mercurynews--2020-10-31--Ask Amy: I didn’t think they were in love, and then I read their letters

Dear Readers : “ Upset Daughter ” wrote to me , saying that her 90-year-old mother had old letters from her father that she was considering shredding .
Upset and her sister wanted their mother to let them read the letters , and they asked my opinion .
I made a case for sharing and preserving these letters , written while their father was in the Navy .
Some readers interpreted my enthusiasm over preserving old letters as an exhortation that Upset should pressure her mother .
Absolutely not .
These letters belong to the recipient and their disposition should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ received many responses , and today ’ s column is devoted to them .
Dear Amy : My father served in the Navy in WWII .
He passed away in 1985 , my mother in 1999 .
When she knew her time was nearing , she handed me a box of airmail letters , written by both during that time .
• Ask Amy : I used to be sexy .
Should I give him the photographic proof ?
• Ask Amy : What should I do when he says these inappropriate things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a bombshell , and I don ’ t think she ’ s telling the whole truth • Ask Amy : This woman is suddenly nice to me again , and the timing is suspicious • Ask Amy : One teenage mistake has hung over our lives for years There were cutouts in the letters , as they were censored for security purposes , and they also contained references to the musical artists and movies of the time , and just how “ swell ” things were back then !
What a treasure to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ love they once had for each other ( but never seemed to display when my brothers and I were growing up ) .
It gave me peace to know that they really did love each other at one time .
Dear Amy : I came across my parents ’ love letters while cleaning out their home .
My dad served during World War II , then often traveled the country looking for work , all this time corresponding with Mom .
My mother treasured these letters for 70 years .
I never read @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t want to .
They weren ’ t all sweet and rosy .
There were miscarriages , extreme financial hardships , and family turmoil .
These letters were personal , private correspondences between my parents .
When my parents passed , they were both cremated and buried in the same vault , along with their love letters .
It was the perfect ending .
Dear Amy : Maybe “ Upset Daughter ’ s ” mom considers these letters too personal for someone else to read .
I and my husband of 45 years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the years prior to our moving in together .
Even though I haven ’ t read them in ages , I know some are “ racy , ” and all are very personal !
Though it might be interesting to read the love letters of a gay couple from that time period , I ’ m not sure I want my nieces and nephews reading these emotionally intimate letters .
Dear Amy : My parents are long since gone , and two of my dearest possessions are treasures that my mom saved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while dad was overseas during WWII .
It wasn ’ t racy , but it did mention “ sex , ” which is probably the only time my sweet mom ( mother of six ) uttered the word .
The other is my dad ’ s pocket diary .
It had a picture of my mom and the kids , a few names of his comrades — and a note saying he had his orders for home , thanking a God he had almost stopped believing in !
My other prized possession is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ containing hundreds of letters written by my great-great-grandfather to his beloved wife as he struggled with life as a stretcher bearer and medic with the Ohio 34th Regiment during the Civil War !
He wrote her almost daily with things sometimes trivial , often dire , complete with accountings of where they were at the time and who his commanding officers were .
Some letters dutifully paid homage to those lives lost that day .
Nearly all of them signed with the same closing , which appropriately became the book ’ s title @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dear Amy : My mother wrote to my father every day , except one — the day my sister was born — while he served in the Pacific during World War II .
He burned them all , along with every one of the many he wrote , after she died when I was 16 .
It still hurts .
Dear Amy : When my mom died last year , I found two letters she had written to my dad when he was on an aircraft carrier off the coast of Vietnam in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not yet walking at the time .
Those letters gave me a glimpse into her life over 50 years before , and I found them to be a great treasure .
Save the letters !
You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy @ amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy , P.O .
Box 194 , Freeville , NY 13068 .
You can also follow her on Twitter @ askingamy or Facebook .

Dear Readers: “Upset Daughter” wrote to me, saying that her 90-year-old mother had old letters from her father that she was considering shredding.
Upset and her sister wanted their mother to let them read the letters, and they asked my opinion. I made a case for sharing and preserving these letters, written while their father was in the Navy.
Some readers interpreted my enthusiasm over preserving old letters as an exhortation that Upset should pressure her mother. Absolutely not. These letters belong to the recipient and their disposition should be completely up to her.
I received many responses, and today’s column is devoted to them.
Dear Amy: My father served in the Navy in WWII. He passed away in 1985, my mother in 1999. When she knew her time was nearing, she handed me a box of airmail letters, written by both during that time.
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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 There were cutouts in the letters, as they were censored for security purposes, and they also contained references to the musical artists and movies of the time, and just how “swell” things were back then!
What a treasure to have, and to know of the love they once had for each other (but never seemed to display when my brothers and I were growing up).
It gave me peace to know that they really did love each other at one time.
Grateful
Dear Amy: I came across my parents’ love letters while cleaning out their home. My dad served during World War II, then often traveled the country looking for work, all this time corresponding with Mom.
My mother treasured these letters for 70 years.
I never read all of them, and didn’t want to. They weren’t all sweet and rosy. There were miscarriages, extreme financial hardships, and family turmoil.
These letters were personal, private correspondences between my parents.
When my parents passed, they were both cremated and buried in the same vault, along with their love letters. It was the perfect ending.
Dear Amy: Maybe “Upset Daughter’s” mom considers these letters too personal for someone else to read.
I and my husband of 45 years have saved nearly three years of correspondence from the years prior to our moving in together.
Even though I haven’t read them in ages, I know some are “racy,” and all are very personal!
Though it might be interesting to read the love letters of a gay couple from that time period, I’m not sure I want my nieces and nephews reading these emotionally intimate letters.
Dear Amy: My parents are long since gone, and two of my dearest possessions are treasures that my mom saved.
One is a poem she wrote while dad was overseas during WWII. It wasn’t racy, but it did mention “sex,” which is probably the only time my sweet mom (mother of six) uttered the word.
The other is my dad’s pocket diary. It had a picture of my mom and the kids, a few names of his comrades — and a note saying he had his orders for home, thanking a God he had almost stopped believing in!
My other prized possession is a book compiled by a second cousin containing hundreds of letters written by my great-great-grandfather to his beloved wife as he struggled with life as a stretcher bearer and medic with the Ohio 34th Regiment during the Civil War!
He wrote her almost daily with things sometimes trivial, often dire, complete with accountings of where they were at the time and who his commanding officers were. Some letters dutifully paid homage to those lives lost that day.
Nearly all of them signed with the same closing, which appropriately became the book’s title: “In Love and Fidelity.”
George Sprecher
Dear Amy: My mother wrote to my father every day, except one — the day my sister was born — while he served in the Pacific during World War II.
He burned them all, along with every one of the many he wrote, after she died when I was 16. It still hurts.
I hope “Upset’s” mother will save those letters.
Still Sad Son, Alexandria, Virginia
Dear Amy: When my mom died last year, I found two letters she had written to my dad when he was on an aircraft carrier off the coast of Vietnam in 1967.
I was a baby, not yet walking at the time. Those letters gave me a glimpse into her life over 50 years before, and I found them to be a great treasure. Save the letters!
J. English
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--2020-10-31--Harriette Cole: I’m afraid my husband is turning our gentle son into a bully

DEAR HARRIETTE : My son has been getting bullied and teased at school .
My son is the more gentle type who likes magic and books .
So he easily becomes sensitive when other kids take things from him or if he doesn ’ t get his way .
My husband has been trying to teach him how to stand up for himself .
But my husband is really just teaching our son how to be a bigger bully back .
The kids tease and make jokes , so my husband has been teaching him jokes to throw back at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to block punches and how to defend himself .
But I hear about this type of story all the time .
A kid that is introduced to that type of power who never knew how to use it before can end up being the bigger bully at school .
I feel like my husband is training a monster in the making .
What ’ s the best way to help your kids who are getting bullied without teaching them to be a bullies themselves ?
DEAR BULLYING A BULLY : The research I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by teasing them usually aggravates them and makes them more aggressive , so your husband ’ s strategy regarding the jokes may backfire .
It would be better for your son to ignore their comments and walk away if he can .
• Harriette Cole : He ’ s a clown , and my girlfriend doesn ’ t want him in our house • Harriette Cole : He lied to me and left town , and now he ’ s proposing marriage • Harriette Cole : My work is in broken towns , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Harriette Cole : I get no thrill from seeing my creations on TV • Harriette Cole : He talks about her too much , and I ’ m getting worried By not falling into their trap and reacting to their mean words , he can better hold on to his power .
It is smart for your son to know how to defend himself .
Encourage your son to report the children who are bullying him to his teacher , guidance counselor , principal and school security .
As parents , you should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as well .
Suggest that your son spend time with real friends at school if he has them , get involved in extracurricular activities that will boost his confidence and do his best to stay away from these kids .
For more ideas read : www.parents.com/kids/problems/bullying/bully-proof-your-child-how-to-deal-with-bullies/ .
DEAR HARRIETTE : My family became bored during quarantine , and we decided to surprise our kids with a dog .
We had an agreement that it would be the kids ’ responsibility to clean up after the dog , walk him and feed him .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ so he is pretty mature and well behaved .
The problem has been our kids not taking care of him .
They forget to take him on walks or feed him so he will make messes inside or steal food out of the garbage .
I feel bad for our dog because it ’ s not his fault !
My wife and I have been doing everything for the dog while our kids don ’ t pay him any mind .
My wife is pregnant , and I don ’ t think we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dog and the baby unless the kids pitch in .
I ’ ve come to the decision that if the kids don ’ t stick to our agreement , we will have to give the dog away .
Our kids would be heartbroken , but they aren ’ t acting responsibly .
What other choice do I have ?
DEAR FAMILY WITH A DOG : Don ’ t give away the dog .
Teach them how to be responsible .
Design a daily schedule that includes rotating responsibilities for walking and feeding the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if they don ’ t care for him .
Remind them that he is their dog , and they must look out for him .
If you make the penalties serious enough — like no cellphone use or other electronics — it will get their attention .
Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS , an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams .
You can send questions to askharriette @ harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication , 1130 Walnut St. , Kansas City , MO 64106 .

