mercurynews--2020-11-26--A Thanksgiving like no other: How the Bay Area celebrated amid the coronavirus pandemic

Click here if you are having trouble viewing the gallery on your mobile device An American holiday beloved for its big family get-togethers arrived Thursday amid the coronavirus pandemic ’ s worst surge yet , forcing Californians to recast their plans as health officials warned against indoor gatherings they fear will spread the virus further .
Around the Bay Area , extravagant meals were downsized to casual park hangouts .
Turkey trots that normally draw thousands of runners turned into family-only jogs .
Meal giveaways became socially-distanced affairs .
But as different as the holiday looked this season , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many — especially during a grueling year marked by a global pandemic and political unrest .
Stephanie Fustar , 43 , of San Carlos , took her family to Cuesta Park in Mountain View to meet up with her in-laws for a picnic Thursday afternoon .
The six adults chatted with their masks on , a smorgasbord of appetizers and desserts spread across a foldable table , while Fustar ’ s two young children played nearby .
“ I know there ’ s a lot people staying home and not doing anything , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at least see our family in person , ” Fustar said .
“ We felt like this was a really safe way to still be able to spend time with them and make it a meaningful holiday — even without the usual splendor.
” California ’ s average daily coronavirus case count and death toll have more than doubled since just two weeks ago .
The seven-day infection rate reached an all-time high once again as of Wednesday , with 13,621 new cases per day , while more than 500 Californians died from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of about 73 per day .
Hospitalizations are likewise climbing , with more COVID-19 patients statewide than at any point since Aug. 6 , according to the California Department of Public Health .
That upswing convinced many that gathering indoors isn ’ t worth the risk .
San Francisco resident Martha Shaughnessy , 41 , usually spends the holiday with more than a dozen relatives scattered across the region , but this year , she ordered a Thanksgiving meal from a restaurant down the street and holed up with just her immediate family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ liver transplant on Thanksgiving Day 20 years ago , so thinking of all the health-care workers working tirelessly during the pandemic made the family ’ s decision not to gather easier , she said .
Instead , she FaceTimed with her extended family and planned a virtual board game night on the app Discord .
“ We ’ re all ready to take this one on the chin , because things have changed so drastically in the last couple of weeks , ” Shaughnessy said .
As the holiday drew closer , public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reached a fever pitch .
On Wednesday , a group South Bay officials urged folks one last time to cancel their Thanksgiving plans — including all travel — in light of increasing case counts that have disproportionately affected the Latinx community .
“ Even if you know somebody well , they could be COVID-positive , ” said Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors President Cindy Chavez .
“ You could be COVID-positive and cause illness or death to a family member .
We ’ re asking people here to be safe.
” That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from jetting to and from the region this week .
Although travel is expected to be down by about 13 % statewide compared to prior Thanksgivings , Mineta San José International Airport expects more than 100,000 travelers between Nov. 20 and 30 .
San Francisco International has seen about one-quarter of the nearly 500,000 travelers it typically counts this time of year .
Art Panos , a graduate student at Stanford University , stayed on campus to do research rather than travel down to Los Angeles , trading family time for lab work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It would be nice to be with family , but it is what it is , and it ’ s better to be safe , ” Panos said .
“ Plus , I guess the fact that I ’ m being productive is sort of a good opportunity cost.
” Meanwhile , organizations serving homeless folks and others in need geared up for their own work — with a twist .
In Oakland , city council members , firefighters and volunteers handed out 500 Thanksgiving meals and personal protective equipment at a drive-thru @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on MacArthur Boulevard , with another 500 kits to be distributed to unhoused people and seniors .
Oakland chef Jose Ortiz , 61 , who owns La Perla Puerto Rican Cuisine in the Dimond district , spent about 12 hours each day for the past week with seven other family members cooking the to-go meals of turkey , mashed potatoes and gravy — complete with Puerto Rican spices , he said with a laugh .
“ It ’ s a great feeling .
I ’ m very thankful to be able to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some good meals , ” Ortiz said .
“ When you cook , you cook with love.
” Others found their own ways to give back .
In Cupertino , Mark Fischer-Colbrie met two of his adult children at a track to race them in the “ virtual ” Applied Materials Silicon Valley Turkey Trot — a years-long family tradition that Thanksgiving would not be the same without .
• 49ers injury report : Coronavirus precautions keep Jordan Reed , two linebackers out of practice • Outbreak : Hospitalizations hit another record in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ floods the streets of downtown San Jose with more than 20,000 people Thanksgiving morning , offered a virtual entry this year to more than 10,000 — and sold out a week before the holiday .
Fischer-Colbrie , who has taken part in the race for the past 10 years , said he never hesitated signing up for the virtual version , which will fund five local nonprofits through the Silicon Valley Leadership Group Foundation .
“ Although obviously the event is different this year , it ’ s really about the fundamental concept @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Fischer-Colbrie said .
And yet it ’ s hard not to yearn for some return to normalcy .
Shaughnessy of San Francisco hopes that her family can hold out for a gift-giving event next month for Christmas , potentially for a beach day or patio hangout .
“ Getting together is a big deal for us all on Christmas , so I ’ m putting all my planning power into that , ” Shaughnessy said .
“ But if we have to skip out on it next month and figure out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we will .
”

