mercurynews--2020-10-16--R. Kelly’s lawyers: Singer was beaten in prison

In a new court filing Friday , attorneys for the singer R. Kelly claim video shows no one at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in Chicago , where Kelly is being held , “ raised a finger ” until an inmate who attacked him was “ well into beating Kelly ” in late August .
A Bureau of Prisons report says a prison employee ordered the attacker to stop and deployed pepper spray .
Kelly ’ s attorneys claim the video shows the attacker “ roamed a great distance within the MCC before carrying out that act , without any opposition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a result , Mr. Kelly has suffered significant physical and psychological injuries.
” CNN has not obtained this videotape .
“ An unresolved issue remains as to whether MCC personnel encouraged , and then allowed , a beating of Mr. Kelly to take place , ” wrote Michael Leonard , a lawyer for R. Kelly .
“ That alone merits an evidentiary hearing.
” Both the Federal Bureau of Prisons and the US Attorney ’ s Office for the Northern District of Illinois declined CNN ’ s requests for comment Friday .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a court filing as Jeremiah Farmer , and wrote that he had “ physically beaten Mr. Kelly in a [ sic ] attempt to shed media spotlight ” on his own case .
An employee identified as “ D .
Szyhowski ” was attempting to meet with Farmer “ when he left the office against my ( Szyhowski ’ s ) order to stay , ” according to a Federal Bureau of Prisons incident report attached to the September filing .
Szyhowski wrote he observed Farmer head into an “ out of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his when he heard a disturbance coming from a nearby cell .
Farmer appeared to be on top of Kelly , Szyhowski wrote , “ punching inmate Kelly repeatedly in the head and torso.
” Szyhowski wrote he gave an order to “ cease the assault ” before deploying his pepper spray .
After that “ inmate Farmer then ceased the assault and responded to orders from the officer to exit the cell.
” An appeals court in Illinois denied Kelly ’ s appeal to be released on bond last month .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said prosecutors presented “ clear and convincing evidence ” that Kelly presents a potential danger to the community and is a flight risk .
Kelly was indicted on federal charges in Illinois for child pornography and conspiracy to obstruct justice , as well as state charges of aggravated criminal sexual abuse .
• Report : White House was warned about Giuliani being used • Appeals court throws out East Bay rape case over prosecutor ’ s failure to turn over key police report He is also facing federal charges in New York including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which prohibits trafficking for prostitution or sexual activity .
The charges Kelly faces stem from activity that prosecutors say took place over two decades in New York , Connecticut , Illinois and California .
He has pleaded not guilty to all charges .
Kelly ’ s legal team has argued for his release at least six times since he was taken into federal custody in July 2019 .

By Omar Jimenez and Sonia Moghe | CNN
In a new court filing Friday, attorneys for the singer R. Kelly claim video shows no one at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in Chicago, where Kelly is being held, “raised a finger” until an inmate who attacked him was “well into beating Kelly” in late August.
A Bureau of Prisons report says a prison employee ordered the attacker to stop and deployed pepper spray.
Kelly’s attorneys claim the video shows the attacker “roamed a great distance within the MCC before carrying out that act, without any opposition. It is undisputed that, as a result, Mr. Kelly has suffered significant physical and psychological injuries.”
CNN has not obtained this videotape.
“An unresolved issue remains as to whether MCC personnel encouraged, and then allowed, a beating of Mr. Kelly to take place,” wrote Michael Leonard, a lawyer for R. Kelly. “That alone merits an evidentiary hearing.”
Both the Federal Bureau of Prisons and the US Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois declined CNN’s requests for comment Friday.
In early September, the attacker identified himself in a court filing as Jeremiah Farmer, and wrote that he had “physically beaten Mr. Kelly in a [sic] attempt to shed media spotlight” on his own case.
An employee identified as “D. Szyhowski” was attempting to meet with Farmer “when he left the office against my (Szyhowski’s) order to stay,” according to a Federal Bureau of Prisons incident report attached to the September filing.
Szyhowski wrote he observed Farmer head into an “out of bounds” section that wasn’t his when he heard a disturbance coming from a nearby cell. Farmer appeared to be on top of Kelly, Szyhowski wrote, “punching inmate Kelly repeatedly in the head and torso.”
Szyhowski wrote he gave an order to “cease the assault” before deploying his pepper spray. After that “inmate Farmer then ceased the assault and responded to orders from the officer to exit the cell.”
An appeals court in Illinois denied Kelly’s appeal to be released on bond last month. The Second Circuit Court of Appeals’ decision said prosecutors presented “clear and convincing evidence” that Kelly presents a potential danger to the community and is a flight risk.
Kelly was indicted on federal charges in Illinois for child pornography and conspiracy to obstruct justice, as well as state charges of aggravated criminal sexual abuse.
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The charges Kelly faces stem from activity that prosecutors say took place over two decades in New York, Connecticut, Illinois and California.
He has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Kelly’s legal team has argued for his release at least six times since he was taken into federal custody in July 2019.


mercurynews--2020-10-16--At 91, former sewer board director ousted over racist comments mounts a comeback

EL SOBRANTE — The Archie Bunker of Bay Area sewers is back .
Six years after voters kicked him out of office over racist remarks he made to this news organization , Leonard Battaglia wants to return to the Richmond-area wastewater board he sat on for 39 years .
At 91 , he may be the oldest candidate in the state on the Nov. 3 ballot .
A longtime El Sobrante resident and business owner , Battaglia represented the sewer district in obscurity until 2013 , when he used a racial slur to describe Asian people and said his experience @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Korean War led him to believe that Black people “ think slower.
” “ I flew with Black pilots .
I ’ d say ‘ break ’ ( suddenly turn right or left ) and they ’ d hesitate .
They ’ d miss it because they think slower .
They have an African-American mentality .
They can ’ t help it .
It ’ s the way God made them , ” he said .
“ Like in Richmond .
It ’ s a mess.
” Those comments — printed in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and benefits as a sewer district member , which made him one of the highest-paid part-time elected officials in the region — created a firestorm .
Residents of Richmond , one of the Bay Area ’ s most diverse cities , demanded he step down , comparing him to the “ All In The Family ” patriarch known for his racist rants .
Local officials called for his resignation and passed a resolution demanding Battaglia to “ rethink ” the statements .
His own sewer board , powerless to remove him from office @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Battaglia conceded at the time that his comments were “ out of line and insensitive ” and “ showed a serious lack of judgment ” but refused to resign .
Voters cast him out at the ballot box in 2014 and elected Black candidates to fill two of the West Contra Costa Wastewater District ’ s three open seats .
In an interview this week , Battaglia — who faces incumbent Harry Wiener in the newly-created District 4 — defended his 2013 remarks , and also insisted he is not “ prejudiced.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being prejudiced , ” he said .
“ I don ’ t believe that crap .
I was born and raised in Reno and we didn ’ t have any minorities in my town .
All we had was the Indians.
” His attempted comeback coincides with the sewer district ’ s shift from at large to district elections , to comply with the California Voting Rights Act .
The move — part of a statewide push to add racial diversity to local elected bodies — could paradoxically work to Battaglia ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ front of a narrower group of voters than those who ousted him six years ago .
In that race , which was decided by residents throughout the district serving Richmond , San Pablo and parts of unincorporated West Contra Costa , Battaglia finished sixth out of eight candidates .
This year , with the sewer district divided into five sections , he is only running in East Richmond Heights and El Sobrante — Battaglia ’ s home turf .
Contra Costa Supervisor John Gioia , who represents West Contra Costa , said Battaglia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ represent our community ’ s values.
” “ That ’ s why voters rejected him in 2014 , ” Gioia said .
“ I ’ m confident voters will again reject those beliefs in this election.
” In District 4 , Battaglia is something of a household name , where for years he ran Rancho Sports Bar , as well as a travel agency and other businesses in El Sobrante .
His name has appeared on local ballots since the 1970s — which helps explain why , for better or worse , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his 2020 bid , and has pledged to lower rates , which have reached $ 598 for single-family residents .
“ I ’ m not campaigning that much .
Everybody knows me , ” he said .
“ I know the district by heart .
I hope I can beat him by using my record of qualifications.
” By contrast , Wiener , his opponent , moved to District 4 about five years ago , just before he won his first term in the sewer district board in 2016 .
“ I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home town and I ’ m a resident that has come from elsewhere , ” Wiener , 72 , said .
“ That ’ s my concern about this race.
” Wiener expressed frustration that the California Voting Rights Act , which was intended to ensure communities of color are better represented in local elections , could have the unintended consequence of reseating Battaglia , who he called “ a man of the past.
” “ He has completely old ideas regarding people , ” Wiener said in an interview .
“ He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The sewer district is critical to having a community , and benefits the community in so many ways , to have somebody whose view of people is so terrible is counter to what is going on in the world today.
” Wiener is running on a progressive platform to continue the agency ’ s goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect the district treatment plant and surrounding neighborhoods from sea-level rise .
He defended the district ’ s current rates — saying the district is using the money to replace outdated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were raised prior to the board that I sit on , but with good reason , ” he said .
Battaglia — who in 2012 earned $ 50,332 in compensation for attending 85 hours of meetings , or about $ 592 an hour — says he also wants to slash salaries and benefits , and lower rates .
Spending , he said , has gotten out of control .
“ It makes me sick to my stomach , ” he said .
But at 91 years old , he said he doesn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ results : “ If I get it , if I don ’ t , I ’ m still happy with my life .
”

