mercurynews--2020-01-30--Miss Manners: When it’s OK to yell at other people’s kids

DEAR MISS MANNERS : Standing at an airport carousel waiting for my luggage , I noticed two small children playing with the moving belt by running their hands along the edge .
Their ( I assume ) mother was some distance away , engaged in conversation , so I spoke sharply and firmly to the children , “ Stop doing that !
” And they stopped .
As expected , since my words had attracted her attention , I received a nasty rebuke from the mom .
Fortunately , my bag arrived , so I grabbed it and walked away @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this situation properly ?
What would you have done ?
Also , please alert parents of the danger to little hands and feet from the moving belts that are everywhere in our world ( airport carousels , supermarket cashier stations , escalators ) .
Most airports have clearly posted warning signs to that effect .
• Miss Manners : I ’ m ready to boycott the wedding because of what the bride did to me • Miss Manners : I find it excruciating to get stuck talking with the wives • Miss Manners @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keep found money • Miss Manners : These strangers are offended that I won ’ t tell all GENTLE READER : Correcting other people ’ s children is allowed to prevent imminent harm , and baggage carousels undoubtedly qualify .
Even if the machinery does not grab them , there are heavy suitcases to worry about .
The intervention , however , still requires tact : a look of concern , an explanation ( “ Be careful !
There is a heavy bag behind you ” ) .
Miss Manners recommends this be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the inattentive parent .
This may not save you from a harsh rebuke , but it will generate sympathetic glares from passersby .
DEAR MISS MANNERS : Last year , a friend ’ s brother passed and I did not attend the viewing or funeral .
Now another brother passed , and I would like to attend the viewing .
Is this OK ?
I really don ’ t have a good reason why I didn ’ t attend last year ’ s funeral .
GENTLE READER : Having missed the first is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Grieving relatives are unlikely to quiz you about last year , but , if asked , Miss Manners suggests you express your profound regret that you were unable to attend the first viewing , and change the subject .
DEAR MISS MANNERS : I live in a friendly neighborhood that I enjoy .
However , I have been surprised a few times by neighbors who have knocked on my door , asked to come in , and then asked for a tour of my home .
These are people I ’ ve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with whom I socialize — due to the gossipy behavior that I ’ ve observed , which isn ’ t my cup of tea .
Do you have any responses I can use to avoid their requests to come in , and their further requests to be given a tour ?
GENTLE READER : The answer — to be delivered while standing in the doorway — is , “ I ’ m sorry , now isn ’ t a good time , ” accompanied by nervous glances over your shoulder .
The glances @ @ @ @ @ @ @ something unspecified is going to go terribly wrong if you do not extricate yourself from this conversation quickly .
If the neighbor persists , repeat that this is not a good time and ask if they have a card so you can contact them .
Miss Manners is aware that most people do not carry personal cards any more , but as you do not want the information anyway , this should not be an impediment .
Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website , www.missmanners.com ; to her email @ @ @ @ @ @ @ postal mail to Miss Manners , Andrews McMeel Syndication , 1130 Walnut St. , Kansas City , MO 64106 .

Judith Martin, Nicholas Ivor Martin and Jacobina Martin

DEAR MISS MANNERS: Standing at an airport carousel waiting for my luggage, I noticed two small children playing with the moving belt by running their hands along the edge. Their (I assume) mother was some distance away, engaged in conversation, so I spoke sharply and firmly to the children, “Stop doing that!” And they stopped.
As expected, since my words had attracted her attention, I received a nasty rebuke from the mom. Fortunately, my bag arrived, so I grabbed it and walked away without a word.
Did I handle this situation properly? What would you have done?
Also, please alert parents of the danger to little hands and feet from the moving belts that are everywhere in our world (airport carousels, supermarket cashier stations, escalators). Most airports have clearly posted warning signs to that effect.
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Miss Manners: She wants to turn our music festival into a get-drunk weekend Advice | Miss Manners: My rule is no gift for a second wedding, no attendance for a third GENTLE READER: Correcting other people’s children is allowed to prevent imminent harm, and baggage carousels undoubtedly qualify. Even if the machinery does not grab them, there are heavy suitcases to worry about.
The intervention, however, still requires tact: a look of concern, an explanation (“Be careful! There is a heavy bag behind you”). Miss Manners recommends this be applied both to the children and to the inattentive parent.
This may not save you from a harsh rebuke, but it will generate sympathetic glares from passersby.
DEAR MISS MANNERS: Last year, a friend’s brother passed and I did not attend the viewing or funeral. Now another brother passed, and I would like to attend the viewing. Is this OK? I really don’t have a good reason why I didn’t attend last year’s funeral.
GENTLE READER: Having missed the first is not a reason to miss the second. Grieving relatives are unlikely to quiz you about last year, but, if asked, Miss Manners suggests you express your profound regret that you were unable to attend the first viewing, and change the subject.
Want Miss Manners delivered to your inbox for free on weekdays?
DEAR MISS MANNERS: I live in a friendly neighborhood that I enjoy. However, I have been surprised a few times by neighbors who have knocked on my door, asked to come in, and then asked for a tour of my home.
These are people I’ve seen at neighborhood meetings, not people with whom I socialize — due to the gossipy behavior that I’ve observed, which isn’t my cup of tea. Do you have any responses I can use to avoid their requests to come in, and their further requests to be given a tour?
GENTLE READER: The answer — to be delivered while standing in the doorway — is, “I’m sorry, now isn’t a good time,” accompanied by nervous glances over your shoulder.
The glances are meant to convey the idea that something unspecified is going to go terribly wrong if you do not extricate yourself from this conversation quickly.
If the neighbor persists, repeat that this is not a good time and ask if they have a card so you can contact them. Miss Manners is aware that most people do not carry personal cards any more, but as you do not want the information anyway, this should not be an impediment.
Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners.com; to her email, dearmissmanners@gmail.com; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.


mercurynews--2020-01-31--Venezuelan opposition figure angling for Trump meeting

CARACAS , Venezuela — Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaidó wraps up an international tour with a rally in Miami on Super Bowl weekend with the looming question whether the opposition leader can score an important meeting with President Donald Trump .
Guaidó ’ s ability to win face time with Trump in a symbolically important meeting will test the young political leader ’ s standing with his most important international ally .
“ If Trump does not meet with Guaidó , that would raise serious questions about the administration ’ s continuing commitment to Venezuela ’ s interim president , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Washington-based Inter-American Dialogue think tank .
“ It might well be interpreted that Trump is hedging on Guaidó.
” With his support down at home , Guaidó launched the second year of his so-far unsuccessful campaign to remove President Nicolás Maduro by defying a travel ban and slipping out of Venezuela seeking to shore up backing from leaders in Colombia , across Europe and Canada .
Venezuela has been a top priority in Latin America for the Trump administration , which was a year ago the first among nearly 60 governments to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials called Maduro a “ dictator , ” and hit the state-run Venezuelan oil firm PDVSA with sanctions among other financial measures designed to push out the socialist leader .
However , Maduro remains in control , having faced down a coup attempt , a brief renewal of mass anti-government protests and U.S. sanctions .
At various stops on his international trip , Guaidó has met with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo , U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross and White House adviser Ivanka Trump , the president ’ s daughter , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the U.S. president .
He missed Trump at the World Economic Forum in Davos , Switzerland , arriving a day after the U.S. president left .
The two will both be in Florida this weekend , but it is unclear whether Guaidó is on the guest list for Trump ’ s Super Bowl party at his Mar-a-Lago club — or invited to any other meetings .
A Trump-Guaidó meeting is under consideration and would likely take place this weekend in south Florida , according to two people , including a senior U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ familiar with the discussions spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they weren ’ t authorized to discuss the U.S. president ’ s plans .
Shifter said the lack of a Trump-Guaidó session would demoralize the Venezuelan opposition that has counted on Washington for unwavering support .
It would also be puzzling to U.S. allies like Colombia and Brazil , which have worked in concert with the U.S. in fully backing Guaidó , he said .
Guaidó has not delivered the change in Venezuela that the Trump administration and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he is still Venezuela ’ s most popular political figure , Shifter said .
“ Trump may be frustrated and believe he was misled on Venezuela , ” Shifter said .
“ But there is little cost in meeting with Guaidó as the democratic struggle enters a new , very difficult , phase.
” Guaidó emerged from the opposition in January 2019 to become the first viable challenger in years to Maduro , the hand-chosen successor of the late charismatic leader Hugo Chávez .
The economy continues to shrink after two decades of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world ’ s largest oil reserves .
The political and social crisis is driving mass migration as Venezuelans abandon a country with shortages of reliable water , food , electricity , gasoline and medical care , among basic services .
Guaidó claimed presidential powers as leader of the opposition-controlled National Assembly , vowing before cheering masses in Caracas ’ streets to overthrow Maduro and restore democracy .
However , his plan hitched on flipping the military ’ s loyalty from Maduro , something that hasn ’ t happened .
Maduro today appears emboldened @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president patrol the streets on motorcycles , blocking Guaidó and allied lawmakers from entering their legislative hall .
Intelligence police occupied Guaidó ’ s office space after he left on his foreign tour .
“ The biggest clown ever in Venezuelan or world politics declared himself as president , ” Maduro said in a celebratory address on the anniversary of Guaidó claim to power .
“ Who the hell elected you ?
” At the time , Guaidó was in Europe posing for photos with world leaders including British Prime Minister Boris Johnson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chancellor Angela Merkel .
In Canada , he met with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau .
Guaidó wrote an op-ed published Thursday in the Miami Herald saying he was in the U.S .
He thanked Trump , U.S. lawmakers and their counterparts in Europe and throughout the Americas for all they have done for Venezuela .
“ They have helped Venezuela in our time of greatest need , and no Venezuelan will ever forget that , ” he wrote .
“ Their commitment has been extraordinary , but on behalf of our people , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s planned rally Saturday in Miami is expected to draw a large number of Venezuelans in the biggest diaspora of expatriates living in the United States .
It ’ s also a politically important swing-state for Trump .
Guaido might then make the risky move of returning home , although his team has not released details of this plans .
• New Parnas video puts him , Fruman , at Mar-a-Lago with Trump • AP-NORC poll : GOP is fired up , Democrats are anxious • Sen. Paul tries , fails to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ completed a similar international tour a year ago , returning without hassles on a commercial flight that landed in Venezuela ’ s main airport outside Caracas .
A coalition of allied foreign ambassadors greeted him in a show of solidarity .
Risa Grais-Targow , a Venezuela analyst for the Eurasia Group , said aggression by Maduro against the opposition in recent weeks — such as blocking them from their congressional meeting hall — shows Maduro is pushing the limits to see if the international community is still watching .
“ There ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aggressive toward Guaidó , ” Grais-Targow said .
“ It seems to me he ’ s feeling much more confident in his position today than he was , certainly , six months ago .
”

