mercurynews--2020-02-10--Potential record gust of 209 mph recorded at Northern California mountain peak

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE — A gust of 209 mph ( 336 kph ) was recorded atop a California peak on Sunday , a potential record that wowed forecasters monitoring a cold storm that moved south through the state dumping snow , rain and hail .
The blast of wind was captured around 7:45 a.m. by an instrument at 9,186 feet ( 2,800 meters ) on Kirkwood Mountain south of Lake Tahoe , said National Weather Service forecaster Alex Hoon .
He and his colleagues at the NWS office in Reno , Nevada watched in surprise as wind speeds across the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mph and kept rising .
“ It went up and up , ” Hoon said .
It could take months for state climatologists to verify the record , he said .
“ But the way that the winds did ramp up , it looks legitimate , ” Hoon said .
“ It ’ s an exciting moment for sure.
” The previous record was a gust of 199 mph ( 320 kph ) at Ward Mountain west of Lake Tahoe on Nov. 16 , 2017 .
The storm that caused widespread in flooding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a strong cold front to California .
Waves topping 5 feet ( 1.5 meters ) were recorded on Lake Tahoe , where air temperatures dipped below freezing .
• Wind whips Bay Area as February looks likely to be rain-free • Storms wallop the Eastern Seaboard ; At least 5 dead in the South Powerful winds downed trees and knocked out power to tens of thousands in the San Francisco Bay Area .
The same system dumped hail in parts of greater Los Angeles and snow in mountain areas north and east of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stars arrived for the Academy Awards in Hollywood on Sunday .
The red carpet was protected by a tent but the position of some camera crews had them just outside the shelter , sending them scrambling to find tarps and plastic to protect their gear .
Temperatures in LA were in the 50s ( about 13 Celsius ) .

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE — A gust of 209 mph (336 kph) was recorded atop a California peak on Sunday, a potential record that wowed forecasters monitoring a cold storm that moved south through the state dumping snow, rain and hail.
The blast of wind was captured around 7:45 a.m. by an instrument at 9,186 feet (2,800 meters) on Kirkwood Mountain south of Lake Tahoe, said National Weather Service forecaster Alex Hoon.
He and his colleagues at the NWS office in Reno, Nevada watched in surprise as wind speeds across the crest of the Sierra Nevada hit 150 mph and kept rising.
“It went up and up,” Hoon said. It could take months for state climatologists to verify the record, he said.
“But the way that the winds did ramp up, it looks legitimate,” Hoon said. “It’s an exciting moment for sure.”
The previous record was a gust of 199 mph (320 kph) at Ward Mountain west of Lake Tahoe on Nov. 16, 2017.
The storm that caused widespread in flooding last week in Washington and Oregon brought a strong cold front to California.
Waves topping 5 feet (1.5 meters) were recorded on Lake Tahoe, where air temperatures dipped below freezing.
Powerful winds downed trees and knocked out power to tens of thousands in the San Francisco Bay Area.
The same system dumped hail in parts of greater Los Angeles and snow in mountain areas north and east of the city.
Heavy rain fell as stars arrived for the Academy Awards in Hollywood on Sunday. The red carpet was protected by a tent but the position of some camera crews had them just outside the shelter, sending them scrambling to find tarps and plastic to protect their gear.
Temperatures in LA were in the 50s (about 13 Celsius).


mercurynews--2020-02-10--Twitter reacts to Billie Eilish’s Oscar night In Memoriam performance of Beatles’ ‘Yesterday’

Sunday ’ s Oscars brought out the youngest Grammy winner , Billie Eilish , on stage during the show ’ @ @ @ @ @ The singer , alongside her brother Finneas , covered The Beatles ’ “ Yesterday.
” @ @ @ @ @ those who died this year was basketball legend , Kobe Bryant .
Next to Bryant @ @ @ @ @ quote , “ Life is too short to get bogged down and be discouraged .
@ @ @ @ @ .
You have to keep going.
” The segment also included Kirk Douglas , Peter @ @ @ @ @ people in the industry who lost their lives .
People took to social media to @ @ @ @ @ while some were displeased with the cover and the quick appearance of Bryant .
Here @ @ @ @ @ :

Sunday’s Oscars brought out the youngest Grammy winner, Billie Eilish, on stage during the show’s In Memoriam segment. The singer, alongside her brother Finneas, covered The Beatles’ “Yesterday.”
Included in the tribute to those who died this year was basketball legend, Kobe Bryant. Next to Bryant’s photo was the quote, “Life is too short to get bogged down and be discouraged. You have to keep moving. You have to keep going.” The segment also included Kirk Douglas, Peter Fonda among the list of people in the industry who lost their lives.
People took to social media to praise Eilish’s cover while some were displeased with the cover and the quick appearance of Bryant.
Here is what they are saying:
💎 RT @TheHoopCentral: “Life is too short to get bogged down and be discouraged. You have to keep moving. You have to keep going.” Kobe Bryant honored at the Oscars🙏 pic.twitter.com/Eth3DCs2v5 — The G.o.a.t. (@melo107) February 10, 2020
Another unpopular opinion… Billie Eilish does not impress me. At all. #Oscars — Chip Hansen (@ReadyOneTakeTwo) February 10, 2020
Billie Eilish’s performance of Yesterday just now was sooo good — Awkward Marina / STREAM IT'S EASY (@AwkwardMarina) February 10, 2020
Very poor job by the Oscars cutting the Kobe Bryant tribute short — Garrett Reilly (@reillygarrett2) February 10, 2020
Billie Eilish gave an understated, heartfelt, warm performance there. Beautifully done. #Oscars — Tom Broome-Jones (@TBroomey) February 10, 2020
This is why you get talent and not hype or in studio "performers!!" That little girl CANNOT SING!! No EXCUSES, she lacks talent, musically. #BillieEilish #BillieEllish #BillieAtTheOscars #Oscars — Sophisticated Diva (@TSPDST) February 10, 2020
Me before the Oscars: “Billie Eilish shouldn’t do the Bond theme song” Me 10 seconds into the ‘In Memorium’ segment: “Billie Eilish should totally sing the Bond theme song” — Jordan Krahn (@jkrahn) February 10, 2020
That might be the best reading of "Yesterday" I've ever heard. Billie Eilish really is amazing in her approach. And, I'm overwhelmed every time I see who we've lost in the entertainment world. This year will likely be no different. #Oscars #InMemoriam — Greg Brian (@Gregoriancant) February 10, 2020
Pleased with @TheAcademy #oscars In Memoriam opening with #KobeBryant. Peace for all of the families🙏🏿🎈 https://t.co/7Inp2d3sWG — Adrienne C Barr (@AdrienneCBarr) February 10, 2020


mercurynews--2020-02-10--Man accused in deadly California spa bombing charged with fraud

The Long Beach man accused of plotting the mail bomb attack on an Aliso Viejo day spa in 2018 that killed his ex-girlfriend has now been charged in an unrelated fraud case .
Stephen William Beal , 61 , was charged with two counts of hiding hundreds of thousands of dollars he received as a life insurance payout for his wife ’ s death after he filed for bankruptcy in 2009 , according to court documents filed in January .
In total , Beal received about $ 350,000 in a settlement with the insurance company in 2011 .
Prosecutors said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his bankruptcy petition to disclose those funds to the court .
The prosecutors bringing the fraud charges — assistant U.S. attorneys in California who work for the Department of Justice national security and terrorism units — are the same ones trying Beal in the bombing case .
In a separate January filing , the prosecutors said DOJ officials had not decided whether to pursue the death penalty against Beal for the deadly explosion .
“ The parties believe it is difficult to set motion and other deadlines without a decision from the Attorney @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Jan. 30 filing .
The DOJ Capital Case Review Committee met with Beal ’ s attorney in Washington , D.C. in November 2019 to discuss the details of the case and to weigh whether to pursue the death penalty .
But in their filing , the California assistant U.S. attorneys said “ it will take several months beyond ” the November meeting for the DOJ to make a decision .
The May 15 , 2018 bombing killed 48-year-old Ildiko Krajnyak at the Magyar Kozmetika spa she operated with Beal .
Two other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mailed to Krajnyak in a cardboard box .
When she opened the package , it exploded , blowing out the windows of the building and rocking nearby homes and an elementary school .
Beal was questioned by the FBI and his home searched soon after the bombing .
Just days later , he was charged with possessing an unregistered explosive device .
But he faced no charges in Krajnyak ’ s death .
Within a week , the U.S. Attorney ’ s Office dropped the charges , believing the device may have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year for Beal to be arrested again and charged with four counts , including the bombing itself and the use of a weapon of mass destruction .
He pleaded not guilty to all the charges .
The fraud charges filed against Beal come amid the ongoing pre-trial sparring over the bombing case .
In the Jan. 29 grand jury indictment , prosecutors said Beal filed for Chapter 13 bankruptcy in 2009 .
In his petition , he told the court he had a claim on benefits he said were not paid out by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his wife .
By April 2011 , following a lawsuit , Beal had received those benefits , about $ 350,000 worth .
But he did not report receiving those funds to the bankruptcy court .
He also didn ’ t tell them about several loans he took out at the time , prosecutors said .
Beal later transferred most of that money to several brokerage accounts , they said .
According to the indictment , Beal was charged with one count each of fraudulently concealing and transferring the $ 350,000 .
Authorities have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ died , or how .
Resident living in Beal ’ s Long Beach neighborhood at the time of his arrest said his first wife died in a freak accident .
According to Los Angeles County coroner ’ s records , Christine Beal died in 2008 when she was 48 ; her cause of death was “ undetermined , ” but the report notes she was suffering from “ pancreatitis , electrolyte imbalance ” and “ chronic lead intoxication.
” In a 2010 filing related to Beal ’ s lawsuit against his insurance company @ @ @ @ @ @ @ traumatic pancreatitis .
He said the cause was her falling down a flight of stairs while carrying a 49-pound end table .
The Long Beach Police Department was handling the investigation into Christine Beal ’ s death .
Information about that investigation was not immediately available Sunday .