DEAR HARRIETTE: My son has been getting bullied and teased at school. My son is the more gentle type who likes magic and books. So he easily becomes sensitive when other kids take things from him or if he doesn’t get his way.
My husband has been trying to teach him how to stand up for himself. But my husband is really just teaching our son how to be a bigger bully back.
The kids tease and make jokes, so my husband has been teaching him jokes to throw back at the kids. He teaches him how to block punches and how to defend himself.
But I hear about this type of story all the time. A kid that is introduced to that type of power who never knew how to use it before can end up being the bigger bully at school. I feel like my husband is training a monster in the making.
What’s the best way to help your kids who are getting bullied without teaching them to be a bullies themselves?
Bullying a Bully
DEAR BULLYING A BULLY: The research I’ve read suggests that taunting bullies by teasing them usually aggravates them and makes them more aggressive, so your husband’s strategy regarding the jokes may backfire. It would be better for your son to ignore their comments and walk away if he can.
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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 By not falling into their trap and reacting to their mean words, he can better hold on to his power. It is smart for your son to know how to defend himself. Encourage your son to report the children who are bullying him to his teacher, guidance counselor, principal and school security. As parents, you should advocate for your son with the administration as well.
Suggest that your son spend time with real friends at school if he has them, get involved in extracurricular activities that will boost his confidence and do his best to stay away from these kids. For more ideas read: www.parents.com/kids/problems/bullying/bully-proof-your-child-how-to-deal-with-bullies/.
DEAR HARRIETTE: My family became bored during quarantine, and we decided to surprise our kids with a dog. We had an agreement that it would be the kids’ responsibility to clean up after the dog, walk him and feed him. The dog is an adult rescue, so he is pretty mature and well behaved. The problem has been our kids not taking care of him. They forget to take him on walks or feed him so he will make messes inside or steal food out of the garbage.
I feel bad for our dog because it’s not his fault! My wife and I have been doing everything for the dog while our kids don’t pay him any mind. My wife is pregnant, and I don’t think we will have the time for both the dog and the baby unless the kids pitch in.
I’ve come to the decision that if the kids don’t stick to our agreement, we will have to give the dog away. Our kids would be heartbroken, but they aren’t acting responsibly. What other choice do I have?
Family With a Dog
DEAR FAMILY WITH A DOG: Don’t give away the dog. Teach them how to be responsible. Design a daily schedule that includes rotating responsibilities for walking and feeding the dog. Create penalties for your children if they don’t care for him. Remind them that he is their dog, and they must look out for him. If you make the penalties serious enough — like no cellphone use or other electronics — it will get their attention.
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--2020-10-31--Miss Manners: I don’t want this man hanging out on my porch anymore

DEAR MISS MANNERS : Prior to the pandemic , I used to meet up with an old friend of nearly 20 years a few nights a week at a local watering hole , and we would also watch football together on Sundays at my house .
Come March , the pandemic hit and we all quarantined , me with my college-aged daughter and him by himself .
We kept in touch , and when I would order groceries , I would get him food as well , keeping some distance while I delivered to his back door .
Well , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both tested negative for the coronavirus ( so has my daughter ) .
The bars and restaurants are only starting to reopen now , but for the past six weeks , he has taken an Uber to my house every night for “ porch drinking , ” which consists of him drinking large amounts of whiskey ( which he brings ) and retelling the same stories I have heard before .
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• Miss Manners : His excruciating emails make me want to tear my hair out • Miss Manners : My wife says it ’ s fine that our guests yell at each other One night he came over while I was sleeping ( I had taken a late afternoon nap ) , helped himself to a drink , and started drinking and smoking on my back porch .
He arrives with no invitation .
On the few @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he has said he will never “ grace me with his presence again , ” adding that his lease is running out anyway , so he will just move elsewhere .
But the next day , lo and behold , he shows up on my porch and says he doesn ’ t remember saying anything like that , then promptly starts drinking .
One time I sent him away , and he then claimed he was going to visit relatives in another state the next day , and would catch up with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He showed up at my house the next night .
I liked the previous arrangement .
It was at a neutral location , and I could go to the bar if and when I wanted to , and stay only as long as I wanted .
Now I just feel trapped in my own home .
GENTLE READER : This man ’ s relatives seem to have learned to do what you have not : how to become unavailable , even though family concern over his behavior seems to be warranted .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I am sorry , but we are going to need to return to the old plan when we can meet at a neutral location .
My home is not an option , certainly not when I am unavailable .
You scared me half to death when you showed up unannounced , and I wouldn ’ t want to mistake you for an intruder and call the police.
” [ Sound familiar ?
Yes , Ask Amy got this same question three months ago .
Here ’ s what she said . ]
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ introduce my son ’ s ex-wife , who is still very much a beloved member of the family ?
GENTLE READER : By using her name .
Yes , people are nosy and enjoy context , but Miss Manners assures you that that does not require you to succumb to it .
If there are follow-up questions , you may dismiss them with , “ She ’ s a dear member of the family.
” If it ’ s applicable and you really want to give them pause , “ Her children are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into silence .
Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website , www.missmanners.com ; to her email , dearmissmanners @ gmail.com ; or through postal mail to Miss Manners , Andrews McMeel Syndication , 1130 Walnut St. , Kansas City , MO 64106 .

Judith Martin, Nicholas Ivor Martin and Jacobina Martin

DEAR MISS MANNERS: Prior to the pandemic, I used to meet up with an old friend of nearly 20 years a few nights a week at a local watering hole, and we would also watch football together on Sundays at my house.
Come March, the pandemic hit and we all quarantined, me with my college-aged daughter and him by himself. We kept in touch, and when I would order groceries, I would get him food as well, keeping some distance while I delivered to his back door.
Well, restrictions were loosened, and we have both tested negative for the coronavirus (so has my daughter). The bars and restaurants are only starting to reopen now, but for the past six weeks, he has taken an Uber to my house every night for “porch drinking,” which consists of him drinking large amounts of whiskey (which he brings) and retelling the same stories I have heard before.
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He arrives with no invitation. On the few occasions where I have brought this up, he has said he will never “grace me with his presence again,” adding that his lease is running out anyway, so he will just move elsewhere. But the next day, lo and behold, he shows up on my porch and says he doesn’t remember saying anything like that, then promptly starts drinking.
One time I sent him away, and he then claimed he was going to visit relatives in another state the next day, and would catch up with me in a month when he returned. He showed up at my house the next night.
I liked the previous arrangement. It was at a neutral location, and I could go to the bar if and when I wanted to, and stay only as long as I wanted. Now I just feel trapped in my own home.
GENTLE READER: This man’s relatives seem to have learned to do what you have not: how to become unavailable, even though family concern over his behavior seems to be warranted.
But for immediate protection, try, “I am sorry, but we are going to need to return to the old plan when we can meet at a neutral location. My home is not an option, certainly not when I am unavailable. You scared me half to death when you showed up unannounced, and I wouldn’t want to mistake you for an intruder and call the police.”
[Sound familiar? Yes, Ask Amy got this same question three months ago. Here’s what she said.]
DEAR MISS MANNERS: How do I introduce my son’s ex-wife, who is still very much a beloved member of the family?
GENTLE READER: By using her name. Yes, people are nosy and enjoy context, but Miss Manners assures you that that does not require you to succumb to it.
If there are follow-up questions, you may dismiss them with, “She’s a dear member of the family.” If it’s applicable and you really want to give them pause, “Her children are our grandchildren” should sufficiently confuse them into silence.
Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners.com; to her email, dearmissmanners@gmail.com; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.


mercurynews--2020-10-31--Dear Abby: She insulted me, and still expects me to give her gifts

DEAR ABBY : My brother and his wife have been married for 40 years .
They moved out of state 10 years ago .
We no longer get together for holidays , and the only time I talk to my brother is when it concerns our parents ( whom I take care of ) .
Two years ago , my sister-in-law informed me that she never really cared for me and has issues with my family .
When I asked her why , she accused me of being a liar .
I don ’ t know why she feels this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about it , and his answer was vague .
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Is there a nice way to say I no longer want to exchange gifts and would rather we just exchange cards ?
I don ’ t want to cause another family feud .
DEAR CURTAILING : You should have stopped the gift exchange two years ago when your sister-in-law told you she had never really cared for you .
Tell your brother you no longer feel the joy in it that you did before his wife told you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prefer to send cards from now on .
Don ’ t worry about causing another family feud .
Your family is already fractured , and I doubt that once your parents are gone , he and his wife will be sticking around , so don ’ t be surprised when it happens .
You are a good daughter , and you have my sympathy .
DEAR ABBY : My father , who has been gone for 40 years , had many good qualities , and he provided well for our family .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ memories I have of my time with him .
However , his deep-seated lechery overwhelmed his life and destroyed what might have been an idyllic ’ 50s youth for me .
It caused great pain and embarrassment to my mother , my sister and me .
I recently received communication from four different half-sisters I didn ’ t know of who discovered our kinship through DNA tracking .
I am indisposed to a reunion .
I may have felt differently at one time , but I am 81 now .
I no longer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relationships than making new ones .
My wife has had a stroke , so we pretty much confine our entertaining to our children and grandchildren .
I deeply regret any pain my father ’ s libidinous nature has caused , but I am not inclined to spend time dealing with the results of his affairs .
I don ’ t want to be cold .
They seem nice , but it ’ s too late in the game for me .
Do you agree ?
DEAR HISTORY : I do agree .
Because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , your mother and your sister pain and embarrassment , I see no reason for you to engage with these individuals if you don ’ t wish to .
That said , if they have questions about your father ’ s medical history that could be relevant to them , consider providing the answers .
DEAR READERS : Tonight is Halloween .
I hope that any celebration you have is creative , fun and safe in accordance with the guidelines and conditions in your location .
Happy Halloween , everyone !
In addition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a.m. Sunday .
Don ’ t forget to turn your clocks back one hour at bedtime tonight .
And while you ’ re at it , be sure to change the batteries in your fire alarms and smoke detectors .
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren , also known as Jeanne Phillips , and was founded by her mother , Pauline Phillips .
Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O .
Box 69440 , Los Angeles , CA 90069 .