EL SOBRANTE — The Archie Bunker of Bay Area sewers is back.
Six years after voters kicked him out of office over racist remarks he made to this news organization, Leonard Battaglia wants to return to the Richmond-area wastewater board he sat on for 39 years. At 91, he may be the oldest candidate in the state on the Nov. 3 ballot.
A longtime El Sobrante resident and business owner, Battaglia represented the sewer district in obscurity until 2013, when he used a racial slur to describe Asian people and said his experience as an Air Force fighter pilot in the Korean War led him to believe that Black people “think slower.”
“I flew with Black pilots. I’d say ‘break’ (suddenly turn right or left) and they’d hesitate. They’d miss it because they think slower. They have an African-American mentality. They can’t help it. It’s the way God made them,” he said. “Like in Richmond. It’s a mess.”
Those comments — printed in a front-page story that detailed his pay and benefits as a sewer district member, which made him one of the highest-paid part-time elected officials in the region — created a firestorm. Residents of Richmond, one of the Bay Area’s most diverse cities, demanded he step down, comparing him to the “All In The Family” patriarch known for his racist rants. Local officials called for his resignation and passed a resolution demanding Battaglia to “rethink” the statements.
His own sewer board, powerless to remove him from office, unanimously voted to censure him.
Battaglia conceded at the time that his comments were “out of line and insensitive” and “showed a serious lack of judgment” but refused to resign. Voters cast him out at the ballot box in 2014 and elected Black candidates to fill two of the West Contra Costa Wastewater District’s three open seats.
In an interview this week, Battaglia — who faces incumbent Harry Wiener in the newly-created District 4 — defended his 2013 remarks, and also insisted he is not “prejudiced.”
“I have nothing to do about being prejudiced,” he said. “I don’t believe that crap. I was born and raised in Reno and we didn’t have any minorities in my town. All we had was the Indians.”
His attempted comeback coincides with the sewer district’s shift from at large to district elections, to comply with the California Voting Rights Act. The move — part of a statewide push to add racial diversity to local elected bodies — could paradoxically work to Battaglia’s advantage, putting his well-known name in front of a narrower group of voters than those who ousted him six years ago.
In that race, which was decided by residents throughout the district serving Richmond, San Pablo and parts of unincorporated West Contra Costa, Battaglia finished sixth out of eight candidates. This year, with the sewer district divided into five sections, he is only running in East Richmond Heights and El Sobrante — Battaglia’s home turf.
Contra Costa Supervisor John Gioia, who represents West Contra Costa, said Battaglia’s “racist comments do not represent our community’s values.”
“That’s why voters rejected him in 2014,” Gioia said. “I’m confident voters will again reject those beliefs in this election.”
In District 4, Battaglia is something of a household name, where for years he ran Rancho Sports Bar, as well as a travel agency and other businesses in El Sobrante. His name has appeared on local ballots since the 1970s — which helps explain why, for better or worse, he is running mostly on name recognition in his 2020 bid, and has pledged to lower rates, which have reached $598 for single-family residents.
“I’m not campaigning that much. Everybody knows me,” he said. “I know the district by heart. I hope I can beat him by using my record of qualifications.”
By contrast, Wiener, his opponent, moved to District 4 about five years ago, just before he won his first term in the sewer district board in 2016. “I’m running in Mr. Battalgia’s home town and I’m a resident that has come from elsewhere,” Wiener, 72, said. “That’s my concern about this race.”
Wiener expressed frustration that the California Voting Rights Act, which was intended to ensure communities of color are better represented in local elections, could have the unintended consequence of reseating Battaglia, who he called “a man of the past.”
“He has completely old ideas regarding people,” Wiener said in an interview. “He should not be heading a community organization. The sewer district is critical to having a community, and benefits the community in so many ways, to have somebody whose view of people is so terrible is counter to what is going on in the world today.”
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Battaglia — who in 2012 earned $50,332 in compensation for attending 85 hours of meetings, or about $592 an hour — says he also wants to slash salaries and benefits, and lower rates. Spending, he said, has gotten out of control.
“It makes me sick to my stomach,” he said.
But at 91 years old, he said he doesn’t have time to worry about election results: “If I get it, if I don’t, I’m still happy with my life.”


mercurynews--2020-10-16--‘Pokemon Go’: October’s Charmander Community Day offers another chance at fan favorite

It ’ s deja vu all over again for longtime “ Pokemon Go ” players .
More than two years after the lizard Pokemon got its own Community Day , Charmander is again honored with the distinction .
The move comes after people voted for the pocket monster for the monthly event .
Porygon was the winner and it took September while Charmander took second place and got October .
The voting was likely influenced by two factors .
The first is that Charmander and its final form Charizard are fan favorites and the second is that it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the game .
It comes in an X and Y form .
The big difference between this Charmander Community Day running from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 17 and the one on May 2018 is the bonuses and special move .
In the first event , evolving Charmander to Charizard would give the Pokemon the charged move Blast Burn .
On the upcoming celebration , doing the same thing will give the the Pokemon the fast move Dragon Breath .
This will be a legacy move it ’ s theoretically good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Dragon Breath helps Charizard beat Go Battle League mainstay Giratina Altered forme and Registeel .
When going into raids , Mega Evolving Charizard to Mega Charizard X benefits it more because of the partial dragon typing .
Mega Charziard X with Dragon Breath and Blast Burn , which can be obtained via an Elite Charged TM , could wreck certain raid matchups .
Plus , the Mega Charizard X is gorgeous with its blue flames and black coloring .
In addition to having boosted rates on shiny Charmander , players will have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incense .
The former is a huge plus and the best Community Day perk in the game .
Along with that , players will have a chance to purchase one October Community Day Box for 1280 PokeCoins .
It contains an Elite Charged TM , three Super Incubators , three Stars Pieces and 30 Ultra balls .
Your mainly buying it for the Elite Charged TM .
They are rare .
Interestingly enough , players will have a chance at gaining Charizard Mega Energy with the event so they can mega-evolve a Charizard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ photobomb .
Lastly , the $ 1 Special Research story will give out stardust , incense , poffin , rocket radar , rare candy and Mega Energy .
Again , it ’ s one of the best values in “ Pokemon Go.
” The prospect of a repeat Community Day may not appeal to longtime players , but I have no problem with it .
It gives trainers who have come to the game at a later time a chance at a sought-after Pokemon while also helping those who need ideal stats for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leagues .
With two more Community Days left , it will be interesting to see what Niantic picks for November .
This year ’ s Community Day haven ’ t been great when it comes to desired Pokemon .
Dragons such as Gible and Deino have been noticeably left out .
In the past , pseudo-legendaries such as Dratini and Bagon have had their own Community Days .
If players don ’ t see either dragon-type Pokemon , it could mean a major change for what players should expect out of these celebrations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time when Niantic brings back all the past Community Day Pokemon .
It ’ s seen as a catchup weekend that allows players who have missed Community Days over the year to get a second chance at legacy moves on Pokemon they have caught throughout the year .

It’s deja vu all over again for longtime “Pokemon Go” players. More than two years after the lizard Pokemon got its own Community Day, Charmander is again honored with the distinction.
The move comes after people voted for the pocket monster for the monthly event. Porygon was the winner and it took September while Charmander took second place and got October. The voting was likely influenced by two factors. The first is that Charmander and its final form Charizard are fan favorites and the second is that it’s Mega Evolutions are two of the coolest in the game. It comes in an X and Y form.
The big difference between this Charmander Community Day running from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 17 and the one on May 2018 is the bonuses and special move. In the first event, evolving Charmander to Charizard would give the Pokemon the charged move Blast Burn. On the upcoming celebration, doing the same thing will give the the Pokemon the fast move Dragon Breath. This will be a legacy move it’s theoretically good for player vs. player matchups and raids.
Dragon Breath helps Charizard beat Go Battle League mainstay Giratina Altered forme and Registeel. When going into raids, Mega Evolving Charizard to Mega Charizard X benefits it more because of the partial dragon typing. Mega Charziard X with Dragon Breath and Blast Burn, which can be obtained via an Elite Charged TM, could wreck certain raid matchups. Plus, the Mega Charizard X is gorgeous with its blue flames and black coloring.
In addition to having boosted rates on shiny Charmander, players will have the bonus of triple stardust and three-hour incense. The former is a huge plus and the best Community Day perk in the game. Along with that, players will have a chance to purchase one October Community Day Box for 1280 PokeCoins. It contains an Elite Charged TM, three Super Incubators, three Stars Pieces and 30 Ultra balls. Your mainly buying it for the Elite Charged TM. They are rare. Interestingly enough, players will have a chance at gaining Charizard Mega Energy with the event so they can mega-evolve a Charizard. Snapshots will likely reveal a Charmander photobomb. Lastly, the $1 Special Research story will give out stardust, incense, poffin, rocket radar, rare candy and Mega Energy. Again, it’s one of the best values in “Pokemon Go.”
The prospect of a repeat Community Day may not appeal to longtime players, but I have no problem with it. It gives trainers who have come to the game at a later time a chance at a sought-after Pokemon while also helping those who need ideal stats for the Flame Pokemon in Great and Ultra leagues.
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What to play: ‘Baldur’s Gate 3’ will keep gamers busy during August Entertainment | ‘First Descendant’ crossplay beta delayed until September but will be open to all With two more Community Days left, it will be interesting to see what Niantic picks for November. This year’s Community Day haven’t been great when it comes to desired Pokemon. Dragons such as Gible and Deino have been noticeably left out. In the past, pseudo-legendaries such as Dratini and Bagon have had their own Community Days. If players don’t see either dragon-type Pokemon, it could mean a major change for what players should expect out of these celebrations.
Meanwhile, December is usually the time when Niantic brings back all the past Community Day Pokemon. It’s seen as a catchup weekend that allows players who have missed Community Days over the year to get a second chance at legacy moves on Pokemon they have caught throughout the year.


