mercurynews--2020-12-10--Ivanka Trump will have sister-in-law Karlie Kloss as a Miami neighbor

Two days after revealing that Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner purchased a $ 30 million lot in one of Miami ’ s toniest , Trump-loving neighborhoods , Page Six has revealed that their famous relatives , Joshua Kushner and his wife , Karlie Kloss , also purchased property in Miami .
Like President Donald Trump , Ivanka Trump has reportedly come to realize that New York City wouldn ’ t be a very welcoming place to return to .
The White House senior adviser must be aware of reports that Manhattan ’ s liberal elite don ’ t look kindly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that came out of her father ’ s administration .
So , Ivanka Trump and her husband have decided to base themselves in Florida , where , it ’ s been reported , she may eye a run for local or state political office .
The formerly liberal Manhattan socialite would run as a newly conservative “ proud Trump Republican , ” as she said in a recent interview .
HuffPost speculated that Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner would be in welcome company in their new gated community , ultra-tony Indian Creek Island @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Residents of the small island , known as “ Billionaire ’ s Bunker , ” cast 53 votes for president in the Nov. 3 election , and 79 percent of them went to Donald Trump , the Miami Herald reported .
Meanwhile , the couple will have family close by .
Soon-to-be ex-President Trump and his wife , Melania , plan to settle down in their Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach , about 70 miles north .
Jared Kushner ’ s younger brother , Joshua Kushner , and his wife , supermodel and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closer , according to Page Six .
The couple , who is expecting their first baby , spent $ 23.5 million on an eight-bedroom estate , also located in Miami .
Kushner and Kloss ’ s new two-story mansion , which they purchased over the summer , sits on a 24,860-square-foot lot and features a stunning pool and wine cellar , Page Six reported .
It ’ s just 10 minutes away from Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner ’ s new 1.84-acre property on which the couple will enjoy 200 feet of private @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Page Six reported on Monday .
Vanity Fair has previously reported that Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump face a shrinking group of friends in their their old Manhattan high-society crowd .
“ Everyone with self-respect , a career , morals , respect for democracy , or who doesn ’ t want their friends to shame them both in private and public will steer clear , ” a former friend told Vanity Fair writer Emily Jane Fox , who also penned a biography of Ivanka Trump and her siblings .
Among those remaining loyal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t surprising .
Joshua and Jared Kushner have reportedly remained close , even as Karlie Kloss has been open about the “ complications ” of having political views that are different than her in-laws .
She previously confirmed that she and Joshua Kushner didn ’ t vote for Trump in 2016 , Town and Country reported .
In October , the “ Project Runway ” host shared a voting selfie on her Instagram account in which she was wearing a Biden-Harris facemask .
One of her hashtags also read # voteBLUE .
Kloss @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Ivanka Trump enough to have her at her 2018 wedding .
Then again , Kloss was notably absent from the intimate 10th wedding anniversary celebration Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner threw at Camp David in 2019 , according to Vanity Fair ’ s Fox .
A former friend told Fox that “ Karlie is the anti-Ivanka.
” The two women may be even more divided on politics after Ivanka Trump recently revealed she was “ unapologetically pro-life ” and vowed to continue to advocate for her father ’ s Make America Great @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Karlie Kloss do or don ’ t get along , the soon-to-be ex-White House senior advisor should expect a social “ soft landing ” among the moneyed crowd in South Florida , according to Lysandra Ohrstrom , a former prep school friend of Ivanka Trump ’ s .
In a scathing article for Vanity Fair , Ohrstrom said Ivanka will find that in this crowd , “ casual white supremacy is de rigueur and most misdeeds are forgiven if you have enough money .
”

Two days after revealing that Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner purchased a $30 million lot in one of Miami’s toniest, Trump-loving neighborhoods, Page Six has revealed that their famous relatives, Joshua Kushner and his wife, Karlie Kloss, also purchased property in Miami.
Like President Donald Trump, Ivanka Trump has reportedly come to realize that New York City wouldn’t be a very welcoming place to return to. The White House senior adviser must be aware of reports that Manhattan’s liberal elite don’t look kindly on the hardline policies and racist rhetoric that came out of her father’s administration.
So, Ivanka Trump and her husband have decided to base themselves in Florida, where, it’s been reported, she may eye a run for local or state political office. The formerly liberal Manhattan socialite would run as a newly conservative “proud Trump Republican,” as she said in a recent interview.
HuffPost speculated that Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner would be in welcome company in their new gated community, ultra-tony Indian Creek Island in Miami’s Biscayne Bay. Residents of the small island, known as “Billionaire’s Bunker,” cast 53 votes for president in the Nov. 3 election, and 79 percent of them went to Donald Trump, the Miami Herald reported.
Meanwhile, the couple will have family close by. Soon-to-be ex-President Trump and his wife, Melania, plan to settle down in their Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, about 70 miles north.
Jared Kushner’s younger brother, Joshua Kushner, and his wife, supermodel and entrepreneur Karlie Kloss, will be even closer, according to Page Six. The couple, who is expecting their first baby, spent $23.5 million on an eight-bedroom estate, also located in Miami.
Kushner and Kloss’s new two-story mansion, which they purchased over the summer, sits on a 24,860-square-foot lot and features a stunning pool and wine cellar, Page Six reported. It’s just 10 minutes away from Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner’s new 1.84-acre property on which the couple will enjoy 200 feet of private waterfront on the future bayfront estate, Page Six reported on Monday.
Vanity Fair has previously reported that Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump face a shrinking group of friends in their their old Manhattan high-society crowd.
“Everyone with self-respect, a career, morals, respect for democracy, or who doesn’t want their friends to shame them both in private and public will steer clear,” a former friend told Vanity Fair writer Emily Jane Fox, who also penned a biography of Ivanka Trump and her siblings.
Among those remaining loyal is Joshua Kushner, which isn’t surprising. Joshua and Jared Kushner have reportedly remained close, even as Karlie Kloss has been open about the “complications” of having political views that are different than her in-laws. She previously confirmed that she and Joshua Kushner didn’t vote for Trump in 2016, Town and Country reported.
In October, the “Project Runway” host shared a voting selfie on her Instagram account in which she was wearing a Biden-Harris facemask. One of her hashtags also read #voteBLUE.
Kloss has managed to overcome her political differences with Ivanka Trump enough to have her at her 2018 wedding. Then again, Kloss was notably absent from the intimate 10th wedding anniversary celebration Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner threw at Camp David in 2019, according to Vanity Fair’s Fox. A former friend told Fox that “Karlie is the anti-Ivanka.”
The two women may be even more divided on politics after Ivanka Trump recently revealed she was “unapologetically pro-life” and vowed to continue to advocate for her father’s Make America Great Again agenda.
However well Ivanka Trump and Karlie Kloss do or don’t get along, the soon-to-be ex-White House senior advisor should expect a social “soft landing” among the moneyed crowd in South Florida, according to Lysandra Ohrstrom, a former prep school friend of Ivanka Trump’s.
In a scathing article for Vanity Fair, Ohrstrom said Ivanka will find that in this crowd, “casual white supremacy is de rigueur and most misdeeds are forgiven if you have enough money.”


mercurynews--2020-12-10--Kevon Looney emerging as key to Warriors’ plan at center this season

