mercurynews--2020-03-23--Analysis: Coronavirus is Trump’s baptism by fire. He’s getting burnt.

By Jonathan Lemire , Jill Colvin and Zeke Miller | Associated Press WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump has never been known for his patience or long attention span .
Now , as the coronavirus crisis threatens his presidency , and upends his campaign for reelection , Trump is rapidly losing patience with the medical professionals who have made the case day after day that the only way to prevent a catastrophic loss of life is to essentially shut down the country — to minimize transmission and “ flatten the curve ” so hospitals aren ’ t overwhelmed with critical patients @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that his efforts to halt the harrowing drop in the stock market have so far proven ineffective .
He has been calling friends and economists at all hours and berated aides and reporters who try to persuade him to recognize the severity of the outbreak .
Beyond the crisis , he has been agitated that he can ’ t run the campaign he wants against Democrat Joe Biden , and he has used daily , hour-long briefings as near proxies for his campaign rallies , guaranteed to attract attention and to maintain the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This account is based on interviews with a dozen White House aides , former administration officials and Republicans close to the White House granted anonymity to discuss private conversations .
In a sign of his growing restiveness , Trump tweeted just before midnight : “ WE CAN NOT LET THE CURE BE WORSE THAN THE PROBLEM ITSELF .
AT THE END OF THE 15 DAY PERIOD , WE WILL MAKE A DECISION AS TO WHICH WAY WE WANT TO GO !
” He followed up early Monday with a series of retweets that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the conclusion of the initial 15-day restrictions , meant to slow the spread of the virus , next week .
It reflected the view from a growing number senior of administration officials who believe the closing of the economy was too harsh but that re-opening it would directly contradict the advice of health experts , a bipartisan group of governors and mayors and potentially set up a confrontation with his own medical advisers , including top infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci .
Trump tried to minimize the threat of the virus from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vacillated between acknowledging the crisis and suggesting that it would all soon be over .
With his Mar-a-Lago club shuttered and his frequent trips to the golf course now off limits , Trump has been largely stuck in the White House .
Even in good times , other presidents have likened life in the White House to being like prison .
For Trump , that feeling is magnified by walling himself off during the crisis .
Unable to travel and unsure of what to do , he ’ s been crashing West Wing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adjust agendas as the president frequently gets in the way of health professionals trying to chart a course of action .
While some around him have suggested that he should only appear when there is big news to announce , Trump has been missing the spotlight and has told people that he knows the nation is watching the briefings and doesn ’ t want to give up the stage .
On Sunday , he asked the briefing , originally slated for 4:30 p.m. to be pushed back later into the evening , when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those tuning in for “ 60 Minutes , ” the president ’ s favorite broadcast news magazine .
Trump has rebuked reporters whose questions he does not like , and behind closed doors , it has been much the same .
The president has snapped at aides delivering news that contradicts his relentless belief the crisis will be resolved soon .
Upon his return from a trip to India last month , Trump lit into aides about Dr. Nancy Messonnier , the director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who had provided a dire warning about the virus ’ potential impact .
He chided Vice President Mike Pence in a West Wing meeting for defending Washington Gov .
Jay Inslee , a one-time Democratic presidential contender , for his handling of the crisis .
And he angrily upbraided medical providers who called on his administration to do more , saying they should be upset instead with their local leadership .
And he has railed against journalists for investigating his sluggish response , driven , in part , by a desire to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he knows the headlines are only going to get worse .
“ I watch and listen to the Fake News , CNN , MSDNC , ABC , NBC , CBS , some of FOX ( desperately & foolishly pleading to be politically correct ) , the @ nytimes , & the @ washingtonpost , and all I see is hatred of me at any cost , ” he tweeted over the weekend .
“ Don ’ t they understand that they are destroying themselves ?
” That line has been picked up by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clear that they don ’ t see value in reporters digging into how the administration prepared for the looming crisis .
“ I don ’ t think it ’ s appropriate right now for the press to be going backwards , ” echoed White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham .
“ There ’ s no reason to go backwards and figure out tick-tocks of what happened when .
We ’ ve got a crisis on our hands , we ’ ve got a coronavirus in this country , and the press should — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also spread great information to this public and give information that our task force is trying to get out there.
” It wasn ’ t supposed to be this way .
Mere weeks ago , Trump and his reelection campaign had planned to use his massive financial advantage to try to define his opponent to the public in the race ’ s early months , much like former President Barack Obama did to Republican Mitt Romney in 2012 .
Trump had planned to frame the race as a contest between a decisive president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ age , versus either an avowed socialist like Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders or a creature of the Washington establishment , Biden , who was struggling to raise money and enthusiasm .
But instead of facing a wounded Democrat at the end of a drawn-out nomination fight , an emboldened Biden has emerged as his party ’ s clear front-runner , having coalesced much of the party around him while addressing his cash shortage .
And now Trump is staring at a recession , a potentially lethal political blow for any incumbent , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fortunes to the stock market and a once buoyant economy .
Unable to hold his rallies , Trump has lost his favorite outlet and deprived his campaign of compiling valuable voter data .
And while his campaign ’ s war chest remains robust , any sort of TV ad campaign has been sidelined , though anti-Biden digital spots are still being produced and aides have expressed surprise and relief that the former vice president has largely ceded Trump the spotlight the last two weeks .
• Coronavirus and the Olympics : Has the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no chance of any trips anytime soon aboard Air Force One , where Trump often spends his time talking out campaign strategy and socializing with old friends and allies , he ’ s unleashed his anger on Twitter — including at Democratic governors who dare criticize him — and has been on the phone constantly , peppering people with calls .
In recent days , the president tried to reach one economist late at night but the person slept through multiple calls .
So Trump just kept calling .
Eventually , the economist @ @ @