mercurynews--2020-10-16--Joe Thornton’s top 10 moments with the San Jose Sharks

The Joe Thornton era with the San Jose Sharks officially ended Friday when he signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs .
Here are Thornton ’ s top 10 moments with the San Jose Sharks .
1 .
Thornton acquired by Sharks in a franchise-changing move : Doug Wilson makes the biggest splash of his still-young tenure as the Sharks general manager , acquiring Thornton on Nov. 30 , 2005 from the Boston Bruins for Marco Sturm , Wayne Primeau and Brad Stuart .
The move immediately turns the Sharks ’ season around and lays the groundwork for a decade of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is now SAP Center .
2 .
Thornton wins the Hart Trophy : Thornton goes on a tear after he is acquired by the Sharks , collecting 92 points in 58 games .
He finishes the season with 125 points to win the Art Ross Trophy as the league ’ s leading point-getter , and edges Jaromir Jagr to win the Hart Trophy as the NHL ’ s most valuable player .
He is the first NHL player to win a Hart Trophy and a scoring title after playing for two different teams @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3 .
Thornton , Sharks advance to first Stanley Cup Final : The Sharks beat the St. Louis Blues on May 25 , 2016 to capture the Western Conference final four-games-to-two and advance to the Cup final .
Thornton had a renaissance season in 2015-16 , finishing with 82 points in 82 games , his highest total since 2009-10 when he had 89 points .
In the six-game series with the Blues , Thornton finishes with seven assists , including three in a pivotal 6-3 win in Game 5 .
4 .
Thornton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thornton ’ s top playoff moments before 2016 was in 2011 .
In the Sharks ’ first-round series with the Los Angeles Kings , Thornton scored the series-clinching goal in overtime of Game 6 .
Thornton also had an assist in the 4-3 victory .
The Sharks would go on to lose in the Western Conference final to the Vancouver Canucks .
5 .
Thornton ’ s miraculous return : Just 12 days after he tears the ACL and MCL in his left knee , Thornton returned to the Sharks lineup for Game @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Edmonton Oilers .
Thornton plays the final four games of the series , which the Sharks lose in six games , remarkably finishing with two assists and averaging over 18 minutes per game .
6 .
Thornton reaches millennium milestone : Thornton becomes just the 13th player in NHL history to record 1,000 career assists when he had the helper on a Joe Pavelski goal on March 6 , 2017 .
Thornton now has 1,088 assists , seventh-most in NHL history .
7 .
Thornton ’ s three-goal night : Joe Thornton records @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what became a 6-5 overtime loss to the Bruins on Feb.18 , 2019 .
After his third goal at the 13:32 mark of the third period , Thornton celebrates wildly , then lets out a primal scream as he sits on the bench .
It had been an arduous two seasons for Thornton , who had suffered torn ACL and MCL injuries in 2017 and 2018 .
8 .
Thornton ’ s five-point night : Thornton has three goals and two assists for the Sharks in their 5-2 win over the New Jersey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thornton ’ s assists came on goals by Patrick Marleau and Dany Heatley .
It is Thornton ’ s only five-point game with the Sharks .
9 .
Thornton re-signs with the Sharks : Thornton is coming off a 50-point season in 2016-17 and is in the last year of a three-year contract .
As a pending unrestricted free agent , Thornton is courted by over half of the teams in the NHL but ultimately decides to return to San Jose on a one-year contract .
“ It was nice getting courted by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saying , ‘ Hey , I ’ m going back to San Jose , ' ” Thornton says after the deal is done .
“ But that ’ s where my heart is and that ’ s where I ’ m happy.
” • Sharks players , fans take to social media to thank Joe Thornton for 15 years in San Jose • End of an era : Joe Thornton signs with Maple Leafs , not Sharks • Sharks sign Ozzy Wiesblatt — his WHL coach explains why he ’ ll fit so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ signs with pro team — just not the Sharks or Maple Leafs 10 .
Thornton decks Petr Mrazek : With 7:10 left in the second period , Carolina Hurricanes goalie Petr Mrazek froze the puck inside his crease on what seemed like a routine play .
Feeling Mrazek hadn ’ t fully covered the puck , Thornton took a jab at it with his stick .
Mrazek didn ’ t appreciate that very much , and swung his stick at Thornton before he got up .
Thornton responded with a sharp right hand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Just a hockey play , ” Thornton said afterward .
“ I think we were both just having fun .
Just boys being boys .
A little bit of excitement .
”

The Joe Thornton era with the San Jose Sharks officially ended Friday when he signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Here are Thornton’s top 10 moments with the San Jose Sharks.
1. Thornton acquired by Sharks in a franchise-changing move: Doug Wilson makes the biggest splash of his still-young tenure as the Sharks general manager, acquiring Thornton on Nov. 30, 2005 from the Boston Bruins for Marco Sturm, Wayne Primeau and Brad Stuart. The move immediately turns the Sharks’ season around and lays the groundwork for a decade of playoff appearances and capacity crowds at what is now SAP Center.
2. Thornton wins the Hart Trophy: Thornton goes on a tear after he is acquired by the Sharks, collecting 92 points in 58 games. He finishes the season with 125 points to win the Art Ross Trophy as the league’s leading point-getter, and edges Jaromir Jagr to win the Hart Trophy as the NHL’s most valuable player. He is the first NHL player to win a Hart Trophy and a scoring title after playing for two different teams in the same season in 2005-06.
3. Thornton, Sharks advance to first Stanley Cup Final: The Sharks beat the St. Louis Blues on May 25, 2016 to capture the Western Conference final four-games-to-two and advance to the Cup final. Thornton had a renaissance season in 2015-16, finishing with 82 points in 82 games, his highest total since 2009-10 when he had 89 points. In the six-game series with the Blues, Thornton finishes with seven assists, including three in a pivotal 6-3 win in Game 5.
4. Thornton’s series-clinching goal: One of Thornton’s top playoff moments before 2016 was in 2011. In the Sharks’ first-round series with the Los Angeles Kings, Thornton scored the series-clinching goal in overtime of Game 6. Thornton also had an assist in the 4-3 victory. The Sharks would go on to lose in the Western Conference final to the Vancouver Canucks.
5. Thornton’s miraculous return: Just 12 days after he tears the ACL and MCL in his left knee, Thornton returned to the Sharks lineup for Game 3 of their first-round series against the Edmonton Oilers. Thornton plays the final four games of the series, which the Sharks lose in six games, remarkably finishing with two assists and averaging over 18 minutes per game.
6. Thornton reaches millennium milestone: Thornton becomes just the 13th player in NHL history to record 1,000 career assists when he had the helper on a Joe Pavelski goal on March 6, 2017. Thornton now has 1,088 assists, seventh-most in NHL history.
7. Thornton’s three-goal night: Joe Thornton records a hat trick for the Sharks in what became a 6-5 overtime loss to the Bruins on Feb.18, 2019. After his third goal at the 13:32 mark of the third period, Thornton celebrates wildly, then lets out a primal scream as he sits on the bench. It had been an arduous two seasons for Thornton, who had suffered torn ACL and MCL injuries in 2017 and 2018.
8. Thornton’s five-point night: Thornton has three goals and two assists for the Sharks in their 5-2 win over the New Jersey Devils on Oct. 27, 2010. Thornton’s assists came on goals by Patrick Marleau and Dany Heatley. It is Thornton’s only five-point game with the Sharks.
9. Thornton re-signs with the Sharks: Thornton is coming off a 50-point season in 2016-17 and is in the last year of a three-year contract. As a pending unrestricted free agent, Thornton is courted by over half of the teams in the NHL but ultimately decides to return to San Jose on a one-year contract. “It was nice getting courted by all these teams and I felt bad saying, ‘Hey, I’m going back to San Jose,'” Thornton says after the deal is done. “But that’s where my heart is and that’s where I’m happy.”
10. Thornton decks Petr Mrazek: With 7:10 left in the second period, Carolina Hurricanes goalie Petr Mrazek froze the puck inside his crease on what seemed like a routine play. Feeling Mrazek hadn’t fully covered the puck, Thornton took a jab at it with his stick. Mrazek didn’t appreciate that very much, and swung his stick at Thornton before he got up. Thornton responded with a sharp right hand that sent Mrazek down in a heap. “Just a hockey play,” Thornton said afterward. “I think we were both just having fun. Just boys being boys. A little bit of excitement.”


