mercurynews--2020-01-09--Letter: The key to having any hope of reviving Mavericks surf contest

Re : “ Why a college student who doesn ’ t surf is trying to reboot a Mavericks contest ” @ @ @ @ @ ) : I enjoyed Elliott Almond ’ s story on Elizabeth Cresson ’ s quixotic @ @ @ @ @ surf contest .
In the best of circumstances it ’ s an extremely difficult event @ @ @ @ @ Mother Nature ’ s help … well , impossible .
• Letter : Gun rights @ @ @ @ @ right is limited to this • Letter : World should know US leaders are predictable @ @ @ @ @ Trump can stop anti-Semitism • Letter : Anti-Semitic and other acts of hate share one @ @ @ @ @ she does her homework on the past contest successes and failures , as many organizers @ @ @ @ @ ’ mistakes .
Submit your letter to the editor via this form Read more Letters @ @ @

Knowing past errors key
to new Mavericks event
Re: “Why a college student who doesn’t surf is trying to reboot a Mavericks contest” (Mercurynews.com, Jan. 2):
I enjoyed Elliott Almond’s story on Elizabeth Cresson’s quixotic journey to revive the Mavericks surf contest.
In the best of circumstances it’s an extremely difficult event to pull off and without Mother Nature’s help … well, impossible.
Related Articles Letters to the Editor | Letters: Escape Bay Area | CASA program | Feinstein replacement | Faulty comparison | Not conservatives
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Letters: Insulate wires | CDE was wrong | Functional Chromebooks | Trump’s ego | Healthy debate | A new path Letters to the Editor | Letters: Local solar | Titan resources | Activism helps I hope she does her homework on the past contest successes and failures, as many organizers have not learned from others’ mistakes.
Eric Nelson
Montara
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Bridge: Jan. 9, 2020

Unlucky Louie says that if at first you don ’ t succeed , you and he have a lot in common .
Louie blames his miserable results on bad luck despite all the evidence to the contrary .
Louie was today ’ s South in a penny game at my club .
Against his six spades , West led the ace of clubs and continued with the queen .
Louie discarded a heart on dummy ’ s king and drew trumps .
He next led a heart to dummy ’ s ace and returned a heart , finessing with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defeat the slam .
“ My finesses never win , ” Louie mourned .
North mourned also — over the loss of 980 points .
Louie tried the wrong finesse , After he draws trumps , he should take the K-A of hearts .
The queen doesn ’ t fall , but Louie isn ’ t done : He can lead a diamond to his jack .
When that finesse wins , Louie takes the king , goes to dummy with a trump and discards his last heart on the ace of diamonds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in dummy play .
Louie would do better if he applied it .
You hold : S K 10 9 H A 7 3 2 D A 3 2 C K 8 3 .
You open one club , your partner responds one spade , you bid 1NT and he jumps to three clubs .
What do you say ?
ANSWER : Your partner ’ s jump-preference may be forcing or invitational — partnerships agree to treat it differently — but you should bid three spades .
You have a sound hand and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first obligation is to show three-card support for his suit .

Unlucky Louie says that if at first you don’t succeed, you and he have a lot in common. Louie blames his miserable results on bad luck despite all the evidence to the contrary.
Louie was today’s South in a penny game at my club. Against his six spades, West led the ace of clubs and continued with the queen. Louie discarded a heart on dummy’s king and drew trumps. He next led a heart to dummy’s ace and returned a heart, finessing with the jack. West produced the queen to defeat the slam.
“My finesses never win,” Louie mourned. North mourned also — over the loss of 980 points.
DISCARD
Louie tried the wrong finesse, After he draws trumps, he should take the K-A of hearts. The queen doesn’t fall, but Louie isn’t done: He can lead a diamond to his jack. When that finesse wins, Louie takes the king, goes to dummy with a trump and discards his last heart on the ace of diamonds.
Combining chances is a common theme in dummy play. Louie would do better if he applied it.
DAILY QUESTION
You hold: S K 10 9 H A 7 3 2 D A 3 2 C K 8 3. You open one club, your partner responds one spade, you bid 1NT and he jumps to three clubs. What do you say?
ANSWER: Your partner’s jump-preference may be forcing or invitational — partnerships agree to treat it differently — but you should bid three spades. You have a sound hand and can accept an invitation, and your first obligation is to show three-card support for his suit.
North dealer
Neither side vulnerable
NORTH
S K 10 9
H A 7 3 2
D A 3 2
C K 8 3
WEST
S J 7
H Q 8 4
D 8 7 6 5
C A Q J 4
EAST
S 5 4
H 10 9
D Q 10 9 4
C 10 9 6 5 2
SOUTH
S A Q 8 6 3 2
H K J 6 5
D K J
C 7
North East South West
1 C Pass 1 S Pass
1 NT Pass 3 H Pass
4 H Pass 4 S Pass
5 D Pass 6 S All Pass
Opening lead — C A
(C)2020 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.


mercurynews--2020-01-09--Horoscopes Jan. 9, 2020: Kate Middleton, follow your joy

Happy Birthday : Put on your thinking cap , and start moving in a direction that brings you joy .
Consider your priorities and how best to accomplish what ’ s likely to make you feel content , satisfied and accomplished .
An unexpected opportunity will lead to a change of pace and location , and will encourage you to spend more time with those who share your interests and goals .
Your numbers are 7 , 11 , 18 , 24 , 26 , 33 , 40 .
ARIES ( March 21-April 19 ) : View the whole scenario @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There is much to consider if you don ’ t want to make an enemy or cause a ruckus .
You are best to put your energy into physical improvements and romantic gestures .
2 stars TAURUS ( April 20-May 20 ) : Do what ’ s in your best interest .
Whether it has to do with health , money or legal concerns , make decisions that suit you , not someone else .
A change to the way or where you live will have a positive impact on your life .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) : Show everyone what you can do .
Step up and display your skills , knowledge and experience .
Positive change will be a direct result of what you do to convince others to support your actions and your goals .
Romance is on the rise .
3 stars CANCER ( June 21-July 22 ) : Emotions will be difficult to control .
Accept the changes going on around you , and it will be much easier to make the most out of whatever situation you face .
In the end , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
3 stars LEO ( July 23-Aug. 22 ) : Sign up for something that interests you .
Participating in events that will introduce you to people who share your concerns will spark your enthusiasm and encourage you to do more .
A connection you make with someone will lead to an opportunity .
3 stars VIRGO ( Aug. 23-Sept. 22 ) : You can bring about change if you gather information and use it strategically to present your plans and to garner support .
Don ’ t hesitate to set up a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get others to pitch in and help .
4 stars LIBRA ( Sept. 23-Oct. 22 ) : Put your head down , and keep working hard until you reach your goal .
Don ’ t let what others do or say stand between you and your objective .
Listen to criticism , but don ’ t let it deter you from following through with your plans .
2 stars SCORPIO ( Oct. 23-Nov. 21 ) : Take time out , and try your hand at something you ’ ve never done .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a little nudge in a different direction will motivate you to consider how best to use your time .
3 stars SAGITTARIUS ( Nov. 22-Dec. 21 ) : Don ’ t overlook your financial affairs .
Know where every penny is going .
Setting up a budget that will help you stick to a lifestyle you can afford will be the first step in reducing stress and taking control of your life .
3 stars CAPRICORN ( Dec. 22-Jan. 19 ) : Don ’ t wait for an opportunity to come to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up interest in your ideas and present what you want to happen .
Think big , show enthusiasm and focus on making the adjustments necessary to reach your goal .
3 stars AQUARIUS ( Jan. 20-Feb. 18 ) : Don ’ t let the changes made by others ruin your train of thought .
Focus inward ; doing what makes the most sense will encourage you to take the best care of your health and well-being .
Choose kindness and consideration over upset and drama .
3 stars PISCES ( Feb. 19-March 20 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expression of how you want to live .
Look at how your decisions will affect others and what you can do to ensure that in whatever transactions you make , no one close to you is left out .
5 stars Birthday Baby : You are opportunistic , entertaining and charismatic .
You are strategic and complex .

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Nina Dobrev, 31; Kate Middleton, 38; Dave Matthews, 53; Jimmy Page, 76.
Happy Birthday: Put on your thinking cap, and start moving in a direction that brings you joy. Consider your priorities and how best to accomplish what’s likely to make you feel content, satisfied and accomplished. An unexpected opportunity will lead to a change of pace and location, and will encourage you to spend more time with those who share your interests and goals. Your numbers are 7, 11, 18, 24, 26, 33, 40.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): View the whole scenario before you decide to take action. There is much to consider if you don’t want to make an enemy or cause a ruckus. You are best to put your energy into physical improvements and romantic gestures. 2 stars
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Do what’s in your best interest. Whether it has to do with health, money or legal concerns, make decisions that suit you, not someone else. A change to the way or where you live will have a positive impact on your life. 4 stars
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Show everyone what you can do. Step up and display your skills, knowledge and experience. Positive change will be a direct result of what you do to convince others to support your actions and your goals. Romance is on the rise. 3 stars
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Emotions will be difficult to control. Accept the changes going on around you, and it will be much easier to make the most out of whatever situation you face. In the end, whatever unfolds will be to your benefit. 3 stars
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Sign up for something that interests you. Participating in events that will introduce you to people who share your concerns will spark your enthusiasm and encourage you to do more. A connection you make with someone will lead to an opportunity. 3 stars
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): You can bring about change if you gather information and use it strategically to present your plans and to garner support. Don’t hesitate to set up a conference call or to use friendly persuasion to get others to pitch in and help. 4 stars
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Put your head down, and keep working hard until you reach your goal. Don’t let what others do or say stand between you and your objective. Listen to criticism, but don’t let it deter you from following through with your plans. 2 stars
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Take time out, and try your hand at something you’ve never done. Variety is the spice of life, and a little nudge in a different direction will motivate you to consider how best to use your time. 3 stars
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Don’t overlook your financial affairs. Know where every penny is going. Setting up a budget that will help you stick to a lifestyle you can afford will be the first step in reducing stress and taking control of your life. 3 stars
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Don’t wait for an opportunity to come to you. Use your imagination, stir up interest in your ideas and present what you want to happen. Think big, show enthusiasm and focus on making the adjustments necessary to reach your goal. 3 stars
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Don’t let the changes made by others ruin your train of thought. Focus inward; doing what makes the most sense will encourage you to take the best care of your health and well-being. Choose kindness and consideration over upset and drama. 3 stars
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Home improvements should be an expression of how you want to live. Look at how your decisions will affect others and what you can do to ensure that in whatever transactions you make, no one close to you is left out. 5 stars
Birthday Baby: You are opportunistic, entertaining and charismatic. You are strategic and complex.
Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.


