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Volume 79 Edition 175 ©SS 2020 FRIDAY,DECEMBER 18, 2020 $1.00 Milley AI takes flight talks to Taliban Joint Chiefs chairman holds unannounced meeting in Qatar

BY ROBERT BURNS Associated Press KABUL, Afghanistan — The top U.S. general held unan- nounced talks with Taliban peace negotiators in the Persian Gulf to urge a reduction in violence across Afghanis- tan, even as se- nior American officials in Ka- bul warned that stepped-up Tali- ban attacks en- Milley danger the mili- tant group’s nascent peace nego- tiations with the Afghan govern- LUIS A. RUIZ-VAZQUEZ/U.S. Air Force ment. A U-2 Dragon Lady assigned to the 9th Reconnaissance Wing takes off at Beale Air Force Base in California on Tuesday. The Air Force allowed Army Gen. Mark Milley, chair- an artificial-intelligence algorithm to control sensor and navigation systems to test its capability and its ability to work with a human. man of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, met for about two hours with Tali- ban negotiators in Doha, Qatar, on In a first, Air Force uses artificial intelligence aboard military jet Tuesday and flew Wednesday to Kabul to discuss the peace proc- BY AARON GREGG Former Google chief executive Eric ess with Afghan President Ashraf The Washington Post “This is really meant Schmidt, who previously headed the Penta- Ghani. The Air Force allowed an artificial-intelli- gon’s Defense Innovation Board, described Although Milley reported no gence algorithm to control sensor and naviga- to shock the Air Force Tuesday’s flight test as “the first time, to my breakthrough, his Taliban meet- tion systems on a U2 Dragon Lady spy plane in knowledge, that you have a military system in- ings represent a remarkable mile- a training flight Tuesday, officials said, mark- and the [Defense] tegrating AI, probably in any military.” stone — America’s top general ing what is believed to be the first known use of Department as a whole The AI system was deliberately designed coming face-to-face with repre- AI onboard a U.S. military aircraft. without a manual override in order to “provoke sentatives of the group that ruled No weapons were involved, and the plane into how seriously thought and learning in the test environment,” Afghanistan until it was ousted 19 was steered by a pilot. Even so, senior defense Air Force spokesman Josh Benedetti said in an years ago this month in the early officials touted the test as a watershed moment we need to treat email. stages of what became America’s in the Defense Department’s attempts to incor- It was relegated to highly-specific tasks and longest war. Milley served three porate AI into military aircraft, a subject that is AI teaming.” walled off from the plane’s flight controls, ac- tours of duty in Afghanistan, the of intense debate in aviation and arms control cording to people involved in the flight test. first in 2003 and the last in 2013- communities. Will Roper “For the most part I was still very much the 14. “This is the first time this has ever hap- Assistant Air Force Secretary pilot in command,” the U2 pilot who carried Milley’s meetings came amid a pened,” Assistant Air Force Secretary Will Roper said. SEE ARTIFICIAL ON PAGE 7 SEE MILLEY ON PAGE 6 PAGE 2 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, December 18, 2020 BUSINESS/WEATHER EUROPE GAS PRICES Lawsuit accuses Google of Country Super E10 Super unleaded Super plus Diesel  Germany $2.433 $2.840 $3.096 $2.834 Azores .. .. $2.996 .. Change in price +0.2 cents ­0.2 cents +0.1 cent +3.3 cents Change in price .. .. +0.1 cents .. ‘anti-competitive conduct’ Netherlands .. $3.350  $3.580 $3.456 Belgium .. $2.377 $2.621 $2.423 DALLAS — Ten states Wednes- ing the market in its favor and Change in price .. +0.2 cents +0.2 cents +0.2 cents Change in price .. No change No change No change day brought a lawsuit against Goo- eliminating competition. U.K. .. $2.739 $2.995  $2.733 Turkey .. .. $2.897 $3.359* Change in price .. ­0.2 cents +0.1 cent +3.3 cents Change in price .. .. +0.3 cents no change gle, accusing the search giant of “This Goliath of a company is “anti-competitive conduct” in the using its power to manipulate the PACIFIC GAS PRICES online advertising industry, in- market, destroy competition, and cluding a deal to manipulate sales harm you, the consumer,” Paxton Country Super E10 Super unleaded Super plus Diesel  with rival Facebook. said in the video on Twitter. Japan .. $2.889 ..  $2.629 South Korea $2.239 .. $2.899 $2.639 Change in price .. no change .. +4.0 cents Change in price no change .. no change +3.0 cents Texas Attorney General Ken Google, which is based in Moun- Paxton announced the suit, which tain View, Calif., called Paxton’s Okinawa $2.219 .. .. $2.629 Guam $2.229 $2.639 $2.899 ..  Change in price no change .. .. +4.0 cents Change in price no change no change no change ..  was filed in a federal court in Tex- claims “meritless” and said the as, saying Google is using its “mo- price of online advertising has *DieselEFD **Midgrade nopolistic power” to control pric- fallen over the last decade. For the week of Dec. 19 - 25 ing of online advertisements, fix- — From The Associated Press WEATHER OUTLOOK FRIDAY IN THE MIDDLE EAST FRIDAY IN EUROPE SATURDAY IN THE PACIFIC

Misawa 25/22

Kabul Seoul 37/28 21/18 Baghdad 63/53 Tokyo Drawsko Osan Kandahar Mildenhall/ 25/11 44/31 57/26 Pomorskie Busan Lakenheath 43/40 51/44 34/23 Iwakuni Kuwait City 47/41 Bahrain Brussels Zagan Sasebo 68/56 72/67 Ramstein 43/39 43/40 Guam 48/45 47/39 84/81 Riyadh Lajes, 72/50 Doha Azores Stuttgart Pápa 61/58 44/36 76/62 Aviano/ 37/34 Vicenza 46/32

Naples 54/45 Okinawa Morón 57/64 56/48 Sigonella Rota 56/42 The weather is provided by the Djibouti 58/50 Souda Bay American Forces Network Weather Center, 82/70 58/54 2nd Weather Squadron at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb. TODAY IN STRIPES American Roundup ...... 14 Comics ...... 17 Crossword ...... 17 Faces ...... 15 Opinion ...... 16 Sports ...... 19-24 Friday, December 18, 2020 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 3 MILITARY SIGAR: Equipment for Afghans not tracked BY PHILLIP WALTER consent, the report by the Special John F. Sopko, Special Inspec- told the U.S. monitors that 19 of 48 said. WELLMAN Inspector General for Afghanis- tor General for Afghan Recon- U.S.