DEAR ABBY: My brother and his wife have been married for 40 years. They moved out of state 10 years ago. We no longer get together for holidays, and the only time I talk to my brother is when it concerns our parents (whom I take care of).
Two years ago, my sister-in-law informed me that she never really cared for me and has issues with my family. When I asked her why, she accused me of being a liar. I don’t know why she feels this way. I talked to my brother about it, and his answer was vague.
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CURTAILING IN CALIFORNIA
DEAR CURTAILING: You should have stopped the gift exchange two years ago when your sister-in-law told you she had never really cared for you. Tell your brother you no longer feel the joy in it that you did before his wife told you what she did and that you would prefer to send cards from now on. Don’t worry about causing another family feud.
Your family is already fractured, and I doubt that once your parents are gone, he and his wife will be sticking around, so don’t be surprised when it happens. You are a good daughter, and you have my sympathy.
DEAR ABBY: My father, who has been gone for 40 years, had many good qualities, and he provided well for our family. I loved him and treasure many of the memories I have of my time with him. However, his deep-seated lechery overwhelmed his life and destroyed what might have been an idyllic ’50s youth for me. It caused great pain and embarrassment to my mother, my sister and me.
I recently received communication from four different half-sisters I didn’t know of who discovered our kinship through DNA tracking. I am indisposed to a reunion. I may have felt differently at one time, but I am 81 now. I no longer travel and am leaning more toward releasing relationships than making new ones. My wife has had a stroke, so we pretty much confine our entertaining to our children and grandchildren.
I deeply regret any pain my father’s libidinous nature has caused, but I am not inclined to spend time dealing with the results of his affairs. I don’t want to be cold. They seem nice, but it’s too late in the game for me. Do you agree?
ANCIENT HISTORY
DEAR HISTORY: I do agree. Because your father’s flings caused you, your mother and your sister pain and embarrassment, I see no reason for you to engage with these individuals if you don’t wish to. That said, if they have questions about your father’s medical history that could be relevant to them, consider providing the answers.
DEAR READERS: Tonight is Halloween. I hope that any celebration you have is creative, fun and safe in accordance with the guidelines and conditions in your location. Happy Halloween, everyone!
In addition, Daylight Saving Time ends at 2 a.m. Sunday. Don’t forget to turn your clocks back one hour at bedtime tonight. And while you’re at it, be sure to change the batteries in your fire alarms and smoke detectors.
LOVE, ABBY
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.


mercurynews--2020-10-31--Halloween in the pandemic: Costumes and candy, at a distance

Ghosts , skeletons , princesses and black cats roamed the streets as usual this Halloween , but they kept their distance , wore face coverings and carried hand sanitizer in their quest for treats .
Like with everything else this year , the pandemic also left its mark on Halloween .
Parades , parties and haunted houses were canceled due to bans on large gatherings and concerns that spooky celebrations could spread the coronavirus .
But across the U.S. , parents and costumed kids found ways to preserve the essence of the holiday Saturday while also observing the rules of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Oak Park , Tomeka Ray took her 4-year-old daughter , Diamond , trick-or-treating in the afternoon .
The girl , dressed as a princess , wore her mask and carried sanitizer , with more of the disinfecting gel in the car for good measure , Ray said , so “ I wasn ’ t too worried.
” At one home neighbors had rigged a remote treat-delivery system fashioned out of a ventilation tube , with a cardboard cutout at the end colored to make it look like a dragon ’ s mouth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really do .
That ’ s the third house I ’ ve seen that has that , ” Ray said .
Caden Korchuk , 11 , and friend Jayden Schoning , 10 , both dressed as skeletons , also appreciated getting their candy delivered from a distance .
“ Everything out here is really cool because of all the chutes , ” Korchuk said .
In Glen Allen , Virginia , just outside Richmond , neighbors left individually wrapped bags of candy on tables at the end of driveways to avoid having dozens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sticking their hands in the same big , germy candy bowls .
Parker , his 5-year-old son , was going as Yoshi , the green dinosaur from the Mario Kart video game series , and the chance to show off his costume and get candy is all he ’ s talked about recently “ He ’ s already had so much taken away from him this year , ” Cheadle said .
“ We think this is a small compromise for Halloween .
The little kiddos will still dress up , they ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ driveway , but not door to door.
” Halloween comes as coronavirus cases are surging in many parts of the country and health officials warn of the potential for even higher numbers this winter .
More than 230,000 people have died of COVID-19 in the country , and total U.S. cases surpassed 9 million on Friday .
Over the past two weeks , more than 78,700 new virus cases have been reported each day on average , up from about 55,100 in mid-October , according to Johns Hopkins University .
So many cities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safely .
New York City ’ s health department recommended avoiding large groups , haunted houses and bobbing for apples — “ Keep your spit to yourself , ” it said in an advisory .
Officials urged people instead to focus on safe activities like pumpkin carving , home decorating , outdoor scavenger hunts and virtual costume parties .
Lots of festivities were canceled , including the Greenwich Village Halloween Parade , a nearly 50-year tradition that typically draws tens of thousands to the streets of Manhattan .
Organizers staged a virtual puppet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where coronavirus cases are also on the rise , emergency management officials in Coos County recommended residents not participate in door-to-door trick-or-treating or group events .
Trick-or-treating was called off entirely in Pittsburg , a town of about 900 in the northern part of the state .
Betsy Curtin of Clarks Summit , Pennsylvania , and her sons were also skipping it for safety ’ s sake .
Instead , it was a visit to their grandparents ’ houses in costume — 7-year-old Alex as Batman and 9-year-old Charlie as Captain America — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ movie .
“ I only bought Kit Kats for them , so I ’ ve officially ruined their weekend , ” Curtin said .
“ Hoping the grandparents come through with specialty chocolates.
” AP writers Don Babwin , in River Forest , Illinois , and Michael Sisak , in Conshohocken , Pennsylvania , contributed to this report .
Lavoie contributed from Richmond , Virginia .

Ghosts, skeletons, princesses and black cats roamed the streets as usual this Halloween, but they kept their distance, wore face coverings and carried hand sanitizer in their quest for treats.
Like with everything else this year, the pandemic also left its mark on Halloween. Parades, parties and haunted houses were canceled due to bans on large gatherings and concerns that spooky celebrations could spread the coronavirus.
But across the U.S., parents and costumed kids found ways to preserve the essence of the holiday Saturday while also observing the rules of social distancing.
In the Chicago suburb of Oak Park, Tomeka Ray took her 4-year-old daughter, Diamond, trick-or-treating in the afternoon. The girl, dressed as a princess, wore her mask and carried sanitizer, with more of the disinfecting gel in the car for good measure, Ray said, so “I wasn’t too worried.”
At one home neighbors had rigged a remote treat-delivery system fashioned out of a ventilation tube, with a cardboard cutout at the end colored to make it look like a dragon’s mouth.
“I like that. I really do. That’s the third house I’ve seen that has that,” Ray said.
Caden Korchuk, 11, and friend Jayden Schoning, 10, both dressed as skeletons, also appreciated getting their candy delivered from a distance.
“Everything out here is really cool because of all the chutes,” Korchuk said.
In Glen Allen, Virginia, just outside Richmond, neighbors left individually wrapped bags of candy on tables at the end of driveways to avoid having dozens of kids coming to their doors and sticking their hands in the same big, germy candy bowls.
Matt Cheadle, a 35-year-old furniture designer, called it “extremely” socially distanced trick-or-treating.
Parker, his 5-year-old son, was going as Yoshi, the green dinosaur from the Mario Kart video game series, and the chance to show off his costume and get candy is all he’s talked about recently
“He’s already had so much taken away from him this year,” Cheadle said. “We think this is a small compromise for Halloween. The little kiddos will still dress up, they’ll still get to go driveway to driveway, but not door to door.”
Halloween comes as coronavirus cases are surging in many parts of the country and health officials warn of the potential for even higher numbers this winter.
More than 230,000 people have died of COVID-19 in the country, and total U.S. cases surpassed 9 million on Friday. Over the past two weeks, more than 78,700 new virus cases have been reported each day on average, up from about 55,100 in mid-October, according to Johns Hopkins University.
So many cities and towns issued guidelines for celebrating Halloween safely.
New York City’s health department recommended avoiding large groups, haunted houses and bobbing for apples — “Keep your spit to yourself,” it said in an advisory. Officials urged people instead to focus on safe activities like pumpkin carving, home decorating, outdoor scavenger hunts and virtual costume parties.
Lots of festivities were canceled, including the Greenwich Village Halloween Parade, a nearly 50-year tradition that typically draws tens of thousands to the streets of Manhattan. Organizers staged a virtual puppet parade instead.
In New Hampshire, where coronavirus cases are also on the rise, emergency management officials in Coos County recommended residents not participate in door-to-door trick-or-treating or group events. Trick-or-treating was called off entirely in Pittsburg, a town of about 900 in the northern part of the state.
Betsy Curtin of Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania, and her sons were also skipping it for safety’s sake. Instead, it was a visit to their grandparents’ houses in costume — 7-year-old Alex as Batman and 9-year-old Charlie as Captain America — then back home for pizza and a movie.
“I only bought Kit Kats for them, so I’ve officially ruined their weekend,” Curtin said. “Hoping the grandparents come through with specialty chocolates.”
___
AP writers Don Babwin, in River Forest, Illinois, and Michael Sisak, in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, contributed to this report. Lavoie contributed from Richmond, Virginia.


