mercurynews--2020-05-05--Whistleblower: US bungled response to coronavirus outbreak

By Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar , Michael Balsamo and Colleen Long | Associated Press WASHINGTON — The Trump administration failed to prepare for the onslaught of the coronavirus , then sought a quick fix by trying to rush an unproven drug to patients , a senior government scientist alleged in a whistleblower complaint Tuesday .
Dr. Rick Bright , former director of the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority , alleges he was reassigned to a lesser role because he resisted political pressure to allow widespread use of hydroxychloroquine , a malaria drug pushed by President Donald Trump .
He said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hot spots in New York and New Jersey with the drug .
“ I witnessed government leadership rushing blindly into a potentially dangerous situation by bringing in a non-FDA approved chloroquine from Pakistan and India , from facilities that had never been approved by the FDA , ” Bright said Tuesday on a call with reporters .
“ Their eagerness to push blindly forward without sufficient data to put this drug into the hands of Americans was alarming to me and my fellow scientists.
” Bright filed the complaint with the Office of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investigates retaliation against federal employees who uncover problems .
He says he wants his job back and a full investigation .
The Department of Health and Human Services had no immediate comment .
Zachary Kurz , a spokesman for the Office of Special Counsel , said the office could not comment or confirm the status of open investigations .
His complaint comes as the Trump administration faces criticism over its response to the pandemic , including testing and supplies of ventilators , masks and other equipment to try to stem the spread .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1.2 million confirmed cases in the United States and more than 70,000 deaths .
Bright said his superiors repeatedly rejected his warnings that the virus would spread in the U.S. , missing an early opportunity to stock up on protective masks for first responders .
He said he “ acted with urgency ” to address the growing spread of COVID-19 — the disease the virus causes — after the World Health Organization issued a warning in January .
Bright said he “ encountered resistance from HHS leadership , including Health and Human Services @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appeared intent on downplaying this catastrophic event.
” During a Feb. 23 meeting , Azar , as well as Bright ’ s boss , Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response Robert Kadlec , “ responded with surprise at ( Bright ’ s ) dire predictions and urgency , and asserted that the United States would be able to contain the virus and keep it out , ” the whistleblower complaint said .
Bright said White House trade adviser Peter Navarro was a rare exception among administration officials , extremely concerned about the potential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ described working with Navarro to break a bureaucratic logjam and set up military transport from Italy for swabs needed in the U.S. Navarro was the author of several urgent memos within the White House .
Bright said Navarro asked for his help , saying the trade adviser told him the memos were needed to “ save lives.
” Navarro ’ s memos to top officials raised alarms even as Trump was publicly assuring Americans that the outbreak was under control .
Bright ’ s allegation that he was removed over his resistance to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already public , but his whistleblower complaint added details from emails and internal communications while bringing to light his attempts to acquire N95 respirator masks early on , which he said were ignored by superiors .
In late January , Bright said he was contacted by an official of a leading mask manufacturer about ramping up production .
It was estimated that as many as 3.5 billion would be needed , while the national stockpile had about 300 million .
The complaint said that when Bright tried to press the issue about masks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ignored or rebuffed .
“ HHS publicly represented not only that COVID-19 was not an imminent threat , but also that HHS already had all the masks it would need , ” the complaint said .
As the epidemic spread in the U.S. and engulfed the New York metropolitan area , Bright alleges that political appointees at HHS tried to promote hydroxychloroquine “ as a panacea.
” The officials also “ demanded that New York and New Jersey be ‘ flooded ’ with these drugs , which were imported from factories in Pakistan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the FDA , ” the complaint says .
Last month , the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned doctors against prescribing the drug except in hospitals and research studies .
In an alert , regulators flagged reports of sometimes fatal heart side effects among coronavirus patients taking hydroxychloroquine or the related drug chloroquine .
Bright felt officials had “ refused to listen or take appropriate action to accurately inform the public ” and spoke to a reporter about the drug .
He said he had to tell the public about the lack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ despite the drug being pushed by the president at press briefings .
“ As the death toll mounted exponentially each day , Dr .
Bright concluded that he had a moral obligation to the American public , including those vulnerable as a result of illness from COVID-19 , to protect it from drugs which he believed constituted a substantial and specific danger to public health and safety , ” the complaint says .
On Jan. 20 , according to the complaint , the WHO held an emergency call to discuss the novel coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials , and WHO officials advised that “ the outbreak is a big problem.
” Trump has accused the U.N. agency of mismanaging and covering up the spread of the virus after it emerged in China .
He has also said he wants to cut the WHO ’ s funding .
• Palo Alto stands to lose $ 39 million in revenue , will make deep cuts • Facebook ’ s Sheryl Sandberg gives $ 500,000 to help local YWCA support domestic-violence survivors amid COVID-19 • Coronavirus : Newsom slams Northern California counties @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for opening restaurants , gyms salons and spas • Coronavirus : Airbnb to cut almost 1,900 jobs due to the ‘ most harrowing crisis ’ Bright ’ s agency works to guard against pandemics and emergent infectious diseases and is working to develop a vaccine for the coronavirus .
Top officials also pressured him to steer contracts to a client of a lobbyist , he reported .
“ Time after time I was pressured to ignore or dismiss expert scientific recommendations and instead to award lucrative contracts based on political connections , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ In other words , I was pressured to let politics and cronyism drive decisions over the opinions of the best scientists we have in government .
”

[vemba-video id=”politics/2020/05/05/rick-bright-coronavirus-whistleblower-complaint-vpx.cnn”]
By Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar, Michael Balsamo and Colleen Long | Associated Press
WASHINGTON — The Trump administration failed to prepare for the onslaught of the coronavirus, then sought a quick fix by trying to rush an unproven drug to patients, a senior government scientist alleged in a whistleblower complaint Tuesday.
Dr. Rick Bright, former director of the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, alleges he was reassigned to a lesser role because he resisted political pressure to allow widespread use of hydroxychloroquine, a malaria drug pushed by President Donald Trump. He said the Trump administration wanted to “flood” hot spots in New York and New Jersey with the drug.
“I witnessed government leadership rushing blindly into a potentially dangerous situation by bringing in a non-FDA approved chloroquine from Pakistan and India, from facilities that had never been approved by the FDA,” Bright said Tuesday on a call with reporters. “Their eagerness to push blindly forward without sufficient data to put this drug into the hands of Americans was alarming to me and my fellow scientists.”
Bright filed the complaint with the Office of Special Counsel, a government agency that investigates retaliation against federal employees who uncover problems. He says he wants his job back and a full investigation.
The Department of Health and Human Services had no immediate comment. Zachary Kurz, a spokesman for the Office of Special Counsel, said the office could not comment or confirm the status of open investigations.
His complaint comes as the Trump administration faces criticism over its response to the pandemic, including testing and supplies of ventilators, masks and other equipment to try to stem the spread. To date, there have been nearly 1.2 million confirmed cases in the United States and more than 70,000 deaths.
Bright said his superiors repeatedly rejected his warnings that the virus would spread in the U.S., missing an early opportunity to stock up on protective masks for first responders. He said he “acted with urgency” to address the growing spread of COVID-19 — the disease the virus causes — after the World Health Organization issued a warning in January.
Bright said he “encountered resistance from HHS leadership, including Health and Human Services Secretary (Alex) Azar, who appeared intent on downplaying this catastrophic event.”
During a Feb. 23 meeting, Azar, as well as Bright’s boss, Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response Robert Kadlec, “responded with surprise at (Bright’s) dire predictions and urgency, and asserted that the United States would be able to contain the virus and keep it out,” the whistleblower complaint said.
Bright said White House trade adviser Peter Navarro was a rare exception among administration officials, extremely concerned about the potential consequences of an outbreak here. He described working with Navarro to break a bureaucratic logjam and set up military transport from Italy for swabs needed in the U.S.
Navarro was the author of several urgent memos within the White House. Bright said Navarro asked for his help, saying the trade adviser told him the memos were needed to “save lives.”
Navarro’s memos to top officials raised alarms even as Trump was publicly assuring Americans that the outbreak was under control.
Bright’s allegation that he was removed over his resistance to widespread use of the malaria drug was already public, but his whistleblower complaint added details from emails and internal communications while bringing to light his attempts to acquire N95 respirator masks early on, which he said were ignored by superiors.
In late January, Bright said he was contacted by an official of a leading mask manufacturer about ramping up production. It was estimated that as many as 3.5 billion would be needed, while the national stockpile had about 300 million.
The complaint said that when Bright tried to press the issue about masks with superiors at HHS, he was ignored or rebuffed. “HHS publicly represented not only that COVID-19 was not an imminent threat, but also that HHS already had all the masks it would need,” the complaint said.
As the epidemic spread in the U.S. and engulfed the New York metropolitan area, Bright alleges that political appointees at HHS tried to promote hydroxychloroquine “as a panacea.” The officials also “demanded that New York and New Jersey be ‘flooded’ with these drugs, which were imported from factories in Pakistan and India that had not been inspected by the FDA,” the complaint says.
Last month, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned doctors against prescribing the drug except in hospitals and research studies. In an alert, regulators flagged reports of sometimes fatal heart side effects among coronavirus patients taking hydroxychloroquine or the related drug chloroquine.
Bright felt officials had “refused to listen or take appropriate action to accurately inform the public” and spoke to a reporter about the drug. He said he had to tell the public about the lack of science backing up its use, despite the drug being pushed by the president at press briefings.
“As the death toll mounted exponentially each day, Dr. Bright concluded that he had a moral obligation to the American public, including those vulnerable as a result of illness from COVID-19, to protect it from drugs which he believed constituted a substantial and specific danger to public health and safety,” the complaint says.
On Jan. 20, according to the complaint, the WHO held an emergency call to discuss the novel coronavirus. It was attended by many HHS officials, and WHO officials advised that “the outbreak is a big problem.”
Trump has accused the U.N. agency of mismanaging and covering up the spread of the virus after it emerged in China. He has also said he wants to cut the WHO’s funding.
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Top officials also pressured him to steer contracts to a client of a lobbyist, he reported.
“Time after time I was pressured to ignore or dismiss expert scientific recommendations and instead to award lucrative contracts based on political connections,” Bright said in the call with reporters. “In other words, I was pressured to let politics and cronyism drive decisions over the opinions of the best scientists we have in government.”