-provided night-vision de- SIGAR recommended that Stars and Stripes tan said. But only 40% of the sensi- struction, said in a report released vices had fallen into enemy hands DOD change its monitoring pro- KABUL, Afghanistan — The tive articles given to the Afghans Nov. 5, that the number of daily at- and 29 were listed as destroyed, cedures to make them more suit- Defense Department has failed to were inventoried between May tacks by enemy forces in Afghan- damaged or lost. able for Afghanistan. keep track of surveillance sys- 2019 and April 2020, it said, and istan jumped by 50% in the three Security constraints and travel The Pentagon plans to address tems, controls for laser-guided about 5% of items that were sup- months ending in September, limitations in Afghanistan make it the failings identified by SIGAR, bombs, night-vision devices and posed to have been tracked since compared to the previous quarter. difficult to monitor the U.S.-pro- Thomas Croci, deputy assistant other equipment provided to the October 2016 have never been in- Most of the articles supplied to vided equipment and how it’s be- secretary of defense for Afghanis- Afghan government, a U.S. gov- ventoried at all. the Afghan security forces during ing used, the report said. tan, Pakistan and Central Asia, ernment watchdog agency said Inadequate tracking means that the period covered in the report, Although U.S. monitors aren’t said in a comment included in the Thursday. “sensitive technology remains from 2017 to this year, were night- required to complete enhanced in- report. The goods transferred to the Af- susceptible to theft or loss,” and vision devices, SIGAR said. In De- spections when security condi- “DoD recognizes the impor- ghan government are “some of the the Combined Security Transition cember 2017, CSTC-A found “a se- tions prevent them from doing so, tance of providing the greatest most sensitive of all defense arti- Command-Afghanistan, which is rious deficiency in [night-vision “not conducting all of the inspec- possible accountability for U.S.- cles” and were supposed to be ful- responsible for monitoring the device] accountability” resulting tions limits the command’s ability funded equipment provided to ly inventoried by the U.S. every equipment, is less able to verify from discrepancies in reports it to verify reported numbers of lost (Afghan forces),” Croci said. year, to ensure they were being that Afghan units “are using these was receiving from Afghan gov- and destroyed articles, and dis- used for their intended purpose articles in accordance with their ernment officials and data that cover additional broken or mis- and were not transferred to a third transfer agreements,” the report U.S. personnel collected, it said. sing articles the (Afghan forces) [email protected] party without U.S. government said. Two years ago, Afghan forces may not have reported,” SIGAR Twitter: @pwwellman Big ideas from Marine minds aim to improve everyday life in Corps

BY MATTHEW M. BURKE Stars and Stripes CAMP COURTNEY, Okinawa — Marines have built a reputation on brute force, but they’re also earning commendations by using brain power and technology to solve everyday problems. On Okinawa, Sgts. Jesse Ro- bertson, of the 12th Marine Re- giment, and Adrian Willis, of the 7th Communication Battalion, earned a Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal for their en- try in the first Big Ideas Challenge. Theirs was one of five winning entries in the summer event spon- sored by III Marine Expedition- ary Force. PHOTOS BY MATTHEW M. BURKE/Stars and Stripes The competition was open to Chief Warrant Officer 3 Todd Coyle, right, and Gunnery Sgt. Alex Wright work on their Lightweight Water anyone affiliated with the U.S. Marine Sgt. Jesse Robertson Purification System 3.0 at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, earlier this month. military in Japan, including Ma- earned a Navy/Marine Corps rines, sailors, civilian employees Achievement Medal for his entry Marine Corps headquarters in and family members. in the Marine Corps' inaugural Washington for possible applica- “We’re trying to tackle some of Big Ideas Challenge. tion across the Corps. Another 24 our most daunting tasks within the are being further evaluated on MEF and also in the Marine Stripes during an interview earli- Okinawa. Corps,” Lt. Gen. Stacy Clardy, er this month. Challenge organizer Maj. Ste- commander of III MEF, said at the He and Willis, a 3D printing li- phen Kent said the crop of ideas Camp Courtney medal ceremony aison, teamed up over the summer has absolutely made the Marines Dec. 8. “The idea behind it is that to design a way to install the Lock- and III MEF better. we will promote imaginative, dis- heed Martin Mobile User Objec- Another idea getting attention, ruptive ideas; we’ll unleash some tive System, a secure ultra-high from the mind of Chief Warrant creativity and ingenuity within frequency satellite communica- Officer 3 Todd Coyle, would mar- the MEF.” tions system issued in 2019, so it fit ry two lightweight water purifica- The challenge was so success- compatibly with the legacy multi- tion systems into one with a high- ful, Clardy said, that he plans a band radio set. er, faster production capability second one in the spring. The new satellite system took rather than spend money on an en- Robertson, a maintenance up several inches of space in the tirely new system. chief, said his project was born of new vehicles meant for the radios. “The great thing about this, necessity. He saw that the Ma- Willis and Robertson designed a Marine Sgt. Adrian Willis earned a Navy/Marine Corps Achievement cost-saving wise, is we already rines’ new, long-awaited Joint bracket prototype that Willis pro- Medal for his entry in the challenge. have the system,” Coyle said. “We Light Tactical Vehicles lacked duced on a Creality Ender 3 Pro just got to find a way to connect it enough space for satellite commu- 3D printer. The bracket holds the Robertson and Willis submitted a month later, Clardy said. all and make it work.” nications equipment. satellite system puzzle-like above their bracket prototype. Theirs The ideas addressed a range of The new vehicles were not de- the radio. was one of 72 submissions, includ- issues from barracks life to pay to signed with the satellite systems When III MEF announced the ing one from a Navy spouse, that torpedoes and robots. [email protected] in mind, Robertson told Stars and Big Ideas Challenge on Aug. 20, III MEF received by the deadline Eleven ideas are on their way to Twitter: @MatthewMBurke1 PAGE 4 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, December 18, 2020 PACIFIC USS Topeka arrives at new Hawaii homeport BY WYATT OLSON The sub is slated to soon go into families did a tremendous job nav- Since 2015, the submarine has gineering overhaul at Portsmouth Stars and Stripes Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard for igating through it all, and we