mercurynews--2020-10-31--Coronavirus: San Jose Earthquakes’ match against Los Angeles Football Club postponed

SAN JOSE — The MLS Cup playoff picture got more interesting for the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday after their Western Conference home game against Los Angeles Football Club was postponed in the wake of three positive COVID-19 cases within the visiting team ’ s player group .
According to the Earthquakes , Major League Soccer officials are assessing whether the game , scheduled for Sunday night , can be held before the regular season ends Nov. 8 .
The most likely date would be Wednesday , which would force the seventh-place Quakes ( 7-8-6 , 27 points ) to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jose is in a position to qualify for the playoffs for the fourth time since re-entering the league 12 years ago .
The Earthquakes hope their fate won ’ t come down to the season finale at first-place Seattle .
The league plans to use a points-per-game system to determine the playoff field because not all teams have been able to play a 23-game regular-season schedule after cancellations because of positive coronavirus tests .
With 1.29 points per game , San Jose perhaps stands a better chance of advancing to the postseason by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already has qualified for the playoffs .
One way to look at it is if the LAFC game is canceled playoff challengers Real Salt Lake ( 1.1 points per game ) and the Vancouver Whitecaps ( 1.14 ppg ) would need to win both of their final two games to leapfrog San Jose if the Quakes lose in Seattle .
Real Salt Lake is scheduled Sunday to face the last-place L.A. Galaxy , which installed former Quakes coach Dominic Kinnear as its interim after firing Guillermo Barros Schelotto .
RSL will end the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ City .
Vancouver plays at third-place Portland on Sunday and ends the season at home against the Galaxy .
Although LAFC has had any positive results among its remaining players and staff since Friday , the league postponed the game “ out of an abundance of caution , ” according to a news release .

SAN JOSE — The MLS Cup playoff picture got more interesting for the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday after their Western Conference home game against Los Angeles Football Club was postponed in the wake of three positive COVID-19 cases within the visiting team’s player group.
According to the Earthquakes, Major League Soccer officials are assessing whether the game, scheduled for Sunday night, can be held before the regular season ends Nov. 8. The most likely date would be Wednesday, which would force the seventh-place Quakes (7-8-6, 27 points) to play twice within five days.
San Jose is in a position to qualify for the playoffs for the fourth time since re-entering the league 12 years ago. The Earthquakes hope their fate won’t come down to the season finale at first-place Seattle.
The league plans to use a points-per-game system to determine the playoff field because not all teams have been able to play a 23-game regular-season schedule after cancellations because of positive coronavirus tests.
With 1.29 points per game, San Jose perhaps stands a better chance of advancing to the postseason by not playing LAFC, which like Seattle already has qualified for the playoffs.
One way to look at it is if the LAFC game is canceled playoff challengers Real Salt Lake (1.1 points per game) and the Vancouver Whitecaps (1.14 ppg) would need to win both of their final two games to leapfrog San Jose if the Quakes lose in Seattle.
Real Salt Lake is scheduled Sunday to face the last-place L.A. Galaxy, which installed former Quakes coach Dominic Kinnear as its interim after firing Guillermo Barros Schelotto. RSL will end the season at home against second-place Sporting Kansas City.
Vancouver plays at third-place Portland on Sunday and ends the season at home against the Galaxy.
Although LAFC has had any positive results among its remaining players and staff since Friday, the league postponed the game “out of an abundance of caution,” according to a news release.


mercurynews--2020-10-31--Newark: Police investigating shooting of three men

NEWARK — Police are investigating a Friday night shooting , believed to have wounded three victims .
Witnesses reported shots @ @ @ @ @ Friday in the 5800 block of Fair Ave. Newark officers arrived and found evidence of @ @ @ @ @ victims , according to a police account .
Three men in their 20s were later @ @ @ @ @ for non-life threatening gunshot wounds .
Two men , ages 22 and 23 , were @ @ @ @ @ a 22-year-old was from San Francisco , police said .
One victim has been treated @ @ @ @ @ are looking for more information on the incident .
Anonymous tips can be left on @ @ @ @ @ .

NEWARK — Police are investigating a Friday night shooting, believed to have wounded three victims.
Witnesses reported shots fired shortly after 7 p.m. Friday in the 5800 block of Fair Ave. Newark officers arrived and found evidence of a shooting, but no victims, according to a police account. Three men in their 20s were later treated at a local hospital for non-life threatening gunshot wounds.
Two men, ages 22 and 23, were identified as Richmond residents and a 22-year-old was from San Francisco, police said. One victim has been treated and released.
Newark police are looking for more information on the incident. Anonymous tips can be left on the police hotline, 510-578-4965.