[vemba-video id=”politics/2020/03/21/coronavirus-pandemic-reaction-se-cupp-monologue-vpx.cnn”]
By Jonathan Lemire, Jill Colvin and Zeke Miller | Associated Press
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump has never been known for his patience or long attention span.
Now, as the coronavirus crisis threatens his presidency, and upends his campaign for reelection, Trump is rapidly losing patience with the medical professionals who have made the case day after day that the only way to prevent a catastrophic loss of life is to essentially shut down the country — to minimize transmission and “flatten the curve” so hospitals aren’t overwhelmed with critical patients.
The president also has been furious that his efforts to halt the harrowing drop in the stock market have so far proven ineffective. He has been calling friends and economists at all hours and berated aides and reporters who try to persuade him to recognize the severity of the outbreak.
Beyond the crisis, he has been agitated that he can’t run the campaign he wants against Democrat Joe Biden, and he has used daily, hour-long briefings as near proxies for his campaign rallies, guaranteed to attract attention and to maintain the backing of his fervent political case.
This account is based on interviews with a dozen White House aides, former administration officials and Republicans close to the White House granted anonymity to discuss private conversations.
In a sign of his growing restiveness, Trump tweeted just before midnight:
“WE CANNOT LET THE CURE BE WORSE THAN THE PROBLEM ITSELF. AT THE END OF THE 15 DAY PERIOD, WE WILL MAKE A DECISION AS TO WHICH WAY WE WANT TO GO!”
He followed up early Monday with a series of retweets that seemed to endorse re-opening American society upon the conclusion of the initial 15-day restrictions, meant to slow the spread of the virus, next week.
It reflected the view from a growing number senior of administration officials who believe the closing of the economy was too harsh but that re-opening it would directly contradict the advice of health experts, a bipartisan group of governors and mayors and potentially set up a confrontation with his own medical advisers, including top infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci.
Trump tried to minimize the threat of the virus from the outset and in recent days has vacillated between acknowledging the crisis and suggesting that it would all soon be over.
With his Mar-a-Lago club shuttered and his frequent trips to the golf course now off limits, Trump has been largely stuck in the White House. Even in good times, other presidents have likened life in the White House to being like prison.
For Trump, that feeling is magnified by walling himself off during the crisis. Unable to travel and unsure of what to do, he’s been crashing West Wing meetings, often forcing staffers to hurriedly adjust agendas as the president frequently gets in the way of health professionals trying to chart a course of action.
While some around him have suggested that he should only appear when there is big news to announce, Trump has been missing the spotlight and has told people that he knows the nation is watching the briefings and doesn’t want to give up the stage.
On Sunday, he asked the briefing, originally slated for 4:30 p.m. to be pushed back later into the evening, when more people would be watching — including those tuning in for “60 Minutes,” the president’s favorite broadcast news magazine.
Trump has rebuked reporters whose questions he does not like, and behind closed doors, it has been much the same. The president has snapped at aides delivering news that contradicts his relentless belief the crisis will be resolved soon.
Upon his return from a trip to India last month, Trump lit into aides about Dr. Nancy Messonnier, the director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, who had provided a dire warning about the virus’ potential impact. He chided Vice President Mike Pence in a West Wing meeting for defending Washington Gov. Jay Inslee, a one-time Democratic presidential contender, for his handling of the crisis. And he angrily upbraided medical providers who called on his administration to do more, saying they should be upset instead with their local leadership.
And he has railed against journalists for investigating his sluggish response, driven, in part, by a desire to discredit the media at a time when he knows the headlines are only going to get worse.
“I watch and listen to the Fake News, CNN, MSDNC, ABC, NBC, CBS, some of FOX (desperately & foolishly pleading to be politically correct), the @nytimes, & the @washingtonpost, and all I see is hatred of me at any cost,” he tweeted over the weekend. “Don’t they understand that they are destroying themselves?”
That line has been picked up by others in the administration who also made clear that they don’t see value in reporters digging into how the administration prepared for the looming crisis.
“I don’t think it’s appropriate right now for the press to be going backwards,” echoed White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham. “There’s no reason to go backwards and figure out tick-tocks of what happened when. We’ve got a crisis on our hands, we’ve got a coronavirus in this country, and the press should — they’ve got a real opportunity…to also spread great information to this public and give information that our task force is trying to get out there.”
It wasn’t supposed to be this way.
Mere weeks ago, Trump and his reelection campaign had planned to use his massive financial advantage to try to define his opponent to the public in the race’s early months, much like former President Barack Obama did to Republican Mitt Romney in 2012.
Trump had planned to frame the race as a contest between a decisive president who had ushered in an economic golden age, versus either an avowed socialist like Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders or a creature of the Washington establishment, Biden, who was struggling to raise money and enthusiasm.
President Trump and Mitch McConnell are trying to put a corporate bailout ahead of families. It's simply wrong. We need to be focused on helping hardworking Americans, communities, and small businesses — not handing big corporations a blank check. pic.twitter.com/tMBZm26h3y — Joe Biden (Text Join to 30330) (@JoeBiden) March 23, 2020
But instead of facing a wounded Democrat at the end of a drawn-out nomination fight, an emboldened Biden has emerged as his party’s clear front-runner, having coalesced much of the party around him while addressing his cash shortage. And now Trump is staring at a recession, a potentially lethal political blow for any incumbent, but particularly one who has so tethered his fortunes to the stock market and a once buoyant economy.
Unable to hold his rallies, Trump has lost his favorite outlet and deprived his campaign of compiling valuable voter data. And while his campaign’s war chest remains robust, any sort of TV ad campaign has been sidelined, though anti-Biden digital spots are still being produced and aides have expressed surprise and relief that the former vice president has largely ceded Trump the spotlight the last two weeks.
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Long Covid cases in US adults are on the decline, but many continue to struggle with symptoms Health | COVID Q&A: Can I use an expired test? Time to get boosted? How to cope with California’s sneaky summer surge With no chance of any trips anytime soon aboard Air Force One, where Trump often spends his time talking out campaign strategy and socializing with old friends and allies, he’s unleashed his anger on Twitter — including at Democratic governors who dare criticize him — and has been on the phone constantly, peppering people with calls.
In recent days, the president tried to reach one economist late at night but the person slept through multiple calls.
So Trump just kept calling. Eventually, the economist woke up.


mercurynews--2020-03-23--Los Gatos restaurant transformed into a ‘no touch,’ drive-thru grocery

CLICK HERE , if you are unable to view these photos on your mobile device .
Customers have been accustomed to buying “ flights ” at Flights , a Los Gatos restaurant that specializes in trios — of ahi tuna appetizers , little skillets of mac and cheese , cocktails and more .
Now , during the coronavirus crisis , you can still buy three at a time , only your order is more likely to be a gallon of bleach , a box of produce and a family feast of Swedish meatballs .
After searching fruitlessly for household staples @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restaurant and parking lot into a drive-thru grocery — with no-touch service .
You pull up , order , pay , pop the trunk and your purchases will be loaded for you .
His mission is twofold : He wants to help those in the South Bay who can ’ t or shouldn ’ t be heading into stores to shop while also putting paychecks in the hands of as many of his staffers as possible .
“ We need to come together as a community and provide a service for the people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who noted that restaurant suppliers are able to keep the industry well stocked with meat , produce and , yes , commercial-sized rolls of toilet paper 75 feet long .
When the drive-thru enterprise launched at noon Monday , a couple of Saratoga retirees , David and Dianne Bowman , were first in line .
On their shopping list ?
“ Everything from chicken parmesan to a gallon of milk , ” David said from the driver ’ s seat six feet away .
Dianne added : “ ( Hult ) needs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Behind them was June Mikkelsen of Milpitas , who drove here because she was running low on produce at home but then started pondering the grilled salmon dinner for six on the makeshift menu stapled to a fence .
( For $ 55 , it comes with salad and macaroni and cheese . )
“ I was crying coming down here because of all the people in small business losing their jobs … or their businesses , ” she said .
Besides offering meals , bottles of wine and batches of cocktails from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ partnered with nearby eateries and vendors to give them a boost too .
Available for sale are bags of coffee beans from the Los Gatos Coffee Roasting Company , pizzas from Centonove , desserts from Nothing Bundt Cakes , freshly squeezed juices from Juice Co. and craft beer from Loma Brewing .
And a cadre of volunteers has shown up to do their part .
Directing the flow of customers from Saratoga-Los Gatos Road onto University Avenue are Sonia Connolly of Saratoga and Matt Ober , a Los Gatos parks commissioner .
Two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Melbin — race to grab orders from Hult and tape them on the back door of the restaurant , then load the goods into trunks and back seats .
“ I need to do something for the good , ” Drizin said .
“ This is so safe with social distancing .
And I get some exercise.
” As Mikkelsen waited in her black Honda Fit for her groceries , she said she ’ d like to see this idea catch on .
“ I hope other restaurants take advantage of this to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and help the community.
” Details : The Flights Community Market will be open from noon to 7 pm .
daily at 165 Saratoga-Los Gatos Road , Los Gatos .

CLICK HERE, if you are unable to view these photos on your mobile device.
Customers have been accustomed to buying “flights” at Flights, a Los Gatos restaurant that specializes in trios — of ahi tuna appetizers, little skillets of mac and cheese, cocktails and more.
Now, during the coronavirus crisis, you can still buy three at a time, only your order is more likely to be a gallon of bleach, a box of produce and a family feast of Swedish meatballs.
After searching fruitlessly for household staples, owner Alex Hult has turned his restaurant and parking lot into a drive-thru grocery — with no-touch service. You pull up, order, pay, pop the trunk and your purchases will be loaded for you.
His mission is twofold: He wants to help those in the South Bay who can’t or shouldn’t be heading into stores to shop while also putting paychecks in the hands of as many of his staffers as possible.
“We need to come together as a community and provide a service for the people who need it,” said Hult, who noted that restaurant suppliers are able to keep the industry well stocked with meat, produce and, yes, commercial-sized rolls of toilet paper 75 feet long.
When the drive-thru enterprise launched at noon Monday, a couple of Saratoga retirees, David and Dianne Bowman, were first in line. On their shopping list? “Everything from chicken parmesan to a gallon of milk,” David said from the driver’s seat six feet away. Dianne added: “(Hult) needs to be applauded for doing this.”
Behind them was June Mikkelsen of Milpitas, who drove here because she was running low on produce at home but then started pondering the grilled salmon dinner for six on the makeshift menu stapled to a fence. (For $55, it comes with salad and macaroni and cheese.)
“I was crying coming down here because of all the people in small business losing their jobs … or their businesses,” she said.
Besides offering meals, bottles of wine and batches of cocktails from the restaurant, the Flights folks have partnered with nearby eateries and vendors to give them a boost too. Available for sale are bags of coffee beans from the Los Gatos Coffee Roasting Company, pizzas from Centonove, desserts from Nothing Bundt Cakes, freshly squeezed juices from Juice Co. and craft beer from Loma Brewing.
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Long Covid cases in US adults are on the decline, but many continue to struggle with symptoms Health | COVID Q&A: Can I use an expired test? Time to get boosted? How to cope with California’s sneaky summer surge And a cadre of volunteers has shown up to do their part. Directing the flow of customers from Saratoga-Los Gatos Road onto University Avenue are Sonia Connolly of Saratoga and Matt Ober, a Los Gatos parks commissioner. Two gloved runners — Barbra Drizin and Julie Melbin — race to grab orders from Hult and tape them on the back door of the restaurant, then load the goods into trunks and back seats.
“I need to do something for the good,” Drizin said. “This is so safe with social distancing. And I get some exercise.”
As Mikkelsen waited in her black Honda Fit for her groceries, she said she’d like to see this idea catch on.
“I hope other restaurants take advantage of this to recoup their losses, help their employees and help the community.”
Details: The Flights Community Market will be open from noon to 7 pm. daily at 165 Saratoga-Los Gatos Road, Los Gatos.