Click here if you are having trouble viewing the gallery on your mobile device
An American holiday beloved for its big family get-togethers arrived Thursday amid the coronavirus pandemic’s worst surge yet, forcing Californians to recast their plans as health officials warned against indoor gatherings they fear will spread the virus further.
Around the Bay Area, extravagant meals were downsized to casual park hangouts. Turkey trots that normally draw thousands of runners turned into family-only jogs. Meal giveaways became socially-distanced affairs. But as different as the holiday looked this season, it still brought a sense of reflection for many — especially during a grueling year marked by a global pandemic and political unrest.
CUPERTINO, CA - NOVEMBER 26: In deference to this year's pandemic, longtime Turkey Trot veteran Mark Fischer-Colbrie runs this year's 5K race with only his sons Matt (center) and Tyler on the Kennedy Middle School track, Thursday, Nov. 26, 2020, in Cupertino, Calif. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group)
OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 26: Oakland resident Priscila Martin, right, puts a mask on her daughter Neidi Martin, 3, after she got it from a COVID-19 safety kit during a Thanksgiving meal and mask distribution at a Laurel district parking lot in Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, Nov. 26, 2020. The event was hosted by Oakland councilmember Sheng Thao and the Oakland Mutual Aid Collective which distributed 1000 free meals, 500 were delivered to seniors and unhoused people, said Thao. The other 500 were distributed to people during the drive-thru and walk-ins. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)
OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 26: Oakland councilmember Sheng Thao shows one of the COVID-19 safety kits provided to people during a Thanksgiving meal and mask distribution at a Laurel district parking lot in Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, Nov. 26, 2020. The event was hosted by Thao and the Oakland Mutual Aid Collective which distributed 1000 free meals, 500 were delivered to seniors and unhoused people, said Thao. The other 500 were distributed to people during the drive-thru and walk-ins. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)
OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 26: Due to COVID-19 pandemic the annual Oakland Turkey Trot was canceled but it did not stop joggers from running on Thanksgiving Day around Lake Merritt in Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, Nov. 26, 2020. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)
OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 26: Due to COVID-19 pandemic the annual Oakland Turkey Trot was canceled but it did not stop joggers from running on Thanksgiving Day around Lake Merritt in Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, Nov. 26, 2020. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)
OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 26: Former Oakland Mayor Jean Quan, center, takes photos as Oakland councilmember, District 5, Noel Gallo hands out Thanksgiving meals and COVID-19 safety kits during a Thanksgiving meal and mask distribution at a Laurel district parking lot in Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, Nov. 26, 2020. The event was hosted by Oakland councilmember Sheng Thao and the Oakland Mutual Aid Collective which distributed 1000 free meals, 500 were delivered to seniors and unhoused people, said Thao. The other 500 were distributed to people during the drive-thru and walk-ins. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)
OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 26: Oakland resident Ying Lau carries a box of vegetables, Thanksgiving meals and COVID-19 safety kits after picked them up during a Thanksgiving meal and mask distribution at a Laurel district parking lot in Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, Nov. 26, 2020. The event was hosted by Oakland councilmember Sheng Thao and the Oakland Mutual Aid Collective which distributed 1000 free meals, 500 were delivered to seniors and unhoused people, said Thao. The other 500 were distributed to people during the drive-thru and walk-ins. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)
CUPERTINO, CA - NOVEMBER 26: In deference to this year's pandemic, longtime Turkey Trot veteran Mark Fischer-Colbrie runs this year's 5K race with only his sons Matt (center) and Tyler on the Kennedy Middle School track, Thursday, Nov. 26, 2020, in Cupertino, Calif. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group)
OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 26: Due to COVID-19 pandemic the annual Oakland Turkey Trot was canceled but it did not stop joggers from running on Thanksgiving Day around Lake Merritt in Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, Nov. 26, 2020. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)
OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 26: Oakland councilmember Sheng Thao hands out Thanksgiving meals and COVID-19 safety kits to people during a Thanksgiving meal and mask distribution at a Laurel district parking lot in Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, Nov. 26, 2020. The event was hosted by Thao and the Oakland Mutual Aid Collective which distributed 1000 free meals, 500 were delivered to seniors and unhoused people, said Thao. The other 500 were distributed to people during the drive-thru and walk-ins. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)
OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 26: Due to COVID-19 pandemic the annual Oakland Turkey Trot was canceled but it did not stop joggers from running on Thanksgiving Day around Lake Merritt in Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, Nov. 26, 2020. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)
OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 26: Oakland residents Alejandro Lopez, 8, fourth from left, gets COVID-19 safety kits as his mother Lilia Lopez, center, carries a box of vegetables and Thanksgiving meals while Priscila Maryin, right, and her daughter Neidi Martin, 3, wait for their turn during a Thanksgiving meal and mask distribution at a Laurel district parking lot in Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, Nov. 26, 2020. The event was hosted by Oakland councilmember Sheng Thao and the Oakland Mutual Aid Collective which distributed 1000 free meals, 500 were delivered to seniors and unhoused people, said Thao. The other 500 were distributed to people during the drive-thru and walk-ins. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)
OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 26: La Perla Puerto Rican Cuisine chef Jose Ortiz, left, and Oakland councilmember, District 5, Noel Gallo hand out Thanksgiving meals and COVID-19 safety kits to Oakland resident Jose Zavala during a Thanksgiving meal and mask distribution at a Laurel district parking lot in Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, Nov. 26, 2020. The event was hosted by Oakland councilmember Sheng Thao and the Oakland Mutual Aid Collective which distributed 1000 free meals, 500 were delivered to seniors and unhoused people, said Thao. The other 500 were distributed to people during the drive-thru and walk-ins. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)
OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 26: Due to COVID-19 pandemic the annual Oakland Turkey Trot was canceled but it did not stop joggers from running on Thanksgiving Day around Lake Merritt in Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, Nov. 26, 2020. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)
OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 26: Oakland councilmember, District 5, Noel Gallo hands out Thanksgiving meals and COVID-19 safety kits during a Thanksgiving meal and mask distribution at a Laurel district parking lot in Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, Nov. 26, 2020. The event was hosted by Oakland councilmember Sheng Thao and the Oakland Mutual Aid Collective which distributed 1000 free meals, 500 were delivered to seniors and unhoused people, said Thao. The other 500 were distributed to people during the drive-thru and walk-ins. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)
CUPERTINO, CA - NOVEMBER 26: In deference to this year's pandemic, longtime Turkey Trot veteran Mark Fischer-Colbrie runs this year's 5K race with only his sons Matt (center) and Tyler on the Kennedy Middle School track, Thursday, Nov. 26, 2020, in Cupertino, Calif. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group)
OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 26: Due to COVID-19 pandemic the annual Oakland Turkey Trot was canceled but it did not stop people from running or walking on Thanksgiving Day around Lake Merritt in Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, Nov. 26, 2020. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)
Stephanie Fustar, 43, of San Carlos, took her family to Cuesta Park in Mountain View to meet up with her in-laws for a picnic Thursday afternoon. The six adults chatted with their masks on, a smorgasbord of appetizers and desserts spread across a foldable table, while Fustar’s two young children played nearby.
“I know there’s a lot people staying home and not doing anything, so I feel fortunate that we can at least see our family in person,” Fustar said. “We felt like this was a really safe way to still be able to spend time with them and make it a meaningful holiday — even without the usual splendor.”
California’s average daily coronavirus case count and death toll have more than doubled since just two weeks ago. The seven-day infection rate reached an all-time high once again as of Wednesday, with 13,621 new cases per day, while more than 500 Californians died from COVID-19 just this week — an average of about 73 per day. Hospitalizations are likewise climbing, with more COVID-19 patients statewide than at any point since Aug. 6, according to the California Department of Public Health.
That upswing convinced many that gathering indoors isn’t worth the risk. San Francisco resident Martha Shaughnessy, 41, usually spends the holiday with more than a dozen relatives scattered across the region, but this year, she ordered a Thanksgiving meal from a restaurant down the street and holed up with just her immediate family.
Shaughnessy’s sister received a liver transplant on Thanksgiving Day 20 years ago, so thinking of all the health-care workers working tirelessly during the pandemic made the family’s decision not to gather easier, she said. Instead, she FaceTimed with her extended family and planned a virtual board game night on the app Discord.
“We’re all ready to take this one on the chin, because things have changed so drastically in the last couple of weeks,” Shaughnessy said.
As the holiday drew closer, public health officials’ warnings against traditional meals reached a fever pitch. On Wednesday, a group South Bay officials urged folks one last time to cancel their Thanksgiving plans — including all travel — in light of increasing case counts that have disproportionately affected the Latinx community.
“Even if you know somebody well, they could be COVID-positive,” said Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors President Cindy Chavez. “You could be COVID-positive and cause illness or death to a family member. We’re asking people here to be safe.”
That didn’t stop thousands of people from jetting to and from the region this week. Although travel is expected to be down by about 13% statewide compared to prior Thanksgivings, Mineta San José International Airport expects more than 100,000 travelers between Nov. 20 and 30. San Francisco International has seen about one-quarter of the nearly 500,000 travelers it typically counts this time of year.
Art Panos, a graduate student at Stanford University, stayed on campus to do research rather than travel down to Los Angeles, trading family time for lab work, sandwiches and FaceTime calls.
“It would be nice to be with family, but it is what it is, and it’s better to be safe,” Panos said. “Plus, I guess the fact that I’m being productive is sort of a good opportunity cost.”
Meanwhile, organizations serving homeless folks and others in need geared up for their own work — with a twist. In Oakland, city council members, firefighters and volunteers handed out 500 Thanksgiving meals and personal protective equipment at a drive-thru event at the Planet Fitness parking lot on MacArthur Boulevard, with another 500 kits to be distributed to unhoused people and seniors.
Oakland chef Jose Ortiz, 61, who owns La Perla Puerto Rican Cuisine in the Dimond district, spent about 12 hours each day for the past week with seven other family members cooking the to-go meals of turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy — complete with Puerto Rican spices, he said with a laugh.
“It’s a great feeling. I’m very thankful to be able to be here with the community and provide them some good meals,” Ortiz said. “When you cook, you cook with love.”
Others found their own ways to give back. In Cupertino, Mark Fischer-Colbrie met two of his adult children at a track to race them in the “virtual” Applied Materials Silicon Valley Turkey Trot — a years-long family tradition that Thanksgiving would not be the same without.
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Long Covid cases in US adults are on the decline, but many continue to struggle with symptoms Health | COVID Q&A: Can I use an expired test? Time to get boosted? How to cope with California’s sneaky summer surge The race, which typically floods the streets of downtown San Jose with more than 20,000 people Thanksgiving morning, offered a virtual entry this year to more than 10,000 — and sold out a week before the holiday. Fischer-Colbrie, who has taken part in the race for the past 10 years, said he never hesitated signing up for the virtual version, which will fund five local nonprofits through the Silicon Valley Leadership Group Foundation.
“Although obviously the event is different this year, it’s really about the fundamental concept of supporting the community and good causes,” Fischer-Colbrie said.
And yet it’s hard not to yearn for some return to normalcy. Shaughnessy of San Francisco hopes that her family can hold out for a gift-giving event next month for Christmas, potentially for a beach day or patio hangout.
“Getting together is a big deal for us all on Christmas, so I’m putting all my planning power into that,” Shaughnessy said. “But if we have to skip out on it next month and figure out how to do Christmas in April, we will.”


mercurynews--2020-11-26--Raiders, Abram focus post-Chiefs anger on Falcons

While much of the fan base still hasn ’ t gotten over the sight of Travis Kelce being wide open in the end zone with 28 seconds to play , safety Johnathan Abram has let it go .
The Chiefs won .
The Raiders lost .
No use in anyone hanging their heads in shame , but there was a fair amount of anger about letting a potential sweep of the Super Bowl champions get away .
Ideally , the Raiders ( 6-4 ) use those emotions to their advantage Sunday when they visit the Atlanta Falcons ( 3-7 ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s pissed off , ” Abram said Thursday in a teleconference .
“ It was a division game , it ’ s the Kansas City Chiefs .
It ’ s one we all wanted , one we can ’ t get back .
We look just look forward , we just have to go out this week and every week , make sure we do our part .
“ That way we get a chance to face those guys again .
That ’ s all we can hope for.
” While there ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Raiders have noticed that they ’ re currently the No .
7 seed in the AFC , which would mean a wild-card opener against the No .
2 seed .
The Chiefs ( 9-1 ) are currently seeded No .
2 behind Pittsburgh ( 10-0 ) .
Abram and several other defensive players missed practice all week on the COVID-19 reserve list for contract tracing after being in close contact with defensive end Clelin Ferrell .
“ It was pretty difficult , a lot going on with the COVID protocols , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s nothing that we haven ’ t seen .
I ’ ve been on the contact list three times .
I ’ m no stranger to it myself .
But we persevered through it .
We felt we had a really great game plan .
We just didn ’ t execute everything the way it needed to be done.
” Coach Jon Gruden declined to throw anyone under the bus in terms of the blown coverage that allowed Kelce to be wide open after Mahomes broke outside of the pocket .
“ The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was throughout the game and he was able to escape the pocket , ” defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins said .
“ And then a mistake on the back end .
Made us pay .
He ’ s a great quarterback .
He makes plays like that.
” The closest defender on the back end was Damon Arnette , who put his hands to his helmet .
Abram ’ s own responsibilities on the play have not been detailed .
He said corrections have been made but that the Raiders didn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the loss .
Early in the fourth quarter , the Chiefs somehow neglected to cover Darren Waller and he caught a 3-yard touchdown pass all by his lonesome as the Raiders took a 24-21 lead .
But the Kelce play , coming as it did on the final touchdown , is the one everyone will remember .
“ We didn ’ t talk about it no more than any other play .
It was just a correction , we came in on Monday , we fixed it , ” Abram said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is you can do your job the entire game and the one play you don ’ t do your job , it shows up .
It just so happened to show up at a critical moment in the game.
” Defensive coordinator Paul Guenther said he ’ s been encouraged by the week of practice .
“ Guys have been great .
I ’ m proud of our guys , ” Guenther said .
“ last week was a challenging week with the guys missing and all that stuff .
I tell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take lessons whether you win or lose .
Especially when you lose .
.
.
the guys are in good spirits , ready to go .
I ’ d say they ’ re more pissed than anything.
” Gruden and Guenther , as well as Abram ’ s teammates , have cited the second-year safety as a source of fire and energy .
His outward emotion occasionally spins out of control .
Abram said he ’ s not putting on a show .
It ’ s just the way he is .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any of that , ” Abram said .
“ I just think about going out there and doing my job and playing the game the way it ’ s meant to be played .
It shows with the passion .
It just kind of pours out .
We ’ ve got a lot of guys on this team who put in a lot of great effort and energy .
I think we all feed off each other.
” Ferrell came off the COVID-19 reserve list and was present at the facility , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the house as well , but he did not practice either and he remains on the COVID-19 reserve list along with Lamarcus Joyner and practice squad running back Theo Riddick .
Gruden sounded skeptical Wednesday about the possibility of Ferrell facing Atlanta .
“ I don ’ t know how he ’ s going to play , honestly .
We ’ re going to do the right thing to ramp him up and make sure he ’ s OK , ” Gruden said .
Here ’ s how offensive coordinator Greg Olson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the quarterback the Raiders are paying $ 7.5 million per year to ostensibly be Derek Carr ’ s backup .
Instead , Mariota was injured and has been unable to pass Nathan Peterman on the depth chart .
• Falcons ’ Raheem Morris indebted to Raiders ’ Jon Gruden for getting his start in coaching • Raiders ’ Derek Carr keeping defenses and viewers guessing with ‘ Purple Walrus ’ and other audibles • NFL Week 12 picks : Cowboys , Steelers win at home ; 49ers fall at Rams ; Raiders rebound @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at practice for us , other than the show team against Paul ’ s defense , so we split reps between him and Nathan Paterman , and that ’ s what he ’ s been getting , ” Olson said .
“ We had a little extra 7-on-7 today , specifically for Marcus and some young players both in the defensive secondary and young wide receivers .
He ’ s getting stronger .
He ’ s more balanced , and he ’ s improving .
He ’ s getting better.
” — Arnette @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day after sitting it out because of an illness .
Amik Robertson , who is also ill , missed his second straight day .
— Safety Erik Harris missed practice with a calf injury .
He was limited on Wednesday .