mercurynews--2020-01-09--Word Game: Jan. 9, 2020

Word Game: Jan. 9, 2020

Can you find 26 or more words in INOSITOL ?
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 — INOSITOL (INOSITOL: in-NAHS-ih-tawl: A member of the vitamin B complex.)
Average mark 20 words
Time limit 30 minutes
Can you find 26 or more words in INOSITOL? The list will be published tomorrow.
YESTERDAY’S WORD — PREOCCUPY pepo pope pore pour prep prey
prop puce pure pyre pyrope recopy recoup reoccupy rope ropy roue
ecru euro occupy occur cero cope coper copper copy core coup coupe
coyer crop croup cure upper yore your
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--2020-01-09--Ask Amy: I learned upsetting news about my husband’s past

DEAR AMY : After 13 years of marriage , I recently learned through a good friend that my husband , “ Charlie , ” dated my daughter ’ s longtime travel soccer coach for three years , prior to he and I getting married .
I was told the relationship was so serious that they had discussed marriage !
I couldn ’ t understand why my husband would keep that information from me all this time .
Charlie confirmed that this was true , but said he didn ’ t feel it was necessary to tell me .
I feel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lost all trust in him .
• Ask Amy : I was ordered to flirt with my gay client • Ask Amy : Are these compliments offensive to women ?
• Ask Amy : She dumped her son on us and disappeared • Ask Amy : Her guilt trip has me thinking dark thoughts • Ask Amy : Should I come right out and ask him why he ’ s a jerk ?
DEAR UPSET : If you are upset and questioning or wanting permission to feel your own honest emotions , then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You have the right to your feelings .
And yes , if I were you , I would be bewildered and upset .
I ’ m going to assume that your daughter might be older — and that you are not encountering this coach regularly , and so there is no personal overlap between the three of you .
This might account for how this news took so long to get to you .
A three-year serious relationship is a major life event not to disclose , but I don ’ t think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You should ask your husband what other minor details he neglected to share with you , pre-marriage .
Does he have children you don ’ t know about ?
Was he in the military , the seminary , a boy band ?
DEAR AMY : I ’ m a man in my 30s .
Ever since I was a young adult , I ’ ve wanted to have a family of my own .
I grew up an only child .
When I got older , I decided that whether I got married @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The only problem with this plan was that I was young and was still getting my career going .
I ’ m now in my mid-30s .
My ex-girlfriend and I had talked about possibly adopting a child , but unfortunately that relationship broke up .
However , I still want to adopt .
The only problem is , I don ’ t know if I should try to adopt now or wait .
I have a job , but that job only pays me when I am needed ( which is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home and own my own vehicle , etc .
I don ’ t know how to bring this up to my family .
I wonder what their reactions will be .
I ’ m sort of afraid to say anything to them about it .
My dad was adopted , and I saw the problems he faced , and I just don ’ t know what to do .
DEAR PROSPECTIVE : You seem to have put a lot of thought into this , but you don ’ t seem to have done @ @ @ @ @ @ @ writing to me ) .
Becoming a parent ( especially a single parent ) is a heavy lift .
It is emotionally , physically , and financially taxing .
It is also the greatest and most important thing you will ever do .
I applaud the fact that parenthood is calling to you , and hope you will answer the call .
Start right now — by researching your options .
Your local office of Family and Children ’ s Services would be a good first stop .
Make an appointment to talk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and all questions and take careful notes .
You might be a good candidate for fostering a child .
Becoming a foster parent would give you the opportunity to see if full-time parenting is something you can tackle .
You will be interviewed and educated about what is required , and you would be supported through your efforts .
Many prospective parents enter the parenting journey through the foster-to-adopt program .
This effort requires both fearlessness and faith .
I hope you will also consider becoming a “ Big Brother.
” The Big @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bbbs.org ) is a wonderful way for adults to connect with kids who are looking for a positive adult role model in their lives .
Do you have what it takes to be a “ big ?
” Check their website .
DEAR AMY : If the man who signed his letter “ Love Story ” truly wants to leave his wife for his lost love , but wants to leave “ gracefully , ” why doesn ’ t he let his wife and children stay in their home ?
He should accept @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well-being and leave the house to his wife and kids , if he must move on to chase happiness .
DEAR DISHEARTENED : I agree .
This man ’ s “ Love Story ” spelled heartbreak for others .
You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy @ amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy , P.O .
Box 194 , Freeville , NY 13068 .
You can also follow her on Twitter @ askingamy or Facebook .

DEAR AMY: After 13 years of marriage, I recently learned through a good friend that my husband, “Charlie,” dated my daughter’s longtime travel soccer coach for three years, prior to he and I getting married.
I was told the relationship was so serious that they had discussed marriage!
I couldn’t understand why my husband would keep that information from me all this time. Charlie confirmed that this was true, but said he didn’t feel it was necessary to tell me.
I feel I have been lied to and have lost all trust in him.
Should I be upset?
Upset?
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Ask Amy: My fiance wants me to stay home. Should I bolt? Advice | Ask Amy: Why did she react that way? It was a compliment!
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Ask Amy: I’ve told them they need therapy, and they refuse to do it. What now? Advice | Ask Amy: The man I love is my grandchild’s uncle, and things have gotten messy DEAR UPSET: If you are upset and questioning or wanting permission to feel your own honest emotions, then you have some work to do.
You have the right to your feelings. And yes, if I were you, I would be bewildered and upset.
I’m going to assume that your daughter might be older — and that you are not encountering this coach regularly, and so there is no personal overlap between the three of you. This might account for how this news took so long to get to you.
A three-year serious relationship is a major life event not to disclose, but I don’t think it is necessarily a total trust-breaker.
You should ask your husband what other minor details he neglected to share with you, pre-marriage. Does he have children you don’t know about? Was he in the military, the seminary, a boy band?
Stay calm. It’s time to talk.
DEAR AMY: I’m a man in my 30s. Ever since I was a young adult, I’ve wanted to have a family of my own.
I grew up an only child. When I got older, I decided that whether I got married or not I would adopt a child.
The only problem with this plan was that I was young and was still getting my career going.
I’m now in my mid-30s. My ex-girlfriend and I had talked about possibly adopting a child, but unfortunately that relationship broke up. However, I still want to adopt. The only problem is, I don’t know if I should try to adopt now or wait.
I have a job, but that job only pays me when I am needed (which is rare). I have my own home and own my own vehicle, etc.
I don’t know how to bring this up to my family. I wonder what their reactions will be. I’m sort of afraid to say anything to them about it.
My dad was adopted, and I saw the problems he faced, and I just don’t know what to do.
Prospective Dad
DEAR PROSPECTIVE: You seem to have put a lot of thought into this, but you don’t seem to have done any research about adoption (other than writing to me). Becoming a parent (especially a single parent) is a heavy lift. It is emotionally, physically, and financially taxing. It is also the greatest and most important thing you will ever do.
I applaud the fact that parenthood is calling to you, and hope you will answer the call.
Start right now — by researching your options. Your local office of Family and Children’s Services would be a good first stop. Make an appointment to talk to a social worker. Ask any and all questions and take careful notes.
You might be a good candidate for fostering a child. Becoming a foster parent would give you the opportunity to see if full-time parenting is something you can tackle. You will be interviewed and educated about what is required, and you would be supported through your efforts.
Many prospective parents enter the parenting journey through the foster-to-adopt program. This effort requires both fearlessness and faith.
I hope you will also consider becoming a “Big Brother.” The Big Brothers Big Sisters of America program (bbbs.org) is a wonderful way for adults to connect with kids who are looking for a positive adult role model in their lives. Do you have what it takes to be a “big?” Check their website.
Want Ask Amy delivered to your inbox for free on weekdays?
DEAR AMY: If the man who signed his letter “Love Story” truly wants to leave his wife for his lost love, but wants to leave “gracefully,” why doesn’t he let his wife and children stay in their home?
He should accept his responsibility for his children’s well-being and leave the house to his wife and kids, if he must move on to chase happiness.
Disheartened
DEAR DISHEARTENED: I agree. This man’s “Love Story” spelled heartbreak for others.
You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.


mercurynews--2020-01-09--Letter: Soot from Levin-Richmond Terminal covers my local business