mercurynews--2020-03-24--Letter: Stores that price-gouge can be shamed, boycotted

Stores that price-gouge can be shamed , boycotted After reading the letter to the editor titled “ Can stores limit quantity of items a person can buy ?
” ( Eastbaytimes.com , March 18 ) , I was in agreement with everything the letter-writer wrote .
But I also felt one group was left out of the letter : stores .
Stores could have limited purchases and not let people walk out with a pallet-full of toilet paper or disinfectant wipes .
Or they could have put up new signs stating buy one for $ 3 , buy two for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t .
Then I read an article in the business section titled “ $ 10 toilet paper ?
Coronavirus gouging complaints surge in U.S. ” ( Page C7 , March 21 ) detailing complaints about price-gouging at stores throughout the country .
This provided another reason to blame stores .
For such greedy businesses , it was to their advantage to let people empty their shelves and then jack up the price .
• Letter : Can property tax deadlines be delayed given crisis ?
• Letter : Retirees will be hurt by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kudos to Kevin Love of the Cavaliers for helping workers • Letter : Today ’ s situation is different from previous recessions • Letter : This is the only solution for elderly in COVID-19 These stores should be boycotted once the issue passes and be publicly shamed on social media for the foreseeable future .
Submit your letter to the editor via this form Read more Letters to the Editor

Stores that price-gouge
can be shamed, boycotted
After reading the letter to the editor titled “Can stores limit quantity of items a person can buy?” (Eastbaytimes.com, March 18), I was in agreement with everything the letter-writer wrote. But I also felt one group was left out of the letter: stores. Stores could have limited purchases and not let people walk out with a pallet-full of toilet paper or disinfectant wipes. Or they could have put up new signs stating buy one for $3, buy two for $100. But they didn’t.
Then I read an article in the business section titled “$10 toilet paper? Coronavirus gouging complaints surge in U.S.” (Page C7, March 21) detailing complaints about price-gouging at stores throughout the country. This provided another reason to blame stores.
For such greedy businesses, it was to their advantage to let people empty their shelves and then jack up the price.
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Letters: Insulate wires | CDE was wrong | Functional Chromebooks | Trump’s ego | Healthy debate | A new path Letters to the Editor | Letters: Local solar | Titan resources | Activism helps These stores should be boycotted once the issue passes and be publicly shamed on social media for the foreseeable future.
Don Morgan
Concord
Submit your letter to the editor via this form
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mercurynews--2020-03-24--49ers depth chart: How to shuffle line without DeForest Buckner?

A 49ers defense without DeFo ?
Dunno how that ’ s going to look .
By trading away defensive tackle DeForest Buckner last week to the Indianapolis Colts , the 49ers gambled that their once-menacing front can survive .
After all , that is what they are paying for in Arik Armstead , Dee Ford , Nick Bosa , and Solomon Thomas , not to mention others in the rotation .
Bosa ’ s addition last season made the biggest impact .
Everyone benefited , from his fellow linemen to the suddenly ball-hawking secondary .
That is not to minimize @ @ @ @ @ @ @ durable force on the inside that often commanded double teams and provided more pocket pressure that people realize .
Here is how the new-and-yet-to-be-improved defensive depth chart looks a week into free agency : Analysis : Bosa could go from AP Defensive Rookie of the Year to NFL Defensive Player of the Year , if the 49ers compensate for Buckner ’ s absence .
They ’ ll need Armstead to live up to his new contract ( five years , $ 85 million ) , Ford to play more amid knee tendinitis , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a critical Year 4 .
Jones and Blair are valued linemen coming off serious injuries .
Kongbo ( 6-5 , 254 ) is an intriguing import from the CFL ( Winnipeg , one sack ) who tore his ACL in 2018 to close his Tennessee tenure .
Do the 49ers dare using their top draft pick on a defensive lineman for the fifth time in six years ?
Doubt it .
Departure : DeForest Buckner ( traded ; Indianapolis Colts for No .
13 overall draft pick ) Analysis : Warner and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , if Alexander can stay healthy after missing half of last season with a pectoral tear than reportedly requiring biceps surgery after the Super Bowl .
Greenlaw ’ s potential shined with the 49ers ’ defensive play of the year at Seattle , plus a great interception in overtime at home against the Seahawks .
Walker , formerly of the Arizona Cardinals , agreed Monday to join what should be a lively competition for a backup role with additional special-teams prowess .
Analysis : Sherman is entering the final year of his three-year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hinted at a succession plan .
Moseley took Witherspoon ’ s job , ultimately with disastrous result on the Chiefs ’ third-and-15 completion en route to Super Bowl ruin .
Williams is likely to draw an extension as their much-heralded nickel back .
The 49ers didn ’ t bite on top-tier free agents or trade candidates , so perhaps they go with a first-round cornerback in the draft for the first time since Mike Rumph in 2002 .
Analysis : Re-signing Ward on a three-year deal is great news for the secondary ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ school teammate , Tartt .
Moore and Harris have gained valuable experience the past two years .
Bringing in a veteran on a one-year deal seems plausible , as does drafting a potential starter , although that is no longer an urgent need .
• 49ers keep shoring up defense after last week ’ s Buckner trade • Mark Purdy : An ode to a football coach , and a friend

A 49ers defense without DeFo? Dunno how that’s going to look.
By trading away defensive tackle DeForest Buckner last week to the Indianapolis Colts, the 49ers gambled that their once-menacing front can survive.
After all, that is what they are paying for in Arik Armstead, Dee Ford, Nick Bosa, and Solomon Thomas, not to mention others in the rotation.
Bosa’s addition last season made the biggest impact. Everyone benefited, from his fellow linemen to the suddenly ball-hawking secondary. That is not to minimize Buckner’s contributions, as a durable force on the inside that often commanded double teams and provided more pocket pressure that people realize.
Here is how the new-and-yet-to-be-improved defensive depth chart looks a week into free agency:
* * *
DEFENSIVE LINE
DE Nick Bosa
DT Arik Armstead
NT D.J. Jones
DE Dee Ford
DE Ronald Blair
DT Kentavius Street
DE Kerry Hyder
DT Kevin Givens
DE Jullian Taylor
DE Alex Barrett
DT Willie Henry Jr.
DE Jonathan Kongbo
DT Ray Smith
Analysis: Bosa could go from AP Defensive Rookie of the Year to NFL Defensive Player of the Year, if the 49ers compensate for Buckner’s absence. They’ll need Armstead to live up to his new contract (five years, $85 million), Ford to play more amid knee tendinitis, and, especially, Thomas to surge in a critical Year 4. Jones and Blair are valued linemen coming off serious injuries. Kongbo (6-5, 254) is an intriguing import from the CFL (Winnipeg, one sack) who tore his ACL in 2018 to close his Tennessee tenure. Do the 49ers dare using their top draft pick on a defensive lineman for the fifth time in six years? Doubt it.
Free agent: Sheldon Day, Damontre Moore, Anthony Zettel
Departure: DeForest Buckner (traded; Indianapolis Colts for No. 13 overall draft pick)
* * *
LINEBACKER
MLB Fred Warner
WLB Kwon Alexander
SLB Dre Greenlaw
Mark Nzeocha
Azeez Al-Shaair
Joey Alfieri
Joe Walker
Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles
Analysis: Warner and Alexander make up for a formidable tandem, if Alexander can stay healthy after missing half of last season with a pectoral tear than reportedly requiring biceps surgery after the Super Bowl. Greenlaw’s potential shined with the 49ers’ defensive play of the year at Seattle, plus a great interception in overtime at home against the Seahawks. Walker, formerly of the Arizona Cardinals, agreed Monday to join what should be a lively competition for a backup role with additional special-teams prowess.
Free agent: Elijah Lee
* * *
CORNERBACK
LCB Richard Sherman
RCB Emmanuel Moseley
NCB K’Waun Williams
Ahkello Witherspoon
Tim Harris
D.J. Reed
Teez Tabor
Jermaine Kelly
Analysis: Sherman is entering the final year of his three-year contract, and the 49ers have not hinted at a succession plan. Moseley took Witherspoon’s job, ultimately with disastrous result on the Chiefs’ third-and-15 completion en route to Super Bowl ruin. Williams is likely to draw an extension as their much-heralded nickel back. The 49ers didn’t bite on top-tier free agents or trade candidates, so perhaps they go with a first-round cornerback in the draft for the first time since Mike Rumph in 2002.
Free agent: Jason Verrett, Dontae Johnson
* * *
SAFETY
FS Jimmie Ward
SS Jaquiski Tartt
Tarvarius Moore
Marcell Harris
Derrick Kindred
Jacob Thieneman
Chris Edwards


mercurynews--2020-03-24--What we learned about Raiders’ free agents through their contracts

