on top .
Don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vision or cost you .
Use your imagination , and you ’ ll come up with a plan that will inspire greater creativity .
Romance and partnerships will change your life .
2 stars SAGITTARIUS ( Nov. 22-Dec. 21 ) : Indecisiveness and thinking you can afford more than you can will put you in a vulnerable position .
Study every aspect of whatever situation or offer you come across before you show up to negotiate .
Information is power .
5 stars CAPRICORN ( Dec. 22-Jan. 19 ) : Focus on personal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ physical improvements and doing things with someone you love will all lead to a better lifestyle .
A change in the way you invest or handle your money will lead to profits .
3 stars AQUARIUS ( Jan. 20-Feb. 18 ) : Be prepared to do things on your own .
You ’ ll accomplish more if you don ’ t have to coddle someone or redo whatever falls short of your specifications .
Don ’ t take on an unnecessary physical challenge .
Protect against insult or injury .
3 stars PISCES @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off your to-do list , and free up your time .
Find out what ’ s required of you to follow a path that entices you .
Love , recreational activities and events that allow you to rub shoulders with interesting people should be priorities .
3 stars Birthday Baby : You are demonstrative , intense and proactive .
You are diligent and sensitive .

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Giselle Eisenberg, 13; Jenna Fischer, 46; Rachel Weisz, 50; Bryan Cranston, 64.
Happy Birthday: Opportunity is heading your way, but taking advantage of what’s available will be up to you. Take advantage of something that inspires you. Don’t have regrets when a simple “yes” is all you have to say. Be ready to spring forward and see what life has to offer. Embrace change. Your numbers are 2, 13, 21, 26, 35, 39, 48.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Remain calm, and you’ll get to the bottom of an issue with less drama. Keep your opinions to yourself until you’ve collected information and assessed a situation thoroughly. Physical activity will help relieve stress and give you time to think. 5 stars
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): You’ve got more going for you than you realize. Don’t get drawn into someone’s emotional outburst. A personal gain will come if you mind your own business and focus on what will help you take care of your responsibilities. 2 stars
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Pay attention to what’s going on in your backyard. If you are too busy getting involved in other people’s business, you’ll miss something important in your life. Don’t make promises that will put someone’s concerns before your own. 4 stars
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Don’t hesitate. Trust in your ability to get things done. Shoot for the stars, and don’t look back. You can make a difference and a positive change if you stay focused on your objective. Nurture a meaningful relationship. Romance is encouraged. 3 stars
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Don’t mislead anyone. You are better off being blunt about what you can and cannot do and avoiding making a rash decision or change. Emotional spending will get you into financial trouble. Your objective should be maintenance, not expansion. 3 stars
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): A change will result in additional benefits. Participate, stay where the action is and bring about change that will make a difference. Make moves that will improve your image, health and popularity. Romance is in the stars. 3 stars
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): A financial change handled with moderation can help you get out of a situation that has been compromising. Use your intelligence to come up with a plan that will help you cut your overhead. Call in old debts and favors. 4 stars
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Follow your heart, and you’ll end up on top. Don’t let an emotional situation cloud your vision or cost you. Use your imagination, and you’ll come up with a plan that will inspire greater creativity. Romance and partnerships will change your life. 2 stars
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Indecisiveness and thinking you can afford more than you can will put you in a vulnerable position. Study every aspect of whatever situation or offer you come across before you show up to negotiate. Information is power. 5 stars
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Focus on personal gain. Taking day trips, making physical improvements and doing things with someone you love will all lead to a better lifestyle. A change in the way you invest or handle your money will lead to profits. 3 stars
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Be prepared to do things on your own. You’ll accomplish more if you don’t have to coddle someone or redo whatever falls short of your specifications. Don’t take on an unnecessary physical challenge. Protect against insult or injury. 3 stars
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Check off your to-do list, and free up your time. Find out what’s required of you to follow a path that entices you. Love, recreational activities and events that allow you to rub shoulders with interesting people should be priorities. 3 stars
Birthday Baby: You are demonstrative, intense and proactive. You are diligent and sensitive.
Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.


