mercurynews--2020-08-10--Commissioner: FDA won’t ‘cut corners’ on COVID-19 vaccine

Safety will not be compromised for a Covid-19 vaccine , the US Food and Drug Administration commissioner said Monday .
Dr. Stephen Hahn made the declaration in a video briefing with the American Medical Association .
More than 5 million Americans have been infected with coronavirus , and more than 163,000 have died , according to Johns Hopkins data .
Hahn acknowledged that because of the speed with which the agency is working , some experts have questioned whether the FDA will compromise its scientific principles in reviewing clinical trial data .
“ Let me assure you that we will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ All of our decisions will continue to be based on good science and the same careful deliberative processes we have always used when reviewing medical products.
” Many Americans are skeptical about a vaccine .
Hahn said he has seen surveys that report a significant part of the public will be reluctant to get a Covid-19 vaccine .
A CNN poll in May found one-third of Americans said they would not try to get vaccinated against Covid-19 , even if the vaccine is widely available and low-cost .
Hahn asked doctors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patients to take the vaccine once it is approved .
“ We hope that you will urge your patients to take an approved vaccine , so that we can seek to establish widespread immunity , ” Hahn said , adding that the FDA is “ moving equally fast ” in its efforts to support the development of vaccines .
More than 200 trials for Covid-19 therapies have been initiated , Hahn said , but he can ’ t predict when the results of the trials will be ready .
“ I can promise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , FDA will review them , using its established rigorous and deliberative scientific process .
We all understand that only by engaging in an open review process and relying on good science and sound data can the public , and you as providers , have confidence in the integrity of our decisions , ” he said .
The FDA launched the Treatment Acceleration Program in March to review the scientific merit of potential treatment drugs for Covid-19 , Harn said .
He emphasized the FDA ’ s role in being transparent about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s predictions , it ’ s not possible to have a safe and effective coronavirus vaccine ready by Election Day , vaccine experts said .
Vaccinologists told CNN that timeline is unrealistic after they reviewed data from Moderna , the first company to start Phase 3 clinical trials of a Covid-19 vaccine in the United States .
“ I don ’ t see how that would be possible , ” said Dr. Paul Offit , a vaccinologist at Children ’ s Hospital of Philadelphia .
Moderna must first finish enrolling participants — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then give them their first shots , wait 28 days before giving a second round of shots , and then wait two weeks to see whether the vaccine is effective .
After that , researchers have to wait to see who gets sick with Covid-19 and who doesn ’ t .
Some volunteers will be getting a placebo instead of a vaccine .
Dr. Peter Hotez , a vaccinologist at Baylor College of Medicine , reviewed the data and also said “ there ’ s just no way ” a vaccine will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ experts say it ’ s more likely the public could get a vaccine in 2021 .
Thousands of students returned to classrooms this week as a new report published by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Children ’ s Hospital Association shows how easily children can get coronavirus .
More than 97,000 children in the US tested positive for coronavirus in the last two weeks of July , according to the report .
The researchers found a 40 % increase in child coronavirus cases in the states and cities that were studied @ @ @ @ @ @ @ range for children differed by state , with some defining children as only those up to age 14 and one state — Alabama — pushing the limit to 24 .
At least 86 children have died as a result of the disease since May , according to the report .
Last week , a 7-year-old boy with no pre-existing conditions died from Covid-19 in Georgia .
In Florida , two teenagers died earlier this month , marking the state ’ s sixth and seventh coronavirus deaths among children 17 and under .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contradicts President Donald Trump ’ s claims that children are “ almost immune ” to Covid-19 .
While more classrooms are scheduled to reopen this week , some students who just started the school year must go back to virtual learning because of new infections among students and teachers .
Florida is still grappling with one of the worst infection rates in the country .
As of Monday , more than 17 % of tests taken turned out to be positive — the fifth highest rate of any state , according to Johns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ least 12 Florida counties will reopen this week for in-person learning , according to the Florida Education Association and school district websites .
Last month , the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said officials in counties where the test positivity rate is higher than 5 % might consider keeping classrooms closed to students .
Yet out of those 12 counties where schools will reopen this week , at least nine had test positivity rates higher than 5 % as of Saturday , according to the Florida Department of Health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stay home again North Paulding High School in Georgia made headlines after a student posted a photo of a packed hallway , with virtually no one appearing to wear a mask .
Just a week after the school reopened , North Paulding is moving to online-only classes for at least Monday and Tuesday .
At least “ six students and three staff members who were in school for at least some time last week … have since reported to us that they have tested positive , ” Principal Gabe Carmona wrote in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shot the photo of the packed hallway , Hannah Watters , said she ’ s received threats for posting the image online .
But the sophomore said she ’ s not deterred and just wants everyone to know how risky the situation is .
“ We could have just delayed opening like many other schools , ” she said .
“ They kind of sent us to school and used us as guinea pigs to see what would happen later on.
” The Cherokee County School District in Georgia said 19 students and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ positive for since the start of the school year one week ago .
At least 16 schools across the county are impacted , the district said .
Students and teachers affected must quarantine for two weeks .
And another Georgia school district , the Barrow County School System , scrapped plans to reopen in-person next week after more than 90 staff members were forced to quarantine because of a confirmed , suspected or possible exposure to Covid-19 .
It ’ s because of the fear and anxiety around going back to in-person instruction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a whistleblower email tip line for teachers and students to anonymously report unsafe conditions at school .
She has been posting the testimonies on Twitter .
In less than 48 hours , Moore told CNN , she received more than 200 messages .
“ All with really the same message that schools in Georgia are not prepared to go back to face-to-face instruction right now , ” she said .
“ My mission is not to shut down face-to-face instruction , but call out bad practices so that we don ’ t have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ email from a teacher said a colleague tested positive for Covid-19 but still came to work .
Another said a teacher was preparing to teach classes with more than 30 students and no mask requirements .
Many Americans still aren ’ t heeding the basic advice that would significantly reduce the spread and help get more students back into classrooms safely , doctors say .
“ We ’ re still generating 50,000 to 70,000 new cases a day , 1,000 Americans are dying every day , ” said Dr. Ashish Jha , director @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ This is all wholly preventable.
” The rate of daily Covid-19 deaths dipped nationwide in early July , but has steadily increased since then , according to Johns Hopkins data .
Nationwide , 299 deaths were reported on July 5 .
On August 5 , that number had jumped to 1,372 .
And for five days in a row last week , more than 1,000 Americans died each day .
‘ We ’ re just not being as cautious ’ Health officials have tied a resurgence in new cases to social gatherings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus to vulnerable populations .
Dr. Anthony Fauci had a message for those who might not take safety measures seriously : “ Don ’ t be the weak link in the chain.
” “ That ’ s the message we ’ ve got to get to young people , ” he said during a webinar with the Alliance for Health Policy .
“ Obviously they ’ re not doing anything deliberately and maliciously , but what they ’ re doing is inadvertently — they ’ re propagating the outbreak.
” • Coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surge in cases in late July • Coronavirus : Don ’ t expect ‘ drastic changes ’ to California ’ s watchlist despite progress on data snafu And many Americans are now moving around as much as they did before the pandemic , said Dr. Christopher Murray , director of the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington .
“ If you look at the mobility data collected from cell phones in many parts of the country , we ’ re almost back to pre-Covid levels of mobility , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re just not being as cautious as other people are in other countries.
” At this rate , the Institute for Health Metrics projects the US death toll from coronavirus will reach 300,000 by December 1 .
But if 95 % of Americans started consistently wearing face masks when leaving their homes , “ more than 66,000 lives would be saved .
”