The Raiders are waiting for contracts to be signed , sealed and delivered before making anything official regarding the busiest free agent period in the NFL Announcements should be made soon , although without any team confirmation on terms .
Most of those numbers have bubbled to the surface , however , except for the particulars on defensive end Carl Nassib , wide receiver , guard Erik Kush and tight end Nick O ’ Leary .
More than $ 50 million of room under the salary cap has been whittled to just over $ 6 million after the wheeling and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ manager Mike Mayock , with the Nassib , Kush and O ’ Leary still to go .
Three things we ’ ve learned about the 2020 Raiders based on the deals negotiated in free agency : Over the past five years , the Raiders have paid out $ 6,763,000 in salary to Mike Glennon , A.J .
McCarron , E.J .
Manuel and Matt McGloin .
Marcus Mariota has been guaranteed $ 7.5 million for one season .
Not only that , but Mariota ’ s two-year deal has incentives and escalators that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s wage should Carr get injured or Mariota win the job .
For the first time , Gruden has a viable option at the most important position on the field .
It ’ s no secret Gruden has craved a quarterback that could use his legs as Rich Gannon did and that it ’ s an area Carr struggled with .
Whether Mariota can approach Carr ’ s accuracy and command of the offense in a tight window is to be determined .
Carr is the starter , and that ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ program , OTAs , minicamps and training camps are gutted from the COVID-19 pandemic .
Any team starting a new quarterback will be at a disadvantage .
But in any case , the quarterback position just got a lot more interesting on the Raiders .
The money they ’ ve committed to Mariota , plus incentives , shows the Raiders are open to change depending on how things shake out .
It ’ s good for Mariota in that it puts him in the same position as Ryan Tannehill , the man who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s good for Carr because getting a push beyond Gruden ’ s daily demands could make him better .
The Raiders committed $ 18.75 million in cap room this season to new starting linebackers Cory Littleton ( $ 11.75 million ) and Nick Kwiatkoski ( $ 7 million ) .
Plus another $ 8.85 million in the defensive secondary to cornerback Eli Apple ( $ 6 million ) and safety Jeff Heath ( $ 2.85 million ) .
On the defensive line , tackle Maliek Collins has a $ 6 million cap @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s contract hasn ’ t been made public , but initial reports indicated he could get as much as $ 12 million guaranteed and his cap number could be higher than Collins .
The Raiders , who showed where their spending priorities lie two years ago with regard to defense when they traded Khalil Mack , have already committed more than $ 84 million to defense ( not including Nassib ) after spending just $ 61.8 million last season .
They should be much better , but again , with all the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the off-season and/or training camp is significant .
They ’ re not done at wide receiver Nelson Agholor , with 224 reception career receptions , became the instant leader in terms of catches on a unit that went in to free agency more in need of upgrading than any other position group on the roster .
But Agholor signed a one-year contract with a $ 910,000 cap number , pretty much the bare minimum for a five-year veteran .
Agholor is coming off his worst statistical season and was vilified in Philadelphia for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had him with seven over the two years — not great but somewhere in the Michael Crabtree vicinity .
• How the Raiders shape up on defense after first wave of free agency • How Raiders shape up on offense after first wave of free agency • Source : Raiders decline option to stay in Oakland in 2020 That ’ s a far cry from the $ 11 million the Raiders guaranteed Tyrell Williams in the second year of his Raiders deal .
But there ’ s a reason the Raiders and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ free agency .
The draft may have as many as 25 wide receivers who grade out as first- through third-round draft picks .
By point of comparison , there were 11 wide receivers drafted in the first three rounds last season .
It would be a surprise if one of the Raiders ’ two first-round picks wasn ’ t a receiver , and it wouldn ’ t be a stunner if they took two within the first five picks through three rounds .

The Raiders are waiting for contracts to be signed, sealed and delivered before making anything official regarding the busiest free agent period in the NFL
Announcements should be made soon, although without any team confirmation on terms. Most of those numbers have bubbled to the surface, however, except for the particulars on defensive end Carl Nassib, wide receiver, guard Erik Kush and tight end Nick O’Leary.
More than $50 million of room under the salary cap has been whittled to just over $6 million after the wheeling and dealing of coach Jon Gruden and general manager Mike Mayock, with the Nassib, Kush and O’Leary still to go.
Three things we’ve learned about the 2020 Raiders based on the deals negotiated in free agency:
Derek Carr has some competition
Over the past five years, the Raiders have paid out $6,763,000 in salary to Mike Glennon, A.J. McCarron, E.J. Manuel and Matt McGloin. Marcus Mariota has been guaranteed $7.5 million for one season.
Not only that, but Mariota’s two-year deal has incentives and escalators that could push his compensation to a starter’s wage should Carr get injured or Mariota win the job.
A fascinating deal that also includes a mountain of incentives and escalators that would pay Marcus Mariota starter money if he plays and has success. Max value: $37.5 million. https://t.co/OCYnkQt8qZ — Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 23, 2020
For the first time, Gruden has a viable option at the most important position on the field. It’s no secret Gruden has craved a quarterback that could use his legs as Rich Gannon did and that it’s an area Carr struggled with.
Whether Mariota can approach Carr’s accuracy and command of the offense in a tight window is to be determined.
Carr is the starter, and that’s a good thing particularly if the off-season program, OTAs, minicamps and training camps are gutted from the COVID-19 pandemic. Any team starting a new quarterback will be at a disadvantage.
But in any case, the quarterback position just got a lot more interesting on the Raiders. The money they’ve committed to Mariota, plus incentives, shows the Raiders are open to change depending on how things shake out.
It’s good for Mariota in that it puts him in the same position as Ryan Tannehill, the man who took his job last year. It’s good for Carr because getting a push beyond Gruden’s daily demands could make him better.
Hard to see a downside.
No more defensive indifference
The Raiders committed $18.75 million in cap room this season to new starting linebackers Cory Littleton ($11.75 million) and Nick Kwiatkoski ($7 million). Plus another $8.85 million in the defensive secondary to cornerback Eli Apple ($6 million) and safety Jeff Heath ($2.85 million).
On the defensive line, tackle Maliek Collins has a $6 million cap number on a one-year deal. Nassib’s contract hasn’t been made public, but initial reports indicated he could get as much as $12 million guaranteed and his cap number could be higher than Collins.
The Raiders, who showed where their spending priorities lie two years ago with regard to defense when they traded Khalil Mack, have already committed more than $84 million to defense (not including Nassib) after spending just $61.8 million last season.
They should be much better, but again, with all the new faces, losing a chunk of the off-season and/or training camp is significant.
They’re not done at wide receiver
Nelson Agholor, with 224 reception career receptions, became the instant leader in terms of catches on a unit that went in to free agency more in need of upgrading than any other position group on the roster.
But Agholor signed a one-year contract with a $910,000 cap number, pretty much the bare minimum for a five-year veteran. Agholor is coming off his worst statistical season and was vilified in Philadelphia for his dropped passes, although Fox Sports had him with seven over the two years — not great but somewhere in the Michael Crabtree vicinity.
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But there’s a reason the Raiders and the rest of the NFL avoided wideouts in free agency. The draft may have as many as 25 wide receivers who grade out as first- through third-round draft picks. By point of comparison, there were 11 wide receivers drafted in the first three rounds last season.
It would be a surprise if one of the Raiders’ two first-round picks wasn’t a receiver, and it wouldn’t be a stunner if they took two within the first five picks through three rounds.