By Scott Smith | Associated Press
CARACAS, Venezuela — Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaidó wraps up an international tour with a rally in Miami on Super Bowl weekend with the looming question whether the opposition leader can score an important meeting with President Donald Trump.
Guaidó’s ability to win face time with Trump in a symbolically important meeting will test the young political leader’s standing with his most important international ally.
“If Trump does not meet with Guaidó, that would raise serious questions about the administration’s continuing commitment to Venezuela’s interim president,” said Michael Shifter, president of the Washington-based Inter-American Dialogue think tank. “It might well be interpreted that Trump is hedging on Guaidó.”
With his support down at home, Guaidó launched the second year of his so-far unsuccessful campaign to remove President Nicolás Maduro by defying a travel ban and slipping out of Venezuela seeking to shore up backing from leaders in Colombia, across Europe and Canada.
Venezuela has been a top priority in Latin America for the Trump administration, which was a year ago the first among nearly 60 governments to throw their weight behind Guaidó. U.S. officials called Maduro a “dictator,” and hit the state-run Venezuelan oil firm PDVSA with sanctions among other financial measures designed to push out the socialist leader.
However, Maduro remains in control, having faced down a coup attempt, a brief renewal of mass anti-government protests and U.S. sanctions.
At various stops on his international trip, Guaidó has met with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross and White House adviser Ivanka Trump, the president’s daughter, but he hasn’t yet gotten to the U.S. president.
He missed Trump at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, arriving a day after the U.S. president left. The two will both be in Florida this weekend, but it is unclear whether Guaidó is on the guest list for Trump’s Super Bowl party at his Mar-a-Lago club — or invited to any other meetings.
A Trump-Guaidó meeting is under consideration and would likely take place this weekend in south Florida, according to two people, including a senior U.S. official. The official and another person familiar with the discussions spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they weren’t authorized to discuss the U.S. president’s plans.
Shifter said the lack of a Trump-Guaidó session would demoralize the Venezuelan opposition that has counted on Washington for unwavering support. It would also be puzzling to U.S. allies like Colombia and Brazil, which have worked in concert with the U.S. in fully backing Guaidó, he said.
Guaidó has not delivered the change in Venezuela that the Trump administration and the country’s opposition expected, but he is still Venezuela’s most popular political figure, Shifter said.
“Trump may be frustrated and believe he was misled on Venezuela,” Shifter said. “But there is little cost in meeting with Guaidó as the democratic struggle enters a new, very difficult, phase.”
Guaidó emerged from the opposition in January 2019 to become the first viable challenger in years to Maduro, the hand-chosen successor of the late charismatic leader Hugo Chávez. The economy continues to shrink after two decades of socialist rule, despite Venezuela holding the world’s largest oil reserves.
The political and social crisis is driving mass migration as Venezuelans abandon a country with shortages of reliable water, food, electricity, gasoline and medical care, among basic services.
Guaidó claimed presidential powers as leader of the opposition-controlled National Assembly, vowing before cheering masses in Caracas’ streets to overthrow Maduro and restore democracy.
However, his plan hitched on flipping the military’s loyalty from Maduro, something that hasn’t happened.
Maduro today appears emboldened. Armed civilian groups loyal to the president patrol the streets on motorcycles, blocking Guaidó and allied lawmakers from entering their legislative hall. Intelligence police occupied Guaidó’s office space after he left on his foreign tour.
“The biggest clown ever in Venezuelan or world politics declared himself as president,” Maduro said in a celebratory address on the anniversary of Guaidó claim to power. “Who the hell elected you?”
At the time, Guaidó was in Europe posing for photos with world leaders including British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel. In Canada, he met with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Guaidó wrote an op-ed published Thursday in the Miami Herald saying he was in the U.S. He thanked Trump, U.S. lawmakers and their counterparts in Europe and throughout the Americas for all they have done for Venezuela.
“They have helped Venezuela in our time of greatest need, and no Venezuelan will ever forget that,” he wrote. “Their commitment has been extraordinary, but on behalf of our people, I must ask for more.”
Guaidó’s planned rally Saturday in Miami is expected to draw a large number of Venezuelans in the biggest diaspora of expatriates living in the United States. It’s also a politically important swing-state for Trump.
Guaido might then make the risky move of returning home, although his team has not released details of this plans.
He completed a similar international tour a year ago, returning without hassles on a commercial flight that landed in Venezuela’s main airport outside Caracas. A coalition of allied foreign ambassadors greeted him in a show of solidarity.
Risa Grais-Targow, a Venezuela analyst for the Eurasia Group, said aggression by Maduro against the opposition in recent weeks — such as blocking them from their congressional meeting hall — shows Maduro is pushing the limits to see if the international community is still watching.
“There’s a potential for Maduro to be more aggressive toward Guaidó,” Grais-Targow said. “It seems to me he’s feeling much more confident in his position today than he was, certainly, six months ago.”


mercurynews--2020-01-31--Steve Kerr on resting Steph Curry to tank: ‘We haven’t spent one second discussing that’

BOSTON — In a lottery-bound season , Warriors head coach Steve Kerr isn ’ t concerned about maintaining favorable odds to land the No .
1 draft pick .
Not if it means delaying the return of Stephen Curry .
In other words , he ’ s not succumbing to tanking : “ We haven ’ t spent one second discussing that dynamic , that winning could hurt us , ” Kerr said .
“ When you ’ re 10-38 , winning sounds really good.
” After undergoing left hand surgery in November , Curry will be re-evaluated on Feb. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this season .
If he returns in March , he would be available for more than 20 games , during which he would increase Golden State ’ s chances of winning .
The Warriors are on pace to win 17 games this season and currently hold the best odds for May ’ s draft lottery , with a 14 % chance to land the No .
1 pick and a guarantee to select in the top five .
However , after the league smoothed out the lottery odds last year , both the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ York Knicks ( 13-36 ) also have a 14 % chance at choosing first overall .
Last season , the team with the worst record — the 17-65 Knicks — ended up picking third .
Meanwhile , the New Orleans Pelicans , with the seventh-best odds , vaulted to No .
1 and drafted 19-year-old phenom Zion Williamson .
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Still , he will be re-evaluated during the All-Star break ( Feb. 14-16 ) .
“ The players are going to play when they ’ re ready to play , ” Kerr said .
“ And we ’ re going to try to win every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t think there ’ s a whole lot of value in doing anything else other than that .
”

BOSTON — In a lottery-bound season, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr isn’t concerned about maintaining favorable odds to land the No. 1 draft pick. Not if it means delaying the return of Stephen Curry.
In other words, he’s not succumbing to tanking: “We haven’t spent one second discussing that dynamic, that winning could hurt us,” Kerr said. “When you’re 10-38, winning sounds really good.”
After undergoing left hand surgery in November, Curry will be re-evaluated on Feb. 1 and is expected to play again this season. If he returns in March, he would be available for more than 20 games, during which he would increase Golden State’s chances of winning.
The Warriors are on pace to win 17 games this season and currently hold the best odds for May’s draft lottery, with a 14% chance to land the No. 1 pick and a guarantee to select in the top five.
However, after the league smoothed out the lottery odds last year, both the Atlanta Hawks (12-36) and New York Knicks (13-36) also have a 14% chance at choosing first overall.
Last season, the team with the worst record — the 17-65 Knicks — ended up picking third. Meanwhile, the New Orleans Pelicans, with the seventh-best odds, vaulted to No. 1 and drafted 19-year-old phenom Zion Williamson. Related Articles Golden State Warriors | Here’s the Warriors’ schedule for NBA’s inaugural in-season tournament
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Klay Thompson, Kerr said, is unlikely to play after tearing his ACL in June — an injury that typically takes at least a year to heal fully. Still, he will be re-evaluated during the All-Star break (Feb. 14-16).
“The players are going to play when they’re ready to play,” Kerr said. “And we’re going to try to win every game that we can.
“I don’t think there’s a whole lot of value in doing anything else other than that.”


mercurynews--2020-01-30--Stunning tributes to Kobe Bryant, daughter, Gianna

The sudden deaths of NBA star Kobe Bryant and his daughter , Gianna , over the weekend in a helicopter @ @ @ @ @ affected many around the world .
And the outpouring of grief has been expressed in @ @ @ @ @ Kelli Pearson and her husband , Pete Davis , created a 115-foot by 92-foot grass @ @ @ @ @ Pleasanton baseball field .
“ I think it hit hurt her more than it hit @ @ @ @ @ KGO .
“ She woke up knowing we had to do something .
We wanted @ @ @ @ @ Here are other unique tributes to Kobe and Gianna Bryant :