Richmond ’ s health at risk in vote on coal shipping On Jan. 14 , the Richmond City Council is set to vote on an ordinance to phase out coal and petroleum coke shipping through the Levin-Richmond Terminal over a period of three years .
With soot and grime from Levin-Richmond Terminal accumulating at my local business , I support this ordinance .
With the hollow threat of losing fewer than 100 jobs of highly skilled and employable construction workers , council members are being asked to sacrifice the health of our entire community .
Why ?
• Letter : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reviving Mavericks surf contest • Letter : Gun rights claim like saying free speech right is limited to this • Letter : World should know US leaders are predictable • Letter : Not even Trump can stop anti-Semitism • Letter : Anti-Semitic and other acts of hate share one factor : Trump Who is paying for the opposition to this measure ?
This is clearly an issue of social justice , and I urge the Richmond City Council to do the right thing .
Submit your letter to the editor via this form @ @ @ @ @ @

Richmond’s health at risk
in vote on coal shipping
On Jan. 14, the Richmond City Council is set to vote on an ordinance to phase out coal and petroleum coke shipping through the Levin-Richmond Terminal over a period of three years.
With soot and grime from Levin-Richmond Terminal accumulating at my local business, I support this ordinance.
With the hollow threat of losing fewer than 100 jobs of highly skilled and employable construction workers, council members are being asked to sacrifice the health of our entire community. Why?
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Letters: Insulate wires | CDE was wrong | Functional Chromebooks | Trump’s ego | Healthy debate | A new path Letters to the Editor | Letters: Local solar | Titan resources | Activism helps Who is paying for the opposition to this measure? This is clearly an issue of social justice, and I urge the Richmond City Council to do the right thing.
Jeff Wright
Richmond
Submit your letter to the editor via this form
Read more Letters to the Editor


mercurynews--2020-01-09--Harriette Cole: Should I skip the tip because of his attitude?

DEAR HARRIETTE : I always give a tip to the staff in my apartment building in the new year .
I started this several years ago , when money was so tight that I couldn ’ t afford to tip them at Christmas and still buy gifts for my friends .
Now it is just what I do .
I noticed that one of the new guys has been looking at me kind of funny , and I think it ’ s because he didn ’ t get his tip from me yet .
I plan to give out cards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me want to skip him .
It is not a requirement to tip , even though it is expected .
Should I leave him out of my new year ’ s gifts , or just get over it ?
DEAR READY TO GIFT : Even though this new staffer has a bad attitude , don ’ t let it sour your good humor .
You know what your plan is .
Include him in your building ’ s tips .
If there are certain people who have a more difficult role in your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , by all means tip them more generously .
For this newbie , a basic tip is fine to show that you are thinking of him .
He can earn a higher tip if he steps up and has a better attitude in the new year .
• Harriette Cole : My husband says we shouldn ’ t tell our son what we found in his room • Harriette Cole : I haven ’ t told my wife I lost my job before Christmas • Harriette Cole : My client has no boundaries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to dinner with friends of ours who were in town visiting .
There were five of them and three of us , and the restaurant was kind of expensive .
When it came time to pay the bill , it was a little awkward .
Normally we would just split the bill , but the number of people in each party was so different .
When I thought about it , though , I was OK with splitting it because we had drinks and the others drank water .
( Alcoholic beverages always @ @ @ @ @ @ @ visitors ended up doing a partial split , where they paid a lot more than us .
I guess it worked out , but I don ’ t know if I handled it as well as I should have .
What is the best way to handle a situation like that ?
DEAR SPLITTING THE BILL : Whenever there is a group and people need to split the check , there can be an awkward moment .
The easiest thing to do is to take a quick glance at the check to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If your portion is significantly smaller than the others ’ , you can offer to pay for your group plus a hearty tip and give the rest to the other people who are paying .
You could also simply split it evenly ( if you can afford to do so ) — but that is not necessary .
People go into situations like that knowing who they want to pay for .
If you are upfront about what you plan to do and quickly and proactively make it known what your intentions are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the others will follow suit .
Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS , an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams .
You can send questions to askharriette @ harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication , 1130 Walnut St. , Kansas City , MO 64106 .

DEAR HARRIETTE: I always give a tip to the staff in my apartment building in the new year. I started this several years ago, when money was so tight that I couldn’t afford to tip them at Christmas and still buy gifts for my friends. Now it is just what I do.
I noticed that one of the new guys has been looking at me kind of funny, and I think it’s because he didn’t get his tip from me yet. I plan to give out cards next week, but his attitude makes me want to skip him. It is not a requirement to tip, even though it is expected. Should I leave him out of my new year’s gifts, or just get over it?
Ready To Gift
DEAR READY TO GIFT: Even though this new staffer has a bad attitude, don’t let it sour your good humor. You know what your plan is. Include him in your building’s tips.
If there are certain people who have a more difficult role in your building or who you are closer to, by all means tip them more generously. For this newbie, a basic tip is fine to show that you are thinking of him. He can earn a higher tip if he steps up and has a better attitude in the new year.
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Harriette Cole: I’m ashamed to tell people I forgave my childhood friend Advice | Harriette Cole: I’ve worked hard, and my poor siblings resent my success DEAR HARRIETTE: My family went out to dinner with friends of ours who were in town visiting. There were five of them and three of us, and the restaurant was kind of expensive.
When it came time to pay the bill, it was a little awkward. Normally we would just split the bill, but the number of people in each party was so different. When I thought about it, though, I was OK with splitting it because we had drinks and the others drank water. (Alcoholic beverages always hike up the bill.)
Our visitors ended up doing a partial split, where they paid a lot more than us. I guess it worked out, but I don’t know if I handled it as well as I should have. What is the best way to handle a situation like that?
Splitting the Bill
DEAR SPLITTING THE BILL: Whenever there is a group and people need to split the check, there can be an awkward moment.
The easiest thing to do is to take a quick glance at the check to get a sense of what you owe. If your portion is significantly smaller than the others’, you can offer to pay for your group plus a hearty tip and give the rest to the other people who are paying. You could also simply split it evenly (if you can afford to do so) — but that is not necessary.
People go into situations like that knowing who they want to pay for. If you are upfront about what you plan to do and quickly and proactively make it known what your intentions are for settling the check, chances are, the others will follow suit.
Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.


mercurynews--2020-01-09--Miss Manners: I want to stop them from tipping the bartender

DEAR MISS MANNERS : I sometimes host cocktail hours at my home for people in my industry .
The company that supplies the bartender prohibits a tip jar and adds a 21 % service charge to the bill , of which the contract states 18 % goes to the service staff .
This compensates the bartender at a living wage and then some .
Still , some guests insist on sliding across dollar bills , which makes others reach into their wallets , too , which defeats part of my hospitality .
Is there a way to tell people that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fully tipped ( a practice I find abhorrent anyway ) ?
GENTLE READER : Before the guests arrive , assemble the service staff , say how much you are looking forward to the party , thank them profusely — and remind them that , as a demonstration of that gratitude , they will be receiving 18 % of the bill as tips so that guests may enjoy themselves .
• Miss Manners : How can I correct his disgusting habit without embarrassing him ?
• Miss Manners : These kids loll about while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Manners : She calls her horrible dog ‘ a service animal ’ and forces her way in After the party starts , intercept the first tip and return the money to your guest , asking that they please not worry themselves : You have already ensured that everyone is being fairly compensated .
Miss Manners notes that this will go better if you have used your pregame meeting to identify the server least likely to grimace behind you when you return your guest ’ s money .
As a party game , everyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3 % that has been added to your bill .
DEAR MISS MANNERS : Along in years , I have moved to a new city .
I was glad to find a weekly bridge game at the local community center , and I looked forward to enjoying the game and meeting some new people .
I am a low-to-average bridge player , but nobody has made me leave because of my playing — until this meeting .
My partner was so critical that I was shocked .
What I was taught was that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your partner had a good time .
I did not have a good time .
I ’ m finding it hard to go back and try again .
What good way could I have handled the situation ?
GENTLE READER : There is a strategy that newcomers to multiplayer games can employ to head off such behavior .
That is to ask the expected skill level before joining — and firmly protest your own shortcomings before the game begins .
While this warns would-be partners what to expect , Miss Manners recognizes that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under suspicion later if you turn out to be the best player in the room .
DEAR MISS MANNERS : At what age should a man say “ no ” if he is asked to be a groomsman by a 20-year-old ?
GENTLE READER : Age can be used as a shield against many unpleasant tasks , but Miss Manners would have thought that being asked to be a groomsman is both flattering and enjoyable .
As the bridegroom making the request is likely a friend or family member , any refusal is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other than age — more “ I ’ m so sorry , that ’ s when my surgery is planned ” and less “ I don ’ t like morning dress.
” Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website , www.missmanners.com ; to her email , dearmissmanners @ gmail.com ; or through postal mail to Miss Manners , Andrews McMeel Syndication , 1130 Walnut St. , Kansas City , MO 64106 .