The Long Beach man accused of plotting the mail bomb attack on an Aliso Viejo day spa in 2018 that killed his ex-girlfriend has now been charged in an unrelated fraud case.
Stephen William Beal, 61, was charged with two counts of hiding hundreds of thousands of dollars he received as a life insurance payout for his wife’s death after he filed for bankruptcy in 2009, according to court documents filed in January.
In total, Beal received about $350,000 in a settlement with the insurance company in 2011. Prosecutors said he was required under the terms of his bankruptcy petition to disclose those funds to the court.
The prosecutors bringing the fraud charges — assistant U.S. attorneys in California who work for the Department of Justice national security and terrorism units — are the same ones trying Beal in the bombing case.
In a separate January filing, the prosecutors said DOJ officials had not decided whether to pursue the death penalty against Beal for the deadly explosion.
“The parties believe it is difficult to set motion and other deadlines without a decision from the Attorney General,” the prosecutors wrote in the Jan. 30 filing.
The DOJ Capital Case Review Committee met with Beal’s attorney in Washington, D.C. in November 2019 to discuss the details of the case and to weigh whether to pursue the death penalty. But in their filing, the California assistant U.S. attorneys said “it will take several months beyond” the November meeting for the DOJ to make a decision.
The May 15, 2018 bombing killed 48-year-old Ildiko Krajnyak at the Magyar Kozmetika spa she operated with Beal. Two other women were injured.
The bomb was mailed to Krajnyak in a cardboard box. When she opened the package, it exploded, blowing out the windows of the building and rocking nearby homes and an elementary school.
Beal was questioned by the FBI and his home searched soon after the bombing. Just days later, he was charged with possessing an unregistered explosive device. But he faced no charges in Krajnyak’s death.
Within a week, the U.S. Attorney’s Office dropped the charges, believing the device may have been legal. It took more than a year for Beal to be arrested again and charged with four counts, including the bombing itself and the use of a weapon of mass destruction. He pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
The fraud charges filed against Beal come amid the ongoing pre-trial sparring over the bombing case.
In the Jan. 29 grand jury indictment, prosecutors said Beal filed for Chapter 13 bankruptcy in 2009. In his petition, he told the court he had a claim on benefits he said were not paid out by his insurance company following the death of his wife.
By April 2011, following a lawsuit, Beal had received those benefits, about $350,000 worth. But he did not report receiving those funds to the bankruptcy court. He also didn’t tell them about several loans he took out at the time, prosecutors said.
Beal later transferred most of that money to several brokerage accounts, they said.
According to the indictment, Beal was charged with one count each of fraudulently concealing and transferring the $350,000.
Authorities have not said when Beal’s wife died, or how.
Resident living in Beal’s Long Beach neighborhood at the time of his arrest said his first wife died in a freak accident.
According to Los Angeles County coroner’s records, Christine Beal died in 2008 when she was 48; her cause of death was “undetermined,” but the report notes she was suffering from “pancreatitis, electrolyte imbalance” and “chronic lead intoxication.”
In a 2010 filing related to Beal’s lawsuit against his insurance company, he claimed his wife died from traumatic pancreatitis. He said the cause was her falling down a flight of stairs while carrying a 49-pound end table.
The Long Beach Police Department was handling the investigation into Christine Beal’s death. Information about that investigation was not immediately available Sunday.


mercurynews--2020-02-10--Making Oscar history, ‘Parasite’ wins best picture

LOS ANGELES ( AP ) — In a milestone win that instantly expanded the Oscars ’ horizons , Bong Joon Ho ’ s masterfully devious class satire “ Parasite ” became the first non-English language film to win best picture in the 92-year history of the Academy Awards .
“ Parasite ” took Hollywood ’ s top prize on Sunday night , along with awards for best director , best international film and best screenplay .
In a year dominated by period epics — “ 1917 , ” “ Once Upon a Time … In Hollywood , ” “ The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ went overseas , to South Korea , to reward a contemporary and unsettling portrait of social inequality in “ Parasite.
” True to its name , “ Parasite ” simply got under the skin of Oscar voters , attaching itself to the American awards season and , ultimately , to history .
The win was a watershed moment for the Academy Awards , which has long been content to relegate international films to their own category .
But in recent years , to diversify its membership , the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voters .
Multiple standing ovations greeted Bong ’ s several wins .
“ I am ready to drink tonight , ” Bong said , prompting roars from the crowd .
Unexpectedly called up again for best director , Bong saluted his fellow nominees , particularly Martin Scorsese , and concluded : “ Now I ’ m ready to drink until tomorrow.
” After the Dolby Theatre had emptied out , the “ Parasite ” team still remained on the stage , soaking in their win .
Backstage , Bong was still gobsmacked .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” he told reporters , clutching his awards .
The victory for “ Parasite ” — which had echoes of the surprise win by “ Moonlight ” over “ La La Land ” three years ago — came in a year when many criticized the lack of diversity in the nominees and the absence of female filmmakers .
But the triumph for “ Parasite , ” the Palme d ’ Or-winner at last year ’ s Cannes Film Festival , enabled Hollywood to flip the script and signal progress , nevertheless .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Oscar before .
In doing so , the film academy turned away another history-making event , again denying Netflix its first best-picture win despite two contenders in “ The Irishman ” and “ Marriage Story , ” and a big-spending awards campaign blitz .
Sam Mendes ’ audaciously conceived World War I film “ 1917 , ” made to seem one continuous shot , had been the clear favorite heading into Oscars , having won nearly all the precursor awards , including top honors from the Producers Guild , the Directors Guild , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In the end , “ 1917 ” went home with three awards for its technical virtuosity : Roger Deakins ’ cinematography , visual effects and sound mixing .
All of the acting winners — Brad Pitt , Renée Zellweger , Joaquin Phoenix and Laura Dern — went as expected .
While Pitt , notching his first acting Oscar , had regaled audiences with one-liners in the run-up to Sunday , he began his comments on a political note .
“ They told me I have 45 seconds to speak , which is 45 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bolton this week , ” Pitt said , alluding to the impeachment hearings before mentioning director Quentin Tarantino .
“ I ’ m thinking maybe Quentin does a movie about it.
” Pitt said the honor had given him reason to reflect on his fairy-tale journey in the film industry , going back to when he moved to Los Angeles from Missouri .
“ Once upon a time in Hollywood , ” said Pitt .
“ Ain ’ t that the truth.
” Zellweger completed a comeback , winning her second Academy Award @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in “ Judy.
” Dern won for her performance as a divorce attorney in Noah Baumbach ’ s “ Marriage Story.
” Accepting her first Oscar , Dern thanked her in-attendance parents , “ my legends , Diane Ladd and Bruce Dern.
” Phoenix , long one of Hollywood ’ s most respected actors , took best actor for his limber but morose Joker .
In his acceptance speech , Phoenix spoke deliberately about a host of issues , including sexism and racism in the film industry , ecological disaster and vegetarianism .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in my life .
I ’ ve been selfish , I ’ ve been cruel at times and hard to work with .
But so many of you in this room have given me a second chance , ” Phoenix said .
When people guide each other toward redemption , he added , “ that is the best of humanity.
” He concluded quoting a lyric of his deceased brother , River Phoenix : “ Run to the rescue with love and peace will follow.
” For the 87th time , no women @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a subject that was woven into the entire ceremony — and even into some attendees ’ clothing .
Natalie Portman wore a cape lined with the names of female filmmakers who weren ’ t nominated for their direction , including Lulu Wang ( “ The Farewell ” ) , Greta Gerwig ( “ Little Women ” ) and Mati Diop ( “ Atlantics ” ) .
Coming on a rare rainy day in Los Angeles , the ceremony was soggy and song-heavy .
Some performances , like Eminem ’ s performance of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( and drew a wan response from Scorsese ) .
All of the song nominees performed , including Elton John who won with his longtime songwriting partner Bernie Taupin for their “ Rocketman ” tune .
The hostless ceremony opened on a note of inclusion , with Janelle Monae performing “ A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood ” and her own song , “ Come Alive , ” with an assist from Billy Porter .
“ I ’ m so proud to be standing here as a black queer artist telling stories , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ History Month.
” Two former Oscar hosts , Chris Rock and Steve Martin , provided the opening monologue .
“ An incredible demotion , ” Martin called it .
Martin also reminded that something was missing from this year ’ s directing nominees .
“ Vaginas !
” Rock replied .
There were milestones beyond “ Parasite.
” In winning best adapted screenplay for his Nazi satire “ Jojo Rabbit , ” the New Zealand filmmaker Taika Waititi became the first indigenous director ever to win an Oscar .
He dedicated the award @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the world who want to do art , dance and write stories.
” “ We are the original storytellers , ” Waititi said .
“ Joker ” composer Hildur Guðnadóttir became only the third woman to ever win best original score .
” To the girls , to the women , to the mothers , to the daughters who hear the music opening within , please speak up , ” said Guðnadóttir .
“ We need to hear your voices.
” Awards were spread around to all of the best picture nominees , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s 10-time nominee “ The Irishman.
” When Bong mentioned his admiration of Scorsese , an impromptu tribute broke out , with the Dolby Theatre giving Scorsese a standing ovation .
The car racing throwback “ Ford v Ferrari ” won both editing and sound editing .
Gerwig ’ s Louisa May Alcott adaptation “ Little Women ” won for Jacqueline Durran ’ s costume design .
“ Once Upon a Time … in Hollywood ” won for Barbara Ling ’ s production design .
Netflix didn ’ t go home empty handed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for “ Marriage Story , ” the streamer ’ s “ American Factory ” won best documentary .
The film is the first release from Barack and Michelle Obama ’ s Higher Ground Productions .
Pixar extended its domination of the best animated film category , winning for “ Toy Story 4.
” It ’ s the 10th Pixar film to win the award and second “ Toy Story ” film to do so , following the previous 2010 installment .
It was an early award for the Walt Disney Co. , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in worldwide box office last year and owning the network the Oscars are broadcast on , played a minor role in the ceremony .
The bulk of its awards came from 20th Century Fox ( “ Ford v Ferrari ” ) and Fox Searchlight ( “ Jojo Rabbit ” ) , both of which the company took control of after its $ 71.3 billion acquisition of 21st Century Fox last year .
Disney ’ s ABC hoped a widely watched field of nominees — including the $ 1 billion-grossing “ Joker ” — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s show garnered 29.6 million viewers , a 12 % uptick .