mercurynews--2020-05-05--Community mourns slain Oakland father; suspect scheduled for arraignment

CLICK HERE if you ’ re having a problem viewing the photos on a mobile device .
OAKLAND — Miles Armstead was a loving husband and father and good friend to many who was devoted to his four children and was excited about the upcoming birth of his daughter , say those who knew him .
But the hardworking banker , known for his kindness and determination , will neither witness the birth nor see any of his children achieve adulthood and pursue their dreams .
That future ended tragically Friday afternoon when he was fatally shot outside his former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a former neighbor who , since he had been evicted from his own home , had been harassing and threatening the 44-year-old Armstead for months , authorities said .
The suspect , Jamal Thomas , 43 , was arrested less than eight hours after the shooting and is being held on suspicion of murder .
He had not been formally charged as of Tuesday afternoon and was due to be arraigned in court on Friday .
The killing happened about 1:48 p.m. Friday in the 7500 block of Ney Avenue where Armstead was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to sell .
He and his family had moved out of the house to avoid Thomas , but Armstead still returned occasionally to do landscaping and other work .
The killing of the much-respected Armstead , who worked for Fremont Bank , stunned and devastated those who knew him .
Some were angry over why Thomas was not already in jail for his previous actions .
“ This should never have happened , ” said one friend who asked that his name not be used .
“ Miles did not deserve this at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ February and charged with making criminal threats against Armstead .
He pleaded not guilty on Feb. 28 and was released on his own recognizance , but because of the pandemic , no future court date had been scheduled in that case , authorities said .
According to a probable-cause declaration shared Tuesday by the Alameda County District Attorney ’ s Office , an Oakland police officer who responded Feb. 26 to the Armstead home on 76th Avenue at Ney Avenue , said Armstead told him Thomas was going to burn his house down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thomas ) as he is chronic nuisance in his neighborhood .
( Thomas ) has broken out ( Armstead ) ’ s windows in the past .
( Armstead ) is in fear for his life and believes ( Thomas ’ ) threats to be credible due to his past behaviors.
” A warrant for Thomas ’ arrest was issued after he allegedly through a brick through the window of the Armstead home on April 3 , narrowly missing Armstead , authorities said .
A restraining order had been issued against him as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because he could not be located , authorities said .
Neighbors described Armstead as “ kind and gracious , ” and a person who was “ vibrant and funny and dedicated to his family.
” In statements over the weekend mourning the mounting impact of gun violence in his district , Oakland City Councilman Loren Taylor recalled speaking with Armstead two weeks ago .
“ Every homicide is a personal one .
Every victim has a name , a family left behind , and a story of promise and potential that will never @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part .
“ When I spoke to Miles ’ pastor on Friday , he shared with me his belief that ‘ we will all be asking ourselves for a long time if there was anything else / or more we could have and should have done.
’ I know that I certainly will .
We must learn from this experience and the other recent homicides to improve the system and do even more to stop the killing , provide improved life options for potential offenders , and make our streets safer.
” Taylor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Armstead ’ s church The Father ’ s House that sought support .
Visitors to that page were asked to change a “ fund ” pull-down menu from “ tithes ” to “ Armstead family ” to specifically direct contributions .
On the GoFundMe online fund-raising platform , several friends of Armstead and his employer Fremont Bank set up campaigns to benefit and support the family .

OAKLAND — Miles Armstead was a loving husband and father and good friend to many who was devoted to his four children and was excited about the upcoming birth of his daughter, say those who knew him.
But the hardworking banker, known for his kindness and determination, will neither witness the birth nor see any of his children achieve adulthood and pursue their dreams.
That future ended tragically Friday afternoon when he was fatally shot outside his former home in the Eastmont Hills area by a former neighbor who, since he had been evicted from his own home, had been harassing and threatening the 44-year-old Armstead for months, authorities said.
The suspect, Jamal Thomas, 43, was arrested less than eight hours after the shooting and is being held on suspicion of murder. He had not been formally charged as of Tuesday afternoon and was due to be arraigned in court on Friday.
The killing happened about 1:48 p.m. Friday in the 7500 block of Ney Avenue where Armstead was remodeling his home to get it ready to sell. He and his family had moved out of the house to avoid Thomas, but Armstead still returned occasionally to do landscaping and other work.
The killing of the much-respected Armstead, who worked for Fremont Bank, stunned and devastated those who knew him. Some were angry over why Thomas was not already in jail for his previous actions.
“This should never have happened,” said one friend who asked that his name not be used. “Miles did not deserve this at all.”
Thomas had been arrested in February and charged with making criminal threats against Armstead. He pleaded not guilty on Feb. 28 and was released on his own recognizance, but because of the pandemic, no future court date had been scheduled in that case, authorities said.
According to a probable-cause declaration shared Tuesday by the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office, an Oakland police officer who responded Feb. 26 to the Armstead home on 76th Avenue at Ney Avenue, said Armstead told him Thomas was going to burn his house down: “(Armstead) believes (Thomas) as he is chronic nuisance in his neighborhood. (Thomas) has broken out (Armstead)’s windows in the past. (Armstead) is in fear for his life and believes (Thomas’) threats to be credible due to his past behaviors.”
A warrant for Thomas’ arrest was issued after he allegedly through a brick through the window of the Armstead home on April 3, narrowly missing Armstead, authorities said.
A restraining order had been issued against him as well, but had not been served because he could not be located, authorities said.
Neighbors described Armstead as “kind and gracious,” and a person who was “vibrant and funny and dedicated to his family.”
In statements over the weekend mourning the mounting impact of gun violence in his district, Oakland City Councilman Loren Taylor recalled speaking with Armstead two weeks ago.
“Every homicide is a personal one. Every victim has a name, a family left behind, and a story of promise and potential that will never be realized,” Taylor said in part.
“When I spoke to Miles’ pastor on Friday, he shared with me his belief that ‘we will all be asking ourselves for a long time if there was anything else / or more we could have and should have done.’ I know that I certainly will. We must learn from this experience and the other recent homicides to improve the system and do even more to stop the killing, provide improved life options for potential offenders, and make our streets safer.”
Taylor also pointed to a fund-raising campaign by Armstead’s church The Father’s House that sought support. Visitors to that page were asked to change a “fund” pull-down menu from “tithes” to “Armstead family” to specifically direct contributions.
On the GoFundMe online fund-raising platform, several friends of Armstead and his employer Fremont Bank set up campaigns to benefit and support the family.


mercurynews--2020-05-05--Noise Pop has a great plan to help Bay Area music community

Noise Pop is helping out local venues and artists who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic .
The Bay Area concert promoters , known for hosting the annual Noise Pop festival , have kicked off a new livestream concert series called No Place Like Home .
All funds raised through this series will be shared between the co-promoting venue , artists and Noise Pop ’ s Staff Relief Fund .
This open-ended series , which is co-presented by Sierra Nevada , is free to watch .
But donations from viewers are encouraged in order to help out the Bay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ every Tuesday and Thursday at 7 p.m. to enjoy live music by some of the coolest acts in the business .
And speaking of cool , the series kicks off May 5 with the Bay Area ’ s rocker/rapper K. Flay , with the proceeds benefiting Bottom of the Hill in San Francisco .
Finish Ticket and Zelma Stone are also on the bill .
Next up is another Bay Area act — Rogue Wave — on May 7 , in aid of San Francisco ’ s Cafe du Nord .
Spooky Mansion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
On May 12 , Geographer takes the stage in a livestream supporting Rickshaw Stop in San Francisco .
Then , on May 14 , it ’ s time for one of the most influential indie-rock acts of the last 30 years — Built to Spill — in a show benefiting the Slim ’ s Staff Relief Fund Watch the livestreams on Facebook Live ( www.facebook.com/noisepop.com ) , YouTube ( www.youtube.com/user/Noisepop ) and Twitch ( www.twitch.tv/noisepoplive/videos ) .
For more information , visit noisepop.com .