mercurynews--2020-10-31--Sean Connery, the ‘original’ James Bond, dies at 90

LONDON ( AP ) — Sean Connery , the charismatic Scottish actor who rose to international superstardom as the suave secret agent James Bond and then abandoned the role to carve out an Oscar-winning career in other rugged roles , has died .
He was 90 .
Connery ’ s wife and two sons said he “ died peacefully in his sleep surrounded by family ” in the Bahamas , where he lived .
Son Jason Connery said his father had been “ unwell for some time.
” Bond producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli said they were “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Connery ’ s “ gritty and witty portrayal of the sexy and charismatic secret agent ” was largely responsible for the success of the film series .
“ He was and shall always be remembered as the original James Bond whose indelible entrance into cinema history began when he announced those unforgettable words — ‘ The name ’ s Bond… James Bond , ’ ” they said in a statement .
Daniel Craig , the current Bond , said Connery “ defined an era and a style ” and that the “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could be measured in mega watts.
” Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the country was mourning “ one of her best loved sons.
” Connery , was a commanding screen presence for some 40 years .
He was in his early 30s — and little known — when he starred in the first Bond thriller , 1962 ’ s “ Dr .
No , ” based on the Ian Fleming novel .
Condemned as immoral by the Vatican and the Kremlin , but screened at the White House for Bond fan John @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” was a box office hit and launched a franchise that long outlasted its Cold War origins .
United Artists couldn ’ t wait to make more films about the British secret agent , with ever more elaborate stunts and gadgets , along with more exotic locales and more prominent co-stars , among them Lotte Lenya and Jill St. John .
For decades , with actors from Connery to Craig in the leading role , filmgoers have loved the outrageous stunts , vicious villains and likable , roguish hero who enjoyed a life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weapons , elegant clothes and vodka martinis ( always shaken , not stirred ) .
Connery continued as Bond in “ From Russia With Love , ” “ Goldfinger , ” “ Thunderball , ” “ You Only Live Twice ” and “ Diamonds Are Forever , ” often performing his own stunts .
“ Diamonds Are Forever ” came out in 1971 and by then Connery had grown weary of playing 007 and feared he wasn ’ t being taken seriously despite his dramatic performances in Alfred Hitchcock ’ s “ Marnie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Hill.
” “ I ’ d been an actor since I was 25 , but the image the press put out was that I just fell into this tuxedo and started mixing vodka martinis , ” he once complained .
When he walked away at age 41 , Hollywood insiders predicted Connery would soon be washed up .
Who would hire a balding , middle-aged actor with a funny accent ?
Connery fooled them all , playing a wide range of characters and proving equally adept at comedy , adventure or drama @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of his dark stare and rugged brogue ; he set a celebrity record of sorts when at age 59 he was named People magazine ’ s “ Sexiest Man Alive.
” He won the affection of fans of the “ Indiana Jones ” franchise when he played Indy ’ s father opposite Harrison Ford in the third picture , 1989′s “ Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.
” He turned in a poignant portrayal of an aging Robin Hood opposite Audrey Hepburn in “ Robin and Marian ” in 1976 and , 15 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kevin Costner ’ s Robin Hood in “ Robin Hood : Prince of Thieves.
” He was the lovable English con man who joined Michael Caine in swindling people in a distant land in “ The Man Who Would Be King ” and the bold Russian submarine commander in “ The Hunt for Red October.
” Connery delivered a charming performance as a reclusive writer who mentors a teenage prodigy in 2000′s “ Finding Forrester.
” He won his Oscar for supporting actor in 1987 for his portrayal of a tough Chicago cop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ The Untouchables.
” By then he was at peace with James Bond , and when he arrived onstage at the Oscars ceremony he declared , “ The name ’ s Connery .
Sean Connery.
” He kept his promise not to play Bond again until 1983 , when he was lured back by an offbeat script about a middle-aged 007 .
Based on the only Fleming story that hadn ’ t been nailed down by the film empire Broccoli and Saltzman created , Connery took the role and helped produce the film @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Never Again , ” a title suggested by his wife , Micheline Roquebrune .
Even as the 007 films made him a millionaire , Connery tried often to separate his own personality from that of Bond .
“ I ’ m obviously not Bond , ” he once said .
“ And Bond is obviously not a human being .
Fleming invented him after the war , when people were hungry for luxury , gourmet touches , exotic settings .
Those were the things the English loved to read about following the privations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Sean Connery had a troubled first marriage and a history of comments justifying domestic violence .
In 1962 , he married Diane Cilento , an actress best known for her role as Molly in “ Tom Jones.
” They had a son , Jason , who also became an actor , but the union proved tempestuous and ended in 1974 .
Its impact lasted long after .
Cilento would allege that he had physically abused her and Connery defended his behavior in interviews .
In 1965 , he told Playboy magazine that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrong about hitting a woman — although I don ’ t recommend doing it in the same way that you ’ d hit a man .
An openhanded slap is justified — if all other alternatives fail and there has been plenty of warning.
” When Barbara Walters brought up those remarks in a 1987 interview , he said his opinion hadn ’ t changed because “ sometimes women just won ’ t leave things alone.
” Connery was widely criticized , but still received numerous honors , including being chosen as commander @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of France ’ s Order of Arts and Literature and a Kennedy Center honoree in 1999 .
The following year Queen Elizabeth II proclaimed him a British knight , for services to film drama .
In 2005 he was chosen for a lifetime achievement award by the American Film Institute .
Thomas Sean Connery was born Aug. 25 , 1930 , in Edinburgh , Scotland , the first of two sons of a long-distance truck driver and a domestic worker .
He left school at age 13 during World War II to help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a milkman , laborer , steel bender , cement mixer— virtually anything , ” he once said .
Weary of day labor , he joined the British navy and was medically discharged after three years .
The ailment : stomach ulcers .
Back in Edinburgh , he lifted weights to build his body and compete in the Mr. Universe contest .
He came in third , and briefly considered becoming a professional soccer player , but chose acting because he reasoned his career would last longer .
He got his first big break @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nothing Like a Dame ” in “ South Pacific ” on the London stage and in a road production before going on to act in repertory , television and B movies .
He went to Hollywood for two early films , Disney ’ s “ Darby O ’ Gill and the Little People ” and “ Tarzan ’ s Greatest Adventure.
” When he decided to become an actor , he was told that Thomas Sean Connery wouldn ’ t fit on a theater marquee so he dropped his first name .
Then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
American producers Albert “ Cubby ” Broccoli and Harry Saltzman had bought the film rights to a string of post-World War II spy adventure novels by Fleming .
Connery was not their first choice for “ Dr .
No.
” The producers had looked to Cary Grant , but decided they wanted an actor who would commit to a series .
The producers also realized they couldn ’ t afford a big-name star because United Artists had limited their film budget to $ 1 million a picture , so they started interviewing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was the 6-foot-2 Connery .
Without a screen test , Broccoli and Saltzman chose the actor , citing his “ dark , cruel good looks , ” a perfect match for the way Fleming described Bond .
When Connery started earning big money , he established his base at a villa in Marbella on the Spanish coast .
He described it as “ my sanitarium , where I recover from the madness of the film world.
” It also helped him avoid the overwhelming income tax he would have paid had he remained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ acting roles diminished when he reached his 70s , Connery spent much of his time at his tax-free home at Lynford Cay in the Bahamas .
He played golf almost every morning , often with his wife .
He announced in 2007 that he had retired when he turned down the chance to appear in another “ Indiana Jones ” movie .
“ I thought long and hard about it , and if anything could have pulled me out of retirement it would have been an ` Indiana Jones ’ film , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end , retirement is just too damned much fun.
” Though he lived abroad for many years , Connery was a passionate supporter of Scottish independence , a donor to the Scottish National Party and had the words “ Scotland Forever ” tattooed on his arm .
Sturgeon , the SNP leader and Scotland ’ s first minister , said “ Sean was a global legend but , first and foremost , he was a patriotic and proud Scot.
” “ He was a lifelong advocate of an independent Scotland and those of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a great debt of gratitude , ” she said .
Craig , whose latest Bond film “ No Time To Die ” has been delayed into next year because of the coronavirus pandemic said Connery will continue to influence actors and film-makers alike for years to come .
“ Wherever he is , I hope there is a golf course , ” Craig said .
Connery is survived by his wife , brother Neil and sons Jason and Stefan .
His publicist , Nancy Seltzer , said there would be a private ceremony @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus pandemic has ended .
Former AP Entertainment Writer Bob Thomas in Los Angeles helped compile this report before his death in 2014 .
Hillel Italie also contributed from New York .

By JILL LAWLESS | The Associated Press
LONDON (AP) — Sean Connery, the charismatic Scottish actor who rose to international superstardom as the suave secret agent James Bond and then abandoned the role to carve out an Oscar-winning career in other rugged roles, has died. He was 90.
Connery’s wife and two sons said he “died peacefully in his sleep surrounded by family” in the Bahamas, where he lived. Son Jason Connery said his father had been “unwell for some time.”
Bond producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli said they were “devastated” by the news. They said Connery’s “gritty and witty portrayal of the sexy and charismatic secret agent” was largely responsible for the success of the film series.
“He was and shall always be remembered as the original James Bond whose indelible entrance into cinema history began when he announced those unforgettable words — ‘The name’s Bond… James Bond,’” they said in a statement.
Daniel Craig, the current Bond, said Connery “defined an era and a style” and that the “wit and charm he portrayed on screen could be measured in mega watts.”
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the country was mourning “one of her best loved sons.”
Connery, was a commanding screen presence for some 40 years. He was in his early 30s — and little known — when he starred in the first Bond thriller, 1962’s “Dr. No,” based on the Ian Fleming novel.
Condemned as immoral by the Vatican and the Kremlin, but screened at the White House for Bond fan John F. Kennedy, “Dr. No” was a box office hit and launched a franchise that long outlasted its Cold War origins.
United Artists couldn’t wait to make more films about the British secret agent, with ever more elaborate stunts and gadgets, along with more exotic locales and more prominent co-stars, among them Lotte Lenya and Jill St. John.
For decades, with actors from Connery to Craig in the leading role, filmgoers have loved the outrageous stunts, vicious villains and likable, roguish hero who enjoyed a life of carousing, fast cars, gadgety weapons, elegant clothes and vodka martinis (always shaken, not stirred).
Connery continued as Bond in “From Russia With Love,” “Goldfinger,” “Thunderball,” “You Only Live Twice” and “Diamonds Are Forever,” often performing his own stunts.
“Diamonds Are Forever” came out in 1971 and by then Connery had grown weary of playing 007 and feared he wasn’t being taken seriously despite his dramatic performances in Alfred Hitchcock’s “Marnie” and Sidney Lumet’s “The Hill.”
“I’d been an actor since I was 25, but the image the press put out was that I just fell into this tuxedo and started mixing vodka martinis,” he once complained.
When he walked away at age 41, Hollywood insiders predicted Connery would soon be washed up. Who would hire a balding, middle-aged actor with a funny accent?
Connery fooled them all, playing a wide range of characters and proving equally adept at comedy, adventure or drama. And age only heightened the appeal of his dark stare and rugged brogue; he set a celebrity record of sorts when at age 59 he was named People magazine’s “Sexiest Man Alive.”
He won the affection of fans of the “Indiana Jones” franchise when he played Indy’s father opposite Harrison Ford in the third picture, 1989′s “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.” He turned in a poignant portrayal of an aging Robin Hood opposite Audrey Hepburn in “Robin and Marian” in 1976 and, 15 years later, was King Richard to Kevin Costner’s Robin Hood in “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.”
He was the lovable English con man who joined Michael Caine in swindling people in a distant land in “The Man Who Would Be King” and the bold Russian submarine commander in “The Hunt for Red October.”
Connery delivered a charming performance as a reclusive writer who mentors a teenage prodigy in 2000′s “Finding Forrester.”
He won his Oscar for supporting actor in 1987 for his portrayal of a tough Chicago cop who joins Elliot Ness’ crime-fighters in “The Untouchables.”
By then he was at peace with James Bond, and when he arrived onstage at the Oscars ceremony he declared, “The name’s Connery. Sean Connery.”
He kept his promise not to play Bond again until 1983, when he was lured back by an offbeat script about a middle-aged 007. Based on the only Fleming story that hadn’t been nailed down by the film empire Broccoli and Saltzman created, Connery took the role and helped produce the film. The result was “Never Say Never Again,” a title suggested by his wife, Micheline Roquebrune.
Even as the 007 films made him a millionaire, Connery tried often to separate his own personality from that of Bond.
“I’m obviously not Bond,” he once said. “And Bond is obviously not a human being. Fleming invented him after the war, when people were hungry for luxury, gourmet touches, exotic settings. Those were the things the English loved to read about following the privations of the war.”
The “real” Sean Connery had a troubled first marriage and a history of comments justifying domestic violence. In 1962, he married Diane Cilento, an actress best known for her role as Molly in “Tom Jones.” They had a son, Jason, who also became an actor, but the union proved tempestuous and ended in 1974.
Its impact lasted long after. Cilento would allege that he had physically abused her and Connery defended his behavior in interviews. In 1965, he told Playboy magazine that he did not find “anything particularly wrong about hitting a woman — although I don’t recommend doing it in the same way that you’d hit a man. An openhanded slap is justified — if all other alternatives fail and there has been plenty of warning.”
When Barbara Walters brought up those remarks in a 1987 interview, he said his opinion hadn’t changed because “sometimes women just won’t leave things alone.”
Connery was widely criticized, but still received numerous honors, including being chosen as commander (the same rank as Bond) of France’s Order of Arts and Literature and a Kennedy Center honoree in 1999. The following year Queen Elizabeth II proclaimed him a British knight, for services to film drama.
In 2005 he was chosen for a lifetime achievement award by the American Film Institute. Thomas Sean Connery was born Aug. 25, 1930, in Edinburgh, Scotland, the first of two sons of a long-distance truck driver and a domestic worker.
He left school at age 13 during World War II to help support his family.
“I was a milkman, laborer, steel bender, cement mixer— virtually anything,” he once said.
Weary of day labor, he joined the British navy and was medically discharged after three years. The ailment: stomach ulcers.
Back in Edinburgh, he lifted weights to build his body and compete in the Mr. Universe contest. He came in third, and briefly considered becoming a professional soccer player, but chose acting because he reasoned his career would last longer.
He got his first big break singing and dancing to “There is Nothing Like a Dame” in “South Pacific” on the London stage and in a road production before going on to act in repertory, television and B movies. He went to Hollywood for two early films, Disney’s “Darby O’Gill and the Little People” and “Tarzan’s Greatest Adventure.”
When he decided to become an actor, he was told that Thomas Sean Connery wouldn’t fit on a theater marquee so he dropped his first name.
Then came the audition that changed his life. American producers Albert “Cubby” Broccoli and Harry Saltzman had bought the film rights to a string of post-World War II spy adventure novels by Fleming. Connery was not their first choice for “Dr. No.”
The producers had looked to Cary Grant, but decided they wanted an actor who would commit to a series. The producers also realized they couldn’t afford a big-name star because United Artists had limited their film budget to $1 million a picture, so they started interviewing more obscure British performers.
Among them was the 6-foot-2 Connery. Without a screen test, Broccoli and Saltzman chose the actor, citing his “dark, cruel good looks,” a perfect match for the way Fleming described Bond. When Connery started earning big money, he established his base at a villa in Marbella on the Spanish coast.
He described it as “my sanitarium, where I recover from the madness of the film world.” It also helped him avoid the overwhelming income tax he would have paid had he remained a resident of Britain.
As his acting roles diminished when he reached his 70s, Connery spent much of his time at his tax-free home at Lynford Cay in the Bahamas. He played golf almost every morning, often with his wife. He announced in 2007 that he had retired when he turned down the chance to appear in another “Indiana Jones” movie.
“I thought long and hard about it, and if anything could have pulled me out of retirement it would have been an `Indiana Jones’ film,” he said.
“But in the end, retirement is just too damned much fun.”
Though he lived abroad for many years, Connery was a passionate supporter of Scottish independence, a donor to the Scottish National Party and had the words “Scotland Forever” tattooed on his arm.
Sturgeon, the SNP leader and Scotland’s first minister, said “Sean was a global legend but, first and foremost, he was a patriotic and proud Scot.”
“He was a lifelong advocate of an independent Scotland and those of us who share that belief owe him a great debt of gratitude,” she said.
Craig, whose latest Bond film “No Time To Die” has been delayed into next year because of the coronavirus pandemic said Connery will continue to influence actors and film-makers alike for years to come.
“Wherever he is, I hope there is a golf course,” Craig said.
Connery is survived by his wife, brother Neil and sons Jason and Stefan. His publicist, Nancy Seltzer, said there would be a private ceremony followed by a memorial service once the coronavirus pandemic has ended.
___
Former AP Entertainment Writer Bob Thomas in Los Angeles helped compile this report before his death in 2014. Hillel Italie also contributed from New York.