are so deployed four times, participated Naval Shipyard, N.H., before be- FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii — regularly scheduled major main- happy to be here.” in 14 exercises and earned the ser- ing sent to Guam. Pearl Harbor became home to an- tenance for upgrades and repairs, USS Topeka was “the tip of the vice’s Engineering Efficiency The sub can support a variety of other fast-attack submarine as the the Navy said. spear” during its five years sta- Award each year, the Navy said in missions, including anti-subma- USS Topeka changed its homeport “The crew and their families tioned at Guam, Capt. Mike Ma- the release. rine warfare; anti-surface ship to Hawaii on Tuesday. did a fantastic job of getting things jewski, commodore of Submarine The Topeka became the fourth warfare; surveillance and recon- The vessel, formerly homeport- ready in a timely manner and Squadron 7, said in the news re- Los Angeles-class submarine to naissance; and strike warfare, the ed in Guam since 2015, became transitioning to a new place,” lease. be homeported in Guam in 2015 as Navy said. the 10th Los Angeles-class subma- Cmdr. Richard Salazar, Topeka’s “She steamed thousands of nau- part of the Obama administra- Topeka returned from its last rine to be stationed at Joint Base commanding officer, said in the tical miles in support of national tion’s Pacific rebalance intended deployment, in the Western Pacif- Pearl Harbor-Hickam, the Navy news release. and Pacific Fleet objectives and to enhance the Navy’s forward ic, on Oct. 24. said in a news release Wednesday. “There is so much logistics and participated in numerous national presence in the region.

It is assigned to Submarine Squad- stress that goes into a change of and international exercises,” he Topeka was commissioned in [email protected] ron 7. homeport, but the crew and their said. 1989 and was given a complete en- Twitter: @WyattWOlson Rand report highlights potential for Japan’s assistance BY CAITLIN DOORNBOS gion, according to the report. Stars and Stripes “Over the past decade, as provo- A new Rand Corp. report re- cations by China in the East China leased Thursday found that the Sea have increased, the [Japan Japan Self-Defense Forces could Ground Self-Defense Force] has offer “effective and capable” as- reoriented itself to be more mobile sistance to the United States and realigned its capabilities to re- should a conflict erupt with China spond to events in Japan’s south- in the East China Sea. west,” the report said. “This has Japan’s Constitution restricts meant taking on anti-air and anti- its military operations to defen- ship functions and developing am- sive initiatives only, and its laws phibious capabilities.” may hinder its efforts, according These capabilities alone, ac- to the report. Still, Japan’s cording to the report, may not be strengths position it “to make enough to stave off an attack by things very difficult for China to the Chinese but could offer sub- prevail quickly in conflict,” ac- stantial assistance to the U.S. to cording to the think tank report. defend Japan against China in a “Much relies on Japan’s politi- conflict. cal decisionmakers, who, in a time The capabilities “increasingly of a crisis, will be challenged to en- keep Chinese forces at length with sure that their decision-making a growing suite of (anti-access/ar- timelines are fully in sync with VANCE HAND/U.S. Navy ea denial) capabilities thereby U.S. operational needs,” the re- Capt. Luke Frost, commander of the USS America, and Japanese Rear Adm. Shirane Tsutomu watch flightheightening the risk to China in port said. operations aboard the amphibious assault ship in the East China Sea in January. any East China Sea contingency Japanese strengths include ad- and allowing Japan to remain in vanced weaponry, a greater pres- priorities to the Indo-Pacific re- the Japanese-controlled Senkaku puted islands. Its ships spent 284 the fight in support of the United ence in the Ryukyu Islands south- gion and strategic competition Islands northeast of Taiwan. The days there this year, two more States,” according to the report. west of the main islands of Japan, with China. Since then, the mili- Trump and Obama administra- than the record 282 set in 2019, ac- For this reason, the U.S. mili- and capabilities in minesweeping tary has boosted its presence in tions have said an attack on the cording to the Japan coast guard. tary can expect to continue receiv- and anti-submarine warfare. the South and East China seas, Senkakus would invoke the U.S.- The Rand report comes after ing Tokyo’s support, according to The report, “Japan’s Potential which Beijing views as its territo- Japan Treaty of Mutual Coopera- the defense ministers of Japan the report. Contributions in an East China ry. The U.S. considers those re- tion and Security, meaning the and China in a video call Monday “While Japanese laws set limits Sea Contingency,” called the U.S. gions to be international waters, U.S. military would be obligated to reaffirmed their countries’ oppos- for all of these, the United States alliance with Japan “arguably its and the Navy and Air Force fre- respond. ing claims to the islands, which the can expect Japanese domestic most important in pursuit of ob- quently carry out freedom-of-nav- Tokyo has accused Beijing of Chinese call Diaoyu Dau. laws and interpretations to sup- jectives” outlined in the National igation operations there, sailing using coercive means to negate Tensions over the Senkakus port U.S. operations,” the report Defense Strategy. through and flying over waters Japan’s control of the islands. On have inspired the Japan Self-De- said. That strategy, written in 2018 by that China claims as its own. Nov. 3, China broke a record for fense Forces to alter their training then-Defense Secretary Jim Mat- In the East China Sea, China the number of days per year that and resources to better prepare [email protected] tis, formally shifted U.S. defense and Taiwan dispute sovereignty of its vessels are spotted near the dis- for a potential conflict in the re- Twitter: @CaitlinDoornbos Official: Man who vanished on Okinawa is affiliated with US military