While much of the fan base still hasn’t gotten over the sight of Travis Kelce being wide open in the end zone with 28 seconds to play, safety Johnathan Abram has let it go.
The Chiefs won. The Raiders lost. No use in anyone hanging their heads in shame, but there was a fair amount of anger about letting a potential sweep of the Super Bowl champions get away.
Ideally, the Raiders (6-4) use those emotions to their advantage Sunday when they visit the Atlanta Falcons (3-7).
“Of course, everybody’s pissed off,” Abram said Thursday in a teleconference. “It was a division game, it’s the Kansas City Chiefs. It’s one we all wanted, one we can’t get back. We look just look forward, we just have to go out this week and every week, make sure we do our part.
“That way we get a chance to face those guys again. That’s all we can hope for.”
While there’s six games to play, surely the Raiders have noticed that they’re currently the No. 7 seed in the AFC, which would mean a wild-card opener against the No. 2 seed. The Chiefs (9-1) are currently seeded No. 2 behind Pittsburgh (10-0).
Abram and several other defensive players missed practice all week on the COVID-19 reserve list for contract tracing after being in close contact with defensive end Clelin Ferrell.
“It was pretty difficult, a lot going on with the COVID protocols,” Abram said. “But it’s nothing that we haven’t seen. I’ve been on the contact list three times. I’m no stranger to it myself. But we persevered through it. We felt we had a really great game plan. We just didn’t execute everything the way it needed to be done.”
Coach Jon Gruden declined to throw anyone under the bus in terms of the blown coverage that allowed Kelce to be wide open after Mahomes broke outside of the pocket.
“The rush wasn’t as good as it was throughout the game and he was able to escape the pocket,” defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins said. “And then a mistake on the back end. Made us pay. He’s a great quarterback. He makes plays like that.”
The closest defender on the back end was Damon Arnette, who put his hands to his helmet. Abram’s own responsibilities on the play have not been detailed. He said corrections have been made but that the Raiders didn’t spend time obsessing over it the mistake and the loss.
Early in the fourth quarter, the Chiefs somehow neglected to cover Darren Waller and he caught a 3-yard touchdown pass all by his lonesome as the Raiders took a 24-21 lead. But the Kelce play, coming as it did on the final touchdown, is the one everyone will remember.
“We didn’t talk about it no more than any other play. It was just a correction, we came in on Monday, we fixed it,” Abram said. “The one thing I learned from it is you can do your job the entire game and the one play you don’t do your job, it shows up. It just so happened to show up at a critical moment in the game.”
Defensive coordinator Paul Guenther said he’s been encouraged by the week of practice.
“Guys have been great. I’m proud of our guys,” Guenther said. “last week was a challenging week with the guys missing and all that stuff. I tell them, you’ve got to take lessons whether you win or lose. Especially when you lose . . . the guys are in good spirits, ready to go. I’d say they’re more pissed than anything.”
Gruden and Guenther, as well as Abram’s teammates, have cited the second-year safety as a source of fire and energy. His outward emotion occasionally spins out of control. Abram said he’s not putting on a show. It’s just the way he is.
“I don’t really think about any of that,” Abram said. “I just think about going out there and doing my job and playing the game the way it’s meant to be played. It shows with the passion. It just kind of pours out. We’ve got a lot of guys on this team who put in a lot of great effort and energy. I think we all feed off each other.”
Ferrell returns, Brown gets closer
Ferrell came off the COVID-19 reserve list and was present at the facility, but did not practice. Trent Brown was in the house as well, but he did not practice either and he remains on the COVID-19 reserve list along with Lamarcus Joyner and practice squad running back Theo Riddick.
Gruden sounded skeptical Wednesday about the possibility of Ferrell facing Atlanta.
“I don’t know how he’s going to play, honestly. We’re going to do the right thing to ramp him up and make sure he’s OK,” Gruden said.
Olson: Mariota is improving
Here’s how offensive coordinator Greg Olson addressed the progress of Marcus Mariota, the quarterback the Raiders are paying $7.5 million per year to ostensibly be Derek Carr’s backup. Instead, Mariota was injured and has been unable to pass Nathan Peterman on the depth chart.
“Derek takes every rep at practice for us, other than the show team against Paul’s defense, so we split reps between him and Nathan Paterman, and that’s what he’s been getting,” Olson said. “We had a little extra 7-on-7 today, specifically for Marcus and some young players both in the defensive secondary and young wide receivers. He’s getting stronger. He’s more balanced, and he’s improving. He’s getting better.”
ETCETERA
— Arnette was a full participant in practice a day after sitting it out because of an illness. Amik Robertson, who is also ill, missed his second straight day.
— Safety Erik Harris missed practice with a calf injury. He was limited on Wednesday.


mercurynews--2020-11-26--Gov. Cuomo calls SCOTUS ruling on gatherings ‘irrelevant’

WASHINGTON – New York Governor Andrew Cuomo on Thursday dismissed as “ irrelevant ” a U.S. Supreme Court decision blocking coronavirus restrictions imposed on religious gatherings , saying it related to specific areas that were no longer considered at high risk .
The court , which has a 6-3 conservative majority , voted 5-4 late on Wednesday in favor of requests by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn and two Orthodox Jewish congregations for an injunction to block the restrictions from being enforced .
The order marked one of the first consequential actions on the court involving President Donald Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Amy Coney Barrett , who cast a deciding vote in favor of the religious groups .
Conservative Chief Justice John Roberts dissented along with the court ’ s three liberals .
“ HAPPY THANKSGIVING !
” Trump tweeted on Thursday in response to the decision .
The case stemmed from an Oct. 6 decision by Cuomo , a Democrat , to shut down non-essential businesses in targeted areas where infections have spiked , including some neighborhoods in Brooklyn .
New York has categorized areas where coronavirus infections are increasing in severity as yellow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s restrictions , houses of worship in red zones could remain open at 25 % capacity up to a maximum of 10 people .
In a call with reporters on Thursday , Cuomo said the high court ’ s ruling would have no impact on the state ’ s virus control efforts because the red zone status for the area in question had expired last week .
“ It ’ s irrelevant from any practical impact because the zone that they were talking about has already been moot , ” the governor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really just an opportunity for the court to express its philosophy and politics.
” He also pointed out that the decision , which now goes to the 2nd U.S .
Circuit Court of Appeals , is not final and did not appear to affect New York state ’ s rules for mass gatherings .
The houses of worship argued the limits imposed by the state violated religious freedoms protected by the U.S. Constitution ’ s First Amendment , and that their facilities were singled out for more stringent restrictions than essential businesses , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ congregations Agudath Israel of Kew Garden Hills and Agudath Israel of Madison , as well as nationwide Orthodox Jewish group Agudath Israel of America , requested the injunction .
A federal judge in Brooklyn rejected separate requests made by the religious groups on Oct. 9 .
The New York City-based 2nd Circuit declined emergency requests filed by both sets of challengers on Nov. 9 .
• 49ers injury report : Coronavirus precautions keep Jordan Reed , two linebackers out of practice • A Thanksgiving like no other : How the Bay Area celebrated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hospitalizations hit another record in the US In two previous cases this year , the court , in 5-4 votes , turned away similar requests by churches in Nevada and California .
Those votes occurred before the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg , and saw her and the other three liberal members of the court joined by Roberts in the majority .
Cuomo urged New Yorkers to “ Mask up ” in a tweet on Thursday , adding that nearly 7,000 people in the state had tested positive the day before while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus .

By Lawrence Hurley and Humeyra Pamuk | Reuters
WASHINGTON – New York Governor Andrew Cuomo on Thursday dismissed as “irrelevant” a U.S. Supreme Court decision blocking coronavirus restrictions imposed on religious gatherings, saying it related to specific areas that were no longer considered at high risk.
The court, which has a 6-3 conservative majority, voted 5-4 late on Wednesday in favor of requests by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn and two Orthodox Jewish congregations for an injunction to block the restrictions from being enforced.
The order marked one of the first consequential actions on the court involving President Donald Trump’s new appointee, conservative Justice Amy Coney Barrett, who cast a deciding vote in favor of the religious groups. Conservative Chief Justice John Roberts dissented along with the court’s three liberals.
“HAPPY THANKSGIVING!” Trump tweeted on Thursday in response to the decision.
The case stemmed from an Oct. 6 decision by Cuomo, a Democrat, to shut down non-essential businesses in targeted areas where infections have spiked, including some neighborhoods in Brooklyn.
New York has categorized areas where coronavirus infections are increasing in severity as yellow, orange or red. Under Cuomo’s restrictions, houses of worship in red zones could remain open at 25% capacity up to a maximum of 10 people.
In a call with reporters on Thursday, Cuomo said the high court’s ruling would have no impact on the state’s virus control efforts because the red zone status for the area in question had expired last week.
“It’s irrelevant from any practical impact because the zone that they were talking about has already been moot,” the governor said. “I think this was really just an opportunity for the court to express its philosophy and politics.”
He also pointed out that the decision, which now goes to the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, is not final and did not appear to affect New York state’s rules for mass gatherings.
The houses of worship argued the limits imposed by the state violated religious freedoms protected by the U.S. Constitution’s First Amendment, and that their facilities were singled out for more stringent restrictions than essential businesses, such as food stores.
The Orthodox congregations Agudath Israel of Kew Garden Hills and Agudath Israel of Madison, as well as nationwide Orthodox Jewish group Agudath Israel of America, requested the injunction.
A federal judge in Brooklyn rejected separate requests made by the religious groups on Oct. 9. The New York City-based 2nd Circuit declined emergency requests filed by both sets of challengers on Nov. 9.
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Long Covid cases in US adults are on the decline, but many continue to struggle with symptoms National Politics | COVID Q&A: Can I use an expired test? Time to get boosted? How to cope with California’s sneaky summer surge In two previous cases this year, the court, in 5-4 votes, turned away similar requests by churches in Nevada and California. Those votes occurred before the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and saw her and the other three liberal members of the court joined by Roberts in the majority.
Cuomo urged New Yorkers to “Mask up” in a tweet on Thursday, adding that nearly 7,000 people in the state had tested positive the day before while 67 died as a result of the virus.


mercurynews--2020-11-26--Paris officers suspended over beating of Black man

PARIS — A Black man beaten up by several French police officers said he is seeking justice after the publication of videos showing officers repeatedly punching him , using a truncheon and tear gas against him for no apparent reason .
French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin ordered the officers involved in the case suspended .
The incident came as President Emmanuel Macron ’ s government is pushing a new bill that restricts the ability to film police , which has prompted protests from civil liberties groups and journalists concerned that it would allow police brutality to go undiscovered and unpunished @ @ @ @ @ @ @ French news website Loopsider show the violent arrest of a music producer , Michel Zecler , in the 17th arrondissement or district of the French capital on Saturday .
The video images obtained by the Associated Press , both from a security camera inside the studio and filmed by neighbors outside , show three officers following Zecler inside his music studio , where they can be seen repeatedly punching him and beating him with a truncheon .
Zecler told the Associated Press he feels “ good ” now that “ the truth is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ why I have been assaulted by people who were wearing a police uniform .
I want justice actually , because I believe in the justice of my country , ” he said .
Zecler said that the officers hurled repeated insults at him , including a very strong racist epithet .
He added that he still does not understand why officers decided to arrest him .
He suffered injuries to his head , forearms and legs .
His lawyer , Hafida El Ali , said : “ He asked them what they wanted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ identity .
… They didn ’ t stop beating him , the video of the violence ( inside the studio ) lasts for 12 minutes.
” At some point the officers called in reinforcements and went outside .
They then threw a tear gas grenade into the studio to get those inside to come out , according El Ali .
El Ali said that nine others who were recording music in the studio basement were also beaten .
“ Outside they are still beaten up and thrown to the ground and that ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sees they are being filmed , ” she said .
Then the violence stops .
Zecler was taken into custody .
“ I ’ m obviously scandalized by these images , ” Justice Minister Eric Dupond-Moretti said in a television interview .
“ There are racist police , lawyers or bakers , but to say the police are racist , it ’ s not true.
” Zecler ’ s lawyer stressed the value of the videos in her client ’ s case .
“ These videos are essential because initially my client was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public authority , ” El Ali said .
“ This is very serious .
The reality is that if we didn ’ t have these videos maybe my client would be in prison.
” Darmanin tweeted that the body that investigates allegations of police misconduct , the Inspectorate General of the National Police , known by its French acronym IGPN , is looking into the case , saying , “ I want disciplinary proceedings as soon as possible.
” The Paris police prefecture said in a statement that IGPN will seek to establish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s arrest .
The Paris prosecutor ’ s office is also investigating the police actions .
The prosecutor ’ s office said Thursday it has dropped the proceedings against Zecler opened the day of his arrest , and instead opened an investigation for “ acts of violence by a person in position of public authority ” and “ false declaration.
” According to Le Parisien newspaper , based on the written record of the officers ’ declarations the day after the arrest , Zecler drew their attention because he was not wearing a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outdoors amid the coronavirus pandemic .
He seemed “ nervous ” and a “ strong drug smell ” was emanating from him .
They said he was getting “ dangerous ” toward them .
Zecler ’ s lawyer said : “ My client never committed any violence against the police… He did not even defend himself.
” • Appeal to oust Santa Clara Co. DA from gun-permit corruption trial moves along • Fremont police double down on Tesla patrol vehicles after year-long pilot program It ’ s the second such police brutality investigation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ footage .
The government ordered an internal police investigation on Tuesday after police officers were filmed tossing migrants out of tents and intentionally tripping one while evacuating a protest camp .
That same day , France ’ s lower house of parliament approved a draft law meant to strengthen local police and provide greater protection to all officers .
It notably makes it a crime to publish images of officers with intent to cause them harm .
The bill , which enjoys public support after recent terrorist attacks , will now go to @ @ @

By Sylvie Corbet | Associated Press
PARIS — A Black man beaten up by several French police officers said he is seeking justice after the publication of videos showing officers repeatedly punching him, using a truncheon and tear gas against him for no apparent reason.
French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin ordered the officers involved in the case suspended.
The incident came as President Emmanuel Macron’s government is pushing a new bill that restricts the ability to film police, which has prompted protests from civil liberties groups and journalists concerned that it would allow police brutality to go undiscovered and unpunished.
Videos first published on Thursday by French news website Loopsider show the violent arrest of a music producer, Michel Zecler, in the 17th arrondissement or district of the French capital on Saturday.
The video images obtained by the Associated Press, both from a security camera inside the studio and filmed by neighbors outside, show three officers following Zecler inside his music studio, where they can be seen repeatedly punching him and beating him with a truncheon.
Zecler told the Associated Press he feels “good” now that “the truth is out.”
“I want to understand why I have been assaulted by people who were wearing a police uniform. I want justice actually, because I believe in the justice of my country,” he said.
Zecler said that the officers hurled repeated insults at him, including a very strong racist epithet.
He added that he still does not understand why officers decided to arrest him. He suffered injuries to his head, forearms and legs.
His lawyer, Hafida El Ali, said: “He asked them what they wanted, if they wanted to check his identity. … They didn’t stop beating him, the video of the violence (inside the studio) lasts for 12 minutes.”
At some point the officers called in reinforcements and went outside. They then threw a tear gas grenade into the studio to get those inside to come out, according El Ali.
El Ali said that nine others who were recording music in the studio basement were also beaten.
“Outside they are still beaten up and thrown to the ground and that’s the moment when a police officer sees they are being filmed,” she said. Then the violence stops.
Zecler was taken into custody.
“I’m obviously scandalized by these images,” Justice Minister Eric Dupond-Moretti said in a television interview. “There are racist police, lawyers or bakers, but to say the police are racist, it’s not true.”
Zecler’s lawyer stressed the value of the videos in her client’s case.
“These videos are essential because initially my client was being detained… for violence against people with public authority,” El Ali said. “This is very serious. The reality is that if we didn’t have these videos maybe my client would be in prison.”
Darmanin tweeted that the body that investigates allegations of police misconduct, the Inspectorate General of the National Police, known by its French acronym IGPN, is looking into the case, saying, “I want disciplinary proceedings as soon as possible.”
The Paris police prefecture said in a statement that IGPN will seek to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the man’s arrest.
The Paris prosecutor’s office is also investigating the police actions. The prosecutor’s office said Thursday it has dropped the proceedings against Zecler opened the day of his arrest, and instead opened an investigation for “acts of violence by a person in position of public authority” and “false declaration.”
According to Le Parisien newspaper, based on the written record of the officers’ declarations the day after the arrest, Zecler drew their attention because he was not wearing a mask — which is mandatory in Paris outdoors amid the coronavirus pandemic. He seemed “nervous” and a “strong drug smell” was emanating from him. They said he was getting “dangerous” toward them.
Zecler’s lawyer said: “My client never committed any violence against the police… He did not even defend himself.”
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Ex-Mississippi police officers plead guilty to torturing Black men World News | Judge rules retrial of ex-Philadelphia officer in 2020 protest actions should be held outside city It’s the second such police brutality investigation in Paris this week prompted by video footage. The government ordered an internal police investigation on Tuesday after police officers were filmed tossing migrants out of tents and intentionally tripping one while evacuating a protest camp.
That same day, France’s lower house of parliament approved a draft law meant to strengthen local police and provide greater protection to all officers. It notably makes it a crime to publish images of officers with intent to cause them harm. The bill, which enjoys public support after recent terrorist attacks, will now go to the Senate.


mercurynews--2020-11-26--Couple finds cache of Prohibition-era whiskey in their walls

When a New York couple was told their over 100-year-old home was built by a notorious bootlegger , they passed it off as small town legend .
But during a recent home renovation , the couple discovered something that revealed the legend could be true .
In early October , Nick Drummond and Patrick Bakker said they found more than 66 bottles of whiskey from the Prohibition-era hidden within the walls and floorboards of their home , which was built in 1915 .
“ Our walls are filled with bundles of booze !
” Drummond , who documented the unexpected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social media , wrote on his Instagram .
“ I can ’ t believe the rumors are true !
He was actually a bootlegger !
” The couple had been living in the house nestled in the small village of Ames , located about three hours away from New York City , for a little over a year before they decided to begin major renovations two months ago .
Drummond , a designer and historic preservationist , told CNN he was removing outside skirting along the bottom of the mudroom attached to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ I ’ m like what is that ?
I ’ m very confused , ” he said .
“ I ’ m looking and there ’ s hay everywhere , there ’ s paper , and glass … I see another package and it ’ s this whiskey bottle.
” “ I ’ m like holy crap .
This is like a whiskey stash .
And this is like , all of a sudden , the whole story of the bootlegger.
” Drummond went on to find more packages of smuggled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mudroom through a uncovered hatch inside the floor .
He said the couple continues to find more bottles .
“ Initially we found seven bundles of six in the wall and then at that point we found four more bundles and actually funny enough as of less than a week ago we just found more , ” said Drummond .
The liquor is a brand of Scottish whiskey labeled Old Smuggler Gaelic whiskey , which is still made today .
Each bottle was wrapped in tissue paper and straw and bundled in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The original owner of the house was a German man known as Count Adolph Humpfner .
After researching newspaper articles and various legal websites , Drummond said he found out that Humpfner was known to be a man of mystery in the town and took part in many scandals .
He died a sudden death and left behind the smuggled liquor , as well as a heavily disputed fortune .
The series of discoveries lead Drummond to continue documenting his home renovation on social media .
Followers have reached out to participate in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its bootlegging owner .
The couple plans to leave the bottles they found empty or evaporated preserved in the home — and sell the bottles they found full .
The full bottles are estimated at a value of around $ 1,000 each , said Drummond .
The couple said they will keep one of the full bottles of whiskey to taste test .