mercurynews--2020-10-31--Warriors coach Steve Kerr hands in his ballot at Chase Center

Warriors coach Steve Kerr , an active voice on social issues and causes , handed in his ballot on Saturday morning at Chase Center .
It was quite the scene .
The coach who has led Golden State to three NBA championships and five trips to the Finals posed for pictures with fans and handed out “ I voted ” stickers .
“ It ’ s just a good way for us as a company , as a team , an organization , to remind people we ’ re not just a basketball team , ” Kerr told the Associated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an asset to the community and we want to be able to help people , and hopefully win a bunch of games in the process and keep everybody entertained , but we ’ d like to think that we ’ re an important part of the community.
” Thrive City outside of Chase Center ( 3rd Street and Warriors Way in San Francisco ) is set up as a ballot drop-off area from Saturday through Election Day on Tuesday .
Voters can also go to the Warriors ’ facility in Oakland ( 1011 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ League ’ s Santa Cruz Warriors ’ Kaiser Permanente Arena ( 140 Front St. ) on Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Ballots can also be dropped off at those locations .
• Steve Kerr , Doc Rivers give one last anti-Trump message before Election Day

Warriors coach Steve Kerr, an active voice on social issues and causes, handed in his ballot on Saturday morning at Chase Center.
It was quite the scene.
The coach who has led Golden State to three NBA championships and five trips to the Finals posed for pictures with fans and handed out “I voted” stickers.
“It’s just a good way for us as a company, as a team, an organization, to remind people we’re not just a basketball team,” Kerr told the Associated Press. “We’re hopefully an asset to the community and we want to be able to help people, and hopefully win a bunch of games in the process and keep everybody entertained, but we’d like to think that we’re an important part of the community.”
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - OCTOBER 31: Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr enjoys the Halloween costumes worn by youngsters to the Chase Center's voting drop-off location, Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020, in San Francisco, Calif. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - OCTOBER 31: Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr drops his mail-in ballot off at the Chase Center's voting drop-off location, Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020, in San Francisco, Calif. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - OCTOBER 31: Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr drops his mail-in ballot in at the Chase Center's voting drop-off location, Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020, in San Francisco, Calif. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group)
Thrive City outside of Chase Center (3rd Street and Warriors Way in San Francisco) is set up as a ballot drop-off area from Saturday through Election Day on Tuesday.
Voters can also go to the Warriors’ facility in Oakland (1011 Broadway) and home of the G League’s Santa Cruz Warriors’ Kaiser Permanente Arena (140 Front St.) on Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Ballots can also be dropped off at those locations.


mercurynews--2020-10-31--Raiders’ Gabe Jackson fined $12,500 for unsportsmanlike conduct

Raiders guard Gabe Jackson was fined $ 12,500 for unsportsmanlike conduct after being disqualified in last week ’ s loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers , an NFL source confirmed Saturday .
It ’ s the standard amount for a first offense in a season for unsportsmanlike conduct .
Jackson was ejected with 4:18 to play in the third quarter , with the penalty coming on a play in which Derek Carr threw a 1-yard pass to Darren Waller to bring the Raiders within 24-17 in a game they eventually lost 45-20 .
After the game , referee Tony Novak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ threw a flag because “ No .
66 ( Jackson ) stepping on his opponent , right on his shoulder , while he was on the ground.
” There were no camera angles on network television that picked up Jackson ’ s foul , just a brief scrum which involved Tampa Bay ’ s Ndamukong Suh , who was not penalized or fined .
Ejection for unsportsmanlike conduct occurs when in the officials ’ judgment the foul is considered flagrant .
Before the Raiders left Friday for Cleveland and their Week 7 road @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gruden was asked if he had any clarity on why Jackson was ejected .
“ Do you have any clarity ?
” Gruden repeated .
“ I don ’ t either.
” Jackson ’ s ejection was a blow to an offensive line that had only one brief practice on Monday before being quarantined until game day following a positive COVID-19 test by right tackle Trent Brown .
Jackson was replaced by rookie fourth-round pick John Simpson .
• Five ways Raiders can beat the resurgent Browns on the road • Raiders ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ face Browns on Sunday • Special report : Two Giants owners lead Bay Area sports in campaign contributions — and they ’ re big Trump supporters • Raiders ’ Josh Jacobs shakes off embarrassment and looks to break a long one against Browns Brown was taken off the COVID-19 reserve list Friday , got in a brief practice and then participated in a walkthrough Saturday in Cleveland .
Gruden said he wanted to determine Brown ’ s level of conditioning before committing to starting him at right tackle .
If Brown can ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the likely starter unless he ’ s unable to play because of a knee injury that restricted him to being a limited participant in practice all week .
Next in line is Brandon Parker , who played 42 snaps against the Bucs when Young left with the injury .
With defensive end Arden Key out with a foot injury , the Raiders promoted Chris Smith from the practice squad .
Smith played multiple snaps against Kansas City , primarily inside as a tackle .