mercurynews--2020-03-07--Bridge: March 7, 2020

Bridge: March 7, 2020

My “ Simple Saturday ” columns focus on improving basic technique and developing logical thinking .
You are today ’ s declarer , and West leads the queen of spades , winning , and continues spades ( not best defense , as it happens ) .
You ruff the third spade .
If both trumps and clubs break 3-2 , you can make an overtrick , drawing trumps and running the clubs .
But more than half the time , at least one suit won ’ t break evenly .
What then ?
( If both break badly , you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that . )
If trumps break 3-2 , you can draw trumps , take the queen of clubs and play low from dummy on the second club , keeping a link .
You can win the diamond return and run the clubs for 10 tricks .
Take the A-Q of trumps .
If East-West follow , draw the missing trump and proceed with your club play .
When instead East discards on your second high trump , start the clubs .
When West ruffs the third club and leads a diamond , you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dummy and finish the clubs .
You hold : S 4 2 H A Q 6 4 2 D A J 8 C Q 4 2 .
Your partner opens one diamond , you respond one heart and he rebids two diamonds .
What do you say ?
ANSWER : Your partner has a minimum-range opening bid with at least six diamonds .
He might make five diamonds , but you should explore for the cheaper notrump game .
Bid three clubs .
If partner bids 3NT next , pass and wish him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or three hearts , you will play at a red-suit game .

My “Simple Saturday” columns focus on improving basic technique and developing logical thinking.
You are today’s declarer, and West leads the queen of spades, winning, and continues spades (not best defense, as it happens). You ruff the third spade. If both trumps and clubs break 3-2, you can make an overtrick, drawing trumps and running the clubs.
But more than half the time, at least one suit won’t break evenly. What then? (If both break badly, you’re sunk, so never mind that.)
SECOND CLUB
If trumps break 3-2, you can draw trumps, take the queen of clubs and play low from dummy on the second club, keeping a link. You can win the diamond return and run the clubs for 10 tricks.
Take the A-Q of trumps. If East-West follow, draw the missing trump and proceed with your club play. When instead East discards on your second high trump, start the clubs. When West ruffs the third club and leads a diamond, you win, draw the last trump in dummy and finish the clubs.
DAILY QUESTION
You hold: S 4 2 H A Q 6 4 2 D A J 8 C Q 4 2. Your partner opens one diamond, you respond one heart and he rebids two diamonds. What do you say?
ANSWER: Your partner has a minimum-range opening bid with at least six diamonds. He might make five diamonds, but you should explore for the cheaper notrump game. Bid three clubs. If partner bids 3NT next, pass and wish him luck. If he bids three diamonds or three hearts, you will play at a red-suit game.
South dealer
N-S vulnerable
NORTH
S K 8 5
H K 7 5
D 7 4
C A K 7 5 3
WEST
S Q J 10 9 7
H J 9 8 3
D Q 2
C J 6
EAST
S A 6 3
H 10
D K 10 9 6 5 3
C 10 9 8
SOUTH
S 4 2
H A Q 6 4 2
D A J 8
C Q 4 2
South West North East
1 H Pass 2 C Pass
2 H Pass 4 H All Pass
Opening lead — S Q
(C)2020 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.


mercurynews--2020-03-07--Word Game: March 7, 2020

Word Game: March 7, 2020

Can you find 51 or more words in ABLUTION ?
The list will be published Monday .
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 — ABLUTION (ABLUTION: uh-BLOO-shun: A washing of the body.)
Average mark 32 words
Time limit 45 minutes
Can you find 51 or more words in ABLUTION? The list will be published Monday.
YESTERDAY’S WORD — CLOTURE cero clot clout clue cole colt
core cote court cruel cruet cult cure curl curt cute cuter cutler lector
lore lout lucre lure lute outer tole tore tour truce true ulcer recto role
rote roue rout route rule ecru eruct euro
To purchase the Word Game book, visit WordGameBooks.com. Order it now for just $5 while supplies last!
RULES OF THE GAME:
1. Words must be of four or more letters.
2. Words that acquire four letters by the addition of “s,” such as “bats” or “dies,” are not allowed.
3. Additional words made by adding a “d” or an “s” may not be used. For example, if “bake” is used, “baked” or “bakes” are not allowed, but “bake” and “baking” are admissible.
4. Proper nouns, slang words, or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed.
Contact Word Game creator Kathleen Saxe at kzsaxe@gmail.com.