Noise Pop is helping out local venues and artists who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Bay Area concert promoters, known for hosting the annual Noise Pop festival, have kicked off a new livestream concert series called No Place Like Home.
All funds raised through this series will be shared between the co-promoting venue, artists and Noise Pop’s Staff Relief Fund.
This open-ended series, which is co-presented by Sierra Nevada, is free to watch. But donations from viewers are encouraged in order to help out the Bay Area music community.
So tune in every Tuesday and Thursday at 7 p.m. to enjoy live music by some of the coolest acts in the business.
And speaking of cool, the series kicks off May 5 with the Bay Area’s rocker/rapper K. Flay, with the proceeds benefiting Bottom of the Hill in San Francisco. Finish Ticket and Zelma Stone are also on the bill.
Next up is another Bay Area act — Rogue Wave — on May 7, in aid of San Francisco’s Cafe du Nord. Spooky Mansion and Meernaa are also on the bill.
On May 12, Geographer takes the stage in a livestream supporting Rickshaw Stop in San Francisco.
Then, on May 14, it’s time for one of the most influential indie-rock acts of the last 30 years — Built to Spill — in a show benefiting the Slim’s Staff Relief Fund
Watch the livestreams on Facebook Live (www.facebook.com/noisepop.com), YouTube (www.youtube.com/user/Noisepop) and Twitch (www.twitch.tv/noisepoplive/videos). For more information, visit noisepop.com.


mercurynews--2020-05-06--Letter: Crushing debt saddling aspiring grads a travesty

Now is the time to forgive all student loans , at the very least all the interest , constituting the debt ’ s bulk , loaned at exorbitant above-market interest rates .
In the midst of trillion-dollar bailouts of companies , many who do not even need it , the crushing debt saddling the aspiring new generation is a travesty .
Getting an education is the only ticket available for our youth seeking the American dream , the realization of their potential and the preservation of a civilized broadly educated culture .
The current destruction of that avenue by debt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economy as one ’ s salary is used to pay interest to an overlord class , preventing expenditures on goods and services .
• Letter : These teachers started the lockdown with hilarious videos • Letter : Noncompliance with the cure is worse than the disease • Letter : A second Trump term will end what founders created • Letter : A reminder why we must back LGBTQ human rights Ironically , this debt is now controlled by the Department of Education and run by an out of touch billionaire , Betsy DeVos @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , initiated by the president under the COVID-19 relief .
Submit your letter to the editor via this form Read more Letters to the Editor

Now is the time to forgive all student loans, at the very least all the interest, constituting the debt’s bulk, loaned at exorbitant above-market interest rates.
In the midst of trillion-dollar bailouts of companies, many who do not even need it, the crushing debt saddling the aspiring new generation is a travesty.
Getting an education is the only ticket available for our youth seeking the American dream, the realization of their potential and the preservation of a civilized broadly educated culture.
The current destruction of that avenue by debt eviscerates the national soul besides hurting the economy as one’s salary is used to pay interest to an overlord class, preventing expenditures on goods and services.
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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 Ironically, this debt is now controlled by the Department of Education and run by an out of touch billionaire, Betsy DeVos. It should be eliminated by Congress, initiated by the president under the COVID-19 relief.
Jack Knutson
Fremont
Submit your letter to the editor via this form
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mercurynews--2020-05-06--Letter: These teachers started the lockdown with hilarious videos

The first day of shelter in place , Rocketship Alma Public School teachers blasted off with hilarious cooking videos and bed-time stories .
These unique and heartwarming videos , along with uplifting classes and weekly teacher calls , bring love and hope during the chaos of this pandemic causes in many other parts of our lives .
The teachers and staff were ready for distance-learning on the very day the school closures were announced .
School laptops went home with families on that Friday , to make sure that every child can participate .
School bags were already filled with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by day .
The ways and how ’ s of online learning were clearly communicated , internet setup options were offered to families in need .
Classes were running on Tuesday the following week , the first day of shelter in place .
We are forever grateful for what you all do at Rocketship Alma .
• Letter : Noncompliance with the cure is worse than the disease • Letter : A second Trump term will end what founders created • Letter : A reminder why we must back LGBTQ human rights Csilla @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the editor via this form Read more Letters to the Editor

The first day of shelter in place, Rocketship Alma Public School teachers blasted off with hilarious cooking videos and bed-time stories.
These unique and heartwarming videos, along with uplifting classes and weekly teacher calls, bring love and hope during the chaos of this pandemic causes in many other parts of our lives.
The teachers and staff were ready for distance-learning on the very day the school closures were announced. School laptops went home with families on that Friday, to make sure that every child can participate. School bags were already filled with materials for the next four weeks organized by day. The ways and how’s of online learning were clearly communicated, internet setup options were offered to families in need. Classes were running on Tuesday the following week, the first day of shelter in place.
We are forever grateful for what you all do at Rocketship Alma.
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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 Csilla Kuehn
San Jose
Submit your letter to the editor via this form
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Bridge: May 6, 2020

“ I read that eight servings of fruits and vegetables daily can act as a mood enhancer , ” I told Cy the Cynic , who is always in need of such help .
“ Try it .
Maybe you ’ ll become an optimist.
” Cy was today ’ s South , and he and North bid like optimists .
Against four spades , West led a heart , and East won and shifted to the queen of diamonds , threatening Cy with four losers .
Cy won with the ace and led a trump , and East took @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cynic won , drew trumps and led a club , but West took the ace and led a diamond to East .
Down one .
Cy gave up without a fight ; he needed a dose of optimism in the play .
At Trick Three , Cy must lead a club .
West wins and leads another diamond , and Cy wins in dummy and leads high clubs .
East ruffs the third club , but Cy overruffs , ruffs a heart in dummy and leads another high club .
Then if East @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of trumps , and Cy pitches his diamond loser and makes his game .
You hold : S A 7 H A K 10 9 5 D Q J 10 7 C 9 4 .
You open one heart , your partner responds two clubs , you bid two diamonds and he raises to three diamonds .
What do you say ?
ANSWER : Your game chances justify a further bid .
( In a style where partner ’ s two clubs was forcing to game , you would have to bid again @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a six-card suit or a strong five-carder .
If partner has K 6 5 4 3 , J 6 , K 9 6 5 , A 5 , four hearts may be a winning contract .

“I read that eight servings of fruits and vegetables daily can act as a mood enhancer,” I told Cy the Cynic, who is always in need of such help. “Try it. Maybe you’ll become an optimist.”
“It’ll never work,” said Cy.
Cy was today’s South, and he and North bid like optimists. Against four spades, West led a heart, and East won and shifted to the queen of diamonds, threatening Cy with four losers.
Cy won with the ace and led a trump, and East took the ace to continue diamonds. The Cynic won, drew trumps and led a club, but West took the ace and led a diamond to East. Down one.
HIGH CLUBS
Cy gave up without a fight; he needed a dose of optimism in the play. At Trick Three, Cy must lead a club. West wins and leads another diamond, and Cy wins in dummy and leads high clubs.
East ruffs the third club, but Cy overruffs, ruffs a heart in dummy and leads another high club. Then if East ruffs, he must spend his ace of trumps, and Cy pitches his diamond loser and makes his game.
DAILY QUESTION
You hold: S A 7 H A K 10 9 5 D Q J 10 7 C 9 4. You open one heart, your partner responds two clubs, you bid two diamonds and he raises to three diamonds. What do you say?
ANSWER: Your game chances justify a further bid. (In a style where partner’s two clubs was forcing to game, you would have to bid again.) Bid three hearts, suggesting a six-card suit or a strong five-carder. If partner has K 6 5 4 3, J 6, K 9 6 5, A 5, four hearts may be a winning contract.
East dealer
E-W vulnerable
NORTH
S J 8 6 5
H Q
D K 9 8
C K Q J 10 5
WEST
S 3 2
H J 6 3 2
D 5 4 2
C A 8 7 2
EAST
S A 7
H A K 10 9 5
D Q J 10 7
C 9 4
SOUTH
S K Q 10 9 4
H 8 7 4
D A 6 3
C 6 3
East South West North
1 H 1 S 2 H 4 S
All Pass
Opening lead — H 2
(C)2020 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.


mercurynews--2020-05-06--Word Game: May 6, 2020

Word Game: May 6, 2020

Can you find 31 or more words in BEREAVED ?
he 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 — BEREAVED (BEREAVED: bih-REEVD: Suffering the loss of a loved one.)
Average mark 24 words
Time limit 30 minutes
Can you find 31 or more words in BEREAVED? he list will be published tomorrow.
YESTERDAY’S WORD — RETRORSE reset resort rest restore restorer retro rose
roster rote erose error ester terror terse tore tree seer sere sore sort sorter steer
stereo store storer
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--2020-05-06--Horoscopes May 6, 2020: Gabourey Sidibe, anger and disappointment are a waste of time.