By Kelsie Smith | CNN
When a New York couple was told their over 100-year-old home was built by a notorious bootlegger, they passed it off as small town legend.
But during a recent home renovation, the couple discovered something that revealed the legend could be true.
In early October, Nick Drummond and Patrick Bakker said they found more than 66 bottles of whiskey from the Prohibition-era hidden within the walls and floorboards of their home, which was built in 1915.
[vemba-video id=”travel/2020/11/26/prohibition-era-whiskey-bottles-found-in-house-walls-travel-lon-orig-na.cnn”]
Video: See couple discover Prohibition-era liquor stashed inside walls
“Our walls are filled with bundles of booze!” Drummond, who documented the unexpected find in a series of posts on social media, wrote on his Instagram. “I can’t believe the rumors are true! He was actually a bootlegger! ”
The couple had been living in the house nestled in the small village of Ames, located about three hours away from New York City, for a little over a year before they decided to begin major renovations two months ago.
Drummond, a designer and historic preservationist, told CNN he was removing outside skirting along the bottom of the mudroom attached to the house when a mysterious package fell out.
“I’m like what is that? I’m very confused,” he said. “I’m looking and there’s hay everywhere, there’s paper, and glass … I see another package and it’s this whiskey bottle.”
“I’m like holy crap. This is like a whiskey stash. And this is like, all of a sudden, the whole story of the bootlegger.”
Drummond went on to find more packages of smuggled whiskey under the floorboards after entering the mudroom through a uncovered hatch inside the floor. He said the couple continues to find more bottles.
“Initially we found seven bundles of six in the wall and then at that point we found four more bundles and actually funny enough as of less than a week ago we just found more,” said Drummond.
The liquor is a brand of Scottish whiskey labeled Old Smuggler Gaelic whiskey, which is still made today. Each bottle was wrapped in tissue paper and straw and bundled in a package of six, said Drummond.
The original owner of the house was a German man known as Count Adolph Humpfner.
After researching newspaper articles and various legal websites, Drummond said he found out that Humpfner was known to be a man of mystery in the town and took part in many scandals. He died a sudden death and left behind the smuggled liquor, as well as a heavily disputed fortune.
The series of discoveries lead Drummond to continue documenting his home renovation on social media. Followers have reached out to participate in learning new history about the home and its bootlegging owner.
The couple plans to leave the bottles they found empty or evaporated preserved in the home — and sell the bottles they found full. The full bottles are estimated at a value of around $1,000 each, said Drummond.
The couple said they will keep one of the full bottles of whiskey to taste test.


mercurynews--2020-11-26--With San Jose State’s resurgence, former NFL players, coaches find themselves with bragging rights

Jeff Garcia will no doubt be watching from San Diego and James Jones will be tuning in from his home in Arizona .
David Fales has plans to watch from Salinas , and Dick Vermeil should be ready to go in Pennsylvania .
“ It ’ s the opening of deer season here , so I ’ ll be back in hopefully for that , ” Vermeil , 84 , said of San Jose State ’ s nationally televised showdown with Boise State on Saturday afternoon .
“ I ’ m excited about it.
” San Jose State ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since 1955 , the year before Vermeil arrived on campus to play quarterback — has Spartans nation fired up , particularly former players and coaches who have witnessed plenty of lean years , both up close and from afar .
Now , after seeing their school enjoy only one winning season in the last 14 years , it ’ s the Spartans alumni ’ s turn to boast a little and be proud of what coach Brent Brennan ’ s team has done so far .
“ Just excited to see San Jose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Jones , a Super Bowl champion with the Green Bay Packers who played 44 games for the Spartans from 2003 to 2006 .
“ To be able to brag about your alma mater , to say they ’ re out here beating up on people , winning football games .
We ’ ve got some bragging rights right now.
” Like our Facebook page for more conversation and news coverage from San Jose , the Bay Area and beyond .
“ They really look good , ” said Claude Gilbert , 88 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 1958 and later had 38 wins as the team ’ s coach from 1984-89 .
“ I think all of us old Spartans should be very proud of this team and these young men.
” It isn ’ t an accident that so many former Spartans still feel a strong connection to the program .
After Brennan took over as the SJSU coach in Dec. 2016 , he spoke to several former coaches and players to make sure they knew he wanted them to still feel like they were a part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ great about reaching out , and I appreciate that from him , ” Garcia said of Brennan .
“ Because I don ’ t think there ’ s really been many coaches in the past that have done that like Brent has .
“ He just truly believes that it ’ s important for me to have a stamp on the program.
” Jones said he talks to Brennan regularly , usually after every game .
Vermeil said he ’ s been sending texts to Brennan about once a week .
“ You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ row to maintain a streak , ” Vermeil said of a recent note he sent to Brennan .
“ When you start winning , people begin to talk about a win streak .
But you only have to win one game to keep it going.
” Garcia , the Spartans ’ starting quarterback from 1991 to 1993 , wanted to become SJSU ’ s head coach after Ron Caragher was let go in Nov. 2016 .
Garcia , though , said he was never given the chance to formally interview for the position @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two weeks after Caragher ’ s dismissal .
Nevertheless , Brennan and Garcia have a good relationship .
Before the Spartans played San Diego State on Nov. 6 on the road in what was their biggest game of the season up until that point , Garcia said Brennan asked him to record a speech for the players .
“ I put a little something together , ” Garcia said , with his voice rising , “ and hopefully that helped fire them up a little bit and create a little edge before going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ SJSU beat the Aztecs 28-17 , and Brennan said he received over 500 text messages just from the time the game ended until he boarded the plane to come home .
“ We ’ re excited for him , just seeing how he ’ s been able to get the turnaround , doing it the right way , pouring into the kids , ” said former NFL fullback James Hodgins , who played at SJSU from 1995 to 1998 and is now the coach at Berkeley High School .
“ Just definitely a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fales didn ’ t want to draw a direct comparison from his time at the school in 2012 and 2013 to what ’ s going on now , but there are similarities .
Fales said former coach Mike MacIntyre raised expectations around the team , pushing the players harder than before .
From 2010 to 2012 , the Spartans went from 1-12 to 11-2 .
“ I wasn ’ t there for the early years , but guys were telling me it was rough , ” Fales said .
“ People were pissed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ setting the standard and a certain culture that guys weren ’ t used to.
” The Spartans went 3-22 in Brennan ’ s first two years when winning a Mountain West Conference title was just a pipe dream .
With a win Saturday against Boise State ( 4-1 , 4-0 ) , though , SJSU might just make itself the team to beat .
“ It ’ s starting to show that everybody has bought in and believes in it , ” Fales said .
“ Once you get the whole team bought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ becomes fun.
” Jones , Garcia and Hodgins have stayed in touch playing with some of their former teammates through group text messages over the years .
Now it ’ s just a lot more enjoyable .
“ I ’ m on a text chain with a bunch of my ex-wide receivers that I played with , the Young Guns , ” said Garcia , mentioning former teammates like Bobby Blackmon , Gary Charlton and David Blakes .
“ We ’ ve had some fun , talking about how the Spartans are back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spartan community .
It ’ s been fun watching this team go out and compete on a weekly basis.
” Vermeil , who played at San Jose State in 1956 and 1957 , still talks to Al Saunders , a member of SJSU ’ s Sports Hall of Fame , and Bob Keller , who was a fullback on Vermeil ’ s team in 1957 .
“ We ’ ve got something to talk about and take pride in , ” Vermeil said .
The Spartans who played in the NFL said there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the locker room , and often it ’ s about their alma mater ’ s success or the prestige of their conference .
Some friendly wagers have also been known to happen .
• Big Game preview : Five keys for Stanford to beat Cal , reclaim the Axe • Picks of the week : USC , Colorado set to collide as tiebreaker angst rises on the Pac-12 horizon • Cal Bears : Four things to watch in the Big Game vs. Stanford But with consistent on-field success proving to be elusive for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ex-Spartans were left out of the conversation .
“ Yeah , I don ’ t think that was happening , ” said Garcia , who played 10-plus seasons in the NFL .
“ I was the quiet guy.
” Not now , though .
“ I ’ m still bragging about San Jose State .
I ’ ll even text some of my old teammates , ” Jones said .
“ Like , ‘ y ’ all lucky you ’ re not playing us right now . '
”

