mercurynews--2020-02-14--Five things we learned at Giants HQ: Bart’s defense, Slater at shortstop and sweeping sliders

SCOTTSDALE , Ariz. — Every spring , pitchers across baseball experiment with new grips , different mechanics and various cues that may lead to slight improvements or huge breakthroughs .
With a 13-person coaching staff , the Giants have no shortage of voices in the ears of their players .
One who ’ s already commanding their attention is Brian Bannister , the Giants ’ pitching director who came to the organization after spending five seasons with the Red Sox .
Bannister spent the offseason examining arm slots , evaluating pitch shapes and studying the Giants ’ personnel so he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The former big leaguer suggested new pitches for prospect Logan Webb , quickly earned the trust of free-agent signee Kevin Gausman and is now assisting reliever Trevor Gott with implementing a “ sweeping slider.
” Manager Gabe Kapler said Friday that Gott unveiled his new slider in his first bullpen of the spring and impressed the Giants ’ coaching staff with the shape of the pitch .
Gott was a valuable asset in the Giants ’ bullpen last year and Kapler believes the right-hander has the ability to succeed in any situation .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a late-inning role such as the closer job , but the Giants are less focused on determining which pitchers will appear in specific situations and emphasizing the value of versatility in the bullpen .
“ You could be an early in the game guy , you could lock down a spot at the back end of the bullpen and pitch the eighth or the ninth , but what we want him going in thinking is that he could be used in any situation , ” Kapler said .
• SF Giants : Logan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from new coaches • Five things we learned at Giants HQ : Buster ’ s power , Cueto ’ s beard oil and more from camp • SF Giants mailbag : What jobs are up for grabs and who ’ s ready to shine in the outfield ?
• From erratic pitches to robot umps , Joey Bart is close to outgrowing the chaos of the minors Gott finished last season on the injured list after a groin issue hampered him during his last five games of the year .
Before the injury @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a 3.44 ERA and allowed only three home runs in his first 45 games .
The Giants love Gott ’ s command of the strike zone and his ability to throw more than one inning at a time –he recorded at least five outs in eight games last year– and believe an improved breaking ball will keep hitters off balance .
The Giants have catching coach Craig Albernaz and bullpen catchers Brant Whiting and Taira Uematsu working closely with top prospect Joey Bart during bullpen sessions on improving his glove positioning when he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Giants want Bart to get his mitt “ underneath the ball ” so he can make his the glove appear smaller to the home plate umpire and in turn , steal more strikes .
This kind of catching nuance may ultimately go out of style if and when Major League Baseball adopts an electronic strike zone ( which Bart is not a fan of ) , but for now , the Giants believe Bart can aid his pitchers with some small tweaks .
“ When the glove is tilted down , it tends @ @ @ @ @ @ @ got that side angle , ” Kapler said .
“ When you get up underneath the ball , it ’ s flatter and looks more like a strike.
” It ’ s easy to know when Bart takes batting practice because the ball makes such a loud sound off his bat , but the Giants want him to be as quiet as possible from a movement standpoint when he ’ s behind the plate .
Kapler said outfielder-turned-utility man Austin Slater will take groundballs at all four infield positions this spring to maximize @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Giants to find more ways to get Slater ’ s bat in the lineup .
Slater has played first base 27 times in his major league career and spent time in the low minors playing third base and second , but the Giants appear intent on moving Slater around the diamond more often this season .
It ’ s unlikely Slater will play shortstop in a regular season game , but it doesn ’ t hurt for a player to become acquainted with a new position during spring training .
Slater posted an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so the Giants are motivated to create opportunities for him to hit against lefties .
“ He definitely has raw power dating back to his time at Stanford , ” Kapler said .
“ We know about the pedigree , we just want to see that come out in games.
” After years of toiling at Triple-A , submarine-style right-hander Tyler Rogers finally received his first call to the big leagues where he made fans wonder why the Giants didn ’ t bring him up sooner .
Rogers posted a 1.02 ERA in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home run in the “ year of the juiced ball.
” He was incredibly effective against left-handers as they recorded only three hits in 22 at-bats against Rogers , but pitchers who throw from non-traditional arm slots like Rogers does have often had trouble against batters on the opposite side of the plate .
“ One of the things that hasn ’ t been done traditionally is with a sinker-slider guy like Tyler , having more targets up in the bullpen , ” Kapler said .
“ We ’ re making a conscious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ location.
” Kapler said the Giants believe Rogers can continue to be effective against lefties if he throws his slider up and in against them because it ’ s a spot where he ’ ll induce weak contact and awkward swings .
Rogers said he hasn ’ t received any directives from the coaching staff about using his slider more often , but when he threw a bullpen Friday , he said the feedback to that particular pitch was very positive .
New Giants infielder Wilmer Flores said he didn ’ t know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a multi-year contract from the organization under president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi , but he said “ it ’ s definitely an honor , ” and “ any time a team wants you , you feel happy about it.
” Flores said he ’ s willing to play all over the diamond and do whatever is asked of him , but one thing he won ’ t try during the 2020 season is a new walk-up song .
The Venezuela native has used the theme song to the TV sitcom “ Friends @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and says he has no plans to change that this year .
Flores may not have a ton of old friends in the Giants ’ clubhouse , but he lives in Miami during the offseason and trained with fellow Giants infielder Pablo Sandoval .
Sandoval was responsible for pitching fellow countrymen Yangervis Solarte and Gerardo Parra on joining the Giants last offseason , but Flores said Sandoval took a hands-off approach and didn ’ t discuss free agency with him during their workouts .

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Every spring, pitchers across baseball experiment with new grips, different mechanics and various cues that may lead to slight improvements or huge breakthroughs.
With a 13-person coaching staff, the Giants have no shortage of voices in the ears of their players. One who’s already commanding their attention is Brian Bannister, the Giants’ pitching director who came to the organization after spending five seasons with the Red Sox.
Bannister spent the offseason examining arm slots, evaluating pitch shapes and studying the Giants’ personnel so he could jump right in this spring. The former big leaguer suggested new pitches for prospect Logan Webb, quickly earned the trust of free-agent signee Kevin Gausman and is now assisting reliever Trevor Gott with implementing a “sweeping slider.”
Manager Gabe Kapler said Friday that Gott unveiled his new slider in his first bullpen of the spring and impressed the Giants’ coaching staff with the shape of the pitch. Gott was a valuable asset in the Giants’ bullpen last year and Kapler believes the right-hander has the ability to succeed in any situation.
Gott could be in the mix for a late-inning role such as the closer job, but the Giants are less focused on determining which pitchers will appear in specific situations and emphasizing the value of versatility in the bullpen.
“You could be an early in the game guy, you could lock down a spot at the back end of the bullpen and pitch the eighth or the ninth, but what we want him going in thinking is that he could be used in any situation,” Kapler said.
Gott finished last season on the injured list after a groin issue hampered him during his last five games of the year. Before the injury zapped his effectiveness, Gott had posted a 3.44 ERA and allowed only three home runs in his first 45 games.
The Giants love Gott’s command of the strike zone and his ability to throw more than one inning at a time –he recorded at least five outs in eight games last year– and believe an improved breaking ball will keep hitters off balance.
Joey Bart’s defense a priority
The Giants have catching coach Craig Albernaz and bullpen catchers Brant Whiting and Taira Uematsu working closely with top prospect Joey Bart during bullpen sessions on improving his glove positioning when he catches a pitch.
Kapler said the Giants want Bart to get his mitt “underneath the ball” so he can make his the glove appear smaller to the home plate umpire and in turn, steal more strikes. This kind of catching nuance may ultimately go out of style if and when Major League Baseball adopts an electronic strike zone (which Bart is not a fan of), but for now, the Giants believe Bart can aid his pitchers with some small tweaks.
“When the glove is tilted down, it tends to look larger, it’s got that side angle,” Kapler said. “When you get up underneath the ball, it’s flatter and looks more like a strike.”
It’s easy to know when Bart takes batting practice because the ball makes such a loud sound off his bat, but the Giants want him to be as quiet as possible from a movement standpoint when he’s behind the plate.
Austin Slater takes grounders at shortstop
Kapler said outfielder-turned-utility man Austin Slater will take groundballs at all four infield positions this spring to maximize Slater’s versatility and allow the Giants to find more ways to get Slater’s bat in the lineup.
Slater has played first base 27 times in his major league career and spent time in the low minors playing third base and second, but the Giants appear intent on moving Slater around the diamond more often this season.
It’s unlikely Slater will play shortstop in a regular season game, but it doesn’t hurt for a player to become acquainted with a new position during spring training. Slater posted an .838 OPS against left-handed pitchers last season so the Giants are motivated to create opportunities for him to hit against lefties.
“He definitely has raw power dating back to his time at Stanford,” Kapler said. “We know about the pedigree, we just want to see that come out in games.”
Tyler Rogers an asset against lefties?
After years of toiling at Triple-A, submarine-style right-hander Tyler Rogers finally received his first call to the big leagues where he made fans wonder why the Giants didn’t bring him up sooner.
Rogers posted a 1.02 ERA in 17 games and did not allow a home run in the “year of the juiced ball.” He was incredibly effective against left-handers as they recorded only three hits in 22 at-bats against Rogers, but pitchers who throw from non-traditional arm slots like Rogers does have often had trouble against batters on the opposite side of the plate.
“One of the things that hasn’t been done traditionally is with a sinker-slider guy like Tyler, having more targets up in the bullpen,” Kapler said. “We’re making a conscious effort to have him go after that location.”
Kapler said the Giants believe Rogers can continue to be effective against lefties if he throws his slider up and in against them because it’s a spot where he’ll induce weak contact and awkward swings. Rogers said he hasn’t received any directives from the coaching staff about using his slider more often, but when he threw a bullpen Friday, he said the feedback to that particular pitch was very positive.
Wilmer Flores sticking with ‘Friends’ theme
New Giants infielder Wilmer Flores said he didn’t know he was the first player to receive a multi-year contract from the organization under president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi, but he said “it’s definitely an honor,” and “any time a team wants you, you feel happy about it.”
Flores said he’s willing to play all over the diamond and do whatever is asked of him, but one thing he won’t try during the 2020 season is a new walk-up song. The Venezuela native has used the theme song to the TV sitcom “Friends” when walking up to the plate and says he has no plans to change that this year.
Flores may not have a ton of old friends in the Giants’ clubhouse, but he lives in Miami during the offseason and trained with fellow Giants infielder Pablo Sandoval. Sandoval was responsible for pitching fellow countrymen Yangervis Solarte and Gerardo Parra on joining the Giants last offseason, but Flores said Sandoval took a hands-off approach and didn’t discuss free agency with him during their workouts.