Happy Birthday : Refuse to let uncertainty take over .
Look at every angle and talk to an expert , but don ’ t miss out or give up .
Get the lowdown , and do whatever you can to keep up and pull ahead .
Stay in control , and finish what you start .
Anger and disappointment are a waste of time .
Seize the moment , and make things happen .
Your numbers are 8 , 16 , 21 , 25 , 33 , 39 , 47 .
ARIES ( March 21-April 19 ) : Curiosity , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ done , will enable you to accomplish twice as much in a shorter period .
Don ’ t let an opportunity pass by unnoticed .
Take physical action , and finish what you start .
Romance will enhance your life .
3 stars TAURUS ( April 20-May 20 ) : Confidence will play a role when dealing with people who can influence your future .
Stand tall , embrace opportunities and channel your energy into your accomplishments , not negativity or disturbance .
Choose to be a savior , not a problem .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ GEMINI ( May 21-June 20 ) : Be secretive about what you plan to do next .
Put everything in place before you make broad statements or promises .
Uncertainty will set in if you haven ’ t thought through your plans thoroughly .
Keep your life simple in order to ease stress .
3 stars CANCER ( June 21-July 22 ) : Look at your options , and choose the best path .
Embrace change instead of being forced into a position where it ’ s too little , too late .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ you feel , and you ’ ll accomplish what you set out to do .
5 stars LEO ( July 23-Aug. 22 ) : Find a way to relax .
A physical outlet will help you distance yourself from complicated matters .
Keep your emotions in check and your actions reserved until you have a workable plan in place .
Don ’ t complicate things unnecessarily .
2 stars VIRGO ( Aug. 23-Sept. 22 ) : Speak up , offer suggestions , gather information and be ready to make adjustments .
How you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way others view you .
The right move will enhance your chance to advance .
Social media , online educational courses and communication are favored .
Promote positive change .
4 stars LIBRA ( Sept. 23-Oct. 22 ) : Consider money , legal and health issues carefully .
Don ’ t feel pressured to make a hasty decision if you feel uncertain .
A physical challenge will help take your mind off pressing matters and give you a chance to rethink your next move .
3 stars SCORPIO ( Oct. 23-Nov. 21 ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ things done .
Refuse to let your emotions slow you down or push you in a direction that leads to negativity or poor decisions .
Embrace positive change and opportunities that will improve meaningful relationships .
3 stars SAGITTARIUS ( Nov. 22-Dec. 21 ) : Listen to complaints , but don ’ t be too eager to take on tasks that don ’ t belong to you .
Offer suggestions , but get back to fulfilling your duties .
Make plans to spend time with someone you love or who shares your desire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dec. 22-Jan. 19 ) : Keep life simple .
If you or someone else overreacts , it will ruin your plans and your day .
Focus on how you can make life better for you as well as the people around you .
Positive change begins within .
4 stars AQUARIUS ( Jan. 20-Feb. 18 ) : Take your time .
Don ’ t feel pressured to do what everyone else is doing .
Concentrate on personal gain , health , and looking and feeling your best .
Take responsibility for your happiness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everyone you encounter .
2 stars PISCES ( Feb. 19-March 20 ) : Channel your energy into something that matters and makes a difference .
Look over your finances , budget for something you want , negotiate contracts and take better care of yourself physically , financially and emotionally .
Avoid manipulative people and situations .
5 stars Birthday Baby : You are sensitive , caring and protective .
You are ambitious and proactive .

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Gabourey Sidibe, 37; George Clooney, 59; Tom Bergeron, 65; Willie Mays, 89.
Happy Birthday: Refuse to let uncertainty take over. Look at every angle and talk to an expert, but don’t miss out or give up. Get the lowdown, and do whatever you can to keep up and pull ahead. Stay in control, and finish what you start. Anger and disappointment are a waste of time. Seize the moment, and make things happen. Your numbers are 8, 16, 21, 25, 33, 39, 47.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Curiosity, coupled with the desire to get something done, will enable you to accomplish twice as much in a shorter period. Don’t let an opportunity pass by unnoticed. Take physical action, and finish what you start. Romance will enhance your life. 3 stars
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Confidence will play a role when dealing with people who can influence your future. Stand tall, embrace opportunities and channel your energy into your accomplishments, not negativity or disturbance. Choose to be a savior, not a problem. Don’t waffle. 3 stars
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Be secretive about what you plan to do next. Put everything in place before you make broad statements or promises. Uncertainty will set in if you haven’t thought through your plans thoroughly. Keep your life simple in order to ease stress. 3 stars
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Look at your options, and choose the best path. Embrace change instead of being forced into a position where it’s too little, too late. Be proactive and open about the way you feel, and you’ll accomplish what you set out to do. 5 stars
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Find a way to relax. A physical outlet will help you distance yourself from complicated matters. Keep your emotions in check and your actions reserved until you have a workable plan in place. Don’t complicate things unnecessarily. 2 stars
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Speak up, offer suggestions, gather information and be ready to make adjustments. How you proceed will make a difference in the way others view you. The right move will enhance your chance to advance. Social media, online educational courses and communication are favored. Promote positive change. 4 stars
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Consider money, legal and health issues carefully. Don’t feel pressured to make a hasty decision if you feel uncertain. A physical challenge will help take your mind off pressing matters and give you a chance to rethink your next move. 3 stars
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Jump to it, and get things done. Refuse to let your emotions slow you down or push you in a direction that leads to negativity or poor decisions. Embrace positive change and opportunities that will improve meaningful relationships. 3 stars
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Listen to complaints, but don’t be too eager to take on tasks that don’t belong to you. Offer suggestions, but get back to fulfilling your duties. Make plans to spend time with someone you love or who shares your desire for adventure. 3 stars
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Keep life simple. If you or someone else overreacts, it will ruin your plans and your day. Focus on how you can make life better for you as well as the people around you. Positive change begins within. 4 stars
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Take your time. Don’t feel pressured to do what everyone else is doing. Concentrate on personal gain, health, and looking and feeling your best. Take responsibility for your happiness, and offer a positive attitude to everyone you encounter. 2 stars
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Channel your energy into something that matters and makes a difference. Look over your finances, budget for something you want, negotiate contracts and take better care of yourself physically, financially and emotionally. Avoid manipulative people and situations. 5 stars
Birthday Baby: You are sensitive, caring and protective. You are ambitious and proactive.
Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.


mercurynews--2020-05-06--Ask Amy: Is it mean to keep my kid away from someone who won’t get shots?