Jeff Garcia will no doubt be watching from San Diego. James Jones will be tuning in from his home in Arizona. David Fales has plans to watch from Salinas, and Dick Vermeil should be ready to go in Pennsylvania.
“It’s the opening of deer season here, so I’ll be back in hopefully for that,” Vermeil, 84, said of San Jose State’s nationally televised showdown against Boise State on Saturday afternoon. “I’m excited about it.”
San Jose State’s 4-0 start this season — its best since 1955, the year before Vermeil arrived on campus to play quarterback — has Spartans fans fired up, particularly former players and coaches who have endured so many dark years, both up close and from afar.
Now, after only one winning season in the last 14 years, SJSU alums can boast about their alma mater.
“Just excited to see San Jose State back on the map,” said Jones, a Super Bowl champion with the Green Bay Packers who starred at wide receiver for SJSU from 2003-06. “To be able to brag about your alma mater, to say they’re out here beating up on people, winning football games. We’ve got some bragging rights right now.”
Like our Facebook page for more conversation and news coverage from San Jose, the Bay Area and beyond.
“They really look good,” said Claude Gilbert, 88, who coached the Spartans from 1984-89 after playing at SJSU from 1956-58. “I think all of us old Spartans should be very proud of this team and these young men.”
It isn’t an accident that so many former Spartans still feel a strong connection to the program.
After Brent Brennan took over as SJSU coach in December 2016, he spoke to several former coaches and players to let them know he wanted them to be part of the program.
“He’s great about reaching out, and I appreciate that from him,” Garcia said. “Because I don’t think there’s really been many coaches in the past that have done that like Brent has.
“He just truly believes that it’s important for me to have a stamp on the program.”
Jones said he talks to Brennan regularly, usually after every game. Vermeil said he has been sending texts to Brennan about once a week.
“You have to win one game in a row to maintain a streak,” Vermeil said, reciting a recent note he sent to Brennan. “When you start winning, people begin to talk about a win streak. But you only have to win one game to keep it going.”
Garcia, the Spartans’ starting quarterback from 1991-93, wanted to become SJSU’s head coach after Ron Caragher was dismissed after the 2016 season. Garcia said he was never given the chance to formally interview for the position, which went to Brennan less than two weeks after Caragher’s dismissal.
Nonetheless, Garcia and Brennan are on good terms. Before the Spartans played San Diego State on Nov. 6 in their biggest game of the season (until Saturday), Garcia said Brennan asked him to record a speech for the players.
“I put a little something together,” Garcia said, with his voice rising, “and hopefully that helped fire them up a little bit and create a little edge before going out onto the field that day.”
SJSU won 28-17, and Brennan said he received more than 500 text messages from the time the game ended until the team boarded its flight home that night.
“We’re excited for him, just seeing how he’s been able to get the turnaround, doing it the right way, pouring into the kids,” said former NFL fullback James Hodgins, who played at SJSU from 1995-98 and is now the coach at Berkeley High School.
“Just definitely a sense of pride for former players.”
Fales, whose two-season run as SJSU’s quarterback ended with a 62-52 win over Fresno State and Derek Carr in the 2013 season-finale, is reluctant to draw comparisons between now and then. But there are similarities.
Fales said former coach Mike MacIntyre raised expectations around the team, pushing the players harder than before. In three seasons, starting in 2010, the Spartans went from 1-12 to 11-2.
“I wasn’t there for the early years, but guys were telling me it was rough,” Fales said. “People were pissed at Coach Mac just because he was setting the standard and a certain culture that guys weren’t used to.”
Under Brennan, the Spartans went 3-22 the first two seasons. With a win Saturday against Boise State (4-1, 4-0), the Spartans will have the inside track to the Mountain West championship game Dec. 19.
“It’s starting to show that everybody has bought in and believes in it,” Fales said. “Once you get the whole team bought in on a certain standard, it becomes fun.”
Jones, Garcia and Hodgins have stayed in touch with some of their former teammates through group text messages over the years. It’s a lot more fun this season.
“I’m on a text chain with a bunch of my ex-wide receivers that I played with, ‘The Young Guns,” said Garcia, mentioning former teammates Bobby Blackmon, Gary Charlton and David Blakes. “We’ve had some fun, talking about how the Spartans are back, and what it means to the Spartan community. It’s been fun watching this team go out and compete on a weekly basis.”
Vermeil, who played at San Jose State in 1956-57, still talks to Al Saunders, a member of SJSU’s Sports Hall of Fame, and Bob Keller, who was a fullback on Vermeil’s team in 1957.
“We’ve got something to talk about and take pride in,” Vermeil said.
The Spartans who played in the NFL said there are always discussions about college football in the locker room, and often it’s about their alma mater’s success or the prestige of their conference. Some friendly wagers have also been known to happen.
But with only three winning seasons since 1992, San Jose State was rarely mentioned in NFL locker rooms, perhaps mercifully.
“Yeah, I don’t think that was happening,” said Garcia, who played 10-plus seasons in the NFL. “I was the quiet guy.”
Not now, though.
“I’m still bragging about San Jose State,” Jones said. “I’ll even text some of my old (NFL) teammates like, ‘Y’all lucky you’re not playing us right now.'”


mercurynews--2020-11-27--Review: Chadwick Boseman’s final role is possibly his finest

Chadwick Boseman surges onto the screen as fast-talking trumpeter Levee in “ Ma Rainey ’ s Black Bottom ” like a man on an electrified tightrope — balancing precariously between hope and cynicism , humor and sadness , joy and pain , and love and hate .
Unlike with some of Boseman ’ s other famous characters who ’ ve had a clear moral center from the start , it ’ s not clear what Levee , a creation of legendary playwright August Wilson , has up his sleeve .
Handsome and wiry , he ’ s constantly on edge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ smile there ’ s a whiff of something amiss .
We don ’ t really know what we ’ re looking at .
But we sure don ’ t want to look away .
Boseman ’ s performance in this film adaptation of Wilson ’ s 1982 play , lovingly directed by George C. Wolfe , would be heartbreaking even if the actor hadn ’ t tragically lost his life to cancer this year .
But watching it now , that knowledge informs every moment , as one imagines the challenges he must @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that was clearly so important to him .
It goes without saying that the performance is brilliant , and yes , electric , but it ’ s also heroic .
If there had to be a final role , what a gift that it was this , an exclamation point to a career that seems ever more momentous .
Boseman isn ’ t the only volcanic force in “ Ma Rainey , ” a meditation on power , race , sex and commerce in early 20th-century America treated with sensitivity and grace by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Santiago-Hudson and score by Branford Marsalis .
There ’ s also the matter of the titular Ma herself , played by a superb Viola Davis , nearly unrecognizable in her broadened silhouette , mouth of gold teeth , and coat upon coat of eye makeup .
Together , she and Boseman conduct a master class .
A historical note : Ma Rainey , who died in 1939 , was a groundbreaking Black singer from Georgia known as “ Mother of the Blues.
” She ’ s the only real-life character in Wilson ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ experience , and the only LBGT character , too .
Wolfe , who doesn ’ t try to underplay the material ’ s theatrical roots , gives us a a few tone-setting performance scenes .
But the action takes place almost exclusively inside a white-owned studio in Chicago , where Ma and her band are scheduled one afternoon in 1927 to record a few hits .
Intensifying the claustrophobia , Wolfe has turned it from winter to sultry summer ; Ma is perpetually glistening in sweat .
Before Ma arrives — suitably late @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s the fatherly Cutler ( Colman Domingo ) , Slow Drag ( Michael Potts ) , and pianist Toledo ( Glynn Turman ) .
Then Levee bursts in , brandishing a prized new pair of shoes .
Not only does he have talent , he boasts to the older guys : “ I got STYLE.
” That he does .
And ambition .
Encouraged by the white studio owner , he ’ s writing songs and plans to launch his own band .
And he has his own , jazzier version of “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people dancing .
But Ma isn ’ t having it .
She has her version of the song , and it works .
She ’ s also insistent that her nephew Sylvester give the introduction , even though he stutters .
And she won ’ t begin recording until she ’ s good and ready .
“ That ’ s the way it go around here , ” she says .
Ma isn ’ t merely throwing around her weight .
She ’ s staking a claim to her very dignity .
Once @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she knows , they won ’ t care a whit about her .
And so , when the ice-cold Coke she requires is forgotten , she won ’ t budge until it comes .
Watch Davis guzzle down that Coke ferociously when it does .
Ma rightly sees Levee as a threat to her style of performing , but also to her authority .
To make it worse , she senses he has eyes on her young girlfriend , Dussie Mae ( Taylour Paige ) .
She ’ s right — and it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But Levee isn ’ t just a brash troublemaker .
Behind the bluster is a deep well of pain , which we come to understand through several devastating tour-de-force monologues that hark back to past demons , and hint at future tragedy .
If you haven ’ t seen the play , brace yourself .
Seven years ago , Boseman wrote poignantly about the experience of meeting Wilson , whom he clearly revered , and reciting the playwright ’ s lines , which he likened to poetry .
“ Filling one ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recite an August Wilson monologue , ” he wrote , “ can be transformative.
” And now we know how transformative it can be to watch Boseman himself recite those monologues .
We should all count ourselves lucky to be able to witness this , his final and arguably finest performance .
Rating : R ( for language , some sexual content and brief violence )