mercurynews--2020-02-14--Parents, others ask Antioch school trustees to ensure safety at schools

Two weeks after a 16-year-old student was fatally shot in a high school parking lot , Antioch families are still looking for answers on what can be done to make their campuses more safe .
Nearly a dozen or so parents and community members took their concerns this week to Antioch Unified School District ’ s board meeting , the first since the Deer Valley incident in which Jonathon Parker was mortally wounded following a basketball game .
Most urged swift action and open discussion on the issue .
“ I think it ’ s important and incumbent upon you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Victoria Adams of the East County NAACP said .
“ When children are injured , die , hurt , harmed , shot at , on your watch , you must act and you must act quickly.
” It was also the first time some of the trustees spoke at a public gathering about the tragedy , the first ever such incident at an Antioch school .
“ My thoughts and prayers are with the family , ” Board President Diane Gibson-Gray said after observing a moment of silence in Parker ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all mothers , brothers , sisters , parents ; it ’ s heartbreaking.
” Superintendent Stephanie Anello echoed those comments , but was too choked-up to read her written statement , handing it over to the board president instead .
“ At this time of unimaginable sorrow , we are working to make sense out of the chaos and wrap our hearts around what if anything could have been done to prevent this unspeakable and tragic event , ” Gibson-Gray said , reading Anello ’ s statement in part .
School safety was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could not comment in length on it , but two said they had requested it be agendized or an emergency meeting be set to discuss safety .
“ It ’ s fine to have a moment of silence , but I am concerned for the family , ” trustee Crystal Sawyer-White said .
“ We have not moved forward in addressing a town hall or something like that .
I want to address safety within our unified school district.
” “ Just given what happened with a student , what I think we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ review , ” she said .
Though Trustee Mary Rocha said she understood the severity of the issue , she joined other trustees in saying it was too early since the police haven ’ t completed their investigation .
“ We all feel for this family…This is ongoing , it ’ s a criminal issue , and it hasn ’ t come back to us as information that is ready to go , ” she said .
Householder said she didn ’ t want to interfere with the investigation , but rather to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and potential safety procedures and policies .
“ We need to talk about this sooner , not later , ” Householder said .
Sawyer-White suggested doing whatever could be done quickly .
“ If we can install more cameras and have police presence at these events , that would be a good first step.
” Some residents agreed , urging said the district to take steps now .
Police have yet to announce or arrest any suspects .
“ I feel like there ’ s a disconnect from the people of the board @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sense of urgency within these board members when it comes to that , ” Aisha Hall said .
“ … That the case is ongoing that should not stop you from putting the students ’ safety first.
” Hall urged the district to add more security for school games .
“ If you don ’ t get a handle on this right now , it ’ s going to get out of hand and you can not control it .
And you will not feel safe in your own home or walking down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get exercise , ” she said .
Valorie Luke , Antioch Unified Education Association president , said the staff wants to be included in safety talks .
“ I can tell you the only thing I heard from staff members over and over is that they need to know that they are safe , ” she said .
“ …We want to help contribute to the safety plan and we need to know now that something is changing and something is happening.
” Willie Mims , East Contra Costa NAACP education chair , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ district earmarked for safety has gone .
“ Any time you have a basketball or football game you should have more than two or three security people .
You ’ re supposed to have people all over the place , ” he said .
“ This is a crisis of epic proportions and everyone who works for the district , their families , their children , their extended families , they should be informed about what next steps the district is going to take.
” Gibson-Gray said the superintendent has been working with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ways to make games safer.
” “ There are some things that we can do and shift them quickly , ” she said .
Anello agreed to return to the board with a report on the steps that have been taken .
“ We ’ re having some productive talks , ” she said .
“ As we know , Antioch Police Department was under-resourced , and when we wanted to have police officers at our games , they simply didn ’ t have the manpower to do that .
But now they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I think are positive and I am hopeful that we are moving in the right direction.
” The board then set an emergency meeting to discuss safety at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the district offices .

Two weeks after a 16-year-old student was fatally shot in a high school parking lot, Antioch families are demanding answers about what can be done to make campuses safe havens.
About a dozen parents and community members showed up this week to the Antioch Unified School District board’s first meeting since the Deer Valley High murder to express their fears and concerns. Jonathon Parker was mortally wounded following a basketball game at the school.
“I think it’s important and incumbent upon you to take this matter up with expedience,” said Victoria Adams of the East County NAACP. “When children are injured, die, hurt, harmed, shot at, on your watch, you must act and you must act quickly.”
Wednesday’s meeting also was the first time some of the trustees spoke at a public gathering about the tragedy, the first ever such incident at an Antioch school.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the family,” Board President Diane Gibson-Gray said after observing a moment of silence in Parker’s honor. “We’re all mothers, brothers, sisters, parents; it’s heartbreaking.”
Superintendent Stephanie Anello echoed those comments, but was too choked up to read her written statement, handing it over to the board president instead.
“At this time of unimaginable sorrow, we are working to make sense out of the chaos and wrap our hearts around what if anything could have been done to prevent this unspeakable and tragic event,” Gibson-Gray said, reading from Anello’s statement.
Because school safety wasn’t on the agenda, trustees were restricted from commenting at length about it. But they set an emergency meeting for 7 p.m. Tuesday at Antioch High School to continue the discussion.
“It’s fine to have a moment of silence, but I am concerned for the family,” Trustee Crystal Sawyer-White said. “We have not moved forward in addressing a town hall or something like that. I want to address safety within our unified school district.”
Trustee Ellie Householder agreed.
“Just given what happened with a student, what I think we should be doing is a comprehensive safety review,” she said.
Though Trustee Mary Rocha said she understood the severity of the issue, she agreed with some fellow trustees that it’s too early to decide anything because police haven’t completed their investigation.
“We all feel for this family…This is ongoing, it’s a criminal issue, and it hasn’t come back to us as information that is ready to go,” she said.
Householder said she didn’t want to interfere with the investigation, but rather to discuss in a future meeting the current and potential safety procedures and policies.
“We need to talk about this sooner, not later,” Householder said.
Sawyer-White suggested doing whatever could be done quickly.
“If we can install more cameras and have police presence at these events, that would be a good first step.”
Some residents agreed, urging the district to take steps now. Police have yet to arrest any suspects.
“I feel like there’s a disconnect from the people of the board because I don’t see no sense of urgency within these board members when it comes to that,” Aisha Hall said. “… That the case is ongoing, that should not stop you from putting the students’ safety first.”
Hall urged the district to add more security at school games.
“If you don’t get a handle on this right now, it’s going to get out of hand and you cannot control it. And you will not feel safe in your own home or walking down the street to the store or to get exercise,” she said.
Antioch Unified Education Association president Valorie Luke said the staff wants to be included in safety talks.
“I can tell you the only thing I heard from staff members over and over is that they need to know that they are safe,” she said. “…We want to help contribute to the safety plan and we need to know now that something is changing and something is happening.”
Willie Mims, East Contra Costa NAACP education chair, wanted to know where the money the district earmarked for safety has gone.
“Any time you have a basketball or football game you should have more than two or three security people. You’re supposed to have people all over the place,” he said.
“This is a crisis of epic proportions and everyone who works for the district, their families, their children, their extended families, they should be informed about what next steps the district is going to take.”
Gibson-Gray said the superintendent has been working with the Antioch police chief to “discuss ways to make games safer.”
“There are some things that we can do and shift them quickly,” she said.
Anello agreed to return to the board with a report on the steps that have been taken.
“We’re having some productive talks,” she said. “As we know, Antioch Police Department was under-resourced, and when we wanted to have police officers at our games, they simply didn’t have the manpower to do that. But now they’ve taken some steps … that I think are positive and I am hopeful that we are moving in the right direction.”
Anello later said she and the police chief are considering “the possibility of having a police presence at future sporting events.”


mercurynews--2020-02-14--Meet the man now leading Bishop O’Dowd’s football program