mercurynews--2020-03-07--Ask Amy: The bride has gone wild with wedding plans — and it’s at my house

DEAR AMY : A few months ago , I offered to my 45-year-old niece our home for her wedding .
This will be her third wedding and his second .
What I thought was going to be an afternoon ceremony with 50 attendees has turned into an evening ceremony with 90 , followed by an outdoor party with a DJ and loud music into the wee hours .
While we would be issued an event permit , we will not be permitted to have a DJ play past 9 p.m. That hasn ’ t fazed my niece , who asked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , arrest me ?
” I told her at the very least they would cite my husband and me for noise violation .
• Ask Amy : When my husband greets me like this , I feel like walking out • Ask Amy : Can I tell my renter when to take a bath ?
• Ask Amy : We went all-out to accommodate these guests , but it wasn ’ t enough • Ask Amy : I know why they won ’ t go to her house , but it seems cruel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Our kids have seen us drunk .
Should we tell them the whole story ?
We also have limited parking on our road .
We can accommodate eight to 10 vehicles , but if 70 people show up , there will probably be 35 cars to find parking for .
I discussed this all with our town ’ s police chief ( who issues the permits ) and he said that he would be happy to do a walk-through with all of us next week .
Then there is the issue of porta-potty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kitchen by the catering staff , etc .
The obvious answer here is to tell my niece and her fiance that they will have to make other plans .
Can you suggest how to do that ?
DEAR AUNT : Double-check your insurance policy .
And then say , “ I blame myself for not communicating this more emphatically earlier , but your wedding has outgrown our ability to host it .
I think you ’ ll have to find a professional event space.
” Do not delay .
Do this now .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ fathered a child .
I love the baby , my brother , and the woman he is with .
Except , it isn ’ t one woman .
It ’ s never just one woman .
My brother has a history of womanizing and being with many women at once .
My family and I usually grow attached to the primary woman he ’ s with , only to have them hate us in the end because they find out about his cheating and we “ never told them.
” I don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mother of this baby , but how do I approach this ?
On one hand , I say something to the poor girl , and I break my brother ’ s trust .
On the other , if I don ’ t say anything , I break her trust .
Either way , it seems I ’ m stuck in a tidal wave of drama .
Is there a way I can at least lessen the storm ?
DEAR MORALLY CONFUSED : You see this as a matter of trust-breaking — or perhaps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ believing that you have a duty to either keep or disclose secrets .
You are not in charge of policing your adult brother .
You don ’ t owe it to either party to tell — or lie .
You have to imagine that the women your brother chooses must have some awareness of his womanizing , because — presumably — he is cheating on someone else when he takes up with them .
Because there is a baby in the picture , the stakes are different now , and you might give @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” by telling him , “ I just want you to know that the next time I find out you ’ re cheating , I ’ m not going to keep your secret for you.
” You could also say to the woman , “ My brother has a history of cheating on his partners .
I hope he behaves differently with you.
” Unfortunately , this does not keep you out of the tidal wave of drama — it means you would be surfing on the first wave .
And — I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ woman your brother is cheating on her , she could find a way to blame you ( or “ hate ” you ) , anyway .
Plant your family flag with this baby , and assume that at some point your brother will cheat .
If you want ( or feel forced ) to declare your loyalty in order to maintain a close relationship with the child and its mother , you might say to him , “ Um … this time , I choose her.
” DEAR AMY : “ Caring Friend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about to enter into a “ green card ” same-sex marriage .
I disagree with your response .
These marriages are wrong , and illegal .
This friend should call him out .
DEAR UPSET : This so-called “ green card ” relationship was actually a genuine “ love connection ” — at least on one man ’ s part .
I agree that there were many red flags here , but blaming and shaming wouldn ’ t serve the greater good .
You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy @ amydickinson.com or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ P.O .
Box 194 , Freeville , NY 13068 .
You can also follow her on Twitter @ askingamy or Facebook .

