mercurynews--2020-05-02--Obama alumni say they found no Biden allegations during vetting

The leader of the team that vetted Joe Biden to be Barack Obama ’ s 2008 running mate said that Tara Reade ’ s allegations of sexual assault by Biden never surfaced during an extensive investigation .
Biden , facing the most serious incident of his 2020 presidential campaign , and his allies have begun a vigorous defense effort against Reade ’ s allegations that in 1993 , when she was a Senate staffer , then-Sen. Biden pushed her against a wall in a Capitol Hill office building , reached under her skirt and sexually assaulted her with his fingers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ aren ’ t true .
This never happened.
” He ’ s directed Senate officials to find and release a written complaint that Reade says she filed at the time , but Biden insists it doesn ’ t exist .
A team of eight to 10 lawyers , led by Bill Jeffress , spent almost two months vetting Biden to be Obama ’ s vice president .
Jeffress told Bloomberg News on Saturday that neither Reade ’ s name nor her allegations came up .
Jeffress also said no rumors of misconduct @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ The most important part of the vetting process is looking for any hint of unethical complaints , discrimination , harassment , anything that might create an issue , ” Jeffress said .
“ Among many other things , we certainly looked for any people who might have made allegations in the past or might be making allegations at the time against Senator Biden.
” Jeffress said his lawyers interviewed dozens of people and had access to any paperwork they requested from Biden ’ s office .
They also checked his record with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ felt sorry for people being vetted , ” he said .
“ Anyone we thought could have damaging information , we found them.
” “ We presented everything we found to Obama and his team and they selected him , ” Jeffress said .
“ That does tell you that there was nothing serious.
” Reade made her detailed allegations public for the first time in March , after Biden had sewn up the Democratic presidential nomination .
She said she had filed a harassment complaint with the Senate in 1993 , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the document .
She ’ s called on Biden to release documents from his archives at the University of Delaware .
Biden said the papers in Delaware include no personnel files , and he wrote a letter to the secretary of the Senate Friday , instructing her to release any documentation related to Reade ’ s allegations .
In an interview with the Associated Press on Friday , Reade said the complaint she filed against Biden didn ’ t explicitly say he sexually harassed or assaulted her .
“ I remember talking about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he liked my legs and thought I was pretty and it made me uncomfortable , ” she told the AP .
“ I know that I was too scared to write about the sexual assault.
” Reade also told the Wall Street Journal that she ’ ll sit for a TV interview to tell her side of the story at some point , but pulled out of a planned Fox News appearance on Sunday after threats were made against her and her adult daughter .
Reade , one of a number of women @ @ @ @ @ @ @ touching , said she didn ’ t describe the sexual assault earlier because she feared retribution .
She has said she supported Sen. Bernie Sanders , Biden ’ s final competitor for the 2020 Democratic nomination .
Obama administration alumni have raised a vocal defense of Biden , explaining how thorough the vice presidential selection process was and how it uncovered no inappropriate conduct .
David Axelrod , a senior adviser to Obama and now a CNN commentator , wrote in a CNN article Friday that Obama would have never selected Biden had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Through that entire process , the name Tara Reade never came up , ” Axelrod wrote .
“ No formal complaint .
No informal chatter .
Certainly , no intimation of sexual harassment or assault from her or anyone else .
The team of investigators , expert in their work , would not have missed it.
” Patti Solis Doyle , who ran vice presidential operations during the 2008 campaign , wrote on Twitter on Saturday : “ When Biden was selected I served as his Chief of Staff .
NO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up against him .
It was an exhaustive vet.
” Eric Holder , Obama ’ s attorney general and who also helped oversee the 2008 vice president search , said the allegations need to be taken seriously , but questioned the supporters of President Donald Trump who are attacking Biden on the issue while ignoring the many sexual misconduct allegations against the president .
• Trump blasts campaign team as his poll numbers drop • Biden thinks Trump will try to delay presidential election “ I ’ ve known Joe Biden for 20 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in an interview with Bill Maher on HBO on Friday night .
“ What has been described is inconsistent with the person who I ’ ve come to know and who I ’ ve worked with .
”

By Tyler Pager | Bloomberg News
The leader of the team that vetted Joe Biden to be Barack Obama’s 2008 running mate said that Tara Reade’s allegations of sexual assault by Biden never surfaced during an extensive investigation.
Biden, facing the most serious incident of his 2020 presidential campaign, and his allies have begun a vigorous defense effort against Reade’s allegations that in 1993, when she was a Senate staffer, then-Sen. Biden pushed her against a wall in a Capitol Hill office building, reached under her skirt and sexually assaulted her with his fingers.
Biden said Friday that the allegations “aren’t true. This never happened.” He’s directed Senate officials to find and release a written complaint that Reade says she filed at the time, but Biden insists it doesn’t exist.
A team of eight to 10 lawyers, led by Bill Jeffress, spent almost two months vetting Biden to be Obama’s vice president. Jeffress told Bloomberg News on Saturday that neither Reade’s name nor her allegations came up. Jeffress also said no rumors of misconduct were floating around at the time.
“The most important part of the vetting process is looking for any hint of unethical complaints, discrimination, harassment, anything that might create an issue,” Jeffress said. “Among many other things, we certainly looked for any people who might have made allegations in the past or might be making allegations at the time against Senator Biden.”
[vemba-video id=”tv/2020/05/01/should-biden-allow-records-search-for-accusers-name.cnn”]
Jeffress said his lawyers interviewed dozens of people and had access to any paperwork they requested from Biden’s office. They also checked his record with the Senate ethics committee.
“I felt sorry for people being vetted,” he said. “Anyone we thought could have damaging information, we found them.”
“We presented everything we found to Obama and his team and they selected him,” Jeffress said. “That does tell you that there was nothing serious.”
Reade made her detailed allegations public for the first time in March, after Biden had sewn up the Democratic presidential nomination. She said she had filed a harassment complaint with the Senate in 1993, but doesn’t have a copy of the document. She’s called on Biden to release documents from his archives at the University of Delaware.
Biden said the papers in Delaware include no personnel files, and he wrote a letter to the secretary of the Senate Friday, instructing her to release any documentation related to Reade’s allegations.
In an interview with the Associated Press on Friday, Reade said the complaint she filed against Biden didn’t explicitly say he sexually harassed or assaulted her.
“I remember talking about him wanting me to serve drinks because he liked my legs and thought I was pretty and it made me uncomfortable,” she told the AP. “I know that I was too scared to write about the sexual assault.”
Reade also told the Wall Street Journal that she’ll sit for a TV interview to tell her side of the story at some point, but pulled out of a planned Fox News appearance on Sunday after threats were made against her and her adult daughter.
Reade, one of a number of women who accused Biden last year of inappropriate touching, said she didn’t describe the sexual assault earlier because she feared retribution. She has said she supported Sen. Bernie Sanders, Biden’s final competitor for the 2020 Democratic nomination.
Obama administration alumni have raised a vocal defense of Biden, explaining how thorough the vice presidential selection process was and how it uncovered no inappropriate conduct.
David Axelrod, a senior adviser to Obama and now a CNN commentator, wrote in a CNN article Friday that Obama would have never selected Biden had any credible issues been raised during vetting.
“Through that entire process, the name Tara Reade never came up,” Axelrod wrote. “No formal complaint. No informal chatter. Certainly, no intimation of sexual harassment or assault from her or anyone else. The team of investigators, expert in their work, would not have missed it.”
Patti Solis Doyle, who ran vice presidential operations during the 2008 campaign, wrote on Twitter on Saturday: “When Biden was selected I served as his Chief of Staff. NO sexual assault or harassment allegation ever came up against him. It was an exhaustive vet.”
Obama allies have also defended Biden’s character.
Eric Holder, Obama’s attorney general and who also helped oversee the 2008 vice president search, said the allegations need to be taken seriously, but questioned the supporters of President Donald Trump who are attacking Biden on the issue while ignoring the many sexual misconduct allegations against the president.
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Judge Chutkan: Trump’s right to free speech ‘not absolute’ Politics | A conservative case for disqualifying Donald Trump in 2024 “I’ve known Joe Biden for 20, 25 years,” Holder said in an interview with Bill Maher on HBO on Friday night. “What has been described is inconsistent with the person who I’ve come to know and who I’ve worked with.”
With assistance by Jennifer Epstein.
—
©2020 Bloomberg News
Visit Bloomberg News at www.bloomberg.com
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.


mercurynews--2020-05-02--Vallejo native snags $20,00 in cash, trip on ‘Wheel of Fortune’