BY MATTHEW M. BURKE the island’s western coast some- “We are not 100% sure if the which is marked by rocky, connected to the U.S. military. AND AYA ICHIHASHI time before the Japan Coast person is somewhere else or mis- jagged, seaside cliffs, walking The Marine Corps — the most Stars and Stripes Guard was called at approxi- sing in the water, but we are trails and a 100-foot tall light prevalent service branch on Oki- CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa — mately 6:20 p.m. Tuesday, a searching for him by boat and house. nawa — did not respond to re- First responders searched by air, spokesman for the service said from the air at this moment,” the “By looking at the site and cir- quests seeking information land and sea Thursday for an Thursday. spokesman said. “Typically, a cumstance, it’s less likely that the Thursday afternoon. American man in his 30s who The man, whose name has not person who is fishing won’t leave man left the area for whatever It’s customary in Japan for went missing from a seaside been released because the case is the site for some other errands.” reason, but we want to find him some government officials to tourist spot two days prior. under investigation, left his vehi- Officers with the Kadena po- safe and sound,” he said. “The speak to the media on condition The unnamed victim, who is cle in the parking lot and seemed lice and Nirai fire stations have joint team members were search- of anonymity. living on Okinawa under the sta- to vanish without a trace, the been searching on land, a Kadena ing for the missing person yester- tus of forces agreement that gov- spokesman said. A fishing pole police spokesman said by phone day in the surrounding area but [email protected] Twitter: @MatthewMBurke1 erns the U.S. military in Japan, was found on one of Zanpa’s to- Thursday afternoon. He said it is we could not find him.” [email protected] disappeared from Cape Zanpa on wering cliffs. unlikely the man left the park, It’s unclear how the man is Twitter: @AyaIchihashi Friday, December 18, 2020 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 5 PACIFIC Record snow strands military travelers at Misawa

BY SETH ROBSON of snowfall in 72 hours, he said. Stars and Stripes Record snowfall has hit areas of Twenty-two inches of snow has Japan’s main island this week. delayed a Patriot Express flight out Around 1,100 vehicles were strand- of Misawa Air Base in northern Ja- ed on an expressway and 10,000 Ja- pan, forcing passengers to lay over panese households suffered black- in a building set aside for coronavi- outs Thursday due to heavy snow, rus quarantine, an Air Force the Kyodo news agency reported. spokesman said Thursday. In accordance with Misawa’s More than 200 soldiers, sailors coronavirus mitigation proce- and airmen due to fly on the gov- dures, all the delayed passengers ernment-contracted passenger are being lodged in towers desig- flight had been stranded at Misawa nated for personnel in restriction for 72 hours, according to a mess- of movement, or ROM, status, age posted Thursday on the pop- Chiles said. ular Air Force amn/nco/snco Face- The accommodation is separate book group. from where those who have tested “When we aren’t crammed into positive for the coronavirus are the passenger terminal unable to isolated, he added. socially distance, we’re sleeping in “If a member tests positive for a condemned dorm for covid posi- COVID while in the ROM tower, tive individuals with no working the room is thoroughly sanitized heat in zero degree weather!!!” the through a contracted cleaning ser- post, attributed to the group’s in- vice, and the room is not utilized box, read. until it is deemed safe for occupa- Misawa’s 35th Fighter Wing is tion by 35th Medical Group Public aware of weather safety delays as- Health officials,” Chiles said. sociated with the departure of a Pa- Misawa leaders are investigat- triot Express flight from Misawa ing claims of heating issues in the Air Base to Seattle, Maj. Cody ROM tower and action will be tak- Chiles, a wing spokesman, told en as required, Chiles said. Stars and Stripes in an email The outbound Patriot Express SADIE COLBERT/U.S. Air Force Thursday evening. flight is scheduled to depart on Fri- Patriot Express passengers exit their flight after landing at Misawa Air Base, Japan, in 2017. Misawa received over 22 inches day, he added. PAGE 6 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, December 18, 2020 MILITARY Program to focus on racial issues affecting families BY J.P. LAWRENCE he encountered people through- Stars and Stripes out his career who didn't believe An advocacy group kicked off a he held the high ranks he did, $1 million initiative Wednesday because of his color. Military to study the impact of racial in- families often feel isolated or dis- equality on military families and connected in their communities veterans. due to frequent moves, an issue “The military community is not exacerbated for families of color, immune to the injustices and in- said retired Lt. Gen. Gwen Bing- juries of ... systemic racism,” In- ham, co-chair of the program’s grid Herrera-Yee, a leadership leadership committee. committee member of the Racial “All military families deserve Equity Initiative, which is behind to feel that they belong, that they YouTube the initiative, said at an online are appreciated, and that they A screenshot from the online launch event Wednesday of the Racial Equity Initiative, an advocacy group launch event. are welcome,” said Bingham, for- launched by the nonprofit Blue Star Families that aims to help military families of color financially. At the event, veterans told sto- mer U.S. Army assistant chief of ries of how their children were staff for installation manage- Existing research by Blue Star pandemic. Black families are also conduct polls and surveys to called names and of being reject- ment. “Today’s conversation Families, which set up the initia- more likely to report poor com- learn more about the experiences ed for housing because they were starts by acknowledging that tive, suggests Black and Hispanic munication about resources of military families of color, it people of color. many military families of color families are more likely than available to help them, said Jessi- said. Retired Air Force Gen. Larry do not feel that way. Today is white families to report having ca Strong, co-director of applied