DEAR AMY: A few months ago, I offered to my 45-year-old niece our home for her wedding. This will be her third wedding and his second.
What I thought was going to be an afternoon ceremony with 50 attendees has turned into an evening ceremony with 90, followed by an outdoor party with a DJ and loud music into the wee hours.
While we would be issued an event permit, we will not be permitted to have a DJ play past 9 p.m.
That hasn’t fazed my niece, who asked, “What would the police do, arrest me?” I told her at the very least they would cite my husband and me for noise violation.
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Ask Amy: I’ve told them they need therapy, and they refuse to do it. What now? Advice | Ask Amy: The man I love is my grandchild’s uncle, and things have gotten messy We also have limited parking on our road. We can accommodate eight to 10 vehicles, but if 70 people show up, there will probably be 35 cars to find parking for.
I discussed this all with our town’s police chief (who issues the permits) and he said that he would be happy to do a walk-through with all of us next week.
Then there is the issue of porta-potty rental, the use of our small kitchen by the catering staff, etc.
The obvious answer here is to tell my niece and her fiance that they will have to make other plans. Can you suggest how to do that?
Anxious Aunt
DEAR AUNT: Double-check your insurance policy. And then say, “I blame myself for not communicating this more emphatically earlier, but your wedding has outgrown our ability to host it. I think you’ll have to find a professional event space.”
Do not delay. Do this now.
DEAR AMY: My brother has recently fathered a child. I love the baby, my brother, and the woman he is with.
Except, it isn’t one woman. It’s never just one woman.
My brother has a history of womanizing and being with many women at once.
My family and I usually grow attached to the primary woman he’s with, only to have them hate us in the end because they find out about his cheating and we “never told them.”
I don’t want that to happen with the mother of this baby, but how do I approach this?
On one hand, I say something to the poor girl, and I break my brother’s trust. On the other, if I don’t say anything, I break her trust.
Either way, it seems I’m stuck in a tidal wave of drama. Is there a way I can at least lessen the storm?
A Morally Confused Sister
DEAR MORALLY CONFUSED: You see this as a matter of trust-breaking — or perhaps the other principals involved gaslight you into believing that you have a duty to either keep or disclose secrets. You are not in charge of policing your adult brother. You don’t owe it to either party to tell — or lie.
You have to imagine that the women your brother chooses must have some awareness of his womanizing, because — presumably — he is cheating on someone else when he takes up with them.
Because there is a baby in the picture, the stakes are different now, and you might give your wonderful brother a “heads up” by telling him, “I just want you to know that the next time I find out you’re cheating, I’m not going to keep your secret for you.” You could also say to the woman, “My brother has a history of cheating on his partners. I hope he behaves differently with you.”
Unfortunately, this does not keep you out of the tidal wave of drama — it means you would be surfing on the first wave. And — I assure you — if you tell a woman your brother is cheating on her, she could find a way to blame you (or “hate” you), anyway.
Plant your family flag with this baby, and assume that at some point your brother will cheat. If you want (or feel forced) to declare your loyalty in order to maintain a close relationship with the child and its mother, you might say to him, “Um … this time, I choose her.”
Want Ask Amy delivered to your inbox for free on weekdays?
DEAR AMY: “Caring Friend” reported that a dear friend was about to enter into a “green card” same-sex marriage. I disagree with your response. These marriages are wrong, and illegal. This friend should call him out.
Upset
DEAR UPSET: This so-called “green card” relationship was actually a genuine “love connection” — at least on one man’s part. I agree that there were many red flags here, but blaming and shaming wouldn’t serve the greater good.
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--2020-03-07--Harriette Cole: Sometimes I wonder if she’s trying to steal my husband