For six weeks , George McCrudden-Cook was like the guy who promised his wife he would never reveal their child ’ s gender after getting a tell-tale view of the sonagram .
McCrudden-Cook had filmed his segment of “ Wheel of Fortune ” March 12 , but rules being rules , wasn ’ t permitted to disclose how well — or not so well — he did .
Biting his lip , the Vallejo High School graduate maintained silence — until Friday night ’ s ABC broadcast when the world discovered McCrudden-Cook did better than well .
McCrudden-Cook won the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guess the bonus round puzzle , still walked off with $ 20,400 that includes a trip to St. Lucia .
With shelter-in-place , McCrudden-Cook viewed the show from his Pittsburg home with his girlfriend , Candy .
“ The first word that obviously comes to mind is ‘ surreal.
’ The filming experience itself was a blur … it all happened so quickly , so I was antsy and excited going in knowing the end result but not recalling exactly how we got there , ” the 45-year-old McCrudden-Cook said Saturday afternoon .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it would his vocal projection .
“ My sister text me , ‘ How come you ’ re yelling at poor Pat Sajak ?
’ ” McCrudden-Cook said .
But then “ I was most proud of my ability to maintain my composure and , for the most part , relax and enjoy the experience , ” he continued .
“ I kept a positive outlook and did my best to be supportive of the other contestants during their turns.
” McCrudden-Cook said he was surprised “ how quickly I solved a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his cat-like quickness in correctly answering “ Quantum Physics.
” “ Again , I knew I did well but did not clearly recall how well I played , ” he said .
Returning from a commercial going into the bonus round , “ Pat made a remark to the effect of ‘ You ’ re a good problem solver .
Did you want to just go ahead and solve the puzzle now ?
’ I thought that was extremely kind and an unexpected compliment , ” McCrudden-Cook said .
“ Also , while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Vanna said I played a great game , that I did exceptionally well and should be proud.
” McCrudden-Cook failed to solve the bonus round question for $ 37,000 , but still got about $ 12,000 in cash and the trip worth $ 8,708 which he may or may not take in 2021 .
“ As of now , no decision has been made in regards to going , ” he said .
“ Given the state of the world , it ’ s up in the air.
” McCrudden-Cook said his father @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very proud ” of his effort .
“ I think he was pleasantly surprised by just how well I did , ” McCrudden-Cook said , while his sister praised him for kicking — well , a pseudonym for posterior .
“ She was really proud of me , ” McCrudden-Cook said .
“ And , being the fiscally responsible person she is , asked if I knew what the taxes ( on his winnings ) were going to be.
” McCrudden-Cook said the show “ changed my life , ” proving that “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s not a bad thing to bet on myself from time to time .
My appearance was a moment where I felt truly alive , though almost out of body , and I want to find ways to feel similarly in other avenues of life.
” As for his future in show business , “ maybe a television producer will see me and realize what Hollywood ’ s been missing all these years , ” joked McCrudden-Cook .
• ‘ American Idol ’ : Danville ’ s Grace Leer on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s why you might need to rescan your TV right now Seriously , “ I ’ m hoping it ’ ll serve as a reminder to myself and others that you can chase your dreams , step out on fate , and take a chance on yourself .
Hopefully , others won ’ t wait years and years to go for what they want like I foolishly did .
”

For six weeks, George McCrudden-Cook was like the guy who promised his wife he would never reveal their child’s gender after getting a tell-tale view of the sonagram.
McCrudden-Cook had filmed his segment of “Wheel of Fortune” March 12, but rules being rules, wasn’t permitted to disclose how well — or not so well — he did.
Biting his lip, the Vallejo High School graduate maintained silence — until Friday night’s ABC broadcast when the world discovered McCrudden-Cook did better than well.
McCrudden-Cook won the game and, though he failed to guess the bonus round puzzle, still walked off with $20,400 that includes a trip to St. Lucia.
With shelter-in-place, McCrudden-Cook viewed the show from his Pittsburg home with his girlfriend, Candy.
“The first word that obviously comes to mind is ‘surreal.’ The filming experience itself was a blur … it all happened so quickly, so I was antsy and excited going in knowing the end result but not recalling exactly how we got there,” the 45-year-old McCrudden-Cook said Saturday afternoon.
If there was anything he would change, it would his vocal projection.
“My sister text me, ‘How come you’re yelling at poor Pat Sajak?’” McCrudden-Cook said.
But then “I was most proud of my ability to maintain my composure and, for the most part, relax and enjoy the experience,” he continued. “I kept a positive outlook and did my best to be supportive of the other contestants during their turns.”
McCrudden-Cook said he was surprised “how quickly I solved a few of the puzzles,” especially his cat-like quickness in correctly answering “Quantum Physics.”
“Again, I knew I did well but did not clearly recall how well I played,” he said.
McCrudden-Cook apparently impressed the iconic “Wheel of Fortune” host.
Returning from a commercial going into the bonus round, “Pat made a remark to the effect of ‘You’re a good problem solver. Did you want to just go ahead and solve the puzzle now?’ I thought that was extremely kind and an unexpected compliment,” McCrudden-Cook said. “Also, while the credits rolled, both Pat and Vanna said I played a great game, that I did exceptionally well and should be proud.”
McCrudden-Cook failed to solve the bonus round question for $37,000, but still got about $12,000 in cash and the trip worth $8,708 which he may or may not take in 2021.
“As of now, no decision has been made in regards to going,” he said. “Given the state of the world, it’s up in the air.”
McCrudden-Cook said his father — a Vallejo resident — “was very proud” of his effort.
“I think he was pleasantly surprised by just how well I did,” McCrudden-Cook said, while his sister praised him for kicking — well, a pseudonym for posterior.
“She was really proud of me,” McCrudden-Cook said. “And, being the fiscally responsible person she is, asked if I knew what the taxes (on his winnings) were going to be.”
McCrudden-Cook said the show “changed my life,” proving that “some calculated risks are worth taking. It’s not a bad thing to bet on myself from time to time. My appearance was a moment where I felt truly alive, though almost out of body, and I want to find ways to feel similarly in other avenues of life.”
As for his future in show business, “maybe a television producer will see me and realize what Hollywood’s been missing all these years,” joked McCrudden-Cook.
Seriously, “I’m hoping it’ll serve as a reminder to myself and others that you can chase your dreams, step out on fate, and take a chance on yourself. Hopefully, others won’t wait years and years to go for what they want like I foolishly did.”


mercurynews--2020-05-02--Huntington Beach: Helicopter, police, lifeguards on patrol Saturday to discourage sunbathers and sur

Huntington Beach: Helicopter, police, lifeguards on patrol Saturday to discourage sunbathers and surfers

Beach parking lots blocked with yellow caution tape .
Lifeguards , police , and CHP vehicles on patrol .
A helicopter circling overhead .
That was the scene in Huntington Beach on Saturday morning , a day after thousands of protesters filled the streets and two days after the governor ’ s order to close Orange County beaches to help curb the spread of the coronavirus .
The sands were mostly empty , though people sporadically lounged there , some with beach umbrellas set up .
And many others were biking , walking and jogging along the pathways .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the beaches were closed under state order and that everyone should leave .
A surfer walking toward the beach aimed his middle finger at the helicopter .
Dozens of surfers could be spotted in the water near the Huntington Beach pier .
One man wearing a black tank top that said “ Make America Great Again “ and carrying a large American flag initially refused to leave , calmly asking why he had to go .
An officer told him it was state orders , but the man asked for a Penal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ several other passersby .
After several minutes , the officer called his sergeant , who repeated the order .
An observer encouraged the man to move on , saying it wasn ’ t worth a ticket .
The man eventually rode his bicycle away .
He declined to give his name .
Alex Levesque , 28 , and Niko Ramirez , 28 , both from Chino , were getting out of the ocean at their regular spot with their surfboards just before 11 a.m.
They ’ ve been quarantined for weeks , following @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get restless , they said .
But people were social distancing in the water , they said , since surfers stay apart anyhow .
They weren ’ t trying to make a statement , they added .
They just wanted to surf .
No citations were reported in Huntington Beach as of early Saturday afternoon , according to Public Information Officer Angela Bennett .
“ People are cooperating .
Officers have been down there ( at the beach ) for a few hours , ” Bennett said .
“ People are very passionate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ So we ’ re not trying to cite anyone.
” Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes , whose deputies patrol about 16 % of the shoreline , said he would try to seek “ voluntary compliance ” from beachgoers , which has been his policy since the pandemic began .
He said the policy has been effective .
On Friday , a crowd that Huntington Beach police Chief Robert Handy said swelled to some 2,500-3,000 people demonstrated near the pier , demanding that Gov .
Gavin Newsom reopen the state for business and recreation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state to at least take steps to protect themselves from the coronavirus .
“ Wear a face covering , do justice to physical distancing , ” he said .
“ You don ’ t want to catch this disease.
” Polls have shown consistent support for stay-at-home orders from a majority of Americans .
But as the economic devastation from widespread shutdowns has grown , protests have increasingly sprung up across the nation , including by organizations spread over several states .
Statewide , More than 2,000 people have died , and there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Orange County health officials announced 99 more cases Saturday and two more deaths , bringing the county ’ s totals to 2,636 cases and 52 deaths .
Newsom , citing large crowds that flocked to the sands during a heat wave last weekend , ordered all beaches along Orange County ’ s 42 miles of coast officially closed beginning Friday .
Huntington Beach and Dana Point officials have challenged the governor ’ s order , but on Friday an Orange County Superior Court judge declined their request for a temporary restraining order and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Newport Beach City Council on Saturday voted to affirm its support for the litigation .