OAKLAND — On this Valentine ’ s Day , David Perry owes a special token of appreciation for his wife , Finy Prak .
A few years ago , while taking a break from coaching , the new Bishop O ’ Dowd football coach was attending a service at Pastor Napoleon Kaufman ’ s church in Pleasanton .
Perry , a regular at the church , wanted the visit to be about God .
But while he was grabbing refreshments for him and his wife , Finy struck up a conversation with Kaufman , telling the former Raiders running back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into coaching .
He spent two seasons in that role — helping the Dragons win a North Coast Section championship in 2018 — and then applied for the head coaching job when Kaufman stepped down to devote more time to his church .
With a recommendation from Kaufman , Perry got the position this week — news the 41-year-old Berkeley High graduate says makes him feel more like 19 .
And news that might not have happened — at least not at O ’ Dowd — without that assist from Finy .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ never ask Napoleon to coach , ” Perry recalled Friday .
“ I am here to learn and to learn from God and that ’ s the only reason I am here at this church.
” But Finy , obviously , saw things differently .
“ I see my wife talking to Pastor Napoleon , ” Perry added .
“ Two cups of coffee in my hands and I am looking over , going , ‘ What is my wife doing ? '
” Turns out , she knew exactly what she was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he had experience coaching the defensive line .
He told him he did , years earlier when he first broke into the profession .
Perry also remembered what Laney College coach John Beam once told him : “ Learn how to coach everything because I see you being a head coach one day.
” Perry ’ s coaching stops have included Concord High ( nearly 10 years ) , Laney College ( one season ) and Berkeley High .
Much of his experience has been on offense .
“ At Concord , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , throw the ball all over the place , ” Perry said .
“ When I called the offense at Berkeley High in 2015 and 2016 , we were 10 personnel and four wide receivers — four really great receivers in 2016.
” But if nearly 20 years of coaching has taught Perry anything , it ’ s this : There is more than one way to get it done .
“ You have to prepare for anything and sometimes you ’ ve got to change and be able to adapt to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ I think we have some unique talent up there and I will exploit it in any way that will get us wins on the board .
“ If it means throwing the ball all over the place , done .
I ’ ll do that .
If it means I ’ ll line up a fullback and a tight end and start running the ball , done .
I ’ ll do that .
I ’ ve seen it happen.
” As Kaufman did , Perry aims to keep O @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the region .
• New California High football coach is well-known name around Bay The Dragons won a state title in 2016 and section title in 2018 .
They slipped to 3-7 and did not qualify for the playoffs last fall .
“ There ’ s no reason that Bishop O ’ Dowd can ’ t be a premier team in this area , ” Perry said .
“ We are rebuilding and we ’ ll see where we ’ re at .
You always try to schedule competitively , based on where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s hiring was greeted with social-media applause , from coaching peers and players .
“ Yes sir !
!
!
Beyond proud of you coach !
!
!
” said defensive lineman Colton Vardell , who is moving on to Brown after graduating from O ’ Dowd this spring .
“ Can ’ t wait to watch you all go to work !
!
!
!
” “ Congrats coach !
Fired up that you will be leading the Dragons !
Well deserved !
” added O ’ Dowd receiver Sterling Stokes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fall .

OAKLAND — On this Valentine’s Day, David Perry owes a special token of appreciation for his wife, Finy Prak.
A few years ago, while taking a break from coaching, the new Bishop O’Dowd football coach was attending a service at Pastor Napoleon Kaufman’s church in Livermore.
Kaufman also doubled as O’Dowd’s head football coach.
Perry, a regular at the church, wanted the visit to be about God.
Definitely not football.
But while he was grabbing refreshments for him and his wife, Finy struck up a conversation with Kaufman, telling the former Raiders running back that her husband needed to get back into coaching.
Soon, Perry was Kaufman’s defensive line coach.
He spent two seasons in that role — helping the Dragons win a North Coast Section championship in 2018 — and then applied for the head coaching job when Kaufman stepped down to devote more time to his church.
With a recommendation from Kaufman, Perry got the position this week — news the 41-year-old Berkeley High graduate says makes him feel more like 19.
And news that might not have happened — at least not at O’Dowd — without that assist from Finy.
“I told my wife I’ll never ask Napoleon to coach,” Perry recalled Friday. “I am here to learn and to learn from God and that’s the only reason I am here at this church.”
But Finy, obviously, saw things differently.
“I see my wife talking to Pastor Napoleon,” Perry added. “Two cups of coffee in my hands and I am looking over, going, ‘What is my wife doing?'”
Turns out, she knew exactly what she was doing.
Kaufman later asked Perry if he had experience coaching the defensive line. He told him he did, years earlier when he first broke into the profession.
Perry also remembered what Laney College coach John Beam once told him:
“Learn how to coach everything because I see you being a head coach one day.”
Perry’s coaching stops have included Concord High (nearly 10 years), Laney College (one season) and Berkeley High.
Much of his experience has been on offense.
“At Concord, we were 10 personnel, four wide receivers, throw the ball all over the place,” Perry said. “When I called the offense at Berkeley High in 2015 and 2016, we were 10 personnel and four wide receivers — four really great receivers in 2016.”
But if nearly 20 years of coaching has taught Perry anything, it’s this:
There is more than one way to get it done.
“You have to prepare for anything and sometimes you’ve got to change and be able to adapt to the talent that you have,” Perry said. “I think we have some unique talent up there and I will exploit it in any way that will get us wins on the board.
“If it means throwing the ball all over the place, done. I’ll do that. If it means I’ll line up a fullback and a tight end and start running the ball, done. I’ll do that. I’ve seen it happen.”
As Kaufman did, Perry aims to keep O’Dowd among the best programs in the region.
The Dragons won a state title in 2016 and section title in 2018. They slipped to 3-7 and did not qualify for the playoffs last fall.
“There’s no reason that Bishop O’Dowd can’t be a premier team in this area,” Perry said. “We are rebuilding and we’ll see where we’re at. You always try to schedule competitively, based on where your team is.”
News of Perry’s hiring was greeted with social-media applause, from coaching peers and players.
“Yes sir!!! Beyond proud of you coach!!!” said defensive lineman Colton Vardell, who is moving on to Brown after graduating from O’Dowd this spring. “Can’t wait to watch you all go to work!!!!”
“Congrats coach! Fired up that you will be leading the Dragons! Well deserved!” added O’Dowd receiver Sterling Stokes, who will attend Pennsylvania in the fall.


mercurynews--2020-02-17--Child injured in mountain lion ‘encounter’ at Rancho San Antonio County Park

CUPERTINO — A child had minor injuries after an encounter with an animal , believed to be a mountain lion , Sunday morning at Rancho San Antonio County Park , according to park authorities .
The park and open space preserve , which is part of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District , were closed until further notice , the district said in a statement late Sunday afternoon .
On Sunday morning , the child was walking with their parents on a trail about two miles from the park ’ s main parking area , when the child encountered an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lion , the district said .
The child ’ s parents scared away the animal .
A ranger treated the child , who had minor injuries , around 10 a.m. Sunday .
Officials did not specify the nature of the child ’ s injuries or their age .
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife and park rangers are investigating the incident and working to identify the animal involved .
District officials didn ’ t provide other information Sunday about how the encounter with the animal unfolded .
“ We know it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the preserve trails , ’ said Leigh Ann Gessner , a public affairs specialist for the district .
Mountain lion sightings , and such encounters , are rare , Gessner said .
Mountain lions are generally not a threat to people , are scared by loud noises and avoid areas of human activity .
“ It ’ s rare , but the Santa Cruz mountains are the habitat for mountain lions , so folks should be vigilant and aware , ” said Gessner .
If you see a mountain lion , Gessner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , make yourself loud and large , and slowly back away .
”

CUPERTINO — A six-year-old child had minor injuries after an encounter with an animal, believed to be a mountain lion, Sunday morning at Rancho San Antonio County Park, according to park authorities.
The park and open space preserve, which is part of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, were closed until further notice, the district said in a statement late Sunday afternoon.
On Sunday morning, the child was walking with their parents on a trail about two miles from the park’s main parking area, when the child encountered an animal, suspected to be a mountain lion, the district said. The child’s parents scared away the animal.
A ranger treated the child, who had minor injuries, around 10 a.m. Sunday. Officials did not specify the nature of the child’s injuries.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife and park rangers are investigating the incident and working to identify the animal involved.
District officials didn’t provide other information Sunday about how the encounter with the animal unfolded.
“We know it was a group of preserve visitors on one of the preserve trails,’ said Leigh Ann Gessner, a public affairs specialist for the district.
Mountain lion sightings, and such encounters, are rare, Gessner said. Mountain lions are generally not a threat to people, are scared by loud noises and avoid areas of human activity.
“It’s rare, but the Santa Cruz mountains are the habitat for mountain lions, so folks should be vigilant and aware,” said Gessner.
If you see a mountain lion, Gessner said, “you should remain calm, make yourself loud and large, and slowly back away.”


mercurynews--2020-02-17--Photos: President Donald Trump makes appearance with Melania at Daytona 500

CLICK HERE if you ’ re having a problem viewing the photos on a mobile device .
President Donald Trump made an appearance with First Lady Melania during the Daytona 500 opening ceremonies on Sunday .
Trump uttered the famous phrase : “ gentlemen , start your engines , ” as a field of 36 NASCAR drivers took off around the famous Florida track .
Trump is only the second in-office president to attend the race .
President Reagan became the first sitting president to attend a NASCAR race in 1984 .
“ Right now , if I can , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of these cars and I ’ m gon na get into this race , if possible , ” he joked with Fox Sports .
The president was the grand marshal at the race and took a lap around the track in the presidential limousine , dubbed “ The Beast.
” There was also a fly-over the Daytona International Speedway by the Air Force Thunderbirds before the race .
“ The Daytona 500 is the legendary display of roaring engines , soaring spirits and the American skill , speed and power that we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many years , ” Trump told the crowd before the race began , according to Fox News .

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President Donald Trump made an appearance with First Lady Melania during the Daytona 500 opening ceremonies on Sunday.
Trump uttered the famous phrase: “gentlemen, start your engines,” as a field of 36 NASCAR drivers took off around the famous Florida track. Trump is only the second in-office president to attend the race. President Reagan became the first sitting president to attend a NASCAR race in 1984.
“Right now, if I can, I’m gonna hop into one of these cars and I’m gonna get into this race, if possible,” he joked with Fox Sports.
The president was the grand marshal at the race and took a lap around the track in the presidential limousine, dubbed “The Beast.” There was also a fly-over the Daytona International Speedway by the Air Force Thunderbirds before the race.
“The Daytona 500 is the legendary display of roaring engines, soaring spirits and the American skill, speed and power that we’ve been hearing about for so many years,” Trump told the crowd before the race began, according to Fox News.


mercurynews--2020-02-17--Police: Teen girls break into San Jose construction site, wreck golf cart

SAN JOSE — Two teen girls will face trespassing and vandalism charges after breaking into a downtown construction site and @ @ @ @ @ the second floor , police said .
The two 14-year-old girls entered the construction site @ @ @ @ @ , between 4th and 5th street , around 2:47 p.m. Sunday , according to San @ @ @ @ @ Garcia .
One of the girls drove off the second floor in a golf cart @ @ @ @ @ local hospital with non-life threatening injuries .
The other girl remained at the scene .
@ @ @ @ @ and vandalism charges , Garcia said .