mercurynews--2020-03-24--Here’s a realistic timeline for a coronavirus vaccine

The search is on for a drug for COVID-19 .
Researchers say it will take time , and the likelihood of a quick fix is low .
On March 16 , 2020 , the first volunteer in the U.S. received a dose of an experimental coronavirus vaccine in Seattle .
As many as 40 other companies are working on a vaccine around the world .
Experts expect development to take 12-18 months at the fastest .
An epidemiologist trying to find a suitable vaccine for COVID-19 is likened to a captain building a ship while at sea .
The pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to catch up .
Testing on other coronaviruses such as SARS began in 2002 and might offer clues .
Weakened or dead disease bacteria are introduced into the patient , often by injection or nasal spray .
White blood cells are triggered to produce antibodies to fight the disease .
If patient encounters disease later , antibodies neutralize the invading cells .
As the race for a COVID-19 vaccine continues , research is also being conducted on drugs that might decrease symptoms of infected people .
Today there are no proven therapeutic drugs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being conducted .
This week , Reuters reported that scientists at the University of Minnesota are testing two drugs , the malaria treatment drug hydroxychloroquine and the blood pressure drug losartan , to see whether either is effective in blocking the virus ’ s reproductive processes .
The CDC has more information about the drugs and says they are being studied in several hundred clinical trials across the globe .
A drug used in Japan to treat influenza is being studied for its effectiveness in treating COVID-19 .
The British newspaper The Guardian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ technology ministry said antiviral drug Favipiravir showed positive outcomes in clinical trials involving 340 people .
Patients in China who had tested positive for COVID-19 got a negative virus test back in four days , as a median ( half showed a negative test earlier and half later than four days ) .
That was compared with a negative test about 11 days later , as a median , for patients not on the drug .
In that same trial , lung condition improved in about 91 % of patients taking Favipiravir , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t taking the antiviral drug .
In 1938 , Jonas Salk and Thomas Francis developed the first vaccine against flu viruses .
Salk would subsequently use this experience to develop a polio vaccine in 1952 .
Influenza vaccination was added to the U.S. childhood immunization schedule in 2004 .
But there are hundreds of types of flu around the world .
Sources : The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , World Health Organization , BBC , The Guardian , Our World in Data , California Department of Public Health , Historyofvaccines.org

Seeking a vaccine
The search is on for a drug for COVID-19. Researchers say it will take time, and the likelihood of a quick fix is low.
The process
On March 16, 2020, the first volunteer in the U.S. received a dose of an experimental coronavirus vaccine in Seattle. As many as 40 other companies are working on a vaccine around the world. Experts expect development to take 12-18 months at the fastest.
Vaccine basics
An epidemiologist trying to find a suitable vaccine for COVID-19 is likened to a captain building a ship while at sea. The pandemic has already begun and they are trying to catch up. Testing on other coronaviruses such as SARS began in 2002 and might offer clues.
Most of the coronavirus vaccine research under way globally targets a protein aptly named “spike” that covers the surface of the new coronavirus and lets it invade human cells. Block that protein and people cannot get infected. Researchers have copied the section of the virus’ genetic code that contains the instructions for cells to create the spike protein.
Therapeutic search
As the race for a COVID-19 vaccine continues, research is also being conducted on drugs that might decrease symptoms of infected people. Today there are no proven therapeutic drugs that treat COVID-19, but studies are being conducted.
This week, Reuters reported that scientists at the University of Minnesota are testing two drugs, the malaria treatment drug hydroxychloroquine and the blood pressure drug losartan, to see whether either is effective in blocking the virus’s reproductive processes. The CDC has more information about the drugs and says they are being studied in several hundred clinical trials across the globe.
Japanese research
A drug used in Japan to treat influenza is being studied for its effectiveness in treating COVID-19. The British newspaper The Guardian reported that China’s science and technology ministry said antiviral drug Favipiravir showed positive outcomes in clinical trials involving 340 people.
Patients in China who had tested positive for COVID-19 got a negative virus test back in four days, as a median (half showed a negative test earlier and half later than four days). That was compared with a negative test about 11 days later, as a median, for patients not on the drug.
In that same trial, lung condition improved in about 91% of patients taking Favipiravir, compared with 62% who weren’t taking the antiviral drug.
U.S. vaccination coverage
Percentage of children age 19-35 months receiving vaccinations in 2017.
Vaccine innovation
In 1938, Jonas Salk and Thomas Francis developed the first vaccine against flu viruses. Salk would subsequently use this experience to develop a polio vaccine in 1952.
Influenza vaccination was added to the U.S. childhood immunization schedule in 2004. But there are hundreds of types of flu around the world.
Sources: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, World Health Organization, BBC, The Guardian, Our World in Data, California Department of Public Health, Historyofvaccines.org


mercurynews--2020-03-24--Coronavirus help: California landlords urged to freeze rents, halt evictions by their own trade grou

Coronavirus help: California landlords urged to freeze rents, halt evictions by their own trade groups

California landlords are being urged by major trade groups to freeze rents and stop evictions due to the economic wallop of the coronavirus .
The California Apartment Association said Monday , March 23 , it has told its member landlords they should freeze rents , stop evictions “ absent extraordinary circumstances , ” wave late-payment fees for impacted residents and offer flexible repayment options for those late rents — all through May 31 .
“ Communicate with residents proactively that you are available to assist them and want to work with them to ensure they remain housed , ” the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s action follows numerous California municipalities proposing eviction moratoriums to lower housing anxieties among the renter community .
Twenty-nine California cities and counties — including 17 in Southern California — passed eviction bans in the past week due to the novel coronavirus outbreak , according to the California Apartment Association .
In addition , 14 others have bans under consideration , using authority granted to them in an executive order Gov .
Gavin Newsom issued last week .
But that leaves renters unprotected in at least 500 other California cities and counties @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for not issuing a statewide eviction moratorium .
On Saturday , Newsom said in a coronavirus briefing that his staff has been reviewing the issue for several days and may announce further action by Tuesday .
“ As it relates to how ( local officials are ) dealing with evictions — not only for tenants of residences but also for tenants of commercial establishments — if they ’ re not meeting the moment , we certainly can strengthen our provisions , ” Newsom said .
The apartment association has previously fought many high-profile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rent controls .
Today ’ s economic challenges put landlords and tenants in similar straights .
The stakes are high : Typical California rents for a two-bedroom unit run $ 1,856 a month , according to Apartment List .
Nationally , the average rent is $ 979 for a two-bedroom unit .
Coronavirus-mandated business limitations and closings have already cost thousands of Californians their jobs .
An end to layoffs and income drops for workers paid per assignment or by commission are nowhere in sight .
How many Californias will make rent payments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last thing Californians need when they are struggling to maintain stability is to lose the safe place they call home , ” the association ’ s statement said .
“ The challenge before us is one like we have never endured .
But as a community of responsible housing providers , it ’ s our opportunity to help our communities heal.
” A national trade group went further .
The National Multifamily Housing Council called for the industry to halt rent hikes and evictions for 90 days .
The council , admitting to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , urged the federal government to include apartment owners in stimulus plans currently being debated in Congress .
Landlords who will likely collect less in rent , whether they accept trade group suggestions or not , may have trouble meeting their own financial obligations for items such as mortgages , utilities , payroll , insurance and taxes .
“ Congress must extend mortgage forbearance to rental property owners and extend similar protections to other financial obligations such as insurance premiums , utility service payments and tax liabilities , ” the national council said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needed to prevent foreclosure and other adverse actions such as lien placements , utility shut-offs , defaults , and judgments that would negatively impact the viability of the property ’ s continued operation and ultimately put its residents at risk of additional disruption.
” • Letter : Can property tax deadlines be delayed given crisis ?
• Why are Bay Area gas prices still so high ?
And don ’ t say ‘ summer blend ’ • Coronavirus : San Jose grocery store temporarily shuts down after employee dies from COVID-19