DEAR HARRIETTE : My husband has an old college friend who has come back into the picture .
She is very nice , but I also find her a bit clingy .
She is single , and she is constantly asking him to fix her up on dates .
My husband is in his 60s , and we ’ ve been married for many years .
He is hardly on the dating scene .
Sometimes I wonder if she is trying to steal his attention .
She makes me uncomfortable .
At the same time , my husband seems to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time to time .
They go out for drinks and have gone to a museum .
I went with them once , but it wasn ’ t fun for me .
What can I do to ensure that this woman doesn ’ t try to muscle in on my man ?
DEAR JEALOUS : There ’ s a saying about keeping your enemies close .
While she may not really be an enemy , she is a lonely woman .
• Harriette Cole : I offered to buy her candy , but she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Something inside me says I ’ m not meant to be a lawyer • Harriette Cole : Her infuriating prediction about me has come true • Harriette Cole : Should I just stop eating , like my great-aunt did ?
• Harriette Cole : How can I tell if he ’ s going to hurt himself ?
Rather than encouraging or even condoning drinks with her , invite her to join you guys at home for dinner and drinks .
Create comfortable opportunities for all three of you to be together .
You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can welcome her into your home and make it clear what your life is like while also creating space for your husband to enjoy time with his old friend without too much space for her to make a move , if she is so inclined .
DEAR HARRIETTE : My father passed away when I was 14 years old .
Many think that it was traumatic , and it was , but I never had a great relationship with my father , so I hid my grief .
My dad was negligent and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a day when he and I didn ’ t fight .
He never fed me , bought me new clothes or took me to my dance rehearsals .
My father also didn ’ t leave behind a will , so I did not inherit any money from him .
So in short , I never had a close or loving relationship with my father .
However , recently I have been having pains in my chest .
It is hard for me to say , but I miss my father .
Even though @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my mother and me , I still miss him .
Is it normal to feel this way ?
DEAR DADDY ISSUES : Grief presents itself at different times in people ’ s lives , often in a delayed manner — especially for people who had unresolved issues with loved ones before they died .
It is normal for you to have conflicting feelings rising up about your dad .
Yes , it makes sense that you could miss your father and experience deep love for him even though he hurt your feelings .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ your mother about what ’ s happening to you .
Since you are having physical pains associated with your emotions , it might be worth it for you to talk to a grief counselor .
Perhaps your mother can arrange for this through your insurance , or you can speak to a guidance counselor at school to find out if you can get support through them during this time .
Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS , an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams .
You can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication , 1130 Walnut St. , Kansas City , MO 64106 .

DEAR HARRIETTE: My husband has an old college friend who has come back into the picture. She is very nice, but I also find her a bit clingy. She is single, and she is constantly asking him to fix her up on dates.
My husband is in his 60s, and we’ve been married for many years. He is hardly on the dating scene. Sometimes I wonder if she is trying to steal his attention. She makes me uncomfortable.
At the same time, my husband seems to be happy checking in on her from time to time. They go out for drinks and have gone to a museum. I went with them once, but it wasn’t fun for me.
What can I do to ensure that this woman doesn’t try to muscle in on my man?
Jealous
DEAR JEALOUS: There’s a saying about keeping your enemies close. While she may not really be an enemy, she is a lonely woman.
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Harriette Cole: I’m ashamed to tell people I forgave my childhood friend Advice | Harriette Cole: I’ve worked hard, and my poor siblings resent my success Rather than encouraging or even condoning drinks with her, invite her to join you guys at home for dinner and drinks. Create comfortable opportunities for all three of you to be together. You can get to know her. You can welcome her into your home and make it clear what your life is like while also creating space for your husband to enjoy time with his old friend without too much space for her to make a move, if she is so inclined.
DEAR HARRIETTE: My father passed away when I was 14 years old. Many think that it was traumatic, and it was, but I never had a great relationship with my father, so I hid my grief.
My dad was negligent and abusive to me. There was never a day when he and I didn’t fight. He never fed me, bought me new clothes or took me to my dance rehearsals. My father also didn’t leave behind a will, so I did not inherit any money from him. So in short, I never had a close or loving relationship with my father.
However, recently I have been having pains in my chest. It is hard for me to say, but I miss my father. Even though he did so many horrible things to my mother and me, I still miss him. Is it normal to feel this way?
Daddy Issues
DEAR DADDY ISSUES: Grief presents itself at different times in people’s lives, often in a delayed manner — especially for people who had unresolved issues with loved ones before they died. It is normal for you to have conflicting feelings rising up about your dad. Yes, it makes sense that you could miss your father and experience deep love for him even though he hurt your feelings. He was your dad.
Talk to your mother about what’s happening to you. Since you are having physical pains associated with your emotions, it might be worth it for you to talk to a grief counselor. Perhaps your mother can arrange for this through your insurance, or you can speak to a guidance counselor at school to find out if you can get support through them during this time.
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--2020-03-07--Stanford Medicine faculty member tests positive for COVID-19

STANFORD UNIVERSITY – A Stanford School of Medicine faculty member has tested positive for novel coronavirus , according to the @ @ @ @ @ learning this news , we followed CDC ’ s recommended guidelines , which include notifying @ @ @ @ @ exposed and requesting that they self-isolate to prevent the possibility of spread , ” the @ @ @ @ @ statement .
The faculty member has not been at work since experiencing symptoms , according @ @ @ @ @ an added precaution , the clinic where the faculty member works was closed Friday for @ @ @ @ @ the school .
The site is expected to reopen Monday .
“ We ’ ll @ @ @ @ @ ensure the safety of both our patients and health care workers , ” the school @ @ @ @ @ is currently caring for a handful of people who have tested positive for novel coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ , according to university officials .