mercurynews--2020-10-16--Taliban to suspend attacks after US vows to end strikes

ISLAMABAD — The Taliban said on Friday they have agreed to suspend attacks in southern Afghanistan that have displaced thousands this week — but only after the Americans promised to halt all strikes and night raids in keeping with the peace agreement the U.S. signed with the insurgents in February .
The U.S. has been conducting air strikes in support of Afghan forces trying to repel week-long Taliban assaults in southern Helmand province that threatened to derail efforts to end Afghanistan ’ s 19-year war .
The Taliban pledge came after a meeting with U.S. peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ troops in Afghanistan , a Taliban figure familiar with the discussions said .
He spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media .
The Taliban agreed to suspend their operations after the Americans said they would end drone strikes on insurgent positions , as well as night raids and air assaults , the Taliban figure said .
Helmand has been the scene of a blistering Taliban assault since last week , with rocket attacks from the Taliban and retaliatory airstrikes from U.S. and Afghan aircraft forcing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ homes , seeking refuge in the provincial capital of Lashkar Gah and Nad Ali and Marja districts .
Over the past few years , a resurgent Taliban have gained control of roughly 80 % of the province , mainly the rural areas , while the district centers are still under government control .
The flareup came even as Afghan government representatives and the Taliban are holding peace talks in the Middle Eastern state of Qatar , where the Taliban have for years maintained a political office .
The negotiations , envisaged under a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Feb. 29 , are seen as the country ’ s best chance at peace .
In a series of tweets Thursday , Khalilzad said he and Gen. Austin Miller , the commander of U.S. forces in Afghanistan , held talks with the Taliban and then , after several rounds , he said both sides agreed to a “ reset ” which will result in a “ reduced numbers of operations.
” “ Following several meetings Gen. Miller and I had with the Taliban we agreed to re-set actions by strictly adhering to implementation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and all commitments made , ” he said .
The negotiations in Qatar between the Taliban and Afghan government negotiators began in September but after a ceremonious start became bogged down , mainly in the minutiae of Islamic jurisprudence .
While successful negotiations are seen as critical to an end to decades of war in Afghanistan , the withdrawal of American troops relies on the Taliban honoring their commitments from the February accord to not support terror groups and fight all militants , most specifically the region ’ s Islamic State affiliate .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ threatening the peace process and alarming the Afghan people and their regional and international supporters.
” The Taliban official told The Associated Press that in the meetings , the Americans were told “ their military is carrying drone strikes on our positions , conducting night raids and using fighter jets to bomb our mujahedeen , ” or holy warriors .
“ We told them , ‘ You had promised not to carry out attacks .
We react to your attacks ’ , ” he said .
The Taliban official also said that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the U.S.-Taliban deal signed in February .
“ We have directed our mujahedeen in Helmand to stop their advance .
We hope the U.S. will stop further bombing , ” he said .
• Feds have plan to get vaccines quickly to nursing homes Meanwhile , Helmand Gov .
Mohammad Yasin Khan said more than 300 Taliban fighters had been killed in the last six days in the province , and that Pakistani and Iranian nationals were among those killed .
The Taliban have not confirmed the claim , which was impossible to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inaccessible to the media .
Associated Press writers Tameem Akhgar in Kabul , Afghanistan , and Abdul Khaliq in Lashkar Gah , Afghanistan , contributed to this report .

By Kathy Gannon | Associated Press
ISLAMABAD — The Taliban said on Friday they have agreed to suspend attacks in southern Afghanistan that have displaced thousands this week — but only after the Americans promised to halt all strikes and night raids in keeping with the peace agreement the U.S. signed with the insurgents in February.
The U.S. has been conducting air strikes in support of Afghan forces trying to repel week-long Taliban assaults in southern Helmand province that threatened to derail efforts to end Afghanistan’s 19-year war.
The Taliban pledge came after a meeting with U.S. peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad and Gen. Austin Miller, commander of U.S. troops in Afghanistan, a Taliban figure familiar with the discussions said. He spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media.
The Taliban agreed to suspend their operations after the Americans said they would end drone strikes on insurgent positions, as well as night raids and air assaults, the Taliban figure said.
Helmand has been the scene of a blistering Taliban assault since last week, with rocket attacks from the Taliban and retaliatory airstrikes from U.S. and Afghan aircraft forcing more than 5,600 families to flee their homes, seeking refuge in the provincial capital of Lashkar Gah and Nad Ali and Marja districts.
Over the past few years, a resurgent Taliban have gained control of roughly 80% of the province, mainly the rural areas, while the district centers are still under government control.
The flareup came even as Afghan government representatives and the Taliban are holding peace talks in the Middle Eastern state of Qatar, where the Taliban have for years maintained a political office. The negotiations, envisaged under a U.S. deal signed with the insurgents on Feb. 29, are seen as the country’s best chance at peace.
In a series of tweets Thursday, Khalilzad said he and Gen. Austin Miller, the commander of U.S. forces in Afghanistan, held talks with the Taliban and then, after several rounds, he said both sides agreed to a “reset” which will result in a “reduced numbers of operations.”
“Following several meetings Gen. Miller and I had with the Taliban we agreed to re-set actions by strictly adhering to implementation of all elements of the U.S.-Taliban agreement and all commitments made,” he said.
The negotiations in Qatar between the Taliban and Afghan government negotiators began in September but after a ceremonious start became bogged down, mainly in the minutiae of Islamic jurisprudence.
While successful negotiations are seen as critical to an end to decades of war in Afghanistan, the withdrawal of American troops relies on the Taliban honoring their commitments from the February accord to not support terror groups and fight all militants, most specifically the region’s Islamic State affiliate.
Khalilzad tweeted that recent attacks have been “threatening the peace process and alarming the Afghan people and their regional and international supporters.”
The Taliban official told The Associated Press that in the meetings, the Americans were told “their military is carrying drone strikes on our positions, conducting night raids and using fighter jets to bomb our mujahedeen,” or holy warriors.
“We told them, ‘You had promised not to carry out attacks. We react to your attacks’,” he said.
The Taliban official also said that after both sides agreed to strictly implement the U.S.-Taliban deal signed in February. “We have directed our mujahedeen in Helmand to stop their advance. We hope the U.S. will stop further bombing,” he said.
Meanwhile, Helmand Gov. Mohammad Yasin Khan said more than 300 Taliban fighters had been killed in the last six days in the province, and that Pakistani and Iranian nationals were among those killed.
The Taliban have not confirmed the claim, which was impossible to independently verify as much of Helmand is inaccessible to the media.
Associated Press writers Tameem Akhgar in Kabul, Afghanistan, and Abdul Khaliq in Lashkar Gah, Afghanistan, contributed to this report.


mercurynews--2020-10-16--Walnut Creek window washers rescued after dangling off building

WALNUT CREEK — A pair of window washers dangled on ropes off the side of a Walnut Creek building for about an hour Friday morning before being rescued by firefighters .
The two workers were hospitalized , but their injuries did not appear to be significant , authorities said .
The workers hung on safety ropes several stories high after their scaffolding collapsed around 6:45 a.m. Friday in the 2100 block of North California Boulevard .
Rescuers brought the window washers down to safety just before 8 a.m. , carrying out a “ vertical rope rescue ” by going over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down the side , a fire district spokesman said .
“ It was a pretty significant undertaking , ” said Steve Hill of the Contra Costa Fire Prevention District .
“ It required a fairly involved rescue , but the good news is there were no significant injuries.
” The accident caused “ quite a commotion ” on North California Boulevard , prompting Walnut Creek police to temporarily block one lane of traffic on the road , Hill said .
Three fire engines equipped with heavy rescue equipment were called to help get @ @ @ @ @

WALNUT CREEK — A pair of window washers dangled on ropes off the side of a Walnut Creek building for about an hour Friday morning before being rescued by firefighters.
The two workers were hospitalized, but their injuries did not appear to be significant, authorities said.
The workers hung on safety ropes several stories high after their scaffolding collapsed around 6:45 a.m. Friday in the 2100 block of North California Boulevard.
Rescuers brought the window washers down to safety just before 8 a.m., carrying out a “vertical rope rescue” by going over the top of the building and rappelling down the side, a fire district spokesman said.
“It was a pretty significant undertaking,” said Steve Hill of the Contra Costa Fire Prevention District. “It required a fairly involved rescue, but the good news is there were no significant injuries.”
The accident caused “quite a commotion” on North California Boulevard, prompting Walnut Creek police to temporarily block one lane of traffic on the road, Hill said.
Three fire engines equipped with heavy rescue equipment were called to help get the window washers down.


mercurynews--2020-10-16--Man killed in Richmond traffic crash

Man killed in Richmond traffic crash

RICHMOND — A 23-year-old San Pablo man was killed in a traffic crash Friday morning , authorities said .
He @ @ @ @ @ ’ s office as Daniel Lopez .
The crash happened at about 1:10 a.m. Friday @ @ @ @ @ Drive , police said .
Police said Lopez was apparently speeding when his vehicle went @ @ @ @ @ , ending up on its roof and causing him to be ejected onto the roadway @ @ @ @ @ at the scene .
Police are investigating if another vehicle possibly played a role in @ @ @ @ @ Aaron Pomeroy said .

Harry Harris is a Pulitzer Prize winning breaking news reporter for the Bay Area News Group. He began his Oakland Tribune career in September 1965 as a 17-year-old copyboy. He became a reporter in 1972 and is considered one of the best crime and breaking news reporters in the country. He has covered tens of thousands of murders and other crimes in the East Bay. He has also mentored dozens of young reporters, some of whom continue to work in journalism today.


mercurynews--2020-10-17--Joe Thornton’s San Jose Sharks timeline — the good, the bad and the unforgettable