Judith Martin, Nicholas Ivor Martin and Jacobina Martin

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I sometimes host cocktail hours at my home for people in my industry. The company that supplies the bartender prohibits a tip jar and adds a 21% service charge to the bill, of which the contract states 18% goes to the service staff.
This compensates the bartender at a living wage and then some. Still, some guests insist on sliding across dollar bills, which makes others reach into their wallets, too, which defeats part of my hospitality. Is there a way to tell people that staff in my home have already been fully tipped (a practice I find abhorrent anyway)?
GENTLE READER: Before the guests arrive, assemble the service staff, say how much you are looking forward to the party, thank them profusely — and remind them that, as a demonstration of that gratitude, they will be receiving 18% of the bill as tips so that guests may enjoy themselves.
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Miss Manners notes that this will go better if you have used your pregame meeting to identify the server least likely to grimace behind you when you return your guest’s money. As a party game, everyone could then go looking for the unexplained 3% that has been added to your bill.
DEAR MISS MANNERS: Along in years, I have moved to a new city. I was glad to find a weekly bridge game at the local community center, and I looked forward to enjoying the game and meeting some new people.
I am a low-to-average bridge player, but nobody has made me leave because of my playing — until this meeting. My partner was so critical that I was shocked.
What I was taught was that your first responsibility was to be sure your partner had a good time. I did not have a good time. I’m finding it hard to go back and try again. What good way could I have handled the situation?
GENTLE READER: There is a strategy that newcomers to multiplayer games can employ to head off such behavior.
That is to ask the expected skill level before joining — and firmly protest your own shortcomings before the game begins.
While this warns would-be partners what to expect, Miss Manners recognizes that it runs the risk of your coming under suspicion later if you turn out to be the best player in the room.
Want Miss Manners delivered to your inbox for free on weekdays?
DEAR MISS MANNERS: At what age should a man say “no” if he is asked to be a groomsman by a 20-year-old?
GENTLE READER: Age can be used as a shield against many unpleasant tasks, but Miss Manners would have thought that being asked to be a groomsman is both flattering and enjoyable. As the bridegroom making the request is likely a friend or family member, any refusal is going to have to rely on something other than age — more “I’m so sorry, that’s when my surgery is planned” and less “I don’t like morning dress.”
Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners.com; to her email, dearmissmanners@gmail.com; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.


mercurynews--2020-01-09--Letter: Gun rights claim like saying free speech right is limited to this

Is free speech a right only if petitioning government ?
A letter was published titled “ Enact gun control without @ @ @ @ @ ( Mercurynews.com , Jan. 5 ) implying that the right of the people to keep @ @ @ @ @ to being within a “ well-regulated militia.
” Good thing this letter-writer isn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ were the case , your right to freedom of speech is only protected while in @ @ @ @ @ government for a redress of grievances .
• Letter : The key to having any @ @ @ @ @ contest • Letter : World should know US leaders are predictable • Letter : Not @ @ @ @ @ • Letter : Anti-Semitic and other acts of hate share one factor : Trump Stay @ @ @ @ @ out of constitutional law .
Submit your letter to the editor via this form Read @ @ @ @ @

Is free speech a right only
if petitioning government?
A letter was published titled “Enact gun control without repealing the Second Amendment” (Mercurynews.com, Jan. 5) implying that the right of the people to keep and bear arms was subject to being within a “well-regulated militia.”
Good thing this letter-writer isn’t a lawyer. If that were the case, your right to freedom of speech is only protected while in the process of petitioning the government for a redress of grievances.
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Neil Stokes
Redwood City
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mercurynews--2020-01-10--San Jose: Teen suspect convicted of murder in 2012 gang shooting

SAN JOSE — Eight years after a retaliatory gang shooting that authorities say touched off a violent summer in San Jose , a man has been convicted of murder in the killing he committed as a teen .
Jacob Haro , 25 , was 17 when he shot 16-year-old Ruben Zamora on May 26 , 2012 at the intersection of Virginia and King roads .
In addition to being convicted of murder , a jury this week found Haro guilty of attempted murder for wounding another person during the 2012 shooting , as well as of negligent discharge of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down by the jury , Haro faces 85 years to life in prison at his sentencing , scheduled for March 13 .
Police and prosecutors contend that Haro — who previously lost his brother to gang violence and had witnessed a fellow gang member stabbed to death a month and a half before the shooting — shot at Zamora and his companions after pegging them as rivals .
Investigators believe the shooting triggered another deadly shooting a few months later .
“ This verdict closes the book on a horrific string of retaliatory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jose in 2012 , ” Deputy District Attorney Rob Baker said .
Two people also charged in Zamora ’ s murder , Joseph Anthony Martinez and a defendant who was 16 at the time of the killing , are scheduled to appear in court for trial on Jan. 17 .
Authorities say a fourth defendant , Miguel Angel Marcelo , fled to Mexico in the days after the shooting and has not been heard from since .
According to investigators , Marcelo was driving a van carrying his girlfriend , Haro , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the middle of traffic on northbound King Road and started yelling at a group of rival gang members standing at the opposite corner .
Moments later , someone inside a car behind the van shot at the group .
Baker argued at trial that this prompted Haro to get out of the vehicle and open fire at the other group as they fled .
Zamora was shot in the face and leg , and died at the scene .
Haro ’ s defense attorney , who did not respond to a request for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the trial that his client acted in self-defense , and shot at the group in response to a threat .
Baker refuted that contention , citing surveillance footage of the incident .
“ The video evidence made clear that Mr. Haro was shooting at people who were running for their lives , ” Baker said .
By the time police responded to the shooting , they had no immediate suspects .
And they may never have found any , had it not been for a couple that happened to witness the shooting as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Marcelo ’ s van for over a mile to get a clean look at the license plate .
Haro was arrested six months later .
“ This case would have gone unsolved if is wasn ’ t for a husband and wife following a van of armed gang members at great personal risk , ” Baker said .
Martinez and the third , younger defendant are being tried separately from Haro in accordance with reforms to the state ’ s felony murder law , which previously allowed accomplices to a murder to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ directly committed the killing .
Before the shooting , Haro and his companions had been mourning the death of 22-year-old Joseph Michael Robidoux-Cadle , who was fatally stabbed April 7 , 2012 in what police believe was a gang-motivated attack .
Evidence presented at Haro ’ s trial showed that Marcelo and his girlfriend were wearing shirts featuring tributes to Cadle when Zamora was shot .
Baker contends that Zamora ’ s killing was the motivator for another fatal shooting , of Armando Heredia , later that year .
Balam Eugenio Gonzalez , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s killing , and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole .
“ In my view , these two killings [ of Cadle and Zamora ] essentially set off the wave of gang retaliation that plagued San Jose ” in 2012 , Baker said .

SAN JOSE — Eight years after a retaliatory gang shooting that authorities say touched off a violent summer in San Jose, a man has been convicted of murder in the killing he committed as a teen.
Jacob Haro, 25, was 17 when he shot 16-year-old Ruben Zamora on May 26, 2012 at the intersection of Virginia and King roads. In addition to being convicted of murder, a jury this week found Haro guilty of attempted murder for wounding another person during the 2012 shooting, as well as of negligent discharge of a firearm.
With gang enhancements also handed down by the jury, Haro faces 85 years to life in prison at his sentencing, scheduled for March 13.
Police and prosecutors contend that Haro shot at Zamora and his companions after pegging them as gang rivals. Investigators believe the shooting was in retaliation for the stabbing of one of Haro’s fellow gang members a month and half earlier, and say it triggered at least one other revenge killing later that summer.
“This verdict closes the book on a horrific string of retaliatory gang violence and murders that plagued San Jose in 2012,” Deputy District Attorney Rob Baker said.
Two people also charged in Zamora’s murder, Joseph Anthony Martinez and a defendant who was 16 at the time of the killing, are scheduled to appear in court for trial on Jan. 17.
Authorities say a fourth defendant, Miguel Angel Marcelo, fled to Mexico in the days after the shooting and has not been heard from since.
According to investigators, Marcelo was driving a van carrying his girlfriend, Haro, and their 16-year-old companion when Marcelo stopped in the middle of traffic on northbound King Road and started yelling at a group of rival gang members standing at the opposite corner.
Moments later, someone inside a car behind the van shot at the group. Baker argued at trial that this prompted Haro to get out of the vehicle and open fire at the other group as they fled. Zamora was shot in the face and leg, and died at the scene.
Haro’s defense attorney, who did not respond to a request for comment for this story, argued at the trial that his client acted in self-defense, and shot at the group in response to a threat.
Baker refuted that contention, citing surveillance footage of the incident.
“The video evidence made clear that Mr. Haro was shooting at people who were running for their lives,” Baker said.
By the time police responded to the shooting, they had no immediate suspects. And they may never have found any, had it not been for a couple that happened to witness the shooting as they drove by, and then followed Marcelo’s van for over a mile to get a clean look at the license plate.
Haro was arrested six months later.
“This case would have gone unsolved if is wasn’t for a husband and wife following a van of armed gang members at great personal risk,” Baker said.
Martinez and the third, younger defendant are being tried separately from Haro in accordance with reforms to the state’s felony murder law, which previously allowed accomplices to a murder to be charged as severely as the person who directly committed the killing.
Before the shooting, Haro and his companions had been mourning the death of 22-year-old Joseph Cadle, who was fatally stabbed April 7, 2012 in what police believe was a gang-motivated attack. Evidence presented at Haro’s trial showed that Marcelo and his girlfriend were wearing shirts featuring tributes to Cadle when Zamora was shot. Haro had also previously lost a brother to gang violence.
Baker contends that Zamora’s killing was the motivator for another fatal shooting, of Armando Heredia, later that year. Balam Eugenio Gonzalez, was convicted of murder in Heredia’s killing, and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
“In my view, these two killings [of Cadle and Zamora] essentially set off the wave of gang retaliation that plagued San Jose” in 2012, Baker said.