California landlords are being urged by major trade groups to freeze rents and stop evictions due to the economic wallop of the coronavirus.
The California Apartment Association said Monday, March 23, it has told its member landlords they should freeze rents, stop evictions “absent extraordinary circumstances,” wave late-payment fees for impacted residents and offer flexible repayment options for those late rents — all through May 31.
“Communicate with residents proactively that you are available to assist them and want to work with them to ensure they remain housed,” the association told landlords.
The trade group’s action follows numerous California municipalities proposing eviction moratoriums to lower housing anxieties among the renter community.
Twenty-nine California cities and counties — including 17 in Southern California — passed eviction bans in the past week due to the novel coronavirus outbreak, according to the California Apartment Association. In addition, 14 others have bans under consideration, using authority granted to them in an executive order Gov. Gavin Newsom issued last week.
But that leaves renters unprotected in at least 500 other California cities and counties. Some tenant activists criticized the governor for not issuing a statewide eviction moratorium.
On Saturday, Newsom said in a coronavirus briefing that his staff has been reviewing the issue for several days and may announce further action by Tuesday.
“As it relates to how (local officials are) dealing with evictions — not only for tenants of residences but also for tenants of commercial establishments — if they’re not meeting the moment, we certainly can strengthen our provisions,” Newsom said.
The apartment association has previously fought many high-profile battles with governments over various kinds of rent controls.
Today’s economic challenges put landlords and tenants in similar straights. The stakes are high: Typical California rents for a two-bedroom unit run $1,856 a month, according to Apartment List. Nationally, the average rent is $979 for a two-bedroom unit.
Coronavirus-mandated business limitations and closings have already cost thousands of Californians their jobs. An end to layoffs and income drops for workers paid per assignment or by commission are nowhere in sight. How many Californias will make rent payments is a huge question.
“The last thing Californians need when they are struggling to maintain stability is to lose the safe place they call home,” the association’s statement said. “The challenge before us is one like we have never endured. But as a community of responsible housing providers, it’s our opportunity to help our communities heal.”
A national trade group went further. The National Multifamily Housing Council called for the industry to halt rent hikes and evictions for 90 days.
The council, admitting to the industry’s own financial challenges, urged the federal government to include apartment owners in stimulus plans currently being debated in Congress. Landlords who will likely collect less in rent, whether they accept trade group suggestions or not, may have trouble meeting their own financial obligations for items such as mortgages, utilities, payroll, insurance and taxes.


mercurynews--2020-03-24--Letter: Can property tax deadlines be delayed given crisis?

Can property tax deadlines be delayed given crisis ?
There is an as yet untouched opportunity for California to ease the burden of its citizens in this crisis time .
In about three weeks ( April 10 ) , a half-yearly property tax payment is due to be paid to county tax collectors .
The payment is substantial for many property owners and could be a particularly significant burden for some in the midst of the waves of job losses and the significant losses in 401K and any market investment values .
• Letter : Retirees will be hurt by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kudos to Kevin Love of the Cavaliers for helping workers • Letter : Today ’ s situation is different from previous recessions • Letter : This is the only solution for elderly in COVID-19 • Letter : Voters must not pick unfit person to lead US again It would be of great benefit if the April 10 payment deadline were delayed 90 days ( as the IRS has already done with the income tax filing deadline ) to give residents a chance to sort out their personal situations , start receiving any unemployment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make rational choices on sources of the funds needed for this payment .
Submit your letter to the editor via this form Read more Letters to the Editor

Can property tax deadlines
be delayed given crisis?
There is an as yet untouched opportunity for California to ease the burden of its citizens in this crisis time.
In about three weeks (April 10), a half-yearly property tax payment is due to be paid to county tax collectors. The payment is substantial for many property owners and could be a particularly significant burden for some in the midst of the waves of job losses and the significant losses in 401K and any market investment values.
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Letters: Insulate wires | CDE was wrong | Functional Chromebooks | Trump’s ego | Healthy debate | A new path Letters to the Editor | Letters: Local solar | Titan resources | Activism helps It would be of great benefit if the April 10 payment deadline were delayed 90 days (as the IRS has already done with the income tax filing deadline) to give residents a chance to sort out their personal situations, start receiving any unemployment compensation they may have applied for and make rational choices on sources of the funds needed for this payment.
Tom Lawrence
Saratoga
Submit your letter to the editor via this form
Read more Letters to the Editor


mercurynews--2020-03-24--Word Game: March 24, 2020

Word Game: March 24, 2020

Can you find 22 or more words in SPINOSE ?
The list will be published tomorrow .
To purchase the @ @ @ @ @ WordGameBooks.com .
Order it now for just $ 5 while supplies last !
1 .
@ @ @ @ @ or more letters .
2 .
Words that acquire four letters by the addition of @ @ @ @ @ as “ bats ” or “ dies , ” are not allowed .
3 .
@ @ @ @ @ a “ d ” or an “ s ” may not be used .
For @ @ @ @ @ ” is used , “ baked ” or “ bakes ” are not allowed , @ @ @ @ @ “ baking ” are admissible .
4 .
Proper nouns , slang words , or @ @ @ @ @ are not allowed .

TODAY’S WORD — SPINOSE (SPINOSE: SPY-nose: Having spines.)
Average mark 16 words
Time limit 30 minutes
Can you find 22 or more words in SPINOSE? The list will be published tomorrow.
YESTERDAY’S WORD — EPITOME emit emote poem poet pome item teem tempo
time tome tope topee topi omit meet mete mite mope mote
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--2020-03-24--Horoscopes March 24, 2020: Peyton Manning, you don’t have to be superhuman.

Happy Birthday : Slow down , and enjoy what life has to offer .
You don ’ t have to be superhuman .
Impulsive actions will lead to trouble .
Strategize first and act later .
Look inward , ask yourself hard questions and formulate what you truly want to pursue .
Refuse to let anyone stand in your way , and reassure the people you love how much you care .
Your numbers are 5 , 13 , 20 , 24 , 38 , 44 , 46 .
ARIES ( March 21-April 19 ) : Idle time will make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that requires physical exertion or is mentally challenging .
If you share secrets with others , they will be made public .
Self-improvement is favored , and adjustments you make physically or emotionally will enhance your life .
3 stars TAURUS ( April 20-May 20 ) : Keep your life simple and your thoughts to yourself , and put in the maximum time to reach your goal .
A disciplined attitude will help you bypass getting tied up in someone ’ s drama .
Stick to your game plan .
3 stars GEMINI @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your skills to work .
Offer to help someone who has something you want in return .
A sensitive approach to situations of an emotional nature will help you gain acceptance .
Charm , along with compassion , will convince others to see things your way .
4 stars CANCER ( June 21-July 22 ) : Don ’ t take on a responsibility that will push you past your comfort zone .
Avoid interfering in other people ’ s affairs or letting someone meddle in yours .
Do what you can to keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , love and happiness .
2 stars LEO ( July 23-Aug. 22 ) : A commitment will show someone how much you care and what you are willing to do .
Plan a trip , set up a meeting or discuss your long-term intentions .
Take affirmative action , and get involved in competitive activities that will boost your ego .
5 stars VIRGO ( Aug. 23-Sept. 22 ) : Say no to someone looking for a handout .
Taking on someone ’ s misfortune will not solve the problem , but it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and go about your business .
Don ’ t fall for unrealistic or false advertising .
3 stars LIBRA ( Sept. 23-Oct. 22 ) : Emotions will surface , causing relationship problems .
Gather facts , and put a plan in place before you get involved in a discussion that can determine your fate .
Put your energy into something that motivates you or a job that can bring high returns .
3 stars SCORPIO ( Oct. 23-Nov. 21 ) : Finish what you start .
Share your ideas with someone who is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put together a package that highlights your skills .
Good fortune is heading in your direction .
Make the most of what you ’ ve got .
3 stars SAGITTARIUS ( Nov. 22-Dec. 21 ) : Stick to your plan , use your skills and don ’ t get involved with people who talk big and do little .
Feeling apologetic or being overindulgent will not help you get things done .
Property enhancement or a geographical move look favorable .
5 stars CAPRICORN ( Dec. 22-Jan. 19 ) : Present what you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be to separate yourself from the competition .
Stifle emotional matters that might get in your way .
Rely on experience and knowledge when faced with opposition .
Bigger doesn ’ t always mean better .
2 stars AQUARIUS ( Jan. 20-Feb. 18 ) : Find a way to contribute to something you believe in or that you want to change .
An adjustment will be necessary ; do your homework , and you ’ ll discover what ’ s required .
Take demonstrative action , and you ’ ll make a difference @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 20 ) : Look at all sides of a situation , but when it comes down to making a decision , follow your intuition .
A realistic budget will ease stress and help you save for something you want .
Personal improvements , romance and change are encouraged .
3 stars Birthday Baby : You are energetic , cooperative and helpful .
You are unique and tolerant .