Some newsmaking moments in Joe Thornton ’ s 15 years with the San Jose Sharks .
Nov. 30 , 2005 — In one of the most lopsided trades of the 2000s , general manager Doug Wilson deals Marco Sturm , Wayne Primeau and Brad Stuart to the Boston Bruins for Joe Thornton .
“ I was blindsided , ” Thornton said at the time .
Dec. 2 , 2005 — Thornton plays his first game with the Sharks in Buffalo .
Thornton has two assists , both on goals by Jonathan Cheechoo , as the Sharks win 5-0 .
San @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trade , starts a six-game win streak in which Thornton has three goals and 11 assists .
April 17 , 2006 — Thornton finishes the regular season with 125 points , two more than Jaromir Jagr of the New York Rangers , to win the Art Ross Trophy as the NHL ’ s leader in points .
June 22 , 2006 — In a close vote among members of the Professional Hockey Writers Association , Thornton wins the Hart Memorial Trophy as the “ player judged most valuable to his team ” Thornton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 974 .
Feb. 28 , 2010 — Team Canada members Thornton , Patrick Marleau , Dan Boyle and Dany Heatley beat Joe Pavelski and Team USA 3-2 in overtime in the Gold Medal Game at the Winter Olympics in Vancouver .
Oct. 7 , 2010 — Coach Todd McLellan announces that Thornton has been named the Sharks ’ captain .
April 8 , 2011 — Thornton records his 1,000th NHL point , scoring a goal on Ilya Bryzgalov in what was a 4-3 loss to the Phoenix Coyotes .
Thornton is named the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1,000 points .
April 25 , 2011 — In the first round of the playoffs , Thornton ’ s overtime goal gives the Sharks a 4-3 victory over Los Angeles , as San Jose eliminates the Kings in six games .
Oct. 21 , 2011 — Plays his 1000th NHL game .
Thornton has a goal and an assist in a 4-3 Sharks win over the New Jersey Devils .
Summer 2014 — Just months after they are reverse-swept by the Kings in the playoffs , losing four straight after winning the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sharks strip Thornton of the captaincy .
March 13 , 2015 — Explaining why Thornton was stripped of the captaincy , GM Doug Wilson tells season ticket holders , “ he carries the weight of the team on his shoulders and he ’ s got such a big heart that when stress comes on him he lashes out at people , and it kind of impacts them.
” Thornton reacted the next day , saying , “ I think Doug just needs to shut his mouth , I think that ’ s the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patch things up .
May 25 , 2016 — Thornton and the Sharks advance to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time , beating the St. Louis Blues in six games .
The Sharks , though , would lose the Cup final to the Pittsburgh Penguins in six games .
March 6 , 2017 — Recorded his 1,000th career assist at Winnipeg , becoming just the 13th player in NHL history to accomplish the feat .
April 2 , 2017 — Thornton suffers a torn ACL and MCL in his left knee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ game with the Vancouver Canucks .
Remarkably , he returns just two weeks later and plays in four playoff games with the Edmonton Oilers .
The Sharks lost the first round series in six , and Thornton has surgery shortly after the season ends .
July 2 , 2017 — Marleau and Thornton , both free agents , are courted by the Toronto Maple Leafs .
Marleau signs a three-year with the Leafs , but Thornton returns to San Jose on a one-year deal , famously signing the contract as he sat on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Sharks players , fans take thank Joe Thornton for 15 years in San Jose • End of an era : Joe Thornton signs with Maple Leafs , not Sharks • Sharks sign Ozzy Wiesblatt — his WHL coach explains why he ’ ll fit so well in San Jose • Joe Thornton signs with pro team — just not the Sharks or Maple Leafs Jan 23 , 2018 — Thornton again suffers a torn ACL and MCL , this time in his right knee , in a game vs. Winnipeg .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ although he would go through pregame warm-ups with the Sharks before some playoff games .
April 3 , 2019 — Thornton assists on Marcus Sorensen ’ s goal in a 3-2 win over Edmonton , giving him 1,063 assists for his career and moving into a tie with his boyhood idol , Steve Yzerman , for eighth place on the NHL ’ s all-time list ( 1,063 ) .
“ He ’ s the reason why I wear No .
19 , ” Thornton said .
Feb. 4 , 2020 — Thornton becomes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ points with two assists in a Sharks game against the Calgary Flames.. Oct. 16 , 2020 — Thornton signs a one-year , $ 700,000 contract with the Maple Leafs , ending a 15-year run with the Sharks .

Some newsmaking moments in Joe Thornton’s 15 years with the San Jose Sharks.
Nov. 30, 2005 — In one of the most lopsided trades of the 2000s, general manager Doug Wilson deals Marco Sturm, Wayne Primeau and Brad Stuart to the Boston Bruins for Joe Thornton. “I was blindsided,” Thornton said at the time.
Dec. 2, 2005 — Thornton plays his first game with the Sharks in Buffalo. Thornton has two assists, both on goals by Jonathan Cheechoo, as the Sharks win 5-0. San Jose, which was 8-12-4 before the trade, starts a six-game win streak in which Thornton has three goals and 11 assists.
April 17, 2006 — Thornton finishes the regular season with 125 points, two more than Jaromir Jagr of the New York Rangers, to win the Art Ross Trophy as the NHL’s leader in points.
June 22, 2006 — In a close vote among members of the Professional Hockey Writers Association, Thornton wins the Hart Memorial Trophy as the “player judged most valuable to his team” Thornton finishes with 1,058 points. Jagr has 974.
Feb. 28, 2010 — Team Canada members Thornton, Patrick Marleau, Dan Boyle and Dany Heatley beat Joe Pavelski and Team USA 3-2 in overtime in the Gold Medal Game at the Winter Olympics in Vancouver.
Oct. 7, 2010 — Coach Todd McLellan announces that Thornton has been named the Sharks’ captain.
April 8, 2011 — Thornton records his 1,000th NHL point, scoring a goal on Ilya Bryzgalov in what was a 4-3 loss to the Phoenix Coyotes. Thornton is named the 78th player in NHL history to score 1,000 points.
April 25, 2011 — In the first round of the playoffs, Thornton’s overtime goal gives the Sharks a 4-3 victory over Los Angeles, as San Jose eliminates the Kings in six games.
Oct. 21, 2011 — Plays his 1000th NHL game. Thornton has a goal and an assist in a 4-3 Sharks win over the New Jersey Devils.
Summer 2014 — Just months after they are reverse-swept by the Kings in the playoffs, losing four straight after winning the first three games of the series, the Sharks strip Thornton of the captaincy.
March 13, 2015 — Explaining why Thornton was stripped of the captaincy, GM Doug Wilson tells season ticket holders, “he carries the weight of the team on his shoulders and he’s got such a big heart that when stress comes on him he lashes out at people, and it kind of impacts them.” Thornton reacted the next day, saying, “I think Doug just needs to shut his mouth, I think that’s the bottom line.” Wilson and Thornton later patch things up.
May 25, 2016 — Thornton and the Sharks advance to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time, beating the St. Louis Blues in six games. The Sharks, though, would lose the Cup final to the Pittsburgh Penguins in six games.
March 6, 2017 — Recorded his 1,000th career assist at Winnipeg, becoming just the 13th player in NHL history to accomplish the feat.
April 2, 2017 — Thornton suffers a torn ACL and MCL in his left knee right before the playoffs start in a game with the Vancouver Canucks. Remarkably, he returns just two weeks later and plays in four playoff games with the Edmonton Oilers. The Sharks lost the first round series in six, and Thornton has surgery shortly after the season ends.
July 2, 2017 — Marleau and Thornton, both free agents, are courted by the Toronto Maple Leafs. Marleau signs a three-year with the Leafs, but Thornton returns to San Jose on a one-year deal, famously signing the contract as he sat on top of an industrial-grade lawn mower.
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April 3, 2019 — Thornton assists on Marcus Sorensen’s goal in a 3-2 win over Edmonton, giving him 1,063 assists for his career and moving into a tie with his boyhood idol, Steve Yzerman, for eighth place on the NHL’s all-time list (1,063). “He’s the reason why I wear No. 19,” Thornton said.
Feb. 4, 2020 — Thornton becomes the 14th player to score 1,500 NHL points with two assists in a Sharks game against the Calgary Flames..
Oct. 16, 2020 — Thornton signs a one-year, $700,000 contract with the Maple Leafs, ending a 15-year run with the Sharks.


mercurynews--2020-10-17--NFL fantasy football projections: Which 49ers to start against Rams?

SANTA CLARA – Here are the 49ers ’ fantasy-football projections heading into Sunday night ’ s game against the Los Angeles Rams ( 4-1 ) at Levi ’ s Stadium : Conventional wisdom says not to use Garoppolo when his ankle got him benched by halftime last game .
However , don ’ t be surprised if he comes out and totally redeems himself , because the 49ers might need him to if Rams counterpart Jared Goff shreds the 49ers ’ defense .
His 90-yard output last game made for not only a nice comeback from a knee sprain , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can rely on him in a run-oriented approach necessary to outlast the Rams .
Last week ’ s instant failures in the first quarter made McKinnon an afterthought .
They will need him more this game but Mostert ’ s presence makes McKinnon more of an RB3 .
He is questionable with a calf injury .
His opportunities were limited enough when he was healthy .
Prime-time players make prime-time plays .
Kittle is the 49ers ’ offensive catalyst and thrives in these night showcases , especially when the quarterback needs to unload @ @ @ @ @ @ @ game ?
So are the 49ers .
He had a full week of practice , unlike last week when he was ill. • Kyle Shanahan responds to Patriots ’ COVID-19 positive tests : ‘ Don ’ t freak out about it ’ • 49ers-Rams injury report : Will Garoppolo ’ s ankle allow him to go 4-0 against L.A. ?
• Kurtenbach : Three 49ers not named Jimmy Garoppolo who must step up to beat Rams • With 49ers struggling , captain George Kittle turns to Joe Staley for advice • 49ers vs. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Super Bowl hangover and beat LA If the 49ers get in a shootout and the Rams are blanketing Kittle , look for Aiyuk to become a popular target .
No faith in the 49ers ’ offense ?
Look , the 49ers like to score a lot when facing the Rams , and Gould ’ s points are a byproduct than that .
It ’ s Kwon Alexander ’ s turn to sit out with an injury , and while Dre Greenlaw should fill in fine if not better , the 49ers still lack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Rams ’ revitalized offense .