By Amir Vera, Holly Yan and Christina Maxouris | CNN
Safety will not be compromised for a Covid-19 vaccine, the US Food and Drug Administration commissioner said Monday.
Dr. Stephen Hahn made the declaration in a video briefing with the American Medical Association. More than 5 million Americans have been infected with coronavirus, and more than 163,000 have died, according to Johns Hopkins data.
Hahn acknowledged that because of the speed with which the agency is working, some experts have questioned whether the FDA will compromise its scientific principles in reviewing clinical trial data.
“Let me assure you that we will not cut corners,” Hahn said. “All of our decisions will continue to be based on good science and the same careful deliberative processes we have always used when reviewing medical products.”
Many Americans are skeptical about a vaccine. Hahn said he has seen surveys that report a significant part of the public will be reluctant to get a Covid-19 vaccine. A CNN poll in May found one-third of Americans said they would not try to get vaccinated against Covid-19, even if the vaccine is widely available and low-cost.
Hahn asked doctors on the briefing Monday to urge their patients to take the vaccine once it is approved.
“We hope that you will urge your patients to take an approved vaccine, so that we can seek to establish widespread immunity,” Hahn said, adding that the FDA is “moving equally fast” in its efforts to support the development of vaccines.
More than 200 trials for Covid-19 therapies have been initiated, Hahn said, but he can’t predict when the results of the trials will be ready.
“I can promise you that when the data are available, FDA will review them, using its established rigorous and deliberative scientific process. We all understand that only by engaging in an open review process and relying on good science and sound data can the public, and you as providers, have confidence in the integrity of our decisions,” he said.
The FDA launched the Treatment Acceleration Program in March to review the scientific merit of potential treatment drugs for Covid-19, Harn said. He emphasized the FDA’s role in being transparent about the process.
‘No way’ for a vaccine by November
Contrary to President Donald Trump’s predictions, it’s not possible to have a safe and effective coronavirus vaccine ready by Election Day, vaccine experts said.
Vaccinologists told CNN that timeline is unrealistic after they reviewed data from Moderna, the first company to start Phase 3 clinical trials of a Covid-19 vaccine in the United States.
“I don’t see how that would be possible,” said Dr. Paul Offit, a vaccinologist at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
Moderna must first finish enrolling participants — possibly by the end of September — then give them their first shots, wait 28 days before giving a second round of shots, and then wait two weeks to see whether the vaccine is effective.
After that, researchers have to wait to see who gets sick with Covid-19 and who doesn’t. Some volunteers will be getting a placebo instead of a vaccine.
Dr. Peter Hotez, a vaccinologist at Baylor College of Medicine, reviewed the data and also said “there’s just no way” a vaccine will be publicly available by November 3. Health experts say it’s more likely the public could get a vaccine in 2021.
97,000 children test positive for Covid-19 in a 2-week span
Thousands of students returned to classrooms this week as a new report published by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Children’s Hospital Association shows how easily children can get coronavirus.
More than 97,000 children in the US tested positive for coronavirus in the last two weeks of July, according to the report.
The researchers found a 40% increase in child coronavirus cases in the states and cities that were studied during those two weeks.
The age range for children differed by state, with some defining children as only those up to age 14 and one state — Alabama — pushing the limit to 24.
At least 86 children have died as a result of the disease since May, according to the report.
Last week, a 7-year-old boy with no pre-existing conditions died from Covid-19 in Georgia. In Florida, two teenagers died earlier this month, marking the state’s sixth and seventh coronavirus deaths among children 17 and under.
The new study along with previous research directly contradicts President Donald Trump’s claims that children are “almost immune” to Covid-19.
While more classrooms are scheduled to reopen this week, some students who just started the school year must go back to virtual learning because of new infections among students and teachers.
Florida schools will reopen despite CDC guidance
Florida is still grappling with one of the worst infection rates in the country. As of Monday, more than 17% of tests taken turned out to be positive — the fifth highest rate of any state, according to Johns Hopkins data.
But schools in at least 12 Florida counties will reopen this week for in-person learning, according to the Florida Education Association and school district websites.
Last month, the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said officials in counties where the test positivity rate is higher than 5% might consider keeping classrooms closed to students.
Yet out of those 12 counties where schools will reopen this week, at least nine had test positivity rates higher than 5% as of Saturday, according to the Florida Department of Health.
Students who returned to school must stay home again
North Paulding High School in Georgia made headlines after a student posted a photo of a packed hallway, with virtually no one appearing to wear a mask.
Just a week after the school reopened, North Paulding is moving to online-only classes for at least Monday and Tuesday.
At least “six students and three staff members who were in school for at least some time last week … have since reported to us that they have tested positive,” Principal Gabe Carmona wrote in a letter to parents.
The teen who shot the photo of the packed hallway, Hannah Watters, said she’s received threats for posting the image online. But the sophomore said she’s not deterred and just wants everyone to know how risky the situation is.
“We could have just delayed opening like many other schools,” she said. “They kind of sent us to school and used us as guinea pigs to see what would happen later on.”
The Cherokee County School District in Georgia said 19 students and four teachers or staff members have tested positive for since the start of the school year one week ago.
At least 16 schools across the county are impacted, the district said. Students and teachers affected must quarantine for two weeks.
And another Georgia school district, the Barrow County School System, scrapped plans to reopen in-person next week after more than 90 staff members were forced to quarantine because of a confirmed, suspected or possible exposure to Covid-19.
It’s because of the fear and anxiety around going back to in-person instruction that Georgia Rep. Beth Moore set up a whistleblower email tip line for teachers and students to anonymously report unsafe conditions at school. She has been posting the testimonies on Twitter.
In less than 48 hours, Moore told CNN, she received more than 200 messages.
“All with really the same message that schools in Georgia are not prepared to go back to face-to-face instruction right now,” she said. “My mission is not to shut down face-to-face instruction, but call out bad practices so that we don’t have to shut down face-to-face instruction.”
One email from a teacher said a colleague tested positive for Covid-19 but still came to work. Another said a teacher was preparing to teach classes with more than 30 students and no mask requirements.
‘This is all wholly preventable’
Many Americans still aren’t heeding the basic advice that would significantly reduce the spread and help get more students back into classrooms safely, doctors say.
“We’re still generating 50,000 to 70,000 new cases a day, 1,000 Americans are dying every day,” said Dr. Ashish Jha, director of the Harvard Global Health Institute. “This is all wholly preventable.”
The rate of daily Covid-19 deaths dipped nationwide in early July, but has steadily increased since then, according to Johns Hopkins data.
Nationwide, 299 deaths were reported on July 5. On August 5, that number had jumped to 1,372. And for five days in a row last week, more than 1,000 Americans died each day.
You asked, we’re answering: Your top Covid-19 questions
‘We’re just not being as cautious’
Health officials have tied a resurgence in new cases to social gatherings among younger people, who can pass the virus to vulnerable populations.
Dr. Anthony Fauci had a message for those who might not take safety measures seriously: “Don’t be the weak link in the chain.”
“That’s the message we’ve got to get to young people,” he said during a webinar with the Alliance for Health Policy. “Obviously they’re not doing anything deliberately and maliciously, but what they’re doing is inadvertently — they’re propagating the outbreak.”
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Long Covid cases in US adults are on the decline, but many continue to struggle with symptoms National News | COVID Q&A: Can I use an expired test? Time to get boosted? How to cope with California’s sneaky summer surge And many Americans are now moving around as much as they did before the pandemic, said Dr. Christopher Murray, director of the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington.
“If you look at the mobility data collected from cell phones in many parts of the country, we’re almost back to pre-Covid levels of mobility,” Murray said. “So we’re just not being as cautious as other people are in other countries.”
At this rate, the Institute for Health Metrics projects the US death toll from coronavirus will reach 300,000 by December 1. But if 95% of Americans started consistently wearing face masks when leaving their homes, “more than 66,000 lives would be saved.”


mercurynews--2020-08-10--Who will represent Warriors at NBA virtual draft lottery: Steph, Kerr or the man who devised the lot

Who will represent Warriors at NBA virtual draft lottery: Steph, Kerr or the man who devised the lotto himself?

The NBA draft lottery , which has literally been held in a bubble since its inception in 1985 , will take on a new look that has nothing to do with the ping-pong balls determining the fate of the Warriors and 13 other teams on Aug. 20 .
In order to comply with social distancing precautions these days , the league ’ s lottery will be held virtually .
The league will have all 14 team representatives , including one from the Warriors , appearing in virtual fashion , The Athletic reported Monday .
A Warriors spokesman said Monday the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ choice to represent Golden State in its first lottery appearance since 2012 .
The Warriors have no have shortage of star-level options from which to choose with Steph Curry , Klay Thompson , Draymond Green , coach Steve Kerr , general manager Bob Myers , president Rick Welts and the legendary Al Attles just a Zoom call away .
But , wouldn ’ t it be apropos to have the Hall of Famer Welts representing the Warriors ?
As the NBA ’ s “ employee No .
35 ” under the late commissioner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ devised the league ’ s very first lottery 35 years ago .
Whomever the Warriors ’ chosen one is will have the odds on his/her side , if not the luck of the bouncing balls inside the plastic drum .
After finishing with the league ’ s worst record ( 15-50 ) , the once-dynastic Warriors own a league-best 14 percent chance of winning the lottery .
Both Cleveland and Minnesota also have a 14 percent chance of securing the top pick .
The Warriors , though , are assured of dropping no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ give them their highest pick since 2002 , when they drafted Mike Dunleavy Jr. After the draft order has been set , teams will have less than two months of preparations for the draft on Oct. 16 .

The NBA draft lottery, which has literally been held in a bubble since its inception in 1985, will take on a new look that has nothing to do with the ping-pong balls determining the fate of the Warriors and 13 other teams on Aug. 20.
In order to comply with social distancing precautions these days, the league’s lottery will be held virtually. The league will have all 14 team representatives, including one from the Warriors, appearing in virtual fashion, The Athletic reported Monday.
The NBA plans to hold the Aug. 20 Draft Lottery virtually, with 14 team representatives appearing via virtual display, sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium. — Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 10, 2020
A Warriors spokesman said Monday the team is “still finalizing” its choice to represent Golden State in its first lottery appearance since 2012.
The Warriors have no have shortage of star-level options from which to choose with Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, coach Steve Kerr, general manager Bob Myers, president Rick Welts and the legendary Al Attles just a Zoom call away.
But, wouldn’t it be apropos to have the Hall of Famer Welts representing the Warriors? As the NBA’s “employee No. 35” under the late commissioner David Stern, it was Welts who devised the league’s very first lottery 35 years ago.
Whomever the Warriors’ chosen one is will have the odds on his/her side, if not the luck of the bouncing balls inside the plastic drum. After finishing with the league’s worst record (15-50), the once-dynastic Warriors own a league-best 14 percent chance of winning the lottery. Both Cleveland and Minnesota also have a 14 percent chance of securing the top pick.
The Warriors, though, are assured of dropping no lower than fifth overall, which would give them their highest pick since 2002, when they drafted Mike Dunleavy Jr.
After the draft order has been set, teams will have less than two months of preparations for the draft on Oct. 16.