Spencer, who also served as vice about declaring that we can do major financial difficulties, par- research at Blue Star Families. [email protected] chief of staff of the service, said better.” ticularly during the coronavirus Blue Star Families plans to Twitter: @jplawrence3 Rejected recruit charged in Milley: Violence dominates Taliban talks FROM PAGE 1 Speaking in the same interview, as leverage” against the Afghan recruiting center shooting new drawdown of U.S. troops, al- Ross Wilson, the ranking Ameri- government. BY COREY DICKSTEIN cial said. though under current U.S. policy can diplomat in Kabul, said he al- Miller said he is executing Stars and Stripes Kelli Bland, a spokeswoman for a complete pullout hinges on the so sees growing risk from Taliban Trump’s order to reduce U.S. WASHINGTON — A 36-year- U.S. Army Recruiting Command, Taliban reducing attacks nation- violence. forces from 4,500 to 2,500 by Jan. old man who had been repeatedly confirmed Thursday that the wide. He said it has created “an un- 15, just days before Joe Biden is denied enlistment into the Army “suspect in police custody had ap- “The most important part of the bearable burden” on the Afghan sworn in as Trump’s successor. faces multiple felony charges af- plied to join the Army and was discussions that I had with both armed forces and the society as a Miller said troop levels are now at ter police charged him Monday disqualified.” She said she could the Taliban and the government whole. about 4,000 and will reach the with shooting into a military not disclose why he was ineligi- of Afghanistan was the need for an In the so-called Doha agree- 2,500 target on time. recruiting center in Greensboro, ble. immediate reduction in violence,” ment signed last February by the Biden has not said publicly N.C., according to authorities. It was not clear Thursday Milley told three reporters, in- United States and the Taliban, the whether he will continue the James Alexander Cooper was whether Cooper had attempted to cluding one from The Associated administration of President Do- drawdown or how he will proceed arrested soon after he fired shots enlist in any other military servic- Press, who accompanied him to nald Trump agreed to a phased with the Doha agreement nego- at about 6 p.m. at the Armed es. Capt. Ryan Lowcher, a spokes- Qatar and Afghanistan. “Every- withdrawal of U.S. troops, going tiated by Trump’s peace envoy, Forces Recruiting Center and man for the Marine Corps, said thing else hinges on that.” down to zero troops by May 2021 if Zalmay Khalilzad. charged with a felony count of Cooper had not tried to join the Under ground rules set by Mil- the agreement’s conditions are Biden has not laid out a detailed discharging a firearm into an oc- Marines. ley for security reasons, the jour- upheld. plan for Afghanistan but has made cupied building and misdemean- Court records show Cooper nalists traveling with him agreed One condition is a reduction in clear he prefers a small U.S. mil- ors including six counts of assault faces other pending felony charg- not to report on either set of talks violence by the Taliban, leading to itary footprint and limited goals. with a deadly weapon, said Ron es in North Carolina. They in- until he had departed the region. a nationwide ceasefire. The Tali- He has acknowledged that he Glenn, a spokesman for the clude multiple counts of failure to It was Milley’s second unan- ban also agreed to begin peace ne- dissented from then-President Greensboro police. Cooper re- appear in court, auto theft, and nounced meeting with the Tali- gotiations with the Afghan gov- Barack Obama’s decision in De- mained in the Greensboro jail on charges related to fraud and forg- ban’s negotiating team; the first, ernment, which are in an early cember 2009 to vastly increase Thursday held on $160,000 bond, ery. Such pending charges would in June, also in Doha, had not been stage. troop levels in hope of forcing the according to court records. typically disqualify an applicant reported until now. The Taliban have demanded a Taliban to the peace table. Four Marines and two Navy from joining the military. Army Gen. Scott Miller, the top halt to U.S. airstrikes, which have “I think we should only have sailors were inside the recruiting Photos posted on the Recruiter commander of U.S. and coalition been conducted since February troops there to make sure that it’s center when the shooting oc- Times Facebook page, an unoffi- forces in Afghanistan, said in an only in support of Afghan forces impossible for... ISIS or al-Qaida curred. No one was injured in the cial group for Army recruiters, interview at his military head- under Taliban attack. to re-establish a foothold there,” incident, according to Glenn and show bullets shattered doors to quarters in Kabul on Wednesday Miller said he was saddened by Biden told CBS News in February. Marine and Navy officials. The the recruiting center and at least that the Taliban have stepped up what he called the Taliban’s delib- Trump has argued for with- center has offices for recruiters one struck a cubicle inside the of- attacks on Afghan forces, partic- erate campaign to damage road- drawing entirely from Afghanis- from the Army, Navy, Air Force fice. The military added new pro- ularly in the southern provinces of ways, bridges and other infras- tan but was persuaded in Novem- and Marine Corps. tections to its recruiting stations, Helmand and Kandahar, and tructure as part of the militants’ ber to reduce the force to 2,500 Cooper had repeatedly visited including ballistic protections, af- against roadways and other in- effort to limit the Afghan govern- and continue the current missions the recruiting center recently to ter the 2015 shooting of a recruit- frastructure. ment’s ability to reinforce its of counterterrorism and training try to join the service, according ing center and Navy Reserve base “My assessment is, it puts the troops. and advising Afghan forces. to an Army official, who was not in Chattanooga, Tenn. peace process at risk — the higher “Military commanders on the Some believe that the further authorized to speak about the sus- A Marine recruiter was wound- the violence, the higher the risk,” ground are now starting to do thinning of U.S. forces in coming pect and requested anonymity. ed in that incident and six people Miller said. Miller meets at least things that are not conducive to weeks could lead to renewed Tali- Cooper kept trying to enlist with — four Marines, a sailor and the once a month with Taliban nego- peace talks and reconstruction ban gains on the battlefield and a different recruiters but he was shooter — were killed at the Navy tiators as part of Washington’s ef- and stability,” Miller said, adding, weakening of the Afghan govern- denied entry each time, the offi- base. fort to advance a peace process. “Clearly, the Taliban use violence ment’s position at the peace table. Friday, December 18, 2020 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 7 MILITARY Artificial: Flight moves Air Force closer to ‘man and machine teaming’