By JAKE COYLE
LOS ANGELES (AP) — In a milestone win that instantly expanded the Oscars’ horizons, Bong Joon Ho’s masterfully devious class satire “Parasite” became the first non-English language film to win best picture in the 92-year history of the Academy Awards.
“Parasite” took Hollywood’s top prize on Sunday night, along with awards for best director, best international film and best screenplay. In a year dominated by period epics — “1917,” “Once Upon a Time … In Hollywood,” “The Irishman” — the film academy instead went overseas, to South Korea, to reward a contemporary and unsettling portrait of social inequality in “Parasite.”
True to its name, “Parasite” simply got under the skin of Oscar voters, attaching itself to the American awards season and, ultimately, to history. The win was a watershed moment for the Academy Awards, which has long been content to relegate international films to their own category. But in recent years, to diversify its membership, the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences has invited many more overseas voters.
Multiple standing ovations greeted Bong’s several wins. “I am ready to drink tonight,” Bong said, prompting roars from the crowd. Unexpectedly called up again for best director, Bong saluted his fellow nominees, particularly Martin Scorsese, and concluded: “Now I’m ready to drink until tomorrow.”
After the Dolby Theatre had emptied out, the “Parasite” team still remained on the stage, soaking in their win. Backstage, Bong was still gobsmacked. “It’s really f—-ing crazy,” he told reporters, clutching his awards.
The victory for “Parasite” — which had echoes of the surprise win by “Moonlight” over “La La Land” three years ago — came in a year when many criticized the lack of diversity in the nominees and the absence of female filmmakers. But the triumph for “Parasite,” the Palme d’Or-winner at last year’s Cannes Film Festival, enabled Hollywood to flip the script and signal progress, nevertheless. No Korean film had ever won an Oscar before.
In doing so, the film academy turned away another history-making event, again denying Netflix its first best-picture win despite two contenders in “The Irishman” and “Marriage Story,” and a big-spending awards campaign blitz.
Sam Mendes’ audaciously conceived World War I film “1917,” made to seem one continuous shot, had been the clear favorite heading into Oscars, having won nearly all the precursor awards, including top honors from the Producers Guild, the Directors Guild, the Golden Globes and the BAFTAs. In the end, “1917” went home with three awards for its technical virtuosity: Roger Deakins’ cinematography, visual effects and sound mixing.
All of the acting winners — Brad Pitt, Renée Zellweger, Joaquin Phoenix and Laura Dern — went as expected. While Pitt, notching his first acting Oscar, had regaled audiences with one-liners in the run-up to Sunday, he began his comments on a political note.
“They told me I have 45 seconds to speak, which is 45 seconds more than the Senate gave John Bolton this week,” Pitt said, alluding to the impeachment hearings before mentioning director Quentin Tarantino. “I’m thinking maybe Quentin does a movie about it.”
Pitt said the honor had given him reason to reflect on his fairy-tale journey in the film industry, going back to when he moved to Los Angeles from Missouri. “Once upon a time in Hollywood,” said Pitt. “Ain’t that the truth.”
Zellweger completed a comeback, winning her second Academy Award for her fragile but indomitable Judy Garland in “Judy.” Dern won for her performance as a divorce attorney in Noah Baumbach’s “Marriage Story.” Accepting her first Oscar, Dern thanked her in-attendance parents, “my legends, Diane Ladd and Bruce Dern.”
Phoenix, long one of Hollywood’s most respected actors, took best actor for his limber but morose Joker. In his acceptance speech, Phoenix spoke deliberately about a host of issues, including sexism and racism in the film industry, ecological disaster and vegetarianism.
“I’ve been a scoundrel in my life. I’ve been selfish, I’ve been cruel at times and hard to work with. But so many of you in this room have given me a second chance,” Phoenix said. When people guide each other toward redemption, he added, “that is the best of humanity.”
He concluded quoting a lyric of his deceased brother, River Phoenix: “Run to the rescue with love and peace will follow.”
For the 87th time, no women were nominated for best director this year, a subject that was woven into the entire ceremony — and even into some attendees’ clothing. Natalie Portman wore a cape lined with the names of female filmmakers who weren’t nominated for their direction, including Lulu Wang (“The Farewell”), Greta Gerwig (“Little Women”) and Mati Diop (“Atlantics”).
Coming on a rare rainy day in Los Angeles, the ceremony was soggy and song-heavy. Some performances, like Eminem’s performance of “Lose Yourself,” were unexpected (and drew a wan response from Scorsese). All of the song nominees performed, including Elton John who won with his longtime songwriting partner Bernie Taupin for their “Rocketman” tune.
The hostless ceremony opened on a note of inclusion, with Janelle Monae performing “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” and her own song, “Come Alive,” with an assist from Billy Porter. “I’m so proud to be standing here as a black queer artist telling stories,” Monae said. “Happy Black History Month.”
Two former Oscar hosts, Chris Rock and Steve Martin, provided the opening monologue. “An incredible demotion,” Martin called it. Martin also reminded that something was missing from this year’s directing nominees. “Vaginas!” Rock replied.
There were milestones beyond “Parasite.” In winning best adapted screenplay for his Nazi satire “Jojo Rabbit,” the New Zealand filmmaker Taika Waititi became the first indigenous director ever to win an Oscar. He dedicated the award to “all the indigenous kids in the world who want to do art, dance and write stories.”
“We are the original storytellers,” Waititi said.
“Joker” composer Hildur Guðnadóttir became only the third woman to ever win best original score. ”To the girls, to the women, to the mothers, to the daughters who hear the music opening within, please speak up,” said Guðnadóttir. “We need to hear your voices.”
Awards were spread around to all of the best picture nominees, with the lone exception being Scorsese’s 10-time nominee “The Irishman.” When Bong mentioned his admiration of Scorsese, an impromptu tribute broke out, with the Dolby Theatre giving Scorsese a standing ovation. The car racing throwback “Ford v Ferrari” won both editing and sound editing. Gerwig’s Louisa May Alcott adaptation “Little Women” won for Jacqueline Durran’s costume design. “Once Upon a Time … in Hollywood” won for Barbara Ling’s production design.
Netflix didn’t go home empty handed. Aside from Dern’s win for “Marriage Story,” the streamer’s “American Factory” won best documentary. The film is the first release from Barack and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground Productions.
Pixar extended its domination of the best animated film category, winning for “Toy Story 4.” It’s the 10th Pixar film to win the award and second “Toy Story” film to do so, following the previous 2010 installment.
It was an early award for the Walt Disney Co., which despite amassing a record $13 billion in worldwide box office last year and owning the network the Oscars are broadcast on, played a minor role in the ceremony. The bulk of its awards came from 20th Century Fox (“Ford v Ferrari”) and Fox Searchlight (“Jojo Rabbit”), both of which the company took control of after its $71.3 billion acquisition of 21st Century Fox last year.
Disney’s ABC hoped a widely watched field of nominees — including the $1 billion-grossing “Joker” — will help viewership. Last year’s show garnered 29.6 million viewers, a 12% uptick.
___
AP Film Writer Lindsey Bahr contributed to this report.
___
Follow AP Film Writer Jake Coyle at: http://twitter.com/jakecoyleAP


mercurynews--2020-02-10--Oscars: Ranking the musical performances from best to wait…what?

With no host , the 92nd annual Academy Awards had to do something to fill the required 5 hours and 54 minutes it takes to present 24 awards .
The solution was musical performances .
Some were inspired .
Some were required .
Some were just plain puzzling .
Here ’ s our ranking , from best to wait , what just happened , from the 2020 Oscars .
Not only was Erivo up for best actress , she slayed the nominated “ Stand Up ” from “ Harriet ” ( which she co-wrote ) with a goosebump-triggering performance .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Oscar orchestra , it was easily the most powerful musical production of the night .
The Hollywood types thought so , too , as Erivo received a standing ovation .
Metz , the star of “ This Is Us ” performed the Oscar-nominated “ I ’ m Standing With You ” from the film “ Breakthrough.
” The understated performance , which featured the actress singing the song solo on the stage , well-done .
Menzel , the voice of Elsa in the “ Frozen ” series , appeared to sing the nominated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provided background vocals that sounded like she was stuck haunting an ice castle somewhere .
But before things got too weird , the singers who voiced Elsas joined in , trading lines of the song in their native languages .
The performance was fine and the song ’ s not as annoying as “ Let It Go.
” Eimear Noone became the first woman to lead the Oscar ’ s 42-piece orchestra .
However , it was just for the excerpts of the five nominated scores .
( Rickey Minor , the Oscars @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the rest of the night . )
Despite the introduction from Gal Gadot , Sigourney Weaver and Brie Larson that deemed all women are superheroes , apparently they can only be trusted to conduct one performance in a night full of music .
This performance made sense .
“ I Can ’ t Let You Throw Yourself Away ” was nominated for best song and Newman wrote and recorded it for the film .
It ’ s no “ You ’ ve Got a Friend in Me , ” but Newman is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loves LA .
This performance was also thankfully short .
“ Rocketman , ” the surreal semi-biopic of John ’ s life , was packed full of the best songs John and songwriting partner Bernie Taupin wrote .
Then , there was the new track “ ( I ’ m Gon na ) Love Me Again , ” which ended up winning the Oscar for best song .
John sat behind a piano with a full band and backup singers .
If you ’ ve seen him live , it was just a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distilled for a televised awards show .
Why , why , why did Eilish , who is fantastic in her own right , feel the need to perform “ Yesterday , ” one of the most perfect songs ever written that ’ s also one of the most difficult to sing ?
After struggling in the beginning , the performance got stronger as it went on as the montage of moviemakers who died in the last year filled the screen .
The opening number featured a smorgasbord of music from films both nominated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Won ’ t You Be My Neighbor ?
” even buttoning a cardigan a la Mr. Rogers .
But then , things got a little weird .
Forget the “ Solid Gold ” dancers , at one point Monáe had the “ Midsommar ” dancers , a nod to the flower wreath wearing denizens of the horror film .
The highlight was Monáe joining up with Billy Porter , who wore a spectacular gold floor-length coat , to do a bit of Elton John ’ s “ I ’ m Still Standing.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what the Oscars need ?
A random rap recap of everyone who has won and what happened so far .
Someone thought that was a good idea , so Utkarsh Ambudkar , from TV show “ Brockmire ” and the upcoming live-action version of “ Mulan , ” spit rhymes over a beat from Questlove , who handled DJ duties .
At least it explains why Ryan Seacrest was trying to request a song from The Roots ’ leader before the show .
One question answered , yet so many remain .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it hip and fresh , the most memorable lines were a plea for a Brad Pitt to do a sequel to 2013 ’ s “ World War Z ” and the night ’ s second reference to John Travolta butchering Idina Menzel ’ s name at the 2014 Oscars .
“ Her name is Idina Menzel , Mr. Travolta , ” Ambudkar said .
Why did Eminem show up to do “ Lose Yourself ” 18 years after “ 8 Mile ” was a thing ?
Was this the Oscars ’ attempt to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who had the idea just escaped a block of ice a la “ Encino Man ” ?
Did the Oscar producers realize how much they would have to bleep out in it ?
However head-scratching the performance was , it provided a ton of entertainment and gif-able moments , thanks to audience reactions , in which the age divide was very visible .
Martin Scorsese appeared to be falling asleep , or at least very bored — hey , now he knows how some people felt watching the never-ending “ The Irishman ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ along to every word .
Remember how there was no host ?
Well , when Rudolph and Wiig presented their second award , for costume design , they did a weird medley of songs that mentioned clothing , including Chris De Burgh ’ s “ Lady in Red ” and Sisqo ’ s “ Thong Song.
” It wasn ’ t a performance , per se , but the big montage of clips of big musical moments in movies , many of which weren ’ t nominated for Oscars , was a strange @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Eminem performance .
But hey , where else will you have Huey Lewis ’ “ Power of Love ” ( from “ Back to the Future ” ) with Public Enemy ’ s “ Fight the Power ” ( from “ Do the Right Thing ” ) back to back in a montage ?
Plus , we got the “ Wayne ’ s World ” “ Bohemian Rhapsody ” headbanging crescendo and Kevin Bacon dancing in the title track from “ Footloose ” to boot .