Raiders guard Gabe Jackson was fined $12,500 for unsportsmanlike conduct after being disqualified in last week’s loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, an NFL source confirmed Saturday.
It’s the standard amount for a first offense in a season for unsportsmanlike conduct. Jackson was ejected with 4:18 to play in the third quarter, with the penalty coming on a play in which Derek Carr threw a 1-yard pass to Darren Waller to bring the Raiders within 24-17 in a game they eventually lost 45-20.
After the game, referee Tony Novak told a pool reporter a down judge threw a flag because “No. 66 (Jackson) stepping on his opponent, right on his shoulder, while he was on the ground.”
There were no camera angles on network television that picked up Jackson’s foul, just a brief scrum which involved Tampa Bay’s Ndamukong Suh, who was not penalized or fined.
Ejection for unsportsmanlike conduct occurs when in the officials’ judgment the foul is considered flagrant. Before the Raiders left Friday for Cleveland and their Week 7 road game against the Browns, coach Jon Gruden was asked if he had any clarity on why Jackson was ejected.
“Do you have any clarity?” Gruden repeated. “I don’t either.”
Jackson’s ejection was a blow to an offensive line that had only one brief practice on Monday before being quarantined until game day following a positive COVID-19 test by right tackle Trent Brown. Jackson was replaced by rookie fourth-round pick John Simpson.
Brown was taken off the COVID-19 reserve list Friday, got in a brief practice and then participated in a walkthrough Saturday in Cleveland. Gruden said he wanted to determine Brown’s level of conditioning before committing to starting him at right tackle.
If Brown can’t go, Sam Young would be the likely starter unless he’s unable to play because of a knee injury that restricted him to being a limited participant in practice all week. Next in line is Brandon Parker, who played 42 snaps against the Bucs when Young left with the injury.
With defensive end Arden Key out with a foot injury, the Raiders promoted Chris Smith from the practice squad. Smith played multiple snaps against Kansas City, primarily inside as a tackle.


mercurynews--2020-10-31--49ers make Tevin Coleman, K’Waun Williams available at Seattle

SANTA CLARA — Tevin Coleman could become the fourth running back in eight games to start for the 49ers when they visit the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday .
Or perhaps that feat goes to undrafted rookie JaMycal Hasty .
Or maybe Jerick McKinnon makes his third start .
Regardless , Coleman became an official option Saturday when the 49ers activated him off the Injured Reserve list .
He had been out with a knee sprain since a Week 2 win over the New York Jets , the same game that befell Nick Bosa and Solomon Thomas to season-ending knee injuries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Garoppolo and Raheem Mostert left injured at halftime .
A roster spot opened with Jeff Wilson Jr. going on IR because of an ankle injury he sustained last Sunday , while scoring his third touchdown in a surprise start at New England .
Season-opening starter Raheem Mostert ( ankle ) remains on IR and is eligible to return ahead of the 49ers ’ Nov. 15 game at New Orleans , although the bye follows that game so a Nov. 29 comeback is also possible against the host Los Angeles Rams .
Nickel back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off injured reserve .
He missed three games with a knee sprain .
Jamar Taylor , his replacement , had two interceptions in last Sunday ’ s 33-6 win at New England and was the 49ers ’ in-house defensive player of the game .
With Deebo Samuel ( ankle ) and Richie James ( ankle ) out , the 49ers called up a wide receiver from the practice squad , but it ’ s not Kevin White , who was up for two games earlier this month .
Rather , River Cracraft got @ @ @ @ @ @ @ return specialist and will wear No .
86 , if active .
Safety Johnathan Cyprien also is up from the practice squad a second straight week ; Jaquiski Tartt was downgraded from doubtful to out , as was James .
Defensive back D.J .
Reed , who the Seahawks claimed off waivers from the 49ers on Aug. 5 , was activated by Seattle off the non-football injury list .
Reed ’ s hamstring injury has him officially questionable to make his Seattle debut , but he ’ ll likely be an option at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who is doubtful .
“ He ’ s ready to play , ” Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said Friday of Reed .
“ He ’ s an exciting football player .
You have great quickness and a really good savvy and understanding for the game.
” Reed was a 2018 fifth-round draft pick by the 49ers , who used him as a versatile reserve the previous two years .
Tight end Colby Parkinson , a Stanford product , also came off the NFI list and is eligible for his NFL debut .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ were cornerback Jayson Stanley and Stephen Sullivan , who ’ s listed as a defensive end/tight end .
• NFL fantasy football : How 49ers project for Sunday ’ s visit to Seahawks • 49ers at Seahawks injury report : WR Samuel out ; mystery on RB Coleman , more • Kurtenbach : The matchups the Niners must win to beat the Seahawks • 49ers at Seahawks : Five keys to winning in cadence-friendly , crowd-free Seattle

SANTA CLARA — Tevin Coleman could become the fourth running back in eight games to start for the 49ers when they visit the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday.
Or perhaps that feat goes to undrafted rookie JaMycal Hasty. Or maybe Jerick McKinnon makes his third start.
Regardless, Coleman became an official option Saturday when the 49ers activated him off the Injured Reserve list. He had been out with a knee sprain since a Week 2 win over the New York Jets, the same game that befell Nick Bosa and Solomon Thomas to season-ending knee injuries and the same one in which Jimmy Garoppolo and Raheem Mostert left injured at halftime.
A roster spot opened with Jeff Wilson Jr. going on IR because of an ankle injury he sustained last Sunday, while scoring his third touchdown in a surprise start at New England.
Season-opening starter Raheem Mostert (ankle) remains on IR and is eligible to return ahead of the 49ers’ Nov. 15 game at New Orleans, although the bye follows that game so a Nov. 29 comeback is also possible against the host Los Angeles Rams.
OTHER MOVES
Nickel back K’Waun Williams also was activated off injured reserve. He missed three games with a knee sprain. Jamar Taylor, his replacement, had two interceptions in last Sunday’s 33-6 win at New England and was the 49ers’ in-house defensive player of the game.
Defensive lineman Kentavius Street (illness) was downgraded to doubtful
With Deebo Samuel (ankle) and Richie James (ankle) out, the 49ers called up a wide receiver from the practice squad, but it’s not Kevin White, who was up for two games earlier this month. Rather, River Cracraft got the promotion as a receiver and potential return specialist and will wear No. 86, if active.
Safety Johnathan Cyprien also is up from the practice squad a second straight week; Jaquiski Tartt was downgraded from doubtful to out, as was James.
REED RESURFACES
Defensive back D.J. Reed, who the Seahawks claimed off waivers from the 49ers on Aug. 5, was activated by Seattle off the non-football injury list. Reed’s hamstring injury has him officially questionable to make his Seattle debut, but he’ll likely be an option at nickel back in place of Ugo Amadi, who is doubtful.
“He’s ready to play,” Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said Friday of Reed. “He’s an exciting football player. You have great quickness and a really good savvy and understanding for the game.”
Reed was a 2018 fifth-round draft pick by the 49ers, who used him as a versatile reserve the previous two years.
Tight end Colby Parkinson, a Stanford product, also came off the NFI list and is eligible for his NFL debut.


mercurynews--2020-10-31--Stanford study: Trump rallies linked to 30,000 COVID cases, 700 deaths

A new Stanford study concludes that Trump rallies resulted in more than 30,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 , and likely caused more than 700 deaths among attendees and their close contacts .
“ The communities in which Trump rallies took place paid a high price in terms of disease and death , ” concludes the research , conducted by economists from the university ’ s Institute for Economic Policy Research .
The new analysis , which is not peer-reviewed , studies the trajectory of the pandemic in counties that were the sites of 18 Trump campaign rallies last summer in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pittsburgh .
It compared case counts before and after rallies , as well as case counts in rally counties to counties without rallies .
Video : CNN analysis shows new rise in coronavirus cases in counties that held Trump rallies Although published in the waning days of the campaigns , it asserts that its goal was scientific .
It compared the number of confirmed cases in rally counties with matched counties where there was no rally — revealing the impact of large group gatherings on viral spread .
The events had been criticized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social distancing guidelines and mask-wearing .
Photographs show gatherings of large crowds with signs and banners .
Some rallies were indoors , such as a June 23 event at a Phoenix megachurch .
In response , the Trump campaign said it took steps to protect rally attendees , such as posting signs that urge the use of masks .
“ Americans have the right to gather under the First Amendment to hear from the president of the United States , and we take strong precautions for our campaign events , requiring every attendee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ masks they ’ re instructed to wear , and ensuring access to plenty of hand sanitizer , ” Courtney Parella , the campaign ’ s deputy national press secretary , said in a statement .
The Biden campaign seized on the study , saying it is further evidence that Trump is holding “ super-spreader ” events .
“ Donald Trump doesn ’ t even care about the very lives of his strongest supporters , ” spokesman Andrew Bates told The Washington Post .
The study was led by economics professor B. Douglas Bernheim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Department of Economics and a Senior Fellow at the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research .
Three doctoral students — Nina Buchmann , Zach Freitas-Groff and Sebastian Otero — contributed to the project .
Trump rallies have several distinguishing features that lend themselves to a study of contagion , according to the team .
For example , they are individual events that occur on identifiable days .
Also , because they take place in a specific county , their consequences can be compared with similar counties without such gatherings .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before and after the rallies .
• How Are Americans Catching the Virus ?
• 99,32 : US coronavirus cases break global daily record , and experts warn it will only get worse The team concluded that the rallies increased the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 by more than 250 per 100,000 residents in those counties .