Chadwick Boseman surges onto the screen as fast-talking trumpeter Levee in “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” like a man on an electrified tightrope — balancing precariously between hope and cynicism, humor and sadness, joy and pain, and love and hate.
Unlike with some of Boseman’s other famous characters who’ve had a clear moral center from the start, it’s not clear what Levee, a creation of legendary playwright August Wilson, has up his sleeve. Handsome and wiry, he’s constantly on edge, and behind even his most brilliant smile there’s a whiff of something amiss. We don’t really know what we’re looking at. But we sure don’t want to look away.
Boseman’s performance in this film adaptation of Wilson’s 1982 play, lovingly directed by George C. Wolfe, would be heartbreaking even if the actor hadn’t tragically lost his life to cancer this year.
But watching it now, that knowledge informs every moment, as one imagines the challenges he must have faced in a famously taxing role that was clearly so important to him. It goes without saying that the performance is brilliant, and yes, electric, but it’s also heroic. If there had to be a final role, what a gift that it was this, an exclamation point to a career that seems ever more momentous.
Boseman isn’t the only volcanic force in “Ma Rainey,” a meditation on power, race, sex and commerce in early 20th-century America treated with sensitivity and grace by Wolfe, with a screenplay by Ruben Santiago-Hudson and score by Branford Marsalis. There’s also the matter of the titular Ma herself, played by a superb Viola Davis, nearly unrecognizable in her broadened silhouette, mouth of gold teeth, and coat upon coat of eye makeup. Together, she and Boseman conduct a master class.
A historical note: Ma Rainey, who died in 1939, was a groundbreaking Black singer from Georgia known as “Mother of the Blues.” She’s the only real-life character in Wilson’s 10-play cycle documenting the African American experience, and the only LBGT character, too.
Wolfe, who doesn’t try to underplay the material’s theatrical roots, gives us a a few tone-setting performance scenes. But the action takes place almost exclusively inside a white-owned studio in Chicago, where Ma and her band are scheduled one afternoon in 1927 to record a few hits. Intensifying the claustrophobia, Wolfe has turned it from winter to sultry summer; Ma is perpetually glistening in sweat.
Before Ma arrives — suitably late — her band gathers. There’s the fatherly Cutler (Colman Domingo), Slow Drag (Michael Potts), and pianist Toledo (Glynn Turman). Then Levee bursts in, brandishing a prized new pair of shoes. Not only does he have talent, he boasts to the older guys: “I got STYLE.”
That he does. And ambition. Encouraged by the white studio owner, he’s writing songs and plans to launch his own band. And he has his own, jazzier version of “Black Bottom,” sure to get people dancing.
But Ma isn’t having it. She has her version of the song, and it works. She’s also insistent that her nephew Sylvester give the introduction, even though he stutters. And she won’t begin recording until she’s good and ready. “That’s the way it go around here,” she says.
Ma isn’t merely throwing around her weight. She’s staking a claim to her very dignity. Once the studio has what they need, she knows, they won’t care a whit about her. And so, when the ice-cold Coke she requires is forgotten, she won’t budge until it comes. Watch Davis guzzle down that Coke ferociously when it does.
Ma rightly sees Levee as a threat to her style of performing, but also to her authority. To make it worse, she senses he has eyes on her young girlfriend, Dussie Mae (Taylour Paige). She’s right — and it’s more than his eyes.
But Levee isn’t just a brash troublemaker. Behind the bluster is a deep well of pain, which we come to understand through several devastating tour-de-force monologues that hark back to past demons, and hint at future tragedy. If you haven’t seen the play, brace yourself.
Seven years ago, Boseman wrote poignantly about the experience of meeting Wilson, whom he clearly revered, and reciting the playwright’s lines, which he likened to poetry.
“Filling one’s nostrils with the emotionally charged breath to recite an August Wilson monologue,” he wrote, “can be transformative.”
And now we know how transformative it can be to watch Boseman himself recite those monologues. We should all count ourselves lucky to be able to witness this, his final and arguably finest performance.
‘MA RAINEY’S BLACK BOTTOM’
Screen adaptation of August Wilson play
4 stars out of 4
Rating: R (language, some sexual content and brief violence)
Cast: Viola Davis, Chadwick Boseman, Glynn Turman, Colman Domingo, Michael Potts, Taylour Paige
Director: George C. Wolfe
Running time: 94 minutes
When & where: Available for streaming on Netflix


mercurynews--2020-11-27--Review: Melissa McCarthy is brilliant, the movie less so

It ’ s a demonstrably difficult task to find a comic screen partner worthy of standing opposite Melissa McCarthy , so you have to appreciate “ Superintelligence ” for throwing in the towel .
In it , McCarthy plays Carol Peters , a former Yahoo executive who ’ s chosen , purely for her extreme averageness , by a newly liberated , megalomaniacal artificial intelligence that presents her with a three-day test to prove humanity isn ’ t worth destroying .
It ’ s the kind of set-up that would have once presided over by the devil or some demigod @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Alexa .
That means that for much of “ Superintelligence , ” a new comedy streaming Thursday on HBO Max , McCarthy is walking around on her own , her only foil a disembodied voice ( James Corden ’ s ) or an occasional talking screen .
That ’ s not as good as McCarthy with either of her best recent on-screen partners — Sandra Bullock ( “ The Heat ” ) , Richard E. Grant ( “ Can You Forgive Me ?
” ) — but it ’ s not bad .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ not completely to herself ( Corden ’ s cheery warmth still comes through , and Bobby Cannavale winningly plays her love interest ) then nearly so .
Even though the innocuous “ Superintelligence ” is on the bland side , it remains hard not to enjoy two hours with McCarthy .
The more telling companion of McCarthy ’ s in “ Superintelligence ” is her husband , the director Ben Falcone .
This is their fourth film together with Falcone behind the camera , and it may be the best of the bunch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t saying much considering their run of “ Life of the Party ” ( 2018 ) , “ The Boss ” ( 2016 ) and “ Tammy ” ( 2014 ) .
Those films have their moments , and they ’ re always shot-through with affection for their leading lady .
But they ’ re easily the weaker , more forgettable side of McCarthy ’ s filmography .
“ Superintelligence , ” written by Steve Mallory , is the most high-concept of their films together , and it ’ s ultimately an excuse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plot .
Faced with the possible end of the world , Carol resolves to reconnect with an old flame ( Cannavale ) .
Their chemistry together is easy and relaxed , if not especially funny .
The cast overall feels wasted , especially the supporting performances of Brian Tyree Henry ( as a computer scientist ) , Jean Smart ( the president ) and Sam Richardson — the talented “ Veep ” performer who I sincerely hope soon gets his own movie .
Like a lot of studio comedies of late , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for jokes that mostly never quite got filled in .
The real romance in “ Superintelligence ” might not be between any of the characters , but McCarthy and Falcone ( who also makes his typical cameo ) .
Their collaborations are uneven but warmhearted , and their movies together feel like an almost sweet sacrifice of quality for the sake of family .
Rating : PG ( for some suggestive material , language and thematic elements )

By Jake Coyle | Associated Press
It’s a demonstrably difficult task to find a comic screen partner worthy of standing opposite Melissa McCarthy, so you have to appreciate “Superintelligence” for throwing in the towel.
In it, McCarthy plays Carol Peters, a former Yahoo executive who’s chosen, purely for her extreme averageness, by a newly liberated, megalomaniacal artificial intelligence that presents her with a three-day test to prove humanity isn’t worth destroying. It’s the kind of set-up that would have once presided over by the devil or some demigod, but now that role goes to Alexa.
That means that for much of “Superintelligence,” a new comedy streaming Thursday on HBO Max, McCarthy is walking around on her own, her only foil a disembodied voice (James Corden’s) or an occasional talking screen. That’s not as good as McCarthy with either of her best recent on-screen partners — Sandra Bullock (“The Heat”), Richard E. Grant (“Can You Forgive Me?”) — but it’s not bad. It means McCarthy has the movie if not completely to herself (Corden’s cheery warmth still comes through, and Bobby Cannavale winningly plays her love interest) then nearly so. Even though the innocuous “Superintelligence” is on the bland side, it remains hard not to enjoy two hours with McCarthy.
The more telling companion of McCarthy’s in “Superintelligence” is her husband, the director Ben Falcone. This is their fourth film together with Falcone behind the camera, and it may be the best of the bunch. That, however, isn’t saying much considering their run of “Life of the Party” (2018), “The Boss” (2016) and “Tammy” (2014). Those films have their moments, and they’re always shot-through with affection for their leading lady. But they’re easily the weaker, more forgettable side of McCarthy’s filmography.
“Superintelligence,” written by Steve Mallory, is the most high-concept of their films together, and it’s ultimately an excuse to bring apocalyptic stakes to a rom-com plot. Faced with the possible end of the world, Carol resolves to reconnect with an old flame (Cannavale). Their chemistry together is easy and relaxed, if not especially funny. The cast overall feels wasted, especially the supporting performances of Brian Tyree Henry (as a computer scientist), Jean Smart (the president) and Sam Richardson — the talented “Veep” performer who I sincerely hope soon gets his own movie. Like a lot of studio comedies of late, it feels like there’s space here for jokes that mostly never quite got filled in.
The real romance in “Superintelligence” might not be between any of the characters, but McCarthy and Falcone (who also makes his typical cameo). Their collaborations are uneven but warmhearted, and their movies together feel like an almost sweet sacrifice of quality for the sake of family.
“Superintelligence”
2 1/2 stars out of 4
Rating: PG (for some suggestive material, language and thematic elements)
Running time: 105 minutes


mercurynews--2020-11-27--Review: ‘Croods’ sequel will definitely entertain the kids

Remember “ The Croods ” ?
It ’ s understandable if the answer is a “ sure , kinda ?
” The 2013 animated film about a cave family in a fictional prehistoric era featuring the voices of Nicolas Cage , Emma Stone , Ryan Reynolds and Cloris Leachman was pretty enjoyable , made a decent amount of money and even got an Oscar nomination .
Nothing earth shattering , but it wasn ’ t surprising that DreamWorks Animation decided to greenlight a sequel .
That it took seven years to do so is , but ” The Croods : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a crazy cycle of corporate acquisitions , director changes and shifting priorities .
It was even flat out canceled at one point .
And this all happened pre-pandemic .
That it still eventually got made with all of the original cast is a downright miracle .
But it ’ s certainly a lot of drama for a silly animated sequel that ’ s neither terribly special nor all bad .
Directing duties transferred from Chris Sanders and Kirk DeMicco to first-time director Joel Crawford .
This time around we meet up with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Ugga ( Catherine Keener ) , Gran ( Leachman ) , Eep ( Stone ) and her boyfriend Guy ( Reynolds ) on the search for a new place to live , somewhere they dreamily refer to as “ Tomorrow.
” And they do stumble upon a “ Tomorrow ” of sorts : A walled-in community with farming , tools and comforts , things that are wholly foreign to the rag-tag survivalist cave family .
All of this progress is thanks to the not-so-subtly named Bettermans , Hope ( Leslie Mann ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their daughter Dawn ( Kelly Marie Tran ) .
The Bettermans look , to put it bluntly , like modern urban hipsters on vacation in Indonesia .
With mom in a tasteful shift dress and turquoise jewelry and dad with a man-bun , sandals and an open shirt , it seemed like we were about to discover that this isn ’ t prehistoric times at all and maybe the Croods had been living in some deranged social experiment to mimic the conditions of primitive peoples .
Don ’ t worry , they aren @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that this fantastical prehistoric society has gotten even more cartoonish and over-the-top .
These two families do not mesh together particularly well , with one valuing privacy , tidiness and progress and the other being , well , crude .
You can already guess the misunderstandings , the hurt feelings and where it all eventually ends up and it ’ s a journey with a good heart .
Some kids might even take some comfort in relating more to one family or another , or , as Dawn discovers , wanting what the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clear imagination and talent behind this world , although the aesthetic won ’ t be for everyone .
The Betterman ’ s home is colorful and imaginative and will no doubt be a visual feast for youngsters , especially the gadget-curious and treehouse fans .
And there are some genuinely funny moments , and a bit with “ punch monkeys ” that will likely produce giggles and then , depending , a follow-up conversation about punching .
It might not be as novel as the first , but it ’ s essentially harmless @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for kids and doesn ’ t need to be anything more than that .