With no host, the 92nd annual Academy Awards had to do something to fill the required 5 hours and 54 minutes it takes to present 24 awards. The solution was musical performances.
Some were inspired. Some were required. Some were just plain puzzling.
Here’s our ranking, from best to wait, what just happened, from the 2020 Oscars.
Cynthia Erivo
Not only was Erivo up for best actress, she slayed the nominated “Stand Up” from “Harriet” (which she co-wrote) with a goosebump-triggering performance. Backed up by a choir and the Oscar orchestra, it was easily the most powerful musical production of the night.
The Hollywood types thought so, too, as Erivo received a standing ovation.
Chrissy Metz
Metz, the star of “This Is Us” performed the Oscar-nominated “I’m Standing With You” from the film “Breakthrough.”
The understated performance, which featured the actress singing the song solo on the stage, well-done.
Idina Menzel
Menzel, the voice of Elsa in the “Frozen” series, appeared to sing the nominated “Into the Unknown.”
Singer Aurora provided background vocals that sounded like she was stuck haunting an ice castle somewhere. But before things got too weird, the singers who voiced Elsas joined in, trading lines of the song in their native languages. The performance was fine and the song’s not as annoying as “Let It Go.”
Oscar-nominated scores
Eimear Noone became the first woman to lead the Oscar’s 42-piece orchestra. However, it was just for the excerpts of the five nominated scores. (Rickey Minor, the Oscars’ musical arranger, led the orchestra the rest of the night.)
Despite the introduction from Gal Gadot, Sigourney Weaver and Brie Larson that deemed all women are superheroes, apparently they can only be trusted to conduct one performance in a night full of music.
Randy Newman
This performance made sense. “I Can’t Let You Throw Yourself Away” was nominated for best song and Newman wrote and recorded it for the film. It’s no “You’ve Got a Friend in Me,” but Newman is a national treasure, just ask anyone who loves LA.
This performance was also thankfully short.
Elton John
“Rocketman,” the surreal semi-biopic of John’s life, was packed full of the best songs John and songwriting partner Bernie Taupin wrote. Then, there was the new track “(I’m Gonna) Love Me Again,” which ended up winning the Oscar for best song.
John sat behind a piano with a full band and backup singers. If you’ve seen him live, it was just a snippet of the entertainer he is, distilled for a televised awards show.
Billie Eilish
Why, why, why did Eilish, who is fantastic in her own right, feel the need to perform “Yesterday,” one of the most perfect songs ever written that’s also one of the most difficult to sing?
After struggling in the beginning, the performance got stronger as it went on as the montage of moviemakers who died in the last year filled the screen.
Janelle Monáe
The opening number featured a smorgasbord of music from films both nominated and not. Monáe opened with “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” even buttoning a cardigan a la Mr. Rogers. But then, things got a little weird. Forget the “Solid Gold” dancers, at one point Monáe had the “Midsommar” dancers, a nod to the flower wreath wearing denizens of the horror film.
The highlight was Monáe joining up with Billy Porter, who wore a spectacular gold floor-length coat, to do a bit of Elton John’s “I’m Still Standing.”
Utkarsh Ambudkar and Questlove
Almost two hours in and you know what the Oscars need? A random rap recap of everyone who has won and what happened so far. Someone thought that was a good idea, so Utkarsh Ambudkar, from TV show “Brockmire” and the upcoming live-action version of “Mulan,” spit rhymes over a beat from Questlove, who handled DJ duties. At least it explains why Ryan Seacrest was trying to request a song from The Roots’ leader before the show. One question answered, yet so many remain.
And because the Oscars are all about keeping it hip and fresh, the most memorable lines were a plea for a Brad Pitt to do a sequel to 2013’s “World War Z” and the night’s second reference to John Travolta butchering Idina Menzel’s name at the 2014 Oscars.
“Her name is Idina Menzel, Mr. Travolta,” Ambudkar said.
Eminem
Why did Eminem show up to do “Lose Yourself” 18 years after “8 Mile” was a thing? Was this the Oscars’ attempt to be cool and hip but the person who had the idea just escaped a block of ice a la “Encino Man”? Did the Oscar producers realize how much they would have to bleep out in it?
However head-scratching the performance was, it provided a ton of entertainment and gif-able moments, thanks to audience reactions, in which the age divide was very visible. Martin Scorsese appeared to be falling asleep, or at least very bored — hey, now he knows how some people felt watching the never-ending “The Irishman” — while actress Kelly Marie Tran mouthed along to every word.
Maya Rudolph and Kristen Wiig
Remember how there was no host? Well, when Rudolph and Wiig presented their second award, for costume design, they did a weird medley of songs that mentioned clothing, including Chris De Burgh’s “Lady in Red” and Sisqo’s “Thong Song.”
Honorable mention: The montage of movie songs
It wasn’t a performance, per se, but the big montage of clips of big musical moments in movies, many of which weren’t nominated for Oscars, was a strange way to lead into the equally puzzling Eminem performance. But hey, where else will you have Huey Lewis’ “Power of Love” (from “Back to the Future”) with Public Enemy’s “Fight the Power” (from “Do the Right Thing”) back to back in a montage? Plus, we got the “Wayne’s World” “Bohemian Rhapsody” headbanging crescendo and Kevin Bacon dancing in the title track from “Footloose” to boot.


mercurynews--2020-02-10--Letter: Pelosi is angry because of of all Trump has achieved

Pelosi is angry because of of all Trump has achieved Nancy Pelosi knows her fate .
The anger and frustration displayed by Speaker Pelosi during and after the president ’ s State of the Union address shows that she knows the truth , that all of the achievements touted by our president are true , and of themselves are enough to get him reelected in November .
The incredibly weak field of Democratic candidates offered to voters only adds to that certainty .
The sham impeachment and subsequent acquittal is but another nail in the coffin of a Democratic majority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ far-left agenda only resonates in some of the coastal cities and states and will not carry the electoral college .
• Letter : We relied on an EBT card when I was a kid–it was difficult • Letter : We should all salute Romney for voting his conscience • Letter : Do Democrats prefer it when US isn ’ t doing well ?
• Letter : Medal of Freedom now equal to my ’ 74 Rheem Valley Bowl pin Ms. Pelosi should try to enjoy her remaining months as speaker of the House @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people .
She won ’ t be coming back .
Submit your letter to the editor via this form Read more Letters to the Editor

Pelosi is angry because
of all Trump has achieved
Nancy Pelosi knows her fate. The anger and frustration displayed by Speaker Pelosi during and after the president’s State of the Union address shows that she knows the truth, that all of the achievements touted by our president are true, and of themselves are enough to get him reelected in November.
The incredibly weak field of Democratic candidates offered to voters only adds to that certainty.
The sham impeachment and subsequent acquittal is but another nail in the coffin of a Democratic majority in either house of Congress.
The far-left agenda only resonates in some of the coastal cities and states and will not carry the electoral college.
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Ron Franken
San Jose
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mercurynews--2020-02-10--Horoscopes Feb. 10, 2020: Chloe Grace Moretz, make this a busy year.

Happy Birthday : Get ready to think and act responsibly .
Make this a busy year filled with ideas and plans that will help you get closer to your goal .
Don ’ t waste time debating or spending impulsively .
Calculate every step you take to maximize your chance to achieve what you set out to do .
Don ’ t make promises you can not honor .
Your numbers are 7 , 15 , 23 , 26 , 32 , 37 , 43 .
ARIES ( March 21-April 19 ) : Take stock of how you go about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Improve your health and well-being .
Avoid discussions that could lead to discord .
Participate in something you feel passionate about achieving .
A personal situation will confuse you .
3 stars TAURUS ( April 20-May 20 ) : Discuss sensitive issues .
Deal with people you work with , and pick up information and skills that will help you advance .
The more you improve your image , qualifications and relationship with your contemporaries , the better .
Make positive changes .
5 stars GEMINI ( May 21-June 20 ) : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , not what someone is pushing you to do .
The best way to get what you want is to do the work yourself .
A love relationship will improve if you are attentive .
2 stars CANCER ( June 21-July 22 ) : You have more options than you realize .
Don ’ t settle ; look for something better .
You may not like change , but a different approach to life will stimulate your mind , imagination and desire to make personal improvements .
Take better care of your health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 22 ) : Be realistic about what you can .
Leading someone on who is counting on you will end up being costly .
Personal gains are within reach if you are aggressively active in pursuing your goals .
Romance is in the stars .
5 stars VIRGO ( Aug. 23-Sept. 22 ) : Look for the less obvious , and you will understand what ’ s possible .
Leave nothing to the imagination .
Add as much detail to everything you do , including updating your appearance and your attitude .
Build @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to offer .
3 stars LIBRA ( Sept. 23-Oct. 22 ) : Strive to reach your goal and to help those who have something to offer in return , but don ’ t take on the impossible .
Someone will take advantage of you and your generosity if you are too accommodating .
Accentuate love and romance .
3 stars SCORPIO ( Oct. 23-Nov. 21 ) : Explore lifestyles and pastimes .
A tweak here and there to the way you ’ ve been living will help you appreciate what you have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your way .
Be diligent , and take whatever comes to you seriously .
4 stars SAGITTARIUS ( Nov. 22-Dec. 21 ) : A change may summon you , but before you take off or sign up for something , tie up loose ends .
Red-tape issues can hold you hostage if not handled quickly .
Put a deal together or close a chapter in your life .
2 stars CAPRICORN ( Dec. 22-Jan. 19 ) : Avoid getting duped by a fast-talking individual trying to part you with your hard-earned cash .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to pay for others ; you can be generous with your time , affection and services .
Make a difference .
5 stars AQUARIUS ( Jan. 20-Feb. 18 ) : Plan every move you take , and pay close attention to detail .
Leave nothing to chance , and you will get what you want .
Helping others is honorable , but don ’ t let anyone take advantage of you emotionally or financially .
3 stars PISCES ( Feb. 19-March 20 ) : Someone will have a hidden agenda .
Whether @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family , look for ulterior motives .
Make changes based on what will benefit you .
People-pleasing will not help you get ahead .
A lack of honesty and integrity is apparent .
3 stars Birthday Baby : You are diligent , a humanitarian and resourceful .
You are practical and intense .