mercurynews--2020-08-11--Russia clears coronavirus vaccine; Putin says his daughter got it

MOSCOW ( AP ) — Russia on Tuesday became the first country to clear a coronavirus vaccine and declare it ready for use , despite international skepticism .
President Vladimir Putin said that one of his daughters has already been inoculated .
Putin emphasized that the vaccine underwent the necessary tests and has proven efficient , offering a lasting immunity from the coronavirus .
However , scientists at home and abroad have been sounding the alarm that the rush to start using the vaccine before Phase 3 trials — which normally last for months and involve thousands of people — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meeting Tuesday , Putin said that the vaccine has undergone proper testing and is safe .
“ I know it has proven efficient and forms a stable immunity , and I would like to repeat that it has passed all the necessary tests , ” he said .
“ We must be grateful to those who made that first step very important for our country and the entire world.
” The Russian leader added that one of his two adult daughters has received two shots of the vaccine .
“ She has taken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Putin said that his daughter had a temperature of 100.4 Fahrenheit on the day of the first vaccine injection , and then it dropped to 98.6 Fahrenheit on the following day .
After the second shot she again had a slight increase in temperature , but then it was all over .
“ She ’ s feeling well and has high number of antibodies , ” Putin added .
He didn ’ t specify which of his two daughters — Maria , 35 , or Katerina , 33 — received the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday ’ s statement that the vaccine is expected to provide immunity from the coronavirus for up to two years .
Putin emphasized that vaccination will be voluntary , Russian authorities have said that medical workers , teachers and other risk groups will be the first to be inoculated .
Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova said that the vaccination of doctors could start as early as this month .
Professor Alexander Gintsburg , head of the Gamaleya Institute that developed the vaccine , said that vaccination will start while the Phase 3 trials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be only enough doses to conduct vaccination in 10-15 of Russia ’ s 85 regions , according to the Interfax news agency .
Russian officials have said that large-scale production of the vaccine will start in September , and mass vaccination may begin as early as October .
When the pandemic struck Russia , Putin ordered state officials to shorten the time of clinical trials for potential coronavirus vaccines .
Becoming the first country in the world to develop a vaccine was a matter of national prestige for the Kremlin as it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a global power .
State television stations and other media have praised scientists working on it and presented the work as the envy of other nations .
Gintsburg raised eyebrows in May when he said that he and other researchers tried the vaccine on themselves .
Human studies started June 17 among 76 volunteers .
Half were injected with a vaccine in liquid form and the other half with a vaccine that came as soluble powder .
Some in the first half were recruited from the military , which raised concerns that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Amid Russia ’ s rush to become the first to create a vaccine , the U.S. , Britain and Canada last month accused Russia of using hackers to steal vaccine research from Western labs .
As the trials were declared completed , questions arose about the vaccine ’ s safety and effectiveness .
Some experts scoffed at Russian authorities ’ assurances that the vaccine drug produced the desired immune response and caused no significant side effects , pointing out that such claims need to be backed by published scientific data .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should go through full stages of testing before being rolled out .
Experts have warned that vaccines that are not properly tested can cause harm in many ways — from a negative impact on health to creating a false sense of security or undermining trust in vaccinations .

By VLADIMIR ISACHENKOV
MOSCOW (AP) — Russia on Tuesday became the first country to clear a coronavirus vaccine and declare it ready for use, despite international skepticism. President Vladimir Putin said that one of his daughters has already been inoculated.
Putin emphasized that the vaccine underwent the necessary tests and has proven efficient, offering a lasting immunity from the coronavirus. However, scientists at home and abroad have been sounding the alarm that the rush to start using the vaccine before Phase 3 trials — which normally last for months and involve thousands of people — could backfire.
Speaking at a government meeting Tuesday, Putin said that the vaccine has undergone proper testing and is safe.
“I know it has proven efficient and forms a stable immunity, and I would like to repeat that it has passed all the necessary tests,” he said. “We must be grateful to those who made that first step very important for our country and the entire world.”
The Russian leader added that one of his two adult daughters has received two shots of the vaccine. “She has taken part in the experiment,” Putin said.
Putin said that his daughter had a temperature of 100.4 Fahrenheit on the day of the first vaccine injection, and then it dropped to 98.6 Fahrenheit on the following day. After the second shot she again had a slight increase in temperature, but then it was all over.
“She’s feeling well and has high number of antibodies,” Putin added. He didn’t specify which of his two daughters — Maria, 35, or Katerina, 33 — received the vaccine.
The Health Ministry said in Tuesday’s statement that the vaccine is expected to provide immunity from the coronavirus for up to two years.
Putin emphasized that vaccination will be voluntary,
Russian authorities have said that medical workers, teachers and other risk groups will be the first to be inoculated. Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova said that the vaccination of doctors could start as early as this month.
Professor Alexander Gintsburg, head of the Gamaleya Institute that developed the vaccine, said that vaccination will start while the Phase 3 trials continue. He said that initially there will be only enough doses to conduct vaccination in 10-15 of Russia’s 85 regions, according to the Interfax news agency.
Russian officials have said that large-scale production of the vaccine will start in September, and mass vaccination may begin as early as October.
Russia has registered 897,599 coronavirus cases, including 15,131 deaths.
When the pandemic struck Russia, Putin ordered state officials to shorten the time of clinical trials for potential coronavirus vaccines.
Becoming the first country in the world to develop a vaccine was a matter of national prestige for the Kremlin as it tries to assert the image of Russia as a global power. State television stations and other media have praised scientists working on it and presented the work as the envy of other nations.
Gintsburg raised eyebrows in May when he said that he and other researchers tried the vaccine on themselves.
Human studies started June 17 among 76 volunteers. Half were injected with a vaccine in liquid form and the other half with a vaccine that came as soluble powder. Some in the first half were recruited from the military, which raised concerns that servicemen may have been pressured to participate.
Amid Russia’s rush to become the first to create a vaccine, the U.S., Britain and Canada last month accused Russia of using hackers to steal vaccine research from Western labs.
As the trials were declared completed, questions arose about the vaccine’s safety and effectiveness. Some experts scoffed at Russian authorities’ assurances that the vaccine drug produced the desired immune response and caused no significant side effects, pointing out that such claims need to be backed by published scientific data.
The World Health Organization said all vaccine candidates should go through full stages of testing before being rolled out. Experts have warned that vaccines that are not properly tested can cause harm in many ways — from a negative impact on health to creating a false sense of security or undermining trust in vaccinations.


mercurynews--2020-08-11--Can Raiders’ Nick Kwiatoski succeed where so many others have failed?

The Raiders first acquisition in their hope to upgrade from 7-9 was the signing of Nick Kwiatkoski .
He was signed before anyone else , the target of coach Jon Gruden and Mike Mayock to be the signal-calling extension of defensive coordinator Paul Guenther on the field for a unit that ’ s lacked cohesion , communication , speed and most everything else for several years .
Which came as a surprise to Kwiatoski , who went from developmental player to a free agent target in four seasons with the Chicago Bears .
“ Initially going into free agency before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no idea what was going to happen , ” Kwiatkoski said Monday during a zoom conference call .
“ I was just kind of playing it by ear .
Then the Raiders reached out so early and the way they did , I just knew it was something where I knew I was wanted .
It was a no-brainer for me.
” The Raiders were serious , committing three years and $ 21 million with $ 13.75 million guaranteed , all for a 6-foot-2 , 243-pound linebacker with 22 starts in 57 games @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of him to entrust him with the “ green dot , ” which goes on the helmet of the defensive player in communication with Guenther .
So the Raiders don ’ t expect Kwiatkoski to leave the field , and are counting on him to make sure he knows everyone else ’ s job besides his own .
“ He ’ s going to be the lead singer now , ” Gruden told the Bay Area News Group in May .
“ He ’ s the leader of the band .
He ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make all the calls , all the checks and adjustments , a lot of the communication to free everybody up.
” The addition of Kwiatkoski along with the big-name signing of fellow linebacker Cory Littleton comes at a position where the Raiders have floundered in terms of identifying talents with staying power .
In recent years , Malcolm Smith , Bruce Irvin and Curtis Lofton arrived and moved on , with only Irvin making much of an impact for one season .
Draft picks such as Ben Heeney and Shilique Calhoun came and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ solid play wound up coming from veteran street free agents such as Perry Riley Jr. and Will Compton .
Kwiatkoski will not only be the defensive signal caller , but be called upon to cover tight ends and running backs in space , fit gaps in the running game and even blitz on occasion .
A fourth-round pick out of West Virginia in 2016 , Kwiatkoski can be forgiven for being a little anxious while attempting to learn a defense without ever stepping on the field with his teammates until the Raiders convened @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Even at that , the Raiders have been doing virtual learning and walkthroughs without playing actual football .
“ It ’ s definitely been nice to finally meet people in person , kind of get an understanding of how things are going to work from here on out and just being on the field , ” Kwiatkoski said .
“ In the Zoom meetings you watch film , it ’ s really nothing like getting on the field and doing things .
Just being here , it feels great .
It ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a standout substitute and a solid starter when needed because of injury , Kwiatkoski maintains his approach won ’ t be much different with the Raiders than it was with the Bears .
“ The process for me doesn ’ t change , ” Kwiatkoski said .
“ I had that kind of mindset in Chicago even when there was a lot of unknown .
Preparing like I ’ m a starter , preparing like I was going to get reps is something I ’ ve prided myself on .
That ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , so it ’ s something they taught me.
” The Bears had a decision to make when Kwiatkoski performed well in place of the injured Danny Trevathan late in the 2020 season .
Both players were up for free agency , and the Bears opted to re-up with Trevathan .
That left Kwiatkoski free to seek a new employer in free agency .
• Raiders ’ Jason Witten : Five observations about his new home One reason Chicago couldn ’ t bring back both players ?
A guy by the name of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , $ 141 million contract with Chicago after the Raiders balked at his contract demands and traded him for two first-round draft picks , a third round pick and a sixth round pick .
What was Mack ’ s reaction to Kwiatkoski signing with the Raiders ?
“ He reached out and congratulated me , ” Kwiatkoski said .
“ That was about it .
He was happy , but no advice , no advice.
” Defensive end Ade Aruna , who was waived July 27 the day before training camp began , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ signed to a contract .
The Raiders are down a defensive lineman with Maxx Crosby out indefinitely list after being placed on the COVID-19 reserve list on Aug. 6 .
Aruna ( 6-foot-5 , 263 pounds ) is a sixth-round draft pick in 2018 out of Tulane by the Minnesota Vikings .
He spent his first year on injured reserve and was waived with an injury settlement in September of his second season .
Aruna first came to the Raiders last December as a member of the practice squad .