mercurynews--2020-01-09--House approves measure to restrain Trump’s Iran actions

WASHINGTON — R eigniting a debate over who has the power to declare war , the Democratic-controlled House on Thursday approved a resolution asserting that President Donald Trump must seek approval from Congress before engaging in further military action against Iran .
The war powers resolution is not binding on the president and would not require his signature .
But House Speaker Nancy Pelosi nonetheless insisted it “ has real teeth ” because “ it is a statement of the Congress of the United States.
” The measure will “ protect American lives and values ” by limiting Trump ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ The administration must de-escalate and must prevent further violence.
” The House passed the measure , 224-194 , with just three Republicans voting in support .
Eight Democrats opposed the measure .
A similar proposal by Sen. Tim Kaine , D-Va. , faces an uphill fight in the GOP-run Senate .
Kaine ’ s efforts received a boost Thursday as Republican Sen. Todd Young of Indiana , an ex-Marine , said he might support the war powers measure .
Two other Republican senators said Wednesday they would back Kaine ’ s plan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ separate and distinct branch of government .
It is our duty not to take anyone ’ s word for things as we are dealing with matters of life and death , ” Young said , adding that he wished Trump administration officials had provided more intelligence information during a briefing Wednesday on a U.S. drone strike that killed a top Iranian general .
Pelosi , in announcing the House vote , called the killing of Gen. Qassem Soleimani “ provocative and disproportionate.
” Louisiana Rep. Steve Scalise , the No .
2 House @ @ @ @ @ @ @ little more than “ a press release designed to attack President Trump , ” while House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy of California called it a “ meaningless vote ” on a measure that will never be sent to the president or “ limit his constitutional authority to defend the American people.
” The House vote came a day after the Trump administration briefed lawmakers on its actions in Iran .
Democrats and several Republicans called the briefings inadequate , adding that officials did not provide enough details about why the attack was justified @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Soleimani “ was traveling the region making plans to bring an attack against American personnel and American forces.
” He said it was not possible to share full details of the intelligence with lawmakers .
“ When it comes to intelligence we have to protect sources and methods , there ’ s only certain amount we can share with every member of Congress , ” Pence said on ABC ’ s “ Good Morning America.
” “ But those of us who have seen all the evidence know that there was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ personnel.
” Trump said Thursday that he “ had calls from numerous senators and numerous congressmen and women saying it was the greatest presentation they ’ ve ever had.
” Referring to criticism by GOP Sens .
Mike Lee and Rand Paul , Trump said : “ They want information that honestly I think is very hard to get .
… It really had to do with sources and information that we had that really should remain at a very high level.
” Lee , a conservative from Utah , said the briefing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other officials was “ probably the worst briefing I ’ ve seen , at least on a military issue , ” in the nine years he ’ s served in the Senate .
Paul , of Kentucky , said administration officials justified killing Soleimani based on the 2002 authorization of force in Iraq .
“ That is absurd .
That ’ s an insult , ” he said .
Pelosi scheduled the House vote after Iran retaliated for the Soleimani killing by launching missiles at two military bases in Iraq that house American @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The five-page resolution says “ Congress hereby directs the President to terminate the use of United States Armed Forces to engage in hostilities in or against Iran or any part of its government or military ” unless Congress declares war on that country or enacts legislation authorizing use of force to prevent an attack on the U.S. and its forces .
The resolution ’ s sponsor , freshman Rep. Elissa Slotkin , D-Mich. , said it is intended to “ make clear that if the president wants to take us to war , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If loved ones are going to be sent to fight in a protracted war , “ the president owes the American people a public conversation about why , and for what ends , ” said Slotkin , a former CIA analyst and Pentagon official who served in Iraq .
Members of Congress have a constitutional responsibility to uphold in authorizing use of military force , Slotkin said , adding , “ We are owed concrete , specific details on strategy.
” Trump did not consult with congressional leaders ahead of the attack that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Congress a notification explaining the rationale , but kept it classified .
Congress has allowed its war powers role to erode since the passage of Authorization for Use of Military Force in 2001 to fight terrorism after the 9/11 attacks , and passage of another AUMF for the invasion of Iraq in 2002 .
Fallout from those votes deeply divided Congress and the nation , with many lawmakers , particularly Democrats , now saying they were mistakes .
Yet Congress has been paralyzed on the question of whether to repeal or change those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the greatest tests of his presidency , said Wednesday that Iran appeared to be “ standing down ” and said the U.S. response would be to put in place new economic sanctions “ until Iran changes its behavior.
” The strikes by Iran had pushed Tehran and Washington perilously close to all-out conflict and put the world ’ s attention on Trump as he weighed whether to respond with more military force .
Republicans have largely supported Trump ’ s actions , saying the president was well within his power to take out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against Americans in the Middle East .
The U.S. considered Soleimani a terrorist .
• For help with Iran , Trump now turns to those he spurned • Congress will push to rein in Trump ’ s war powers • About two-thirds of Puerto Rico remains without power Democrats were unconvinced that the threat posed by Soleimani was imminent or that other alternatives to the killing were pursued in good faith .
By not disclosing many details of the threat , Trump was asking the American public to trust the very intelligence reports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Young , in comments to reporters Thursday , said lawmakers “ need to ensure that Congress is involved in future decision-making so we end up exactly where the president wants to end up , which is the avoidance of a major ground war in the Middle East.
” He called Kaine ’ s resolution a “ mechanism to force us to debate this.
” Associated Press writers Alan Fram , Kevin Freking and Deb Riechmann contributed to this story .

By Matthew Daly | Associated Press
WASHINGTON — R eigniting a debate over who has the power to declare war, the Democratic-controlled House on Thursday approved a resolution asserting that President Donald Trump must seek approval from Congress before engaging in further military action against Iran.
The war powers resolution is not binding on the president and would not require his signature. But House Speaker Nancy Pelosi nonetheless insisted it “has real teeth” because “it is a statement of the Congress of the United States.”
The measure will “protect American lives and values” by limiting Trump’s military actions, Pelosi said. “The administration must de-escalate and must prevent further violence.”
The House passed the measure, 224-194, with just three Republicans voting in support. Eight Democrats opposed the measure.
A similar proposal by Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., faces an uphill fight in the GOP-run Senate. Kaine’s efforts received a boost Thursday as Republican Sen. Todd Young of Indiana, an ex-Marine, said he might support the war powers measure. Two other Republican senators said Wednesday they would back Kaine’s plan.
“We are members of a separate and distinct branch of government. It is our duty not to take anyone’s word for things as we are dealing with matters of life and death,” Young said, adding that he wished Trump administration officials had provided more intelligence information during a briefing Wednesday on a U.S. drone strike that killed a top Iranian general.
Pelosi, in announcing the House vote, called the killing of Gen. Qassem Soleimani “provocative and disproportionate.”
Louisiana Rep. Steve Scalise, the No. 2 House Republican, denounced the Democratic measure as little more than “a press release designed to attack President Trump,” while House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy of California called it a “meaningless vote” on a measure that will never be sent to the president or “limit his constitutional authority to defend the American people.”
The House vote came a day after the Trump administration briefed lawmakers on its actions in Iran. Democrats and several Republicans called the briefings inadequate, adding that officials did not provide enough details about why the attack was justified.
Vice President Mike Pence said Thursday that Soleimani “was traveling the region making plans to bring an attack against American personnel and American forces.” He said it was not possible to share full details of the intelligence with lawmakers.
“When it comes to intelligence we have to protect sources and methods, there’s only certain amount we can share with every member of Congress,” Pence said on ABC’s “Good Morning America.” “But those of us who have seen all the evidence know that there was a compelling case of imminent threat against American personnel.”
Trump said Thursday that he “had calls from numerous senators and numerous congressmen and women saying it was the greatest presentation they’ve ever had.”
Referring to criticism by GOP Sens. Mike Lee and Rand Paul, Trump said: “They want information that honestly I think is very hard to get. … It really had to do with sources and information that we had that really should remain at a very high level.”
Lee, a conservative from Utah, said the briefing by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and other officials was “probably the worst briefing I’ve seen, at least on a military issue,” in the nine years he’s served in the Senate.
Paul, of Kentucky, said administration officials justified killing Soleimani based on the 2002 authorization of force in Iraq. “That is absurd. That’s an insult,” he said.
Pelosi scheduled the House vote after Iran retaliated for the Soleimani killing by launching missiles at two military bases in Iraq that house American troops. No casualties were reported.
The five-page resolution says “Congress hereby directs the President to terminate the use of United States Armed Forces to engage in hostilities in or against Iran or any part of its government or military” unless Congress declares war on that country or enacts legislation authorizing use of force to prevent an attack on the U.S. and its forces.
The resolution’s sponsor, freshman Rep. Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., said it is intended to “make clear that if the president wants to take us to war, he must get authorization from Congress.”
If loved ones are going to be sent to fight in a protracted war, “the president owes the American people a public conversation about why, and for what ends,” said Slotkin, a former CIA analyst and Pentagon official who served in Iraq.
Members of Congress have a constitutional responsibility to uphold in authorizing use of military force, Slotkin said, adding, “We are owed concrete, specific details on strategy.”
Trump did not consult with congressional leaders ahead of the attack that killed the Iranian general and afterward sent Congress a notification explaining the rationale, but kept it classified.
Congress has allowed its war powers role to erode since the passage of Authorization for Use of Military Force in 2001 to fight terrorism after the 9/11 attacks, and passage of another AUMF for the invasion of Iraq in 2002.
Fallout from those votes deeply divided Congress and the nation, with many lawmakers, particularly Democrats, now saying they were mistakes. Yet Congress has been paralyzed on the question of whether to repeal or change those authorities.
Trump, facing one of the greatest tests of his presidency, said Wednesday that Iran appeared to be “standing down” and said the U.S. response would be to put in place new economic sanctions “until Iran changes its behavior.”
The strikes by Iran had pushed Tehran and Washington perilously close to all-out conflict and put the world’s attention on Trump as he weighed whether to respond with more military force.
Republicans have largely supported Trump’s actions, saying the president was well within his power to take out Iran’s architect of proxy operations against Americans in the Middle East. The U.S. considered Soleimani a terrorist.
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Trump returned document he claimed wasn’t real on recording Politics | After protests, Iran’s morality police return to the streets Democrats were unconvinced that the threat posed by Soleimani was imminent or that other alternatives to the killing were pursued in good faith. By not disclosing many details of the threat, Trump was asking the American public to trust the very intelligence reports he has often disparaged, Democrats said.
Young, in comments to reporters Thursday, said lawmakers “need to ensure that Congress is involved in future decision-making so we end up exactly where the president wants to end up, which is the avoidance of a major ground war in the Middle East.”
He called Kaine’s resolution a “mechanism to force us to debate this.”
Associated Press writers Alan Fram, Kevin Freking and Deb Riechmann contributed to this story.