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Chloe Grace Moretz, 23; Emma Roberts, 29; Elizabeth Banks, 46; Laura Dern, 53.
Happy Birthday: Get ready to think and act responsibly. Make this a busy year filled with ideas and plans that will help you get closer to your goal. Don’t waste time debating or spending impulsively. Calculate every step you take to maximize your chance to achieve what you set out to do. Don’t make promises you cannot honor. Your numbers are 7, 15, 23, 26, 32, 37, 43.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Take stock of how you go about maintaining mental, physical and emotional wellness. Improve your health and well-being. Avoid discussions that could lead to discord. Participate in something you feel passionate about achieving. A personal situation will confuse you. 3 stars
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Discuss sensitive issues. Deal with people you work with, and pick up information and skills that will help you advance. The more you improve your image, qualifications and relationship with your contemporaries, the better. Make positive changes. 5 stars
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Do what’s best for yourself, not what someone is pushing you to do. The best way to get what you want is to do the work yourself. A love relationship will improve if you are attentive. 2 stars
CANCER (June 21-July 22): You have more options than you realize. Don’t settle; look for something better. You may not like change, but a different approach to life will stimulate your mind, imagination and desire to make personal improvements. Take better care of your health. 4 stars
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Be realistic about what you can. Leading someone on who is counting on you will end up being costly. Personal gains are within reach if you are aggressively active in pursuing your goals. Romance is in the stars. 5 stars
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Look for the less obvious, and you will understand what’s possible. Leave nothing to the imagination. Add as much detail to everything you do, including updating your appearance and your attitude. Build greater confidence in yourself and what you have to offer. 3 stars
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Strive to reach your goal and to help those who have something to offer in return, but don’t take on the impossible. Someone will take advantage of you and your generosity if you are too accommodating. Accentuate love and romance. 3 stars
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Explore lifestyles and pastimes. A tweak here and there to the way you’ve been living will help you appreciate what you have already accomplished. An offer is heading your way. Be diligent, and take whatever comes to you seriously. 4 stars
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): A change may summon you, but before you take off or sign up for something, tie up loose ends. Red-tape issues can hold you hostage if not handled quickly. Put a deal together or close a chapter in your life. 2 stars
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Avoid getting duped by a fast-talking individual trying to part you with your hard-earned cash. Being generous doesn’t mean you have to pay for others; you can be generous with your time, affection and services. Make a difference. 5 stars
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Plan every move you take, and pay close attention to detail. Leave nothing to chance, and you will get what you want. Helping others is honorable, but don’t let anyone take advantage of you emotionally or financially. 3 stars
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Someone will have a hidden agenda. Whether dealing with a colleague, friend or family, look for ulterior motives. Make changes based on what will benefit you. People-pleasing will not help you get ahead. A lack of honesty and integrity is apparent. 3 stars
Birthday Baby: You are diligent, a humanitarian and resourceful. You are practical and intense.
Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.


mercurynews--2020-02-10--Theranos founder Holmes’ lawyer hints at trial defense in court hearing

A lawyer for Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes hinted in court Monday about possible defenses against the fraud charges facing her client .
After U.S. District Court Judge Edward Davila referred to prosecutors ’ claim that Theranos ’ blood-testing technology “ never worked , ” Holmes ’ lawyer Amy Saharia responded , “ That ’ s not true.
” Saharia later in the hearing said Holmes ’ team disputes the prosecution ’ s allegation that some of the defunct firm ’ s blood tests were unreliable .
“ There were no problems with them whatsoever , ” Saharia said .
Saharia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ court in San Jose , noted that prosecutors have alleged specific incidents of inaccurate Theranos test results , in an HIV test and two pregnancy tests .
“ All tests have error rates , ” Saharia said .
“ The government should not be permitted to try a case with anecdotes when incorrect blood tests are a fact of life.
” Even if the prosecution were correct that some patients experienced harm , Saharia said that would be irrelevant to the case because wire fraud involves the loss of money or property .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ their own tests could be considered victims , but those who were covered by insurance suffered no loss of money or property , nor did doctors .
Assistant U.S. Attorney John Bostic , arguing for the prosecution , said it didn ’ t matter whether anyone was harmed .
“ What matters here is the defendants ’ intent , ” Bostic said .
“ It doesn ’ t matter what ended up actually happening .
The scheme was the fraud.
” Holmes is accused of felony wire fraud in connection with her failed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a Stanford University dropout in 2003 .
The indictment alleges she schemed to defraud doctors and patients , along with investors who put more than $ 700 million into the firm .
During Monday ’ s two-and-a-half-hour hearing , Saharia also pointed out that the indictment claims former CEO Holmes and former Theranos president Sunny Balwani defrauded investors , doctors and patients “ through their company.
” Saharia suggested that even if misleading information about Theranos had been issued , Holmes and Balwani may not be culpable .
Though the indictment suggests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in marketing materials were attributable to its CEO and president , the attorney noted that “ Theranos employed hundreds of people.
” In response , the judge asked , “ If they don ’ t know what ’ s on their own website they can ’ t be responsible ?
” Saharia said the alleged misstatements about Theranos ’ s business and blood-testing equipment covered a “ vast swath ” of the company ’ s operations , and statements about the firm were also made via advertisements , news articles and company press @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vast number of potential sources of misleading statements , ” Saharia said .
• Theranos founder Holmes phones in to court hearing solo after lawyers say she stiffed them : report She also took issue with Bostic ’ s claim that knowingly selling inaccurate blood tests for medical care warrants criminal fraud charges .
Saharia countered that such actions would be more properly addressed in a civil case over “ breach of implied warranty.
” Saharia also argued that the prosecution has not alleged that Holmes and her company had a fiduciary duty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , doctors and patients , so claims that Holmes broke a duty of trust don ’ t hold up .
Holmes is set to go on trial in early August .

A lawyer for Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes hinted in court Monday at possible defenses against the fraud charges facing her client.
After U.S. District Court Judge Edward Davila referred to prosecutors’ claim that Theranos’ blood-testing technology “never worked,” Holmes’ lawyer Amy Saharia responded, “That’s not true.” Saharia later in the hearing said Holmes’ team disputes the prosecution’s allegation that some of the defunct firm’s blood tests were unreliable. “There were no problems with them whatsoever,” Saharia said.
Saharia, during a pre-trial hearing in federal court in San Jose, noted that prosecutors have alleged specific incidents of inaccurate Theranos test results, in an HIV test and two pregnancy tests.
“All tests have error rates,” Saharia said. “The government should not be permitted to try a case with anecdotes when incorrect blood tests are a fact of life.”
Even if the prosecution were correct that some patients experienced harm, Saharia said that would be irrelevant to the case because wire fraud involves the loss of money or property. She acknowledged that patients who paid for their own tests could be considered victims, but those who were covered by insurance suffered no loss of money or property, nor did doctors.
Assistant U.S. Attorney John Bostic, arguing for the prosecution, said it didn’t matter whether anyone was harmed. “What matters here is the defendants’ intent,” Bostic said. “It doesn’t matter what ended up actually happening. The scheme was the fraud.”
Holmes is accused of felony wire fraud in connection with her failed Palo Alto startup, which she founded as a Stanford University dropout in 2003. The indictment alleges she schemed to defraud doctors and patients, along with investors who put more than $700 million into the firm.
During Monday’s two-and-a-half-hour hearing, Saharia also pointed out that the indictment claims former CEO Holmes and former Theranos president Sunny Balwani defrauded investors, doctors and patients “through their company.” Saharia suggested that even if misleading information about Theranos had been issued, Holmes and Balwani may not be culpable. Though the indictment suggests that statements on the Theranos website and in marketing materials were attributable to its CEO and president, the attorney said, “Theranos employed hundreds of people.”
In response, the judge asked, “If they don’t know what’s on their own website they can’t be responsible?”
Saharia said the alleged misstatements about Theranos’s business and blood-testing equipment covered a “vast swath” of the company’s operations, and statements about the firm were also made via advertisements, news articles and company press releases. “There’s a vast number of potential sources of misleading statements,” Saharia said.
She also took issue with Bostic’s claim that knowingly selling inaccurate blood tests for medical care warrants criminal fraud charges. Saharia countered that such actions would be more properly addressed in a civil case over “breach of implied warranty.”
Saharia argued further that the prosecution has not alleged that Holmes and her company had a fiduciary duty to act in the interests of investors, doctors and patients, so claims that Holmes broke a duty of trust don’t hold up.
Holmes is set to go on trial in early August.


mercurynews--2020-02-10--Fed seeking 7- to 9-year prison term for Trump ally Stone

WASHINGTON — Federal prosecutors are asking a judge to sentence President Donald Trump ’ s Trump confidant Roger Stone to serve between 7 and 9 years in prison after his conviction on witness tampering and obstruction charges .
Stone , who is scheduled to be sentenced next week , was convicted in November of a seven-count indictment that accused him of lying to Congress , tampering with a witness and obstructing the House investigation into whether the Trump campaign coordinated with Russia to tip the 2016 election .
He was the sixth Trump aide or adviser to be convicted of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Robert Mueller ’ s Russia investigation .
In a sentencing memorandum filed Monday evening , prosecutors asked for Stone to serve between 87 and 108 months in federal prison , in accordance with federal sentencing guidelines .
Such a sentence would send a message to deter others who might consider lying or obstructing a congressional probe or tampering with witnesses .
They charged in the filing that Stone “ decided to double – and triple – down on his criminal conduct by tampering with a witness for months in order to make sure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stone ’ s actions were not a one-off mistake in judgment .
Nor were his false statements made in the heat of the moment .
They were nowhere close to that , ” prosecutors wrote in the court papers .
Stone has denied wrongdoing and consistently criticized the case against him as politically motivated .
He did not take the stand during his trial and his lawyers did not call any witnesses in his defense .
The evidence presented in the trial didn ’ t directly address Mueller ’ s conclusion that there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conspiracy between the Trump campaign and Russia to tip the outcome of the 2016 presidential election in Trump ’ s favor .
But it provided new insight into the scramble inside the Trump campaign when it was revealed in July 2016 that the anti-secrecy site WikiLeaks was in possession of more than 19,000 emails hacked from the servers of the Democratic National Committee .
Witnesses in the case testified that Trump ’ s campaign viewed Stone as an “ access point ” to WikiLeaks and tried to use him to get advance word @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Prosecutors alleged Stone lied to Congress about his conversations about WikiLeaks with New York radio host and comedian Randy Credico — who scored an interview with WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange in 2016 , when he was avoiding prosecution by sheltering in the Ecuadoran embassy in London — and conservative writer and conspiracy theorist Jerome Corsi .
During the 2016 campaign , Stone had mentioned in interviews and public appearances that he was in contact with Assange through a trusted intermediary and hinted at inside knowledge of WikiLeaks ’ plans .
But he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and Credico testified that he told Stone to work through his own intermediary .
Earlier testimony revealed that Stone , while appearing before the House Intelligence Committee , named Credico as his intermediary to Assange and pressured Credico not to contradict him .
After Credico was contacted by Congress , he reached out to Stone , who told him he should “ stonewall it ” and “ plead the fifth , ” he testified .
Credico also testified during Stone ’ s trial that Stone repeatedly told him to “ do a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reference to a character in “ The Godfather : Part II ” who lies before Congress .
Prosecutors also charged that Stone had threatened Credico ’ s therapy dog , Bianca , saying he was “ going to take that dog away from you .
”