Beach parking lots blocked with yellow caution tape. Lifeguards, police, and CHP vehicles on patrol. A helicopter circling overhead.
That was the scene in Huntington Beach on Saturday morning, a day after thousands of protesters filled the streets and two days after the governor’s order to close Orange County beaches to help curb the spread of the coronavirus.
The sands were mostly empty, though people sporadically lounged there, some with beach umbrellas set up. And many others were biking, walking and jogging along the pathways.
A helicopter began circling overhead, telling people that the beaches were closed under state order and that everyone should leave. A surfer walking toward the beach aimed his middle finger at the helicopter.
Dozens of surfers could be spotted in the water near the Huntington Beach pier.
Huntington police are riding motorcycles on the path, telling people to leave. Officers briefly detained this man after he refused to leave, with two more officers called. The exchange remained calm, and the man eventually rode away on his bike. No reports of any citations so far pic.twitter.com/bJyfg5nSQE — Brooke E. Staggs (@JournoBrooke) May 2, 2020
One man wearing a black tank top that said “Make America Great Again“ and carrying a large American flag initially refused to leave, calmly asking why he had to go. An officer told him it was state orders, but the man asked for a Penal Code and begin videotaping, as did several other passersby.
After several minutes, the officer called his sergeant, who repeated the order. An observer encouraged the man to move on, saying it wasn’t worth a ticket. The man eventually rode his bicycle away. He declined to give his name.
Alex Levesque, 28, and Niko Ramirez, 28, both from Chino, were getting out of the ocean at their regular spot with their surfboards just before 11 a.m. They’ve been quarantined for weeks, following all the rules, and started to get restless, they said.
But people were social distancing in the water, they said, since surfers stay apart anyhow. They weren’t trying to make a statement, they added.
They just wanted to surf.
No citations were reported in Huntington Beach as of early Saturday afternoon, according to Public Information Officer Angela Bennett.
“People are cooperating. Officers have been down there (at the beach) for a few hours,” Bennett said. “People are very passionate about this. We understand this. So we’re not trying to cite anyone.”
Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes, whose deputies patrol about 16% of the shoreline, said he would try to seek “voluntary compliance” from beachgoers, which has been his policy since the pandemic began. He said the policy has been effective.
On Friday, a crowd that Huntington Beach police Chief Robert Handy said swelled to some 2,500-3,000 people demonstrated near the pier, demanding that Gov. Gavin Newsom reopen the state for business and recreation immediately.
Newsom urged protesters around the state to at least take steps to protect themselves from the coronavirus.
“Wear a face covering, do justice to physical distancing,” he said. “You don’t want to catch this disease.”
Polls have shown consistent support for stay-at-home orders from a majority of Americans. But as the economic devastation from widespread shutdowns has grown, protests have increasingly sprung up across the nation, including by organizations spread over several states.
Statewide, More than 2,000 people have died, and there are more than 50,000 confirmed cases. Orange County health officials announced 99 more cases Saturday and two more deaths, bringing the county’s totals to 2,636 cases and 52 deaths.
Newsom, citing large crowds that flocked to the sands during a heat wave last weekend, ordered all beaches along Orange County’s 42 miles of coast officially closed beginning Friday. Huntington Beach and Dana Point officials have challenged the governor’s order, but on Friday an Orange County Superior Court judge declined their request for a temporary restraining order and set a hearing for May 11.
The Newport Beach City Council on Saturday voted to affirm its support for the litigation.
City News Service contributed to this report.


mercurynews--2020-05-02--After rumors about health, N.Korea state media report Kim Jong Un appearance

SEOUL – After weeks of intense speculation about the health of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un , the country ’ s official media said he had attended the completion of a fertilizer plant , the first report of his appearance since April 11 .
In a report on Saturday , the Korean Central News Agency ( KCNA ) said Kim cut a ribbon at the ceremony on Friday and those attending the event “ burst into thunderous cheers of ‘ hurrah !
’ for the Supreme Leader… ” U.S. President Donald Trump , who met Kim three times in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ personal attempts to persuade him to give up his nuclear weapons , tweeted on Saturday : “ I , for one , am glad to see he is back , and well !
” Kim was seen in photographs smiling and talking to aides at the ribbon-cutting ceremony and also touring the plant .
The authenticity of the photos , published on the website of the official Rodong Sinmun newspaper , could not be verified .
A U.S. government source familiar with intelligence reporting said Washington strongly believes Kim is alive but has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ photos of Kim were taken at Friday ’ s event , or explain why he had not been seen for weeks .
Many in the large crowd of people at Friday ’ s event , described as officials of the army , the ruling party and the community who worked on the project , were wearing face masks and standing some distance from the podium where Kim and his aides took part in the ceremony .
North Korea has not reported any cases of the coronavirus and has said it has been taking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ One suggested reason for Kim ’ s absence is that he may have been taking precautions against coronavirus .
Kim was accompanied by senior North Korean officials , including his younger sister Kim Yo Jong and top aides vice-chairman Pak Pong Ju of the State Affairs Commission and cabinet premier Kim Jae Ryong , KCNA said .
Speculation about Kim ’ s health has been rife after he missed the birth anniversary celebrations of state founder Kim Il Sung on April 15 .
The day is a major holiday in North Korea and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the mausoleum where his grandfather lies in state .
He last made a public appearance on April 11 attending a meeting of the ruling Workers ’ Party politburo .
Following his absence from the anniversary , a South Korean news outlet specializing in the North reported that Kim was recovering after undergoing a cardiovascular procedure .
A flurry of other unconfirmed reports about his condition and his whereabouts followed .
Officials in South Korea and the United States expressed skepticism about the reports .
State TV footage on Saturday showed Kim ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and one of the images showed a green golf cart in the background , similar to one he used in 2014 after a lengthy public absence .
“ Preparing desks and chairs on the stage seemed a bit rare for such an outdoor occasion , ” Nam Seong-wook , a professor of North Korean studies at Korea University , said of the ceremony .
“ Kim might have some physical conditions that prevent him from standing too long and he needs to be seated after standing up for a while.
” Nam said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long periods that maybe the reason he did not attend the anniversary event in April at the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun , where he would have had to stand for at least about an hour .
The city of Sunchon where the fertilizer factory was built is about 50 km ( 30 miles ) north of Pyongyang in the western region , away from Wonsan , a coastal resort where South Korean and U.S. officials have said Kim may have been staying .
Satellite images showing a train usually used by Kim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as boats often used by Kim and his entourage , suggested he may be staying there .
Officials in South Korea and the United States have said Kim may have taken refuge from the coronavirus , and expressed skepticism about media reports that he had a serious illness .
The former top U.S. diplomat for East Asia , Daniel Russel , said the pieces of the puzzle of Kim ’ s disappearance would take time to assemble .
The rumors had , however , served to focus attention on North Korea ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ monarchical and cult-like dictatorship is filled with risk and the absence of a designated adult heir compounds that risk many times over , ” he said .
South Korean Unification Minister Kim Yeon-chul , who oversees engagement with Pyongyang , had said it was plausible Kim was absent as a precaution over the coronavirus in view of the stringent steps taken to head off an outbreak in the country .
Harry Kazianis , of the Center for the National Interest think-tank in Washington , said this still could be the case .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s absence is with North Korea declaring the coronavirus pandemic an existential threat … he most likely was taking steps to ensure his health or may have been impacted in some way personally by the virus , ” he said .
Reporting by Heekyong Yang in Seoul , Matt Spetalnick , Mark Hosenball , David Brunnstrom , Jonathan Landay , Makini Brice and Linda So in Washington ; editing by Daniel Wallis and Alistair Bell .

By Heekyong Yang and Jack Kim | Reuters
SEOUL – After weeks of intense speculation about the health of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, the country’s official media said he had attended the completion of a fertilizer plant, the first report of his appearance since April 11.
In a report on Saturday, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said Kim cut a ribbon at the ceremony on Friday and those attending the event “burst into thunderous cheers of ‘hurrah!’ for the Supreme Leader…”
U.S. President Donald Trump, who met Kim three times in 2018 and 2019 in unprecedented but unsuccessful personal attempts to persuade him to give up his nuclear weapons, tweeted on Saturday: “I, for one, am glad to see he is back, and well!”
Kim was seen in photographs smiling and talking to aides at the ribbon-cutting ceremony and also touring the plant. The authenticity of the photos, published on the website of the official Rodong Sinmun newspaper, could not be verified.
A U.S. government source familiar with intelligence reporting said Washington strongly believes Kim is alive but has not been able to confirm that the photos of Kim were taken at Friday’s event, or explain why he had not been seen for weeks.
[vemba-video id=”van/ns-acc/2020/05/02/IN-18SA_CNNA-ST1-1000000005c4bb5a”]
Many in the large crowd of people at Friday’s event, described as officials of the army, the ruling party and the community who worked on the project, were wearing face masks and standing some distance from the podium where Kim and his aides took part in the ceremony.
North Korea has not reported any cases of the coronavirus and has said it has been taking tough measures to prevent an outbreak. One suggested reason for Kim’s absence is that he may have been taking precautions against coronavirus.
Kim was accompanied by senior North Korean officials, including his younger sister Kim Yo Jong and top aides vice-chairman Pak Pong Ju of the State Affairs Commission and cabinet premier Kim Jae Ryong, KCNA said.
Kim’s movements appear stiff, jerky
Speculation about Kim’s health has been rife after he missed the birth anniversary celebrations of state founder Kim Il Sung on April 15. The day is a major holiday in North Korea and Kim as leader usually pays a visit to the mausoleum where his grandfather lies in state.
He last made a public appearance on April 11 attending a meeting of the ruling Workers’ Party politburo.
Following his absence from the anniversary, a South Korean news outlet specializing in the North reported that Kim was recovering after undergoing a cardiovascular procedure. A flurry of other unconfirmed reports about his condition and his whereabouts followed.
Officials in South Korea and the United States expressed skepticism about the reports.
State TV footage on Saturday showed Kim’s leg movements appearing stiff and jerky and one of the images showed a green golf cart in the background, similar to one he used in 2014 after a lengthy public absence.
“Preparing desks and chairs on the stage seemed a bit rare for such an outdoor occasion,” Nam Seong-wook, a professor of North Korean studies at Korea University, said of the ceremony.
“Kim might have some physical conditions that prevent him from standing too long and he needs to be seated after standing up for a while.”
Nam said if Kim was unable to stand for long periods that maybe the reason he did not attend the anniversary event in April at the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, where he would have had to stand for at least about an hour.
Speculation over Kim’s whereabouts
The city of Sunchon where the fertilizer factory was built is about 50 km (30 miles) north of Pyongyang in the western region, away from Wonsan, a coastal resort where South Korean and U.S. officials have said Kim may have been staying.
Satellite images showing a train usually used by Kim near the Wonsan resort, as well as boats often used by Kim and his entourage, suggested he may be staying there.
Officials in South Korea and the United States have said Kim may have taken refuge from the coronavirus, and expressed skepticism about media reports that he had a serious illness.
The former top U.S. diplomat for East Asia, Daniel Russel, said the pieces of the puzzle of Kim’s disappearance would take time to assemble.
The rumors had, however, served to focus attention on North Korea’s succession plan, which “in a monarchical and cult-like dictatorship is filled with risk and the absence of a designated adult heir compounds that risk many times over,” he said.
South Korean Unification Minister Kim Yeon-chul, who oversees engagement with Pyongyang, had said it was plausible Kim was absent as a precaution over the coronavirus in view of the stringent steps taken to head off an outbreak in the country.
Harry Kazianis, of the Center for the National Interest think-tank in Washington, said this still could be the case.
“The most likely explanation for Kim’s absence is with North Korea declaring the coronavirus pandemic an existential threat … he most likely was taking steps to ensure his health or may have been impacted in some way personally by the virus,” he said.
Reporting by Heekyong Yang in Seoul, Matt Spetalnick, Mark Hosenball, David Brunnstrom, Jonathan Landay, Makini Brice and Linda So in Washington; editing by Daniel Wallis and Alistair Bell.