SANTA CLARA – Here are the 49ers’ fantasy-football projections heading into Sunday night’s game against the Los Angeles Rams (4-1) at Levi’s Stadium:
Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo: Sit him
Projected stats: 250 yards, 2 TDs
Conventional wisdom says not to use Garoppolo when his ankle got him benched by halftime last game. However, don’t be surprised if he comes out and totally redeems himself, because the 49ers might need him to if Rams counterpart Jared Goff shreds the 49ers’ defense.
Running back Raheem Mostert: Start him
Projected stats: 100 yards, 1 TD
His 90-yard output last game made for not only a nice comeback from a knee sprain, but a great sign that the 49ers can rely on him in a run-oriented approach necessary to outlast the Rams.
Running back Jerick McKinnon: Sit him
Projected stats: 70 all-purpose yards, 1 TD
Last week’s instant failures in the first quarter made McKinnon an afterthought. They will need him more this game but Mostert’s presence makes McKinnon more of an RB3.
Running back Jeff Wilson: Sit him
Projected stats: 0
He is questionable with a calf injury. His opportunities were limited enough when he was healthy.
Tight end George Kittle: Start him
Projected stats: 10 catches, 130 yards, 1 TD
Prime-time players make prime-time plays. Kittle is the 49ers’ offensive catalyst and thrives in these night showcases, especially when the quarterback needs to unload quick passes.
Wide receiver Deebo Samuel: Start him
Projected stats: 100 all-purpose yards
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Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk: Start him
Projected stats: 5 receptions, 70 yards
If the 49ers get in a shootout and the Rams are blanketing Kittle, look for Aiyuk to become a popular target.
Kicker Robbie Gould: Start him
Projected stats: 4 PATs, 3 FGs
No faith in the 49ers’ offense? Look, the 49ers like to score a lot when facing the Rams, and Gould’s points are a byproduct than that.
Defense: Sit it
Projected stats: Over 400 yards, over 30 points
It’s Kwon Alexander’s turn to sit out with an injury, and while Dre Greenlaw should fill in fine if not better, the 49ers still lack a ferocious front to disrupt Goff and the Rams’ revitalized offense.


mercurynews--2020-10-17--Horoscopes Oct. 17, 2020: Felicity Jones, tie up loose ends

Happy Birthday : Let go of what ’ s not working for you in preparation for upcoming opportunities .
Tie up loose ends , and make decisions that will allow you to take advantage of situations that can change your direction and lifestyle .
You are heading into a transition period that will be enlightening mentally and emotionally .
Trust and believe in yourself , and good things will come your way .
Your numbers are 4 , 15 , 22 , 24 , 29 , 37 , 45 .
ARIES ( March 21-April 19 ) : Be careful how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reputation , position or status .
A reserved approach to what others do or say will keep you out of trouble .
Use intelligence and facts to encourage others to make better decisions .
3 stars TAURUS ( April 20-May 20 ) : You ’ ve got the right idea , so don ’ t hesitate .
Take action .
An outgoing approach will help you win the support you require to get your way .
Changes at home or to the way you work will be beneficial .
Share with someone you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 21-June 20 ) : Back away from questionable situations .
Someone will take advantage of you or put you at risk if you buy into their plans .
Play it safe , follow the rules and do your best to stay safe and healthy .
3 stars CANCER ( June 21-July 22 ) : Do what comes naturally and forgo getting involved in other people ’ s plans .
You ’ ll come up with a great idea that will make your life and your relationship with someone better .
Pamper yourself .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( July 23-Aug. 22 ) : Don ’ t lose sight of your goals , regardless of what others plan to do .
Channel your energy into preparation , details and getting to the heart of the matter .
Challenge yourself , and you will make gains that exceed your expectations .
4 stars VIRGO ( Aug. 23-Sept. 22 ) : Learn something new , and it will change your life .
Personal growth , enlightenment and feeling passionate about what you do will encourage better relationships with the people who mean the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ romance priorities .
4 stars LIBRA ( Sept. 23-Oct. 22 ) : A secretive approach to what you want to achieve will help secure your position and ability to move forward .
Don ’ t let someone intervene and throw your plans into disarray .
Collect your thoughts , pay attention to detail and proceed quietly .
3 stars SCORPIO ( Oct. 23-Nov. 21 ) : Stop making excuses , and follow through with your plans .
Wasting time now will lead to setbacks later .
An emotional incident or insensitive comment someone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way you choose to live .
Take a chance and make a move .
3 stars SAGITTARIUS ( Nov. 22-Dec. 21 ) : Stick close to home , and rethink how you want to do things .
Refuse to let someone from your past meddle in your affairs or cause you to take on something you shouldn ’ t .
Fix up your space to accommodate your needs .
3 stars CAPRICORN ( Dec. 22-Jan. 19 ) : How you handle others will determine how much help you receive .
Criticism and complaints @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and encouragement will help you get your way .
Romantic plans will bring you closer to someone you love .
4 stars AQUARIUS ( Jan. 20-Feb. 18 ) : Be leery of offers from demanding people or a pushy salesperson .
Go directly to the source to find out what ’ s what .
Keep personal matters to yourself .
A proposal will not be as favorable as someone wants you to believe .
2 stars PISCES ( Feb. 19-March 20 ) : You can make a difference if you pitch in and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ understanding will encourage others to do more .
You ’ ll receive inside information that can help your financial situation .
Make love and romance priorities .
5 stars Birthday Baby : You are reserved , intuitive and sage .
You are independent and meticulous .

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Felicity Jones, 37; Wyclef Jean, 51; Rob Marshall, 60; Alan Jackson, 62.
Happy Birthday: Let go of what’s not working for you in preparation for upcoming opportunities. Tie up loose ends, and make decisions that will allow you to take advantage of situations that can change your direction and lifestyle. You are heading into a transition period that will be enlightening mentally and emotionally. Trust and believe in yourself, and good things will come your way. Your numbers are 4, 15, 22, 24, 29, 37, 45.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Be careful how you handle situations that can affect your reputation, position or status. A reserved approach to what others do or say will keep you out of trouble. Use intelligence and facts to encourage others to make better decisions. 3 stars
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): You’ve got the right idea, so don’t hesitate. Take action. An outgoing approach will help you win the support you require to get your way. Changes at home or to the way you work will be beneficial. Share with someone you love. 3 stars
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Back away from questionable situations. Someone will take advantage of you or put you at risk if you buy into their plans. Play it safe, follow the rules and do your best to stay safe and healthy. 3 stars
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Do what comes naturally and forgo getting involved in other people’s plans. You’ll come up with a great idea that will make your life and your relationship with someone better. Pamper yourself. Romance is favored. 5 stars
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Don’t lose sight of your goals, regardless of what others plan to do. Channel your energy into preparation, details and getting to the heart of the matter. Challenge yourself, and you will make gains that exceed your expectations. 4 stars
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Learn something new, and it will change your life. Personal growth, enlightenment and feeling passionate about what you do will encourage better relationships with the people who mean the most to you. Make love and romance priorities. 4 stars
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): A secretive approach to what you want to achieve will help secure your position and ability to move forward. Don’t let someone intervene and throw your plans into disarray. Collect your thoughts, pay attention to detail and proceed quietly. 3 stars
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Stop making excuses, and follow through with your plans. Wasting time now will lead to setbacks later. An emotional incident or insensitive comment someone makes will have an impact on the way you choose to live. Take a chance and make a move. 3 stars
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Stick close to home, and rethink how you want to do things. Refuse to let someone from your past meddle in your affairs or cause you to take on something you shouldn’t. Fix up your space to accommodate your needs. 3 stars
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): How you handle others will determine how much help you receive. Criticism and complaints will not fetch assistance, but incentives and encouragement will help you get your way. Romantic plans will bring you closer to someone you love. 4 stars
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Be leery of offers from demanding people or a pushy salesperson. Go directly to the source to find out what’s what. Keep personal matters to yourself. A proposal will not be as favorable as someone wants you to believe. 2 stars
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): You can make a difference if you pitch in and help. Your insight, experience and understanding will encourage others to do more. You’ll receive inside information that can help your financial situation. Make love and romance priorities. 5 stars
Birthday Baby: You are reserved, intuitive and sage. You are independent and meticulous.
Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.


Bridge: Oct. 17, 2020

In a computer-era cartoon , Ali Baba has tried “ open sesame , ” “ OPEN SESAME ” and “ Open $ e $ ame , ” but a voice within the thieves ’ den keeps telling him his password is incorrect .
Gaining entry to dummy can be a problem for declarer .
At today ’ s 3NT , East wins the first heart with the king and returns a heart , and South wins and counts eight top tricks .
He has chances for one more .
His fourth club will be a winner if clubs break 3-3 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ South should try for a third diamond trick .
He can handle a 4-1 break in that suit but must be careful to preserve a dummy entry .
At Trick Three , dummy leads a low diamond .
East wins and leads another heart , and South wins and ducks a diamond .
Then West can cash the 13th heart , but South wins the next trick and leads his last diamond to take the A-K and the fifth diamond .
If he fails to preserve a link with dummy , he falls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : S J 7 H A J 6 D A K 5 3 2 C 6 4 3 .
You open one diamond , and your partner responds one spade .
The opponents pass .
What do you say ?
ANSWER : Don ’ t repeat the diamonds .
To rebid a five-card suit is permissible but not desirable , especially here .
Bid 1NT to show a balanced , minimum opening bid .
If partner had responded one heart , your best second bid would be a raise to two hearts even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support .

My “Simple Saturday” columns treat basic technique and logical thinking.
In a computer-era cartoon, Ali Baba has tried “open sesame,” “OPEN SESAME” and “Open $e$ame,” but a voice within the thieves’ den keeps telling him his password is incorrect.
Gaining entry to dummy can be a problem for declarer. At today’s 3NT, East wins the first heart with the king and returns a heart, and South wins and counts eight top tricks. He has chances for one more. His fourth club will be a winner if clubs break 3-3, but that is not likely.
DUMMY ENTRY
South should try for a third diamond trick. He can handle a 4-1 break in that suit but must be careful to preserve a dummy entry.
At Trick Three, dummy leads a low diamond. East wins and leads another heart, and South wins and ducks a diamond. Then West can cash the 13th heart, but South wins the next trick and leads his last diamond to take the A-K and the fifth diamond. If he fails to preserve a link with dummy, he falls short of his goal.
DAILY QUESTION
You hold: S J 7 H A J 6 D A K 5 3 2 C 6 4 3. You open one diamond, and your partner responds one spade. The opponents pass. What do you say?
ANSWER: Don’t repeat the diamonds. To rebid a five-card suit is permissible but not desirable, especially here. Bid 1NT to show a balanced, minimum opening bid. If partner had responded one heart, your best second bid would be a raise to two hearts even though you would prefer to have four-card support.
North dealer
N-S vulnerable
NORTH
S J 7
H A J 6
D A K 5 3 2
C 6 4 3
WEST
S 8 5 2
H 10 7 4 3
D Q J 9 8
C J 8
EAST
S Q 10 9 6 3
H K 9 2
D 10
C Q 10 9 7
SOUTH
S A K 4
H Q 8 5
D 7 6 4
C A K 5 2
North East South West
1 D Pass 3 NT All Pass
Opening lead — H 3
(C)2020 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.