FROM PAGE 1 out Tuesday’s test told The Wash- “For the tasks the ington Post. The pilot spoke on the condition AI was presented of anonymity because of the sen- sitive nature of his work. The Air with, it performed Force later released photos from well” shortly before the test flight with materials that referenced only his Maj. “Vudu” call sign: “Vudu.” the U2 pilot who carried out “[The AI’s] role was very nar- row . . . but, for the tasks the AI Tuesday’s test was presented with, it performed The AI “is not merely part of well,” the pilot said. the system . . . we’re logging it in The two-and-a-half-hour-long the pilot registry,” he said. test was performed in a routine The AI itself, dubbed ARTUµ in training mission at Beale Air an apparent Star Wars reference, LUIS A. RUIZ­VAZQUEZ /U.S. Air Force Force Base, near Marysville, Cal- is based on open-source software Maj. “Vudu,” a U­2 Dragon Lady pilot assigned to the 9th Reconnaissance Wing, prepares to taxi after if., starting Tuesday morning. Air algorithms and adapted to the returning from a training sortie at Beale Air Force, Calif., on Tuesday. On this flight, artificial intelligence Force officials and the U2 pilot plane’s computer systems at the took flight aboard a U.S. military aircraft for the first time. The AI algorithm, developed by Air Combat declined to offer details about the U2 Federal Laboratory. Command’s U­2 Federal Laboratory, trained the AI to execute specific in­flight tasks. specific tasks performed by the It is based on a publicly-acces- AI, except that it was put in sible algorithm called µZero, But its surveillance function is principles that disallowed the “If a human makes a mistake charge of the plane’s radar sen- which was developed by the AI one that has already incorporated company’s algorithms from being and kills civilians it’s a tragedy . . . sors and tactical navigation. research company DeepMind to the use of AI to analyze complex used in any weapons system. if an autonomous system kills ci- Roper said the AI was trained quickly master strategic games data. An Air Force program Schmidt, who led Google until vilians it’s more than a tragedy,” against an opposing computer to like Chess and Go, according to called Project Maven sought to 2011, said he believes it’s unlikely Schmidt said Tuesday in an inter- look for oncoming missiles and two officials familiar with its de- rapidly analyze reams of drone that the military will embrace ful- view. missile launchers. For the pur- velopment. And it is enabled by a footage in place of humans. Goo- ly-autonomous weapons systems “No general is going to take the poses of the initial test flight, the publicly-available, Google-devel- gle famously declined to renew its anytime soon. The problem, he liability of a system where they’re AI got the final vote on where to oped system called Kubernetes, Maven contract following an in- says, is that it’s hard to demon- not really sure it’s going to do direct the plane’s sensors, he said. which allows the AI software to ternal revolt from employees who strate how an AI algorithm would what it says. That problem may The point is to move the Air be ported between the plane’s on- didn’t want the company’s algo- perform in every possible scena- be fixed in the next several dec- Force closer to the concept of board computer systems and the rithms involved in warfare. The rio, including those in which hu- ades but not in the next year,” he “man and machine teaming,” in cloud-based one it was developed company later released a set of AI man life is at stake. said. which robots are responsible for on. limited technical tasks while hu- On its face, the U2 seems an un- mans remain in control of life-or- likely candidate for AI-enabled death decisions like flight control flight. It was developed for the and targeting. CIA in the early 1950s and used “This is really meant to shock throughout the Cold War to con- the Air Force and the [Defense] duct surveillance from stagger- Department as a whole into how ingly high altitudes of 60,000 or seriously we need to treat AI 70,000 feet. The planes were later teaming,” Roper said in an inter- procured by the Defense Depart- view shortly before the test. ment.

COLVILLE MCFEE /U.S. Air Force Gen. Mark Kelly, commander of Air Combat Command, and Command Chief Master Sgt. David Wade receive a briefing from U­2 Federal Laboratory staff about the organization’s stand­up and projects. This photo has been edited due to operational security. PAGE 8 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, December 18, 2020 MILITARY New year to bring virus restrictions in Europe

BY KARIN ZEITVOGEL Stars and Stripes KAISERSLAUTERN, Germa- ny — One of the largest Army commands in Europe is reimpos- ing a curfew and limiting travel as the Continent struggles to contain a second wave of the coronavirus, but the new restrictions don’t take effect until January. Until then, soldiers, Army civil- ians and their families affiliated with the 21st TSC must abide by host-nation rules. They will have to follow whichever rules are stricter once the order takes ef- fect, officials said Thursday. The 21st TSC has troops at U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz, U.S. Army Garrison Benelux, and in Kosovo, Romania and Bulga- ria. The new rules, outlined in an order released Thursday by 21st TSC commander Maj. Gen. Chris- topher Mohan, restrict unofficial travel and outdoor exercise to a radius of 30 kilometers, or around KARIN ZEITVOGEL/Stars and Stripes 18 miles, from an individual’s res- Logenstrasse, near the soccer stadium and train station in Kaiserslautern, Germany, is empty during a curfew imposed because of the idence, and impose a 10 p.m. to 5 coronavirus in the spring of 2020. a.m. curfew. Once they take effect Jan. 4, of 21st TSC soldiers and civilian cery shopping or picking up take- facilities such as pools and spas, but has struggled since October to outdoor exercise must be done in personnel are based, gyms have out food, it said. cinemas or to dine indoors at res- bring down high numbers of in- a low-density area, either alone or been closed since the beginning of Service members who live in taurants, it said. Germany has fections in the second wave. with members of the immediate November. barracks will only be allowed to had similar rules in place since The order will remain in effect household, the order said. Travel can extend beyond 18 leave their rooms or suites for the November. until Jan. 17 at least — a week af- Gyms may be used if “strict miles to take someone to the air- same reasons as those who live in The restrictions are largely the ter German officials are due to protective measures” are fol- port closest to an individual’s duty on- and off-post housing, the or- same as those spelled out in a gen- meet to decide whether to lift lowed and the person using the fa- location, or to run “essential er- der said. eral order in the spring, when the tough coronavirus restrictions