SAN JOSE — Two teen girls will face trespassing and vandalism charges after breaking into a downtown construction site and driving a golf cart off the second floor, police said.
The two 14-year-old girls entered the construction site on Santa Clara Street between Fourth and Fifth streets around 2:47 p.m. Sunday, according to San Jose police Sgt. Enrique Garcia.
One of the girls drove off the second floor in a golf cart and was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The other girl remained at the scene. Both teens will face trespassing and vandalism charges, Garcia said.


mercurynews--2020-02-16--Sharks’ Erik Karlsson talks about the play that cost him his season

SAN JOSE — Defenseman Erik Karlsson will have surgery this week to repair the broken left thumb that will keep him out for the rest of the year , although he said he would like to practice again with the team before the offseason .
Karlsson was injured Friday when the Sharks ( 26-28-4 ) beat the Winnipeg Jets 3-2 .
They then topped the Minnesota Wild 2-0 on Saturday , and have 24 games left , including Monday ’ s game with the Florida Panthers .
“ If we go on a run here and we ’ re in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Karlsson said Sunday when asked if he ’ d like to practice again .
“ But right now , it ’ s going to be until the end of this year .
If I don ’ t play hockey again until September , that ’ s a long time .
Got to try and find a way to stay a little bit in it , not have that long of a break.
” Karlsson said he will fly to Los Angeles on Monday for the surgery , which will be performed by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who has performed hand operations on Warriors star Steph Curry and New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees .
Karlsson said the broken thumb came as a result of a slap shot he blocked from defenseman Dmitry Kulikov in the third period of Friday ’ s game .
Karlsson was standing in front of the Sharks ’ crease and had just finished checking Mark Scheifele when he was hit by Kulikov ’ s shot from just inside the blue line .
“ It ( stinks ) , ” Karlsson said .
“ Unfortunately it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can ’ t really control or protect yourself against .
It ’ s a fluke thing .
We block a lot of shots out there and there ’ s a lot of times where you get hit bad , and unfortunately this one was just a bad situation that hit in the wrong spot.
” Karlsson is third on the Sharks this season with 74 blocks , behind Brent Burns ( 89 ) and Marc-Edouard Vlasic .
“ If you start playing on the perimeters , maybe you can stay injury free , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I like to approach things , ” Karlsson said .
“ I am where I want to be and I can ’ t go any further .
So , I ’ m going to give it my all all the time .
and I get hit by a puck and broke my thumb.
” Karlsson , who leads the Sharks with 40 points in 56 games , said X-rays done in Winnipeg revealed the fracture .
Once he meets with Shin , they will have a clearer idea of the extent of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Shin ) saw , it ’ s nothing he hasn ’ t seen before , it ’ s not something that ’ s complicated , ” Karlsson said .
“ It ’ s just unfortunate .
… It ’ s not one of those where you can let it heal by itself.
” The Sharks had already lost Tomas Hertl for the season with torn ligaments in his left knee .
Logan Couture is recovering from a fracture in his ankle and skated again Sunday , but there remains no clear timeline for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ left open the possibility that he could play for Team Sweden at the World Championships that run May 8-24 in Switzerland .
• Could Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau be playing at home as Sharks one final time Monday ?
“ If things don ’ t go as we want them to go here , then that ’ s definitely a possibility , ” Karlsson said .
“ It ’ d be nice to play some hockey again and stay in it for as long as you can .
Even though I enjoy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the offseason and ( how ) that sets you up really well for the upcoming year , it ’ s not that much fun .
I would like to play .
“ It ’ s been a while since I played for Team Sweden .
It ’ s something I take a lot of pride in and if I feel good come May and we ’ re not in it , I ’ d say it ’ s a good possibility that I would go do that .
”

SAN JOSE — Defenseman Erik Karlsson will have surgery this week to repair the broken left thumb that will keep him out for the rest of the year, although he said he would like to practice again with the team before the offseason.
Karlsson was injured Friday when the Sharks (26-28-4) beat the Winnipeg Jets 3-2. They then topped the Minnesota Wild 2-0 on Saturday, and have 24 games left, including Monday’s game with the Florida Panthers.
“If we go on a run here and we’re in it, then timelines might change,” Karlsson said Sunday when asked if he’d like to practice again. “But right now, it’s going to be until the end of this year. If I don’t play hockey again until September, that’s a long time. Got to try and find a way to stay a little bit in it, not have that long of a break.”
Karlsson said he will fly to Los Angeles on Monday for the surgery, which will be performed by Dr. Steven Shin, the same surgeon who has performed hand operations on Warriors star Steph Curry and New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees.
Karlsson said the broken thumb came as a result of a slap shot he blocked from defenseman Dmitry Kulikov in the third period of Friday’s game.
Karlsson was standing in front of the Sharks’ crease and had just finished checking Mark Scheifele when he was hit by Kulikov’s shot from just inside the blue line.
“It (stinks),” Karlsson said. “Unfortunately it’s one of those things you can’t really control or protect yourself against. It’s a fluke thing. We block a lot of shots out there and there’s a lot of times where you get hit bad, and unfortunately this one was just a bad situation that hit in the wrong spot.”
Karlsson is third on the Sharks this season with 74 blocks, behind Brent Burns (89) and Marc-Edouard Vlasic.
“If you start playing on the perimeters, maybe you can stay injury free, but that’s not the way I like to approach things,” Karlsson said. “I am where I want to be and I can’t go any further. So, I’m going to give it my all all the time. and I get hit by a puck and broke my thumb.”
Karlsson, who leads the Sharks with 40 points in 56 games, said X-rays done in Winnipeg revealed the fracture. Once he meets with Shin, they will have a clearer idea of the extent of the damage.
“But from what (Shin) saw, it’s nothing he hasn’t seen before, it’s not something that’s complicated,” Karlsson said. “It’s just unfortunate. … It’s not one of those where you can let it heal by itself.”
The Sharks had already lost Tomas Hertl for the season with torn ligaments in his left knee. Logan Couture is recovering from a fracture in his ankle and skated again Sunday, but there remains no clear timeline for when he might return.
Karlsson also left open the possibility that he could play for Team Sweden at the World Championships that run May 8-24 in Switzerland.
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Karlsson traded to Penguins, ending uneven era with San Jose Sharks San Jose Sharks | Why the Sharks’ ongoing Erik Karlsson situation could be clarified soon “If things don’t go as we want them to go here, then that’s definitely a possibility,” Karlsson said. “It’d be nice to play some hockey again and stay in it for as long as you can. Even though I enjoy the long summers and working out in the offseason and (how) that sets you up really well for the upcoming year, it’s not that much fun. I would like to play.
“It’s been a while since I played for Team Sweden. It’s something I take a lot of pride in and if I feel good come May and we’re not in it, I’d say it’s a good possibility that I would go do that.”


mercurynews--2020-02-16--Man facing prison term for plot to obtain $1M in stolen TVs

GREENBELT , Md .
( AP ) — Federal prosecutors in Maryland are recommending a prison sentence of more than five years for a man who pleaded guilty to conspiring to obtain hundreds of stolen televisions worth more than $ 1 million .
Prosecutors explained in a court filing on Saturday why they are recommending a 65-month sentence for Saul Eady .
A defense attorney is seeking a three-year prison sentence for Eady , who pleaded guilty in November 2019 to conspiring to commit mail and wire fraud .
The government ’ s calculation of sentencing guidelines in Eady ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ranging of 57 to 71 months .
U.S. District Judge George Hazel isn ’ t bound by those guidelines when he sentences Eady at a Feb. 24 hearing scheduled in Greenbelt , Maryland .
Eady was one of eight defendants charged in a September 2018 indictment .
He is set to be the first defendant sentenced in the case .
His sister , Saulina Eady , also was charged in the indictment .
In Saturday ’ s court filing , prosecutors said Saul Eady was a member of the West Coast operation of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. Navy contracting agents to convince three U.S. companies to ship them electronics equipment without payments upfront .
Eady and others received more than 300 stolen televisions in California , stored them in rental units in Los Angeles and were paid in cash after the merchandise was resold , according to a court filing that accompanied his guilty plea .
• How a Northern California taxi driver saved an elderly woman from being scammed out of $ 25,000 The filing doesn ’ t name the victims of the scheme , but it describes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made communications equipment , a wholesale audio-video distributor in Virginia and a Washington state-based company that provided wireless voice and data services .