As the first game of the preseason nears , the Warriors ’ coaching staff has started to settle on an early rotation at center .
On Wednesday , head coach Steve Kerr said Kevon Looney will “ probably ” start Saturday in the Warriors ’ preseason opener against the Denver Nuggets at Chase Center .
With rookie James Wiseman and Draymond Green scratched from the first three days of training camp after both tested positive for the coronavirus , Kerr has slotted Looney onto the blue-clad team in scrimmages alongside other starters Stephen Curry , Kelly Oubre Jr. , Andrew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Green ) .
“ He ’ s feeling excellent , ” Kerr said of Looney , who was limited to just 20 of 65 possible games last season due to various injuries and a neuropathic condition in his body .
“ So that ’ s a huge sign for us , to have somebody who we know we can count on in a big situation.
” Added Looney : “ I feel great .
It ’ s the best I ’ ve felt in a long time.
” This is an encouraging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with health issues most of his NBA career .
In five seasons , only once has he played in more than 66 games .
Those injuries could have derailed Looney ’ s development but , instead , he blossomed into a dependable defender who routinely played his best in the playoffs .
Last summer , he signed a three-year , $ 15 million contract .
It ’ s not a secret that Kerr has an affinity for Looney , and often points to the 24-year-old ’ s maturity , mental toughness and willingness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a really great example of organizational development and personal strength , strength of character , given what he ’ s had to overcome to get to this point , ” Kerr said .
But Looney said who starts isn ’ t as important a question to him as who finishes .
Over the years , Kerr has routinely changed his starting center game to game based on matchups .
The ultimate nod of confidence is not being named a starter , but a closer .
“ Starting really hasn ’ t been a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ I always want to be able to finish a game or play at the end.
” According to Looney , the Warriors ’ coaching staff has encouraged the centers to shoot 3-pointers this season , with an emphasis on spacing the floor for wings such as Wiggins and Oubre to cut to the basket .
Looney said he feels comfortable stretching beyond the 3-point line and is best shooting from the corners .
Backing up Looney will be Marquese Chriss and Wiseman .
Kerr trusts Chriss , who emerged as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season , to play big minutes in important stretches .
Wiseman , meanwhile , has watched the last two days of training camp from a balcony overlooking the practice court .
These workouts would have been valuable for the No .
2 pick in this year ’ s draft as the Warriors aim to bring him along slowly .
Not having time in training camp could result in fewer minutes early in the season .
Once Green returns , he will also see minutes at center in small-ball lineups .
“ We ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kerr said .
“ We ’ ve got two very capable players .
And then once those guys are back we ’ ll have a lot of options.
” With two days left of training camp , Looney is starting to see how the pieces are coming together for Golden State .
“ We ’ re long and we ’ re fast , and the energy is a lot different than in years prior , ” Looney said .
“ This group has a lot of young guys with a chip on their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so you can feel it in practice.
” After the Warriors ’ first preseason game Saturday , they will wrap up the preseason with games against the Kings in Sacramento on Dec. 15 and Dec. 17 .
They open the regular season against the Nets in Brooklyn on Dec. 22 .
A win for the backups : Today was the first time the “ White ” team including projected reserves Brad Wanamaker , Jordan Poole , Kent Bazemore , Damion Lee and Chriss beat the “ Blue ” team .
“ It was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the starters , ” Kerr said .
Getting in shape : Conditioning is a big focus of training camp every year , and even more so this year after most of Golden State ’ s players haven ’ t played in nine months .
On Day 3 , Kerr noted the team is “ getting our wind ” .
He added that some of the things that need cleaning up are turnovers , transition defense and chemistry on offense .
Mulder ’ s shot : According to Kerr , guard Mychal Mulder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ making the 15-man roster .
In seven games for Golden State last season , Mulder made an impression on the coaching staff and signed a non-guaranteed contract for this season .
“ I ’ m a big fan of Mychal , ” Kerr said .
“ He ’ s a shooter , he ’ s a smart player at both ends , and we were really pleased with his play a year ago.
” Mulder ’ s shooting , in particular , could help him land a roster spot .
Though he made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last season , he made nearly 40 % of his 3-point attempts in 39 G League games .
The loss of Klay Thompson to a season-ending Achilles tear helps Mulder ’ s case .
“ He had a good day today , ” Kerr said .
“ Knocked down some shots , made some good plays .
”

As the first game of the preseason nears, the Warriors’ coaching staff has started to settle on an early rotation at center.
On Wednesday, head coach Steve Kerr said Kevon Looney will “probably” start Saturday in the Warriors’ preseason opener against the Denver Nuggets at Chase Center.
With rookie James Wiseman and Draymond Green scratched from the first three days of training camp after both tested positive for the coronavirus, Kerr has slotted Looney onto the blue-clad team in scrimmages alongside other starters Stephen Curry, Kelly Oubre Jr., Andrew Wiggins and Eric Paschall (filling in for Green).
“He’s feeling excellent,” Kerr said of Looney, who was limited to just 20 of 65 possible games last season due to various injuries and a neuropathic condition in his body. “So that’s a huge sign for us, to have somebody who we know we can count on in a big situation.”
Added Looney: “I feel great. It’s the best I’ve felt in a long time.”
This is an encouraging sign for Looney, who has struggled with health issues most of his NBA career. In five seasons, only once has he played in more than 66 games. Those injuries could have derailed Looney’s development but, instead, he blossomed into a dependable defender who routinely played his best in the playoffs. Last summer, he signed a three-year, $15 million contract.
It’s not a secret that Kerr has an affinity for Looney, and often points to the 24-year-old’s maturity, mental toughness and willingness to accept coaching.
“Loon is a really great example of organizational development and personal strength, strength of character, given what he’s had to overcome to get to this point,” Kerr said.
But Looney said who starts isn’t as important a question to him as who finishes. Over the years, Kerr has routinely changed his starting center game to game based on matchups. The ultimate nod of confidence is not being named a starter, but a closer.
“Starting really hasn’t been a big thing for me,” Looney said. “I always want to be able to finish a game or play at the end.”
According to Looney, the Warriors’ coaching staff has encouraged the centers to shoot 3-pointers this season, with an emphasis on spacing the floor for wings such as Wiggins and Oubre to cut to the basket. Looney said he feels comfortable stretching beyond the 3-point line and is best shooting from the corners.
Backing up Looney will be Marquese Chriss and Wiseman. Kerr trusts Chriss, who emerged as the team’s starting center last season, to play big minutes in important stretches. Wiseman, meanwhile, has watched the last two days of training camp from a balcony overlooking the practice court.
These workouts would have been valuable for the No. 2 pick in this year’s draft as the Warriors aim to bring him along slowly. Not having time in training camp could result in fewer minutes early in the season. Once Green returns, he will also see minutes at center in small-ball lineups.
“We’re fine at the five,” Kerr said. “We’ve got two very capable players. And then once those guys are back we’ll have a lot of options.”
With two days left of training camp, Looney is starting to see how the pieces are coming together for Golden State.
“We’re long and we’re fast, and the energy is a lot different than in years prior,” Looney said. “This group has a lot of young guys with a chip on their shoulder, something to prove, and so you can feel it in practice.”
After the Warriors’ first preseason game Saturday, they will wrap up the preseason with games against the Kings in Sacramento on Dec. 15 and Dec. 17. They open the regular season against the Nets in Brooklyn on Dec. 22.
More training camp notes
A win for the backups: Today was the first time the “White” team including projected reserves Brad Wanamaker, Jordan Poole, Kent Bazemore, Damion Lee and Chriss beat the “Blue” team.
“It was probably a good slap in the face for the starters,” Kerr said.
Getting in shape: Conditioning is a big focus of training camp every year, and even more so this year after most of Golden State’s players haven’t played in nine months. On Day 3, Kerr noted the team is “getting our wind”.
He added that some of the things that need cleaning up are turnovers, transition defense and chemistry on offense.
Mulder’s shot: According to Kerr, guard Mychal Mulder has “a good chance” at making the 15-man roster. In seven games for Golden State last season, Mulder made an impression on the coaching staff and signed a non-guaranteed contract for this season.
“I’m a big fan of Mychal,” Kerr said. “He’s a shooter, he’s a smart player at both ends, and we were really pleased with his play a year ago.”
Mulder’s shooting, in particular, could help him land a roster spot. Though he made just 30.8% of his 3-point attempts last season, he made nearly 40% of his 3-point attempts in 39 G League games. The loss of Klay Thompson to a season-ending Achilles tear helps Mulder’s case.
“He had a good day today,” Kerr said. “Knocked down some shots, made some good plays.”