mercurynews--2020-05-02--Journey Church doesn’t stop believin’ in helping hungry

David Bedwell lost his temp job working a call center in San Francisco because of COVID-19 .
Sit home in San Pablo and grumble ?
Hardly .
Bedwell joined a handful of other volunteers Saturday at Journey Community Church ’ s Feeding Hope program , assuring nearly 300 people that there will be food on the table for about a week .
“ I like to help people … and in this time of need , everybody needs help , ” Bedwell said .
“ With jobs not happening right now , it ’ s really fulfilling.
” The feed-the-hungry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ church relocated from El Sobrante to Vallejo five years ago and the pandemic has accelerated the need .
Volunteer Will Davis coordinated the stream of motorists having groceries loaded into their back seat or trunk , acknowledging later that 68 families and 296 people benefited from the 9:30 a.m. to noon distribution .
Davis said he “ recognized a lot of the names ” on the sign-in sheet from previous food distribution days and the numbers of those needing help “ is steadily increasing.
” “ So far , we have not turned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that people do appreciate the church ’ s generosity .
“ Sometimes people feel embarrassed ” getting free food , Davis said .
“ There ’ s nothing to be embarrassed about.
” Paula Williams and her three kids have volunteered after becoming recipients of the free food distribution .
This Saturday , 11-year-old Elwood joined her in breaking down cardboard and bringing food to the vehicles .
“ Me and the three kids have been coming six months now , ” Williams said .
“ After the first time , the kids @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needed and started helping out.
” Feeding Hope “ fills in the cracks ” of crushed budgets , Williams said , while volunteering “ is a good way to serve the community .
I think it ’ s important to show kids it ’ s not all about taking , it ’ s about giving .
Even when you ’ re taking , you can give , too.
” Church member and volunteer Tamara Pinson has been doing her part with Feeding Hope from the start and said nothing ’ s as worthy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There are a lot of hungry people out there and we want to make sure they have something to eat , ” Pinson said , with her personal mission : “ I don ’ t want anybody ’ s kids to go to bed hungry.
” Pinson and the others have seen the demand rise dramatically since COVID-19 , doubling since April 1 .
“ We have a lot of people in need .
There are lots who can ’ t go out and get it or afford to get it , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you ’ ve got to want to give back to the community , ” Pinson said , believing “ we all struggled a little bit in our lives .
We all can use a helping had.
” Michael Ann Ewing directs Feeding Hope and she and her husband were among those helping the cause Saturday .
“ We just push food out the door for people who need food , ” she said , lamenting the significant percentage of children who “ go to bed hungry or who don ’ t have lunch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feeding the children ) is a sin .
Here , we try to make sure kids have something to eat .
If we feed their parents , too , that ’ s just as well.
” Ewing predicts one more difficult month for the pandemic , fretting her and her husband ’ s own health as both have underlying medical conditions .
“ Even after they have lifted restrictions , we ’ re going to be very careful where we go , who we congregate with , ” Ewing said .
Shelter-at-home has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We do miss our large groups .
We miss going to church … and I miss hugging my grand-kids , ” Ewing said .
However , she added , it ’ s inspiring to work alongside volunteers who come out for the food distribution two Saturdays a month .
• Huntington Beach : Helicopter , police , lifeguards on patrol Saturday to discourage sunbathers and surfers • Benicia woman thanks first responders with sign , homemade masks • Coronavirus : New deaths in Santa Clara and SF , more than 100 new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
These people , they ’ re my angels , ” Ewing said .
“ They show up , they work hard .
People are working hard to help each other .
”

David Bedwell lost his temp job working a call center in San Francisco because of COVID-19. Sit home in San Pablo and grumble? Hardly. Bedwell joined a handful of other volunteers Saturday at Journey Community Church’s Feeding Hope program, assuring nearly 300 people that there will be food on the table for about a week.
“I like to help people … and in this time of need, everybody needs help,” Bedwell said. “With jobs not happening right now, it’s really fulfilling.”
The feed-the-hungry program transitioned with Journey when the Baptist church relocated from El Sobrante to Vallejo five years ago and the pandemic has accelerated the need.
Volunteer Will Davis coordinated the stream of motorists having groceries loaded into their back seat or trunk, acknowledging later that 68 families and 296 people benefited from the 9:30 a.m. to noon distribution.
Davis said he “recognized a lot of the names” on the sign-in sheet from previous food distribution days and the numbers of those needing help “is steadily increasing.”
“So far, we have not turned anybody away,” Davis, adding that people do appreciate the church’s generosity.
“Sometimes people feel embarrassed” getting free food, Davis said. “There’s nothing to be embarrassed about.”
Paula Williams and her three kids have volunteered after becoming recipients of the free food distribution. This Saturday, 11-year-old Elwood joined her in breaking down cardboard and bringing food to the vehicles.
“Me and the three kids have been coming six months now,” Williams said. “After the first time, the kids came early and they saw they were needed and started helping out.”
Feeding Hope “fills in the cracks” of crushed budgets, Williams said, while volunteering “is a good way to serve the community. I think it’s important to show kids it’s not all about taking, it’s about giving. Even when you’re taking, you can give, too.”
Church member and volunteer Tamara Pinson has been doing her part with Feeding Hope from the start and said nothing’s as worthy as helping those in need.
“There are a lot of hungry people out there and we want to make sure they have something to eat,” Pinson said, with her personal mission: “I don’t want anybody’s kids to go to bed hungry.”
Pinson and the others have seen the demand rise dramatically since COVID-19, doubling since April 1.
“We have a lot of people in need. There are lots who can’t go out and get it or afford to get it,” Pinson said.
To volunteer, “you’ve got to want to give back to the community,” Pinson said, believing “we all struggled a little bit in our lives. We all can use a helping had.”
Michael Ann Ewing directs Feeding Hope and she and her husband were among those helping the cause Saturday.
“We just push food out the door for people who need food,” she said, lamenting the significant percentage of children who “go to bed hungry or who don’t have lunch. In this country, (not feeding the children) is a sin. Here, we try to make sure kids have something to eat. If we feed their parents, too, that’s just as well.”
Ewing predicts one more difficult month for the pandemic, fretting her and her husband’s own health as both have underlying medical conditions.
“Even after they have lifted restrictions, we’re going to be very careful where we go, who we congregate with,” Ewing said.
Shelter-at-home has not been easy, she said.
“We do miss our large groups. We miss going to church … and I miss hugging my grand-kids,” Ewing said.
However, she added, it’s inspiring to work alongside volunteers who come out for the food distribution two Saturdays a month.


mercurynews--2020-05-02--Potential coronavirus drug linked to increased risk of heart arrhythmia

A drug that has been touted as a potential therapy against the coronavirus has been linked to an increased risk of cardiac arrhythmia in COVID-19 patients , researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center found .
“ The accumulating evidence is that there are limited data to suggest efficacy and there ’ s growing evidence that suggests toxicity , ” Dr. Howard Gold , infectious disease doctor at BIDMC , said of the drug hydroxychloroquine .
Gold and his colleagues published a study in JAMA Cardiology on Friday that suggests patients who received the anti-malarial drug for COVID-19 were at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the heart , which can cause arrhythmias and potentially lead to heart attack , stroke , or death .
“ It ’ s one of the reasons why , if the drug is going to be used at all , which I think it is in question at this point , it should only be used in a clinical trial , ” said Gold .
The combination of hydroxychloroquine with the antibiotic azithromycin was linked to even greater health risks compared to hydroxychloroquine alone , the research found .
President Trump had previously @ @ @ @ @ @ @ changer , ” tweeting in March , “ HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE & AZITHROMYCIN , taken together , have a real chance to be one of the biggest game changers in the history of medicine.
” The study evaluated 90 adults with the coronavirus who were hospitalized at BIDMC between March 1 and April 7 and received at least one day of hydroxychloroquine , which can stay in the body for up to three weeks , according to Gold .
Seven of 37 patients who received the drug alone developed an electrical disturbance in the heart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to discharge and recharge the lower chambers of the heart during each beat .
Three patients had a change of 60 milliseconds or more , and of the 53 patients who also received azithromycin , 21 % had delays of 500 milliseconds or more , and 13 % experienced a change of 60 milliseconds or more .
Hydroxychloroquine is commonly used to treat patients with inflammatory autoimmune issues such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis .
Gold said these concerns don ’ t really apply to people with those types of diseases .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and there is some risk in that population but it ’ s not the same , ” said Gold .
The medical community is now turning its focus to a different drug , remdesivir , for the treatment of the coronavirus .
On Friday , the U.S. Food and Drug Administration allowed emergency use of that intravenous drug for severe COVID patients who are hospitalized with the disease .
The FDA acted after preliminary results from a government-sponsored study showed that remdesivir shortened the time to recovery by 31 % , or about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 patients .