The sudden deaths of NBA star Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna, over the weekend in a helicopter crash near Los Angeles deeply affected many around the world. And the outpouring of grief has been expressed in many awe-inspiring ways.
Artist Kelli Pearson and her husband, Pete Davis, created a 115-foot by 92-foot grass image of Bryant on a Pleasanton baseball field.
“I think it hit hurt her more than it hit me,” Davis told KGO. “She woke up knowing we had to do something. We wanted to do something local.”
Here are other unique tributes to Kobe and Gianna Bryant:
The Philippines pay tribute to Kobe and Gianna Bryant with this incredible basketball court mural. pic.twitter.com/4nmBCybtWI — SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 28, 2020
The Love is Real! Man gets a permanent tattoo of Kobe Bryant's LA Lakers shirt 👕 number on his back. pic.twitter.com/a3m3EBSjVa — UG (@Crisugo44) January 29, 2020


mercurynews--2020-01-30--New Parnas video puts him, Fruman, at Mar-a-Lago with Trump

Lev Parnas and Igor Fruman , two associates of Rudy Giuliani , attended a fundraising dinner with President Donald Trump and then-Congressman Pete Sessions in April 2018 , according to a new video recording that was released on Thursday .
The video is the second recording released in a week that purports to show the indicted Giuliani associates ’ ability to gain proximity to the President and the latest recording released by Parnas ’ attorney to refute Trump ’ s claims that he doesn ’ t know the man .
The recording released Thursday was made during a fundraising dinner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mar-a-Lago , Trump ’ s property in Florida .
The dinner took place 10 days before a private dinner at the Trump International Hotel where Parnas told Trump that the then-US Ambassador to the Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch was bad-mouthing him , according to a recording released Saturday .
Trump was heard on that recording telling an aide to “ get rid of her ” and “ take her out ” referring to Yovanovitch .
In her House testimony , Yovanovitch denied bad-mouthing Trump .
On the new tape , Trump can be seen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Off-camera , Trump is heard discussing polling numbers and bantering with donors about open Senate and congressional seats , Syria and immigration .
Sessions also addresses the donors .
He lost his race in the 2018 midterms but is mounting a comeback bid this year , running in a more Republican-friendly district in Texas .
After the gathering , Trump posed for photographs with some of the donors , including a picture with Parnas .
Trump and Parnas didn ’ t appear to have much of a conversation .
Trump has denied @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that they ’ ve met on several occasions .
Parnas says Giuliani kept Trump in the loop about Parnas ’ activities in Ukraine , which included meetings with officials to pressure them to do favors for Trump .
Giuliani says Parnas is lying .
The tape was apparently recorded by Fruman , who is seen picking up the phone while it was taping .
In an interview , Parnas told CNN on Wednesday that Trump introduced him to Sessions at a fundraising dinner .
“ We had a separate meeting at Mar-a-Lago , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sessions declined to comment on the recording .
Parnas and Fruman ’ s connection to Sessions , the former Republican congressman from Texas , is referenced in the federal indictment charging the men with campaign finance violations .
Sessions was subpoenaed by prosecutors with the US attorney ’ s office in Manhattan and said he is cooperating with their investigation .
Parnas and Fruman have pleaded not guilty .
The fundraising event appears to be referenced the indictment .
Prosecutors allege Parnas and Fruman met Sessions at a fundraiser and then later met @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to raising $ 20,000 for his reelection effort .
During the Washington meeting , Parnas asked Sessions to help get Yovanovitch removed , the indictment alleges .
Prosecutors allege Parnas made the request to the congressman in part at the behest of one or more Ukraine government officials .
Sessions has previously said he “ could not have had ” knowledge of the alleged scheme .
“ I was first approached by these individuals for a meeting about the strategic need for Ukraine to become energy independent , ” he said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and I took no action.
” The recording also indicates that Florida lobbyist Brian Ballard attended the dinner .
Ballard ’ s lobbying firm has deep connections in the Trump White House , and he was subpoenaed by prosecutors investigating Parnas ’ financial dealings , CNN has reported .
Ballard declined to comment .
At one point , the conversation moves to the Syrian conflict .
Two women who identified as Syrian Americans shared their insights on the region with Trump , criticizing Syrian President Bashar Assad for creating a situation where ISIS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s very much against ISIS , right ?
” Trump asked .
“ No , he ’ s not , ” one first woman said .
“ That ’ s what he pretends , ” the other woman said .
• Sen. Paul tries , fails to enter whistleblower name into the record • Letter : Today ’ s Republicans have not touched bottom yet The women gave Trump a crash-course on their foreign policy view , explaining that Assad claims to fight ISIS but has focused his military on fighting the opposition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his regime — including some US-backed militias .
The anti-ISIS coalition led by the US has been responsible for the vast majority of military operations inside Syria that have directly targeted ISIS .
The exchange was a remarkable example of how Trump has embraced the talking points of authoritarian leaders — in private and in public .
After announcing the US withdrawal from Syria last year , Trump repeatedly said Russian President Vladimir Putin was focused on fighting ISIS .
But the facts on the ground show that Russia rarely bombs ISIS , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opponents .

By Kara Scannell and Marshall Cohen | CNN
Lev Parnas and Igor Fruman, two associates of Rudy Giuliani, attended a fundraising dinner with President Donald Trump and then-Congressman Pete Sessions in April 2018, according to a new video recording that was released on Thursday.
The video is the second recording released in a week that purports to show the indicted Giuliani associates’ ability to gain proximity to the President and the latest recording released by Parnas’ attorney to refute Trump’s claims that he doesn’t know the man.
The recording released Thursday was made during a fundraising dinner on April 20, 2018, at Mar-a-Lago, Trump’s property in Florida. The dinner took place 10 days before a private dinner at the Trump International Hotel where Parnas told Trump that the then-US Ambassador to the Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch was bad-mouthing him, according to a recording released Saturday.
Trump was heard on that recording telling an aide to “get rid of her” and “take her out” referring to Yovanovitch. In her House testimony, Yovanovitch denied bad-mouthing Trump.
On the new tape, Trump can be seen entering the room at Mar-a-Lago to applause. Off-camera, Trump is heard discussing polling numbers and bantering with donors about open Senate and congressional seats, Syria and immigration. Sessions also addresses the donors. He lost his race in the 2018 midterms but is mounting a comeback bid this year, running in a more Republican-friendly district in Texas.
After the gathering, Trump posed for photographs with some of the donors, including a picture with Parnas. Trump and Parnas didn’t appear to have much of a conversation.
Trump has denied knowing anything about Parnas, despite evidence that they’ve met on several occasions. Parnas says Giuliani kept Trump in the loop about Parnas’ activities in Ukraine, which included meetings with officials to pressure them to do favors for Trump. Giuliani says Parnas is lying.
The tape was apparently recorded by Fruman, who is seen picking up the phone while it was taping.
In an interview, Parnas told CNN on Wednesday that Trump introduced him to Sessions at a fundraising dinner. “We had a separate meeting at Mar-a-Lago,” Parnas said. A representative for Sessions declined to comment on the recording.
Parnas and Fruman’s connection to Sessions, the former Republican congressman from Texas, is referenced in the federal indictment charging the men with campaign finance violations. Sessions was subpoenaed by prosecutors with the US attorney’s office in Manhattan and said he is cooperating with their investigation. Parnas and Fruman have pleaded not guilty.
The fundraising event appears to be referenced the indictment. Prosecutors allege Parnas and Fruman met Sessions at a fundraiser and then later met with Sessions in Washington after they committed to raising $20,000 for his reelection effort. During the Washington meeting, Parnas asked Sessions to help get Yovanovitch removed, the indictment alleges.
Prosecutors allege Parnas made the request to the congressman in part at the behest of one or more Ukraine government officials.
Sessions has previously said he “could not have had” knowledge of the alleged scheme. “I was first approached by these individuals for a meeting about the strategic need for Ukraine to become energy independent,” he said. “There was no request in that meeting and I took no action.”
The recording also indicates that Florida lobbyist Brian Ballard attended the dinner. Ballard’s lobbying firm has deep connections in the Trump White House, and he was subpoenaed by prosecutors investigating Parnas’ financial dealings, CNN has reported. Ballard declined to comment.
At one point, the conversation moves to the Syrian conflict. Two women who identified as Syrian Americans shared their insights on the region with Trump, criticizing Syrian President Bashar Assad for creating a situation where ISIS could thrive.
“But he’s very much against ISIS, right?” Trump asked.
“No, he’s not,” one first woman said.
“That’s what he pretends,” the other woman said.
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The exchange was a remarkable example of how Trump has embraced the talking points of authoritarian leaders — in private and in public. After announcing the US withdrawal from Syria last year, Trump repeatedly said Russian President Vladimir Putin was focused on fighting ISIS. But the facts on the ground show that Russia rarely bombs ISIS, and is really fighting Assad’s opponents.


mercurynews--2020-01-30--49ers practice report: Garoppolo says ‘We know what the moment is’