mercurynews--2020-01-09--Menlo Park: GoFundMe for dog randomly shot in front yard $2,000 away from goal

MENLO PARK — Dozens of good Samaritans have dug into their pockets to help Rambo the dog , the American Terrier who was randomly shot in the shoulder two weeks ago in Menlo Park by a man riding his bike down the street .
A GoFundMe page set up to pay for Rambo ’ s medical bills has already raised over $ 6,000 from 139 contributors , about $ 2,000 away from the family ’ s $ 8,000 goal .
Stephanie Halafihi Moore , who set up the page and is Rambo ’ s owner , said they want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still lodged in the dog ’ s shoulder .
Just before the new year , Menlo Park police said they were called to the 1100 block of Hollyburne Avenue for a report of shots fired and found a man tending to his 4-year-old male American terrier dog named Rambo , which was suffering from an apparent gunshot wound .
The owner told police a man riding a dark mountain bike down the street came upon Rambo in the front yard , chambered a round and fired a shot at the dog for no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Moore posted several pictures and YouTube videos on the GoFundMe page showing his recovery so far .
In one post , Moore said Rambo was nearly shot in the head and posted a picture showing a graze wound on the side of his head .
Another picture of an X-Ray shows the bullet clearly visible inside Rambo ’ s shoulder .
Moore said Rambo is recovering well .
“ He ’ s still limping around but not as bad .
Bruising around the bullet that spread to his stomach has went away , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Rambo is getting closer to reaching his goal .
Thank you all for your contributions .
”

MENLO PARK — Dozens of good Samaritans have dug into their pockets to help Rambo the dog, the American Terrier who was randomly shot in the shoulder two weeks ago in Menlo Park by a man riding his bike down the street.
A GoFundMe page set up to pay for Rambo’s medical bills has already raised over $6,000 from 139 contributors, about $2,000 away from the family’s $8,000 goal. Stephanie Halafihi Moore, who set up the page and is Rambo’s owner, said they want to raise enough money to remove the bullet still lodged in the dog’s shoulder.
Just before the new year, Menlo Park police said they were called to the 1100 block of Hollyburne Avenue for a report of shots fired and found a man tending to his 4-year-old male American terrier dog named Rambo, which was suffering from an apparent gunshot wound.
The owner told police a man riding a dark mountain bike down the street came upon Rambo in the front yard, chambered a round and fired a shot at the dog for no apparent reason, injuring his shoulder.
Moore posted several pictures and YouTube videos on the GoFundMe page showing his recovery so far. In one post, Moore said Rambo was nearly shot in the head and posted a picture showing a graze wound on the side of his head. Another picture of an X-Ray shows the bullet clearly visible inside Rambo’s shoulder.
Moore said Rambo is recovering well.
“He’s still limping around but not as bad. Bruising around the bullet that spread to his stomach has went away,” Moore said in a GoFundMe post. “Rambo is getting closer to reaching his goal. Thank you all for your contributions.”


mercurynews--2020-01-09--New IOC rules: No protests by athletes at 2020 Olympic Games

LAUSANNE , Switzerland — No taking a knee at the Olympics .
No hand gestures with political meaning .
No disrespect at medal ceremonies .
The International Olympic Committee published guidelines Thursday specifying which types of athlete protests will not be allowed at the 2020 Tokyo Games .
Athletes are prohibited by the Olympic Charter ’ s Rule 50 from taking a political stand in the field of play — like the raised fists by American sprinters Tommie Smith and John Carlos at the 1968 Mexico City Games .
Today ’ s Olympians now know more about which acts of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disciplinary action in Tokyo .
They can still express political opinions in official media settings or on social media accounts .
“ We needed clarity and they wanted clarity on the rules , ” said Kirsty Coventry , chair of the IOC Athletes ’ Commission , which oversaw the new three-page document .
“ The majority of athletes feel it is very important that we respect each other as athletes.
” Coventry , an Olympic gold medalist in swimming , is now Zimbabwe ’ s sports minister .
Athletes who break protest rules @ @ @ @ @ @ @ face three rounds of disciplinary action — by the IOC , a sport ’ s governing body and a national Olympic body .
The new guidelines come after two American athletes were reprimanded by the U.S. Olympic Committee for medal podium protests at the Pan-American Games in August in Lima , Peru .
Fencer Race Imboden kneeled and hammer thrower Gwen Berry raised a fist in protest .
Both were put on probation for 12 months , a period that covers the Tokyo Olympics .
Other protests in 2019 included swimmers from Australia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gold medalist Sun Yang on the podium because the Chinese star has been implicated in doping violations .
A political gesture at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics went unpunished in the men ’ s marathon .
Silver medalist Feyisa Lilesa crossed his wrists at the finish line to show support with freedom-seeking protesters in his home region of Ethiopia .
“ It is a fundamental principle that sport is neutral and must be separate from political , religious or any other type of interference , ” the IOC document states , urging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ play and related ceremonies must be on celebrating athletes ’ performance.
” A meeting Thursday between the IOC executive board and athletes ’ panel also discussed the charter ’ s Rule 40 , which strictly limits an athletes ability to promote their sponsors during official Olympic Games periods .
German athletes working outside the IOC system won concessions last year in a ruling that has led to Olympic bodies in the United States , Australia and Canada to offer a better deal to their athletes .
In the German case , a federal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s argument that retaining exclusive rights for its top-tier sponsors protected the value of deals that help fund sports and athletes globally .
Still , Coventry said the IOC panel had “ an open door policy ” and welcomed approaches from independent athlete groups who wanted to challenge the system .
• For help with Iran , Trump now turns to those he spurned • SF swears in first Asian-American sheriff in the state ’ s history • Facebook says politicians can still tell lies in their online ads Separately , IOC President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whereabouts of a historic Olympic document that sold for $ 8.8 million at auction in New York a month ago .
The IOC is expected to try to ensure it is displayed at the Olympic Museum in Lausanne .
“ At this moment at least we have not enough solid information which we could share , ” Bach said at a news conference .
The 14-page document is the 1892 manifesto written by French aristocrat Pierre de Coubertin to launch the modern Olympics .

By Graham Dunbar | Associated Press
LAUSANNE, Switzerland — No taking a knee at the Olympics. No hand gestures with political meaning. No disrespect at medal ceremonies.
The International Olympic Committee published guidelines Thursday specifying which types of athlete protests will not be allowed at the 2020 Tokyo Games.
Athletes are prohibited by the Olympic Charter’s Rule 50 from taking a political stand in the field of play — like the raised fists by American sprinters Tommie Smith and John Carlos at the 1968 Mexico City Games.
Today’s Olympians now know more about which acts of “divisive disruption” will lead to disciplinary action in Tokyo. They can still express political opinions in official media settings or on social media accounts.
“We needed clarity and they wanted clarity on the rules,” said Kirsty Coventry, chair of the IOC Athletes’ Commission, which oversaw the new three-page document. “The majority of athletes feel it is very important that we respect each other as athletes.”
Coventry, an Olympic gold medalist in swimming, is now Zimbabwe’s sports minister.
Athletes who break protest rules at the July 24-Aug. 9 Tokyo Games face three rounds of disciplinary action — by the IOC, a sport’s governing body and a national Olympic body.
The new guidelines come after two American athletes were reprimanded by the U.S. Olympic Committee for medal podium protests at the Pan-American Games in August in Lima, Peru. Fencer Race Imboden kneeled and hammer thrower Gwen Berry raised a fist in protest. Both were put on probation for 12 months, a period that covers the Tokyo Olympics.
Other protests in 2019 included swimmers from Australia and Britain refusing to join world championship gold medalist Sun Yang on the podium because the Chinese star has been implicated in doping violations.
A political gesture at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics went unpunished in the men’s marathon. Silver medalist Feyisa Lilesa crossed his wrists at the finish line to show support with freedom-seeking protesters in his home region of Ethiopia.
“It is a fundamental principle that sport is neutral and must be separate from political, religious or any other type of interference,” the IOC document states, urging “the focus for the field of play and related ceremonies must be on celebrating athletes’ performance.”
A meeting Thursday between the IOC executive board and athletes’ panel also discussed the charter’s Rule 40, which strictly limits an athletes ability to promote their sponsors during official Olympic Games periods.
German athletes working outside the IOC system won concessions last year in a ruling that has led to Olympic bodies in the United States, Australia and Canada to offer a better deal to their athletes.
In the German case, a federal cartel agency sided against the IOC’s argument that retaining exclusive rights for its top-tier sponsors protected the value of deals that help fund sports and athletes globally. Still, Coventry said the IOC panel had “an open door policy” and welcomed approaches from independent athlete groups who wanted to challenge the system.
Separately, IOC President Thomas Bach declined to comment on the whereabouts of a historic Olympic document that sold for $8.8 million at auction in New York a month ago. The IOC is expected to try to ensure it is displayed at the Olympic Museum in Lausanne.
“At this moment at least we have not enough solid information which we could share,” Bach said at a news conference.
The 14-page document is the 1892 manifesto written by French aristocrat Pierre de Coubertin to launch the modern Olympics.