The Raiders’ first acquisition in their hope to upgrade from 7-9 was the signing of Nick Kwiatkoski.
He was signed before anyone else, the target of coach Jon Gruden and general manager Mike Mayock to be the signal-calling extension of defensive coordinator Paul Guenther on the field for a unit that’s lacked cohesion, communication, speed and most everything else for several years.
Which came as a surprise to Kwiatoski, who went from developmental player to a free agent target in four seasons with the Chicago Bears.
“Initially going into free agency before everything picked up, I really had no idea what was going to happen,” Kwiatkoski said Monday during a zoom conference call. “I was just kind of playing it by ear. Then the Raiders reached out so early and the way they did, I just knew it was something where I knew I was wanted. It was a no-brainer for me.”
The Raiders were serious, committing three years and $21 million with $13.75 million guaranteed, all for a 6-foot-2, 243-pound linebacker with 22 starts in 57 games in four seasons.
They thought enough of him to entrust him with the “green dot,” which goes on the helmet of the defensive player in communication with Guenther. So the Raiders don’t expect Kwiatkoski to leave the field, and are counting on him to make sure he knows everyone else’s job besides his own.
“He’s going to be the lead singer now,” Gruden told the Bay Area News Group in May. “He’s the leader of the band. He’s going to get a chance to make all the calls, all the checks and adjustments, a lot of the communication to free everybody up.”
#Bears Nick Kwiatkoski destroyed the Vikings & Cooks game plan all afternoon. pic.twitter.com/FhD9oTY9HS — Theo Marshall (@ImTheoMarshall) September 30, 2019
The addition of Kwiatkoski along with the big-name signing of fellow linebacker Cory Littleton comes at a position where the Raiders have floundered in terms of identifying talents with staying power.
In recent years, Tahir Whitehead, Malcolm Smith, Bruce Irvin and Curtis Lofton arrived and moved on, with only Irvin making much of an impact for one season. Draft picks such as Ben Heeney and Shilique Calhoun came and went.
Some of the Raiders most solid play wound up coming from veteran street free agents such as Perry Riley Jr. and Will Compton.
Kwiatkoski will not only be the defensive signal caller, but be called upon to cover tight ends and running backs in space, fit gaps in the running game and even blitz on occasion.
A fourth-round pick out of West Virginia in 2016, Kwiatkoski can be forgiven for being a little anxious while attempting to learn a defense without ever stepping on the field with his teammates until the Raiders convened in Henderson, Nevada on July 28.
Even at that, the Raiders have been doing virtual learning and walkthroughs without playing actual football.
“It’s definitely been nice to finally meet people in person, kind of get an understanding of how things are going to work from here on out and just being on the field,” Kwiatkoski said. “In the Zoom meetings you watch film, it’s really nothing like getting on the field and doing things. Just being here, it feels great. It’s been very helpful.”
After being a standout substitute and a solid starter when needed because of injury, Kwiatkoski maintains his approach won’t be much different with the Raiders than it was with the Bears.
“The process for me doesn’t change,” Kwiatkoski said. “I had that kind of mindset in Chicago even when there was a lot of unknown. Preparing like I’m a starter, preparing like I was going to get reps is something I’ve prided myself on. That’s something others around me prided themselves on, so it’s something they taught me.”
The Bears had a decision to make when Kwiatkoski performed well in place of the injured Danny Trevathan late in the 2019 season. Both players were up for free agency, and the Bears opted to re-up with Trevathan. That left Kwiatkoski free to seek a new employer in free agency.
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What was Mack’s reaction to Kwiatkoski signing with the Raiders?
“He reached out and congratulated me,” Kwiatkoski said. “That was about it. He was happy, but no advice, no advice.”
Aruna returns to roster
Defensive end Ade Aruna, who was waived July 27 the day before training camp began, is back on the roster after being signed to a contract.
The Raiders are down a defensive lineman with Maxx Crosby out indefinitely list after being placed on the COVID-19 reserve list on Aug. 6.
Aruna (6-foot-5, 263 pounds) is a sixth-round draft pick in 2018 out of Tulane by the Minnesota Vikings. He spent his first year on injured reserve and was waived with an injury settlement in September of his second season. Aruna first came to the Raiders last December as a member of the practice squad.


mercurynews--2020-08-11--49ers mailbag: How do Jalen Hurd, Jerick McKinnon really look?

Congratulations , you ’ ve won a visit to our first mailbag of 49ers training camp .
Stay on the link for today ’ s virtual learning , or press “ 9 ” to go on our do-not-call list : Cam , are you and the rest of the media allowed to watch the practices or is that being restricted this year ?
( @ VinceFelice1 ) Media access indeed is coming to the 49ers ’ practice field , soon , likely this weekend .
Daily access is mandatory the ensuing two weeks through Aug. 28 , and we ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ eastern block .
Interviews are restricted to video conferences , so I ’ ll do my best to maximize my question or two per session ( example : I asked Nick Bosa last week about the Super Bowl and , bluntly , if he was held on third-and-15 . )
What is Javon ( Kinlaw ) lifting ?
Bench ?
Deadlift ?
How does he move for a big guy ?
( @ surf_skate_88 ) Thanks to social distancing , reporters are not allowed in the weight room to serve as spotters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the 49ers ’ top draft pick .
Weight-room numbers are nice ( so I hear ) but the NFL is about much more than that .
How Kinlaw moves among an elite defensive line is key to 2020 and beyond .
What is your expectation for Jimmy G in 2020 ?
The offense is loaded with weapons that match his strengths , so will Kyle Shanahan open up the playbook and let him throw 30 times per game ?
( @ Rabrealey ) Loaded ?
At tight end , yes , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But the 49ers have a young , untested receiving corps ( average age : 24 ) .
I ’ d expect a run-heavy strategy with just enough passes to keep defenses honest at the outset .
Not many people have been talking about the significance of Dee Ford !
I believe if he ’ s fully healthy it can really unleash the true potential of that defense with him on the other edge for at least 60 % of the snaps .
( @ 49ersEdwin ) That is what the 49ers had in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If Healthy Dee Ford last year to an $ 85 million deal that includes $ 13.7 million in salary this season , second only to Jimmy Garoppolo .
If Healthy Dee Ford is taking part in camp so that ’ s a positive sign his offseason knee procedure alleviated his pain .
How is Jalen Hurd looking ?
( @ hinojos1986 ) We haven ’ t seen Hurd in a full-team practice since last August .
Our long wait will soon be over .
Meanwhile , here was Raheem Mostert ’ s assessment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season with a back injury : “ He ’ s a bigger receiver and probably the most physical receiver I ’ ve seen tap-wise and even going out there practicing .
It ’ s nice to see him back.
” Mike McGlinchey hailed Hurd ’ s imposing presence as : “ 6-4 , 240 ( pounds ) and built in a lab.
” Do any of the undrafted , rookie running backs have a legitimate shot at a roster spot ?
( @ faub5 ) Perhaps only if Tevin Coleman ’ s $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jerick McKinnon ’ s comeback turns sour .
But rookies Jamycal Hasty and Salvon Ahmed indeed have great shots to make the expanded , 16-man practice squad .
The 49ers invested more in Hasty ( $ 90,000 guaranteed ) than Ahmed ( $ 50,000 ) , per overthecap.com .
Is the hype around Jerick McKinnon just hype or will he make the team ?
( @ tonyferrari_ ) TBD .
McKinnon ’ s comeback from a September 2018 knee injury didn ’ t fare well last training camp , so give it a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ truly as encouraging as they seem to start this camp .
His receiving ability is a missing ingredient to this offense .
His determination and spirit are enviable .
Is anything in 2020 ?
I ’ d say Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk are locks at wide receiver , and Kendrick Bourne is the next closest until Trent Taylor proves he ’ s at full health .
Bourne , entering his fourth year , is the most experienced receiver in this system .
It ’ s a boom or bust year , perhaps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , followed by Chris Thompson ( 26 ) , Bourne ( 25 ) , Samuel ( 24 ) , Hurd ( 24 ) , Dante Pettis ( 24 ) , Shawn Poindexter ( 24 ) , Jauan Jennings ( 23 ) and Aiyuk ( 22 ) ; Travis Benjamin ( 30 ) opted out this season .
Who takes the biggest leap this year ?
( @ dbabb26 ) In terms of a veteran candidate who wasn ’ t part of last year ’ s ride , look to Taylor , Hurd and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ missed the playoffs with an injury , Ronald Blair and D.J .
Jones could surprise on the defensive line .
Best of all could be an If Healthy Dee Ford and an If Healthy Kwon Alexander .
Is there a chance for expanded rosters for the entire season ?
( @ andiaz_91 ) Active roster ’ s capacity remains at 53 but the practice squad got bumped from 10 to 16 players in case of COVID-19 infections .
That said , if there is an outbreak , I see games getting postponed or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a huge chunk of its practice squad .
With Solomon Thomas not performing to his third-overall pick ( status ) , and with Josh Garnett getting cut ( last year by the 49ers , last Sunday by the Lions ) should we avoid Stanford ?
( @ x3kingz_ ) But Richard Sherman is working out swell , while Zach Ertz and Christian McCaffrey are two of the league ’ s top offensive stars .
The 49ers ’ first-round history with Stanford men is indeed checkered , at least after John Brodie ( 1957 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Preceding Garnett ( 2016 ) and Thomas ( 2017 ) was Kwame Harris ( 2003 ) .
Who ’ s the No .
1 receiver since Deebo is hurt ?
( @ niner_empire_ ) But first , did you see Samuel ’ s Instagram post showing how well his surgically repaired foot can move , albeit on a carpet in the training room ?
He is seven weeks post-op , so he very well could be WR1 for the season opener .
With Kittle , the 49ers don ’ t need a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and here is the key word , “ versatile , ” contributors , especially if COVID-19 impacts their depth .
What position group are you keeping the closest eye on during camp ?
( @ 49ersHive ) Aside from positioning myself away from my grimey , media colleagues ?
I ’ ve got an eye on something at each position .
Check back later this week for my top-10 questions entering practice .
• 49ers tap into pipeline for another ex-Washington lineman , Spencer Long • Dion Jordan signing bolsters 49ers ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — depending on how you count