DEAR AMY : My mother-in-law has refused vaccines for years .
My daughter , who is now 5 , was a micro-preemie .
Once she was born , the NICU required a Tdap vaccine and a flu shot for anyone to visit .
My MIL was worried her arm would hurt and said she didn ’ t need the shots , claiming she never gets sick .
We said it was the hospital ’ s rules , and if she didn ’ t vaccinate , then she would have to wait at least six months for the flu season to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have a heart condition .
My daughter has asthma and is prone to pneumonia .
She was sick five times this year , once with the flu ( Type A ) .
My husband and I were both sick .
• Ask Amy : Why did she have to call me out about my mask ?
• Ask Amy : My neighbor shamed me for what I was doing in my own yard • Ask Amy : I was scared by what I overheard when I called my elderly aunt • Ask Amy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s being polite , but it annoys me • Ask Amy : Dejected teen gets only cold advice from beloved relative Currently both of my parents have COVID-19 .
I am stressed and a bit panicked .
I tried talking to my MIL .
I said that this fall it would mean a lot if she would get the flu shot .
She refuses .
I can ’ t even imagine what is going to happen when there is a vaccine for coronavirus .
What should I do ?
Come October when flu @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be in isolation again .
My husband and I are planning to tell her that if she refuses the flu shot , she can ’ t come around our family — and if we let her be with us for Christmas , she will need to wear a mask and avoid physical contact .
I feel like I am being mean , but I couldn ’ t live if something happened to my child .
I don ’ t know how to tell her any more plainly that she would be helping us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ANXIOUS : You have a lot on your mind right now .
Don ’ t borrow issues to worry about that won ’ t come up for several months .
You and your husband seem to be on the same page regarding his mother , and that ’ s key .
This matter is cut and dry .
It is medically imperative that your child ’ s grandmother take what steps she can to help protect herself ( and your family ) against communicable illness .
As summer fades , as a couple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to her , very clearly , exactly what she needs to do in order to have close contact with your family .
The consequence of her choosing not to vaccinate will also be clear : No vaccination , no close contact .
You two must maintain a calm and unified front .
After that , you won ’ t need to worry about this further .
The decision to vaccinate will have been transferred to your mother-in-law .
The rest will be up to her .
( If she says she has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . )
DEAR AMY : My sister seems a little too obsessed with the IQ test scores that her children have received .
She also says she knows her own IQ test score — although she and I grew up in the same household , and I never learned my own .
Honestly , I ’ m at a loss for how to respond to this .
Actually , I don ’ t even really know how to think about it .
( Maybe that ’ s evidence of my low IQ ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ something of a dark history , with the scores used to separate , discriminate , and basically pigeonhole people into categories that determined their access to schooling and careers .
On a micro level , your sister seems to be doing the same — using these scores to compare her children to others .
A massive study in Canada gave 100,000 people access to several different intelligence tests , concluding that there was not one single test or component that could accurately judge how well a person could perform mental and cognitive tasks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you can not sum up the difference between people in terms of one number , ” the study concluded ( 2012 , Neuron ) .
Children should be encouraged to develop their skills across a variety of important metrics , with personal qualities such as character , kindness and integrity at the top of the list .
DEAR AMY : “ Puzzled Parents ” are wondering how to interact with a friend who turned out to be a miserable boss to their daughter .
It reminded me of an uncle who got me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nicest guy , but took on a different persona on the job .
I never gave it a second thought when I met with my uncle outside of work , and to this day look forward to seeing him .
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: My mother-in-law has refused vaccines for years.
My daughter, who is now 5, was a micro-preemie. Once she was born, the NICU required a Tdap vaccine and a flu shot for anyone to visit. My MIL was worried her arm would hurt and said she didn’t need the shots, claiming she never gets sick. We said it was the hospital’s rules, and if she didn’t vaccinate, then she would have to wait at least six months for the flu season to pass before seeing our daughter.
I have a heart condition. My daughter has asthma and is prone to pneumonia. She was sick five times this year, once with the flu (Type A). My husband and I were both sick.
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I tried talking to my MIL. I said that this fall it would mean a lot if she would get the flu shot. She refuses.
I can’t even imagine what is going to happen when there is a vaccine for coronavirus. What should I do? Come October when flu season hits, we may very well be in isolation again. My husband and I are planning to tell her that if she refuses the flu shot, she can’t come around our family — and if we let her be with us for Christmas, she will need to wear a mask and avoid physical contact.
I feel like I am being mean, but I couldn’t live if something happened to my child. I don’t know how to tell her any more plainly that she would be helping us if she gets these vaccines.
Anxious Parents
DEAR ANXIOUS: You have a lot on your mind right now. Don’t borrow issues to worry about that won’t come up for several months.
You and your husband seem to be on the same page regarding his mother, and that’s key. This matter is cut and dry. It is medically imperative that your child’s grandmother take what steps she can to help protect herself (and your family) against communicable illness.
As summer fades, as a couple you and your husband should both convey to her, very clearly, exactly what she needs to do in order to have close contact with your family. The consequence of her choosing not to vaccinate will also be clear: No vaccination, no close contact. You two must maintain a calm and unified front.
After that, you won’t need to worry about this further. The decision to vaccinate will have been transferred to your mother-in-law. The rest will be up to her. (If she says she has been vaccinated, ask to see a receipt.)
DEAR AMY: My sister seems a little too obsessed with the IQ test scores that her children have received. She also says she knows her own IQ test score — although she and I grew up in the same household, and I never learned my own.
Honestly, I’m at a loss for how to respond to this. Actually, I don’t even really know how to think about it. (Maybe that’s evidence of my low IQ?)
Wondering
DEAR WONDERING: IQ tests have something of a dark history, with the scores used to separate, discriminate, and basically pigeonhole people into categories that determined their access to schooling and careers. On a micro level, your sister seems to be doing the same — using these scores to compare her children to others.
A massive study in Canada gave 100,000 people access to several different intelligence tests, concluding that there was not one single test or component that could accurately judge how well a person could perform mental and cognitive tasks.
“We have shown categorically that you cannot sum up the difference between people in terms of one number,” the study concluded (2012, Neuron).
Children should be encouraged to develop their skills across a variety of important metrics, with personal qualities such as character, kindness and integrity at the top of the list.
DEAR AMY: “Puzzled Parents” are wondering how to interact with a friend who turned out to be a miserable boss to their daughter.
It reminded me of an uncle who got me a summer job. He was the nicest guy, but took on a different persona on the job. I never gave it a second thought when I met with my uncle outside of work, and to this day look forward to seeing him.
Nephew
DEAR NEPHEW: Family work connections are often challenging. You’re a survivor.
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--2020-05-06--Letter: Noncompliance with the cure is worse than the disease

Noncompliance with the cure worse than the virus Re : “ After six weeks of stay-at-home restrictions , resistance erupts across California ” ( Eastbaytimes.com , May 2 ) : One of the photos shows a protester holding a sign that reads , “ The cure is worse than the disease.
” The sign should more accurately read , “ Non-compliance with the cure is worse than the disease.
” If everyone strictly complied with the shutdown and social distancing rules , there would be a precipitous fall in the number of coronavirus cases , but only if everyone complied @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shutdown causes much unavoidable economic damage .
But the lack of compliance with the shutdown and with social distancing rules has merely bent the curve of new cases occurring .
So now a prolonging of the shutdown is needed .
Three weeks of shutdown is bad enough , but the present six weeks is a disaster with additional lost incomes and destruction of businesses .
• Letter : These teachers started the lockdown with hilarious videos • Letter : A second Trump term will end what founders created • Letter : A reminder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Non-compliance with the shutdown has delivered the worst combination of more cases of disease as well as unnecessarily severe economic damage and personal injury .
Submit your letter to the editor via this form Read more Letters to the Editor

Noncompliance with the cure worse than the virus
Re: “After six weeks of stay-at-home restrictions, resistance erupts across California” (Eastbaytimes.com, May 2):
One of the photos shows a protester holding a sign that reads, “The cure is worse than the disease.”
The sign should more accurately read, “Noncompliance with the cure is worse than the disease.”
If everyone strictly complied with the shutdown and social distancing rules, there would be a precipitous fall in the number of coronavirus cases, but only if everyone complied.
Of course, several weeks of shutdown causes much unavoidable economic damage. But the lack of compliance with the shutdown and with social distancing rules has merely bent the curve of new cases occurring. So now a prolonging of the shutdown is needed.
Three weeks of shutdown is bad enough, but the present six weeks is a disaster with additional lost incomes and destruction of businesses.
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Richard Jesse
Dublin
Submit your letter to the editor via this form
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mercurynews--2020-05-06--Harriette Cole: My surveillance indicates my neighbor is giving illegal haircuts