By Michael Balsamo | Associated Press
WASHINGTON — Federal prosecutors are asking a judge to sentence President Donald Trump’s Trump confidant Roger Stone to serve between 7 and 9 years in prison after his conviction on witness tampering and obstruction charges.
Stone, who is scheduled to be sentenced next week, was convicted in November of a seven-count indictment that accused him of lying to Congress, tampering with a witness and obstructing the House investigation into whether the Trump campaign coordinated with Russia to tip the 2016 election.
He was the sixth Trump aide or adviser to be convicted of charges brought as part of special counsel Robert Mueller’s Russia investigation.
In a sentencing memorandum filed Monday evening, prosecutors asked for Stone to serve between 87 and 108 months in federal prison, in accordance with federal sentencing guidelines. Such a sentence would send a message to deter others who might consider lying or obstructing a congressional probe or tampering with witnesses.
They charged in the filing that Stone “decided to double – and triple – down on his criminal conduct by tampering with a witness for months in order to make sure his obstruction would be successful.”
“Stone’s actions were not a one-off mistake in judgment. Nor were his false statements made in the heat of the moment. They were nowhere close to that,” prosecutors wrote in the court papers.
Stone has denied wrongdoing and consistently criticized the case against him as politically motivated. He did not take the stand during his trial and his lawyers did not call any witnesses in his defense.
The evidence presented in the trial didn’t directly address Mueller’s conclusion that there was insufficient evidence to prove a criminal conspiracy between the Trump campaign and Russia to tip the outcome of the 2016 presidential election in Trump’s favor. But it provided new insight into the scramble inside the Trump campaign when it was revealed in July 2016 that the anti-secrecy site WikiLeaks was in possession of more than 19,000 emails hacked from the servers of the Democratic National Committee.
Witnesses in the case testified that Trump’s campaign viewed Stone as an “access point” to WikiLeaks and tried to use him to get advance word about hacked emails damaging to Hillary Clinton.
Prosecutors alleged Stone lied to Congress about his conversations about WikiLeaks with New York radio host and comedian Randy Credico — who scored an interview with WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange in 2016, when he was avoiding prosecution by sheltering in the Ecuadoran embassy in London — and conservative writer and conspiracy theorist Jerome Corsi.
During the 2016 campaign, Stone had mentioned in interviews and public appearances that he was in contact with Assange through a trusted intermediary and hinted at inside knowledge of WikiLeaks’ plans. But he started pressing Credico to broker a contact, and Credico testified that he told Stone to work through his own intermediary.
Earlier testimony revealed that Stone, while appearing before the House Intelligence Committee, named Credico as his intermediary to Assange and pressured Credico not to contradict him.
After Credico was contacted by Congress, he reached out to Stone, who told him he should “stonewall it” and “plead the fifth,” he testified. Credico also testified during Stone’s trial that Stone repeatedly told him to “do a ‘Frank Pentangeli,’” a reference to a character in “The Godfather: Part II” who lies before Congress.
Prosecutors also charged that Stone had threatened Credico’s therapy dog, Bianca, saying he was “going to take that dog away from you.”


mercurynews--2020-02-10--San Jose restaurant closing leaves Bay Area with 3 Mimi’s locations

The Mimi ’ s Bistro & Bakery at El Paseo de Saratoga in San Jose has shut down , leaving the Bay Area with just three locations — Gilroy , Fairfield and Antioch .
The restaurant with the New Orleans-style decor was known for years as Mimi ’ s Cafe until a concept relaunch in 2019 .
That initiative sought to re-establish the menu ’ s French-inspired menu .
The bistro ’ s offerings include Croque Monsieur , French Creole Pasta , French Pot Roast , Salad Nicoise , Pain Perdu with Mixed Berries , along with other French-style and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ popular Carrot Raisin Nut Muffins and other baked goods .
( A three-course Valentine ’ s menu is available for $ 19.99 on Feb , 14 , 15 and 16 . )
Founded in 1978 , the chain is owned by the North American subsidiary of a France-based cafe company called Groupe Le Duff .
According to the website , there are 77 locations in 16 states .
• 16 must-sees in San Francisco ’ s Japantown , from ramen to shoji paper • Are you a curd nerd ?
Inside Devine Cheese @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Oakridge Mall in San Jose adds new merchants in shopping center refresh Details : The Bay Area ’ s Mimi ’ s are at 6935 Camino Arroyo , Gilroy ; 1650 Gateway Blvd.
, Fairfield ; and 5705 Lone Tree Way , Antioch .
All open daily at 7 a.m .
The Gilroy restaurant serves until 9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and 10 p.m. Friday-Saturday ; the Antioch and Fairfield ones serve until 10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and 11 p.m. Friday-Saturday .
www.mimiscafe.com

The Mimi’s Bistro & Bakery at El Paseo de Saratoga in San Jose has shut down, leaving the Bay Area with just three locations — Gilroy, Fairfield and Antioch.
The restaurant with the New Orleans-style decor was known for years as Mimi’s Cafe until a concept relaunch in 2019. That initiative sought to re-establish the menu’s French-inspired menu.
The bistro’s offerings include Croque Monsieur, French Creole Pasta, French Pot Roast, Salad Nicoise, Pain Perdu with Mixed Berries, along with other French-style and American comfort food dishes — and the popular Carrot Raisin Nut Muffins and other baked goods. (A three-course Valentine’s menu is available for $19.99 on Feb, 14, 15 and 16.)
Founded in 1978, the chain is owned by the North American subsidiary of a France-based cafe company called Groupe Le Duff. According to the website, there are 77 locations in 16 states.


mercurynews--2020-02-10--Two arrested after fleeing Fremont police in stolen vehicle

FREMONT — A Hayward man was in jail after his arrest on multiple charges in connection with backing into a police patrol vehicle and fleeing a weekend traffic stop , authorities said .
Shortly after 11 p.m. Sunday , officers received a hit from an automated license-plate reader ( ALPR ) camera at Stevenson Boulevard and Interstate 880 for a 1992 Honda Accord reported stolen out of Hayward , police said Monday .
Officers responded to the nearby Avalon apartment complex to stop the vehicle .
Its driver refused to stop , though , and reversed into a patrol vehicle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before driving across a grassy pedestrian area .
Officers set up a perimeter and took a passenger , identified as Elizabeth Hudick , 24 , of San Leandro , into custody behind one apartment building .
The driver , identified as Andre Poole , 40 , of Hayward , was arrested at a nearby apartment complex .
A vehicle search yielded shaved keys , and a search of Poole found a punched ignition , methamphetamine pipe and a window punch tool , police said .
Poole was booked into Fremont city jail on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stolen property , evading police , possession of drug paraphernalia and burglary tools and misdemeanor hit-and-run with property damage , as well as parole and probation violations .
He was scheduled to attend an arraignment hearing Monday at Fremont Hall of Justice , according to a county records check .
Hudick was arrested on suspicion of obstructing or resisting arrest , and was cited and released , police said .

FREMONT — A Hayward man was in jail after his arrest on multiple charges in connection with backing into a police patrol vehicle and fleeing a weekend traffic stop, authorities said.
Shortly after 11 p.m. Sunday, officers received a hit from an automated license-plate reader (ALPR) camera at Stevenson Boulevard and Interstate 880 for a 1992 Honda Accord reported stolen out of Hayward, police said Monday.
Officers responded to the nearby Avalon apartment complex to stop the vehicle. Its driver refused to stop, though, and reversed into a patrol vehicle, hitting it and a parked car before driving across a grassy pedestrian area.
Officers set up a perimeter and took a passenger, identified as Elizabeth Hudick, 24, of San Leandro, into custody behind one apartment building. The driver, identified as Andre Poole, 40, of Hayward, was arrested at a nearby apartment complex.
A vehicle search yielded shaved keys, and a search of Poole found a punched ignition, methamphetamine pipe and a window punch tool, police said.
Poole was booked into Fremont city jail on suspicion of vehicle theft, possession of stolen property, evading police, possession of drug paraphernalia and burglary tools and misdemeanor hit-and-run with property damage, as well as parole and probation violations.
He was scheduled to attend an arraignment hearing Monday at Fremont Hall of Justice, according to a county records check.
Hudick was arrested on suspicion of obstructing or resisting arrest, and was cited and released, police said.
Contact George Kelly at 408-859-5180.


mercurynews--2020-02-10--Critter Corner: Believe it or not, cats are trainable

Dear Miss Behavin ’ : My dog is well trained .
He knows sit , stay , come , you name it !
When I call my cat ’ s name he just ignores me ( in typical cat fashion ) .
Can I train my cat similar commands as my dog ?
Is it possible ?
Contrary to popular belief cats are definitely trainable !
You can teach them the same useful commands as a dog , as well as tricks .
All you need is some tasty treats and patience .
You can start easy with training your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ name .
Start when your cat is hungry and grab some of his favorite treats .
You can say “ Kitty , come here !
” and give your cat the treat when he comes over to you .
If he doesn ’ t come , try again later when your cat is hungrier .
Repeat this exercise and back up further and further each time .
Eventually , your cat will come running and you won ’ t need to give him a treat every time .
If your cat always comes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loses interest , reward him more often .
If you kitty has it down pat , then you and someone else can call him from opposite ends of the house .
Not only will this continue to reinforce the training , but also help him get exercise and get his wiggles out so he doesn ’ t zoom around the house at midnight .
You can also use treats to help litterbox train or train them to go to their scratch post which can save your furniture !
The possibilities are almost endless @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and your kitty .
Alex Elias is the Assistant for the Behavior and Training Department at the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA .
For more information , visit www.PHS-SPCA.org , call 650-340-7022 , ext .
416 , or e-mail aelias @ phs- spca.org .