MIAMI — Jimmy Garoppolo couldn ’ t single out a highlight yet from Super Bowl week .
Perhaps it will come to him Sunday , say about 10:30 p.m. here with a Lombardi Trophy in his hands .
Garoppolo gave rave reviews to Thursday ’ s workout at the nearby University of Miami .
“ It ’ s been two good days of practice , ” Garoppolo said .
“ I ’ m sure having two weeks to go over the game plan and get locked in like that , it ’ s helped guys .
“ We know what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Coleman indeed knows .
A dislocated shoulder knocked him out of the NFC Championship win but he said his injury has “ definitely ” improved and he ’ s practiced the past two days in limited fashion .
“ Everybody is focused and we know what we ’ ve got to do to get this ring , ” Coleman said .
Strong safety Jaquiski Tartt ( ribs ) and linebacker Kwon Alexander ( pectoral ) also remained limited .
The Chiefs had full participation .
Coach Kyle Shanahan said this week has felt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season in Youngstown , Ohio ( in September ) and Bradenton , Fla. ( last month ) between back-to-back road games .
Shanahan hoped his players could spend Thursday night with their families , many of whom flew into town Thursday along with hundreds of 49ers staff members .
“ Tomorrow it will be the same routine , doing red zone again and putting that stuff in , ” Shanahan said .
“ We ’ ll get out earlier , make it an early Friday night , we ’ ll have our Saturday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ll be ready to go.
” Kicker Robbie Gould , punter Mitch Wishnowsky and long snapper Kyle Nelson have already visited Hard Rock Stadium , and Gould ’ s mind is at ease with the field conditions .
“ The field is in great shape and the wind was like it will be pregame , and then it will die down , ” Gould said .
“ It was great to get in and have sight lines .
Everything held true.
” Gould has already kicked in a Super Bowl on that field @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 2006 Chicago Bears ’ loss to the Indianapolis Colts .
Of all the questions Garoppolo ’ s been asked over four days of media sessions , how many were about his former New England Patriots teammate Tom Brady ?
“ At least 50 percent of them .
… And another one to it , ” Garoppolo said .
• Super Bowl : Villa Italian promises free pizza slices if New England Patriots ( huh ? )
win the game • 49ers ’ run to the Super Bowl : A look back at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Katie Sowers , first woman to coach in Super Bowl , to be featured in commercial Sunday • An unspoken difference separates the culture of 49ers , Chiefs What was the best play in the NFL ’ s 100-year history ?
George Kittle did not need much time to think of a perfect response .
“ Oh , OK , The Catch , ” Kittle said of Dwight Clark ’ s famous touchdown in the 1981 season ’ s NFC final that launched the 49ers ’ dynasty .
“ Come on , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that way , I ’ d get in trouble .
I love that play .
“ When I got drafted by the Niners , the first thing my dad told me , ‘ I can remember where I was , what I was doing when The Catch happened.
’ That was a momentous moment in sports.
” When Nick Bosa got asked the same question , he answered with a different catch , the one David Tyree made by pinning an Eli Manning pass to his helmet in the New York Giants ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ XLII .

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MIAMI — Jimmy Garoppolo couldn’t single out a highlight yet from Super Bowl week. Perhaps it will come to him Sunday, say about 10:30 p.m. here with a Lombardi Trophy in his hands.
Garoppolo gave rave reviews to Thursday’s workout at the nearby University of Miami.
“It’s been two good days of practice,” Garoppolo said. “I’m sure having two weeks to go over the game plan and get locked in like that, it’s helped guys.
“We know what the moment is.”
Running back Tevin Coleman indeed knows. A dislocated shoulder knocked him out of the NFC Championship win but he said his injury has “definitely” improved and he’s practiced the past two days in limited fashion.
“Everybody is focused and we know what we’ve got to do to get this ring,” Coleman said.
Strong safety Jaquiski Tartt (ribs) and linebacker Kwon Alexander (pectoral) also remained limited. The Chiefs had full participation.
Coach Kyle Shanahan said this week has felt routine thanks to extended stays earlier this season in Youngstown, Ohio (in September) and Bradenton, Fla. (last month) between back-to-back road games.
Shanahan hoped his players could spend Thursday night with their families, many of whom flew into town Thursday along with hundreds of 49ers staff members.
“Tomorrow it will be the same routine, doing red zone again and putting that stuff in,” Shanahan said. “We’ll get out earlier, make it an early Friday night, we’ll have our Saturday walk-through (practice). We’ll be ready to go.”
FIELD INSPECTION
Kicker Robbie Gould, punter Mitch Wishnowsky and long snapper Kyle Nelson have already visited Hard Rock Stadium, and Gould’s mind is at ease with the field conditions.
“The field is in great shape and the wind was like it will be pregame, and then it will die down,” Gould said. “It was great to get in and have sight lines. Everything held true.”
Gould has already kicked in a Super Bowl on that field, making his only field-goal attempt in the 2006 Chicago Bears’ loss to the Indianapolis Colts.
HOT TOPIC: TOM BRADY
Of all the questions Garoppolo’s been asked over four days of media sessions, how many were about his former New England Patriots teammate Tom Brady? “At least 50 percent of them. … And another one to it,” Garoppolo said. Related Articles San Francisco 49ers | 49ers training camp: Talanoa Hufanga’s interception spoils Brock Purdy’s solid day
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PLAY OF THE CENTURY
What was the best play in the NFL’s 100-year history? George Kittle did not need much time to think of a perfect response.
“Oh, OK, The Catch,” Kittle said of Dwight Clark’s famous touchdown in the 1981 season’s NFC final that launched the 49ers’ dynasty. “Come on, I can’t not answer it that way, I’d get in trouble. I love that play.
“When I got drafted by the Niners, the first thing my dad told me, ‘I can remember where I was, what I was doing when The Catch happened.’ That was a momentous moment in sports.”
When Nick Bosa got asked the same question, he answered with a different catch, the one David Tyree made by pinning an Eli Manning pass to his helmet in the New York Giants’ win over the Patriots in Super Bowl XLII.


mercurynews--2020-01-30--East Bay school district files lawsuit against popular vaping company

An East Bay school district has joined the fight against teen vaping and the company they say is responsible for making it popular with young people .
The Acalanes Union High School District joined four other districts in a lawsuit against JUUL Labs , Inc. , for its role in cultivating what the district calls “ an e-cigarette epidemic that disrupts the education and learning environment ” across its district .
The suit was filed in Contra Costa County Superior Court on Tuesday .
The Rocklin Unified School District , Monterey Peninsula Unified School District , Anaheim Union School District @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part of the lawsuit .
Ten other school districts — Los Angeles Unified , San Diego Unified , Glendale Unified , Compton Unified , King City Union , Ceres Unified , Anaheim Elementary , Campbell Union , Chico Unified and David Joint Unified — all filed a lawsuit as a group against JUUL earlier this month .
The lawsuit seeks an injunction to force JUUL to stop producing the e-cigarettes , as well as compensatory damages for financial losses suffered by the districts as a result of students being absent .
“ The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the superintendent , and the community to end a health epidemic for young people , Associate Superintendent Amy McNamara said by phone Thursday .
“ JUUL has gone out of its way to market to young people , and they ’ ve succeeded .
We ’ re seeing it everywhere.
” According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse , the number of e-cigarette uses increased by 1.5 million from 2017 to 2018 , the largest spike in any substance recorded in 44 years .
“ They ’ ve absolutely normalized vaping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ve had students come to the health center saying they want to stop , and they simply can ’ t. ” A spokesman for JUUL Labs said the company is working to earn back a better reputation among the public .
“ We remain focused on resetting the vapor category in the United States and earning the trust of society by working cooperatively with regulators , attorneys general , public health officials and other stakeholders to combat underage tobacco use and convert adult smokers from combustible cigarettes , ” spokesman Ted Kwong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also pointed toward JUUL ’ s elimination in November of all flavors but tobacco and menthol , as well as its elimination of its print , digitgal and TV advertising .
“ Our customer base is the world ’ s 1 billion adult smokers , ” Kwong said .
“ We do not intend to attract underage users .
To the extent these cases allege otherwise , they are without merit.
” The district says the increase in vaping can be pointed at JUUL , because “ it was marketed as a safe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even though we don ’ t know yet if it is.
” The National Institute on Drug Abuse reported that nearly 5 million middle and high school students used tobacco products in 2018 and that 3.6 million used e-cigarettes .
It also said that vaping exceeds any other kind of substance abuse among middle schoolers and second only to alcohol .
More than 80 percent of high school seniors nationally also reported that it was easy to get e-liquid with nicotine for vaping .

An East Bay school district has joined the fight against teen vaping and the company they say is responsible for making it popular with young people. The Acalanes Union High School District has joined four other districts in a lawsuit against San Francisco-based Juul Labs Inc. for its role in cultivating what the district calls “an e-cigarette epidemic that disrupts the education and learning environment” across its district.
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Doctors sound alarm about child nicotine poisoning as vapes flood the US market Education | Juul seeks authorization on a new vape it says can verify a user’s age. Here’s how it works The suit was filed Tuesday in Contra Costa County Superior Court. The Rocklin Unified School District, Monterey Peninsula Unified School District, Anaheim Union School District and Poway Unified School District are all part of the lawsuit. Ten other school districts — Los Angeles Unified, San Diego Unified, Glendale Unified, Compton Unified, King City Union, Ceres Unified, Anaheim Elementary, Campbell Union, Chico Unified and David Joint Unified — all filed a lawsuit as a group against Juul earlier in January. The suit seeks an injunction to force Juul to stop producing the e-cigarettes as well as compensatory damages for financial losses suffered by the districts as a result of students being absent.
“The lawsuit represents a commitment by the board, the superintendent and the community to end a health epidemic for young people, Acalanes district Associate Superintendent Amy McNamara said Thursday. “Juul has gone out of its way to market to young people, and they’ve succeeded. We’re seeing it everywhere.”
The Acalanes district consists of Lafayette’s Acalanes High School, Moraga’s Campolindo High School, Orinda’s Miramonte High School and Walnut Creek’s Las Lomas High School, Acalanes Center for Independent Study alternative school and Acalanes Adult Education. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the number of e-cigarette users increased by 1.5 million from 2017 to 2018, the largest spike in any substance recorded in 44 years.
“They’ve absolutely normalized vaping,” McNamara said. “I’ve had students come to the health center saying they want to stop, and they simply can’t.”
A Juul spokesman said the company is working to earn back a better reputation among the public.
“We remain focused on resetting the vapor category in the United States and earning the trust of society by working cooperatively with regulators, attorneys general, public health officials and other stakeholders to combat underage tobacco use and convert adult smokers from combustible cigarettes,” Ted Kwong wrote in an emailed statement.
Kwong also pointed toward Juul’s elimination in November of all flavors but “Virginia Tobacco,” “Classic Tobacco” and menthol as well as its elimination of its print, digital and TV advertising.
“Our customer base is the world’s 1 billion adult smokers,” Kwong said. “We do not intend to attract underage users. To the extent these cases allege otherwise, they are without merit.”
Acalanes school district officials say the increase in vaping can be blamed on Juul, because “it was marketed as a safe alternative,” McNamara said, “even though we don’t know yet if it is.”
The National Institute on Drug Abuse reported that nearly 5 million middle and high school students used tobacco products in 2018 and that 3.6 million used e-cigarettes. It also reported that vaping exceeds any other kind of substance abuse among middle schoolers and is second only to alcohol. More than 80 percent of high school seniors nationally also reported that it was easy to get e-liquid with nicotine for vaping.