A drug that has been touted as a potential therapy against the coronavirus has been linked to an increased risk of cardiac arrhythmia in COVID-19 patients, researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center found.
“The accumulating evidence is that there are limited data to suggest efficacy and there’s growing evidence that suggests toxicity,” Dr. Howard Gold, infectious disease doctor at BIDMC, said of the drug hydroxychloroquine.
Gold and his colleagues published a study in JAMA Cardiology on Friday that suggests patients who received the anti-malarial drug for COVID-19 were at an increased risk of electrical changes to the heart, which can cause arrhythmias and potentially lead to heart attack, stroke, or death.
“It’s one of the reasons why, if the drug is going to be used at all, which I think it is in question at this point, it should only be used in a clinical trial,” said Gold.
The combination of hydroxychloroquine with the antibiotic azithromycin was linked to even greater health risks compared to hydroxychloroquine alone, the research found.
President Trump had previously hailed the drug as a “game changer,” tweeting in March, “HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE & AZITHROMYCIN, taken together, have a real chance to be one of the biggest game changers in the history of medicine.”
The study evaluated 90 adults with the coronavirus who were hospitalized at BIDMC between March 1 and April 7 and received at least one day of hydroxychloroquine, which can stay in the body for up to three weeks, according to Gold.
Seven of 37 patients who received the drug alone developed an electrical disturbance in the heart taking a longer-than-normal 500 milliseconds or more to discharge and recharge the lower chambers of the heart during each beat.
Three patients had a change of 60 milliseconds or more, and of the 53 patients who also received azithromycin, 21% had delays of 500 milliseconds or more, and 13% experienced a change of 60 milliseconds or more.
Hydroxychloroquine is commonly used to treat patients with inflammatory autoimmune issues such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Gold said these concerns don’t really apply to people with those types of diseases.
“It’s a different population, and there is some risk in that population but it’s not the same,” said Gold.
The medical community is now turning its focus to a different drug, remdesivir, for the treatment of the coronavirus.
On Friday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration allowed emergency use of that intravenous drug for severe COVID patients who are hospitalized with the disease.
The FDA acted after preliminary results from a government-sponsored study showed that remdesivir shortened the time to recovery by 31%, or about four days on average, for hospitalized COVID-19 patients.
Herald wire services contributed to this report.


mercurynews--2020-05-03--TV tonight: President Trump takes questions in Fox News town hall special

Television networks and streaming services continue to respond to the coronavirus crisis with special programming aimed at breaking down the most recent developments and the important issues for viewers .
Airing tonight is a town hall special with President Donald Trump , “ America Together : Returning to Work ” ( 4 p.m. PT ; 7 p.m .
ET May 3 , Fox New Channel ) .
Moderated by Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum , it ’ s a two-hour program originating live from the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. , where Trump will answer viewer-submitted questions .
According to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be presented in front of a virtual audience , where participants will raise their questions about the phased re-opening of the country .
Viewers will be able to submit their questions ahead of the special to FNC ’ s social media accounts on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram for a chance to appear in the national broadcast .
President Trump ’ s appearance will be his first sit-down interview with Baier and MacCallum since the network ’ s town hall in Scranton , Pennsylvania on March 5 .
That program was the most-watched @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , according to Nielsen Media Research .
— Also airing on Sunday is “ 60 Minutes ” ( 7 p.m. May 3 , CBS ) , which is scheduled to deliver more coronavirus-related reports .
Among the segments is one dealing with the growing number of unemployed Americans since the outbreak started .
Some have never been unemployed , nor ever thought they would consider a handout at a food bank .
Some saw jobs and dreams of careers vanish .
All are struggling to hold on , many still waiting for government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some of the economic victims of the pandemic , who suddenly have to face the harsh reality of wondering about the next check or meal and whether there will be a job – any job – for them in the time of the virus .
In another “ 60 Minutes ” segment , Lesley Stahl reports from America ’ s heartland where the small farmer is increasingly threatened with extinction .
Big farms are reportedly getting most of the $ 28 billion bailout money , in some cases by exploiting rules the administration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Agriculture Department ’ s trade relief program was conducted without Congress .
But Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue defends the program and , in particular , its large payments to big farms .

Television networks and streaming services continue to respond to the coronavirus crisis with special programming aimed at breaking down the most recent developments and the important issues for viewers.
Here’s the latest:
Airing tonight is a town hall special with President Donald Trump, “America Together: Returning to Work” (4 p.m. PT; 7 p.m. ET May 3, Fox New Channel).
Moderated by Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum, it’s a two-hour program originating live from the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C., where Trump will answer viewer-submitted questions.
According to Fox News, the town hall will be presented in front of a virtual audience, where participants will raise their questions about the phased re-opening of the country. Viewers will be able to submit their questions ahead of the special to FNC’s social media accounts on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for a chance to appear in the national broadcast.
President Trump’s appearance will be his first sit-down interview with Baier and MacCallum since the network’s town hall in Scranton, Pennsylvania on March 5. That program was the most-watched election town hall ever on cable news, according to Nielsen Media Research.
— Also airing on Sunday is “60 Minutes” (7 p.m. May 3, CBS), which is scheduled to deliver more coronavirus-related reports.
Among the segments is one dealing with the growing number of unemployed Americans since the outbreak started. Some have never been unemployed, nor ever thought they would consider a handout at a food bank. Some saw jobs and dreams of careers vanish. All are struggling to hold on, many still waiting for government assistance to come.
Scott Pelley meets some of the economic victims of the pandemic, who suddenly have to face the harsh reality of wondering about the next check or meal and whether there will be a job – any job – for them in the time of the virus.
In another “60 Minutes” segment, Lesley Stahl reports from America’s heartland where the small farmer is increasingly threatened with extinction. Big farms are reportedly getting most of the $28 billion bailout money, in some cases by exploiting rules the administration adopted from past congressional farm bills.
The Agriculture Department’s trade relief program was conducted without Congress. But Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue defends the program and, in particular, its large payments to big farms.


Bridge: May 3, 2020

Today ’ s deal appeared in this column several years ago .
South arrived at four hearts after West had bid spades and then diamonds .
West led high spades .
South ruffed the third spade and took the ace of trumps : four , three , deuce .
He next led the king and a second club .
If West could have ruffed , he would only be ruffing South ’ s club loser .
But West followed suit , and the ace won .
South recalled the bidding and judged that since West lacked much high-card strength , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ So South led a second trump to his ten .
When West discarded , South drew trumps and had 10 tricks .
My column suggested that West ’ s bid of two diamonds was ill-advised .
When East couldn ’ t respond to one spade , West was going nowhere , and his bid might ( and did ) guide declarer ’ s play .
( In fact , South could succeed even if he took the A-K of trumps .
He could continue with the A-K of diamonds , a diamond ruff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ diamond ruff and the queen of trumps : 10 tricks . )
About a year after my column appeared , the West hand turned up in a magazine ’ s bidding forum , submitted by someone who had read my column .
An expert panel was asked whether West should bid two diamonds .
I happened to be on the panel .
It would have been embarrassing if I had written approvingly of the two-diamond bid after I had criticized it a year earlier .
Luckily , though , I recognized the hand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gentle fun at the magazine ’ s editor for trying to trap me into an indiscretion .