Dear Miss Behavin’: My dog is well trained. He knows sit, stay, come, you name it! When I call my cat’s name he just ignores me (in typical cat fashion). Can I train my cat similar commands as my dog? Is it possible?
Contrary to popular belief cats are definitely trainable! You can teach them the same useful commands as a dog, as well as tricks. All you need is some tasty treats and patience. You can start easy with training your cat to come when you call their name. Start when your cat is hungry and grab some of his favorite treats. You can say “Kitty, come here!” and give your cat the treat when he comes over to you. If he doesn’t come, try again later when your cat is hungrier. Repeat this exercise and back up further and further each time. Eventually, your cat will come running and you won’t need to give him a treat every time. If your cat always comes reward him less often. If he loses interest, reward him more often. If you kitty has it down pat, then you and someone else can call him from opposite ends of the house.
Not only will this continue to reinforce the training, but also help him get exercise and get his wiggles out so he doesn’t zoom around the house at midnight. You can also use treats to help litterbox train or train them to go to their scratch post which can save your furniture! The possibilities are almost endless and helps strengthen the bond between you and your kitty.
Alex Elias is the Assistant for the Behavior and Training Department at the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA. For more information, visit www.PHS-SPCA.org, call 650-340-7022, ext. 416, or e-mail aelias@phs- spca.org.


mercurynews--2020-02-10--Judge denies Uber, Postmates’ bid to stop gig worker law

A U.S. judge on Monday rejected a request by Uber Technologies Inc and courier services provider Postmates Inc to block a California labor law from taking effect , saying the bill ’ s public benefits outweighed the companies ’ concerns .
U.S. District Judge Dolly Gee in Los Angeles said that while the companies had proven they could suffer a degree of irreparable harm as a result of the law , the potential risks to them were less important than the public interest in setting a living wage and regulating employment .
The 24-page decision is a blow to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had hoped to stop a bill that will make it harder for them to classify their workers as independent contractors rather than employees .
Gee did not rule on the merits of the case and her decision does not stop the lawsuit .
Postmates said in a statement that Gee ’ s decision was merely procedural and that the company looked forward to pursuing the case on its merits .
It added it was considering all legal options , including an appeal .
Uber said it was reviewing the judge ’ s opinion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The company in a statement called the California law “ biased and overtly political ” by granting preferential treatment to an arbitrary group of industries .
In their lawsuit against the State of California at the end of 2019 , the companies argued that the bill violates the U.S. Constitution and unfairly singles out app-based technology platforms .
Under the law , which took effect on Jan. 1 , companies in violation face potential criminal penalties , but to date no enforcement action has taken place .
The bill strikes at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ business model of technology platforms like Uber , Postmates , Lyft , DoorDash and others that rely heavily on the state ’ s 450,000 contract workers , not full-time employees , to drive passengers or deliver food via app-based services .
Investors are watching the California dispute closely , as companies subject to the law would be required to provide higher pay and other benefits such as medical insurance – likely upending the gig-economy business model .
The app-based companies argue the legislation compromises the flexibility prized by their workforce , and that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ considered employees .
• Rent control 2.0 : California to vote on more limits in November • California ’ s gig-worker law faces push-back , even from some it ’ s intended to help Uber , Lyft and food delivery company DoorDash have earmarked $ 90 million for a planned November 2020 ballot initiative that would exempt them from the law .
( Reporting by Tina Bellon in New York Editing by Matthew Lewis )

By Tina Bellon | Reuters
A U.S. judge on Monday rejected a request by Uber Technologies Inc and courier services provider Postmates Inc to block a California labor law from taking effect, saying the bill’s public benefits outweighed the companies’ concerns.
U.S. District Judge Dolly Gee in Los Angeles said that while the companies had proven they could suffer a degree of irreparable harm as a result of the law, the potential risks to them were less important than the public interest in setting a living wage and regulating employment.
The 24-page decision is a blow to the employers of the so-called gig economy which had hoped to stop a bill that will make it harder for them to classify their workers as independent contractors rather than employees.
Gee did not rule on the merits of the case and her decision does not stop the lawsuit.
Postmates said in a statement that Gee’s decision was merely procedural and that the company looked forward to pursuing the case on its merits. It added it was considering all legal options, including an appeal.
Uber said it was reviewing the judge’s opinion and considering whether to pursue an appeal. The company in a statement called the California law “biased and overtly political” by granting preferential treatment to an arbitrary group of industries.
In their lawsuit against the State of California at the end of 2019, the companies argued that the bill violates the U.S. Constitution and unfairly singles out app-based technology platforms.
Under the law, which took effect on Jan. 1, companies in violation face potential criminal penalties, but to date no enforcement action has taken place.
The bill strikes at the heart of the “gig economy” business model of technology platforms like Uber, Postmates, Lyft, DoorDash and others that rely heavily on the state’s 450,000 contract workers, not full-time employees, to drive passengers or deliver food via app-based services.
Investors are watching the California dispute closely, as companies subject to the law would be required to provide higher pay and other benefits such as medical insurance – likely upending the gig-economy business model.
The app-based companies argue the legislation compromises the flexibility prized by their workforce, and that fewer workers would be hired were they considered employees.


mercurynews--2020-02-10--Coronavirus: Public risk still low, but Santa Clara County declares local emergency to prepare

Santa Clara County has declared a local emergency due to the coronavirus outbreak , a procedural move that allows the county to leverage state funds and mutual aid resources if more cases of the virus are confirmed locally .
County public health officials say the risk to the general public is still low , and the declaration approved by the Board of Supervisors Monday afternoon does not change that .
“ The declaration and proclamation do not signify any increase in risk to the residents of Santa Clara County .
These actions empower the County to more effectively respond to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aid , potentially obtain reimbursement , and ensure that the County ’ s public health professionals have all necessary tools at their disposal to keep the community safe , ” the Public Health Department said in a statement .
As of Monday , two cases of coronavirus had been confirmed in Santa Clara County .
In both cases , the individuals traveled to Wuhan , China where the virus originated .
Unless a person has traveled to China , or had close contact with a person who has , county health officials say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been no evidence of person-to-person spread of the virus in Santa Clara County .
State law allows local public health officers to declare a local emergency for up to seven days , which the county did on Feb. 3 .
The board ’ s action Monday extended the emergency declaration by another 30 days .
The declaration allows the county to receive mutual aid resources from the state and neighboring jurisdictions , including potential recovery of costs if the governor also declares a state of emergency , according to the county .
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should sober Beijing and us • Coronavirus : Tesla , Apple try to get China factories up and running during outbreak • Coronavirus : When will it end ?
• They said it : Coronavirus travel restrictions complicate homecoming The new virus is a respiratory illness with symptoms similar to the flu — fever , cough , and shortness of breath — that appear two to fourteen days after exposure , according to the Centers for Disease Control .
“ All of this can be prevented by people washing their hands and staying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public health officer Dr. Sara Cody told the board Monday afternoon .

Santa Clara County has declared a local emergency due to the coronavirus outbreak, a procedural move that allows the county to leverage state funds and mutual aid resources if more cases of the virus are confirmed locally.
County public health officials say the risk to the general public is still low, and the declaration approved by the Board of Supervisors Monday afternoon does not change that.
“The declaration and proclamation do not signify any increase in risk to the residents of Santa Clara County. These actions empower the County to more effectively respond to the outbreak, seek and utilize mutual aid, potentially obtain reimbursement, and ensure that the County’s public health professionals have all necessary tools at their disposal to keep the community safe,” the Public Health Department said in a statement.
As of Monday, two cases of coronavirus had been confirmed in Santa Clara County. In both cases, the individuals traveled to Wuhan, China where the virus originated. Unless a person has traveled to China, or had close contact with a person who has, county health officials say the risk is low and there has been no evidence of person-to-person spread of the virus in Santa Clara County.
State law allows local public health officers to declare a local emergency for up to seven days, which the county did on Feb. 3. The board’s action Monday extended the emergency declaration by another 30 days.
The declaration allows the county to receive mutual aid resources from the state and neighboring jurisdictions, including potential recovery of costs if the governor also declares a state of emergency, according to the county.


mercurynews--2020-02-10--Rage Against the Machine finally returns to the Bay Area

Rage Against the Machine is finally back after a nine-year hiatus .
The highly influential L.A. outfit , which should @ @ @ @ @ Rock and Roll Hall of Fame by now , has announced a reunion tour .
@ @ @ @ @ anticipated road show to Oakland Arena on April 21 .
And you ’ re going @ @ @ @ @ the show early because the cool hip-hop duo Run the Jewels is opening the show @ @ @ @ @ at 11 a.m. Feb. 13 .
See ratm.com for more information .
May 1 — @ @ @ @ @ Coliseum at the PNE

Rage Against the Machine is finally back after a nine-year hiatus.
The highly influential L.A. outfit, which should definitely already be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame by now, has announced a reunion tour.
And, thankfully, the trek includes a Bay Area date.
The band brings the highly anticipated road show to Oakland Arena on April 21.
And you’re going to want to get to the show early because the cool hip-hop duo Run the Jewels is opening the show.
Tickets go on sale at 11 a.m. Feb. 13. See ratm.com for more information.
Fans knew that one #RageAgainstTheMachine Bay Area concert just wasn't going to be enough. And they were right. Second date added at the amazing @OaklandArena @RATM https://t.co/zKyJlYOUQH — Jim Harrington (@jimthecritic) February 13, 2020
JUST ANNOUNCED: Rage Against The Machine. Oakland Arena. 4/21. Tickets on sale Thursday at 11AM 🤘 pic.twitter.com/ejFTOlWCRJ — Oakland Arena (@OaklandArena) February 10, 2020
Here’s the tour dates, per Rolling Stone magazine:
March 26 — El Paso, TX, Don Haskins Center
March 28 — Las Cruces, NM, Pan American Center
March 30 — Glendale, AZ, Gila River Arena
April 10 — Indio, CA, Coachella
April 17 — Indio, CA, Coachella
April 21 — Oakland, CA, Oakland Arena
April 25 — Portland, OR, Moda Center
April 28 — Tacoma, WA, Tacoma Dome
May 1 — Vancouver, BC, Pacific Coliseum at the PNE
May 3 — Edmonton, AB, Rogers Place
May 5 — Calgary, AB, Scotiabank Saddledome
May 7 — Winnipeg, MB, Bell MTS Place
May 9 — Sioux Falls, SD, Denny Sanford Premier Center
May 11 — Minneapolis, MN, Target Center
May 14 — Kansas City, MO, Sprint Center
May 16 — St. Louis, MO, Enterprise Center
May 19 — Chicago, IL, United Center
May 23 — Boston, MA, Boston Calling
June 19 — Dover, DE, Firefly
July 10 — East Troy, WI, Alpine Valley Music Theatre
July 13 — Detroit, MI, Little Caesars Arena
July 17 — Ottawa, ON, Ottawa Bluesfest
July 18 — Festival d’Été de Québec, Festival d’Été de Québec
July 21 — Hamilton, ON, FirstOntario Centre
July 23 — Toronto, ON, Scotiabank Arena
July 27 — Buffalo, NY, KeyBank Center
July 29 — Cleveland, OH, Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse
July 31 — Pittsburgh, PA, PPG Paints Arena
August 2 — Raleigh, NC, PNC Arena
August 4 — Washington DC, Capital One Arena
August 7 — Camden, NJ, BB&T Pavilion
August 10 — New York, NY, Madison Square Garden
August 11 — New York, NY, Madison Square Garden
August 28 — Leeds, UK, Leeds Festival
August 30 — Reading, UK, Reading Festival
September 1 — Paris, France, Rock En Seine Festival
September 4 — Stradbally Laois, Ireland, Electric Picnic Festival
September 6 — Berlin, Germany, Lollapalooza Berlin Festival
September 8 — Prague, Czech Republic, O2 Arena
September 10 — Krakow, Poland, Tauron Arena