By Lindsey Bahr | Associated Press
Remember “The Croods”? It’s understandable if the answer is a “sure, kinda?” The 2013 animated film about a cave family in a fictional prehistoric era featuring the voices of Nicolas Cage, Emma Stone, Ryan Reynolds and Cloris Leachman was pretty enjoyable, made a decent amount of money and even got an Oscar nomination. Nothing earth shattering, but it wasn’t surprising that DreamWorks Animation decided to greenlight a sequel.
That it took seven years to do so is, but ” The Croods: A New Age ” got caught up in a crazy cycle of corporate acquisitions, director changes and shifting priorities. It was even flat out canceled at one point. And this all happened pre-pandemic. That it still eventually got made with all of the original cast is a downright miracle.
But it’s certainly a lot of drama for a silly animated sequel that’s neither terribly special nor all bad. Directing duties transferred from Chris Sanders and Kirk DeMicco to first-time director Joel Crawford. This time around we meet up with the Crood clan Grug (Cage), Ugga (Catherine Keener), Gran (Leachman), Eep (Stone) and her boyfriend Guy (Reynolds) on the search for a new place to live, somewhere they dreamily refer to as “Tomorrow.”
And they do stumble upon a “Tomorrow” of sorts: A walled-in community with farming, tools and comforts, things that are wholly foreign to the rag-tag survivalist cave family. All of this progress is thanks to the not-so-subtly named Bettermans, Hope (Leslie Mann), Phil (Peter Dinklage) and their daughter Dawn (Kelly Marie Tran).
The Bettermans look, to put it bluntly, like modern urban hipsters on vacation in Indonesia. With mom in a tasteful shift dress and turquoise jewelry and dad with a man-bun, sandals and an open shirt, it seemed like we were about to discover that this isn’t prehistoric times at all and maybe the Croods had been living in some deranged social experiment to mimic the conditions of primitive peoples. Don’t worry, they aren’t. It’s simply that this fantastical prehistoric society has gotten even more cartoonish and over-the-top.
These two families do not mesh together particularly well, with one valuing privacy, tidiness and progress and the other being, well, crude. You can already guess the misunderstandings, the hurt feelings and where it all eventually ends up and it’s a journey with a good heart. Some kids might even take some comfort in relating more to one family or another, or, as Dawn discovers, wanting what the other family has.
There is some clear imagination and talent behind this world, although the aesthetic won’t be for everyone. The Betterman’s home is colorful and imaginative and will no doubt be a visual feast for youngsters, especially the gadget-curious and treehouse fans. And there are some genuinely funny moments, and a bit with “punch monkeys” that will likely produce giggles and then, depending, a follow-up conversation about punching.
It might not be as novel as the first, but it’s essentially harmless, if a little chaotic, fun for kids and doesn’t need to be anything more than that.
“The Croods: A New Age”
2 1/2 stars out of 4
Rating: PG (for peril, action and rude humor)
Running time: 95 minutes


Word Game: Nov. 27, 2020

Can you find 38 or more words in ADEQUATELY ?
The list will be published tomorrow .
To purchase the @ @ @ @ @ WordGameBooks.com .
Order it now for just $ 5 while supplies last !
1 .
@ @ @ @ @ or more letters .
2 .
Words that acquire four letters by the addition of @ @ @ @ @ as “ bats ” or “ dies , ” are not allowed .
3 .
@ @ @ @ @ a “ d ” or an “ s ” may not be used .
For @ @ @ @ @ ” is used , “ baked ” or “ bakes ” are not allowed , @ @ @ @ @ “ baking ” are admissible .
4 .
Proper nouns , slang words , or @ @ @ @ @ are not allowed .

TODAY’S WORD — ADEQUATELY (ADEQUATELY: AD-ih-kwit-lee: Sufficiently.)
Average mark 26 words
Time limit 40 minutes
Can you find 38 or more words in ADEQUATELY? The list will be published tomorrow.
YESTERDAY’S WORD — SANGUINE sage sane sang sienna sign sine sing singe snag
snug suing sung aegis ague anise nine gain genius genus guinea guise usage using inane
insane easing egis ennui ensign ensuing
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--2020-11-27--Horoscopes Nov. 27, 2020: Kathryn Bigelow and Alison Pill share advice

Happy Birthday : Pay attention to detail , and be prepared to make adjustments as you move forward this year .
How you build your future will determine your success .
You ’ ll have plenty of chances to gain ground if you are receptive to trying something new without discarding something you still need .
Balance and integrity will play roles in your progress this year .
Your numbers are 7 , 18 , 20 , 23 , 26 , 38 , 43 .
ARIES ( March 21-April 19 ) : Look at your finances , and sort out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get what you want .
An investment will change the way you live .
Don ’ t give in to uncertainty .
Research and a solid partnership will pay off .
3 stars TAURUS ( April 20-May 20 ) : Dive into something that excites you , and the outcome will be rejuvenating .
Take a look at how you can manipulate a situation to improve your position , status or reputation .
A meaningful relationship can help you get what you want .
3 stars GEMINI ( May 21-June 20 ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who is right for you .
Information you receive will push you to update personal documents and to prepare for upcoming changes you need to make .
Physical activities will help alleviate stress .
3 stars CANCER ( June 21-July 22 ) : Promote what you intend to do , and stand by your word .
The moves you make will improve your life and encourage better relationships with people who share your objectives .
A romantic gesture will bring you closer to someone you love .
4 stars LEO ( July 23-Aug. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you have to change how you do things because someone else does ; be yourself and do what feels right .
Personal improvements will make you feel and look good .
Don ’ t let anyone confuse or mislead you .
Focus on personal gain .
2 stars VIRGO ( Aug. 23-Sept. 22 ) : The information you pick up will verify something that you expected all along .
Put the changes you want to make in motion , and start a dialogue with someone you love to collaborate with or be around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ LIBRA ( Sept. 23-Oct. 22 ) : Finish what you start .
If you leave something undone , you ’ ll have to answer for any delays .
Don ’ t put pressure on others or bend to someone ’ s whims .
Make plans to do what is healthy and best for you .
Learn from your mistakes .
3 stars SCORPIO ( Oct. 23-Nov. 21 ) : You ’ ll have plenty on your mind .
Don ’ t confuse issues by trying to do everything at once .
Structure your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Verify the information you receive before you pass it along .
Plan something special for you and someone you love .
3 stars SAGITTARIUS ( Nov. 22-Dec. 21 ) : Stick to home , and make yourself comfortable .
Move things around to give yourself the space you need to pursue a project you want to start .
Keep your whereabouts , intentions and personal information secret .
Be more observant and less demonstrative .
3 stars CAPRICORN ( Dec. 22-Jan. 19 ) : Take an interest in home , family and building @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you love .
An open dialogue will give you a better understanding of what others want and how best to maintain balance in meaningful relationships .
Romance is featured .
5 stars AQUARIUS ( Jan. 20-Feb. 18 ) : Structure your time carefully .
Look for ways to use your attributes to help you get ahead .
Your efforts will not go unnoticed .
Don ’ t let a change someone makes at the last minute upset you .
Go with the flow , and you ’ ll gain ground .
2 stars @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A positive change to how you earn your keep will develop .
How you express yourself will make an impression on someone who can help you .
A unique idea or plan will encourage you to update your skills .
Romance is favored .
4 stars Birthday Baby : You are goal-oriented , quick-witted and persuasive .
You are secretive and unpredictable .

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Alison Pill, 35; Jaleel White, 44; Fisher Stevens, 57; Kathryn Bigelow, 69.
Happy Birthday: Pay attention to detail, and be prepared to make adjustments as you move forward this year. How you build your future will determine your success. You’ll have plenty of chances to gain ground if you are receptive to trying something new without discarding something you still need. Balance and integrity will play roles in your progress this year. Your numbers are 7, 18, 20, 23, 26, 38, 43.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Look at your finances, and sort out what it’s going to cost to get what you want. An investment will change the way you live. Don’t give in to uncertainty. Research and a solid partnership will pay off. 3 stars
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Dive into something that excites you, and the outcome will be rejuvenating. Take a look at how you can manipulate a situation to improve your position, status or reputation. A meaningful relationship can help you get what you want. 3 stars
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Evaluate your relationships, and consider who is right for you. Information you receive will push you to update personal documents and to prepare for upcoming changes you need to make. Physical activities will help alleviate stress. 3 stars
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Promote what you intend to do, and stand by your word. The moves you make will improve your life and encourage better relationships with people who share your objectives. A romantic gesture will bring you closer to someone you love. 4 stars
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Don’t feel you have to change how you do things because someone else does; be yourself and do what feels right. Personal improvements will make you feel and look good. Don’t let anyone confuse or mislead you. Focus on personal gain. 2 stars
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): The information you pick up will verify something that you expected all along. Put the changes you want to make in motion, and start a dialogue with someone you love to collaborate with or be around. Romance is favored. 5 stars
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Finish what you start. If you leave something undone, you’ll have to answer for any delays. Don’t put pressure on others or bend to someone’s whims. Make plans to do what is healthy and best for you. Learn from your mistakes. 3 stars
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): You’ll have plenty on your mind. Don’t confuse issues by trying to do everything at once. Structure your day to help you achieve things. Verify the information you receive before you pass it along. Plan something special for you and someone you love. 3 stars
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Stick to home, and make yourself comfortable. Move things around to give yourself the space you need to pursue a project you want to start. Keep your whereabouts, intentions and personal information secret. Be more observant and less demonstrative. 3 stars
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Take an interest in home, family and building a better life for you and those you love. An open dialogue will give you a better understanding of what others want and how best to maintain balance in meaningful relationships. Romance is featured. 5 stars
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Structure your time carefully. Look for ways to use your attributes to help you get ahead. Your efforts will not go unnoticed. Don’t let a change someone makes at the last minute upset you. Go with the flow, and you’ll gain ground. 2 stars
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): A positive change to how you earn your keep will develop. How you express yourself will make an impression on someone who can help you. A unique idea or plan will encourage you to update your skills. Romance is favored. 4 stars
Birthday Baby: You are goal-oriented, quick-witted and persuasive. You are secretive and unpredictable.
Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.