cility complies with host-nation rands” such as going to the bank All parties and social gather- first wave of the coronavirus imposed Dec. 13. laws, garrison policies and the or- or post office, seeing a doctor or ings are banned, and soldiers are swept across Europe. der. going to the pharmacy, getting prohibited from frequenting bars, Germany successfully curbed [email protected] In Germany, where thousands gas or services for a vehicle, gro- clubs, hookah lounges, recreation the spread of the virus last spring Twitter: @StripesZeit Lawmakers urge VA to continue deferring debt collections BY NIKKI WENTLING partment will still restart collec- “VA could continue to defer vet- should contact the VA to make ber. In March, before the econom- Stars and Stripes tions after this month. The VA eran debt; however, we do not special arrangements, Noel said. ic effects of the pandemic took WASHINGTON — Republican does not have the authority to have authority to waive all veteran The billing is scheduled to res- hold, veteran unemployment was and Democratic lawmakers called waive the debts altogether, she debt, so the debt will continue to tart at a time when many Ameri- 3.8%. on the Department of Veterans Af- said. grow,” Noel said. “VA feels it is in cans are set to lose financial assist- To learn their account balances, fairs this week to continue its nine- The department started post- the veteran’s best interest to notify ance, such as unemployment ben- veterans can call (866) 400-1238, month pause on billing veterans poning debt collections in April them of a potential debt. If they efits and rent relief, unless Con- or consult the revenue office at for medical debts after the agency because of the widespread job are unable to repay the debt or if gress can soon come to a deal on their local VA hospital, Noel said. announced it would start collec- losses caused by the coronavirus doing so would cause a financial more pandemic aid. They can pay their balances at tions again in January. pandemic. In August, the VA ex- hardship, VA can work with indi- Millions of Americans have lost pay.gov, or by calling their reve- In response to the calls from tended the deferment until Dec. viduals to provide relief based up- jobs during the pandemic, and nue office or a national VA line at lawmakers, VA Press Secretary 31. Earlier this month, the VA sent on their unique circumstance.” food and housing insecurity have (888) 827-4817. Christina Noel said that while the letters to veterans and notified Veterans will be given an option increased significantly. The veter-

VA has the authority to continue them of their outstanding bal- to make smaller monthly pay- an unemployment rate rose in No- [email protected] deferring debt collections, the de- ances. ments. Veterans facing hardship vember to 6.3% from 5.9% in Octo- Twitter: @nikkiwentling Investigation: Multiple failures at jail where airman killed himself Associated Press Antonio Express-News reported. tempted sexual abuse of a child considered suicidal in an examin- which curtains were attached. SAN ANTONIO — Multiple fail- “The failure to identify and com- and possession of child pornogra- ation after his arrest in Colorado. “The bar presents a two-fold ures in policies and procedures municate relevant mental health phy. He was given a dishonorable Brice was found unresponsive concern,” the report said. “First, it contributed to the suicide of an air- information is a major factor in the discharge, and the conviction was on Dec. 5, 2019, after hanging him- serves as an anchor point for a con- man last year at Joint Base San An- death of subject,” the report said. set aside last summer by the Air self in the shower. His death was finee to use to hang,” and metal tonio-Lackland’s jail, according to “This failure is not unique to this Force Court of Criminal Appeals the first of an airman in custody portions on several showers had an Air Force investigation. event or to (Lackland), and repre- because of his death. since the jail opened in 1999. broken away and could be used as The investigation’s report re- sents significant risk across the en- He was a high-risk prisoner who Lackland was an “aging, outdat- weapons. leased Monday found that correc- terprise.” required more observation and ed facility,” where 12 of 32 closed- The jail has been closed since tional officers in charge of the Brice was sentenced to eight control procedures. The report circuit television cameras at the Brice’s death and was set to reopen Lackland facility were not aware of years after being convicted of mul- said he was known to have abused jail were inoperative at the time of Tuesday, according to Joint Base Airman Robert Dean Brice’s drug tiple counts of sexual assault of a drugs while in prison at Goodfel- Brice’s death, the report said. San Antonio spokeswoman Lt. Ka- and mental health history, the San child, sexual abuse of a child, at- low AFB in San Angelo and was Showers also had a metal bar on telin Robinson. Friday, December 18, 2020 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 9 VIRUS OUTBREAK US jobless claims rise to 885,000 amid resurgence

Associated Press employment benefits fell to 5.5 WASHINGTON — The number million from 5.8 million. That fig- of Americans applying for unem- ure is down sharply from its peak ployment benefits rose again last of nearly 23 million in May. It week to 885,000, the highest week- means that some jobless Ameri- ly total since September, as a re- cans are finding jobs and no longer surgence of coronavirus cases receiving aid. But it also indicates threatens the economy’s recovery that many of the unemployed have from its springtime collapse. used up their state benefits, which The Labor Department said typically expire after six months. Thursday that the number of appli- With layoffs still elevated and cations increased from 862,000 the new confirmed viral cases in the previous week. It showed that nine United States now exceeding months after the virus paralyzed 200,000 a day on average, the econ- KOJI SASAHARA/AP the economy, many employers are omy’s modest recovery is increas- People wearing face masks to protect against the spread of the coronavirus walk under decorations for the still slashing jobs as the pandemic ingly in danger. States and cities new year through an alley leading to Asakusa Sensoji Buddhist temple in Tokyo on Wednesday. forces more business restrictions are issuing mask mandates, limit- and leads many consumers to stay ing the size of gatherings, restrict- home. The number of claims was ing restaurant dining, closing much higher than the 800,000 that gyms or reducing the hours and ca- Yokosuka