mercurynews--2020-12-09--Sponsored: You’ll always use this outdoor space

There ’ s no time like the present to think about how to make the most of every inch of outdoor space at the new home .
And there ’ s no better source of inspiration than new-home builders , who are adapting their designs to today ’ s families ’ needs with outdoor living features structurally attached to the homes .
We ’ ve changed the way we live .
So let ’ s find good in the fact that the obligation and need for change have provoked creativity and positive change .
From new-home builders and their buyers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bay Area , 2020 has been a year to discover ways to stretch outdoor living spaces across both areas and seasons of the year .
Let ’ s look at the ways that the so-called California Room and other attached outdoor living areas can bring new life to life at home .
Technically , a California Room isn ’ t a room at all ; it is only enclosed on two or three sides , with the third and/or fourth open to a garden , yard or uncovered patio space .
In fact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ version of the Florida Room or the Arizona Room , which are often enclosed by screens or glass .
Because the California Room isn ’ t enclosed , it ’ s not even factored into the square footage of a new home .
Think of it as extra space at a time when we can all benefit from more good in our lives .
A defining feature of a California Room is that it sits under the roofline of the home itself .
Also a distinguishing factor is the California Room ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ step down from the inside of the home to the California Room on the outside .
The threshold between indoors and outdoors may only be noticeable by the type of flooring installed on each side of the door .
Some builders enhance this seamless transition by installing full walls of glass doors , either by way of stacking doors , bifolding retractable glass doors or side-by-side 12-foot sliders .
Many builders offer other variations of the covered , contiguous outdoor area .
These serve the same general purposes as the California Room .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , for your household , it ’ s the Outdoor Retreat or the Bay Area Room .
There ’ s no need to get hung up on semantics .
Flexible outdoor living space , in fact , has become so highly desired by buyers that a majority of builders offer some version of it within their plans .
Ask your builder what is included and what features can be added to the covered outdoor living space to make it as livable and long-lasting as possible .
The floor plan and elevation of each @ @ @ @ @ @ @ points to the outdoor living space are situated and whether certain options , such as a fireplace , are possible .
Before construction , consider the following : Your builder is already planning to prewire your new home for all kinds of lighting , appliances and technology needs .
Make sure they know you want the outside space wired , if it ’ s not already included .
Before outdoor wiring begins , consider the direction your space faces .
The electrician can position wiring for mounted TVs and speakers in places that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sun , streetlights or other objects .
After that , decide what custom light fixtures , including ceiling fans , you want installed and where .
Space allowing , do you want a built-in fireplace or fire pit at the center of your outdoor living area or along a wall ?
If you ’ re not sure , ask your builder what plumbing , electric or gas lines should be pre-installed to give you the flexibility to add a fireplace or fire pit later .
In the meantime , you can shop for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you ’ ve determined the living areas of your outdoor space , decide how much seating and table space you want in the area you ’ ve carved out for relaxing or entertaining .
Should you consider smaller love seats and more chairs so that people can sit either independently or as couples while maintaining safe distance from one another ?
Order and purchase within three months of move in so you can enjoy outdoor living on day one .
Every space feels warmer with custom flooring .
While you can choose traditional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may feel more like an extension of the inside if you choose a durable laminate flooring or porcelain or ceramic tile in colors or patterns similar to the room ( s ) leading outside .
Stamped , stained or textured concrete is a durable , stylish alternative .
For more hominess in the space , choose low-pile outdoor carpet in a color that complements your furnishings .
Have it cut to fit and bound on the edges .
Want to mix it up ?
Choose a few pieces of carpet cut to fit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pieces to change seasonally .

There’s no time like the present to think about how to make the most of every inch of outdoor space at the new home. And there’s no better source of inspiration than new-home builders, who are adapting their designs to today’s families’ needs with outdoor living features structurally attached to the homes.
We’ve changed the way we live. So let’s find good in the fact that the obligation and need for change have provoked creativity and positive change.
From new-home builders and their buyers to current homeowners and renters around the Bay Area, 2020 has been a year to discover ways to stretch outdoor living spaces across both areas and seasons of the year.
Let’s look at the ways that the so-called California Room and other attached outdoor living areas can bring new life to life at home.
The California Room
Technically, a California Room isn’t a room at all; it is only enclosed on two or three sides, with the third and/or fourth open to a garden, yard or uncovered patio space. In fact, the California Room is the open-air version of the Florida Room or the Arizona Room, which are often enclosed by screens or glass.
Because the California Room isn’t enclosed, it’s not even factored into the square footage of a new home. Think of it as extra space at a time when we can all benefit from more good in our lives.
A defining feature of a California Room is that it sits under the roofline of the home itself. Also a distinguishing factor is the California Room’s smooth transition in flooring, with no step down from the inside of the home to the California Room on the outside. The threshold between indoors and outdoors may only be noticeable by the type of flooring installed on each side of the door.
Some builders enhance this seamless transition by installing full walls of glass doors, either by way of stacking doors, bifolding retractable glass doors or side-by-side 12-foot sliders.
Alternatives to the California Room
Many builders offer other variations of the covered, contiguous outdoor area. These serve the same general purposes as the California Room.
Call it whatever you want. Maybe, for your household, it’s the Outdoor Retreat or the Bay Area Room. There’s no need to get hung up on semantics. Flexible outdoor living space, in fact, has become so highly desired by buyers that a majority of builders offer some version of it within their plans.
Ask your builder what is included and what features can be added to the covered outdoor living space to make it as livable and long-lasting as possible.
The floor plan and elevation of each home’s plan dictate where access points to the outdoor living space are situated and whether certain options, such as a fireplace, are possible.
Before construction, consider the following:
Outdoor electronics
Your builder is already planning to prewire your new home for all kinds of lighting, appliances and technology needs. Make sure they know you want the outside space wired, if it’s not already included.
Before outdoor wiring begins, consider the direction your space faces. The electrician can position wiring for mounted TVs and speakers in places that won’t reflect glare from the sun, streetlights or other objects. After that, decide what custom light fixtures, including ceiling fans, you want installed and where.
Fire pit or fireplace
Space allowing, do you want a built-in fireplace or fire pit at the center of your outdoor living area or along a wall? If you’re not sure, ask your builder what plumbing, electric or gas lines should be pre-installed to give you the flexibility to add a fireplace or fire pit later.
In the meantime, you can shop for free-standing or tabletop patio heaters.
Outdoor furniture
Once you’ve determined the living areas of your outdoor space, decide how much seating and table space you want in the area you’ve carved out for relaxing or entertaining.
Should you consider smaller love seats and more chairs so that people can sit either independently or as couples while maintaining safe distance from one another? Order and purchase within three months of move in so you can enjoy outdoor living on day one.
Outdoor flooring
Every space feels warmer with custom flooring. While you can choose traditional wood or composite decking, your space may feel more like an extension of the inside if you choose a durable laminate flooring or porcelain or ceramic tile in colors or patterns similar to the room(s) leading outside. Stamped, stained or textured concrete is a durable, stylish alternative.
For more hominess in the space, choose low-pile outdoor carpet in a color that complements your furnishings. Have it cut to fit and bound on the edges. Want to mix it up? Choose a few pieces of carpet cut to fit different parts of your space or multiple pieces to change seasonally.


mercurynews--2020-12-09--Raiders’ disappearing run game must return vs. Colts, with or without Jacobs and Brown

Trent Brown was back at practice Wednesday , but Josh Jacobs was not as the Raiders look to get their sagging running game back on track for the last quarter of the season .
It was Brown ’ s first practice since late October , as he rejoined the starters in limited fashion .
Jacobs , who missed Sunday ’ s 31-28 win over the New York Jets with an ankle injury , will have his availability determined Thursday and Friday .
Whether they play Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts , a significant part of the Raiders ’ identity has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three games and it ’ s difficult to envision a playoff push without the kind of steady forward progress which got them to 6-3 .
The Raiders are 7-5 and the Colts are 8-4 , currently holding the third and final wild-card spot in the AFC behind Cleveland ( 9-3 ) and Miami ( 8-4 ) .
“ I haven ’ t been happy with the last couple games , ” Raiders coach Jon Gruden said .
“ We can be optimistic and we can be realistic I ’ m going to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do a better job .
We feed our families with our running game .
We ’ ve got to be able to run out the clock at the end of a game like we did at Arrowhead .
We ’ ve got to be able to convert in short yardage .
We ’ ve got to do better and we made the effort to get better today.
” Through Week 10 , the Raiders were on a three-game win streak with the running game taking the lead .
In wins over Cleveland , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Raiders ran the ball 112 times for 572 yards with six touchdowns , averaging 5.1 yards per carry .
The Raiders were ranked fourth in the NFL in rushing , fifth in attempts and fourth in first downs rushing .
In the last three games , which included back-to-back losses to Kansas City and Atlanta followed by Sunday ’ s win over the Jets , the Raiders rushed for 201 yards on 65 attempts with two touchdowns averaging 3.1 yards per carry .
In Weeks 8 through 10 , the Raiders ran @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 72 times .
In Weeks 11 through 13 , they passed the ball 112 times and ran it 65 .
Going into the Colts game , the Raiders have dropped to 10th in the NFL in rushing and 11th in rushing first downs .
Power running has been a big part of Gruden ’ s philosophy in both tours with the Raiders as well as Tampa Bay , and Colts coach Frank Reich doesn ’ t believe the past three games will deter him from sticking with his philosophy .
“ I just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re at their best , ” Reich said on a conference call .
“ My guess is the way they they want to operate is to that run game , to get it going like it was going .
I have no doubt that will be a top priority for them this week , and we ’ re going to have to be at our best in our run defense.
” “ We ’ ve got to stop the run , which is a big thing with their offense and their big @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Indianapolis .
“ They want to get downhill.
” And the Colts have been very good at stopping the run .
They ’ re fifth in total defense and seventh against the run , giving 100.9 yards per game and 3.8 yards per carry .
The only back to have any success is Tennessee ’ s Derrick Henry , who had 19 carries for 103 yards in their first meeting and 178 yards on 27 attempts in the rematch .
Aside from Henry , no back has exceeded 72 yards against the Colts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ difficulties running the ball to the ups and downs of an NFL season .
“ It ’ s always important to try and impose our will on a defense but things just don ’ t go perfect , ” Good said .
“ You can make the perfect game plan but it isn ’ t always going to go that way .
That ’ s just how it was the last couple of weeks .
We felt we were out of sync in the run game but trying to make that an important @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it back together and re-establishing ourselves as a running team.
” The Raiders beat the Jets with Derek Carr throwing a season-high 47 passes to go along with 25 runs when ideally they ’ d be much closer to a 50-50 split .
“ Balance makes my job a lot easier , ” Carr said .
“ It makes the O-line ’ s job easier .
If we can do that , it helps .
Having balance opens up play-action more .
When you do drop back , they ’ re not just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We want to run the ball well because it opens up a lot of things , but at the same way we ’ re in a single-elimination kind of mindset .
Whatever we have to do to win it , let ’ s just do that.
” Brown has played in just two games , three in the opener and then all 70 on Oct. 11 against Kansas City .
Between a calf injury and his bout with COVID-19 that resulted in health complications , his practice appearances have been few and far @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see the 6-foot-8 , 380-pound right tackle well enough to give it a go .
Carr said it was “ lovely ” to have Brown on the field and credited the way the line has played in his absence .
Brown , however , is someone who could make a big difference .
• Raiders bringing back an old face on defense • Focus on Colts : Ex-49er DeForest Buckner still a big problem for opponents • Raiders aren ’ t counting on Jacobs , Abram , Brown , Arnette — but that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t face Colts • Raiders ’ Jon Gruden takes swipe at ESPN , credits Carr for TD pass rather than blaming Jets ’ Williams “ There ’ s just so much more space to move , ” Carr said .
“ He ’ s the best in the world at what he does .
You drop back , and there ’ s nothing there .
You can manipulate people more , do more things as a quarterback .
There ’ s more room in the run game and the pass game because he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was “ huge ” to have Brown on the field .
“ You have seen him play .
He ’ s going to help our run game for sure , ” Good said .
“ Having him around makes everyone feel better.
” Tight end Darren Waller , whose physical skill set , whose size and speed inspire awe from teammates and opponents alike , had a similar feeling the first time he saw Brown .
“ He is easily the biggest person I ’ ve ever been around in any walk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ But he ’ s real chill .
He ’ s not overbearing or anything , has a great personality .
You add that to his skill set and how big he is , he ’ s a great guy to be around .
It ’ s awesome to see him out there .
Great to have him back.
” — Safety Johnathan Abram ( knee ) was limited at practice after missing the Jets game .
That ’ s a good sign because safety Jeff Heath was out with a concussion and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ face the Colts .
Also out with a concussion and neck injury was cornerback Damon Arnette .
— Cornerback Daryl Worley was officially signed to the roster but Gruden said he won ’ t be available until the Raiders ’ Week 15 game against the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday night , Dec. 17 .
— Others who were limited at practice were cornerback Isaiah Johnson ( groin ) , wide receiver Zay Jones ( ankle ) , cornerback Nevin Lawson ( knee/ankle ) and defensive tackle Maurice Hurst ( calf ) .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , center Rodney Hudson and defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins .

Trent Brown was back at practice Wednesday, but Josh Jacobs was not as the Raiders look to get their sagging running game back on track for the last quarter of the season.
It was Brown’s first practice since late October, as he rejoined the starters in limited fashion. Jacobs, who missed Sunday’s 31-28 win over the New York Jets with an ankle injury, will have his availability determined Thursday and Friday.
Whether they play Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts, a significant part of the Raiders’ identity has been missing in action over the past three games and it’s difficult to envision a playoff push without the kind of steady forward progress which got them to 6-3.
The Raiders are 7-5 and the Colts are 8-4, currently holding the third and final wild-card spot in the AFC behind Cleveland (9-3) and Miami (8-4).
“I haven’t been happy with the last couple games,” Raiders coach Jon Gruden said. “We can be optimistic and we can be realistic I’m going to be realistic. We’ve got to do a better job. We feed our families with our running game. We’ve got to be able to run out the clock at the end of a game like we did at Arrowhead. We’ve got to be able to convert in short yardage. We’ve got to do better and we made the effort to get better today.”
Through Week 10, the Raiders were on a three-game win streak with the running game taking the lead. In wins over Cleveland, the Los Angeles Chargers and Denver, the Raiders ran the ball 112 times for 572 yards with six touchdowns, averaging 5.1 yards per carry.
The Raiders were ranked fourth in the NFL in rushing, fifth in attempts and fourth in first downs rushing.
In the last three games, which included back-to-back losses to Kansas City and Atlanta followed by Sunday’s win over the Jets, the Raiders rushed for 201 yards on 65 attempts with two touchdowns averaging 3.1 yards per carry.
In Weeks 8 through 10, the Raiders ran the ball 112 times and passed it 72 times. In Weeks 11 through 13, they passed the ball 112 times and ran it 65.
Going into the Colts game, the Raiders have dropped to 10th in the NFL in rushing and 11th in rushing first downs.
GROUND TO A HALT#Raiders running game
Weeks 8-10
41-203-5.0-4 vs. Cleveland
26-160-6.2-2 vs. L.A. Chargers
45-209-4.6-0 vs. Denver
Totals: 112-572-5.1-6 Weeks 11-13
25-72-2.9-1 vs. Kansas City
14-40-2.9-0 vs. Atlanta
26-89-3.4-1 vs. N.Y. Jets
Totals 65-201-3.1-2 — Jerry McDonald (@Jerrymcd) December 9, 2020
Power running has been a big part of Gruden’s philosophy in both tours with the Raiders as well as Tampa Bay, and Colts coach Frank Reich doesn’t believe the past three games will deter him from sticking with his philosophy.
“I just feel like that’s when they’re at their best,” Reich said on a conference call. “My guess is the way they they want to operate is to that run game, to get it going like it was going. I have no doubt that will be a top priority for them this week, and we’re going to have to be at our best in our run defense.”
Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner agreed.
“We’ve got to stop the run, which is a big thing with their offense and their big O-line,” Buckner told reporters in Indianapolis. “They want to get downhill.”
And the Colts have been very good at stopping the run. They’re fifth in total defense and seventh against the run, giving 100.9 yards per game and 3.8 yards per carry. The only back to have any success is Tennessee’s Derrick Henry, who had 19 carries for 103 yards in their first meeting and 178 yards on 27 attempts in the rematch.
Aside from Henry, no back has exceeded 72 yards against the Colts.
Raiders guard Denzelle Good attributed the difficulties running the ball to the ups and downs of an NFL season.
“It’s always important to try and impose our will on a defense but things just don’t go perfect,” Good said. “You can make the perfect game plan but it isn’t always going to go that way. That’s just how it was the last couple of weeks. We felt we were out of sync in the run game but trying to make that an important point this week as far as getting it back together and re-establishing ourselves as a running team.”
The Raiders beat the Jets with Derek Carr throwing a season-high 47 passes to go along with 25 runs when ideally they’d be much closer to a 50-50 split.
“Balance makes my job a lot easier,” Carr said. “It makes the O-line’s job easier. If we can do that, it helps. Having balance opens up play-action more. When you do drop back, they’re not just full-tilt, pinning their ears back. We want to run the ball well because it opens up a lot of things, but at the same way we’re in a single-elimination kind of mindset. Whatever we have to do to win it, let’s just do that.”
Brown’s return
Brown has played in just two games, three in the opener and then all 70 on Oct. 11 against Kansas City. Between a calf injury and his bout with COVID-19 that resulted in health complications, his practice appearances have been few and far between. His teammates were pleased to see the 6-foot-8, 380-pound right tackle well enough to give it a go.
Carr said it was “lovely” to have Brown on the field and credited the way the line has played in his absence. Brown, however, is someone who could make a big difference.
“There’s just so much more space to move,” Carr said. “He’s the best in the world at what he does. You drop back, and there’s nothing there. You can manipulate people more, do more things as a quarterback. There’s more room in the run game and the pass game because he’s so dominant.”
Good said it was “huge” to have Brown on the field.
“You have seen him play. He’s going to help our run game for sure,” Good said. “Having him around makes everyone feel better.”
Tight end Darren Waller, whose physical skill set, whose size and speed inspire awe from teammates and opponents alike, had a similar feeling the first time he saw Brown.
“He is easily the biggest person I’ve ever been around in any walk of life,” Waller said. “But he’s real chill. He’s not overbearing or anything, has a great personality. You add that to his skill set and how big he is, he’s a great guy to be around. It’s awesome to see him out there. Great to have him back.”
ETCETERA
— Safety Johnathan Abram (knee) was limited at practice after missing the Jets game. That’s a good sign because safety Jeff Heath was out with a concussion and would have to be cleared medically to face the Colts. Also out with a concussion and neck injury was cornerback Damon Arnette.
— Cornerback Daryl Worley was officially signed to the roster but Gruden said he won’t be available until the Raiders’ Week 15 game against the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday night, Dec. 17.
— Others who were limited at practice were cornerback Isaiah Johnson (groin), wide receiver Zay Jones (ankle), cornerback Nevin Lawson (knee/ankle) and defensive tackle Maurice Hurst (calf).
— Player who were rested included Good, center Rodney Hudson and defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins.