Today’s deal appeared in this column several years ago.
South arrived at four hearts after West had bid spades and then diamonds. West led high spades. South ruffed the third spade and took the ace of trumps: four, three, deuce. He next led the king and a second club. If West could have ruffed, he would only be ruffing South’s club loser. But West followed suit, and the ace won.
South recalled the bidding and judged that since West lacked much high-card strength, he had a true two-suited hand. So South led a second trump to his ten. When West discarded, South drew trumps and had 10 tricks.
My column suggested that West’s bid of two diamonds was ill-advised. When East couldn’t respond to one spade, West was going nowhere, and his bid might (and did) guide declarer’s play. (In fact, South could succeed even if he took the A-K of trumps. He could continue with the A-K of diamonds, a diamond ruff, the K-A of clubs, a diamond ruff and the queen of trumps: 10 tricks.)
About a year after my column appeared, the West hand turned up in a magazine’s bidding forum, submitted by someone who had read my column. An expert panel was asked whether West should bid two diamonds.
I happened to be on the panel. It would have been embarrassing if I had written approvingly of the two-diamond bid after I had criticized it a year earlier. Luckily, though, I recognized the hand. I was able to poke some gentle fun at the magazine’s editor for trying to trap me into an indiscretion.
West dealer
Both sides vulnerable
NORTH
S J 6 4
H 6 3
D K 6 5 3
C A 6 5 4
WEST
S A K Q 10 7
H 4
D Q J 10 9 2
C 10 3
EAST
S 9 5 2
H J 7 5 2
D 7 4
C Q J 9 8
SOUTH
S 8 3
H A K Q 10 9 8
D A 8
C K 7 2
West North East South
1 S Pass Pass Dbl
2 D Pass 2 S 3 H
Pass 4 H All Pass
Opening lead — S K
(C)2020 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.


mercurynews--2020-05-03--Word Game: May 3, 2020

Word Game: May 3, 2020

TODAY ’ S WORD — DIALOGUE ( DIALOGUE : DYE-uh-log : A conversation between two or more people . )
Can you find 55 or more words in DIALOGUE ?
TODAY ’ S WORD — DIALOGUE dale deal deli dial dialog diel dogie dole dual duel idea ideal idle idol adieu aged agile ague aide ailed aloe aloud audile audio lade laid laud lead lied lieu load lode lodge loge loud luge ogle oiled oldie gale geld gelid geoid gild glad glade glide glue goad goal goalie gold guide guild guile To purchase the Word Game book , visit WordGameBooks.com @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5 while supplies last !
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 “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Proper nouns , slang words , or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed .

TODAY’S WORD — DIALOGUE (DIALOGUE: DYE-uh-log: A conversation between two or more people.)
Average mark 36 words
Time limit 60 minutes
Can you find 55 or more words in DIALOGUE? TODAY’S WORD — DIALOGUE dale deal
deli dial dialog diel dogie dole dual duel idea ideal idle idol adieu aged agile ague aide
ailed aloe aloud audile audio lade laid laud lead lied lieu load lode lodge loge loud luge
ogle oiled oldie gale geld gelid geoid gild glad glade glide glue goad goal goalie gold
guide guild guile
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--2020-05-03--Horoscopes May 3, 2020: Christina Hendricks, a change is overdue.

Happy Birthday : Take matters into your hands this year , and do what ’ s best for you .
A change is overdue , and calling the shots will ensure you get what you want .
Sort out personal dilemmas that have caused emotional setbacks , and get on with your life .
Personal growth will lead to a positive lifestyle change and better relationships with your lover , friends and family .
Your numbers are 7 , 13 , 20 , 22 , 34 , 39 , 43 .
ARIES ( March 21-April 19 ) : Consider what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help you offset interference .
Distance yourself from anyone who tries to manipulate you .
Put your energy into something that will bring concrete results .
Improve health , money matters and relationships .
3 stars TAURUS ( April 20-May 20 ) : Good things come to those who wait .
However , a gentle shove will help speed up the process today .
Reach out to someone you enjoy spending time with , and make plans that you can enjoy together .
Let your intuition be your guide .
5 stars GEMINI @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t get railroaded into doing or giving away too much of your time or money .
Someone ’ s motives will not be honorable .
Do for yourself and reap the rewards .
Walk away from people and situations that are emotionally manipulative .
2 stars CANCER ( June 21-July 22 ) : Ask , and you shall receive .
A change you make to the way you do things will draw positive attention and compliments .
Home improvements can be made , and hosting an event will lead to new friendships @ @ @ @ @ @ @ July 23-Aug. 22 ) : Go over a deal thoroughly before you sign on the dotted line .
An acquaintance you make will cause uncertainty regarding your beliefs .
Don ’ t let temptation lead to a mistake you ’ ll regret .
Place your faith in personal growth , not following someone .
3 stars VIRGO ( Aug. 23-Sept. 22 ) : Look at the facts , and make a move .
Implement change if you feel you are missing out .
Take charge of your happiness instead of lingering over a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and pursue the path that offers peace of mind .
3 stars LIBRA ( Sept. 23-Oct. 22 ) : Uncertainty regarding overhead and lifestyle will surface if you have outgrown your current situation .
Do the legwork , and flesh out your options .
Gather the facts and figures to avoid taking on too much .
Time spent with someone you love will ease stress .
3 stars SCORPIO ( Oct. 23-Nov. 21 ) : A change can be costly if you let your emotions get involved .
Be realistic about what you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about getting your way .
Anger will not solve anything , but offering incentives will .
4 stars SAGITTARIUS ( Nov. 22-Dec. 21 ) : Avoid emotional meddling and dealing with someone likely to use you for his or her potential gain .
Focus on the way you look , how you feel and doing what makes you happy .
Be honest , evaluate a partnership and make adjustments .
2 stars CAPRICORN ( Dec. 22-Jan. 19 ) : A change you make at home will leave you more wiggle room to start @ @ @ @ @ @ @ toward self-improvement or activities that make you happy .
An unexpected financial gain is heading your way .
5 stars AQUARIUS ( Jan. 20-Feb. 18 ) : Be careful what you say and who you listen to when making a decision .
Fix up your surroundings , or create a personal change that makes you feel good about who you are and where you live .
Love is on the rise .
3 stars PISCES ( Feb. 19-March 20 ) : Don ’ t let uncertainty take over .
Hesitation will cause an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Discuss options openly to avoid criticism and regret .
Experience and practicality will help you avoid making a mistake .
Make a decision , and move forward .
3 stars Birthday Baby : You are emotional , compassionate and persistent .
You are knowledgeable and precise .

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Christina Hendricks, 45; Kristin Lehman, 48; Amy Ryan, 51; Frankie Valli, 86.
Happy Birthday: Take matters into your hands this year, and do what’s best for you. A change is overdue, and calling the shots will ensure you get what you want. Sort out personal dilemmas that have caused emotional setbacks, and get on with your life. Personal growth will lead to a positive lifestyle change and better relationships with your lover, friends and family. Your numbers are 7, 13, 20, 22, 34, 39, 43.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Consider what’s possible. Being prepared will help you offset interference. Distance yourself from anyone who tries to manipulate you. Put your energy into something that will bring concrete results. Improve health, money matters and relationships. 3 stars
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Good things come to those who wait. However, a gentle shove will help speed up the process today. Reach out to someone you enjoy spending time with, and make plans that you can enjoy together. Let your intuition be your guide. 5 stars
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Don’t get railroaded into doing or giving away too much of your time or money. Someone’s motives will not be honorable. Do for yourself and reap the rewards. Walk away from people and situations that are emotionally manipulative. 2 stars
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Ask, and you shall receive. A change you make to the way you do things will draw positive attention and compliments. Home improvements can be made, and hosting an event will lead to new friendships and propositions. 4 stars
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Go over a deal thoroughly before you sign on the dotted line. An acquaintance you make will cause uncertainty regarding your beliefs. Don’t let temptation lead to a mistake you’ll regret. Place your faith in personal growth, not following someone. 3 stars
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Look at the facts, and make a move. Implement change if you feel you are missing out. Take charge of your happiness instead of lingering over a hopeless situation. Engage in talks, and pursue the path that offers peace of mind. 3 stars
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Uncertainty regarding overhead and lifestyle will surface if you have outgrown your current situation. Do the legwork, and flesh out your options. Gather the facts and figures to avoid taking on too much. Time spent with someone you love will ease stress. 3 stars
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): A change can be costly if you let your emotions get involved. Be realistic about what you want and the best way to go about getting your way. Anger will not solve anything, but offering incentives will. 4 stars
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Avoid emotional meddling and dealing with someone likely to use you for his or her potential gain. Focus on the way you look, how you feel and doing what makes you happy. Be honest, evaluate a partnership and make adjustments. 2 stars
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): A change you make at home will leave you more wiggle room to start a new project or put your energy toward self-improvement or activities that make you happy. An unexpected financial gain is heading your way. 5 stars
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Be careful what you say and who you listen to when making a decision. Fix up your surroundings, or create a personal change that makes you feel good about who you are and where you live. Love is on the rise. 3 stars
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Don’t let uncertainty take over. Hesitation will cause an emotional problem with someone close to you. Discuss options openly to avoid criticism and regret. Experience and practicality will help you avoid making a mistake. Make a decision, and move forward. 3 stars
Birthday Baby: You are emotional, compassionate and persistent. You are knowledgeable and precise.
Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.


mercurynews--2020-05-03--Letter: My best friend has been homeless for three years

My best friend has been homeless for three years .
It has been a stressful time for him , but even now , he expresses feelings of happiness .
From our conversations , we have come to a soft conclusion : Happiness comes from stability and control .
He has exemplified this in his journey , having experienced both the highs and lows of this lifestyle .
He felt the most stress in his first year .
He and his mother would face constant harassment from law enforcement telling them to move to another place , only to then be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and repeat for a year .
Now , they have found a semi-permanent place to stay , with power and food .
He has stability .
Furthermore , this stability has allowed him to get a job , which has allowed him to save money and look to the future .
• Letter : Trump ’ s Lysol advice is toxic , whether he ’ s serious or not • Letter : Pizarro again captures the spirit of San Jose • Letter : Post-virus , Bay Area renters who scrape by will owe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Bay Area was safe for Asian Americans Imagine if we could offer that stability to all the homeless .
Submit your letter to the editor via this form Read more Letters to the Editor