mercurynews--2020-01-30--Duo accused of taking gold jewelry from Walnut Creek Macy’s

MARTINEZ — Two men have been charged with second-degree burglary after authorities said they took more than $ 65,000 worth @ @ @ @ @ Walnut Creek department store last week .
Authorities said Richard Lange , of Richmond , @ @ @ @ @ transient , also have been charged with grand theft of personal property , and vandalism @ @ @ @ @ damage following the early morning burglary Jan. 24 at the Macy ’ s in Broadway @ @ @ @ @ Lane also include the special allegation of having two prior offenses and the special allegation @ @ @ @ @ and violent felony , authorities said .
Lange and Dopp are accused of smashing display @ @ @ @ @ of the store and grabbing the gold jewelry , authorities said .
The two were @ @ @ @ @ store and fled , authorities said .
Ultimately , authorities valued the damage to the @ @ @ @ @ .
Lange and Dopp posted bail and were not in custody Thursday .

MARTINEZ — Two men have been charged with second-degree burglary after authorities said they took more than $65,000 worth of gold jewelry from a Walnut Creek department store last week.
Authorities said Richard Lange, of Richmond, and Christopher Dopp, a transient, also have been charged with grand theft of personal property, and vandalism causing more than $400 damage following the early morning burglary Jan. 24 at the Macy’s in Broadway Plaza.
The charges against Lane also include the special allegation of having two prior offenses and the special allegation of having a prior serious and violent felony, authorities said.
Lange and Dopp are accused of smashing display cases on the first floor of the store and grabbing the gold jewelry, authorities said. The two were spotted by employees inside the store and fled, authorities said.
Ultimately, authorities valued the damage to the store at than $80,000.
Lange and Dopp posted bail and were not in custody Thursday.
Check back for updates.


mercurynews--2020-01-30--San Jose airport zooms to record passenger levels amid hot economy

SAN JOSE — San Jose International Airport rocketed to a record-high level of passengers during 2019 amid a robust economy and steady expansions by the busy tech sector , airport officials reported Thursday .
Passenger traffic at San Jose airport zoomed 9.3 percent higher in 2019 compared with 2018 , reaching a record amount of nearly 15.7 million passengers , the airport announced .
“ This marks the second consecutive year of record-breaking passenger totals for Silicon Valley ’ s airport , ” said John Aitken , San Jose ’ s director of aviation .
During 2018 , San Jose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passengers , which itself was 14.7 percent higher than the 12.5 million people who used the airport in 2017 , according to a financial report by the airport .
“ It is up and to the right , not only for how our economy is going but also for how passenger numbers are going for San Jose International Airport , ” said Carl Guardino , president of the Silicon Valley Leadership Group .
The number of passengers served in 2017 was 15.6 percent above the 10.8 million using San Jose International Airport during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This growth is due to our airlines being responsive to our travelers ’ needs by providing more flight options around the globe , the airport ’ s close proximity to Fortune 500 companies , and San Jose airport ’ s convenience , efficiency , and on-time reliability , ” Aitken said .
Much of the upswing at the air travel hub appears to have resulted primarily from expansions by two air carriers : Southwest Airlines and Alaska Airlines .
Perhaps the most eye-catching move for an airline serving San Jose was the launch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the mainland United States and Hawaii .
Last year , Southwest connected San Jose to Honolulu on the main Hawaiian island of Oahu and to Kahului on the island of Maui .
More flights connecting San Jose with other destinations in Hawaii are planned by Southwest .
Southwest Airlines also initiated service during 2019 that connected San Jose to Long Beach in Southern California ; El Paso , Texas ; and Nashville , Tennesee .
Alaska Airlines began flights that linked San Jose and Everett , a Washington state city near Seattle .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Airlines began providing flights between San Jose and the Hawaiian islands of Kauai and the Big Island of Hawaii .
Alaska Airlines is slated to begin service to Puerto Vallarta in Mexico in March ; American Airlines is due to initiate flights to Austin , Texas in April ; Air Canada plans service to Toronto , Canada in May ; Jet Blue plans more service to Boston in June ; and Delta intends to begin flights to Detroit in July .
“ With the strength of our local economy and commitments from our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Silicon Valley travelers , we are excited for the opportunities in 2020 and beyond , ” Aitken said .
New food and beverage concessions are on tap at the airport during 2020 , officials said .
In Terminal A , Shake Shack will open , Starbucks will expand , and Gordon Biersch will expand .
In Terminal B , Trader Vic ’ s will open a full-service restaurant and Trader Vic ’ s Outpost will open a to-go restaurant , SJ Mac+Cheese will open a new concession , and Dish Dash will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ domestic flights that San Jose has secured , along with the existing routes , are good for customer choice , good for our city , and good for our economy , ” Guardino said .

SAN JOSE — San Jose International Airport rocketed to a record-high level of passengers during 2019 amid a robust economy and steady expansions by the busy tech sector, airport officials reported.
“The good news is the airport is bursting at the seams. The bad news is the airport is bursting at the seams,” San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo said in an interview with this news organization. The mayor said decisions loom during 2020 about an expansion of the airport.
Passenger traffic at San Jose airport zoomed 9.3 percent higher in 2019 compared with 2018, reaching a record amount of nearly 15.7 million passengers, the airport said Thursday
“This marks the second consecutive year of record-breaking passenger totals for Silicon Valley’s airport,” said John Aitken, San Jose’s director of aviation.
During 2018, San Jose airport accommodated 14.3 million arriving and departing passengers, which itself was 14.7 percent higher than the 12.5 million people who used the airport in 2017, according to a financial report by the airport.
“It is up and to the right, not only for how our economy is going but also for how passenger numbers are going for San Jose International Airport,” said Carl Guardino, president of the Silicon Valley Leadership Group.
Much of the upswing at the air travel hub appears to have resulted primarily from expansions by two air carriers: Southwest Airlines and Alaska Airlines.
Perhaps the most eye-catching move for an airline serving San Jose was the launch during 2019 of Southwest Airlines service between the mainland United States and Hawaii. Last year, Southwest connected San Jose to Honolulu on the main Hawaiian island of Oahu and to Kahului on the island of Maui. More flights connecting San Jose with other destinations in Hawaii are planned by Southwest.
Southwest Airlines also initiated service during 2019 that connected San Jose to Long Beach in Southern California; El Paso, Texas; and Nashville, Tennesee.
Alaska Airlines began flights that linked San Jose and Everett, a Washington state city near Seattle.
Plus, in recent days, Southwest Airlines began providing flights between San Jose and the Hawaiian islands of Kauai and the Big Island of Hawaii.
Alaska Airlines is slated to begin service to Puerto Vallarta in Mexico in March; American Airlines is due to initiate flights to Austin, Texas in April; Air Canada plans service to Toronto, Canada in May; Jet Blue plans more service to Boston in June; and Delta intends to begin flights to Detroit in July.
“With the strength of our local economy and commitments from our airline partners to provide more flight choices for Silicon Valley travelers, we are excited for the opportunities in 2020 and beyond,” Aitken said.
New food and beverage concessions are on tap at the airport during 2020, officials said.
In Terminal A, Shake Shack will open, Starbucks will expand, and Gordon Biersch will expand. In Terminal B, Trader Vic’s will open a full-service restaurant and Trader Vic’s Outpost will open a to-go restaurant, SJ Mac+Cheese will open a new concession, and Dish Dash will open.
“The additional international and domestic flights that San Jose has secured, along with the existing routes, are good for customer choice, good for our city, and good for our economy,” Guardino said.
City officials have begun to ponder whether to dramatically expand the airport, potentially with the construction of a third terminal.
“Over the next several months we’ll be making a big go or no go decision on an important expansion to accommodate rapid growth and continued airport success,” Liccardo said.


mercurynews--2020-01-30--Super Bowl: Villa Italian promises free pizza slices if New England Patriots (huh?) win the game

Never mind that their beloved Patriots failed to make it to the conference playoff game and that their aging star , Tom Brady , has been rumored to be talking to the Raiders about a Vegas quarterback slot .
They still think they ’ re heading to Sunday ’ s Super Bowl .
And they think they ’ re going to win .
Yes , Villa Italian Kitchen — headquartered in New Jersey — is offering a free slice of cheese pizza to customers on Monday if the Patriots win .
“ At Villa Italian Kitchen , we ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the annual Big Game very closely , ” Andrew Steinberg , the chief operating officer , said in a statement .
“ Personally , we ’ re incredibly excited to watch New England and number 12 hit the field to take home another big win in 2020.
” Sure , he ’ s delusional .
But what PR company is going to say no to his request for a promotional press release ?
You write up the sucker , send it out and hope for the best .
As for us , our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ readers .
( There are locations at Eastridge in San Jose , the Great Mall in Milpitas , the Livermore Outlets and Serramonte in Daly City . )
So we ’ re hoping that after Sunday ’ s game , the folks at Villa Italian will see that the only way to save face is to offer slices to the fans of the ( victorious ) team with the Italian-American quarterback .
It ’ s a win-win , right ?