Word Game: Oct. 17, 2020

TODAY ’ S WORD — EMISSARY ( EMISSARY : EM-ih-ser-ee : An agent sent to represent the interests of another @ @ @ @ @ 45 or more words in EMISSARY ?
The list will be published Monday .
To @ @ @ @ @ , visit WordGameBooks.com .
Order it now for just $ 5 while supplies last !
@ @ @ @ @ of four or more letters .
2 .
Words that acquire four letters by the @ @ @ @ @ ” such as “ bats ” or “ dies , ” are not allowed .
@ @ @ @ @ by adding a “ d ” or an “ s ” may not be used @ @ @ @ @ “ bake ” is used , “ baked ” or “ bakes ” are not @ @ @ @ @ ” and “ baking ” are admissible .
4 .
Proper nouns , slang words @ @ @ @ @ explicit words are not allowed .

TODAY’S WORD — EMISSARY (EMISSARY: EM-ih-ser-ee: An agent sent to represent the interests of another.)
Average mark 32 words
Time limit 45 minutes
Can you find 45 or more words in EMISSARY? The list will be published Monday.
YESTERDAY’S WORD — DELIVER deer dele deli delve derive devil diel dire dive
diver drive drivel eider elder elide ever evil leer lever levied levier lied lire live liver
idle idler veer veil vied vile viler reed reel relied relive revel revile ride rile rive
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--2020-10-17--Ask Amy: If I ignore my wife’s recycling errors, she’ll never learn

Dear Amy : My wife and I have been married for eight years .
We ’ ve always shared household chores , which has worked well .
She recently put her career on hold to focus on our two small children , and she is an amazing mother .
My only complaint is her apathy toward recycling .
I ’ m constantly picking recyclables out of the trash and trash out of the recycling bin .
Recyclables that do make it into the correct bin are often contaminated with food waste which , I ’ ve read , gum up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ve gently reminded her of the proper way to handle recyclables , but I am usually met with a “ whatever ” attitude or dismissive comment about “ washing garbage.
” • Ask Amy : She ended our long friendship over a Facebook post • Ask Amy : I ’ m a mom , too .
Why do I have to listen to her complaints ?
• Ask Amy : I thought we had a great marriage , until she came along • Ask Amy : Am I Bridezilla if I ban my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said ?
• Ask Amy : My girlfriend makes me cry and she doesn ’ t seem to care More often , I just quietly pick through the respective bins and put things in the right spot , but I feel like that ’ s encouraging her to continue not to care .
I realize in the grand scheme of things this is a pretty minor infraction and part of the issue is my meticulousness , but I ’ m wondering if you have any suggestions on how to persuade her to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dear Wearied : My solution is to suggest that you simply realize that your wife is a nonstarter in this regard , and to stop campaigning and correcting her .
I am thereby appointing you the Recycle Czar of your household ( your scepter is in the mail ) .
As such , you will take on this job with enthusiasm and without complaint .
Furthermore , I ’ m appointing your two young children to be your official assistants .
Even very young children can enjoy the job of safely sorting ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ edges , please ) .
You should delineate a color-coded bin for the recyclables , teach your kids the basics , explain to them why you are doing this , place the clean plastics and paper goods on the floor , and ask them to put these things into the appropriate bin ( there are some fun videos on YouTube illustrating the process ) .
Then they can help you take the bin to the curb and watch the big truck take the discarded items away .
If you do this , quite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your wife , reminding her which bin to use .
This might inspire her to get on board .
Dear Amy : Thank you for your wise response to “ Frustrated in the Kitchen , ” who was so upset that her two stepsons ( both addicts ) were so often extremely late for her special home-cooked meals .
As a mother who lost a son to addiction , I can tell you that I never stop wishing there was one more birthday or holiday meal with my son .
Establishing a “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the kindest act a parent can do .
Yes , they can be late and unreliable and maybe they won ’ t stay long .
But coming home for holiday meals can be a great blessing for troubled souls .
A family group like AA or NA could be of great help to these parents .
At the end of a meeting , they always say , “ Keep coming back… ” And that ’ s what parents should always say to their children .
Simpler food could be ordered to save @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feel like home-cooked meals .
The important part is opening up your home and making the family feel welcome .
I would give anything to see my son at my front door .
Frustrated and her husband can work out the kitchen problems .
Time with family is so much more important .
Dear Grieving : Thank you so much for your thoughtful and loving response to a heartbreaking problem .
I hope your perspective will help other parents and family members .
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse ( drugabuse.gov @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 38,329 in 2010 to 70,237 in 2017 ; followed by a significant decrease in 2018 to 67,367 deaths .
Addiction takes an incalculable toll on loved ones that statistics can never measure .
The wisdom of “ Keep coming back… ” works in so many contexts , and I thank you for sharing it .
Dear Amy : Another response to “ Frustrated in the Kitchen ” whose stepsons were often late ( sometimes by hours ) for family meals .
She should consider using a Crock-Pot or slow cooker .
Then she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ precisely timing her meal .
Dear Fan : Many people offered cooking suggestions for this question , which wasn ’ t really about cooking , but about “ Frustrated ’ s ” feeling that she was always on the hook for others ’ lateness .
However , I agree with you .
A Crock-Pot solves everything .
You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy @ amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy , P.O .
Box 194 , Freeville , NY 13068 .
You can also follow her on Twitter @ askingamy @ @ @

Dear Amy: My wife and I have been married for eight years. We’ve always shared household chores, which has worked well.
She recently put her career on hold to focus on our two small children, and she is an amazing mother.
My only complaint is her apathy toward recycling. I’m constantly picking recyclables out of the trash and trash out of the recycling bin.
Recyclables that do make it into the correct bin are often contaminated with food waste which, I’ve read, gum up sorting and processing machines.
I’ve gently reminded her of the proper way to handle recyclables, but I am usually met with a “whatever” attitude or dismissive comment about “washing garbage.”
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Ask Amy: I’ve told them they need therapy, and they refuse to do it. What now? Advice | Ask Amy: The man I love is my grandchild’s uncle, and things have gotten messy More often, I just quietly pick through the respective bins and put things in the right spot, but I feel like that’s encouraging her to continue not to care.
I realize in the grand scheme of things this is a pretty minor infraction and part of the issue is my meticulousness, but I’m wondering if you have any suggestions on how to persuade her to care more about proper recycling etiquette?
Wearied Waste Warrior
Dear Wearied: My solution is to suggest that you simply realize that your wife is a nonstarter in this regard, and to stop campaigning and correcting her. I am thereby appointing you the Recycle Czar of your household (your scepter is in the mail). As such, you will take on this job with enthusiasm and without complaint. Furthermore, I’m appointing your two young children to be your official assistants.
Even very young children can enjoy the job of safely sorting (clean) plastics (no sharp metal edges, please). You should delineate a color-coded bin for the recyclables, teach your kids the basics, explain to them why you are doing this, place the clean plastics and paper goods on the floor, and ask them to put these things into the appropriate bin (there are some fun videos on YouTube illustrating the process). Then they can help you take the bin to the curb and watch the big truck take the discarded items away.
If you do this, quite soon your children will start to police your wife, reminding her which bin to use. This might inspire her to get on board.
Dear Amy: Thank you for your wise response to “Frustrated in the Kitchen,” who was so upset that her two stepsons (both addicts) were so often extremely late for her special home-cooked meals.
As a mother who lost a son to addiction, I can tell you that I never stop wishing there was one more birthday or holiday meal with my son.
Establishing a “home” for those suffering with addiction is the kindest act a parent can do. Yes, they can be late and unreliable and maybe they won’t stay long. But coming home for holiday meals can be a great blessing for troubled souls.
A family group like AA or NA could be of great help to these parents.
At the end of a meeting, they always say, “Keep coming back…” And that’s what parents should always say to their children.
Simpler food could be ordered to save work in the kitchen, and still feel like home-cooked meals. The important part is opening up your home and making the family feel welcome.
I would give anything to see my son at my front door. Frustrated and her husband can work out the kitchen problems. Time with family is so much more important.
A Grieving Mother
Dear Grieving: Thank you so much for your thoughtful and loving response to a heartbreaking problem. I hope your perspective will help other parents and family members.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (drugabuse.gov), drug overdose deaths rose from 38,329 in 2010 to 70,237 in 2017; followed by a significant decrease in 2018 to 67,367 deaths.
Addiction takes an incalculable toll on loved ones that statistics can never measure.
The wisdom of “Keep coming back…” works in so many contexts, and I thank you for sharing it.
Dear Amy: Another response to “Frustrated in the Kitchen” whose stepsons were often late (sometimes by hours) for family meals.
She should consider using a Crock-Pot or slow cooker. Then she doesn’t have to think about precisely timing her meal.
Big Fan
Dear Fan: Many people offered cooking suggestions for this question, which wasn’t really about cooking, but about “Frustrated’s” feeling that she was always on the hook for others’ lateness.
However, I agree with you. A Crock-Pot solves everything.
You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.


mercurynews--2020-10-17--Harriette Cole: How does a 4-year-old come up with a scheme like this?