My best friend has been homeless for three years. It has been a stressful time for him, but even now, he expresses feelings of happiness.
From our conversations, we have come to a soft conclusion: Happiness comes from stability and control.
He has exemplified this in his journey, having experienced both the highs and lows of this lifestyle. He felt the most stress in his first year. He and his mother would face constant harassment from law enforcement telling them to move to another place, only to then be told to leave that place. Rinse and repeat for a year.
Now, they have found a semi-permanent place to stay, with power and food. He has stability. Furthermore, this stability has allowed him to get a job, which has allowed him to save money and look to the future.
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Abel Mejia
San Jose
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mercurynews--2020-05-03--Letter: Trump’s Lysol advice is toxic, whether he’s serious or not

Re : “ Trump doesn ’ t intend for anyone to inject Lysol ” ( Letter to the editor , Mercurynews.com , April 28 ) : I have to strongly object to the “ reasoning ” of the letter-writer who wrote that “ Trump doesn ’ t intend for anyone to inject Lysol.
” Also , doesn ’ t America need and deserve a president whose speech can be taken , trustingly , both literally and seriously ?
If he did not mean for us to inject or swallow Lysol , he should not have even hinted or “ joked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of taking poison in the body is “ thinking outside the box , ” it is also dangerous , either due to ignorance or lunacy .
• Letter : My best friend has been homeless for three years • Letter : Pizarro again captures the spirit of San Jose • Letter : Post-virus , Bay Area renters who scrape by will owe back rent • Letter : I thought the Bay Area was safe for Asian Americans What I have wondered is whether the president has ever even been near Lysol or bleach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doing all the cleaning .
Whether his Lysol advice is to be taken seriously or literally , it was clearly toxic speech and irresponsible .
Submit your letter to the editor via this form Read more Letters to the Editor

Re: “Trump doesn’t intend for anyone to inject Lysol” (Letter to the editor, Mercurynews.com, April 28):
I have to strongly object to the “reasoning” of the letter-writer who wrote that “Trump doesn’t intend for anyone to inject Lysol.”
Also, doesn’t America need and deserve a president whose speech can be taken, trustingly, both literally and seriously?
If he did not mean for us to inject or swallow Lysol, he should not have even hinted or “joked” about it. If the idea of taking poison in the body is “thinking outside the box,” it is also dangerous, either due to ignorance or lunacy.
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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 What I have wondered is whether the president has ever even been near Lysol or bleach, assuming he grew up with servants doing all the cleaning. Whether his Lysol advice is to be taken seriously or literally, it was clearly toxic speech and irresponsible.
Susan Brown
San Carlos
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mercurynews--2020-05-03--Ask Amy: I was scared by what I overheard when I called my elderly aunt

DEAR AMY : In this time of social isolation , a neighbor just knocked on my 93-year-old aunt ’ s door and then entered her house .
Who does that ?
I was talking to her on the phone at the time , from 2,000 miles away , and my aunt put the phone down to go answer the door .
I was begging her not to let anyone in .
She has been isolated for six weeks at home , and even though her son ( my cousin ) brings her everything she needs , he does not enter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health care worker .
We all call her and email her daily .
We know the isolation is hard on her .
My aunt should not have let the woman in , but I could hear the neighbor talking to her .
I told her forcefully to ask the woman to leave immediately , but my aunt is not very assertive .
I called my cousin and asked him to go over to her house .
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He called me a snoop .
I do not care how well-meaning this neighbor was , she put my aunt ’ s life at risk .
This has upset me terribly and I know I will worry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will become sick .
Am I overreacting ?
Please tell people to use common sense !
DEAR NIECE : Your elderly aunt has a son who is looking in on her .
You did the right thing to call him and let him know that a neighbor had stopped by , and now you have to trust that he will handle the situation with his mom .
In my view , you freaked out too forcefully when you were talking to her on the phone .
This neighbor might not be in any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a very healthy distance – not touching the doorknob , nor getting too close to your aunt .
You should continue your daily contact .
Do not lecture or scold her from 2,000 miles away .
Do not dwell on the dangers of this virus .
Keep your contact as pleasant as possible and use this time to connect with her in ways that are positive for both of you .
Your anxiety is not as dangerous as COVID-19 , but it does create stress and worry for your elderly aunt , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ AMY : My cousin has canceled me .
I ’ m in my 50s and she ’ s in her 60s .
I ’ ve always regarded her as a role model , but she is one of the most cynical people I ’ ve ever known .
She ’ s smart , had incredible professional success , and hangs out with very accomplished people .
I ’ ve always felt inadequate around her .
My cousin dropped me because — in brief — she perceived me to be sanctimonious .
In my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get out of bed in the morning is to do something to help others .
If I did nothing to improve this world , I would slit my wrists .
I suffer from depression and can ’ t justify my own existence unless I am helping others .
Should I try to explain this to my cousin , or should I just let it go ?
Having a relationship with her always required a lot of work on my end as she analyzed everything I ever said — right down to the punctuation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lot to me .
My relationship with her 93-year-old mother has largely been conducted through her .
I can ’ t envision visiting her mother , for example , if I ’ m not also seeing my cousin .
What do I do ?
DEAR COUSIN : Your most important obligation is to your own mental health and well-being .
Your relationship with your cousin is imbalanced .
Steering clear of her and focusing on your own personal growth would be best for you .
You should also pursue therapy , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and the feelings they bring up .
You should stay in touch with your aunt , and if visiting her brings you in proximity to your cousin , be cordial – but don ’ t give yourself away .
DEAR AMY : In a recent column , you quoted your hero , Mr. Rogers , who said , “ Look for the helpers .
You will always find people who are helping.
” You ’ re one of them .
Thank you for what you do .
DEAR GRATEFUL : Mr. Rogers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passed along this wonderful wisdom to him when he was a boy .
Many “ helpers ” these days take great personal risks every day when they turn up for work .
I can not be counted among them , but thank you so much for this lovely compliment .
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: In this time of social isolation, a neighbor just knocked on my 93-year-old aunt’s door and then entered her house. Who does that?
I was talking to her on the phone at the time, from 2,000 miles away, and my aunt put the phone down to go answer the door. I was begging her not to let anyone in.
She has been isolated for six weeks at home, and even though her son (my cousin) brings her everything she needs, he does not enter her home because his wife is a health care worker. We all call her and email her daily. We know the isolation is hard on her.
My aunt should not have let the woman in, but I could hear the neighbor talking to her. I told her forcefully to ask the woman to leave immediately, but my aunt is not very assertive. I called my cousin and asked him to go over to her house.
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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 I do not care how well-meaning this neighbor was, she put my aunt’s life at risk.
This has upset me terribly and I know I will worry for weeks, fearing that my aunt will become sick. Am I overreacting?
Please tell people to use common sense!
Worried Niece
DEAR NIECE: Your elderly aunt has a son who is looking in on her. You did the right thing to call him and let him know that a neighbor had stopped by, and now you have to trust that he will handle the situation with his mom.
In my view, you freaked out too forcefully when you were talking to her on the phone. This neighbor might not be in any risk group, and might have maintained a very healthy distance – not touching the doorknob, nor getting too close to your aunt.
You should continue your daily contact. Do not lecture or scold her from 2,000 miles away. Do not dwell on the dangers of this virus. Keep your contact as pleasant as possible and use this time to connect with her in ways that are positive for both of you.
Your anxiety is not as dangerous as COVID-19, but it does create stress and worry for your elderly aunt, which is not good for her.
DEAR AMY: My cousin has canceled me. I’m in my 50s and she’s in her 60s. I’ve always regarded her as a role model, but she is one of the most cynical people I’ve ever known. She’s smart, had incredible professional success, and hangs out with very accomplished people. I’ve always felt inadequate around her.
My cousin dropped me because — in brief — she perceived me to be sanctimonious.
In my mind, the only way I can get out of bed in the morning is to do something to help others. If I did nothing to improve this world, I would slit my wrists. I suffer from depression and can’t justify my own existence unless I am helping others.
Should I try to explain this to my cousin, or should I just let it go?
Having a relationship with her always required a lot of work on my end as she analyzed everything I ever said — right down to the punctuation.
Having a relationship with her meant a lot to me.
My relationship with her 93-year-old mother has largely been conducted through her. I can’t envision visiting her mother, for example, if I’m not also seeing my cousin.
What do I do?
Canceled Cousin
DEAR COUSIN: Your most important obligation is to your own mental health and well-being. Your relationship with your cousin is imbalanced. Steering clear of her and focusing on your own personal growth would be best for you. You should also pursue therapy, which is the ideal place to explore relationships, and the feelings they bring up.
You should stay in touch with your aunt, and if visiting her brings you in proximity to your cousin, be cordial – but don’t give yourself away.
Want Ask Amy delivered to your inbox for free on weekdays?
DEAR AMY: In a recent column, you quoted your hero, Mr. Rogers, who said, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.”
You’re one of them. Thank you for what you do.
Grateful
DEAR GRATEFUL: Mr. Rogers was actually quoting his mother, who passed along this wonderful wisdom to him when he was a boy.
Many “helpers” these days take great personal risks every day when they turn up for work. I cannot be counted among them, but thank you so much for this lovely compliment.
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--2020-05-03--Problem Solved: We had the exact same insurance, she got paid, but I got stiffed.