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Peyton Manning, 44; Alyson Hannigan, 46; Jim Parsons, 47; Louie Anderson, 67.
Happy Birthday: Slow down, and enjoy what life has to offer. You don’t have to be superhuman. Impulsive actions will lead to trouble. Strategize first and act later. Look inward, ask yourself hard questions and formulate what you truly want to pursue. Refuse to let anyone stand in your way, and reassure the people you love how much you care. Your numbers are 5, 13, 20, 24, 38, 44, 46.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Idle time will make you anxious. Sign up for something that requires physical exertion or is mentally challenging. If you share secrets with others, they will be made public. Self-improvement is favored, and adjustments you make physically or emotionally will enhance your life. 3 stars
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Keep your life simple and your thoughts to yourself, and put in the maximum time to reach your goal. A disciplined attitude will help you bypass getting tied up in someone’s drama. Stick to your game plan. 3 stars
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Put your skills to work. Offer to help someone who has something you want in return. A sensitive approach to situations of an emotional nature will help you gain acceptance. Charm, along with compassion, will convince others to see things your way. 4 stars
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Don’t take on a responsibility that will push you past your comfort zone. Avoid interfering in other people’s affairs or letting someone meddle in yours. Do what you can to keep the peace. Focus on personal improvements, love and happiness. 2 stars
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): A commitment will show someone how much you care and what you are willing to do. Plan a trip, set up a meeting or discuss your long-term intentions. Take affirmative action, and get involved in competitive activities that will boost your ego. 5 stars
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Say no to someone looking for a handout. Taking on someone’s misfortune will not solve the problem, but it will cause stress. Make suggestions, and go about your business. Don’t fall for unrealistic or false advertising. 3 stars
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Emotions will surface, causing relationship problems. Gather facts, and put a plan in place before you get involved in a discussion that can determine your fate. Put your energy into something that motivates you or a job that can bring high returns. 3 stars
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Finish what you start. Share your ideas with someone who is well-connected, and it will help you put together a package that highlights your skills. Good fortune is heading in your direction. Make the most of what you’ve got. 3 stars
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Stick to your plan, use your skills and don’t get involved with people who talk big and do little. Feeling apologetic or being overindulgent will not help you get things done. Property enhancement or a geographical move look favorable. 5 stars
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Present what you have to offer. Your intent should be to separate yourself from the competition. Stifle emotional matters that might get in your way. Rely on experience and knowledge when faced with opposition. Bigger doesn’t always mean better. 2 stars
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Find a way to contribute to something you believe in or that you want to change. An adjustment will be necessary; do your homework, and you’ll discover what’s required. Take demonstrative action, and you’ll make a difference. 4 stars
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Look at all sides of a situation, but when it comes down to making a decision, follow your intuition. A realistic budget will ease stress and help you save for something you want. Personal improvements, romance and change are encouraged. 3 stars
Birthday Baby: You are energetic, cooperative and helpful. You are unique and tolerant.
Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.


mercurynews--2020-03-24--Bridge: March 24, 2020

Bridge: March 24, 2020

“ Your honor , ” the district attorney intoned , “ we will prove that East committed a felony , in that he let South make a hopeless game.
” “ State your case , ” the judge ordered , and the court kibitzed the evidence .
“ Against four hearts , ” the DA stated , “ West led the deuce of spades , and dummy played low .
East took the ace and returned a spade .
Declarer won and let the queen of trumps ride for a losing finesse .
He ruffed East ’ s spade return @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to pitch a diamond .
He lost one diamond at the end.
” “ On the first spade , ” the DA continued , “ East should play the ten .
Declarer must win , and when East takes the king of trumps , he can lead a low spade to West ’ s queen to get a diamond shift .
We ask for a directed verdict of guilty.
” East was guilty .
On the bidding , West could hold at most one queen , so playing the ten of spades was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aided and abetted .
On the first spade , he must put up dummy ’ s jack to make East ’ s winning defense impossible .
You hold : S A 10 8 4 H K 6 D A Q 10 9 C 9 6 2 .
Both sides vulnerable .
The dealer , at your right , opens one club .
What do you say ?
ANSWER : This is a matter of style and temperament .
Many players would feel compelled to act , especially since they have no honors in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defense .
Some would overcall one diamond .
Few would double because the heart support is inadequate .
I would pass , but I don ’ t feel strongly .

“Your honor,” the district attorney intoned, “we will prove that East committed a felony, in that he let South make a hopeless game.”
“State your case,” the judge ordered, and the court kibitzed the evidence.
“Against four hearts,” the DA stated, “West led the deuce of spades, and dummy played low. East took the ace and returned a spade. Declarer won and let the queen of trumps ride for a losing finesse. He ruffed East’s spade return, drew trumps and ran the clubs to pitch a diamond. He lost one diamond at the end.”
SHIFT
“On the first spade,” the DA continued, “East should play the ten. Declarer must win, and when East takes the king of trumps, he can lead a low spade to West’s queen to get a diamond shift. We ask for a directed verdict of guilty.”
East was guilty. On the bidding, West could hold at most one queen, so playing the ten of spades was East’s best chance. South aided and abetted. On the first spade, he must put up dummy’s jack to make East’s winning defense impossible.
DAILY QUESTION
You hold: S A 10 8 4 H K 6 D A Q 10 9 C 9 6 2. Both sides vulnerable. The dealer, at your right, opens one club. What do you say?
ANSWER: This is a matter of style and temperament. Many players would feel compelled to act, especially since they have no honors in clubs that might win tricks only on defense. Some would overcall one diamond. Few would double because the heart support is inadequate. I would pass, but I don’t feel strongly.
South dealer
N-S vulnerable
NORTH
S J 6 5
H A 10 8
D K 8 5
C K J 7 4
WEST
S Q 9 7 2
H 5 3
D J 6 3 2
C 10 8 3
EAST
S A 10 8 4
H K 6
D A Q 10 9
C 9 6 2
SOUTH
S K 3
H Q J 9 7 4 2
D 7 4
C A Q 5
South West North East
1 H Pass 2 C Pass
2 H Pass 3 H Pass
4 H All Pass
Opening lead — S 2
(C)2020 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.


mercurynews--2020-03-24--Ask Amy: He terrorized my family, and still my friend hangs out with him

DEAR AMY : In high school , I had a boyfriend who was addicted to cocaine .
He became very mentally , physically and sexually abusive .
My best friend at the time knew him , but she knew nothing about what was happening in the relationship .
After leaving the relationship with the boyfriend , I ended up going to a mental hospital .
While I was hospitalized , she and I reconnected .
I told her all about this abuse .
She is very aware of the physical and psychological scars I still have .
Recently , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hanging out with him more often in their friend group .
She knows everything that he did to me and still chooses to hang out with him .
• Ask Amy : My boyfriend thinks coronavirus is a joke , and it scares me • Ask Amy : Embarrassed advice columnist admits she was pranked • Ask Amy : My wife doesn ’ t know the truth about my gym friend • Ask Amy : My friend suddenly ditched me for a mysterious daily meeting • Ask Amy : I can guess people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ annoy them I know I am being a little harsh , but I don ’ t want to be around her or even talk to her because I don ’ t want her telling him anything about me and my current boyfriend or our lives ( when I was with him , this monster had me and family members in fear for our safety ) .
Should I try to talk to her about this ?
Is it OK to just walk away from her because of this ?
Should I be going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Your duty is to take care of yourself , and you seem to have done an admirable job .
Loyal friends will quite naturally not want to maintain a close friendship with an individual who has abused a friend .
Of course , it is possible that the man who abused you has cleaned up his act and changed in a dramatic way , but you should not risk your own well-being by testing this possibility .
You are wise to keep your distance from the person who abused you , as well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him .
You don ’ t need to spend your own valuable emotional bandwidth trying to assess this situation from every angle — you need only to protect yourself , and — in this case , the best way to protect yourself is to keep your distance .
DEAR AMY : Have the standards of business ethics changed in recent years ?
I have gone to several job interviews , with zero follow-up from the employer or the recruiter who set up the interview .
These are situations where the employer contacted me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the interview , telling me , “ We ’ ll get back to you.
” I had two interviews recently which went well , I thought , but I never heard from them again .
I even called to follow up — my calls went to voicemail , of course — and still no phone call , email or letter .
I wish businesses would realize that when they do this , it leaves people with bad feelings about them , and we tell our friends .
A rejection is fine , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ Thank you for spending your time with us , however , we have selected another candidate ” would bring closure to the process .
Is it now OK to just blow off the person you asked to come in for an interview ?
DEAR IGNORED : Business ethics have not changed .
Hiring practices have changed , however .
One frustration for current job seekers is how communication with recruiters and employers seems to flow in one direction , controlled by the employer .
When a ( often off-site ) recruiter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contact information you have is the recruiter ’ s — not that of the person who is conducting the interview .
Savvy job seekers conclude an in-person or Skype interview by asking , “ Could you share your email address with me so I can follow up to thank you ?
” If the manager chooses to share an email address , you can keep in touch directly .
A good recruiter will contact you after an interview , even if it is to tell you that you won ’ t be hired @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , you should be using all of the social networking tools available to contact potential employers — not only via voice call , email , or letter .
Glassdoor.com offers ways for you to receive — and leave — anonymous feedback about the hiring process with a specific company .
DEAR AMY : “ A Very Concerned Son ” became alarmed when his mother kept repeating herself during a phone call .
Slurred speech and repeating yourself can be signs of severe dehydration .
My mother ’ s doctor told me I had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her slurred speech during a phone call .
DEAR GRATEFUL : Sometimes , these changes are more evident when speaking over the phone .
I ’ ve heard from several readers with similar stories .
You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy @ amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy , P.O .
Box 194 , Freeville , NY 13068 .
You can also follow her on Twitter @ askingamy or Facebook .