mercurynews--2020-12-09--Bay Area arts: Smuin, ODC, TheatreWorks debut new holiday shows

Here are several new streaming holiday shows Bay Arts fans should know about .
Smuin Contemporary Ballet and ODC/Dance have for years been delivering two of the Bay Area ’ s most beloved holiday dance shows .
Luckily , both productions will be offered online this year .
Meanwhile , San Jose ’ s 4-year-old New Ballet is also offering a virtual take on its “ San Jose Nutcracker.
” Here ’ s a look .
Smuin Contemporary Ballet : The company ’ s sassy , sweet and sumptuous “ Christmas Ballet ” turns 25 this year and will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ late Michael Smuin probably never envisioned .
The production features three separate streaming programs that have “ pods ” of Smuin dancers performing holiday favorites ( yes , “ Santa Baby ” is in the mix ) as well as new works from Amy Seiwert , Rex Wheeler , and Emmy Award-winner Ben Needham-Wood .
Details : Friday-Dec. 24 ; $ 49- $ 139 ; see website for full schedule and information on ticket packages , special events such as cocktail parties , and extras ( Smuin-designed masks , anyone ? )
; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ idea — turning Margery Williams ’ beloved 1922 kids book about a toy stuffed rabbit that dreams of becoming “ real ” through the love of its owner into a holiday dance production .
ODC has been performing this show for 34 years and is offering a streamed version with recorded narration by Geoff Hoyle , delightful costumes by Brian Wildsmith and a musical score by Benjamin Britten .
There are interactive elements added to the streaming show and some ticket packages include such extras as an activities book an even a plush @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dec. 31 ; $ 35- $ 90 ; schedule , tickets and more information are at odc.dance/velveteenrabbit .
New Ballet : Company artistic and executive director Dalia Rawson ’ s take on the holiday classic will be streamed beginning this weekend in a show recorded at the Hammer Theatre Center and spiced up with oodles of Silicon Valley scenes and references .
Details : 7 p.m. Saturday , production will be available on demand through Dec. 31 ; pay-what-you-can ; www.hammertheatre.com .
At a time when travelling is at best a complicated undertaking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us around the world — virtually — with its holiday show .
The Palo Alto-based company is presenting “ Simple Gifts , ” a variety show of sorts touching on winter celebrations ranging from Kwanzaa , Hanukkah , Bodhi Day , Noche Buena , Diwali , Las Posadas , winter solstice and Christmas .
Helmed by company artistic director Tim Bond , a variety of Bay Area performers will share songs , memories and observations about the winter holidays .
The cast includes Velina Brown , David Crane , Maya Greenberg , Michelle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Sharon Rietkerk , Maya Sherer , Will Springhorn Jr. , Michael Gene Sullivan , and Adam Saucedo .
“ Simple Gifts ” will be live-streamed today through Dec. 27 and available on demand Dec. 28-Jan. 1 .
A Q & A with performers will be available after each live-streamed production .
Details : Access is $ 10 , free to subscribers and those who donated tickets from shows cancelled due to the pandemic ; tickets and more information at www.TheatreWorks.org .
Let the Ragazzi Boys Chorus , the premier youth vocal ensemble @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Beyond the Stars ” starting at 4 p.m. Sunday in a live-streamed holiday concert that will combine some traditional favorites with more recent works that emphasize resiliency , hope and laughter .
One example of the latter is “ Da Coconut Nut , ” Filipino composer Ryan Cayabyab ’ s bit of whimsy that celebrates the contributions of each and every part of the coconut palm , sung by the Young Men ’ s Ensemble of the Chorus .
Led by artistic and executive director Kent Jue , the boys have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allows them to work as a unit while performing from their individual homes .
Suggested donation for the concert is $ 25 to help support the group , which has canceled all in-person performances .
Find more information and reserve streaming access at Ragazzi.org or call 650-342-8785 .

Here are several new streaming holiday shows Bay Arts fans should know about.
3 holiday dance classics go online
Smuin Contemporary Ballet and ODC/Dance have for years been delivering two of the Bay Area’s most beloved holiday dance shows. Luckily, both productions will be offered online this year. Meanwhile, San Jose’s 4-year-old New Ballet is also offering a virtual take on its “San Jose Nutcracker.” Here’s a look.
Smuin Contemporary Ballet: The company’s sassy, sweet and sumptuous “Christmas Ballet” turns 25 this year and will be presented in a fashion that founder the late Michael Smuin probably never envisioned. The production features three separate streaming programs that have “pods” of Smuin dancers performing holiday favorites (yes, “Santa Baby” is in the mix) as well as new works from Amy Seiwert, Rex Wheeler, and Emmy Award-winner Ben Needham-Wood.
Details: Friday-Dec. 24; $49-$139; see website for full schedule and information on ticket packages, special events such as cocktail parties, and extras (Smuin-designed masks, anyone?); www.smuinballet.org.
ODC/Dance: What a brilliant idea — turning Margery Williams’ beloved 1922 kids book about a toy stuffed rabbit that dreams of becoming “real” through the love of its owner into a holiday dance production. ODC has been performing this show for 34 years and is offering a streamed version with recorded narration by Geoff Hoyle, delightful costumes by Brian Wildsmith and a musical score by Benjamin Britten. There are interactive elements added to the streaming show and some ticket packages include such extras as an activities book an even a plush toy rabbit.
Details: Today through Dec. 31; $35-$90; schedule, tickets and more information are at odc.dance/velveteenrabbit.
New Ballet: Company artistic and executive director Dalia Rawson’s take on the holiday classic will be streamed beginning this weekend in a show recorded at the Hammer Theatre Center and spiced up with oodles of Silicon Valley scenes and references.
Details: 7 p.m. Saturday, production will be available on demand through Dec. 31; pay-what-you-can; www.hammertheatre.com.
— Randy McMullen, Staff
TheatreWorks keeps it ‘Simple’
At a time when travelling is at best a complicated undertaking, TheatreWorks Silicon Valley offers to take us around the world — virtually — with its holiday show.
The Palo Alto-based company is presenting “Simple Gifts,” a variety show of sorts touching on winter celebrations ranging from Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, Bodhi Day, Noche Buena, Diwali, Las Posadas, winter solstice and Christmas.
Helmed by company artistic director Tim Bond, a variety of Bay Area performers will share songs, memories and observations about the winter holidays. The cast includes Velina Brown, David Crane, Maya Greenberg, Michelle Jordan, Amy Lizardo, Bryan Munar, Sharon Rietkerk, Maya Sherer, Will Springhorn Jr., Michael Gene Sullivan, and Adam Saucedo.
“Simple Gifts” will be live-streamed today through Dec. 27 and available on demand Dec. 28-Jan. 1. A Q&A with performers will be available after each live-streamed production.
Details: Access is $10, free to subscribers and those who donated tickets from shows cancelled due to the pandemic; tickets and more information at www.TheatreWorks.org.
— Randy McMullen, Staff
Young voices ring out
Let the Ragazzi Boys Chorus, the premier youth vocal ensemble based in the Peninsula, take you “Beyond the Stars” starting at 4 p.m. Sunday in a live-streamed holiday concert that will combine some traditional favorites with more recent works that emphasize resiliency, hope and laughter.
One example of the latter is “Da Coconut Nut,” Filipino composer Ryan Cayabyab’s bit of whimsy that celebrates the contributions of each and every part of the coconut palm, sung by the Young Men’s Ensemble of the Chorus.
Led by artistic and executive director Kent Jue, the boys have been practicing for months using new technology that allows them to work as a unit while performing from their individual homes.
Suggested donation for the concert is $25 to help support the group, which has canceled all in-person performances. Find more information and reserve streaming access at Ragazzi.org or call 650-342-8785.
— Bay Area News Foundation


mercurynews--2020-12-09--Cartoons: COVID-19 vaccine | election lawsuits | Trump’s ‘flurry’ of pardons?

CLICK HERE if you ’ re having trouble viewing this gallery on a mobile device .
COVID-19 vaccines arrive .
Who is first in line for them ?
California ’ s distribution plan starts with health care workers and nursing home residents .
Until more doses are available , access within these two groups also will be restricted , according to the panel called the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices , which is made up of physicians and public health experts .
For instance , health care workers with direct patient contact will be first in line .
Most facilities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health care workers within three weeks .
The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to block the state from formalizing President-elect Joe Biden ’ s victory there , Reuters reported .
President Donald Trump ’ s election fight to date has included more than 50 lawsuits , according to NBC News .
Trump pardoned former National Security Adviser Michael T. Flynn in November .
Sources have since told CNN that Trump has discussed pardoning himself , his children and his personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani .
Though no one has been charged publicly with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ probing whether there was a secret scheme to lobby White House officials for a pardon as well as a related plot to offer a hefty political contribution in exchange for clemency , the Associated Press reported .
CLICK HERE for more political cartoons .