Hope springs eternal for New Englanders.
Never mind that their beloved Patriots failed to make it to the conference playoff game and that their aging star, Tom Brady, has been rumored to be talking to the Raiders about a Vegas quarterback slot.
They still think they’re heading to Sunday’s Super Bowl. And they think they’re going to win.
Insert the “hand slapping forehead” emoji here.
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Bay Area Super Bowl parties: From $5.49 deal to $150 reservations-only bash Restaurants, Food and Drink | 7 top Bay Area things to do Super Bowl weekend Yes, Villa Italian Kitchen — headquartered in New Jersey — is offering a free slice of cheese pizza to customers on Monday if the Patriots win.
“At Villa Italian Kitchen, we’re such big football fans that we follow the annual Big Game very closely,” Andrew Steinberg, the chief operating officer, said in a statement. “Personally, we’re incredibly excited to watch New England and number 12 hit the field to take home another big win in 2020.”
Sure, he’s delusional. But what PR company is going to say no to his request for a promotional press release? You write up the sucker, send it out and hope for the best.
As for us, our interest is in free pizza for our readers. (There are locations at Eastridge in San Jose, the Great Mall in Milpitas, the Livermore Outlets and Serramonte in Daly City.)
So we’re hoping that after Sunday’s game, the folks at Villa Italian will see that the only way to save face is to offer slices to the fans of the (victorious) team with the Italian-American quarterback. It’s a win-win, right?
We’ll report back Monday. Meantime, go Niners!


mercurynews--2020-01-30--Prime stock: Amazon’s now worth $1 trillion

Amazon ’ s stock market value surpassed $ 1 trillion after the e-commerce reported a better-than-expected holiday season .
The @ @ @ @ @ Jan. 30 , net income of $ 3.27 billion , or $ 6.47 per share @ @ @ @ @ ending in December .
That was up from $ 3.03 billion , or $ 6.04 @ @ @ @ @ .
Analysts were expecting earnings of $ 4.04 per share in the latest quarter , @ @ @ @ @ .
The online retailer also noted it now has more than 150 million Prime members @ @ @ @ @ a year for faster shipping and other perks .
The last time Amazon revealed how @ @ @ @ @ was in 2018 , when it said it had more than 100 million paying members @

Amazon’s stock market value surpassed $1 trillion after the e-commerce reported a better-than-expected holiday season.
The Seattle-based company reported Thursday, Jan. 30, net income of $3.27 billion, or $6.47 per share, in the three months ending in December. That was up from $3.03 billion, or $6.04 per share the year before. Analysts were expecting earnings of $4.04 per share in the latest quarter, according to research firm FactSet.
Revenue jumped 21% to $87.44 billion, also beating expectations.
The online retailer also noted it now has more than 150 million Prime members, who pay $119 a year for faster shipping and other perks. The last time Amazon revealed how many Prime members it had was in 2018, when it said it had more than 100 million paying members.


mercurynews--2020-02-05--Charges to be dropped against California surgeon, girlfriend, accused of sexually assaulting multipl

Charges to be dropped against California surgeon, girlfriend, accused of sexually assaulting multiple women

SANTA ANA — Prosecutors are dropping criminal charges against a Newport Beach surgeon and his girlfriend accused of drugging and raping multiple women , because of a lack of evidence and concerns over prosecutorial misconduct , Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer announced on Tuesday .
Accusing his predecessor , Tony Rackauckas , of mishandling a high-profile case that drew international attention in order to bolster Rackauckas ’ failed bid for re-election , Spitzer during a news conference apologized to both Grant Robicheaux and Cerissa Riley , who were accused of sexually assaulting seven women , as well as their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ winners here , there are only casualties , ” Spitzer said .
“ Because the public and the media were led to believe that there was video evidence which confirmed thousands of victims , it was misreported worldwide .
You trusted what you were told and it stirred local and international sensationalism.
” “ There were two individuals who were mistreated by the system , and they didn ’ t deserve it , because of a re-election , ” Spitzer added .
Spitzer said an exhaustive review of the case determined that there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ evidence or video or photo that shows an unconscious or incapacitated woman being sexually assaulted.
” Attorney Philip Cohen , who is representing Robicheaux , said his team was “ elated ” by Spitzer ’ s decision to drop charges .
“ The mere filing of this case has destroyed , irreparable , two lives , ” Cohen said .
“ Grant was a very successful , renowned hand surgeon .
He had an incredibly successful medical practice .
That is gone .
And hopefully something of an ability to work again will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ persona non grata with an entire city , an entire state , and I don ’ t want to be exaggerating , but probably an entire country , ” Cohen added .
Robicheaux , 39 , and Riley , 32 , were charged with drugging and raping multiple victims , with Rackauckas at the time the case was filed describing the pair as using their good looks to meet women in restaurants in bars , then drug them and lure them back to Robicheaux ’ s apartment in order to sexually assault them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that any non-consensual sexual encounters occurred .
Spitzer said he would be willing to meet with any of the alleged victims to explain his reasoning for moving to dismiss the criminal case .
Michael Fell , an attorney representing one of the accusers , challenged Spitzer during the press conference , asking the DA “ How is my client getting justice ?
” Spitzer responded that Fell needed to meet with him in private , adding that there were things Spitzer knew about the woman ’ s history that led to “ her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think she is going to be devastated , absolutely devastated , ” Fell said of the reaction of the alleged victim he is representing after the press conference .
“ For somebody to go through what she had to go through with the police , with the district attorney ’ s office only for it to be dropped ?
She is going to be devastated.
” A judge must still act on the DA ’ s office request to formally drop the charges .
A hearing has not yet been set .
For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s attorneys have accused Rackauckas of inflating the number of potential victims during a Sept. 18 , 2018 news conference by falsely claiming there were potentially more than 1,000 rape victims .
In a letter to the state attorney general ’ s office late last year , Spitzer alleged that the case against the couple was “ rife with prosecutorial misconduct ” while under Rackauckas ’ leadership .
In the letter , Spitzer wrote that his predecessor had been “ actively marketing the ‘ 1,000 victims ’ story to the press behind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consider prosecuting the former DA over alleged misconduct , Spitzer replied that his even investigating his former political opponent would be an “ obvious conflict of interest.
” Spitzer said he has passed the information about the case to the state bar association .
Rackauckas in a statement denied allegations of wrongdoing on his part , and said he disagrees with the decision to toss out the case .
“ My heart goes out to the women who had the courage to come forward with their complaint , because I believed their complaints @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leaving office , ” his statement said .
The initial allegations against Robicheaux and Riley were investigated by the Newport Beach Police Department , but the case was closed with detectives opting not to send it to the DA ’ s office for potential prosecution .
A DNA hit related to a sexual assault exam of one of the victims brought the investigation to the attention of the OCDA ’ s office .
But Spitzer noted that Rackauckas in announcing the charges had not explained that the DNA was not tied to either @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that as a result of his office ’ s review of the case , they had decided to open a “ new ongoing investigation involving personnel.
” “ I will get to the bottom of how this occurred , why it occurred , and whether there needs to be action taken in that regard , ” Spitzer said .
“ That ’ s all I can say about that at this time .
”

SANTA ANA — Prosecutors are dropping criminal charges against a Newport Beach surgeon and his girlfriend accused of drugging and raping multiple women, because of a lack of evidence and concerns over prosecutorial misconduct, Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer announced on Tuesday.
Accusing his predecessor, Tony Rackauckas, of mishandling a high-profile case that drew international attention in order to bolster Rackauckas’ failed bid for re-election, Spitzer during a news conference apologized to both Grant Robicheaux and Cerissa Riley, who were accused of sexually assaulting seven women, as well as their accusers.
“There’s no winners here, there are only casualties,” Spitzer said. “Because the public and the media were led to believe that there was video evidence which confirmed thousands of victims, it was misreported worldwide. You trusted what you were told and it stirred local and international sensationalism.”
“There were two individuals who were mistreated by the system, and they didn’t deserve it, because of a re-election,” Spitzer added.
Spitzer said an exhaustive review of the case determined that there was “not a single piece of evidence or video or photo that shows an unconscious or incapacitated woman being sexually assaulted.”
Attorney Philip Cohen, who is representing Robicheaux, said his team was “elated” by Spitzer’s decision to drop charges.
“The mere filing of this case has destroyed, irreparable, two lives,” Cohen said. “Grant was a very successful, renowned hand surgeon. He had an incredibly successful medical practice. That is gone. And hopefully something of an ability to work again will be returned.”
“He has become persona non grata with an entire city, an entire state, and I don’t want to be exaggerating, but probably an entire country,” Cohen added.
Robicheaux, 39, and Riley, 32, were charged with drugging and raping multiple victims, with Rackauckas at the time the case was filed describing the pair as using their good looks to meet women in restaurants in bars, then drug them and lure them back to Robicheaux’s apartment in order to sexually assault them.
Robicheuax and Riley have both denied that any non-consensual sexual encounters occurred.
Spitzer said he would be willing to meet with any of the alleged victims to explain his reasoning for moving to dismiss the criminal case.
Michael Fell, an attorney representing one of the accusers, challenged Spitzer during the press conference, asking the DA “How is my client getting justice?” Spitzer responded that Fell needed to meet with him in private, adding that there were things Spitzer knew about the woman’s history that led to “her veracity being completely besmirched.”
“I think she is going to be devastated, absolutely devastated,” Fell said of the reaction of the alleged victim he is representing after the press conference. “For somebody to go through what she had to go through with the police, with the district attorney’s office only for it to be dropped? She is going to be devastated.”
A judge must still act on the DA’s office request to formally drop the charges. A hearing has not yet been set.
For more than a year, the couple’s attorneys have accused Rackauckas of inflating the number of potential victims during a Sept. 18, 2018 news conference by falsely claiming there were potentially more than 1,000 rape victims.
In a letter to the state attorney general’s office late last year, Spitzer alleged that the case against the couple was “rife with prosecutorial misconduct” while under Rackauckas’ leadership. In the letter, Spitzer wrote that his predecessor had been “actively marketing the ‘1,000 victims’ story to the press behind the scenes.”
Asked if he would consider prosecuting the former DA over alleged misconduct, Spitzer replied that his even investigating his former political opponent would be an “obvious conflict of interest.” Spitzer said he has passed the information about the case to the state bar association.
Rackauckas in a statement denied allegations of wrongdoing on his part, and said he disagrees with the decision to toss out the case.
“My heart goes out to the women who had the courage to come forward with their complaint, because I believed their complaints based on the evidence I had before leaving office,” his statement said.
The initial allegations against Robicheaux and Riley were investigated by the Newport Beach Police Department, but the case was closed with detectives opting not to send it to the DA’s office for potential prosecution.
A DNA hit related to a sexual assault exam of one of the victims brought the investigation to the attention of the OCDA’s office. But Spitzer noted that Rackauckas in announcing the charges had not explained that the DNA was not tied to either Robicheaux or Riley.
Spitzer also acknowledged that as a result of his office’s review of the case, they had decided to open a “new ongoing investigation involving personnel.”
“I will get to the bottom of how this occurred, why it occurred, and whether there needs to be action taken in that regard,” Spitzer said. “That’s all I can say about that at this time.”
City News Service contributed to this story.