Congratulations, you’ve won a visit to our first mailbag of 49ers training camp. Stay on the link for today’s virtual learning, or press “9” to go on our do-not-call list:
Cam, are you and the rest of the media allowed to watch the practices or is that being restricted this year? (@VinceFelice1)
Media access indeed is coming to the 49ers’ practice field, soon, likely this weekend. Daily access is mandatory the ensuing two weeks through Aug. 28, and we’ll likely be sequestered on the fields’ eastern block. Interviews are restricted to video conferences, so I’ll do my best to maximize my question or two per session (example: I asked Nick Bosa last week about the Super Bowl and, bluntly, if he was held on a pivotal third-and-15.)
What is Javon (Kinlaw) lifting? Bench? Deadlift? How does he move for a big guy? (@surf_skate_88)
Thanks to social distancing, reporters are not allowed in the weight room to serve as spotters and keep 400 pounds off the chest of the 49ers’ top draft pick. Weight-room numbers are nice (so I hear) but the NFL is about much more than that. How Kinlaw moves among an elite defensive line is key to 2020 and beyond.
What is your expectation for Jimmy G in 2020? The offense is loaded with weapons that match his strengths, so will Kyle Shanahan open up the playbook and let him throw 30 times per game? (@Rabrealey)
Loaded? At tight end, yes, with George Kittle and new Jordan Reed. But the 49ers have a young, untested receiving corps (average age: 24). I’d expect a run-heavy strategy with just enough passes to keep defenses honest at the outset.
Not many people have been talking about the significance of Dee Ford! I believe if he’s fully healthy it can really unleash the true potential of that defense with him on the other edge for at least 60% of the snaps. (@49ersEdwin)
That is what the 49ers had in mind, too, when they signed If Healthy Dee Ford last year to an $85 million deal that includes $13.7 million in salary this season, second only to Jimmy Garoppolo. If Healthy Dee Ford is taking part in camp so that’s a positive sign his offseason knee procedure alleviated his pain.
First-round draft picks on the #49ers defensive line: Dion Jordan
(2013, No. 3, Dolphins) Dee Ford
(2014, No. 23, Chiefs) Arik Armstead
(2015, No. 17) Solomon Thomas
(2017, No. 3) Nick Bosa
(2019, No. 2) Jonathan Kongbo
(2019 CFL, No. 3) Javon Kinlaw
(2020, No. 14) — Cam Inman (@CamInman) August 7, 2020
How is Jalen Hurd looking? (@hinojos1986)
We haven’t seen Hurd in a full-team practice since last August. Our long wait will soon be over. Meanwhile, here was Raheem Mostert’s assessment of Hurd, who missed his rookie season with a back injury: “He’s a bigger receiver and probably the most physical receiver I’ve seen tap-wise and even going out there practicing. It’s nice to see him back.” Mike McGlinchey hailed Hurd’s imposing presence as: “6-4, 240 (pounds) and built in a lab.”
Do any of the undrafted rookie running backs have a legitimate shot at a roster spot? (@faub5)
Perhaps only if Tevin Coleman’s $4.5 million salary is unaffordable or if Jerick McKinnon’s comeback turns sour. But rookies Jamycal Hasty and Salvon Ahmed indeed have great shots to make the expanded, 16-man practice squad. The 49ers invested more in Hasty ($90,000 guaranteed) than Ahmed ($50,000), per overthecap.com.
Is the hype around Jerick McKinnon just hype or will he make the team? (@tonyferrari_)
TBD. McKinnon’s comeback from a September 2018 knee injury didn’t fare well last training camp, so give it a few practices to see if things are truly as encouraging as they seem to start this camp. His receiving ability is a missing ingredient to this offense. His determination and spirit are enviable.
Is Kendrick Bourne a lock? (@markasbih)
Is anything in 2020? I’d say Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk are locks at wide receiver, and Kendrick Bourne is the next closest until Trent Taylor proves he’s at full health. Bourne, entering his fourth year, is the most experienced receiver in this system. It’s a boom or bust year, perhaps. Taylor is the oldest at 26, followed by Chris Thompson (26), Bourne (25), Samuel (24), Hurd (24), Dante Pettis (24), Shawn Poindexter (24), Jauan Jennings (23) and Aiyuk (22); Travis Benjamin (30) opted out this season.
Who takes the biggest leap this year? (@dbabb26)
In terms of a veteran candidate who wasn’t part of last year’s ride, look to Taylor, Hurd and McKinnon. In terms of someone who missed the playoffs with an injury, Ronald Blair and D.J. Jones could surprise on the defensive line. Best of all could be an If Healthy Dee Ford and an If Healthy Kwon Alexander.
Is there a chance for expanded rosters for the entire season? (@andiaz_91)
Active roster’s capacity remains at 53 but the practice squad got bumped from 10 to 16 players in case of COVID-19 infections. That said, if there is an outbreak, I see games getting postponed or even forfeited before a team must raid a huge chunk of its practice squad.
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But Richard Sherman is working out swell, while Zach Ertz and Christian McCaffrey are two of the league’s top offensive stars. The 49ers’ first-round history with Stanford men is indeed checkered, at least after John Brodie (1957) and Gene Washington (1969). Preceding Garnett (2016) and Thomas (2017) was Kwame Harris (2003).
Who’s the No. 1 receiver since Deebo is hurt? (@niner_empire_)
But first, did you see Samuel’s Instagram post showing how well his surgically repaired foot can move, albeit on a carpet in the training room? He is seven weeks post-op, so he very well could be WR1 for the season opener. With Kittle, the 49ers don’t need a WR1 as much as a collection of, and here is the key word, “versatile,” contributors, especially if COVID-19 impacts their depth.
Deebo Samuel continues with his rehabilitation. Looking better and better each day. 😤 #49ers 🎥: @19problemz pic.twitter.com/McSUPMCtmZ — Coach Yac 🗣 (@Coach_Yac) August 10, 2020
What position group are you keeping the closest eye on during camp? (@49ersHive)
Aside from positioning myself away from my grimy media colleagues? I’ve got an eye on something at each position. Check back later this week for my top 10 questions entering practice.


mercurynews--2020-08-11--Lafayette City Council postpones decision on Terraces apartment project