CLICK HERE if you’re having trouble viewing this gallery on a mobile device.
Pardons for sale! by Bruce Plante, PoliticalCartoons.com
Tom Meyer
America moves on by Dave Whamond, Canada, PoliticalCartoons.com
Convenience Itself by Bob Englehart, PoliticalCartoons.com
COVID in the congregation by John Cole, ncpolicywatch.com
Covid vaccine delivery by Dave Granlund, PoliticalCartoons.com
COVID Vaccine Rescue by Pat Bagley, The Salt Lake Tribune, UT
Inviting Covid by Randall Enos, Easton, CT
Ken Catalino
Ken Catalino
Ken Catalino
Ken Catalino
Michael Ramirez
Mike Luckovich
Mike Luckovich
Mike Luckovich
Michael Ramirez
Michael Ramirez
Trump Library by Pat Bagley, The Salt Lake Tribune, UT
Trump Georgia Runoffs by Rick McKee, CagleCartoons.com
Trump Fail by Steve Sack, The Minneapolis Star-Tribune, MN
Steve Benson
Signe Wilkinson
Republican Cowards by Kevin Siers, The Charlotte Observer, NC
Preemptive Pardon by Peter Kuper, PoliticalCartoons.com
Operation Wrap Speed by John Darkow, Columbia Missourian
Pre-pardon Self by Ed Wexler, CagleCartoons.com
COVID-19 vaccines arrive. Who is first in line for them?
California’s distribution plan starts with health care workers and nursing home residents. Until more doses are available, access within these two groups also will be restricted, according to the panel called the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, which is made up of physicians and public health experts.
For instance, health care workers with direct patient contact will be first in line. Most facilities say they can vaccinate all of their health care workers within three weeks.
Supreme Court rejects GOP challenge to Pennsylvania vote
The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to block the state from formalizing President-elect Joe Biden’s victory there, Reuters reported. President Donald Trump’s election fight to date has included more than 50 lawsuits, according to NBC News.
Source: Expect a ‘flurry’ of pardons before Trump leaves
Trump pardoned former National Security Adviser Michael T. Flynn in November. Sources have since told CNN that Trump has discussed pardoning himself, his children and his personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani.
Justice Department investigating presidential pardon bribery scheme
Though no one has been charged publicly with a crime, the Justice Department is probing whether there was a secret scheme to lobby White House officials for a pardon as well as a related plot to offer a hefty political contribution in exchange for clemency, the Associated Press reported.
CLICK HERE for more political cartoons.


mercurynews--2020-12-09--San Jose Sharks might be placed in same division as NHL heavyweights

SAN JOSE — The Sharks might be in the toughest division in hockey if the NHL season is able to get started next month .
Thanks to the closure of the U.S.-Canada border , the Sharks could be placed in a new division with the St. Louis Blues , Colorado Avalanche and Dallas Stars this season , according to TSN ’ s Pierre LeBrun .
The Anaheim Ducks , Arizona Coyotes , Vegas Golden Knights and Los Angeles Kings , all traditional rivals of the Sharks , would also be in the division .
The Blues , Golden Knights , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ teams in the Western Conference last season in terms of points percentage .
The Sharks , at a .450 points percentage , were 15th and last .
Vegas and Dallas met in the Western Conference final in September , with the Stars winning in five games .
The divisions would have to be realigned if the northern border remains closed to non-essential travel .
So the Vancouver Canucks , Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames , who have been in the same division as the Sharks since the 2013-14 season , will likely be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jets , Toronto Maple Leafs , Montreal Canadiens and Ottawa Senators .
Also , per LeBrun , Boston , Buffalo , New Jersey , the New York Islanders , New York Rangers , Philadelphia , Pittsburgh and Washington would be in one division , and Carolina , Columbus , Detroit , Chicago , Florida , Minnesota , Nashville and Tampa Bay would be in another .
So , the Sharks say goodbye to Connor McDavid and Elias Pettersson for now .
Here comes what may be a steady dose of Nathan MacKinnon , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
For complete Sharks coverage follow us on Flipboard .
“ There are a lot of things we have to do to return to play , ” NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said Tuesday at the Maccabi USA Sports Show .
“ For us to return to play , we ’ re not going to play 82 games , obviously , and we have travel issues because of the restrictions at the border between Canada and the U.S. You can ’ t go back and forth , so we ’ re actually going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stays the way it is , we ’ re probably going to have to have a Canadian division and realign in the U.S. , and we ’ re trying to focus on dealing with all of those challenges.
” The realigned divisions are not finalized and would still need approval from the NHL ’ s Board of Governors .
Like the Sharks , the Golden Knights , Blues , Stars and Avalanche have all undergone changes since last season .
Like our Sharks Facebook page for more San Jose Sharks news , commentary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defenseman Alex Pietrangelo , who moved on from St. Louis , and signed goalie Robin Lehner to a five-year contract , but also traded center Paul Stastny and defenseman Nate Schmidt .
The Golden Knights are also reportedly shopping Max Pacioretty to help become compliant under the NHL ’ s salary cap for this season .
The Blues added defenseman Torey Krug in free agency and traded backup goalie Jake Allen to Montreal .
The Stars may be without goalie Ben Bishop and forward Tyler Seguin until March or later after both had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brandon Saad and defensemen Devon Toews and Dennis Gilbert via trade .
• Why the San Jose Sharks could be hurt by NHL ’ s new reported start date • Santa Clara County exec expects contact sports ban to last into 2021 , potentially forcing San Jose Sharks to leave • Where will Santa Clara County ’ s sports teams go ?
They ’ re scrambling to figure it out The league , per reports , is now targeting Jan. 13 as a start date to a 56-game regular season , although that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus cases .
While the Canadian-based teams will likely only be allowed to play each other , it is unclear whether the U.S.-based squads — in an effort to help reduce travel costs — will only play teams within their own division .
If teams only play divisional opponents , the Sharks would likely play all seven teams in their division eight times .
The Sharks still do not know where they will be able to hold training camp , or if they ’ ll be able to play games at SAP Center @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a physical contact ban in effect at least until Dec. 21 , and a shelter-in-place order could last until early January .

SAN JOSE — The Sharks might be in the toughest division in hockey if the NHL season is able to get started next month.
Thanks to the closure of the U.S.-Canada border, the Sharks could be placed in a new division with the St. Louis Blues, Colorado Avalanche and Dallas Stars this season, according to TSN’s Pierre LeBrun. The Anaheim Ducks, Arizona Coyotes, Vegas Golden Knights and Los Angeles Kings, all traditional rivals of the Sharks, would also be in the division.
The Blues, Golden Knights, Avalanche and Stars were the top four teams in the Western Conference last season in terms of points percentage. The Sharks, at a .450 points percentage, were 15th and last. Vegas and Dallas met in the Western Conference final in September, with the Stars winning in five games.
The divisions would have to be realigned if the northern border remains closed to non-essential travel. So the Vancouver Canucks, Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames, who have been in the same division as the Sharks since the 2013-14 season, will likely be in an all-Canadian division with the Winnipeg Jets, Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens and Ottawa Senators.
Also, per LeBrun, Boston, Buffalo, New Jersey, the New York Islanders, New York Rangers, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Washington would be in one division, and Carolina, Columbus, Detroit, Chicago, Florida, Minnesota, Nashville and Tampa Bay would be in another.
So, the Sharks say goodbye to Connor McDavid and Elias Pettersson for now. Here comes what may be a steady dose of Nathan MacKinnon, Ryan O’Reilly and Joe Pavelski.
For complete Sharks coverage
follow us on Flipboard.
“There are a lot of things we have to do to return to play,” NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said Tuesday at the Maccabi USA Sports Show. “For us to return to play, we’re not going to play 82 games, obviously, and we have travel issues because of the restrictions at the border between Canada and the U.S. You can’t go back and forth, so we’re actually going to have to realign.
“If everything stays the way it is, we’re probably going to have to have a Canadian division and realign in the U.S., and we’re trying to focus on dealing with all of those challenges.”
The realigned divisions are not finalized and would still need approval from the NHL’s Board of Governors.
Like the Sharks, the Golden Knights, Blues, Stars and Avalanche have all undergone changes since last season.
Like our Sharks Facebook page for more San Jose Sharks news, commentary and conversation.
Vegas added free agent defenseman Alex Pietrangelo, who moved on from St. Louis, and signed goalie Robin Lehner to a five-year contract, but also traded center Paul Stastny and defenseman Nate Schmidt. The Golden Knights are also reportedly shopping Max Pacioretty to help become compliant under the NHL’s salary cap for this season.
The Blues added defenseman Torey Krug in free agency and traded backup goalie Jake Allen to Montreal. The Stars may be without goalie Ben Bishop and forward Tyler Seguin until March or later after both had offseason surgery. The Avalanche added forward Brandon Saad and defensemen Devon Toews and Dennis Gilbert via trade.
The league, per reports, is now targeting Jan. 13 as a start date to a 56-game regular season, although that could change depending on the trajectory of coronavirus cases.
While the Canadian-based teams will likely only be allowed to play each other, it is unclear whether the U.S.-based squads — in an effort to help reduce travel costs — will only play teams within their own division. If teams only play divisional opponents, the Sharks would likely play all seven teams in their division eight times.
The Sharks still do not know where they will be able to hold training camp, or if they’ll be able to play games at SAP Center this season. Santa Clara County has a physical contact ban in effect at least until Dec. 21, and a shelter-in-place order could last until early January.


mercurynews--2020-12-10--Thiessen: Can we finally blame China for the pandemic?