mercurynews--2020-02-05--Disney expects coronavirus outbreak to keep Shanghai and Hong Kong theme parks closed for two months

Disney expects the coronavirus outbreak in China that has forced the temporary closure of Shanghai Disneyland and Hong Kong Disneyland to keep the two Asian theme parks closed for at least two months .
The temporary closure of Shanghai Disneyland and Hong Kong Disneyland due to China ’ s coronavirus outbreak could result in a $ 175 million loss in Disney ’ s upcoming second quarter , Disney chief financial officer Christine McCarthy said .
The loss assumes the closure of both parks for two months , McCarthy said .
“ The recent closure of our parks in both Shanghai @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus situation will negatively impact second quarter and full year results , ” McCarthy said during the company ’ s latest earnings call .
“ The precise magnitude of the financial impact is highly dependent on the duration of the closures and how quickly we can resume normal operations.
” Shanghai Disneyland and Hong Kong Disneyland will remain closed indefinitely amid the coronavirus outbreak that has killed hundreds , infected thousands and restricted millions from traveling .
The closure of the two Disney theme parks came at the beginning of the week-long Lunar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ busiest travel seasons of the year in China .
“ At Shanghai Disney Resort , we currently estimate the closure of the park could have an adverse impact on second quarter operating income of approximately $ 135 million assuming the park is closed for two months during Q2 , ” McCarthy said .
Hong Kong Disneyland had already seen a significant drop in theme park attendance and hotel bookings due to the ongoing protests in the city .
“ At Hong Kong Disneyland , we currently estimate the closure of the park could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ income of about $ 40 million for the second quarter , ” McCarthy said .
“ Again , this assumes that the resort is closed for two months.
” Shanghai Disneyland closed on Jan. 25 and Hong Kong Disneyland shut its gates on Jan. 26 .
Coronavirus symptoms include fever , coughing and difficulty breathing .
Coronavirus cases have been confirmed in more than two dozen countries outside mainland China .
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has identified at least 11 coronavirus cases in the United States , including in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t had an impact on visitation at Disney ’ s U.S. theme park , McCarthy said .
Disney ’ s U.S. parks don ’ t draw a significant amount of visitors from Asia , McCarthy said .
Approximately 1 in 5 visitors to Disney ’ s domestic parks come from international markets , McCarthy said .

Disney assumes the coronavirus outbreak in China that has forced the temporary closure of Shanghai Disneyland and Hong Kong Disneyland could keep the two Asian theme parks closed for at least two months.
The temporary closure of Shanghai Disneyland and Hong Kong Disneyland due to China’s coronavirus outbreak could result in a $175 million loss in Disney’s upcoming second quarter, Disney chief financial officer Christine McCarthy said. The loss assumes the closure of both parks for two months, McCarthy said.
“The recent closure of our parks in both Shanghai and Hong Kong due to the ongoing coronavirus situation will negatively impact second quarter and full year results,” McCarthy said during the company’s latest earnings call. “The precise magnitude of the financial impact is highly dependent on the duration of the closures and how quickly we can resume normal operations.”
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SEE ALSO: Attendance increases at Disneyland and Disney World after launch of Rise of the Resistance
Shanghai Disneyland and Hong Kong Disneyland will remain closed indefinitely amid the coronavirus outbreak that has killed hundreds, infected thousands and restricted millions from traveling. The closure of the two Disney theme parks came at the beginning of the week-long Lunar New Year holiday, one of the busiest travel seasons of the year in China.
“At Shanghai Disney Resort, we currently estimate the closure of the park could have an adverse impact on second quarter operating income of approximately $135 million assuming the park is closed for two months during Q2,” McCarthy said.
Hong Kong Disneyland had already seen a significant drop in theme park attendance and hotel bookings due to the ongoing protests in the city.
“At Hong Kong Disneyland, we currently estimate the closure of the park could have an additional adverse impact on operating income of about $40 million for the second quarter,” McCarthy said. “Again, this assumes that the resort is closed for two months.”
Shanghai Disneyland closed on Jan. 25 and Hong Kong Disneyland shut its gates on Jan. 26.
Coronavirus symptoms include fever, coughing and difficulty breathing. Coronavirus cases have been confirmed in more than two dozen countries outside mainland China. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has identified at least 11 coronavirus cases in the United States, including in California.
The coronavirus outbreak hasn’t had an impact on visitation at Disney’s U.S. theme park, McCarthy said. Disney’s U.S. parks don’t draw a significant amount of visitors from Asia, McCarthy said. Approximately 1 in 5 visitors to Disney’s domestic parks come from international markets, McCarthy said.


mercurynews--2020-02-05--Letter: A bumper sticker says ‘Alameda: Where hipsters go to breed’

Have you seen the bumper sticker “ Alameda : Where hipsters go to breed ” ?
Now , while I @ @ @ @ @ unhip to fall into that category , when my husband and I moved here , @ @ @ @ @ because it ’ s a wonderful place to raise a family .
Our local school @ @ @ @ @ sense of home .
It ’ s where we met other families , friends we @ @ @ @ @ almost two decades .
It ’ s also where we started our community engagement , @ @ @ @ @ from school to include more local organizations .
Many of our local leaders got their @ @ @ @ @ • Letter : This Oakland ordinance is designed for votes , not renters • Letter @ @ @ @ @ profit for owners brings us here It couldn ’ t be more true : Strong @ @ @ @ @ .
Vote yes on Measure A to keep our local schools vibrant .
Submit your @ @ @ @ @ this form Read more Letters to the Editor

Keep Alameda schools
vibrant with Measure A
Have you seen the bumper sticker “Alameda: Where hipsters go to breed”? Now, while I myself am a little too unhip to fall into that category, when my husband and I moved here, to Alameda, we came because it’s a wonderful place to raise a family.
Our local school provided us with a true sense of home. It’s where we met other families, friends we’ve now known for almost two decades. It’s also where we started our community engagement, which has now expanded outward from school to include more local organizations. Many of our local leaders got their start organizing at schools.
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Letters: Insulate wires | CDE was wrong | Functional Chromebooks | Trump’s ego | Healthy debate | A new path Letters to the Editor | Letters: Local solar | Titan resources | Activism helps It couldn’t be more true: Strong schools make for strong communities. Vote yes on Measure A to keep our local schools vibrant.
Katie de Vries
Alameda
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mercurynews--2020-02-05--Horoscopes Feb. 5, 2020: Darren Criss, rid yourself of guilt.

Happy Birthday : Take the path that leads to greater creativity , and you will embrace personal growth .
Rid yourself of guilt and other complexities you face due to past occurrences , and learn from experience .
Consider what you want and what will make you happy , and you will discover freedom .
Strive to prosper mentally , physically and financially this year .
Your numbers are 2 , 14 , 22 , 27 , 34 , 40 , 48 .
ARIES ( March 21-April 19 ) : Arguments will bring you down .
Concentrate on fixing whatever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ less time discussing what your plans are and more time implementing what you want to accomplish .
Stability will follow if you take care of matters personally .
2 stars TAURUS ( April 20-May 20 ) : Listen to the information offered , and it will give you a new perspective on life , love , and what ’ s new and exciting .
Check on the internet for last-minute vacation deals .
More significant opportunities will be yours if you are helpful .
4 stars GEMINI ( May 21-June 20 ) : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Check out career opportunities .
Follow a path that excites you and allows you to incorporate the skills you enjoy using most .
Set a goal , and don ’ t quit until you fulfill your dream .
3 stars CANCER ( June 21-July 22 ) : Show sensitivity toward others .
How you handle situations and people will determine the outcome .
Kindness and generosity will pay off .
Put yourself in someone else ’ s shoes , and you ’ ll know what ’ s required to make a situation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 23-Aug. 22 ) : Your creativity will appeal to someone who shares your vision .
A mental , physical or emotional trip will open your mind to alternative methods .
Someone you meet will have an impact on your future .
Participate , and see what life has to offer .
3 stars VIRGO ( Aug. 23-Sept. 22 ) : Help a cause or group that is in trouble , and it will make you feel good .
Your ability to dissect problems and come up with solutions will turn you into a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a partnership will develop .
4 stars LIBRA ( Sept. 23-Oct. 22 ) : Don ’ t gossip .
You might damage your reputation if you are insensitive .
You will do far better if you stick to your job and finish what you start .
Keep an open mind , and carefully choose what you share .
2 stars SCORPIO ( Oct. 23-Nov. 21 ) : Consider all your options .
Choose the one that offers the most considerable freedom and the most adventure .
Implement what you enjoy doing into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ achieve the success you desire .
Personal growth is in the stars .
5 stars SAGITTARIUS ( Nov. 22-Dec. 21 ) : Keep everything in order .
Personal issues should be looked at carefully .
Focus on health , contracts and money matters .
Avoid joint ventures .
Working with others will lead to disappointment .
Trust in facts , not hearsay .
Keep your thoughts a secret .
3 stars CAPRICORN ( Dec. 22-Jan. 19 ) : Stay in control .
If you snooze , you ’ ll lose .
Underestimating someone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loss .
An intimate involvement will need nurturing .
Make plans to discuss your intentions .
Taking hold of situations and finding solutions will leave a lasting impression .
3 stars AQUARIUS ( Jan. 20-Feb. 18 ) : Laziness is not acceptable .
Productivity will be the key to getting ahead as well as impressing others .
Push your ideas and present what you have to offer .
Don ’ t lose sight of your goals ; take the initiative , and reap the rewards .
3 stars PISCES ( Feb. 19-March 20 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ functions related to work and combine business with pleasure .
You may be able to change your future just by engaging in something a little bit unusual .
New surroundings will boost your morale .
5 stars Birthday Baby : You are sensitive , perceptive and courageous .
You are kind and persuasive .