DEAR HARRIETTE : My next-door neighbor is a hairdresser .
Even though hair salons are officially shut down , I have noticed a steady stream of people — men and women — going into his house to get their hair done .
I am appalled .
As I sit in my house trying to follow the rules , I ’ m sure this is unsafe .
I think I should report him to the authorities , but I ’ m not sure .
I never see more than one person going there at a time — and I have sat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have nothing else to do ! )
I have also seen him wearing a mask and gloves .
But still , it ’ s just wrong that he is doing something that we were told is unsafe .
Should I turn him in ?
DEAR BUSTED : While it is true that your neighbor is not supposed to be doing hair right now , it sounds like he has set up the safest way of handling his business .
Let me be clear : I am not condoning his behavior , nor do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from him and open any kind of personal service at home .
But I don ’ t know that you need to report him to the police .
Our frontline service people , who include police officers , are stretched thin in many cities across the country because they are supporting the needs of keeping our country healthy .
That includes breaking up large gatherings , taking care of petty crimes , ensuring people remain in check as they lose their jobs , and making it possible for sick people to get to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Harriette Cole : I want house rules so we ’ ll still like each other when this is over • Harriette Cole : I love her , but she ’ s so mean to me • Harriette Cole : I ’ m stuck in the house with a non-stop complainer • Harriette Cole : I don ’ t want my influential friends to think I ’ m pimping them • Harriette Cole : Should I tell my kids the truth about my lost job ?
If you notice that your neighbor stops following @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mask and gloves — then you should call the police .
Otherwise , you may want to stop obsessing over him .
Close the curtain .
DEAR HARRIETTE : Now that we are not going out at all , I am realizing that I have way too many clothes .
I do love fashion , but since I have nowhere to go , I have been taking a visual inventory of my wardrobe , and it ’ s ridiculously large .
I want to purge .
There ’ s absolutely no reason anybody @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Part of me just wants to dump it .
The practical side says I should hold on to essentials because when the world does open up , I will need some basic things .
I don ’ t want to give away too much and have to end up making new purchases .
How can I figure out what to discard ?
Let It Go DEAR LET IT GO : A tried-and-true recommendation for figuring out what clothing to keep and what to discard is to first try it on .
If it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go .
Don ’ t trick yourself into waiting until you lose weight to wear it again .
Second , if you haven ’ t worn the item in over a year , it no longer serves you .
If you want to follow the wisdom of master organizer Marie Kondo , you can thank your clothing for serving you well as you fold it and put it in a container to donate .
Expressing gratitude for the garment ’ s service in your life may help you to release it for someone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that you give yourself a timeline to complete this task .
If you tackle a little every day , you will make progress .
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 next-door neighbor is a hairdresser. Even though hair salons are officially shut down, I have noticed a steady stream of people — men and women — going into his house to get their hair done.
I am appalled. As I sit in my house trying to follow the rules, I’m sure this is unsafe. I think I should report him to the authorities, but I’m not sure. I never see more than one person going there at a time — and I have sat and watched for hours. (I have nothing else to do!) I have also seen him wearing a mask and gloves.
But still, it’s just wrong that he is doing something that we were told is unsafe. Should I turn him in?
Busted
DEAR BUSTED: While it is true that your neighbor is not supposed to be doing hair right now, it sounds like he has set up the safest way of handling his business. Let me be clear: I am not condoning his behavior, nor do I recommend that anyone take a cue from him and open any kind of personal service at home. But I don’t know that you need to report him to the police.
[vemba-video id=”us/2020/04/24/ga-business-owners-struggle-reopening-during-pandemic-intv-newsroom-vpx.cnn”]
Our frontline service people, who include police officers, are stretched thin in many cities across the country because they are supporting the needs of keeping our country healthy. That includes breaking up large gatherings, taking care of petty crimes, ensuring people remain in check as they lose their jobs, and making it possible for sick people to get to health care professionals when needed.
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DEAR HARRIETTE: Now that we are not going out at all, I am realizing that I have way too many clothes.
I do love fashion, but since I have nowhere to go, I have been taking a visual inventory of my wardrobe, and it’s ridiculously large. I want to purge. There’s absolutely no reason anybody should have all of this stuff.
Part of me just wants to dump it. The practical side says I should hold on to essentials because when the world does open up, I will need some basic things.
I don’t want to give away too much and have to end up making new purchases. How can I figure out what to discard?
Let It Go
DEAR LET IT GO: A tried-and-true recommendation for figuring out what clothing to keep and what to discard is to first try it on. If it doesn’t fit, let it go. Don’t trick yourself into waiting until you lose weight to wear it again.
Second, if you haven’t worn the item in over a year, it no longer serves you.
If you want to follow the wisdom of master organizer Marie Kondo, you can thank your clothing for serving you well as you fold it and put it in a container to donate. Expressing gratitude for the garment’s service in your life may help you to release it for someone else to enjoy.
I strongly suggest that you give yourself a timeline to complete this task. If you tackle a little every day, you will make progress.
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--2020-05-06--Miss Manners: He says men are exempt from washing their hands

DEAR MISS MANNERS : My 75-year-old husband insists that men do not have to wash their hands after a trip to the restroom if they only urinated .
I think that every trip to the restroom should be followed by hand-washing .
Can you tell us who is right ?
GENTLE READER : In these days , when even a trip to the mailbox involves washing one ’ s hands , there can be little argument who is right .
But even in pre-pandemic days , Miss Manners agrees that a gentleman washes his hands after a visit to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ does not discuss the specifics of what took him there .
DEAR MISS MANNERS : Following a pricey destination stag party , our friend married the wrong person in an extravagant destination wedding , complete with various live performances and expensive accommodations .
Upon returning to the U.S. , the couple procrastinated filing the marriage license , admittedly because the relationship was in trouble .
They continued living together for about a year and half , then separated for good .
• Miss Manners : No , you can ’ t tell the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Miss Manners : I ’ m afraid our baby ’ s name will hurt my sister ’ s feelings • Miss Manners : He wanders through my workspace and examines all my stuff • Miss Manners : They think their jokes about my phone are so clever • Miss Manners : Awkward lunch can be fixed with a breadstick Should they return the cash gifts given to them by their friends and family ?
Does the fact that these guests traveled far and spent a lot of money to attend the over-the-top @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bearing ?
GENTLE READER : Miss Manners assumes that , in saying your friend married the wrong person , you mean someone who was not his soul mate , and not a guest disoriented by the extravagant entertaining .
Wedding gifts are only returned when the wedding is canceled before , not after , it occurs .
So with the above stipulations — and notwithstanding the complication with the license — your friend was married , and no return of gifts should be expected .
DEAR MISS MANNERS : Assuming it is edible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ garnish added to a plate of food ?
GENTLE READER : If it is on a food platter and is edible , sure .
Just promise Miss Manners that you are not reaching for the flowers in the centerpiece .
DEAR MISS MANNERS : My mom and I hosted a birthday party for my dad at our home , and invited about a dozen people .
We arranged to have food catered from a local restaurant , and we supplied most of the beverages , although many guests did bring a bottle of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gift .
After we had cake around 9:30 , most of the guests announced that they had to leave due to the late hour .
They left my mom and me with the cleanup of the serving dishes , dinner and dessert plates , cutlery , and wine and champagne glasses — not to mention the leftovers , which were not insubstantial .
None of them offered to help clean up .
Is this the norm and to be expected , or did our guests take advantage of our generosity ?
GENTLE READER @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which is the reason Miss Manners is called upon to explain that it is the rule .
Proper guests respond to invitations promptly ; arrive reasonably on time ; behave sociably ; leave before they , or their hosts , lose interest ; and send handwritten thank-you letters for the hospitality .
Proper hosts do everything else .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 64106 .

Judith Martin, Nicholas Ivor Martin and Jacobina Martin

DEAR MISS MANNERS: My 75-year-old husband insists that men do not have to wash their hands after a trip to the restroom if they only urinated. I think that every trip to the restroom should be followed by hand-washing. Can you tell us who is right?
GENTLE READER: In these days, when even a trip to the mailbox involves washing one’s hands, there can be little argument who is right.
But even in pre-pandemic days, Miss Manners agrees that a gentleman washes his hands after a visit to the restroom, if only because a gentleman does not discuss the specifics of what took him there.
DEAR MISS MANNERS: Following a pricey destination stag party, our friend married the wrong person in an extravagant destination wedding, complete with various live performances and expensive accommodations.
Upon returning to the U.S., the couple procrastinated filing the marriage license, admittedly because the relationship was in trouble. They continued living together for about a year and half, then separated for good.
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GENTLE READER: Miss Manners assumes that, in saying your friend married the wrong person, you mean someone who was not his soul mate, and not a guest disoriented by the extravagant entertaining.
Wedding gifts are only returned when the wedding is canceled before, not after, it occurs. So with the above stipulations — and notwithstanding the complication with the license — your friend was married, and no return of gifts should be expected.
DEAR MISS MANNERS: Assuming it is edible, is it proper to eat any garnish added to a plate of food?
GENTLE READER: If it is on a food platter and is edible, sure. Just promise Miss Manners that you are not reaching for the flowers in the centerpiece.
Want Miss Manners delivered to your inbox for free on weekdays?
DEAR MISS MANNERS: My mom and I hosted a birthday party for my dad at our home, and invited about a dozen people. We arranged to have food catered from a local restaurant, and we supplied most of the beverages, although many guests did bring a bottle of wine as a hostess gift or birthday gift.
After we had cake around 9:30, most of the guests announced that they had to leave due to the late hour. They left my mom and me with the cleanup of the serving dishes, dinner and dessert plates, cutlery, and wine and champagne glasses — not to mention the leftovers, which were not insubstantial. None of them offered to help clean up.
Is this the norm and to be expected, or did our guests take advantage of our generosity?
GENTLE READER: It may not be the norm, which is the reason Miss Manners is called upon to explain that it is the rule. Proper guests respond to invitations promptly; arrive reasonably on time; behave sociably; leave before they, or their hosts, lose interest; and send handwritten thank-you letters for the hospitality.
Proper hosts do everything else.
Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners.com; to her email, dearmissmanners@gmail.com; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.


mercurynews--2020-05-06--Dear Abby: I feel bad about his wife, but he won’t let me end our affair