WASHINGTON — Now that the presidential election is over , can we finally blame the Chinese communist regime for the covid-19 pandemic ?
In the run-up to the election , Democrats treated any effort to blame China for the damage done by the virus as an attempt to deflect responsibility from President Donald Trump — and their strategy to take back the White House depended on placing blame squarely on Trump ’ s shoulders .
Joe Biden repeatedly said Trump ’ s “ lies and incompetence ” were responsible for the deaths of more than 200,000 Americans , declaring in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what it is because you are who you are.
” The strategy worked .
The Fox News Voter Analysis found that 41 % of Americans who cast ballots in the 2020 election said the pandemic was the most important issue facing the country and that 73 % of them voted for Biden .
Without the pandemic , Biden arguably would not be president-elect today .
But we all know that , notwithstanding the flaws in Trump ’ s pandemic response , he is not responsible for the global spread of covid-19 .
China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the SARS-CoV-2 virus was capable of human-to-human transmission because medical personnel were getting sick , but as late as Jan. 15 , the head of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention assured the world that “ the risk of human-to-human transmission is low.
” If the regime had taken action as soon as human-to-human transmission was detected , it might have prevented a worldwide pandemic .
Instead , Chinese officials deliberately covered up the outbreak , punished doctors who tried to warn the public , intentionally lied to the world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and proactively impeded the U.S. and international response .
It is the Chinese regime ’ s lies and incompetence that are responsible for the most devastating and costly pandemic in American history .
Writing in the Journal of the American Medical Association ( JAMA ) , Harvard economists David M. Cutler and Lawrence H. Summers recently calculated the costs to the U.S. economy in terms of mortality , morbidity , mental health conditions , lost income and the economic effects of shorter and less healthy lives .
They concluded the “ estimated cumulative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the lost output and health reduction .
.
.
is estimated at more than $ 16 trillion , or approximately 90 % of the annual gross domestic product of the US , ” adding that “ for a family of 4 , the estimated loss would be nearly $ 200,000.
” And it might be a conservative estimate , because it does not account for other long-term costs , such as the impact of school closings on the next generation of children .
As The Washington Post reported this week , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a “ lost generation of students.
” One study calculated the cost of these learning losses at $ 14.2 trillion in lost income and productivity over the lifetime of affected students — costs borne primarily by poor , minority and disadvantaged students — and warned that “ these economic losses would grow if schools are unable to restart quickly.
” To put these figures in context , World War II cost $ 4.1 trillion in today ’ s dollars , while the costs of all the wars since the 9/11 attacks total $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ever inflicted such damage on the United States in its history .
The Chinese communist regime unleashed a biological weapon on our country .
Unlike Pearl Harbor or 9/11 , it was not an intentional attack , but it also was not benign .
China did not suffer a viral outbreak beyond its control ; it failed to control a viral outbreak .
Chinese officials tried to cover up that failure and intentionally impeded the efforts of other nations to control the virus , with disastrous consequences for the American people .
Now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The New York Times reports that “ facing global anger over their initial mishandling of the outbreak , the Chinese authorities are now trying to rewrite the narrative of the pandemic by pushing theories that the virus originated outside China.
” A paper from the Chinese Academy of Sciences recently declared that “ Wuhan is not the place where human-to-human SARS-CoV-2 transmission first happened.
” State media falsely suggests that Italy or India might be to blame and that the virus arrived in China in packaged food .
And the regime has used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Organization to put Chinese scientists in charge of parts of the WHO investigation into how the virus jumped from animals to humans .
Will the Biden administration let the Chinese regime get away with this ?
Does China get a free pass because Trump blamed Beijing — and we must always reflexively do the opposite of whatever Trump does ?
Or does Trump ’ s defeat mean that we can all now finally agree to hold the Chinese regime to account for the devastation it has wreaked on this country ?

WASHINGTON — Now that the presidential election is over, can we finally blame the Chinese communist regime for the covid-19 pandemic?
In the run-up to the election, Democrats treated any effort to blame China for the damage done by the virus as an attempt to deflect responsibility from President Donald Trump — and their strategy to take back the White House depended on placing blame squarely on Trump’s shoulders. Joe Biden repeatedly said Trump’s “lies and incompetence” were responsible for the deaths of more than 200,000 Americans, declaring in the first debate that “it is what it is because you are who you are.”
The strategy worked. The Fox News Voter Analysis found that 41% of Americans who cast ballots in the 2020 election said the pandemic was the most important issue facing the country and that 73% of them voted for Biden. Without the pandemic, Biden arguably would not be president-elect today.
But we all know that, notwithstanding the flaws in Trump’s pandemic response, he is not responsible for the global spread of covid-19. China is.
Chinese officials knew in December that the SARS-CoV-2 virus was capable of human-to-human transmission because medical personnel were getting sick, but as late as Jan. 15, the head of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention assured the world that “the risk of human-to-human transmission is low.” If the regime had taken action as soon as human-to-human transmission was detected, it might have prevented a worldwide pandemic. Instead, Chinese officials deliberately covered up the outbreak, punished doctors who tried to warn the public, intentionally lied to the world about the danger the virus posed, and proactively impeded the U.S. and international response.
It is the Chinese regime’s lies and incompetence that are responsible for the most devastating and costly pandemic in American history. Writing in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), Harvard economists David M. Cutler and Lawrence H. Summers recently calculated the costs to the U.S. economy in terms of mortality, morbidity, mental health conditions, lost income and the economic effects of shorter and less healthy lives. They concluded the “estimated cumulative financial costs of the COVID-19 pandemic related to the lost output and health reduction . . . is estimated at more than $16 trillion, or approximately 90% of the annual gross domestic product of the US,” adding that “for a family of 4, the estimated loss would be nearly $200,000.”
And it might be a conservative estimate, because it does not account for other long-term costs, such as the impact of school closings on the next generation of children. As The Washington Post reported this week, the learning losses of the pandemic might produce a “lost generation of students.” One study calculated the cost of these learning losses at $14.2 trillion in lost income and productivity over the lifetime of affected students — costs borne primarily by poor, minority and disadvantaged students — and warned that “these economic losses would grow if schools are unable to restart quickly.”
To put these figures in context, World War II cost $4.1 trillion in today’s dollars, while the costs of all the wars since the 9/11 attacks total $6.4 trillion. No foreign adversary has ever inflicted such damage on the United States in its history. The Chinese communist regime unleashed a biological weapon on our country. Unlike Pearl Harbor or 9/11, it was not an intentional attack, but it also was not benign. China did not suffer a viral outbreak beyond its control; it failed to control a viral outbreak. Chinese officials tried to cover up that failure and intentionally impeded the efforts of other nations to control the virus, with disastrous consequences for the American people.
Now China is trying to deflect responsibility. The New York Times reports that “facing global anger over their initial mishandling of the outbreak, the Chinese authorities are now trying to rewrite the narrative of the pandemic by pushing theories that the virus originated outside China.” A paper from the Chinese Academy of Sciences recently declared that “Wuhan is not the place where human-to-human SARS-CoV-2 transmission first happened.” State media falsely suggests that Italy or India might be to blame and that the virus arrived in China in packaged food. And the regime has used its massive influence with the World Health Organization to put Chinese scientists in charge of parts of the WHO investigation into how the virus jumped from animals to humans.
Will the Biden administration let the Chinese regime get away with this? Does China get a free pass because Trump blamed Beijing — and we must always reflexively do the opposite of whatever Trump does? Or does Trump’s defeat mean that we can all now finally agree to hold the Chinese regime to account for the devastation it has wreaked on this country?
Marc Thiessen is a Washington Post columnist.


mercurynews--2020-12-10--Rubin: When will GOP leaders show some backbone?