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Darren Criss, 33; Michael Sheen, 51; Jennifer Jason Leigh, 58; Barbara Hershey, 72.
Happy Birthday: Take the path that leads to greater creativity, and you will embrace personal growth. Rid yourself of guilt and other complexities you face due to past occurrences, and learn from experience. Consider what you want and what will make you happy, and you will discover freedom. Strive to prosper mentally, physically and financially this year. Your numbers are 2, 14, 22, 27, 34, 40, 48.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Arguments will bring you down. Concentrate on fixing whatever you feel needs a facelift. Spend less time discussing what your plans are and more time implementing what you want to accomplish. Stability will follow if you take care of matters personally. 2 stars
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Listen to the information offered, and it will give you a new perspective on life, love, and what’s new and exciting. Check on the internet for last-minute vacation deals. More significant opportunities will be yours if you are helpful. 4 stars
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): A financial move will have its perks. Check out career opportunities. Follow a path that excites you and allows you to incorporate the skills you enjoy using most. Set a goal, and don’t quit until you fulfill your dream. 3 stars
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Show sensitivity toward others. How you handle situations and people will determine the outcome. Kindness and generosity will pay off. Put yourself in someone else’s shoes, and you’ll know what’s required to make a situation better. 3 stars
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Your creativity will appeal to someone who shares your vision. A mental, physical or emotional trip will open your mind to alternative methods. Someone you meet will have an impact on your future. Participate, and see what life has to offer. 3 stars
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Help a cause or group that is in trouble, and it will make you feel good. Your ability to dissect problems and come up with solutions will turn you into a hero. Make the first move, and a partnership will develop. 4 stars
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Don’t gossip. You might damage your reputation if you are insensitive. You will do far better if you stick to your job and finish what you start. Keep an open mind, and carefully choose what you share. 2 stars
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Consider all your options. Choose the one that offers the most considerable freedom and the most adventure. Implement what you enjoy doing into your career prospects, and you will achieve the success you desire. Personal growth is in the stars. 5 stars
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Keep everything in order. Personal issues should be looked at carefully. Focus on health, contracts and money matters. Avoid joint ventures. Working with others will lead to disappointment. Trust in facts, not hearsay. Keep your thoughts a secret. 3 stars
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Stay in control. If you snooze, you’ll lose. Underestimating someone who challenges you will lead to a loss. An intimate involvement will need nurturing. Make plans to discuss your intentions. Taking hold of situations and finding solutions will leave a lasting impression. 3 stars
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Laziness is not acceptable. Productivity will be the key to getting ahead as well as impressing others. Push your ideas and present what you have to offer. Don’t lose sight of your goals; take the initiative, and reap the rewards. 3 stars
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Consider the possibilities, attend functions related to work and combine business with pleasure. You may be able to change your future just by engaging in something a little bit unusual. New surroundings will boost your morale. 5 stars
Birthday Baby: You are sensitive, perceptive and courageous. You are kind and persuasive.
Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.


mercurynews--2020-02-05--Word Game: Feb. 5, 2020

Word Game: Feb. 5, 2020

TODAY ’ S WORD — GLOSSARY ( GLOSSARY : GLAW-suh-ree : A list of words and their definitions in the @ @ @ @ @ ) Can you find 35 or more words in GLOSSARY ?
The list will be @ @ @ @ @ the Word Game book , visit WordGameBooks.com .
Order it now for just $ 5 @ @ @ @ @ .
Words must be of four or more letters .
2 .
Words that acquire @ @ @ @ @ of “ s , ” such as “ bats ” or “ dies , ” @ @ @ @ @ .
Additional words made by adding a “ d ” or an “ s ” @ @ @ @ @ For example , if “ bake ” is used , “ baked ” or “ @ @ @ @ @ , but “ bake ” and “ baking ” are admissible .
4 .
Proper @ @ @ @ @ or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed .

TODAY’S WORD — GLOSSARY (GLOSSARY: GLAW-suh-ree: A list of words and their definitions in the back of a book.)
Average mark 25 words
Time limit 40 minutes
Can you find 35 or more words in GLOSSARY? The list will be published tomorrow.
YESTERDAY’S WORD — ACCRUING acing arcing auric cairn caring
cigar circa crag cuing curing racing rain rang rani ring ruin ruing rung
uric incur gain gnar grain grin
To purchase the Word Game book, visit WordGameBooks.com. Order it now for just $5 while supplies last!
RULES OF THE GAME:
1. Words must be of four or more letters.
2. Words that acquire four letters by the addition of “s,” such as “bats” or “dies,” are not allowed.
3. Additional words made by adding a “d” or an “s” may not be used. For example, if “bake” is used, “baked” or “bakes” are not allowed, but “bake” and “baking” are admissible.
4. Proper nouns, slang words, or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed.
Contact Word Game creator Kathleen Saxe at kzsaxe@gmail.com.


mercurynews--2020-02-05--Bridge: February 5, 2020

Bridge: February 5, 2020

Wendy , my club ’ s feminist and Cy the Cynic ’ s adversary , was out of town .
“ She ’ s not here to complain , ” Cy told me , “ so I ’ m just assuming whatever I do is wrong.
” Playing at 3NT , the Cynic took the ace of spades and led a diamond to dummy ’ s queen .
East won and returned a spade : ten , jack .
Cy won the next spade , led a club to dummy and returned a diamond to his ten .
The finesse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cy had only eight tricks .
When East took the ace of hearts , the defense got two spades .
Down one .
“ If Wendy were here , ” Cy said , “ I ’ d be getting an earful.
” I think Cy misses Wendy .
As for the play at 3NT , Cy should lead a club to dummy at Trick Two and return a low heart .
East must play low , else Cy has nine tricks .
Cy next leads a club to dummy and returns a low @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and Cy wins and forces out the ace of hearts to make his game .
If West had a red ace , Cy would still be safe since West couldn ’ t continue spades effectively .
You hold : S A K 10 H K 4 D K 10 5 3 C A 10 9 5 .
South in today ’ s deal opened 1NT with this hand .
Do you agree with that call ?
ANSWER : If North-South had agreed that 1NT would show 16 to 18 points , South @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their range was 15 to 17 points , his bid was wrong .
South had all primary values and three tens ; his hand was worth much more than 17 points .
He could have opened with one of a minor , planning to jump to 2NT over a major-suit response .

Wendy, my club’s feminist and Cy the Cynic’s adversary, was out of town.
“She’s not here to complain,” Cy told me, “so I’m just assuming whatever I do is wrong.”
Playing at 3NT, the Cynic took the ace of spades and led a diamond to dummy’s queen. East won and returned a spade: ten, jack. Cy won the next spade, led a club to dummy and returned a diamond to his ten. The finesse won, but West discarded, and Cy had only eight tricks. When East took the ace of hearts, the defense got two spades. Down one.
“If Wendy were here,” Cy said, “I’d be getting an earful.”
TRICK TWO
I think Cy misses Wendy. As for the play at 3NT, Cy should lead a club to dummy at Trick Two and return a low heart. East must play low, else Cy has nine tricks. Cy next leads a club to dummy and returns a low diamond. East must play low again, and Cy wins and forces out the ace of hearts to make his game.
If West had a red ace, Cy would still be safe since West couldn’t continue spades effectively.
DAILY QUESTION
You hold: S A K 10 H K 4 D K 10 5 3 C A 10 9 5. South in today’s deal opened 1NT with this hand. Do you agree with that call?
ANSWER: If North-South had agreed that 1NT would show 16 to 18 points, South’s bid was acceptable. If their range was 15 to 17 points, his bid was wrong. South had all primary values and three tens; his hand was worth much more than 17 points. He could have opened with one of a minor, planning to jump to 2NT over a major-suit response.
South dealer
N-S vulnerable
NORTH
S 8
H Q J 3 2
D Q 6 4 2
C K Q J 4
WEST
S Q J 9 6 4
H 10 9 6 5
D 7
C 7 3 2
EAST
S 7 5 3 2
H A 8 7
D A J 9 8
C 8 6
SOUTH
S A K 10
H K 4
D K 10 5 3
C A 10 9 5
South West North East
1 NT Pass 2 C Pass
2 D Pass 3 NT All Pass
Opening lead — S Q
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