mercurynews--2020-01-09--For help with Iran, Trump now turns to those he spurned

VIDEO : Sources say U.S. increasingly believes Iran mistakenly shot down Ukrainian airline WASHINGTON — As tensions fester with Iran , President Donald Trump finds himself turning to the very people and entities he ’ s spent three years dismissing or alienating : NATO , Western allies and U.S. intelligence agencies .
Trump , who once said that U.S. spy agencies should “ go back to school , ” has praised the intelligence that led to the fatal air strike against Iran ’ s most powerful general .
After three years of dismissive comments about NATO and other European allies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help more in the Middle East .
He even suggested a new possible name of “ NATOME ” to add emphasis on the Middle East .
Following his order to kill Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani , and the dangerous aftermath of Iran launching missiles at U.S. military installations , Trump said he would like to see more NATO troops in the Middle East because the problems there are international in scope .
His latest entreaty is also the freshest test of whether he can bend other nations and international alliances to his will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after years of letting many of those relationships wither .
“ I think NATO should be expanded and we should include the Middle East , absolutely … Right now the burden is on us and that ’ s not fair , ” Trump said Thursday .
Trump noted how the U.S. had crushed Islamic State militants , eliminated their control of territory and killed IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi .
“ We did Europe a big favor , ” he said .
How receptive U.S. allies in Europe will be to working with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ particularly Iran , remains unclear , especially given how nations like France were dedicated to the Iran nuclear agreement that Trump abandoned .
“ Trump has nothing in the bank with the Europeans .
There ’ s no goodwill .
There ’ s no sense of trust — no sense that they can rely on him , ” said Derek Chollet , senior adviser for security and defense policy at The German Marshall Fund of the United States .
“ They are not going to be looking to do Donald Trump a favor.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ fatal strike on Soleimani to taking a “ baseball bat to the hornet ’ s nest , ” also said Trump has not been specific — at least not publicly — about what he wants Europe to do .
Help him negotiate a new nuclear deal with Iran ?
Sanction or punish Iran ?
Provide troops in the Middle East so he can pull U.S. forces out ?
“ ‘ There is no evidence that I ’ m aware of that European leaders are going to sign on to Trump ’ s agenda @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he pulls U.S. forces out of the Middle East , the idea that the Europeans are going to fill the vacuum — there ’ s no evidence that will happen.
” Since Soleimani was killed , Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has engaged in a brisk round of telephone diplomacy .
He ’ s spoken to officials from China , Britain , Germany , France , Pakistan , Afghanistan , Russia , Saudi Arabia , Iraq , Turkey , Israel , India , Qatar , Belarus , Ukraine , Bahrain , the United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ All the calls were about Iraq and Iran , along with other issues .
In a call with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg Thursday , Pompeo reiterated Trump ’ s call for NATO to become more involved in the Middle East .
The State Department said the two agreed NATO could contribute more to regional security and the fight against international terrorism .
Ted Galen Carpenter , a defense and foreign policy analyst at the CATO Institute , said Trump ’ s call for greater NATO involvement is “ not a terribly realistic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s ongoing demand for greater burden sharing by U.S. allies.
” “ He seems to have forgotten the European anger over his decision to cancel the Iran nuclear agreement , ” Carpenter said .
European nations have worked to keep the Iran nuclear deal on life support after Trump pulled the U.S. out of the agreement .
Kenneth Pollack , a former CIA intelligence analyst and expert on Middle East politics and military affairs , said he thinks Iran will be careful about ramping up its nuclear program too much , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ changed Tehran ’ s mindset .
“ ‘ A very important element of why Iran signed the Iran deal in 2015 was because they concluded that the U.S. was not going to attack them .
Bush didn ’ t .
Obama didn ’ t .
They thought they didn ’ t need a nuclear weapon to deter the U.S. , ” said Pollack , who is now at the American Enterprise Institute .
“ I think this has suddenly changed Tehran ’ s calculus — that Trump is so aggressive and unpredictable and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this and say ‘ You know what ?
We need a nuclear weapon . '
” Trump , who says he is not interested in ousting the Iranian regime , reinstated economic sanctions on Iran after withdrawing from the deal .
He said it gave Tehran too many economic benefits without doing enough to prevent Iran from eventually developing a nuclear weapon .
Britain , France , Germany , the European Union , China and Russia have remained in the 2015 pact , but Iran has abandoned its remaining commitments under the deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thursday that Tehran would continue to cooperate with U.N. inspectors .
• Congress will push to rein in Trump ’ s war powers • About two-thirds of Puerto Rico remains without power Vice President Mike Pence said Thursday that in coming days Trump will be asking the Europeans again to scrap the 2015 Iran nuclear pact .
But even if Trump is successful in getting Iran to the negotiation table , nuclear talks take time , the presidential election is looming and Iranian military commanders are threatening further retaliatory strikes that would make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a senior analyst on Iranian security and political issues who speaks Farsi , said despite losing its charismatic and capable military general , Iran remains resolute .
“ That means Washington , more so than ever before , is going to need a regional approach to dealing with Iran , ” said Taleblu with the Foundation for Defense of Democracies in Washington .
Britain said in a statement Thursday that it stands by the nuclear deal and urged Iran to return to full compliance .
German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said Trump appears @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s ballistic missiles and the nuclear accord , but that “ at the moment , everyone is accusing each other of not abiding by the obligations of the treaty.
” Associated Press Writers Kevin Freking and Aamer Madhani in Washington , Jill Lawless in London and Frank Jordans in Berlin contributed to this report .

[vemba-video id=”world/2020/01/09/iran-plane-crash-possible-cause-accident-sot-vpx.cnn”]
VIDEO: Sources say U.S. increasingly believes Iran mistakenly shot down Ukrainian airline
By Deb Riechmann | Associated Press
WASHINGTON — As tensions fester with Iran, President Donald Trump finds himself turning to the very people and entities he’s spent three years dismissing or alienating: NATO, Western allies and U.S. intelligence agencies.
Trump, who once said that U.S. spy agencies should “go back to school,” has praised the intelligence that led to the fatal air strike against Iran’s most powerful general. After three years of dismissive comments about NATO and other European allies, Trump says he wants them to help more in the Middle East. He even suggested a new possible name of “NATOME” to add emphasis on the Middle East.
Following his order to kill Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani, and the dangerous aftermath of Iran launching missiles at U.S. military installations, Trump said he would like to see more NATO troops in the Middle East because the problems there are international in scope.
His latest entreaty is also the freshest test of whether he can bend other nations and international alliances to his will and convince them to join with him after years of letting many of those relationships wither.
“I think NATO should be expanded and we should include the Middle East, absolutely … Right now the burden is on us and that’s not fair,” Trump said Thursday.
Trump noted how the U.S. had crushed Islamic State militants, eliminated their control of territory and killed IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. “We did Europe a big favor,” he said.
How receptive U.S. allies in Europe will be to working with the Trump administration on Mideast issues, particularly Iran, remains unclear, especially given how nations like France were dedicated to the Iran nuclear agreement that Trump abandoned.
“Trump has nothing in the bank with the Europeans. There’s no goodwill. There’s no sense of trust — no sense that they can rely on him,” said Derek Chollet, senior adviser for security and defense policy at The German Marshall Fund of the United States. “They are not going to be looking to do Donald Trump a favor.”
Chollet, who likened the U.S. fatal strike on Soleimani to taking a “baseball bat to the hornet’s nest,” also said Trump has not been specific — at least not publicly — about what he wants Europe to do. Help him negotiate a new nuclear deal with Iran? Sanction or punish Iran? Provide troops in the Middle East so he can pull U.S. forces out?
“‘There is no evidence that I’m aware of that European leaders are going to sign on to Trump’s agenda,” Chollet said. “If he pulls U.S. forces out of the Middle East, the idea that the Europeans are going to fill the vacuum — there’s no evidence that will happen.”
Since Soleimani was killed, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has engaged in a brisk round of telephone diplomacy. He’s spoken to officials from China, Britain, Germany, France, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Turkey, Israel, India, Qatar, Belarus, Ukraine, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and the United Nations. All the calls were about Iraq and Iran, along with other issues.
In a call with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg Thursday, Pompeo reiterated Trump’s call for NATO to become more involved in the Middle East. The State Department said the two agreed NATO could contribute more to regional security and the fight against international terrorism.
Ted Galen Carpenter, a defense and foreign policy analyst at the CATO Institute, said Trump’s call for greater NATO involvement is “not a terribly realistic expectation but it is consistent with Trump’s ongoing demand for greater burden sharing by U.S. allies.”
“He seems to have forgotten the European anger over his decision to cancel the Iran nuclear agreement,” Carpenter said.
European nations have worked to keep the Iran nuclear deal on life support after Trump pulled the U.S. out of the agreement. Kenneth Pollack, a former CIA intelligence analyst and expert on Middle East politics and military affairs, said he thinks Iran will be careful about ramping up its nuclear program too much, but that the killing of Soleimani has likely changed Tehran’s mindset.
“‘A very important element of why Iran signed the Iran deal in 2015 was because they concluded that the U.S. was not going to attack them. Bush didn’t. Obama didn’t. They thought they didn’t need a nuclear weapon to deter the U.S.,” said Pollack, who is now at the American Enterprise Institute.
“I think this has suddenly changed Tehran’s calculus — that Trump is so aggressive and unpredictable and ignorant — that they will look at this and say ‘You know what? We need a nuclear weapon.'”
Trump, who says he is not interested in ousting the Iranian regime, reinstated economic sanctions on Iran after withdrawing from the deal. He said it gave Tehran too many economic benefits without doing enough to prevent Iran from eventually developing a nuclear weapon.
Britain, France, Germany, the European Union, China and Russia have remained in the 2015 pact, but Iran has abandoned its remaining commitments under the deal, although Iran President Hassan Rouhani said Thursday that Tehran would continue to cooperate with U.N. inspectors.
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Trump returned document he claimed wasn’t real on recording Politics | After protests, Iran’s morality police return to the streets Vice President Mike Pence said Thursday that in coming days Trump will be asking the Europeans again to scrap the 2015 Iran nuclear pact. But even if Trump is successful in getting Iran to the negotiation table, nuclear talks take time, the presidential election is looming and Iranian military commanders are threatening further retaliatory strikes that would make talks unlikely.
Behnam Ben Taleblu, a senior analyst on Iranian security and political issues who speaks Farsi, said despite losing its charismatic and capable military general, Iran remains resolute. “That means Washington, more so than ever before, is going to need a regional approach to dealing with Iran,” said Taleblu with the Foundation for Defense of Democracies in Washington.
Britain said in a statement Thursday that it stands by the nuclear deal and urged Iran to return to full compliance. German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said Trump appears to be open to negotiations on Iran’s ballistic missiles and the nuclear accord, but that “at the moment, everyone is accusing each other of not abiding by the obligations of the treaty.”
Associated Press Writers Kevin Freking and Aamer Madhani in Washington, Jill Lawless in London and Frank Jordans in Berlin contributed to this report.