This is a column about American cowards and an American hero , and what their behavior tells us about the future of democracy in this country — and its reputation abroad .
First , let us look at the cowards , the congressional Republicans so fearful of President Donald Trump that they are unwilling to call out his rejection of a peaceful transfer of power , the bedrock of American democracy .
Just 27 of 247 congressional Republicans in the House and Senate were willing to acknowledge that Joe Biden was president-elect , in a December poll by The Washington @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump to reject his lying rants about election fraud .
Or to denounce the threats his fans are making against election officials of both parties around the country .
Unlike many of those fans , GOP legislators know Biden has won .
Yet they are acting as if they live in Belarus , or Russia or China , where opposing an autocrat gets you jailed or poisoned , or in Saddam Hussein ’ s Iraq , where it got you killed .
“ Republic of Fear ” is what they called Saddam ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ differences between his murderous tactics and Trump ’ s , the term seems apt for the bubble of fear in which GOP leaders live .
Unless congressional Republicans bust that bubble soon , the American republic will face a grim next few years .
“ Every single ( congressional Republican ) knows it ’ s over , ” I was told by Charlie Dent , a former GOP congressman from Pennsylvania .
“ The failure to say so is out of fear , that ’ s what ’ s so depressing .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Trump will set his base against them .
Trump senses fear in people and he will exploit that.
” What is especially shameful about GOP cowardice , is that it enables Trump to undermine faith in the most basic element of democracy – free and fair elections .
Since the election , surveys have shown that 70 % of Republicans believe the lies about a rigged election , which undermines the legitimacy of a Biden presidency before it begins .
This , at a time when bipartisan efforts are critically needed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ desperate economy and the dicey project of vaccinating the nation .
From Georgia to Pennsylvania to Michigan and beyond , death threats to election officials and ordinary election workers have escalated , egged on by Trump false claims at rallies and on Twitter .
( Such threats , often calling for “ traitors ” to be hung , or depicting a noose , have trickled down to reporters , as in the email I and a colleague received that railed : “ Both of you should be tried and hung … when you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lawyer , Joe diGenova called for former top U.S. cybersecurity official , Chris Krebs , to be shot .
I asked Kanan Makiya , a noted Iraqi American intellectual who authored the 1989 book “ Republic of Fear ” about Saddam ’ s Iraq , how he viewed the fear factor here compared to what he saw in Iraq before he quit the country .
Now a professor emeritus at Brandeis University , Makiya mused , “ Fear in Iraq was for your life and for torture .
Great dictators , Stalin , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ organizations .
Trump doesn ’ t have ( his personal ) militias and he is too focused on himself to build organizations.
” Makiya noted , however , the danger that localized gun-toting militias might present if Trump continued his fraud rants after Jan. 20 — and the importance of local GOP officials who stood up against Trump claims .
( I ’ d note that GOP-appointed judges also held up for rule of law , helping to toss out dozens of frivolous election lawsuits brought by Trumpsters . )
“ This country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s the glue that holds the whole thing together , ” Makiya said .
“ If there were a Republican leader brave enough to stand up he might break the ice.
” Dent echoes that thought , saying , “ If 100 of them today said ‘ game ’ s over ’ it would have an enormous effect on the base.
” Yet , so far , GOP leaders in the House and Senate have said not a word of criticism about Trump ’ s tsunami of election lies — or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me to the GOP hero .
Many of you may have seen the impromptu press conference critique of the president a week ago by a top Republican election official in Georgia , Gabriel Sterling : “ This is elections , ” he cried out , passionately .
“ This is the backbone of democracy , and all of you who have not said a damn word are complicit in this .
It is too much.
” Sterling was infuriated at the violent threats from Trump backers against him and Georgia ’ s top @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to have police protection – and at the threat to a young election worker , complete with a noose , calling on him to be “ hung for treason.
” Mr. President , stop inspiring people to commit potential violence .
Someone is going to get killed .
And it ’ s not right , ” Sterling charged .
But one brave local official in Georgia is insufficient to expose Trump ’ s Republic of Fear as an assault on democracy – and a fantasy imposed on his public .
Perhaps GOP congressional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state electors cast their votes on Monday .
Otherwise they will go down in history as cowards who bowed to Trump ’ s anti-democratic whims .
Trudy Rubin is a columnist The Philadelphia Inquirer .
©2020 The Philadelphia Inquirer , LLC .
Visit at inquirer.com .
Distributed by Tribune Content Age

This is a column about American cowards and an American hero, and what their behavior tells us about the future of democracy in this country — and its reputation abroad.
First, let us look at the cowards, the congressional Republicans so fearful of President Donald Trump that they are unwilling to call out his rejection of a peaceful transfer of power, the bedrock of American democracy.
Just 27 of 247 congressional Republicans in the House and Senate were willing to acknowledge that Joe Biden was president-elect, in a December poll by The Washington Post. They were too terrified of Trump to reject his lying rants about election fraud. Or to denounce the threats his fans are making against election officials of both parties around the country.
Unlike many of those fans, GOP legislators know Biden has won. Yet they are acting as if they live in Belarus, or Russia or China, where opposing an autocrat gets you jailed or poisoned, or in Saddam Hussein’s Iraq, where it got you killed.
“Republic of Fear” is what they called Saddam’s Iraq, and despite the huge differences between his murderous tactics and Trump’s, the term seems apt for the bubble of fear in which GOP leaders live. Unless congressional Republicans bust that bubble soon, the American republic will face a grim next few years.
“Every single (congressional Republican) knows it’s over,” I was told by Charlie Dent, a former GOP congressman from Pennsylvania. “The failure to say so is out of fear, that’s what’s so depressing. They are afraid of being primaried, or that Trump will set his base against them. Trump senses fear in people and he will exploit that.”
What is especially shameful about GOP cowardice, is that it enables Trump to undermine faith in the most basic element of democracy – free and fair elections. Since the election, surveys have shown that 70% of Republicans believe the lies about a rigged election, which undermines the legitimacy of a Biden presidency before it begins. This, at a time when bipartisan efforts are critically needed to deal with a raging pandemic, a desperate economy and the dicey project of vaccinating the nation.
From Georgia to Pennsylvania to Michigan and beyond, death threats to election officials and ordinary election workers have escalated, egged on by Trump false claims at rallies and on Twitter. (Such threats, often calling for “traitors” to be hung, or depicting a noose, have trickled down to reporters, as in the email I and a colleague received that railed: “Both of you should be tried and hung … when you least expect it.”) One Trump lawyer, Joe diGenova called for former top U.S. cybersecurity official, Chris Krebs, to be shot.
I asked Kanan Makiya, a noted Iraqi American intellectual who authored the 1989 book “Republic of Fear” about Saddam’s Iraq, how he viewed the fear factor here compared to what he saw in Iraq before he quit the country. Now a professor emeritus at Brandeis University, Makiya mused, “Fear in Iraq was for your life and for torture. Great dictators, Stalin, Hitler, Saddam were capable of building organizations. Trump doesn’t have (his personal) militias and he is too focused on himself to build organizations.”
Makiya noted, however, the danger that localized gun-toting militias might present if Trump continued his fraud rants after Jan. 20 — and the importance of local GOP officials who stood up against Trump claims. (I’d note that GOP-appointed judges also held up for rule of law, helping to toss out dozens of frivolous election lawsuits brought by Trumpsters.)
“This country rests on the Constitution and elections. It’s the glue that holds the whole thing together,” Makiya said. “If there were a Republican leader brave enough to stand up he might break the ice.”
Dent echoes that thought, saying, “If 100 of them today said ‘game’s over’ it would have an enormous effect on the base.”
Yet, so far, GOP leaders in the House and Senate have said not a word of criticism about Trump’s tsunami of election lies — or the violence they inspire.
Which brings me to the GOP hero. Many of you may have seen the impromptu press conference critique of the president a week ago by a top Republican election official in Georgia, Gabriel Sterling: “This is elections,” he cried out, passionately. “This is the backbone of democracy, and all of you who have not said a damn word are complicit in this. It is too much.”
Sterling was infuriated at the violent threats from Trump backers against him and Georgia’s top state officials, that have required them to have police protection – and at the threat to a young election worker, complete with a noose, calling on him to be “hung for treason.”
Mr. President, stop inspiring people to commit potential violence. Someone is going to get killed. And it’s not right,” Sterling charged.
But one brave local official in Georgia is insufficient to expose Trump’s Republic of Fear as an assault on democracy – and a fantasy imposed on his public. Perhaps GOP congressional leaders will finally show some backbone after state electors cast their votes on Monday. Otherwise they will go down in history as cowards who bowed to Trump’s anti-democratic whims.
Trudy Rubin is a columnist The Philadelphia Inquirer. ©2020 The Philadelphia Inquirer, LLC. Visit at inquirer.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Age