LAFAYETTE — The fate of the nearly decade-old saga of the Terraces of Lafayette — the city ’ s controversial 315-unit affordable housing project — has yet to be determined .
After a meeting that lasted more than nine hours with testimony from more than 50 public speakers , the Lafayette City Council decided unanimously — by a vote of 5-0 — to postpone a decision on the appeal of the planning commission ’ s June 30 approval .
The council will make its ruling on the 22-acre apartment plan at the Aug. 24 meeting .
The meeting was marked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Lafayette council members — Mayor Mike Anderson and Council members Cameron Burks , Steve Bliss and Teresa Gerringer — all read prepared statements that they were aware a claim alleging potential conflict of interest by Vice Mayor Susan Candell was lodged by the Terraces developer .
Each of the four stated they would make up their minds independently , and each stated their sources of information about the Terraces and their public contacts on the project .
Candell , in her 2018 campaign for the Lafayette City Council , was vocal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Deer Hill and Pleasant Hill roads , and initially recused herself from the Terraces project last year but later changed her mind .
On Friday , Brian Wenter , the attorney representing developer O ’ Brien Homes of Menlo Park , sent a letter to Anderson , repeating his contention that Candell recuse herself because , he said , she had “ crossed the constitutional line ” in making “ up her mind and prejudged the project.
” Candell said at the meeting that she would “ remain neutral and unbiased ” and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and fair hearing ” on the planning commission ’ s appeal .
After Dave Baker , project manager for the Terraces , gave his presentation and said the housing plan would allow Lafayette residents to live in the city where they work , Burks assailed Baker over his “ sensational ” selling point .
Burks noted that , under the state fair housing laws , it ’ s illegal to give preferential treatment to anyone for housing and said that “ discredits your presentation to a large degree.
” Burks and Wenter also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sen. Nancy Skinner ’ s letter to the city in December that urged approval of the Terraces project .
Burks blasted Sen. Skinner , D-Oakland , who authored key state housing bills , in January and called for an ethics probe of the state lawmaker .
Burks said Skinner sought to use her clout over the Lafayette City Council on the Terraces .
“ Can I ask you when the last time you met with Sen. Skinner either by phone or in person or email or text ?
” Burks said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the question is to tonight ’ s meeting ?
” Wenter replied .
“ If you want to play ball , that ’ s fine , I ’ ll keep it going , ” Burks said .
“ This is a question about the approval of the project and the law and facts that are surrounding it and I fail to see what that has to do with this project , ” Wenter said .
Burks said he was trying to find out if Wenter or the developer had “ anything to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and asked if Wenter had met with the state senator .
“ It has no relevance to tonight ’ s meeting — so I ’ m not going to answer your question , ” Wenter said .
“ I think my community thinks it has relevance to it , ” Burks replied .
The 50 or so public speakers were largely split over those who supported the plan , saying the affordable housing would bring a more diverse population to Lafayette and do its part to ease the Bay Area ’ s housing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voicing concerns over the traffic congestion resulting from 315 apartment units on nearby Acalanes High School and Springhill Elementary School , as well as safety issues .
And the opponents also raised evacuation problems , especially in the wildfire prone Lamorinda area where two destructive fires broke out in the same area last October .
“ I truly believe that this project will bring vital housing stock , equity , opportunity and prosperity to this beautiful city that we all call home , ” said Chris Wikler , a 20-year resident of Lafayette @ @ @ @ @ @ @ group Save Lafayette which has consistently opposed development of the Deer Hill site for years , urged the council to deny the Terraces , saying it failed to comply with the city ’ s general plan and zoning and posed a health and wildfire risk .
The Lafayette Planning Commission approved the Terraces of Lafayette , but with reservations and concerns , particularly over the traffic impacts and emergency evacuations .
But commissioners said they could not deny the project according to the guidelines laid out in the state ’ s Housing Accountability @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local decision-making authority by cities for affordable housing projects .
The Terraces project has set aside 20 percent of its 315 apartments — 63 in total — for affordable housing .
In addition , under the new state housing laws , Lafayette could be liable for at least $ 15.75 million in expected legal costs if it denied the project and lost in court , according to Wenter .
The Terraces apartment project dates back to March 2011 .
It has been the subject of 20 public hearings and a lawsuit , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ referendum , Measure L , that proposed a compromise of 44 single-family homes .
It was rejected by voters in June 2018 , and O ’ Brien Homes immediately filed an application for the original 315 apartments .

LAFAYETTE — The fate of the nearly decade-old saga of the Terraces of Lafayette — the divisive 315-unit project that has pitted YIMBYs advocating more housing versus the NIMBYs concerned about changing the town’s character — has again been delayed.
After a meeting that lasted more than nine hours with testimony from more than 50 people, the Lafayette City Council decided unanimously — by a vote of 5-0 — Tuesday morning to postpone a decision on the appeal of the planning commission’s June 30 approval. The council will make its ruling on the 22-acre apartment plan at the Aug. 24 meeting.
The meeting was marked by controversy at the onset. Four of the Lafayette council members — Mayor Mike Anderson and council members Cameron Burks, Steve Bliss and Teresa Gerringer — all read prepared statements that they were aware a claim alleging potential conflict of interest by Vice Mayor Susan Candell was lodged by the Terraces developer. Each of the four said they would make up their minds independently, and each provided their sources of information about the Terraces and their public contacts on the project.
Candell, in her 2018 campaign for the Lafayette City Council, was vocal in opposing development of the site on Deer Hill and Pleasant Hill roads, and initially recused herself from the Terraces project last year but later changed her mind.
On Friday, Bryan Wenter, an attorney for developer O’Brien Homes of Menlo Park, sent a letter to Anderson, repeating his contention that Candell should recuse herself because, he said, she had “crossed the constitutional line” in making “up her mind and prejudged the project.”
Candell said at the meeting that she would “remain neutral and unbiased” and said it would be “an open and fair hearing” on the planning commission’s appeal. Candell also stated her sources of information on the Terraces and her public contacts on the issue.
After Dave Baker, project manager for the Terraces, gave his presentation, saying the housing plan would allow Lafayette residents to live in the city where they work, Burks assailed Baker over what the councilman called his “sensational” selling point. Burks noted that, under the state fair housing laws, it’s illegal to give preferential treatment to anyone for housing and claimed that “discredits your presentation to a large degree.”
Burks and Wenter also got into a testy exchange over state Sen. Nancy Skinner’s letter to the city in December that urged approval of the Terraces project. Burks blasted Skinner, D-Oakland, who wrote key state housing bills, in January and called for an ethics probe of the state lawmaker. Burks alleged that Skinner sought to use her clout over the Lafayette City Council on the Terraces.
“Can I ask you when the last time you met with Sen. Skinner either by phone or in person or email or text?” Burks said.
“Can I ask you what the relevancy of the question is to tonight’s meeting?” Wenter replied.
“If you want to play ball, that’s fine, I’ll keep it going,” Burks said.
“This is a question about the approval of the project and the law and facts that are surrounding it, and I fail to see what that has to do with this project,” Wenter said.
Burks said he was trying to find out if Wenter or the developer had “anything to do” with Skinner’s letter and asked if Wenter had met with the state senator.
“It has no relevance to tonight’s meeting, so I’m not going to answer your question,” Wenter said.
“I think my community thinks it has relevance to it,” Burks replied.
The 50 or so public speakers were largely split over the project. People who supported the plan said the affordable housing would bring a more diverse population to Lafayette and do its part to help ease the Bay Area’s housing crisis.
“I truly believe that this project will bring vital housing stock, equity, opportunity and prosperity to this beautiful city that we all call home,” said Chris Wikler, a 20-year resident of Lafayette.
Those opposing the Terraces mentioned the effect of potential traffic congestion resulting from 315 apartments on nearby Acalanes High School and Springhill Elementary School, as well as safety issues. And opponents also raised possible evacuation problems, especially in the wildfire-prone Lafayette-Orinda-Moraga area, where two destructive fires broke out in the same area last October.
However, both Lafayette police and the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District said they did not have concerns that the Terraces would cause “material delays to emergency response,” according to the staff report, and it said the project was “well situated to be evacuated quickly” because it was close to Highway 24.
And, although the Deer Hill site is within a “very high fire hazard severity zone” on the county Fire Protection District fire hazards map, the state Housing Accountability Act says that cannot be used as the reason for “specific, adverse impact” because the map was adopted after the project application was completed in 2011.
The staff report did identify “two significant and unavoidable transportation impacts” that would cause traffic delays, but it concluded that they would “primarily affect the convenience, rather than the health or safety, of the public.”
Michael Griffiths, of the grassroots group Save Lafayette which has fought development of the Deer Hill site for years, urged the council to deny the Terraces, saying it failed to comply with the city’s general plan and zoning and posed a health and wildfire risk.
The Lafayette Planning Commission approved the Terraces of Lafayette, but with reservations, particularly over traffic and evacuations.
However, commissioners said they could not deny the project according to the guidelines laid out in the state’s Housing Accountability Act, which removes much of the local decision-making authority by cities for affordable housing projects. The Terraces project has set aside 20 percent of its 315 apartments — 63 in total — for affordable housing.
In addition, under the new state housing laws, Lafayette could be liable for at least $15.57 million in expected legal costs if it denied the project and lost in court, according to Wenter.
The Terraces apartment project dates back to March 2011. It has been the subject of 20 public hearings and a lawsuit, and a state court ruling as well a referendum, Measure L, that proposed a compromise of 44 houses. The measure was rejected by voters in June 2018, and O’Brien Homes immediately filed an application for the original 315 apartments.


mercurynews--2020-08-11--The Deets: It’s the end of college football as we know it… and I feel fine