DEAR ABBY : I have been in a relationship for almost a year .
We connected in a way I have never felt before , and I tried to stay away from him .
He ’ s married , and his wife was diagnosed with cancer last year .
I have tried to end things three times so he could focus on his family .
But he keeps coming back to me and begging me to wait , give him time and not abandon him .
I feel so guilty for the things I want from him because of his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t know what to do .
I want to be with him .
But I don ’ t want to cause his family to struggle more on top of everything else .
Please help .
• Dear Abby : He ’ s in love with our cat , and I feel like giving her away • Dear Abby : I was a zombie on drugs .
Now my family doesn ’ t like the new me .
• Dear Abby : Why did she think this was an appropriate response to my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doesn ’ t remember the nasty thing he said , but I can ’ t forget • Dear Abby : Dad ’ s a drunk , and kids are told to ‘ get over it ’ DEAR SITUATION : If you are sincere about not wanting to cause this man ’ s family more pain , step away now .
His wife should be the focus of his attention .
If this relationship is the real thing , it can be restarted when he is free from the responsibility he assumed when he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” DEAR ABBY : I just divorced my husband .
We were together for 13 years .
The last three weren ’ t great .
After my divorce — which was grueling — I reconnected with my son ’ s father , and we are in love .
Our romance was doomed before it started back then .
Our son is now 18 , and we are in our 40s .
Today , our situation is very different .
We are both doing well financially and individually .
We are blissfully happy and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I feel like we were interrupted when we were young .
Am I crazy for feeling he is the one ?
I really want it to work .
DEAR IN LOVE : You aren ’ t crazy , but you are recently divorced and didn ’ t mention how long you have been “ reconnected ” with your son ’ s father .
I urge you to put the brakes on and take the time to get to know each other again .
I also think you should rehash the past because unless @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , they may be repeated .
Time will tell if he is , indeed , “ the one , ” and fortunately , you both have plenty of it .
I wish you a happy ending .
DEAR ABBY : I have five nieces and nephews .
With the exception of one nephew , my wife and I have attended all of their weddings .
They were all invited to and attended our daughter ’ s wedding .
The last nephew is being married next year .
All of his cousins are invited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Why ?
Even though she is the same age as the rest of his cousins , he says he doesn ’ t know her that well .
Should my wife and I attend his wedding ?
If we do , I will insist he invite my daughter as well .
Kindly provide your opinion .
DEAR EXCLUDED : Excluding your daughter so glaringly guarantees that your nephew and his wife will never get to know her .
However , you can not , and should not , attempt to control your nephew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to attend if your daughter isn ’ t invited .
If you would feel uncomfortable accepting the invitation under these circumstances , send your regrets on the RSVP card .
If you are asked why you won ’ t be coming , feel free to express yourself then .
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren , also known as Jeanne Phillips , and was founded by her mother , Pauline Phillips .
Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O .
Box 69440 , Los Angeles , CA 90069 .

DEAR ABBY: I have been in a relationship for almost a year. We connected in a way I have never felt before, and I tried to stay away from him. He’s married, and his wife was diagnosed with cancer last year.
I have tried to end things three times so he could focus on his family. But he keeps coming back to me and begging me to wait, give him time and not abandon him. I feel so guilty for the things I want from him because of his wife’s condition.
I don’t know what to do. I want to be with him. But I don’t want to cause his family to struggle more on top of everything else. Please help.
DIFFICULT SITUATION
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Dear Abby: Our teen’s messy breakup has had awkward repercussions for us Advice | Dear Abby: I was annoyed to discover why our friends picked this restaurant DEAR SITUATION: If you are sincere about not wanting to cause this man’s family more pain, step away now. His wife should be the focus of his attention. If this relationship is the real thing, it can be restarted when he is free from the responsibility he assumed when he promised “until death do us part.”
DEAR ABBY: I just divorced my husband. We were together for 13 years. The last three weren’t great. After my divorce — which was grueling — I reconnected with my son’s father, and we are in love. Our romance was doomed before it started back then. Our son is now 18, and we are in our 40s.
Today, our situation is very different. We are both doing well financially and individually. We are blissfully happy and don’t rehash the past. I feel like we were interrupted when we were young. Am I crazy for feeling he is the one? I really want it to work.
IN LOVE IN NEVADA
DEAR IN LOVE: You aren’t crazy, but you are recently divorced and didn’t mention how long you have been “reconnected” with your son’s father. I urge you to put the brakes on and take the time to get to know each other again. I also think you should rehash the past because unless the problems of years ago are resolved, they may be repeated.
Time will tell if he is, indeed, “the one,” and fortunately, you both have plenty of it. I wish you a happy ending.
DEAR ABBY: I have five nieces and nephews. With the exception of one nephew, my wife and I have attended all of their weddings. They were all invited to and attended our daughter’s wedding.
The last nephew is being married next year. All of his cousins are invited, with the exception of my daughter. Why? Even though she is the same age as the rest of his cousins, he says he doesn’t know her that well.
Should my wife and I attend his wedding? If we do, I will insist he invite my daughter as well. Kindly provide your opinion.
EXCLUDED IN CONNECTICUT
DEAR EXCLUDED: Excluding your daughter so glaringly guarantees that your nephew and his wife will never get to know her. However, you cannot, and should not, attempt to control your nephew’s guest list by threatening not to attend if your daughter isn’t invited.
If you would feel uncomfortable accepting the invitation under these circumstances, send your regrets on the RSVP card. If you are asked why you won’t be coming, feel free to express yourself then.
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.


mercurynews--2020-05-07--Bubble Watch: Coronavirus chills California homebuying, prices

“ Bubble Watch ” digs into trends that may indicate economic and/or housing market troubles ahead .
Buzz : California homebuyers signed far fewer deals in April while owners listed slightly cheaper homes as the novel coronavirus continued to throttle the state ’ s economy .
Source : My trusty spreadsheet looked at April stats from brokers ’ listing services compiled by Realtor.com through a partnership with the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis .
Buyers balked with a steep drop to 33,572 pending sales — down 26 % from March and down 18 % in a year .
Still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ typical as homes in escrow have averaged 35,969 since July 2016 .
The big question : How many pending sales will actually close due to stiffer loan qualification standards and financial troubles at some mortgage companies ?
Sellers have been quicker to return to the market .
Active listings rebounded to 62,150 single-family homes , condos and townhomes for sale — up 4.4 % from March but down 21 % in a year .
This is a limited inventory as supply has averaged 76,146 since July 2016 .
Those sellers apparently are feeling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ median list price is down 1.7 % in a month but up 3.7 % in a year .
In the previous 12 months , sellers were raising asking prices at a 6.8 % annual clip .
The state ’ s housing market has been rocked by the business limitations required to stem the spread of COVID-19 .
More than 4 million Californians have applied for unemployment insurance since stay-at-home orders became the norm .
This is a slower market with a typical home ’ s “ days on market ” growing to 51 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and up 8.5 days in a year .
Again , not too far from the norm .
Selling speed has averaged 49 days since July 2016 .
Sellers are , at a minimum , less aggressive on the price .
April ’ s $ 321 median price per square foot is down 1.7 % from March and only up 3.4 % in a year .
In the previous 12 months , house hunters watched this cost index rise at a 5.6 % a year pace .
And let ’ s note that what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ changed much .
The median listing is 1,845 square feet — down just 22 feet vs. the previous 12 months ’ average .
On a scale of zero bubbles ( no bubble here ) to five bubbles ( five-alarm warning ) … THREE BUBBLES !
The steep sales drop is unnerving .
But is it just a delay of transactions due to the virus ?
Or is it a true market slowdown ?
Pricing is a key variable .
It ’ s obvious the sellers didn ’ t want to discount much in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ price cuts was down to 10,540 — off 16 % in a month and down 53 % in a year .
These cuts were only 17 % of inventory — that ’ s below the 21 % of March and 28.5 % in April 2019 .
Since 2016 , cuts have averaged 25.2 % of supply .
Are folks pulling homes off the market rather than cutting prices ?
Only time will tell .