GREENBELT, Md. (AP) — Federal prosecutors in Maryland are recommending a prison sentence of more than five years for a man who pleaded guilty to conspiring to obtain hundreds of stolen televisions worth more than $1 million.
Prosecutors explained in a court filing on Saturday why they are recommending a 65-month sentence for Saul Eady. A defense attorney is seeking a three-year prison sentence for Eady, who pleaded guilty in November 2019 to conspiring to commit mail and wire fraud.
The government’s calculation of sentencing guidelines in Eady’s case calls for a prison term ranging of 57 to 71 months. U.S. District Judge George Hazel isn’t bound by those guidelines when he sentences Eady at a Feb. 24 hearing scheduled in Greenbelt, Maryland.
Eady was one of eight defendants charged in a September 2018 indictment. He is set to be the first defendant sentenced in the case. His sister, Saulina Eady, also was charged in the indictment.
In Saturday’s court filing, prosecutors said Saul Eady was a member of the West Coast operation of an international fraud scheme that posed as U.S. Navy contracting agents to convince three U.S. companies to ship them electronics equipment without payments upfront.
Eady and others received more than 300 stolen televisions in California, stored them in rental units in Los Angeles and were paid in cash after the merchandise was resold, according to a court filing that accompanied his guilty plea.


mercurynews--2020-02-16--Women’s basketball: Williams’ buzzer-beater lifts Stanford

“ We practice that play a million times in practice but I would say there was a little pressure , ” junior Kiana Williams said after her amazing buzzer-beater allowed No .
8 Stanford to slip past Colorado 69-66 Sunday .
Williams hit a game-tying 3-pointer with 12 seconds left , then stole the ball from Mya Hollingshed and sank a 40-footer at the buzzer .
“ Just another shot for me , but thank God it went in , ” Williams said .
“ Thank God both those shots went in.
” Williams , whose 29 points and seven @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as stunned as the Buffaloes and their fans as her teammates swarmed her and celebrated in a pile in front of their bench while the officials went to the monitors to confirm the basket was good .
The Buffaloes ( 15-10 , 4-10 Pac-12 ) were on the verge of their first win over a Top 25 team since 2016 , but they were held without a basket over the final 3:06 after taking a 64-59 lead and they missed four of six free throws in the final 26 seconds with a chance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 23-3 , 12-2 Pac-12 ) won its fifth straight game , and just like its 76-68 overtime win against Colorado three weeks ago , last-second heroics were necessary to escape the Buffaloes ’ upset bid .
The Buffs trailed by 12 early and eight at the half , but surged ahead 62-59 on Peanut Tuitele ’ s 3-pointer with 4½ minutes remaining .
They didn ’ t trail again until Williams hit her desperate shot as the horn sounded .
With the Buffaloes ahead 64-63 , Colorado ’ s Aubrey Knight stole the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remaining , and Hollingshed was fouled .
She sank her first free throw and missed her second , but Caylao-do swooped in for the offensive rebound and she was fouled with 24.2 seconds left .
Caylou-do also made one of two foul shots , putting Colorado ahead 66-63 .
Stanford freshman Ashten Prechtel , the star of the first meeting between the schools when her buzzer-beater sent the game into overtime , had an open 3-pointer for the tie but the shot hit the front of the iron and Colorado ’ s Emma @ @ @ @ @ @ @ foul .
She missed both free throws with 18.7 seconds remaining , and Prechtel grabbed the board .
After a timeout , Williams worked her way free for the game-tying 3 with 12.9 seconds left .
“ Right when we got the rebound , I have total confidence in my coaches to call the right set and Tara ( VanDerveer ) called my number and I had to deliver , ” Williams said .
“ We talk out situations and she said if we score to match up .
So , I hit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and we were playing defense .
I don ’ t think they had a timeout or they got confused and she just threw it away .
So , the ball was out there and I just had to make a play and it went in.
” Colorado got the ball past halfcourt but Hollingshead was trapped and when she tried to get the ball to Caylao-do , Williams swiped it , dribbled once past halfcourt then launched the game-winner .
“ It hurts , but we have to move on , ” Tuitele @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from it .
And rather than dwelling on the negatives , I think we need to focus on the positive things we did during this game .
I think we did a lot of them.
” Nadia Fingall added 13 points for Stanford , which hit 14 3-pointers two days after hitting 15 3s in a blowout of Utah .
Hollingshead ’ s 19 points led four Buffs in double figures .
Emma Clarke and Tuitele each scored 11 and Jaylyn Sherrod scored 10 .
• Pac-12 basketball : Stanford loses Oscar da @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in loss at Colorado The Cardinal ’ s eighth win in nine games shows Stanford is rounding into form for the postseason , and close calls such as this might prove handy come NCAA tournament time .
With 1,090 wins , coach Tara VanDerveer is nine victories shy of passing Pat Summitt ( 1,098 ) as the winningest coach in women ’ s college basketball history .
Colorado : With a little luck , the Buffs could have swept Stanford .
This heartbreaker was even worse than the one three weeks ago when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2 seconds to play in regulation for a 64-62 lead but Stanford tied it with a perfect inbound pass and layup by Pretchel to send the game into overtime .

BOULDER, Colorado — Even 40-foot desperation shots take practice.
“We practice that play a million times in practice but I would say there was a little pressure,” junior Kiana Williams said after her amazing buzzer-beater allowed No. 8 Stanford to slip past Colorado 69-66 Sunday.
Williams hit a game-tying 3-pointer with 12 seconds left, then stole the ball from Mya Hollingshed and sank a 40-footer at the buzzer.
“Just another shot for me, but thank God it went in,” Williams said. “Thank God both those shots went in.”
Williams, whose 29 points and seven 3-pointers were both career highs, looked as stunned as the Buffaloes and their fans as her teammates swarmed her and celebrated in a pile in front of their bench while the officials went to the monitors to confirm the basket was good.
“It wasn’t our lucky day,” Colorado senior Quinessa Caylao-do said.
The Buffaloes (15-10, 4-10 Pac-12) were on the verge of their first win over a Top 25 team since 2016, but they were held without a basket over the final 3:06 after taking a 64-59 lead and they missed four of six free throws in the final 26 seconds with a chance to ice it.
The Cardinal (23-3, 12-2 Pac-12) won its fifth straight game, and just like its 76-68 overtime win against Colorado three weeks ago, last-second heroics were necessary to escape the Buffaloes’ upset bid.
The Buffs trailed by 12 early and eight at the half, but surged ahead 62-59 on Peanut Tuitele’s 3-pointer with 4½ minutes remaining.
They didn’t trail again until Williams hit her desperate shot as the horn sounded.
With the Buffaloes ahead 64-63, Colorado’s Aubrey Knight stole the ball from Lexie Hull with 29.7 seconds remaining, and Hollingshed was fouled. She sank her first free throw and missed her second, but Caylao-do swooped in for the offensive rebound and she was fouled with 24.2 seconds left.
Caylou-do also made one of two foul shots, putting Colorado ahead 66-63. Stanford freshman Ashten Prechtel, the star of the first meeting between the schools when her buzzer-beater sent the game into overtime, had an open 3-pointer for the tie but the shot hit the front of the iron and Colorado’s Emma Clarke corralled the rebound and drew the foul.
She missed both free throws with 18.7 seconds remaining, and Prechtel grabbed the board. After a timeout, Williams worked her way free for the game-tying 3 with 12.9 seconds left.
“Right when we got the rebound, I have total confidence in my coaches to call the right set and Tara (VanDerveer) called my number and I had to deliver,” Williams said. “We talk out situations and she said if we score to match up. So, I hit the 3 and we got matched up and we were playing defense. I don’t think they had a timeout or they got confused and she just threw it away. So, the ball was out there and I just had to make a play and it went in.”
Colorado got the ball past halfcourt but Hollingshead was trapped and when she tried to get the ball to Caylao-do, Williams swiped it, dribbled once past halfcourt then launched the game-winner.
“It hurts, but we have to move on,” Tuitele said. “We have to learn from it. And rather than dwelling on the negatives, I think we need to focus on the positive things we did during this game. I think we did a lot of them.”
Nadia Fingall added 13 points for Stanford, which hit 14 3-pointers two days after hitting 15 3s in a blowout of Utah.
Hollingshead’s 19 points led four Buffs in double figures. Emma Clarke and Tuitele each scored 11 and Jaylyn Sherrod scored 10. Related Articles College Sports | Pac-12 finances: Estimating the NCAA Tournament cash available for the remaining schools
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BIG PICTURE
The Cardinal’s eighth win in nine games shows Stanford is rounding into form for the postseason, and close calls such as this might prove handy come NCAA tournament time. With 1,090 wins, coach Tara VanDerveer is nine victories shy of passing Pat Summitt (1,098) as the winningest coach in women’s college basketball history.
Colorado: With a little luck, the Buffs could have swept Stanford. This heartbreaker was even worse than the one three weeks ago when Hollingshed hit a 3-pointer with less than 2 seconds to play in regulation for a 64-62 lead but Stanford tied it with a perfect inbound pass and layup by Pretchel to send the game into overtime.
UP NEXT
Stanford hosts Oregon State on Friday night.


mercurynews--2020-02-16--‘Sonic’ speeds to $57M debut; ‘Parasite’ sees big Oscar bump