mercurynews--2020-02-10--Rivals look to blunt Buttigieg’s rise in New Hampshire

DOVER , N.H. — Pete Buttigieg has been on defense all weekend as his Democratic presidential rivals attacked him on everything from his struggle to connect with black voters to accepting campaign contributions from large donors in an effort to blunt any momentum heading into Tuesday ’ s New Hampshire primary .
Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders , who essentially tied with Buttigieg in last week ’ s Iowa caucuses , blasted the former mayor of South Bend , Indiana , for taking contributions from the very wealthy , suggesting Buttigieg won ’ t stand up to “ Wall Street tycoons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren voiced similar criticism , telling ABC ’ s “ This Week ” that “ the coalition of billionaires is not exactly what ’ s going to carry us over the top.
” Former Vice President Joe Biden told the same program that Buttigieg hasn ’ t been able to “ unify the black community.
” The volley of criticism Sunday was fresh evidence that Buttigieg , who was virtually unknown in national politics a year ago , has become an early front-runner in the battle for the Democratic presidential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new phase of the campaign that will test how Buttigieg responds to the pressure , especially as the contest moves to more racially diverse states where he has struggled to gain traction .
Buttigieg hit back at Biden , who on Saturday lamented comparisons between the former mayor and former President Barack Obama .
“ Oh , come on , man , ” Biden told reporters .
“ This guy ’ s not a Barack Obama.
” “ Well , he ’ s right , I ’ m not , ” Buttigieg responded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Union.
” “ And neither is he .
Neither is any of us running for president.
” He later offered an oblique critique of Sanders ’ combative call for revolution .
“ Let ’ s remember we ’ re facing the most divisive president of our time , which is why we can ’ t risk dividing Americans further , ” Buttigieg told more than 1,800 people at an event in Nashua , New Hampshire .
Later in Dover , he declared himself the candidate on the rise .
“ We are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the state of New Hampshire , thanks to you , ” he told a crowd of several hundred .
While responding to some of the attacks , Buttigieg didn ’ t escalate any feuds on Sunday .
That could help him maintain the energy of his optimistic Iowa campaign in which he portrayed himself as above the Washington fray .
“ Part of the reason why he ’ s doing well is he ’ s got a pretty sunny and upbeat presentation , ” said David Axelrod , a former senior adviser to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s smart to handle it the way he ’ s handling it .
We still don ’ t know what the impact any of this will have.
” But in a sign of potential hurdles ahead for Buttigieg , even voters in an overwhelmingly white state like New Hampshire said they wanted to see evidence that he could build relationships with people of color .
Kim Holman of Brookline , New Hampshire , said she was undecided but leaning toward Buttigieg ’ s “ energy and passion.
” Yet his struggle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on her decision .
“ It ’ s definitely a concern .
New Hampshire is a super-white state , ” the 52-year-old personal trainer said .
“ I ’ m hoping he resonates more with people of color.
” Buttigieg ’ s standing has posed a challenge to Sanders .
The two contenders represent opposite ideological wings of the party , yet Sanders is under pressure to show that he can unify Democrats if he is the nominee .
With that in mind , the progressive Vermont senator has sought to qualify his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supporter in Plymouth laughed at the mention of Buttigieg , Sanders interjected , “ We ’ re not here to denigrate Pete.
” But Sanders nonetheless proceeded to blast Buttigieg ’ s ties to large donors .
And one of his most prominent surrogates , former Ohio state Sen. Nina Turner , ripped into both Buttigieg and billionaire former Mayor Michael Bloomberg at a separate event later Sunday .
She slammed Buttigieg for fundraising with billionaires in a wine cave featuring a Swarovsky crystal chandelier .
And she laid into Bloomberg for skipping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign funded by hundreds of millions of dollars of his personal fortune .
“ Whose side are you on ?
” she repeatedly asked the crowd to cheers .
There were other awkward moments Sunday during the final stretch of the New Hampshire campaign .
During a rally in the state capital of Concord , Warren declared , “ It ’ s up to you , Massachusetts.
” During an event in Hampton , a woman asked Biden to explain his underperformance in Iowa .
He said it was a good question , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been to a caucus .
When she said she had , Biden responded , “ No , you haven ’ t ” and proceeded to call her “ a lying , dog-faced pony soldier.
” The audience laughed during the exchange .
The chaos from the Iowa caucuses lingered over the New Hampshire contest .
Problems with an app led to delays in results and prompted questions about the accuracy of the vote count .
Nearly a week after the caucuses , The Associated Press hasn ’ t declared a result .
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tax meant for affordable housing , poll finds In an interview on CNN ’ s “ State of the Union ” on Sunday , Democratic National Committee Chairman Tom Perez said he was “ mad as hell ” about the situation .
Associated Press writer Kathleen Ronayne in Plymouth , N.H. , contributed to this report .

By Thomas Beaumont | Associated Press
DOVER, N.H. — Pete Buttigieg has been on defense all weekend as his Democratic presidential rivals attacked him on everything from his struggle to connect with black voters to accepting campaign contributions from large donors in an effort to blunt any momentum heading into Tuesday’s New Hampshire primary.
Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, who essentially tied with Buttigieg in last week’s Iowa caucuses, blasted the former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, for taking contributions from the very wealthy, suggesting Buttigieg won’t stand up to “Wall Street tycoons” or “the corporate elite.” Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren voiced similar criticism, telling ABC’s “This Week” that “the coalition of billionaires is not exactly what’s going to carry us over the top.” Former Vice President Joe Biden told the same program that Buttigieg hasn’t been able to “unify the black community.”
The volley of criticism Sunday was fresh evidence that Buttigieg, who was virtually unknown in national politics a year ago, has become an early front-runner in the battle for the Democratic presidential nomination. The developments usher in a new phase of the campaign that will test how Buttigieg responds to the pressure, especially as the contest moves to more racially diverse states where he has struggled to gain traction.
Buttigieg hit back at Biden, who on Saturday lamented comparisons between the former mayor and former President Barack Obama.
“Oh, come on, man,” Biden told reporters. “This guy’s not a Barack Obama.”
“Well, he’s right, I’m not,” Buttigieg responded on CNN’s “State of the Union.” “And neither is he. Neither is any of us running for president.”
He later offered an oblique critique of Sanders’ combative call for revolution.
“Let’s remember we’re facing the most divisive president of our time, which is why we can’t risk dividing Americans further,” Buttigieg told more than 1,800 people at an event in Nashua, New Hampshire.
Later in Dover, he declared himself the candidate on the rise. “We are the campaign with the strongest momentum in the state of New Hampshire, thanks to you,” he told a crowd of several hundred.
While responding to some of the attacks, Buttigieg didn’t escalate any feuds on Sunday. That could help him maintain the energy of his optimistic Iowa campaign in which he portrayed himself as above the Washington fray.
“Part of the reason why he’s doing well is he’s got a pretty sunny and upbeat presentation,” said David Axelrod, a former senior adviser to Obama. “Tactically, I think it’s smart to handle it the way he’s handling it. We still don’t know what the impact any of this will have.”
But in a sign of potential hurdles ahead for Buttigieg, even voters in an overwhelmingly white state like New Hampshire said they wanted to see evidence that he could build relationships with people of color. Kim Holman of Brookline, New Hampshire, said she was undecided but leaning toward Buttigieg’s “energy and passion.” Yet his struggle so far especially with black voters weighs on her decision.
“It’s definitely a concern. New Hampshire is a super-white state,” the 52-year-old personal trainer said. “I’m hoping he resonates more with people of color.”
Buttigieg’s standing has posed a challenge to Sanders. The two contenders represent opposite ideological wings of the party, yet Sanders is under pressure to show that he can unify Democrats if he is the nominee. With that in mind, the progressive Vermont senator has sought to qualify his criticisms of Buttigieg.
When a Sanders supporter in Plymouth laughed at the mention of Buttigieg, Sanders interjected, “We’re not here to denigrate Pete.”
But Sanders nonetheless proceeded to blast Buttigieg’s ties to large donors. And one of his most prominent surrogates, former Ohio state Sen. Nina Turner, ripped into both Buttigieg and billionaire former Mayor Michael Bloomberg at a separate event later Sunday.
She slammed Buttigieg for fundraising with billionaires in a wine cave featuring a Swarovsky crystal chandelier. And she laid into Bloomberg for skipping the early voting states and running a campaign funded by hundreds of millions of dollars of his personal fortune.
“Whose side are you on?” she repeatedly asked the crowd to cheers.
There were other awkward moments Sunday during the final stretch of the New Hampshire campaign. During a rally in the state capital of Concord, Warren declared, “It’s up to you, Massachusetts.”
During an event in Hampton, a woman asked Biden to explain his underperformance in Iowa. He said it was a good question, then asked her if she’d been to a caucus. When she said she had, Biden responded, “No, you haven’t” and proceeded to call her “a lying, dog-faced pony soldier.” The audience laughed during the exchange.
The chaos from the Iowa caucuses lingered over the New Hampshire contest. Problems with an app led to delays in results and prompted questions about the accuracy of the vote count. Nearly a week after the caucuses, The Associated Press hasn’t declared a result.
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Associated Press writer Kathleen Ronayne in Plymouth, N.H., contributed to this report.