A new Stanford study concludes that Trump rallies resulted in more than 30,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19, and likely caused more than 700 deaths among attendees and their close contacts.
“The communities in which Trump rallies took place paid a high price in terms of disease and death,” concludes the research, conducted by economists from the university’s Institute for Economic Policy Research.
The new analysis, which is not peer-reviewed, studies the trajectory of the pandemic in counties that were the sites of 18 Trump campaign rallies last summer in cities such as Phoenix, Tulsa and Pittsburgh. It compared case counts before and after rallies, as well as case counts in rally counties to counties without rallies.
[vemba-video id=”health/2020/10/29/coronavirus-cases-linked-to-trump-rallies-gupta-pkg-vpx.cnn”]
Video: CNN analysis shows new rise in coronavirus cases in counties that held Trump rallies
Although published in the waning days of the campaigns, it asserts that its goal was scientific. It compared the number of confirmed cases in rally counties with matched counties where there was no rally — revealing the impact of large group gatherings on viral spread.
The events had been criticized by public health officials for not enforcing social distancing guidelines and mask-wearing. Photographs show gatherings of large crowds with signs and banners. Some rallies were indoors, such as a June 23 event at a Phoenix megachurch.
In response, the Trump campaign said it took steps to protect rally attendees, such as posting signs that urge the use of masks.
“Americans have the right to gather under the First Amendment to hear from the president of the United States, and we take strong precautions for our campaign events, requiring every attendee to have their temperature checked, providing masks they’re instructed to wear, and ensuring access to plenty of hand sanitizer,” Courtney Parella, the campaign’s deputy national press secretary, said in a statement.
The Biden campaign seized on the study, saying it is further evidence that Trump is holding “super-spreader” events.
“Donald Trump doesn’t even care about the very lives of his strongest supporters,” spokesman Andrew Bates told The Washington Post.
The study was led by economics professor B. Douglas Bernheim, who is also chair of Stanford’s Department of Economics and a Senior Fellow at the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research. Three doctoral students — Nina Buchmann, Zach Freitas-Groff and Sebastian Otero — contributed to the project.
Trump rallies have several distinguishing features that lend themselves to a study of contagion, according to the team.
For example, they are individual events that occur on identifiable days. Also, because they take place in a specific county, their consequences can be compared with similar counties without such gatherings. It is also possible to compare COVID-19 prevalence before and after the rallies. Related Articles Health | San Jose office building wobbles into default — again
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The team concluded that the rallies increased the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 by more than 250 per 100,000 residents in those counties.


mercurynews--2020-10-31--Bishop Rance Allen, revered gospel music legend, dies at 71

Bishop Rance Allen , an acclaimed singer and highly influential figure in the modern gospel music genre , died on Oct. 31 .
“ While recovering from a medical procedure at Heartland ProMedica ( in Sylvania , Ohio ) , Bishop Rance Allen passed away around 3 a.m. this morning , ” said Allen ’ s wife , Ellen Allen , and his manager , Toby Jackson , in a joint statement released on Oct. 31 .
The vocalist-guitarist-pianist will be widely remembered for leading the Grammy-nominated gospel-soul outfit the Rance Allen Group , which he formed in the late @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , respectively , on drums and bass .
Within a few years of getting its start , the group inked a deal with the legendary Stax Records label and delivered a number of popular albums during the next decade .
“ In the 1970s , they pioneered a fusion of R & B rhythms with spiritually charged message music on hits such as ‘ Ain ’ t No Need of Crying , ’ ‘ I Belong to You ’ and their cover of The Temptation ’ s ‘ Just My Imagination ’ as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to the statement .
“ The retro-soul vibe carried over into the group ’ s hits of the last two decades such as ‘ You That I Trust , ’ ‘ Miracle Worker ’ and ‘ Something About the Name Jesus , ’ which has clocked over 175 million streams.
” The group ’ s calling card was its modern mix of gospel , soul , rock and pop music , characterized by its frontman ’ s unique delivery .
“ Allen ’ s signature grunts and squalls have inspired a generation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Fred Hammond to John P. Kee and Bryan Andrew Wilson , ” according to the statement .
The musical gained the Rance Allen Group many notable fans in popular music , such as former “ American Idol ” judge Randy Jackson , Bay Area pop-rock great Huey Lewis and Tyscot Records president Bryant Scott .
“ I wasn ’ t expecting to hear this news this morning , ” said Scott , who was reportedly nearly speechless upon hearing of the singer ’ s death .
“ This is a great loss @ @ @ @ @ @ @ church community at large.
” Allen was born Nov. 19 , 1948 , in Monroe , Michigan , one of 12 children in his family , and began singing and preaching as Little Rance Allen at the age of five .
“ We were raised in a family where you went to church every single night , ” he is quoted as saying .
“ To keep our interest , my grandmother Emma Pearl went to a pawn shop and brought instruments , drums , guitars and amplifiers.
” The first song recorded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Let ’ s Get Together and Love , ” an appropriately psychedelic song reflecting the popular music styles for the times , ” according to the news release .
Stax president Al Bell was so impressed with the group that he started a gospel imprint — dubbed the Gospel Truth — just to promote Rance Allen and his brothers .
That led directly to the group sharing concert bills with such star acts as Barry White and the Dramatics , helping to spread their message to fans outside of the gospel music realm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ perform throughout the decades , even producing the best-selling album of their career — “ The Live Experience ” — in 2004 .
That ’ s the album that featured the hit “ Something About the Name Jesus , ” which featured gospel star Kirk Franklin .
In 2018 , hip-hop hero Snoop Dogg featured Allen on his Top 10 gospel hit , “ Blessing Me Again , ” which won a BET Award for Best Gospel/Inspirational Song in 2019 .
“ At the time of his death , there were plans in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new gospel album with contributions from PJ Morton , Charlie Wilson and Kirk Franklin before the COVID19 pandemic put the project on hold , ” according to the statement .
“ The Rance Allen Group ’ s most recent studio recording , ‘ I ’ m So Glad It ’ s Christmas ( Tyscot ) , ’ was released on all-digital music platforms on Oct. 30 , 2020.
” Allen also focused heavily on evangelism , having founded the New Bethel Church of God COGIC ( Church of God in Christ ) in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bishop in the COGIC in 2011 .
Allen is survived by wife Ellen , brothers , Steve and Tom , and other family members .

Bishop Rance Allen, an acclaimed singer and highly influential figure in the modern gospel music genre, died on Oct. 31.
He was 71.
“While recovering from a medical procedure at Heartland ProMedica (in Sylvania, Ohio), Bishop Rance Allen passed away around 3 a.m. this morning,” said Allen’s wife, Ellen Allen, and his manager, Toby Jackson, in a joint statement released on Oct. 31.
The vocalist-guitarist-pianist will be widely remembered for leading the Grammy-nominated gospel-soul outfit the Rance Allen Group, which he formed in the late 1960s with his brothers Tom and Steve, respectively, on drums and bass. Within a few years of getting its start, the group inked a deal with the legendary Stax Records label and delivered a number of popular albums during the next decade.
“In the 1970s, they pioneered a fusion of R&B rhythms with spiritually charged message music on hits such as ‘Ain’t No Need of Crying,’ ‘I Belong to You’ and their cover of The Temptation’s ‘Just My Imagination’ as ‘Just My Salvation,'” according to the statement. “The retro-soul vibe carried over into the group’s hits of the last two decades such as ‘You That I Trust,’ ‘Miracle Worker’ and ‘Something About the Name Jesus,’ which has clocked over 175 million streams.”
The group’s calling card was its modern mix of gospel, soul, rock and pop music, characterized by its frontman’s unique delivery.
“Allen’s signature grunts and squalls have inspired a generation of gospel artists ranging from Kirk Franklin and Fred Hammond to John P. Kee and Bryan Andrew Wilson,” according to the statement.
The musical gained the Rance Allen Group many notable fans in popular music, such as former “American Idol” judge Randy Jackson, Bay Area pop-rock great Huey Lewis and Tyscot Records president Bryant Scott.
“I wasn’t expecting to hear this news this morning,” said Scott, who was reportedly nearly speechless upon hearing of the singer’s death. “This is a great loss to us personally but also to the church community at large.”
Allen was born Nov. 19, 1948, in Monroe, Michigan, one of 12 children in his family, and began singing and preaching as Little Rance Allen at the age of five.
“We were raised in a family where you went to church every single night,” he is quoted as saying. “To keep our interest, my grandmother Emma Pearl went to a pawn shop and brought instruments, drums, guitars and amplifiers.”
The first song recorded by the Rance Allen Group was “Let’s Get Together and Love,” an appropriately psychedelic song reflecting the popular music styles for the times,” according to the news release.
Stax president Al Bell was so impressed with the group that he started a gospel imprint — dubbed the Gospel Truth — just to promote Rance Allen and his brothers. That led directly to the group sharing concert bills with such star acts as Barry White and the Dramatics, helping to spread their message to fans outside of the gospel music realm.
Allen and his group continued to perform throughout the decades, even producing the best-selling album of their career — “The Live Experience” — in 2004. That’s the album that featured the hit “Something About the Name Jesus,” which featured gospel star Kirk Franklin. In 2018, hip-hop hero Snoop Dogg featured Allen on his Top 10 gospel hit, “Blessing Me Again,” which won a BET Award for Best Gospel/Inspirational Song in 2019.
“At the time of his death, there were plans in the works for Allen to record a new gospel album with contributions from PJ Morton, Charlie Wilson and Kirk Franklin before the COVID19 pandemic put the project on hold,” according to the statement. “The Rance Allen Group’s most recent studio recording, ‘I’m So Glad It’s Christmas (Tyscot),’ was released on all-digital music platforms on Oct. 30, 2020.”
Allen also focused heavily on evangelism, having founded the New Bethel Church of God COGIC (Church of God in Christ) in July 1985. He was elevated to bishop in the COGIC in 2011.
Allen is survived by wife Ellen, brothers, Steve and Tom, and other family members.