It ’ s the end of college football as we know it .
The demise won ’ t be obvious in the moment , but it is inevitable .
Because what will prevent college football from happening this year is the same force that will bring about dramatic changes to the highest levels of the sport upon resumption .
No , it ’ s not COVID-19 , though that clearly is the issue at hand .
Instead , it ’ s the players at the big-money schools realizing that they should have a say in how college football handles ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its response to the pandemic .
In turn , they realized that they should have a say in everything .
The players have been fed lies since day one , but the truth is that this billion-dollar industry can not function without them , and that ’ s not something anyone unlearns .
The top levels of college football have exploited the players for so long that it ’ s understandable why some would think that model was working .
But it wasn ’ t .
Well , unless you were a college @ @ @ @ @ @ @ football model is deliberately decentralized , as to guarantee the kind of inaction that keeps a model that exploits labor intact .
That decentralization — much like with the American government — has created a farcical response to the COVID crisis .
The players are asking for better in that regard , as well they should .
But after COVID is dealt with ( or not ) , it won ’ t be long before the players demand to be paid for being the workforce of such a lucrative industry .
Fancy locker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that don ’ t provide the same education agency as their peers don ’ t cut it anymore .
Those admins are running scared .
Their old gaslighting tactics don ’ t seem to be working anymore , so they ’ ll delay or cancel the season to buy themselves more time to keep this model of faux-amateurism in place — a model where they ’ re still the only people who get to keep all the money .
On Monday , the Mountain West conference — home of San Jose State — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in shutting down football for the fall .
For the non-Power Five conferences , COVID is what is shutting them down .
These schools make their budgets by playing big-money schools .
The pandemic and the conference-only schedules it demanded won ’ t allow them to do that this year .
But the big-time schools could play , just in the same way the NFL , NHL , MLS , MLB , and NBA are playing .
The feature has become the bug , though .
The Power Five schools got rich by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the trend of player empowerment developing , and they ’ ll have to shut down because the pandemic is stripping pretense from everything .
And as we know from the last few months , re-starting will be harder than pulling the plug .
So now , there ’ s no way college football plays without dramatic changes to the financial structure of the sport .
Don ’ t worry , college football will exist in the future .
It ’ ll just have to call itself what it always has been — for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Giants 4 – Astros 6… First off : boooooooo .
Second : The Giants showed some fight in the end , but don ’ t let the score fool you — they were owned in this game by both the Astros and themselves… Guess what ?
The Giants had another dastardly day in the field , highlighted by another ( a fourth ) catchers ’ interference call .
Buster Posey has three in his whole career… Where ’ s Joey Bart and how bad must he be on defense if these are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I thought the analytics movement valued defense now… The Giants now have 21 errors in 18 games , which is downright incredible… Good news : Austin Slater hit another homer .
We need more time , but it would be a tremendous win for the Giants if Slater turns into a franchise building block , a la Mike Yastrzemski .
A ’ s 9 – Angels 10… All good things must come to an end , and after nine straight wins , the A ’ s are now on a one-game losing streak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A ’ s bullpen — which was absolutely ace to start the season — fell apart under some undue stress Tuesday… It takes a special performance to overshadow that of Matt Chapman ’ s , who had two homers , six RBI , and a run-saving defensive play , but Mike Trout ( who else ) was able to do it with his two homers , including the game-winner… We need to have a conversation about Sean Manaea .
The one-time A ’ s ace has lost all control and doesn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It doesn ’ t feel like he ’ s far off , but we ’ re now four starts in and Manaea has an ERA of 9.00 with only 13 strikeouts in 15 innings .
Not good… The A ’ s have three starting pitchers they can rely on right now — Jesus Luzardo , Chris Bassitt , and American League player of the week Frankie Montas .
The A ’ s — hell , all of baseball , know what Mike Fiers is .
Manaea is the wild card .
If he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A ’ s will have as good a four-man rotation as there is in the American League .
Without him , it feels like they ’ re going to be taxing that bullpen plenty down the stretch , and while it ’ s an outstanding group of relievers , there is a rate of demising returns there .
How much are the Giants actually learning about their future this season ?
[ BANG ] Ramon Laureano with an honest breakdown of his mistake Sunday [ BANG ] Giants at Astros 6:10… Are the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s at Angels 6:40… The A ’ s get Dylan Bundy , who has been fantastic to start this season for the Angels .
Can Mike Fiers pitch one of the games he ’ s good for once every month ?

The Big Thing
It’s the end of college football as we know it.
The demise won’t be obvious in the moment, but it is inevitable.
Because what will prevent college football from happening this year is the same force that will bring about dramatic changes to the highest levels of the sport upon resumption.
No, it’s not COVID-19, though that clearly is the issue at hand. Instead, it’s the players at the big-money schools realizing that they should have a say in how college football handles (or, more accurately, bungles) its response to the pandemic.
In turn, they realized that they should have a say in everything.
The players have been fed lies since day one, but the truth is that this billion-dollar industry cannot function without them, and that’s not something anyone unlearns.
The top levels of college football have exploited the players for so long that it’s understandable why some would think that model was working. But it wasn’t. Well, unless you were a college coach or administrator.
The big-money college football model is deliberately decentralized, as to guarantee the kind of inaction that keeps a model that exploits labor intact.
That decentralization — much like with the American government — has created a farcical response to the COVID crisis.
The players are asking for better in that regard, as well they should. But after COVID is dealt with (or not), it won’t be long before the players demand to be paid for being the workforce of such a lucrative industry. Fancy locker rooms, under-the-table cash, and scholarships that don’t provide the same education agency as their peers don’t cut it anymore.
Those admins are running scared. Their old gaslighting tactics don’t seem to be working anymore, so they’ll delay or cancel the season to buy themselves more time to keep this model of faux-amateurism in place — a model where they’re still the only people who get to keep all the money.
Last Monday, the Mountain West conference — home of San Jose State — followed the suit of the Mid-American Conference in shutting down football for the fall. For the non-Power Five conferences, COVID is what is shutting them down. These schools make their budgets by playing big-money schools. The pandemic and the conference-only schedules it demanded won’t allow them to do that this year.
The Pac-12 and Big Ten followed suit on Tuesday.
But the big-time schools could play, just in the same way the NFL, NHL, MLS, MLB, and NBA are playing.
The feature has become the bug, though. The Power Five schools got rich by ignoring what was right and not seeing the trend of player empowerment developing, and they’ll have to shut down because the pandemic is stripping pretense from everything.
And as we know from the last few months, re-starting will be harder than pulling the plug. So now, there’s no way college football plays without dramatic changes to the financial structure of the sport.
Don’t worry, college football will exist in the future. It’ll just have to call itself what it always has been — for everyone other than the players — professional.
What We Learned
Giants 4 – Astros 6… First off: boooooooo. Second: The Giants showed some fight in the end, but don’t let the score fool you — they were owned in this game by both the Astros and themselves… Guess what? The Giants had another dastardly day in the field, highlighted by another (a fourth) catchers’ interference call. Buster Posey has three in his whole career… Where’s Joey Bart and how bad must he be on defense if these are the guys the Giants prefer… And here I thought the analytics movement valued defense now… The Giants now have 21 errors in 18 games, which is downright incredible… Good news: Austin Slater hit another homer. We need more time, but it would be a tremendous win for the Giants if Slater turns into a franchise building block, a la Mike Yastrzemski.
A’s 9 – Angels 10… All good things must come to an end, and after nine straight wins, the A’s are now on a one-game losing streak. And boy did it take forever…The A’s bullpen — which was absolutely ace to start the season — fell apart under some undue stress Tuesday… It takes a special performance to overshadow that of Matt Chapman’s, who had two homers, six RBI, and a run-saving defensive play, but Mike Trout (who else) was able to do it with his two homers, including the game-winner… We need to have a conversation about Sean Manaea. The one-time A’s ace has lost all control and doesn’t have the stuff to overcome that. It doesn’t feel like he’s far off, but we’re now four starts in and Manaea has an ERA of 9.00 with only 13 strikeouts in 15 innings. Not good… The A’s have three starting pitchers they can rely on right now — Jesus Luzardo, Chris Bassitt, and American League player of the week Frankie Montas. The A’s — hell, all of baseball, know what Mike Fiers is. Manaea is the wild card. If he can start finding the plate, the A’s will have as good a four-man rotation as there is in the American League. Without him, it feels like they’re going to be taxing that bullpen plenty down the stretch, and while it’s an outstanding group of relievers, there is a rate of demising returns there.
Hot Links
How much are the Giants actually learning about their future this season? [BANG]
Ramon Laureano with an honest breakdown of his mistake Sunday [BANG]
What to watch
Giants at Astros 6:10… Are the Dodgers cheering on the Giants?
A’s at Angels 6:40… The A’s get Dylan Bundy, who has been fantastic to start this season for the Angels. Can Mike Fiers pitch one of the games he’s good for once every month?


mercurynews--2020-08-11--Horoscopes Aug. 11, 2020: Chris Hemsworth, focus on what you can do this year