Q : A friend and I planned a trip to Alaska in June .
We both bought the same travel insurance policy from Allianz .
It was not the cheapest , but not the most expensive .
After the coronavirus outbreak , my friend received an email that she would be permitted to cancel her policy .
She did .
I never received an email saying I could cancel .
I contacted Allianz by phone .
A representative asked me to send an email .
I did but received no reply .
I tried two more times — nothing .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ response within 48 hours , but I gave them extra time due to the pandemic .
I just would like to know why my friend was able to get a refund and I was not .
I was even a returning customer and was the one who encouraged her to use this company .
I could have handled them saying that despite thinking we purchased the same policy , we had purchased different ones and mine was nonrefundable .
But the lack of response was not only galling but made me question their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and had to make a claim .
Needless to say , I won ’ t be using them in the future .
It ’ s their loss since I intend to travel quite a bit in retirement .
Can you help me get the $ 240 back I spent for my Allianz travel insurance policy ?
A : Allianz should have answered you quickly .
Better yet , it should have reached out to you after you canceled your trip and offered either a refund or to reapply your policy to a new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lightning-fast responses to customers .
But during the coronavirus outbreak , every travel insurance company has kept travelers waiting .
That happens during a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic .
If you bought the same policy as your friend , shouldn ’ t the refund terms be identical ?
Probably .
But you might want to take a closer look at the fine print .
Coverage can change based on your age or state of residence .
So , it ’ s possible that her policy was refundable and yours wasn ’ t .
Allianz should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ called instead of asking you to write an email that it ignored .
I list the names , numbers and email addresses of the Allianz executives on my consumer advocacy site , Elliott.org .
I think a brief , polite email might have moved the process along .
At a time like this , the most useful tool in your customer advocacy arsenal is patience .
You had the same policy as your friend , so you could be reasonably sure that you had a refund coming .
Sure enough , after you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a chance to ask Allianz about your policy — the company responded to you and refunded your $ 240 .
If you need help with a coronavirus-related refund , please contact me .
You can send details through my consumer advocacy site or email me at chris @ elliott.org .
Christopher Elliott is the chief advocacy officer of Elliott Advocacy , a nonprofit organization that helps consumers resolve their problems .
Contact him at elliott.org/help or chris @ elliott.org .

Christopher Elliott, King Features Syndicate, Inc.

Q: A friend and I planned a trip to Alaska in June. We both bought the same travel insurance policy from Allianz. It was not the cheapest, but not the most expensive.
After the coronavirus outbreak, my friend received an email that she would be permitted to cancel her policy. She did. I never received an email saying I could cancel. I contacted Allianz by phone. A representative asked me to send an email. I did but received no reply. I tried two more times — nothing. The website said there would be a response within 48 hours, but I gave them extra time due to the pandemic.
I just would like to know why my friend was able to get a refund and I was not. I was even a returning customer and was the one who encouraged her to use this company.
I could have handled them saying that despite thinking we purchased the same policy, we had purchased different ones and mine was nonrefundable. But the lack of response was not only galling but made me question their response if I ever used them again and had to make a claim.
Needless to say, I won’t be using them in the future. It’s their loss since I intend to travel quite a bit in retirement. Can you help me get the $240 back I spent for my Allianz travel insurance policy?
Melissa Hall, Scottsburg, Indiana
A: Allianz should have answered you quickly. Better yet, it should have reached out to you after you canceled your trip and offered either a refund or to reapply your policy to a new trip. Allianz is known for its lightning-fast responses to customers. But during the coronavirus outbreak, every travel insurance company has kept travelers waiting. That happens during a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic.
If you bought the same policy as your friend, shouldn’t the refund terms be identical? Probably. But you might want to take a closer look at the fine print.
Coverage can change based on your age or state of residence. So, it’s possible that her policy was refundable and yours wasn’t. Allianz should have explained that to you when you called instead of asking you to write an email that it ignored.
I list the names, numbers and email addresses of the Allianz executives on my consumer advocacy site, Elliott.org. I think a brief, polite email might have moved the process along.
At a time like this, the most useful tool in your customer advocacy arsenal is patience. You had the same policy as your friend, so you could be reasonably sure that you had a refund coming.
Sure enough, after you contacted me — and before I had a chance to ask Allianz about your policy — the company responded to you and refunded your $240.
If you need help with a coronavirus-related refund, please contact me. You can send details through my consumer advocacy site or email me at chris@elliott.org.
Christopher Elliott is the chief advocacy officer of Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit organization that helps consumers resolve their problems. Contact him at elliott.org/help or chris@elliott.org.


mercurynews--2020-05-03--Dear Abby: Why did she think this was an appropriate response to my sickness?

DEAR ABBY : I just turned 51 and have been diagnosed with cancer for the second time .
Why is it that when I tell someone I have cancer , their first response is to tell me about every person in their life who has had cancer and all the gloomy stories ?
One family member actually pulled out pictures to show me her SIL ’ s hair growing back .
Why do they think this is an appropriate response ?
It ’ s the last thing I want to hear .
It is difficult to remain positive , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The more this happens , the more I shut down .
Your thoughts ?
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The family member who showed you that picture may have thought she was being encouraging by showing you a positive outcome — that after chemo , your hair may grow back .
If someone starts a conversation along these lines , it is perfectly acceptable to tell the person you would rather not discuss the subject right now — or ever .
Please don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inappropriate to isolate you .
As I am sure you are aware , there are cancer support groups in which you can receive emotional support .
If you need to find one , visit cancer.org .
DEAR ABBY : I am part of a couples group that gets together on a regular basis for dinner .
The problem is one of the women takes over the conversation , and it becomes her monologue .
She just won ’ t stop !
She goes into minute detail about every aspect of her life for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ months or years ! )
and the lives of her family , friends , friends of family and friends of friends .
These are people we don ’ t know and don ’ t care about !
We have tried to redirect the conversation by asking someone else a specific question .
Before they can hardly comment , she jumps right in again .
She ’ s a nice person , and a friend .
Can you suggest a kind way we can fix this , or do we just have to exclude @ @ @ @ @ @ @ HURTING : The woman may not realize how her efforts to be entertaining are perceived by the rest of you .
Someone — possibly you — has to summon up the courage to tell her how off-putting her monologues are .
It may not be an easy conversation to have , but it would be better than excluding her with no explanation .
If , however , she is unable to change her behavior , the solution would be to stop inviting her .
DEAR ABBY : I have this friend “ Bill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him three or four cigarettes .
I never ask him for money , but this has been going on for a long time .
Bill keeps saying he will buy me a carton , but he ’ s been saying this for five months now .
I gave him $ 50 for his birthday and again at Christmas time .
I ’ m tired of giving .
How can I end this vicious cycle ?
DEAR MICHAEL : In the words of the late Nancy Reagan , “ Just say no !
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opportunity to quit smoking .
Take it ! )
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren , also known as Jeanne Phillips , and was founded by her mother , Pauline Phillips .
Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O .
Box 69440 , Los Angeles , CA 90069 .

DEAR ABBY: I just turned 51 and have been diagnosed with cancer for the second time. Why is it that when I tell someone I have cancer, their first response is to tell me about every person in their life who has had cancer and all the gloomy stories?
One family member actually pulled out pictures to show me her SIL’s hair growing back. Why do they think this is an appropriate response? It’s the last thing I want to hear.
It is difficult to remain positive, and I struggle with letting people in. The more this happens, the more I shut down. Your thoughts?
TRYING IN SALEM, MASS.
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Dear Abby: Our teen’s messy breakup has had awkward repercussions for us Advice | Dear Abby: I was annoyed to discover why our friends picked this restaurant DEAR TRYING: It might help to remind yourself that these individuals may be trying to show you they identify with what you and their relatives have experienced. The family member who showed you that picture may have thought she was being encouraging by showing you a positive outcome — that after chemo, your hair may grow back.
If someone starts a conversation along these lines, it is perfectly acceptable to tell the person you would rather not discuss the subject right now — or ever.
Please don’t allow the fact that some people are inappropriate to isolate you. As I am sure you are aware, there are cancer support groups in which you can receive emotional support. If you need to find one, visit cancer.org.
DEAR ABBY: I am part of a couples group that gets together on a regular basis for dinner. The problem is one of the women takes over the conversation, and it becomes her monologue. She just won’t stop!
She goes into minute detail about every aspect of her life for the last couple of weeks (or months or years!) and the lives of her family, friends, friends of family and friends of friends. These are people we don’t know and don’t care about!
We have tried to redirect the conversation by asking someone else a specific question. Before they can hardly comment, she jumps right in again.
She’s a nice person, and a friend. Can you suggest a kind way we can fix this, or do we just have to exclude them from these dinners?
EARS HURTING IN OHIO
DEAR EARS HURTING: The woman may not realize how her efforts to be entertaining are perceived by the rest of you. Someone — possibly you — has to summon up the courage to tell her how off-putting her monologues are.
It may not be an easy conversation to have, but it would be better than excluding her with no explanation. If, however, she is unable to change her behavior, the solution would be to stop inviting her.
DEAR ABBY: I have this friend “Bill,” and every day I give him three or four cigarettes. I never ask him for money, but this has been going on for a long time. Bill keeps saying he will buy me a carton, but he’s been saying this for five months now.
I gave him $50 for his birthday and again at Christmas time. I’m tired of giving. How can I end this vicious cycle?
MICHAEL IN NEW JERSEY
DEAR MICHAEL: In the words of the late Nancy Reagan, “Just say no!” (You are being given a great opportunity to quit smoking. Take it!)
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.