“Bubble Watch” digs into trends that may indicate economic and/or housing market troubles ahead.
Buzz: California homebuyers signed far fewer deals in April while owners listed slightly cheaper homes as the novel coronavirus continued to throttle the state’s economy.
Source: My trusty spreadsheet looked at April stats from brokers’ listing services compiled by Realtor.com through a partnership with the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.
The Trend
Buyers balked with a steep drop to 33,572 pending sales — down 26% from March and down 18% in a year. Still, it’s not far from typical as homes in escrow have averaged 35,969 since July 2016. The big question: How many pending sales will actually close due to stiffer loan qualification standards and financial troubles at some mortgage companies?
Sellers have been quicker to return to the market. Active listings rebounded to 62,150 single-family homes, condos and townhomes for sale — up 4.4% from March but down 21% in a year. This is a limited inventory as supply has averaged 76,146 since July 2016.
Those sellers apparently are feeling some pricing pressures. The $590,000 median list price is down 1.7% in a month but up 3.7% in a year. In the previous 12 months, sellers were raising asking prices at a 6.8% annual clip.
The Dissection
The state’s housing market has been rocked by the business limitations required to stem the spread of COVID-19. More than 4 million Californians have applied for unemployment insurance since stay-at-home orders became the norm.
This is a slower market with a typical home’s “days on market” growing to 51 — up 7 days in a month and up 8.5 days in a year. Again, not too far from the norm. Selling speed has averaged 49 days since July 2016.
Sellers are, at a minimum, less aggressive on the price. April’s $321 median price per square foot is down 1.7% from March and only up 3.4% in a year. In the previous 12 months, house hunters watched this cost index rise at a 5.6% a year pace.
And let’s note that what’s for sale hasn’t changed much. The median listing is 1,845 square feet — down just 22 feet vs. the previous 12 months’ average.
How bubbly?
On a scale of zero bubbles (no bubble here) to five bubbles (five-alarm warning) … THREE BUBBLES!
The steep sales drop is unnerving. But is it just a delay of transactions due to the virus? Or is it a true market slowdown?
Pricing is a key variable. It’s obvious the sellers didn’t want to discount much in April.
The number of listings with price cuts was down to 10,540 — off 16% in a month and down 53% in a year. These cuts were only 17% of inventory — that’s below the 21% of March and 28.5% in April 2019. Since 2016, cuts have averaged 25.2% of supply.


mercurynews--2020-05-06--Astronomers find new black hole close to Earth

A black hole has been discovered 1,000 light-years from Earth , making it the closest black hole to our solar system ever found .
Although the black hole itself is invisible , it has two bright companion stars that gave away the hiding spot of the black hole .
The two stars can be seen with the naked eye on dark , clear nights in the southern hemisphere .
( A black hole is a place in space that even light can ’ t get out because gravity pulls so much . )
When astronomers observed the star system , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that one of the stars was completing an orbit around a hidden object every 40 Earth days .
The second star is further out from the first star and the black hole .
This revealed that what they were actually seeing was a triple system that included a black hole , not just a double star system .
The observation was made using the MPG/ESO 2.2-meter telescope at the European Southern Observatory ’ s La Silla Observatory in Chile .
A study published Wednesday in the journal Astronomy & Astrophysics describes the triple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when we realised that this is the first stellar system with a black hole that can be seen with the unaided eye , ” said Petr Hadrava , study co-author and Emeritus Scientist at the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic in Prague , in a statement .
Because this black hole doesn ’ t have violent interactions with its surroundings , it ’ s truly invisible .
That makes it one of the first stellar-mass black holes found that doesn ’ t interact violently with its environment .
But studying the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the black hole .
“ An invisible object with a mass at least 4 times that of the Sun can only be a black hole , ” said Thomas Rivinius , lead study author and European Southern Observatory scientist , in a statement .
Over the years , astronomers have found a couple dozen black holes in our Milky Way galaxy .
They announce their presence by having disruptive , violent interactions with their surroundings and releasing detectable X-rays .
But this new detection of a silent black hole could be the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the researchers said .
They believe that over the course of our galaxy ’ s lifetime , a multitude of stars have collapsed and created black holes .
Now , astronomers just have to find them .
“ There must be hundreds of millions of black holes out there , but we know about only very few .
Knowing what to look for should put us in a better position to find them , ” Rivinius said .
The researchers believe this newly detected one so close to Earth is just “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” said Dietrich Baade , study co-author and Emeritus Astronomer at the European Southern Observatory , in a statement .
And they already have another system in mind , known as LB-1 .
“ We realised that another system , called LB-1 , may also be such a triple , though we ’ d need more observations to say for sure , ” said Marianne Heida , study co-author and postdoctoral fellow at the European Southern Observatory , in a statement .
“ LB-1 is a bit [ farther ] away from Earth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , so that means that probably many more of these systems exist .
“ By finding and studying them we can learn a lot about the formation and evolution of those rare stars that begin their lives with more than about 8 times the mass of the Sun and end them in a supernova explosion that leaves behind a black hole.
” These triple systems are also intriguing because they could shed light on the massive mergers between black holes , stars or some configuration of the two that create gravitational waves .

By Ashley Strickland | CNN
A black hole has been discovered 1,000 light-years from Earth, making it the closest black hole to our solar system ever found.
Although the black hole itself is invisible, it has two bright companion stars that gave away the hiding spot of the black hole. The two stars can be seen with the naked eye on dark, clear nights in the southern hemisphere. (A black hole is a place in space that even light can’t get out because gravity pulls so much.)
When astronomers observed the star system, in the Telescopium constellation, they noticed that one of the stars was completing an orbit around a hidden object every 40 Earth days. The second star is further out from the first star and the black hole.
This revealed that what they were actually seeing was a triple system that included a black hole, not just a double star system. The observation was made using the MPG/ESO 2.2-meter telescope at the European Southern Observatory’s La Silla Observatory in Chile.
A study published Wednesday in the journal Astronomy & Astrophysics describes the triple system.
“We were totally surprised when we realised that this is the first stellar system with a black hole that can be seen with the unaided eye,” said Petr Hadrava, study co-author and Emeritus Scientist at the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic in Prague, in a statement.
Because this black hole doesn’t have violent interactions with its surroundings, it’s truly invisible. That makes it one of the first stellar-mass black holes found that doesn’t interact violently with its environment. But studying the star orbiting it signified the presence of the black hole.
“An invisible object with a mass at least 4 times that of the Sun can only be a black hole,” said Thomas Rivinius, lead study author and European Southern Observatory scientist, in a statement.
Over the years, astronomers have found a couple dozen black holes in our Milky Way galaxy. They announce their presence by having disruptive, violent interactions with their surroundings and releasing detectable X-rays.
But this new detection of a silent black hole could be the first of many to come in the future, the researchers said. They believe that over the course of our galaxy’s lifetime, a multitude of stars have collapsed and created black holes. Now, astronomers just have to find them.
“There must be hundreds of millions of black holes out there, but we know about only very few. Knowing what to look for should put us in a better position to find them,” Rivinius said.
The researchers believe this newly detected one so close to Earth is just “the tip of an exciting iceberg,” said Dietrich Baade, study co-author and Emeritus Astronomer at the European Southern Observatory, in a statement.
And they already have another system in mind, known as LB-1.
“We realised that another system, called LB-1, may also be such a triple, though we’d need more observations to say for sure,” said Marianne Heida, study co-author and postdoctoral fellow at the European Southern Observatory, in a statement. “LB-1 is a bit [farther] away from Earth but still pretty close in astronomical terms, so that means that probably many more of these systems exist.
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These triple systems are also intriguing because they could shed light on the massive mergers between black holes, stars or some configuration of the two that create gravitational waves.


mercurynews--2020-05-06--Watch: U.S. Space Force drops first recruitment video

CLICK HERE if you are having a problem viewing the photos on a mobile device “ Maybe your purpose on this planet isn ’ t on this planet , ” says the voiceover in the first recruitment video released by the United States military ’ s first new branch in more than seven decades .
The new promotional clip previews members of the sixth branch of the armed forces launching into space as one of at least 14 kinds of soldier , specializing in fields such as cyber and space systems operations , cable and antenna systems , cyber surety @ @ @ @ @ @ @ few .
The video also features scenes of U.S. Space Force ( USSF ) personnel and spaceflights , a United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket cameo and an appearance by the Air Force ’ s robotic , reusable X-37B space plane , according to Space.com .
Established Dec. 20 , 2019 within the Department of the Air Force , this is the public ’ s first hint of what USSF ’ s exact role will be in the armed forces .
That same day , USSF ’ s headquarters were announced at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Formal recruitment for Space Force began May 1 with an invitation to active-duty service members to apply to transfer .
• Meteor shower this week : When to see the Lyrids The release announcing the application opening defines USSF as the military branch that “ organizes , trains and equips forces to execute a variety of space missions , and to deter aggression in , from , and to space.
” Most recently , the USSF tracked Russia ’ s testing of an anti-missile satellite , which it said “ exhibited characteristics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ April 15 statement .

CLICK HERE if you are having a problem viewing the photos on a mobile device
“Maybe your purpose on this planet isn’t on this planet,” says the voiceover in the first recruitment video released by the United States military’s first new branch in more than seven decades.
The new promotional clip previews members of the sixth branch of the armed forces launching into space as one of at least 14 kinds of soldier, specializing in fields such as cyber and space systems operations, cable and antenna systems, cyber surety and cyber transport, to name a few. The video also features scenes of U.S. Space Force (USSF) personnel and spaceflights, a United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket cameo and an appearance by the Air Force’s robotic, reusable X-37B space plane, according to Space.com.
Established Dec. 20, 2019 within the Department of the Air Force, this is the public’s first hint of what USSF’s exact role will be in the armed forces. That same day, USSF’s headquarters were announced at Vandenberg Air Force Base, near Lompoc. Formal recruitment for Space Force began May 1 with an invitation to active-duty service members to apply to transfer.
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Most recently, the USSF tracked Russia’s testing of an anti-missile satellite, which it said “exhibited characteristics of a space weapon” in an April 15 statement.