Happy Birthday : Focus on what you can do this year .
Put your time , thoughts and energy into learning , preparing and modifying whatever needs an update to fit into the life you are trying to create for yourself .
Changes shouldn ’ t be drastic this year .
Ease into the adjustments you feel are most likely to help you reach your goal .
Your numbers are 5 , 12 , 23 , 28 , 32 , 41 , 47 .
ARIES ( March 21-April 19 ) : Channel your energy into work , getting along with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decisions that are causing uncertainty .
Get back to basics , and don ’ t hesitate to ask for a favor if it pertains to work and advancement .
3 stars TAURUS ( April 20-May 20 ) : Set high standards , and put your energy into projects that make you feel passionate .
Pull in people who stimulate your creative imagination and encourage you to explore new territory .
Don ’ t let trivial matters set you off .
Make peace and love priorities .
3 stars GEMINI ( May 21-June 20 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a secret .
It ’ s best to put everything in place before you share with others .
An emotional situation will escalate , leading to changes you didn ’ t anticipate .
Work with what you have , and do the best you can .
3 stars CANCER ( June 21-July 22 ) : Separate work from pleasure .
Enforce changes that are in agreement with what others want .
There is no point in fighting a losing battle .
Stick to what is possible , and do your best .
An @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stars LEO ( July 23-Aug. 22 ) : A change that takes place at work or in your community may not be something you expect , but acceptance will be the first step to discovering how best to move forward .
Branch out , and try something new and exciting .
2 stars VIRGO ( Aug. 23-Sept. 22 ) : Follow the rules .
Don ’ t let anyone railroad you into something that doesn ’ t sit right with you .
Do your due diligence , gather the facts and be ready @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your way .
When one door closes , another will open .
5 stars LIBRA ( Sept. 23-Oct. 22 ) : Make your surroundings more accommodating .
Clear a space that is conducive to the projects you want to get underway .
If you need help , rely on someone who is always supportive and willing to do his or her part on your behalf .
3 stars SCORPIO ( Oct. 23-Nov. 21 ) : What you do will make a difference .
Choose to let your actions speak for you , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ things prevail .
Use your imagination , and associate with people who share your sentiments .
3 stars SAGITTARIUS ( Nov. 22-Dec. 21 ) : Take the initiative , and follow through with your plans .
Having the proper documents in order and your plan in place will give you the edge you need over someone trying to oppose or criticize what you are trying to accomplish .
3 stars CAPRICORN ( Dec. 22-Jan. 19 ) : Take into consideration concerns presented to you .
It ’ s best to find a way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alternative way to reach your goal .
Mixing the old with the new will be more acceptable to someone who doesn ’ t like change .
5 stars AQUARIUS ( Jan. 20-Feb. 18 ) : Don ’ t feel you have to accommodate someone who is not heading in the same direction .
Assess your situation , and do what feels right .
You have to look out for your interests if you want to get ahead .
2 stars PISCES ( Feb. 19-March 20 ) : Personal improvements will make you feel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will boost your confidence .
Hard work will lead to a chance to delve into something new and exciting .
A change is in your best interest .
4 stars Birthday Baby : You are brave , spontaneous and entertaining .
You are aggressive and resourceful .

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Alyson Stoner, 27; Chris Hemsworth, 37; Ben Gibbard, 44; Hulk Hogan, 67.
Happy Birthday: Focus on what you can do this year. Put your time, thoughts and energy into learning, preparing and modifying whatever needs an update to fit into the life you are trying to create for yourself. Changes shouldn’t be drastic this year. Ease into the adjustments you feel are most likely to help you reach your goal. Your numbers are 5, 12, 23, 28, 32, 41, 47.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Channel your energy into work, getting along with your peers and rethinking some of the decisions that are causing uncertainty. Get back to basics, and don’t hesitate to ask for a favor if it pertains to work and advancement. 3 stars
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Set high standards, and put your energy into projects that make you feel passionate. Pull in people who stimulate your creative imagination and encourage you to explore new territory. Don’t let trivial matters set you off. Make peace and love priorities. 3 stars
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Keep your thoughts and plans a secret. It’s best to put everything in place before you share with others. An emotional situation will escalate, leading to changes you didn’t anticipate. Work with what you have, and do the best you can. 3 stars
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Separate work from pleasure. Enforce changes that are in agreement with what others want. There is no point in fighting a losing battle. Stick to what is possible, and do your best. An energetic exercise will be uplifting. 4 stars
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): A change that takes place at work or in your community may not be something you expect, but acceptance will be the first step to discovering how best to move forward. Branch out, and try something new and exciting. 2 stars
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Follow the rules. Don’t let anyone railroad you into something that doesn’t sit right with you. Do your due diligence, gather the facts and be ready to make adjustments if someone gets in your way. When one door closes, another will open. 5 stars
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Make your surroundings more accommodating. Clear a space that is conducive to the projects you want to get underway. If you need help, rely on someone who is always supportive and willing to do his or her part on your behalf. 3 stars
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): What you do will make a difference. Choose to let your actions speak for you, and allow your dedication and desire to do things prevail. Use your imagination, and associate with people who share your sentiments. 3 stars
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Take the initiative, and follow through with your plans. Having the proper documents in order and your plan in place will give you the edge you need over someone trying to oppose or criticize what you are trying to accomplish. 3 stars
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Take into consideration concerns presented to you. It’s best to find a way to keep the peace by finding an alternative way to reach your goal. Mixing the old with the new will be more acceptable to someone who doesn’t like change. 5 stars
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Don’t feel you have to accommodate someone who is not heading in the same direction. Assess your situation, and do what feels right. You have to look out for your interests if you want to get ahead. 2 stars
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Personal improvements will make you feel good and grab attention and compliments that will boost your confidence. Hard work will lead to a chance to delve into something new and exciting. A change is in your best interest. 4 stars
Birthday Baby: You are brave, spontaneous and entertaining. You are aggressive and resourceful.
Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.


Word Game: Aug. 11, 2020

TODAY ’ S WORD — FEUDIST ( FEUDIST : FYOO-dist : One who participates in a bitter , often prolonged @ @ @ @ @ Can you find 26 or more words in FEUDIST ?
The list will be published @ @ @ @ @ Word Game book , visit WordGameBooks.com .
Order it now for just $ 5 while @ @ @ @ @ Words must be of four or more letters .
2 .
Words that acquire four @ @ @ @ @ “ s , ” such as “ bats ” or “ dies , ” are @ @ @ @ @ Additional words made by adding a “ d ” or an “ s ” may @ @ @ @ @ example , if “ bake ” is used , “ baked ” or “ bakes @ @ @ @ @ but “ bake ” and “ baking ” are admissible .
4 .
Proper nouns @ @ @ @ @ vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed .

TODAY’S WORD — FEUDIST (FEUDIST: FYOO-dist: One who participates in a bitter, often prolonged state of hostilities.)
Average mark 20 words
Time limit 35 minutes
Can you find 26 or more words in FEUDIST? The list will be published tomorrow.
YESTERDAY’S WORD — PLIABLE pail pale pall peal pile pill plea plie label lapel
leap liable libel able bail bale ball bell bile bill
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.


Bridge: Aug. 11, 2020

“ Don ’ t you hate it , ” Cy the Cynic said to me in the club lounge , “ when people ask you something and then answer their own question ?
I do.
” Some questions are hard to answer .
A world-class declarer ’ s thought processes may involve analysis that would perplex a novice .
When West led the king of spades against today ’ s slam , South took dummy ’ s ace — and immediately ruffed a spade .
He next took the A-K of trumps .
When East discarded , South continued with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the queen and another spade ruff with his last trump .
South then ran the diamonds .
When West ruffed with his high trump , he had to lead a club , and South put up dummy ’ s queen and took the rest .
If you asked South why he ruffed a spade at Trick Two , he might say only that it seemed like a good idea at the time .
But if he leads a trump instead , the slam is unmakeable .
A diamond opening lead beats six @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have needed a crystal ball to find that lead ?
I do .
You hold : S A 9 5 2 H 9 8 3 D Q 7 2 C Q 7 4 .
Your partner opens one diamond , you respond one spade , he bids two clubs and you return to two diamonds .
Partner then bids three clubs .
What do you say ?
ANSWER : Your preference bid of two diamonds showed weakness , but partner is trying for game anyway .
Your hand couldn ’ t be much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plus a side ace .
Bid four diamonds or five diamonds .
Partner may hold K 4 , 7 , A K 10 6 3 , A J 10 8 2 .

“Don’t you hate it,” Cy the Cynic said to me in the club lounge, “when people ask you something and then answer their own question? I do.”
Some questions are hard to answer. A world-class declarer’s thought processes may involve analysis that would perplex a novice. When West led the king of spades against today’s slam, South took dummy’s ace — and immediately ruffed a spade. He next took the A-K of trumps.
SPADE RUFF
When East discarded, South continued with the queen of trumps, a diamond to the queen and another spade ruff with his last trump. South then ran the diamonds. When West ruffed with his high trump, he had to lead a club, and South put up dummy’s queen and took the rest.
If you asked South why he ruffed a spade at Trick Two, he might say only that it seemed like a good idea at the time. But if he leads a trump instead, the slam is unmakeable.
A diamond opening lead beats six hearts. Do you think West would have needed a crystal ball to find that lead? I do.
DAILY QUESTION
You hold: S A 9 5 2 H 9 8 3 D Q 7 2 C Q 7 4. Your partner opens one diamond, you respond one spade, he bids two clubs and you return to two diamonds. Partner then bids three clubs. What do you say?
ANSWER: Your preference bid of two diamonds showed weakness, but partner is trying for game anyway. Your hand couldn’t be much better. You have two useful queens plus a side ace. Bid four diamonds or five diamonds. Partner may hold K 4, 7, A K 10 6 3, A J 10 8 2.
South dealer
N-S vulnerable
NORTH
S A 9 5 2
H 9 8 3
D Q 7 2
C Q 7 4
WEST
S K Q J
H J 10 4 2
D 4
C K 9 8 5 2
EAST
S 10 8 6 4 3
H 5
D 10 8 6 3
C J 10 3
SOUTH
S 7
H A K Q 7 6
D A K J 9 5
C A 6
South West North East
2 C Pass 2 D Pass
2 H Pass 3 H Pass
6 H All Pass
Opening lead — S K
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