NEW YORK — The redesigned “ Sonic the Hedgehog ” showed plenty of teeth at the box office , speeding to a $ 57 million debut , according to studio estimates Sunday , while “ Parasite ” saw one of the largest post-Oscars bumps in years following its best picture win .
Paramount Pictures ’ “ Sonic the Hedgehog ” came in well above expectations , especially for a movie that just months ago was a laughingstock .
After its first trailer was greeted with ridicule on social media last year , “ Sonic ” was postponed three months to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — including fixing Sonic ’ s eerily human teeth .
The makeover worked and audiences responded by making “ Sonic the Hedgehog ” the weekend ’ s top film and the highest-grossing opening for a video game adaptation , not accounting for inflation .
For Paramount , it ’ s a welcome success following misfires such as “ Gemini Man ” and “ Terminator : Dark Fate.
” The studio estimates “ Sonic ” will gross $ 68 million over the four-day Presidents Day holiday weekend .
“ If you don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goes for any business , then you ’ re going to fail , ” said Chris Aronson , distribution chief for Paramount .
“ We retooled Sonic in a way that was obviously very satisfying for the fans and they were very forgiving .
Now that they ’ ve seen the movie , they love the movie .
It all worked out.
” The Sega video game adaptation , directed by Jeff Fowler , drew decent reviews ( 63 % fresh on Rotten Tomatoes ) and an A CinemaScore from moviegoers .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as Dr. Robotnik with Ben Schwartz supplying Sonic ’ s voice .
Bong Joon Ho ’ s “ Parasite ” had its biggest weekend in its 19th week of release .
Neon put “ Parasite ” into its widest release yet ( 2,001 theaters ) following its historic win at the Oscars .
( “ Parasite ” was the first non-English-language film to win best picture in the 92-year history of the Academy Awards . )
And despite the film already being available for weeks on digital platforms and on DVD , its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Oscars bump for a best-picture winner since “ Gladiator ” in 2001 .
Last week ’ s opening of “ Birds of Prey ” followed up its limp debut by sliding to second with $ 17.1 million .
Following its disappointing opening , some theaters retitled the movie “ Harley Quinn : Birds of Prey , ” instead of “ Birds of Prey ( and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn ) .
” It was a busy weekend in theaters , with a handful of other new releases — “ The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” “ Downhill ” — seeking to capitalize on both Valentine ’ s Day on Friday and Presidents Day on Monday .
“ Fantasy Island , ” the Blumhouse horror remake of the ’ 70s TV show , fared the best , collecting $ 12.4 million in ticket sales despite terrible reviews .
Sony Pictures handled the release of the low-budget , PG-13 film , which earned just a 9 % fresh score on Rotten Tomatoes .
Universal Pictures ’ “ The Photograph , ” a romance starring Issa Rae and Lakeith Stanfield @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Girls Trip , ” “ Ride Along ” ) , opened with $ 12.2 million .
The film , written and directed by Stella Meghie , cost $ 15 million to make .
“ Downhill , ” from Disney ’ s Fox Searchlight Pictures , debuted with $ 4.7 million , a modest start for a film starring Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Will Ferrell .
A remake of the acclaimed Swedish film “ Force Majeure ” by Ruben Östlund , “ Downhill ” didn ’ t do great with critics but fared even worse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ D CinemaScore .
Neon followed up its “ Parasite ” Oscar win with the Valentine ’ s Day release of “ Portrait of a Lady on Fire , ” one of 2019 ’ s most acclaimed films .
Following a one-week qualifying run in December , Celine Sciamma ’ s French period romance opened in 22 theaters with a strong per-theater average of about $ 20,000 .
• Oscars TV ratings : How many people DIDN ’ T watch the show ?
• Oscars : From Billie Eilish to the wins of ‘ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moments • ‘ Parasite ’ makes history : How , where to watch Oscar favorite • From Pitt to ‘ 1917 , ’ what to anticipate at Sunday ’ s Oscars • ‘ Birds of Prey ’ flies low on Oscars weekend with tepid debut Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters , according to Comscore .
Where available , the latest international numbers for Friday through Sunday are also included .

By Jake Coyle | Associated Press
NEW YORK — The redesigned “Sonic the Hedgehog” showed plenty of teeth at the box office, speeding to a $57 million debut, according to studio estimates Sunday, while “Parasite” saw one of the largest post-Oscars bumps in years following its best picture win.
Paramount Pictures’ “Sonic the Hedgehog” came in well above expectations, especially for a movie that just months ago was a laughingstock. After its first trailer was greeted with ridicule on social media last year, “Sonic” was postponed three months to give its title character a design overhaul — including fixing Sonic’s eerily human teeth.
The makeover worked and audiences responded by making “Sonic the Hedgehog” the weekend’s top film and the highest-grossing opening for a video game adaptation, not accounting for inflation. For Paramount, it’s a welcome success following misfires such as “Gemini Man” and “Terminator: Dark Fate.” The studio estimates “Sonic” will gross $68 million over the four-day Presidents Day holiday weekend.
“If you don’t listen to your customer, and this goes for any business, then you’re going to fail,” said Chris Aronson, distribution chief for Paramount. “We retooled Sonic in a way that was obviously very satisfying for the fans and they were very forgiving. Now that they’ve seen the movie, they love the movie. It all worked out.”
The Sega video game adaptation, directed by Jeff Fowler, drew decent reviews (63% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes) and an A CinemaScore from moviegoers. The $87 million production co-stars Jim Carrey as Dr. Robotnik with Ben Schwartz supplying Sonic’s voice.
[vemba-video id=”van/ns-acc/2020/02/16/PY-03SU_CNNA-ST1-1000000005a4acba”]
Bong Joon Ho’s “Parasite” had its biggest weekend in its 19th week of release. Neon put “Parasite” into its widest release yet (2,001 theaters) following its historic win at the Oscars. (“Parasite” was the first non-English-language film to win best picture in the 92-year history of the Academy Awards.) And despite the film already being available for weeks on digital platforms and on DVD, its $5.5 million weekend is the largest Oscars bump for a best-picture winner since “Gladiator” in 2001.
Last week’s opening of “Birds of Prey” followed up its limp debut by sliding to second with $17.1 million. Following its disappointing opening, some theaters retitled the movie “Harley Quinn: Birds of Prey,” instead of “Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn).”
It was a busy weekend in theaters, with a handful of other new releases — “The Photograph,” “Fantasy Island,” “Downhill” — seeking to capitalize on both Valentine’s Day on Friday and Presidents Day on Monday.
“Fantasy Island,” the Blumhouse horror remake of the ’70s TV show, fared the best, collecting $12.4 million in ticket sales despite terrible reviews. Sony Pictures handled the release of the low-budget, PG-13 film, which earned just a 9% fresh score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Universal Pictures’ “The Photograph,” a romance starring Issa Rae and Lakeith Stanfield and produced by Will Packer (“Girls Trip,” “Ride Along”), opened with $12.2 million. The film, written and directed by Stella Meghie, cost $15 million to make.
“Downhill,” from Disney’s Fox Searchlight Pictures, debuted with $4.7 million, a modest start for a film starring Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Will Ferrell. A remake of the acclaimed Swedish film “Force Majeure” by Ruben Östlund, “Downhill” didn’t do great with critics but fared even worse with audiences. They gave it a D CinemaScore.
Neon followed up its “Parasite” Oscar win with the Valentine’s Day release of “Portrait of a Lady on Fire,” one of 2019’s most acclaimed films. Following a one-week qualifying run in December, Celine Sciamma’s French period romance opened in 22 theaters with a strong per-theater average of about $20,000.
Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Comscore. Where available, the latest international numbers for Friday through Sunday are also included.


mercurynews--2020-02-16--Could Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau be playing at home as Sharks one final time Monday?

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SAN JOSE — Joe Thornton has just come off the ice after an optional team skate Sunday morning and is taping a stick inside the Sharks ’ dressing room , preparing it for the following day ’ s game with the Florida Panthers .
Patrick Marleau is close by , helping one of his sons put some hockey equipment as they get ready to join a couple of the Sharks players still on the ice at the end of the informal practice .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ this particular moment , are giving much thought to the Feb. 24 NHL trade deadline and whether there ’ s a possibility of either of them will be playing elsewhere this season to chase a Stanley Cup .
Perhaps no one wants to think about it right now .
Still , a chance — however remote — exists that Monday ’ s Sharks game with the Panthers will be the last ever at home for both Thornton and Marleau , the two players most synonymous with the franchise reaching what might be the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
When asked about the possibility of Monday being the last time he wears a teal jersey inside the Tank , Thornton said , “ I don ’ t think so.
” John Thornton , Joe ’ s brother and agent , could not be reached for comment .
Like our Sharks Facebook page for more San Jose Sharks news , commentary and conversation .
After Monday , the Sharks begin a four-game road trip against Metropolitan Division teams , starting with a Thursday game in New Jersey and concluding Feb. 25 in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this week is Feb. 27 against the Devils .
The Sharks will almost certainly be sellers by the deadline , with a handful of players slated to become unrestricted free agents this summer .
Although the Sharks have won three of their last four games , their playoff chances remain remote .
They entered Sunday in 13th place in the Western Conference , 10 points back of the second wild card spot , with just 24 games remaining .
They ’ ve recently lost Erik Karlsson and Tomas Hertl to season-ending injuries , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is not completely clear and Evander Kane will miss the next two games after he was suspended Saturday by the NHL for three games .
Like our Sharks Facebook page for more San Jose Sharks news , commentary and conversation .
It would make sense , then , for general manager Doug Wilson to try and recoup some assets for one or more of these pending UFAs if he does not have plans to try and resign them by July 1 , the start of free agency .
But what will happen with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who has a no movement clause in his contract , does decide he would like to make a run at a Stanley Cup , all he would have to do is chat with Wilson , and Wilson would almost certainly try and oblige , even if the return is only a middle-round pick .
One wonders , then , if there ’ s more value in the assets those players might bring in a trade or in keeping them for one last desperate run .
At the very least , allowing them to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they have been most identified with over their respective careers .
Are there reasons why Thornton wouldn ’ t want to make a run at a Stanley Cup with a legitimate contender ?
“ I ’ d have to think about it .
I haven ’ t thought about it yet , ” Thornton said .
“ If we win tomorrow , we ’ re right back in the hunt .
That ’ s how I feel about it.
” Marleau , too , said he hasn ’ t thought about what might @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he does not have the same contractual protection as Thornton , it would make sense that Wilson would approach Marleau about a trade should there be legitimate interest from other teams .
“ If that comes up later on , we ’ ll deal with it then , ” Marleau said .
“ But right now , we just had a really good road trip .
So things are starting to look really good , we just have a lot of work left to do here.
” When meeting with reporters Jan. 30 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ teams have shown interest in Thornton or Marleau , two 40-year-old players who have suited up for a combined 2,637 games with the Sharks before Monday .
Marleau has 20 points in 53 games with the Sharks this season , and Thornton has 24 points in 57 games .
Despite the dip in production , both , it would seem , could easily fit onto any contending team ’ s third line , as Marleau remains an elite skater and a responsible two-way player and Thornton is one of the game ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , though , that the effect both players have had on the franchise has been immense , particularly how it relates to their impact on younger players just finding their way in the NHL .
“ Every team has to deal with this , often for longer periods of time and several times , ” Wilson said of this season ’ s struggles for his team .
“ But when it comes to Jumbo and Patty , they ’ ve been so impactful and so influential , I think they ’ ve both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take a look at him coming in , not only being so professional , but teaching some of the younger guys , and Jumbo ’ s always done that .
For me , I ’ ve been able to look back over the journey of these two guys .
It ’ s been incredible how fortunate we ’ ve been , and how we ’ re going to reap the benefits from them going forward.
, as soon as September.
” Rookie defenseman Mario Ferraro is one of those players .
“ You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PlayStation and XBox as these guys , ” Ferraro , 21 , said , “ and then all of a sudden you ’ re on the same team as them .
It ’ s like , ‘ Wow.
’ I have an opportunity to learn from great veterans that have been through a lot , that have had a lot of success .
It ’ s really special.
” Monday , both Thornton and Marleau will take the ice as they skate out from under the Shark head while Metallica ’ s “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loud speakers .
With Karlsson out , Thornton will be right behind either Aaron Dell or Martin Jones as the first ones on the ice .
Marleau , as is his custom , will be the last skater .
• Sharks ’ Erik Karlsson talks about the play that cost him his season No one wants to think about whether this will be the last time one or both take part in this ritual , with the fans inside SAP Center cheering on the Sharks moments before the start of the game .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal with it if and when it comes .
“ The team ’ s been playing really , really well , ” Thornton said .
“ It ’ s a good positive vibe around here , and we ’ re excited for tomorrow.
” “ It ’ s unbelievable how great the fans are here , and how supportive they are of not only myself , but the Sharks organization , ” Marleau said .
“ They ’ re great hockey fans .
”