mercurynews--2020-01-09--Fullbacks on full display: 49ers, Vikings are heaviest users of heavy backfield formations

SANTA CLARA — The fullback may be a dying breed in the NFL .
Just don ’ t tell the 49ers or Vikings .
No teams utilized their fullbacks on more offensive snaps this season than the two who will face off in Saturday ’ s NFC Divisional Round game at Levi ’ s Stadium .
When Kyle Shanahan arrived in San Francisco , the 49ers went out and signed the top fullback on the market : Kyle Juszczyk .
“ I like having a fullback because that ’ s the only way you can dictate your terms , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to have the best player at each position , so we were pumped to get ‘ Juice . '
” Juszczyk ’ s contributions can be obvious — a long reception here , a crucial block there — the role C.J .
Ham plays for the Vikings can be a bit more mysterious but just as valuable .
Juszczyk has proven to be everything the 49ers hoped they were getting when they handed out the largest contract to a fullback in NFL history three years ago .
His versatility is on display most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 49ers ’ Week 17 win in Seattle .
When Deebo Samuel took an end-around in the first half , it was Juszczyk leading the way .
As Samuel turned the corner — before he pulled his own move on Tre Flowers to get into the end zone — Juszczyk took out two Seattle defenders at once .
Later on in the second half , on the first play after the Seahawks scored to pull within six points , Juszczyk sparked an immediate answer with a 49-yard grab that set up a 49ers touchdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on that two-yard TD rush ?
Yup , it was Juszczyk clearing a hole for Raheem Mostert .
“ He makes the blocks easy — or at least look easy , ” Mostert said , “ even though he tells us they ’ re kind of hard.
” Ham , on the other hand , has been the quiet key to Dalvin Cook ’ s breakout season with the Vikings .
Sometimes they ’ ll line up with two backs and a tight end , then split Ham out wide to clear the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fullback simply acts as the bulldozer paving the way to a career-high 1,135 yards and 13 touchdowns .
“ To have someone like that , who is super athletic , super tough , super physical , leading the way for Dalvin , who is super athletic and physical himself , that ’ s a combination that you can ’ t beat , ” Vikings running back Alexander Mattison told the Star Tribune this week .
Just like Juszczyk , Ham ’ s head-down production has earned him the respect of the locker room @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t recognize his name .
After facing the Packers and their fullback , Danny Vitale , earlier this season , Juszczyk swapped jerseys after the game .
He posted a photo captioned : “ The fullback fraternity was alive and well last night.
” It is a shrinking fraternity , though .
There are fewer and fewer players like Juszczyk and Ham and an even quicker-shrinking pool of available spots for them .
The league has been moving away from the fullback for years as teams implement more four- and five-receiver sets .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ playoffs : the Ravens are the only other team to use their fullback on more than 16 % of their offensive snaps .
“ I don ’ t think people necessarily understand his job , ” Mostert said .
“ They see his title as a fullback , but he ’ s much more than that .
He ’ s a definite playmaker.
” Ham and Cook both joined the Vikings three seasons ago .
Cook was a heralded first-round pick out of Florida State .
Ham was an undrafted free agent from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up from the practice squad .
But it wasn ’ t until Gary Kubiak took over Minnesota offense this season that the duo began to thrive .
It ’ s no fluke the 49ers and Vikings — both offensive schemes can be derived from the Mike Shanahan system .
Kyle , obviously , as his son and former assistant .
Kubiak as Shanahan ’ s longtime offensive coordinator with the Broncos .
The younger Shanahan explained why he prefers to buck the league trend .
“ When you have a fullback in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ run the ball , you can run the ball regardless of what the defense is doing , ” Shanahan said .

SANTA CLARA — The fullback may be a dying breed in the NFL. Just don’t tell the 49ers or Vikings.
No teams utilized their fullbacks on more offensive snaps this season than the two who will face off in Saturday’s NFC Divisional Round game at Levi’s Stadium.
When Kyle Shanahan arrived in San Francisco, the 49ers went out and signed the top fullback on the market: Kyle Juszczyk.
“I like having a fullback because that’s the only way you can dictate your terms,” Shanahan said. “You always try to have the best player at each position, so we were pumped to get ‘Juice.'”
Juszczyk’s contributions can be obvious — a long reception here, a crucial block there — the role C.J. Ham plays for the Vikings can be a bit more mysterious but just as valuable.
Juszczyk has proven to be everything the 49ers hoped they were getting when they handed out the largest contract to a fullback in NFL history three years ago. His versatility is on display most weeks, but especially so in the 49ers’ Week 17 win in Seattle.
When Deebo Samuel took an end-around in the first half, it was Juszczyk leading the way. As Samuel turned the corner — before he pulled his own move on Tre Flowers to get into the end zone — Juszczyk took out two Seattle defenders at once.
Later on in the second half, on the first play after the Seahawks scored to pull within six points, Juszczyk sparked an immediate answer with a 49-yard grab that set up a 49ers touchdown four plays later. The key block on that two-yard TD rush? Yup, it was Juszczyk clearing a hole for Raheem Mostert.
“He makes the blocks easy — or at least look easy,” Mostert said, “even though he tells us they’re kind of hard.”
Ham, on the other hand, has been the quiet key to Dalvin Cook’s breakout season with the Vikings. Sometimes they’ll line up with two backs and a tight end, then split Ham out wide to clear the box. On others, the third-year fullback simply acts as the bulldozer paving the way to a career-high 1,135 yards and 13 touchdowns.
“To have someone like that, who is super athletic, super tough, super physical, leading the way for Dalvin, who is super athletic and physical himself, that’s a combination that you can’t beat,” Vikings running back Alexander Mattison told the Star Tribune this week.
Just like Juszczyk, Ham’s head-down production has earned him the respect of the locker room — even if some fans wouldn’t recognize his name.
After facing the Packers and their fullback, Danny Vitale, earlier this season, Juszczyk swapped jerseys after the game. He posted a photo captioned: “The fullback fraternity was alive and well last night.” Related Articles San Francisco 49ers | 49ers training camp: Talanoa Hufanga’s interception spoils Brock Purdy’s solid day
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It is a shrinking fraternity, though. There are fewer and fewer players like Juszczyk and Ham and an even quicker-shrinking pool of available spots for them. The league has been moving away from the fullback for years as teams implement more four- and five-receiver sets. Just look at those left in the playoffs: the Ravens are the only other team to use their fullback on more than 16% of their offensive snaps.
“I don’t think people necessarily understand his job,” Mostert said. “They see his title as a fullback, but he’s much more than that. He’s a definite playmaker.”
Ham and Cook both joined the Vikings three seasons ago. Cook was a heralded first-round pick out of Florida State. Ham was an undrafted free agent from tiny Augustana University in South Dakota pulled up from the practice squad. But it wasn’t until Gary Kubiak took over Minnesota offense this season that the duo began to thrive.
It’s no fluke the 49ers and Vikings — both offensive schemes can be derived from the Mike Shanahan system. Kyle, obviously, as his son and former assistant. Kubiak as Shanahan’s longtime offensive coordinator with the Broncos.
The younger Shanahan explained why he prefers to buck the league trend.
“When you have a fullback in the game, if you really want to run the ball, you can run the ball regardless of what the defense is doing,” Shanahan said.