STANFORD UNIVERSITY – A Stanford School of Medicine faculty member has tested positive for novel coronavirus, according to the school.
“Immediately after learning this news, we followed CDC’s recommended guidelines, which include notifying people who might have been exposed and requesting that they self-isolate to prevent the possibility of spread,” the school said in an emailed statement.
The faculty member has not been at work since experiencing symptoms, according to the school.
As an added precaution, the clinic where the faculty member works was closed Friday for terminal cleaning, according to the school. The site is expected to reopen Monday.
“We’ll continue to implement protocols to ensure the safety of both our patients and health care workers,” the school said.
Stanford Health Care is currently caring for a handful of people who have tested positive for novel coronavirus, officially known as COVID-19, according to university officials.
Check back for updates


mercurynews--2020-03-07--Review: KISS draws full house despite coronavirus concerns

CLICK HERE if you are having trouble viewing these photos on a mobile device .
KISS Army braved the major coronavirus scare and made its way to the Oakland Arena on Friday ( March 6 ) .
These fans weren ’ t going to let something like safety warnings stop them from seeing KISS on its last-ever , final , never-again , no more , farewell End of the Road World Tour .
OK , so I can just hear some of you snickering , doubting that this was likely the last chance to see the legendary band — consisting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gene Simmons , guitarist Tommy Thayer and drummer Eric Singer — perform in the Bay Area .
But , who knows ?
Maybe KISS actually means it and plans to hang up its platform boots after this go around , unlike what happened when the band embarked on its first farewell tour 20 years ago .
Either way , the mere possibility that this might indeed be the band ’ s last hurrah made the show a hot enough ticket to draw 11,000-plus fans out to this legendary arena , which has a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ We have been coming to Oakland for a long time , ” Stanley remarked to the crowd .
“ I remember coming to the Oakland Coliseum Arena in 1976.
” Despite the escalating fear surrounding the coronavirus around the Bay Area and beyond , it seemed remarkably business-as-usual inside the arena , with no signs that people were treating this like anything other than a normal concert .
Fans stood in long lines at the merch tables to buy $ 75 long-sleeve KISS T-shirts , kept the bars busy and seemed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And the only masks seen were those that had been painted on their faces .
But Stanley did make some reference to the topic du jour , offering up a possible solution that maybe CDC officials haven ’ t considered .
“ We ’ ve got a lot sickness , a lot of illness going around , ” he said .
“ So , I think that we ought to call out the doctor.
” And , of course , that served as an introduction to the song “ Calling Dr. Love.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ been at least as worried about catching the coronavirus as anybody in the building , given that it can hit the elderly — such as those people in nursing homes or classic rock acts — the hardest .
Stanley and Simmons , the band ’ s two remaining original members , are now 68 and 70 , respectively .
But age range isn ’ t the only thing they now share in common with some of rock ’ s most storied performers .
“ So , things have changed , ” Stanley said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a band in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
” Stanley and company then proceeded to showcase several reasons why it took such a relatively long time for KISS to get into the Rock Hall in 2014 — some 15 years after the band first became eligible for induction — as it strung together such throwaways and mediocrities as “ Say Yeah , ” “ Tears Are Falling , ” “ War Machine ” and “ Lick It Up.
” Yes , making music was never this band ’ s strong suit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to name another act that has sold as many albums with as few good songs .
Kenny G ?
Nah , the G-man has a better songbook than KISS .
You could fit all of the band ’ s great songs on one single disc and still have room left over for a “ Free Bird ” or two .
But a KISS show is ( thankfully ) about so much more than just songs .
It ’ s about wild theatrics , cool costumes , big pyrotechnic displays and over-the-top special effects @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that , and so much more , as KISS brought its final , last-ever , farewell tour to Oakland .
It wasn ’ t high art .
But it was good escapist fun , which might just have been just want the doctor ordered for fans going through this coronavirus scare .
And if you missed the show , I ’ m thinking that you ’ ll have the chance to see the next KISS farewell tour in about 20 years from now .
So , keep February 2040 open on your calendar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be at this very same venue .
David Lee Roth was even better than the headliners , as the former Van Halen front man opened the show with a brisk 11-song set that lasted just under 40 minutes .
Roth , 65 , sounded strong as he led his five-piece backing band through such VH classics as “ Unchained ” and “ Panama ” as well as a few solo cuts .