DEAR HARRIETTE : My daughter is only 4 years old .
She ’ s pretty smart and knows how to read people and sense their emotions .
She knows that when I am happy , she can ask for something she wants .
If I am not happy , she tends to not bother me , and she plays and entertains herself on her own .
I feel like I have a 16-year-old .
I started to catch on to what was happening when I realized that during her favorite afternoon show , she would always ask for a piece @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day she stopped .
I don ’ t always give her one .
Out of curiosity , I checked the candy box , and it was empty !
When I asked her if she had had any chocolate , she told me she never asked for chocolate today .
When I asked her why she didn ’ t ask , she said because there is no more .
How did she know that ?
I checked the lunch box she uses to keep her snacks and found all the wrappers .
How does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like this ?
I don ’ t want her to think lying and stealing are OK. Is this something I should be concerned about ?
• Harriette Cole : I ’ m just out with my girls .
Why doesn ’ t he trust me ?
• Harriette Cole : I ’ m nervous about where the nanny goes in her off hours • Harriette Cole : My kids watched the debate and they ’ re so upset DEAR MANIPULATIVE 4-YEAR-OLD : By age 4 , many children have a good sense of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Your smart daughter fits into that mold all too well .
What you need to do is talk to her matter-of-factly and let her know your values and expectations for her .
Show her the candy wrappers in her box and ask her why she took the candy without asking .
Ask her how she thinks you feel about her hiding this from you .
Tell her how disappointed you are that she would do this .
Tell her that you expect her to tell the truth and not to take candy — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Check to see if she understands .
In the future , commend her on things that she does well and point out when she should do something differently .
Be consistent .
DEAR HARRIETTE : My wife constantly makes bad decisions and throws money at her problems .
She has crashed two of our cars in the past two months .
She has broken pieces of her jewelry and has lost her phone a couple of times .
Her solution is just to buy a new one or to get it fixed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issues at the same time , using money to solve them adds up .
We are financially stable , but I worry that if she keeps it up at this pace , it will put us in a bad position .
I can ’ t keep sitting by as our money is thrown at problems that could have been easily prevented if she had been more careful .
I ’ ve told her that we can not keep wasting money , but then she reminds me that she is the sole provider in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the money than figure out something else .
Should I stay with someone who is financially irresponsible ?
DEAR WIFE THROWS AWAY MONEY : It sounds like there is a deeper issue afoot .
Your wife may be feeling pressured because she is the principal breadwinner as well as indignant that you would say anything about money , given that you aren ’ t bringing any in .
You two need to talk openly about the pathway to the future .
What do you need to ensure that your family will be financially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wife need to be able to slow down and be more mindful ?
What can you do to support her and the family more actively so that you share the pressures and burdens of bills , household responsibilities and overall duties ?
Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS , an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams .
You can send questions to askharriette @ harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication , 1130 Walnut St. , Kansas City , MO 64106 .

DEAR HARRIETTE: My daughter is only 4 years old. She’s pretty smart and knows how to read people and sense their emotions. She knows that when I am happy, she can ask for something she wants. If I am not happy, she tends to not bother me, and she plays and entertains herself on her own. I feel like I have a 16-year-old.
I started to catch on to what was happening when I realized that during her favorite afternoon show, she would always ask for a piece of my chocolate candy — until one day she stopped. I don’t always give her one. Out of curiosity, I checked the candy box, and it was empty!
When I asked her if she had had any chocolate, she told me she never asked for chocolate today. When I asked her why she didn’t ask, she said because there is no more. How did she know that?
I checked the lunch box she uses to keep her snacks and found all the wrappers.
How does a 4-year-old lie and create an operation like this? I don’t want her to think lying and stealing are OK. Is this something I should be concerned about?
Manipulative 4-Year-Old
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DEAR MANIPULATIVE 4-YEAR-OLD: By age 4, many children have a good sense of how to get what they want. Your smart daughter fits into that mold all too well.
What you need to do is talk to her matter-of-factly and let her know your values and expectations for her. Show her the candy wrappers in her box and ask her why she took the candy without asking. Ask her how she thinks you feel about her hiding this from you. Tell her how disappointed you are that she would do this. Tell her that you expect her to tell the truth and not to take candy — or anything else — without your permission. Check to see if she understands.
In the future, commend her on things that she does well and point out when she should do something differently. Be consistent.
DEAR HARRIETTE: My wife constantly makes bad decisions and throws money at her problems.
She has crashed two of our cars in the past two months. She has broken pieces of her jewelry and has lost her phone a couple of times. Her solution is just to buy a new one or to get it fixed.
When there are so many different issues at the same time, using money to solve them adds up. We are financially stable, but I worry that if she keeps it up at this pace, it will put us in a bad position.
I can’t keep sitting by as our money is thrown at problems that could have been easily prevented if she had been more careful. I’ve told her that we cannot keep wasting money, but then she reminds me that she is the sole provider in our house and she would rather spend the money than figure out something else.
Should I stay with someone who is financially irresponsible?
Wife Throws Away Money
DEAR WIFE THROWS AWAY MONEY: It sounds like there is a deeper issue afoot. Your wife may be feeling pressured because she is the principal breadwinner as well as indignant that you would say anything about money, given that you aren’t bringing any in.
You two need to talk openly about the pathway to the future. What do you need to ensure that your family will be financially and spiritually happy? What does your wife need to be able to slow down and be more mindful? What can you do to support her and the family more actively so that you share the pressures and burdens of bills, household responsibilities and overall duties?
Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.


mercurynews--2020-10-17--Miss Manners: I lied about my stimulus check. Was that wrong?

DEAR MISS MANNERS : I ’ m often in groups where the subject of stimulus checks comes up .
People will interject that they have , or have not , received what they ’ d expected .
Due to my high income , I ’ m not eligible to receive anything .
Since I really don ’ t want to admit how much money I make , I try to just remain silent .
However , when asked directly , I lie and say I ’ ve received mine .
Do you see a problem with my lies ?
GENTLE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talking about money in polite society anyway , Miss Manners will permit you to escape .
If you define the phrase “ I ’ ve received my due ” as having already earned it within a higher income bracket , then the truth is merely being subjected to semantics .
• Miss Manners : My oblivious husband surprised me with a horrible gift • Miss Manners : I work hard to support my husband , and then his sister does this • Miss Manners : They tell each other secrets when I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Her baby registry is full of inappropriate items • Miss Manners : I called because of their dead pet and I got blasted DEAR MISS MANNERS : My husband of three years has a few habits that annoy and frustrate me .
I have been trying for weeks during the quarantine to discuss them , but every time I have tried to bring up the topics , his response is immediately defensive .
A few days ago , my demeanor changed because I have been ignoring these habits of his so long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I am so frustrated .
He knows something is bothering me , causing tears to trickle out and leading me to talk less , be less playful and keep my distance .
He even apologized , though he doesn ’ t know what for .
It is also difficult for me to start the conversation because I know I must have some habits that annoy him , too , but he always answers “ no ” when I ask .
And my housekeeping is far below par , but I get no criticism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ How can I criticize him when he sees no wrong in me ?
Should I just continue to cry , mostly in secret , eat in another room to avoid his table manners , and talk to him less since I feel less close because of the other annoyances ?
GENTLE READER : Surely , your husband would prefer that you communicate with him , rather than ignore him and cry in the closet .
No doubt , he has noticed that you are pulling away .
And the fact that he appears @ @ @ @ @ @ @ love and seeing no wrong in you , does not mean that you must silently endure what are presumably correctable habits of his .
It is a difficult thing to teach someone that there is a difference between intention and action , and that undesirable behavior does not have to be a character flaw — if that person is willing to adjust .
Miss Manners suggests that you sit him down and explain that you love him , but that living together means making adjustments in order not to annoy each other continually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as you said , exacerbated that .
Start small and focus on what can be reasonably changed .
She further recommends that you cease forcing him to come up with annoying habits of yours .
Nothing good can come from that .
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 .

Judith Martin, Nicholas Ivor Martin and Jacobina Martin

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I’m often in groups where the subject of stimulus checks comes up. People will interject that they have, or have not, received what they’d expected.
Due to my high income, I’m not eligible to receive anything. Since I really don’t want to admit how much money I make, I try to just remain silent. However, when asked directly, I lie and say I’ve received mine.
Do you see a problem with my lies?
GENTLE READER: As no one should be talking about money in polite society anyway, Miss Manners will permit you to escape. If you define the phrase “I’ve received my due” as having already earned it within a higher income bracket, then the truth is merely being subjected to semantics.
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DEAR MISS MANNERS: My husband of three years has a few habits that annoy and frustrate me. I have been trying for weeks during the quarantine to discuss them, but every time I have tried to bring up the topics, his response is immediately defensive.
A few days ago, my demeanor changed because I have been ignoring these habits of his so long now. They are so annoying and I am so frustrated. He knows something is bothering me, causing tears to trickle out and leading me to talk less, be less playful and keep my distance.
He even apologized, though he doesn’t know what for.
It is also difficult for me to start the conversation because I know I must have some habits that annoy him, too, but he always answers “no” when I ask. And my housekeeping is far below par, but I get no criticism from him on that, either.
How can I criticize him when he sees no wrong in me? Should I just continue to cry, mostly in secret, eat in another room to avoid his table manners, and talk to him less since I feel less close because of the other annoyances?
GENTLE READER: Surely, your husband would prefer that you communicate with him, rather than ignore him and cry in the closet. No doubt, he has noticed that you are pulling away. And the fact that he appears to be more easygoing, blinded by love and seeing no wrong in you, does not mean that you must silently endure what are presumably correctable habits of his.
It is a difficult thing to teach someone that there is a difference between intention and action, and that undesirable behavior does not have to be a character flaw — if that person is willing to adjust.
Miss Manners suggests that you sit him down and explain that you love him, but that living together means making adjustments in order not to annoy each other continually. And the quarantine, has, as you said, exacerbated that.
Start small and focus on what can be reasonably changed. She further recommends that you cease forcing him to come up with annoying habits of yours. Nothing good can come from that.
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.