DEAR AMY: In high school, I had a boyfriend who was addicted to cocaine. He became very mentally, physically and sexually abusive.
My best friend at the time knew him, but she knew nothing about what was happening in the relationship.
After leaving the relationship with the boyfriend, I ended up going to a mental hospital.
While I was hospitalized, she and I reconnected. I told her all about this abuse. She is very aware of the physical and psychological scars I still have.
Recently, I became aware that she’s been hanging out with him more often in their friend group. She knows everything that he did to me and still chooses to hang out with him.
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Ask Amy: I’ve told them they need therapy, and they refuse to do it. What now? Advice | Ask Amy: The man I love is my grandchild’s uncle, and things have gotten messy I know I am being a little harsh, but I don’t want to be around her or even talk to her because I don’t want her telling him anything about me and my current boyfriend or our lives (when I was with him, this monster had me and family members in fear for our safety).
Should I try to talk to her about this? Is it OK to just walk away from her because of this?
Should I be going about this differently?
Upset
DEAR UPSET: Your duty is to take care of yourself, and you seem to have done an admirable job.
Loyal friends will quite naturally not want to maintain a close friendship with an individual who has abused a friend.
Of course, it is possible that the man who abused you has cleaned up his act and changed in a dramatic way, but you should not risk your own well-being by testing this possibility.
You are wise to keep your distance from the person who abused you, as well as anyone else who is connected to him. You don’t need to spend your own valuable emotional bandwidth trying to assess this situation from every angle — you need only to protect yourself, and — in this case, the best way to protect yourself is to keep your distance.
DEAR AMY: Have the standards of business ethics changed in recent years?
I have gone to several job interviews, with zero follow-up from the employer or the recruiter who set up the interview. These are situations where the employer contacted me and asked me to come in for the interview, telling me, “We’ll get back to you.”
I had two interviews recently which went well, I thought, but I never heard from them again. I even called to follow up — my calls went to voicemail, of course — and still no phone call, email or letter.
I wish businesses would realize that when they do this, it leaves people with bad feelings about them, and we tell our friends. A rejection is fine, but a polite message back, such as: “Thank you for spending your time with us, however, we have selected another candidate” would bring closure to the process.
Is it now OK to just blow off the person you asked to come in for an interview?
Ignored
DEAR IGNORED: Business ethics have not changed. Hiring practices have changed, however.
One frustration for current job seekers is how communication with recruiters and employers seems to flow in one direction, controlled by the employer. When a (often off-site) recruiter sets up an interview, the only contact information you have is the recruiter’s — not that of the person who is conducting the interview.
Savvy job seekers conclude an in-person or Skype interview by asking, “Could you share your email address with me so I can follow up to thank you?”
If the manager chooses to share an email address, you can keep in touch directly.
A good recruiter will contact you after an interview, even if it is to tell you that you won’t be hired.
To conduct an effective job search, you should be using all of the social networking tools available to contact potential employers — not only via voice call, email, or letter.
Glassdoor.com offers ways for you to receive — and leave — anonymous feedback about the hiring process with a specific company.
Want Ask Amy delivered to your inbox for free on weekdays?
DEAR AMY: “A Very Concerned Son” became alarmed when his mother kept repeating herself during a phone call. Slurred speech and repeating yourself can be signs of severe dehydration. My mother’s doctor told me I had helped to save her life by noticing her slurred speech during a phone call.
Grateful
DEAR GRATEFUL: Sometimes, these changes are more evident when speaking over the phone. I’ve heard from several readers with similar stories.
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--2020-03-24--More coronavirus TV specials to help you make sense of things

Television networks and streaming services continue to respond to the coronavirus crisis with special programming designed to break down the latest developments and important issues for viewers .
Airing on Wednesday , March 25 , is “ Pandemic : COVID-19 ” ( 10 p.m. , Discovery and Science Channel ) .
This hourlong special promises to take viewers back to the beginning — examining how , within a matter of weeks , COVID-19 spread throughout China and beyond , alarming healthcare professionals and scientists .
• Los Gatos community briefs for the week of April 3 • Coronavirus : Doobie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get in Rock Hall • Ex-A ’ s World Series hero Dave Stewart says he doesn ’ t have coronavirus • Trump says he ’ s pulling back from calling novel coronavirus the ‘ China virus ’ The program will delve inside the fight to contain the pandemic with the latest news on how the government is coordinating to test and treat patients , and to prevent further spread .
Experts will reveal why COVID-19 is unique , why the world was so unprepared for it and what could have been done differently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also traces the origin of the outbreak in the United States to the first patient , its rapid spread in Seattle and probe the dramatic and unexpected transmission across the country .
Viewers will hear from the experts in medicine on the frontlines as well as academia , government officials and patients with first-hand accounts .
In addition to watching the special on Discovery , viewers can watch “ Pandemic : COVID-19 ” by downloading the Discovery GO app .
Viewers can also join the conversation on social media by using the hashtag @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Instagram , and Twitter for the latest updates .
Also on Thursday , Facebook Watch offers a special second episode of “ Red Table talk ” called “ Managing Our Anxiety & Fear During COVID-19.
” This episode , which will be available at 9 a.m. PT/Noon ET focuses on the massive mental health burden of the pandemic as Jada , Willow and Gammy are joined by psychologist Dr. Ramani Durvasula and motivational speaker and former monk , Jay Shetty , to help viewers manage anxiety , stress and fear in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , go here .
In partnership with Facebook Inc. , Shetty is leading Mindfulness & Meditation on Facebook Live & Instagram Live for 20 minutes a day at 9:30 a.m. PT / 12:30 p.m .
ET , for 20 days , until Wednesday , April 8 .
The community will be focused on creating calm , peace and unity at this tough time and Shelty will lead millions daily in finding moments of gratitude , insights to manage stress , wellness practices and habits for reducing anxiety .

Television networks and streaming services continue to respond to the coronavirus crisis with special programming designed to break down the latest developments and important issues for viewers.
Here’s the latest:
Airing on Wednesday, March 25, is “Pandemic: COVID-19” (10 p.m., Discovery and Science Channel). This hourlong special promises to take viewers back to the beginning — examining how, within a matter of weeks, COVID-19 spread throughout China and beyond, alarming healthcare professionals and scientists.
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Long Covid cases in US adults are on the decline, but many continue to struggle with symptoms TV Streaming | COVID Q&A: Can I use an expired test? Time to get boosted? How to cope with California’s sneaky summer surge The program will delve inside the fight to contain the pandemic with the latest news on how the government is coordinating to test and treat patients, and to prevent further spread. Experts will reveal why COVID-19 is unique, why the world was so unprepared for it and what could have been done differently to contain its spread.
The special also traces the origin of the outbreak in the United States to the first patient, its rapid spread in Seattle and probe the dramatic and unexpected transmission across the country. Viewers will hear from the experts in medicine on the frontlines as well as academia, government officials and patients with first-hand accounts.
In addition to watching the special on Discovery, viewers can watch “Pandemic: COVID-19” by downloading the Discovery GO app. Viewers can also join the conversation on social media by using the hashtag #PandemicCovid19 and following Discovery on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for the latest updates.
Also on Thursday, Facebook Watch offers a special second episode of “Red Table talk” called “Managing Our Anxiety & Fear During COVID-19.”
This episode, which will be available at 9 a.m. PT/Noon ET focuses on the massive mental health burden of the pandemic as Jada, Willow and Gammy are joined by psychologist Dr. Ramani Durvasula and motivational speaker and former monk, Jay Shetty, to help viewers manage anxiety, stress and fear in the age of COVID-19.
For a preview, go here.
In partnership with Facebook Inc., Shetty is leading Mindfulness & Meditation on Facebook Live & Instagram Live for 20 minutes a day at 9:30 a.m. PT / 12:30 p.m. ET, for 20 days, until Wednesday, April 8. The community will be focused on creating calm, peace and unity at this tough time and Shelty will lead millions daily in finding moments of gratitude, insights to manage stress, wellness practices and habits for reducing anxiety.