CLICK HERE if you are having trouble viewing these photos on a mobile device.
KISS Army braved the coronavirus scare and made its way to the Oakland Arena on Friday (March 6).
These fans weren’t going to let something like safety warnings stop them from seeing KISS on its last-ever, final, never-again, no more, farewell End of the Road World Tour.
OK, so I can just hear some of you snickering, doubting that this was likely the last chance to see the legendary band — consisting of lead vocalist/guitarist Paul Stanley, bassist Gene Simmons, guitarist Tommy Thayer and drummer Eric Singer — perform in the Bay Area.
But, who knows? Maybe KISS actually means it and plans to hang up its platform boots after this go around, unlike what happened when the band embarked on its first farewell tour 20 years ago.
Either way, the mere possibility that this might indeed be the band’s last hurrah made the show a hot enough ticket to draw 11,000-plus fans out to this legendary arena, which has a long track record of hosting KISS concerts.
“We have been coming to Oakland for a long time,” Stanley remarked to the crowd. “I remember coming to the Oakland Coliseum Arena in 1976.”
Despite the escalating fear surrounding the coronavirus around the Bay Area and beyond, it seemed remarkably business-as-usual inside the arena, with no signs that people were treating this like anything other than a normal concert. Fans stood in long lines at the merc tables to buy $75 long-sleeve KISS T-shirts, kept the bars busy and seemed to enjoy themselves throughout the fun concert.
And the only masks seen were those that had been painted on their faces.
Stanley did make some reference to the topic du jour, offering up a possible solution that maybe CDC officials haven’t considered.
“We’ve got a lot sickness, a lot of illness going around,” he said. “So, I think that we ought to call out the doctor.”
And, of course, that served as an introduction to the song “Calling Dr. Love.”
Of course, KISS should have been at least as worried about catching COVID-19 as anybody in the building, given that the virus reportedly hits elderly the hardest — people aged 50 and older have been advised by some to avoid big events.
Stanley and Simmons, the band’s two remaining original members, are now 68 and 70, respectively. But age range isn’t the only thing they now share in common with some of rock’s most storied performers.
“So, things have changed,” Stanley said. “Tonight you are looking at a band in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.”
Stanley and company then proceeded to showcase several reasons why it took such a relatively long time for KISS to get into the Rock Hall in 2014 — some 15 years after the band first became eligible for induction — as it strung together such throwaways and mediocrities as “Say Yeah,” “Tears Are Falling,” “War Machine” and “Lick it Up.”
Yes, making music was never this band’s strong suit. Indeed, it’s hard to name another act that has sold as many albums with as few good songs. Kenny G? Nah, the G-man has a better songbook than KISS. You could fit all of the band’s great songs on one single disc and still have room left over for a “Free Bird” or two.
But a KISS show is (thankfully) about so much more than just songs. It’s about wild theatrics, cool costumes, big pyrotechnic displays and over-the-top special effects. And fans would get all of that, and so much more, as KISS brought its final, last-ever, farewell tour to Oakland.
It wasn’t high art. But it was good escapist fun, which might just have been just want the doctor ordered for fans going through this coronavirus scare.
And if you missed the show, I’m thinking that you’ll have the chance to see the next KISS farewell tour in about 20 years from now. So, keep February 2040 open on your calendar. And my bet is it would be at this very same venue.
David Lee Roth was even better than the headliners. The former Van Halen frontman opened the show with a brisk 11-song set that lasted just under 40 minutes. Roth, 65, sounded strong as he led his five-piece backing band through such VH classics as “Unchained” and “Panama” as well as a few solo cuts.