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SAN JOSE — Joe Thornton has just come off the ice after an optional team skate Sunday morning and is taping a stick inside the Sharks’ dressing room, preparing it for the following day’s game with the Florida Panthers.
Patrick Marleau is close by, helping one of his sons put some hockey equipment as they get ready to join a couple of the Sharks players still on the ice at the end of the informal practice.
Neither Thornton or Marleau, understandably at this particular moment, are giving much thought to the Feb. 24 NHL trade deadline and whether there’s a possibility of either of them will be playing elsewhere this season to chase a Stanley Cup.
Perhaps no one wants to think about it right now.
Still, a chance — however remote — exists that Monday’s Sharks game with the Panthers will be the last ever at home for both Thornton and Marleau, the two players most synonymous with the franchise reaching what might be the end of their hall of fame-caliber careers.
When asked about the possibility of Monday being the last time he wears a teal jersey inside the Tank, Thornton said, “I don’t think so.” John Thornton, Joe’s brother and agent, could not be reached for comment.
Like our Sharks Facebook page for more San Jose Sharks news, commentary and conversation.
After Monday, the Sharks begin a four-game road trip against Metropolitan Division teams, starting with a Thursday game in New Jersey and concluding Feb. 25 in Philadelphia. Their next home game after this week is Feb. 27 against the Devils.
The Sharks will almost certainly be sellers by the deadline, with a handful of players slated to become unrestricted free agents this summer.
Although the Sharks have won three of their last four games, their playoff chances remain remote. They entered Sunday in 13th place in the Western Conference, 10 points back of the second wild card spot, with just 24 games remaining.
They’ve recently lost Erik Karlsson and Tomas Hertl to season-ending injuries, the timeline for a Logan Couture return is not completely clear and Evander Kane will miss the next two games after he was suspended Saturday by the NHL for three games.
Like our Sharks Facebook page for more San Jose Sharks news, commentary and conversation.
It would make sense, then, for general manager Doug Wilson to try and recoup some assets for one or more of these pending UFAs if he does not have plans to try and resign them by July 1, the start of free agency.
But what will happen with Thornton and Marleau?
If Thornton, who has a no movement clause in his contract, does decide he would like to make a run at a Stanley Cup, all he would have to do is chat with Wilson, and Wilson would almost certainly try and oblige, even if the return is only a middle-round pick.
Marleau, too, might fetch a similar return.
One wonders, then, if there’s more value in the assets those players might bring in a trade or in keeping them for one last desperate run. At the very least, allowing them to finish the regular season wearing the colors they have been most identified with over their respective careers.
Are there reasons why Thornton wouldn’t want to make a run at a Stanley Cup with a legitimate contender?
“I’d have to think about it. I haven’t thought about it yet,” Thornton said. “If we win tomorrow, we’re right back in the hunt. That’s how I feel about it.”
Marleau, too, said he hasn’t thought about what might happen in the next week. Although he does not have the same contractual protection as Thornton, it would make sense that Wilson would approach Marleau about a trade should there be legitimate interest from other teams.
“If that comes up later on, we’ll deal with it then,” Marleau said. “But right now, we just had a really good road trip. So things are starting to look really good, we just have a lot of work left to do here.”
When meeting with reporters Jan. 30, Wilson would not discuss whether other teams have shown interest in Thornton or Marleau, two 40-year-old players who have suited up for a combined 2,637 games with the Sharks before Monday.
Marleau has 20 points in 53 games with the Sharks this season, and Thornton has 24 points in 57 games. Despite the dip in production, both, it would seem, could easily fit onto any contending team’s third line, as Marleau remains an elite skater and a responsible two-way player and Thornton is one of the game’s all-time great playmakers.
Wilson did say, though, that the effect both players have had on the franchise has been immense, particularly how it relates to their impact on younger players just finding their way in the NHL.
“Every team has to deal with this, often for longer periods of time and several times,” Wilson said of this season’s struggles for his team. “But when it comes to Jumbo and Patty, they’ve been so impactful and so influential, I think they’ve both played well.
“Patty, you take a look at him coming in, not only being so professional, but teaching some of the younger guys, and Jumbo’s always done that. For me, I’ve been able to look back over the journey of these two guys. It’s been incredible how fortunate we’ve been, and how we’re going to reap the benefits from them going forward., as soon as September.”
Rookie defenseman Mario Ferraro is one of those players.
“You grow up watching these players, playing PlayStation and XBox as these guys,” Ferraro, 21, said, “and then all of a sudden you’re on the same team as them. It’s like, ‘Wow.’ I have an opportunity to learn from great veterans that have been through a lot, that have had a lot of success. It’s really special.”
Monday, both Thornton and Marleau will take the ice as they skate out from under the Shark head while Metallica’s “Seek and Destroy” blares over the loud speakers. With Karlsson out, Thornton will be right behind either Aaron Dell or Martin Jones as the first ones on the ice. Marleau, as is his custom, will be the last skater.
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“The team’s been playing really, really well,” Thornton said. “It’s a good positive vibe around here, and we’re excited for tomorrow.”
“It’s unbelievable how great the fans are here, and how supportive they are of not only myself, but the Sharks organization,” Marleau said. “They’re great hockey fans.”


mercurynews--2020-02-17--Letter: I urge my Santa Clara Valley neighbors to choose Anne Kepner

I encourage my Santa Clara Valley neighbors to choose Anne Kepner as our representative to the California Assembly .
I @ @ @ @ @ commitment to public service through her extensive volunteer efforts on behalf of students in the @ @ @ @ @ and her tenure on the West Valley-Mission Community College Board .
I ’ ve seen @ @ @ @ @ responsible , pragmatic leader who listens carefully while planning and then works hard to achieve @ @ @ @ @ about solving issues facing our community and I expect Anne will be an inclusive and @ @ @ @ @ Assembly .
• Letter : Are health care , college and housing truly ‘ rights @ @ @ @ @ Don ’ t sit back and think our democracy will be fine • Letter : @ @ @ @ @ of bond but only has 20 % of students ?
Please join me in voting @ @ @ @ @ State Assembly District 25 on March 3 .
Submit your letter to the editor via @ @ @ @ @ to the Editor

Kepner fiscally responsible,
pragmatic–and she listens
I encourage my Santa Clara Valley neighbors to choose Anne Kepner as our representative to the California Assembly.
I have witnessed Anne’s commitment to public service through her extensive volunteer efforts on behalf of students in the Santa Clara Unified School District and her tenure on the West Valley-Mission Community College Board.
I’ve seen Anne act as a fiscally responsible, pragmatic leader who listens carefully while planning and then works hard to achieve results. She is passionate about solving issues facing our community and I expect Anne will be an inclusive and conscientious representative in the California Assembly.
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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 Please join me in voting for Anne Kepner for California State Assembly District 25 on March 3.
Gary Calfee
Santa Clara
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mercurynews--2020-02-17--Horoscopes Feb. 17, 2020: Ed Sheeran, check out all possibilities.

Happy Birthday : Check out all possibilities , but don ’ t try to take on too much .
Your strength will be in using your skills masterfully to make a substantial leap forward .
Concentrate on what will pay the highest return emotionally , financially and intellectually .
Time spent nurturing a partnership will encourage stability as well as help you maintain confidence and freedom to follow your dreams .
Your numbers are 3 , 14 , 17 , 23 , 28 , 34 , 42 .
ARIES ( March 21-April 19 ) : Take the initiative to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ physically overcome whatever you don ’ t like about your life .
Whether you choose to change your vocation , appearance or how you live , it ’ s up to you to take charge .
5 stars TAURUS ( April 20-May 20 ) : Don ’ t wait for someone to do things for you .
Whatever you achieve or receive should be your responsibility .
Believe in what you have to offer , stick to your plans and partner with people who share your vision .
3 stars GEMINI ( May @ @ @ @ @ @ @ side when it comes to personal and professional opportunities .
Leave nothing to chance , and play to win .
Know when to say no , and focus on your success instead of helping someone else get ahead .
3 stars CANCER ( June 21-July 22 ) : Consider a partnership opportunity .
Discuss your intentions , share your vision and see who contributes the most .
Don ’ t let fear hold you back .
Avoid indulgent behavior or overspending .
Monitoring how and when to make a move will help you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ LEO ( July 23-Aug. 22 ) : Personal improvements and gains are within reach .
Straight talk will help you avoid getting mixed up in someone ’ s business .
A trip or creative pursuit will lift your spirits and inspire you to put more effort into achieving your dreams .
5 stars VIRGO ( Aug. 23-Sept. 22 ) : Pamper yourself .
Enjoy what life has to offer .
All work and no play will not be an incentive to get ahead .
Some balance will be required if you want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and longevity .
Emotional deception is apparent .
2 stars LIBRA ( Sept. 23-Oct. 22 ) : Too much of anything will lead to uncertainty .
Consider what you want , and do your best to make it happen .
Your happiness is your responsibility , not someone else ’ s .
Aim to feel good about yourself , your life and your future .
4 stars SCORPIO ( Oct. 23-Nov. 21 ) : Share ideas , and expand your interests , friendships and plans for the future .
A unique connection will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Travel and personal growth are favored .
Invest more time and money in honing your skills .
3 stars SAGITTARIUS ( Nov. 22-Dec. 21 ) : Meddlers will slow you down .
Be secretive regarding your plans until you have everything in place and are ready to present .
Expect someone who is threatened by you or jealous of you to cause an emotional scene .
Keep your distance , and do your own thing .
3 stars CAPRICORN ( Dec. 22-Jan. 19 ) : Ask , and you shall receive .
You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on your own to prosper .
Use what ’ s already in place , then add your fingerprint .
A creative idea will lead to greater prosperity .
Trust your gut , not your emotions .
3 stars AQUARIUS ( Jan. 20-Feb. 18 ) : Look for alternatives when faced with a setback .
Using your intellect and your imagination will help gain ground .
Do what comes naturally , and you will find it easier to get ahead .
Embrace the unknown instead of running away .
4 stars PISCES ( Feb. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new ideas , people and unfamiliar places .
Consider the risk factor involved in any situation you take on , and make decisions that will not compromise your integrity , beliefs or a relationship that is essential to you .
Think before you take action .
2 stars Birthday Baby : You are aggressive , fearless and playful .
You are curious and helpful .

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Ed Sheeran, 29; Joseph Gordon-Levitt, 39; Billie Joe Armstrong, 48; Denise Richards, 49.
Happy Birthday: Check out all possibilities, but don’t try to take on too much. Your strength will be in using your skills masterfully to make a substantial leap forward. Concentrate on what will pay the highest return emotionally, financially and intellectually. Time spent nurturing a partnership will encourage stability as well as help you maintain confidence and freedom to follow your dreams. Your numbers are 3, 14, 17, 23, 28, 34, 42.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Take the initiative to get things done. Look for ways to physically overcome whatever you don’t like about your life. Whether you choose to change your vocation, appearance or how you live, it’s up to you to take charge. 5 stars
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Don’t wait for someone to do things for you. Whatever you achieve or receive should be your responsibility. Believe in what you have to offer, stick to your plans and partner with people who share your vision. 3 stars
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Show your competitive side when it comes to personal and professional opportunities. Leave nothing to chance, and play to win. Know when to say no, and focus on your success instead of helping someone else get ahead. 3 stars
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Consider a partnership opportunity. Discuss your intentions, share your vision and see who contributes the most. Don’t let fear hold you back. Avoid indulgent behavior or overspending. Monitoring how and when to make a move will help you stabilize an unpredictable situation. 3 stars
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Personal improvements and gains are within reach. Straight talk will help you avoid getting mixed up in someone’s business. A trip or creative pursuit will lift your spirits and inspire you to put more effort into achieving your dreams. 5 stars
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Pamper yourself. Enjoy what life has to offer. All work and no play will not be an incentive to get ahead. Some balance will be required if you want to establish a lifestyle that leads to happiness and longevity. Emotional deception is apparent. 2 stars
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Too much of anything will lead to uncertainty. Consider what you want, and do your best to make it happen. Your happiness is your responsibility, not someone else’s. Aim to feel good about yourself, your life and your future. 4 stars
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Share ideas, and expand your interests, friendships and plans for the future. A unique connection will encourage you to try something new. Travel and personal growth are favored. Invest more time and money in honing your skills. 3 stars
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Meddlers will slow you down. Be secretive regarding your plans until you have everything in place and are ready to present. Expect someone who is threatened by you or jealous of you to cause an emotional scene. Keep your distance, and do your own thing. 3 stars
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Ask, and you shall receive. You don’t have to do everything on your own to prosper. Use what’s already in place, then add your fingerprint. A creative idea will lead to greater prosperity. Trust your gut, not your emotions. 3 stars
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Look for alternatives when faced with a setback. Using your intellect and your imagination will help gain ground. Do what comes naturally, and you will find it easier to get ahead. Embrace the unknown instead of running away. 4 stars
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Be open to new ideas, people and unfamiliar places. Consider the risk factor involved in any situation you take on, and make decisions that will not compromise your integrity, beliefs or a relationship that is essential to you. Think before you take action. 2 stars
Birthday Baby: You are aggressive, fearless and playful. You are curious and helpful.
Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.


Word Game: Feb. 17, 2020

Can you find 21 or more words in ACCLIVITY ?
The list will be published tomorrow .
To purchase the @ @ @ @ @ WordGameBooks.com .
Order it now for just $ 5 while supplies last !
1 .
@ @ @ @ @ or more letters .
2 .
Words that acquire four letters by the addition of @ @ @ @ @ as “ bats ” or “ dies , ” are not allowed .
3 .
@ @ @ @ @ a “ d ” or an “ s ” may not be used .
For @ @ @ @ @ ” is used , “ baked ” or “ bakes ” are not allowed , @ @ @ @ @ “ baking ” are admissible .
4 .
Proper nouns , slang words , or @ @ @ @ @ are not allowed .

TODAY’S WORD — ACCLIVITY (ACCLIVITY: uh-KLIV-ih-tee: An upward slope.)
Average mark 15 words
Time limit 30 minutes
Can you find 21 or more words in ACCLIVITY? The list will be published tomorrow.
SATURDAY’S WORD — AUTOCRATIC actor actuator aorta arctic aria
attar attic aura auric auto autocrat uric tacit taco tact tactic taro tarot
tart taut tiara tiro tort tour tout tract trait tricot trio trot trout tutor occur
orca otic cacao carat carioca cart circa coat coati coca coir court curacao
curio curt ratio riata ricotta riot rout Iota
To purchase the Word Game book, visit WordGameBooks.com. Order it now for just $5 while supplies last!
RULES OF THE GAME:
1. Words must be of four or more letters.
2. Words that acquire four letters by the addition of “s,” such as “bats” or “dies,” are not allowed.
3. Additional words made by adding a “d” or an “s” may not be used. For example, if “bake” is used, “baked” or “bakes” are not allowed, but “bake” and “baking” are admissible.
4. Proper nouns, slang words, or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed.
Contact Word Game creator Kathleen Saxe at kzsaxe@gmail.com.


Bridge: Feb. 17, 2020

In December , the ACBL staged its Fall Championships in San Francisco , a marvelous site though a long trip for some .
The cost of attending a 10-day NABC remains prohibitive for many players .
The ageless Eddie Kantar , whose writing has entertained and enlightened players for eight decades , was on hand for a book signing .
For years Eddie has contributed an instructional column to NABC Daily Bulletins .
In today ’ s deal , South takes the ace of hearts and can stake his club slam on a spade finesse ( which would end the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ South must instead try to set up dummy ’ s fifth diamond .
South proceeds thus : ace of diamonds , diamond ruff , trump to dummy , diamond ruff .
When East-West follow , South leads a trump to dummy and ruffs a diamond .
He goes to the ace of spades to pitch a spade on the good fifth diamond , concedes a heart and ruffs his last heart in dummy .
If diamonds broke 4-3 ( or if trumps broke 3-0 ) , South could fall back on the spade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 8 H 10 8 6 D J C A Q 10 8 7 6 5 .
You deal and open three clubs .
Your partner bids three hearts .
The opponents pass .
What do you say ?
ANSWER : Partner ’ s bid is forcing .
For him to act with a good suit but nothing more would make no sense since your preempt promised a strong suit .
Your hand couldn ’ t be better for a heart contract ; you have an ace and a side singleton .
Bid four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , cue-bid four diamonds .
3 C Pass 6 C All Pass

In December, the ACBL staged its Fall Championships in San Francisco, a marvelous site though a long trip for some. The cost of attending a 10-day NABC remains prohibitive for many players.
The ageless Eddie Kantar, whose writing has entertained and enlightened players for eight decades, was on hand for a book signing. For years Eddie has contributed an instructional column to NABC Daily Bulletins.
In today’s deal, South takes the ace of hearts and can stake his club slam on a spade finesse (which would end the play quickly). Kantar notes that South must instead try to set up dummy’s fifth diamond.
FIFTH DIAMOND
South proceeds thus: ace of diamonds, diamond ruff, trump to dummy, diamond ruff. When East-West follow, South leads a trump to dummy and ruffs a diamond. He goes to the ace of spades to pitch a spade on the good fifth diamond, concedes a heart and ruffs his last heart in dummy.
If diamonds broke 4-3 (or if trumps broke 3-0), South could fall back on the spade finesse.
DAILY QUESTION
You hold: S 9 8 H 10 8 6 D J C A Q 10 8 7 6 5. You deal and open three clubs. Your partner bids three hearts. The opponents pass. What do you say?
ANSWER: Partner’s bid is forcing. For him to act with a good suit but nothing more would make no sense since your preempt promised a strong suit. Your hand couldn’t be better for a heart contract; you have an ace and a side singleton. Bid four hearts or, if partner will understand, cue-bid four diamonds.
South dealer
Neither side vulnerable
NORTH
S A Q J
H A 5
D A 7 6 5 4
C K J 9
WEST
S 10 7 4 2
H Q J 9 4
D Q 9 8
C 4 3
EAST
S K 6 5 3
H K 7 3 2
D K 10 3 2
C 2
SOUTH
S 9 8
H 10 8 6
D J
C A Q 10 8 7 6 5
South West North East
3 C Pass 6 C All Pass
Opening lead — H Q
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