commander warns of economists had expected. pacity of bars, stores and other Before the coronavirus erupted businesses. ‘hundreds’ quarantined at base in March, weekly jobless claims “U.S. weekly jobless claims con- had typically numbered only about tinue to head in the wrong direc- BY ERICA EARL The naval base on Tuesday said partment civilian employee and 225,000. The far-higher current tion,” Edward Moya, an analyst at AND JOSEPH DITZLER 11 new coronavirus cases had ap- one dependent who arrived on pace reflects an employment mar- the currency trading firm OAN- Stars and Stripes peared since Friday, many of commercial flights at Incheon In- ket under stress and diminished DA, wrote in a research note. “The TOKYO — Japan’s capital city them linked to forbidden activ- ternational Airport on Dec. 3 and job security for many. labor market outlook is bleak as reported a record-breaking 822 ities, such as trips to bars and res- Saturday. The total number of people who the winter wave of the virus is go- new coronavirus cases Thursday, taurant dining in Yokohama and Five tested positive on their first are receiving traditional state un- ing to lead to more shutdowns.” a 17% jump above a record set the Tokyo. coronavirus test; the others tested previous day, according to public Jarrett did not mention Thurs- positive on a second test while in broadcaster NHK and metro gov- day’s number, but the base report- quarantine, according to USFK. ernment data. ed 43 new patients on Tuesday. So South Korea counted 1,014 new South of central Tokyo, the com- far this month, it has reported 52 cases Wednesday, a second con- Close but not yet: Deal mander of Yokosuka Naval Base infections. secutive day above 1,000, accord- said the number of patients there Jarrett said he hoped to avoid a ing to its Disease Control and Pre- near on relief aid bill is greater now than ever before return to Health Protection Con- vention Agency. The rising cases during the pandemic. dition-Charlie, and tougher re- prompted USFK to order a return Associated Press less benefits and direct payments To forestall the virus’s further strictions on movement and activ- Saturday to Health Protection WASHINGTON — Congres- to individuals. Since then, Demo- spread, Capt. Rich Jarrett im- ity that would complicate the Condition-Charlie, indicating a sional negotiators are closing in on crats have repeatedly called for posed new restrictions: gather- base’s mission. substantial risk of the virus a $900 billion COVID-19 economic ambitious further federal steps to ings may not exceed five individu- Japan has reported 247 corona- spreading. Only mission-essential relief package that would deliver provide relief and battle the pan- als or two family groups, Yokoha- virus deaths since Sunday, sur- workers were expected to report additional help to businesses, $300- demic, while Republicans have ma is off-limits, the surrounding passing its previous record of 222 for duty. per-week jobless checks and $600 sought to more fully reopen the Kanagawa prefecture is now a deaths within one week, according Nearly 800 of the new cases stimulus payments to most Ameri- economy and to avoid padding the high-risk area subject to further to Johns Hopkins University. were reported from the Seoul met- cans. But there was no deal reac- government’s $27 trillion debt. restrictions and use of public The U.S. military in Japan an- ropolitan area, where health offi- hed quite yet. President-elect Joe Biden is ea- transportation should be kept to a nounced one new infection as of 6 cials are alarmed about a looming The long-delayed measure was ger for an aid package to prop up minimum. p.m. Thursday. shortage in hospital capacities, ac- coming together as Capitol Hill the economy and deliver direct aid A number of “index” infections Misawa Air Base reported that cording to The Associated Press. combatants finally fashioned diffi- to the jobless and hungry, even resulted when people from the one person, who recently arrived Prime Minister Chung Sye-ky- cult compromises, often at the ex- though the package falls short of base “willfully disobeyed health in Japan on a commercial flight, un, in a daily meeting in Seoul, pense of more ambitious Demo- what Democrats want. He called protection measures that we es- tested positive within a day of exit- said news reports indicate holiday cratic wishes for the legislation, to the emerging version “an impor- tablished to protect our communi- ing the mandatory two-week bookings at hotels and party complete the second major relief tant down payment” and promised ty,” Jarrett said in a video mess- quarantine, according to a Face- rooms had increased dramatical- package of the coronavirus pan- more help next year. age Thursday on Facebook. book post. The individual was ly. demic. Republicans, too, are anxious to “These individuals then quarantined again, along with two “The government pleads with A hoped-for announcement approve some aid before going brought illness to their place of close contacts. the people, one more time, to can- Wednesday failed to materialize as home for the year. work and to their shipmates they cel all the variety of meetings or lawmakers across the spectrum “We’re still close and we’re gon- work with,” he said. S. Korea cases top 1,000 gatherings for the safety of their hammered out details of the spraw- na get there,” Senate Majority Consequently, hundreds of ser- U.S. Forces Korea reported sev- loving family members, friends ling legislation and top negotiators Leader Mitch McConnell of Ken- vice members and their families en new infections, all of them new and colleagues at the end of this continued to trade offers. But law- tucky told reporters Wednesday will spend the holidays in quaran- arrivals to the peninsula between year and avoid contacting with makers briefed on the outlines of evening as he left the Capitol. And tine, Jarrett said. “This outcome is Nov. 30 and Monday. others,” he said. the aid bill freely shared them. during a Senate GOP lunchtime unacceptable, and it was almost The command said four of those It’s the first significant legisla- call a day earlier, party leaders entirely preventable.” patients are service members who Stars and Stripes reporter Yoo Kyong Chang tive response to the pandemic since stressed the importance of reac- This was an “extremely disap- arrived at Osan Air Base via the contributed to this report. [email protected] the landmark CARES Act in hing an agreement before the up- pointing lack of discipline,” Com- Patriot Express on Nov. 30, Sun- Twitter: @ThisEarlGirl March, which delivered $1.8 tril- coming Georgia Senate runoff mand Master Chief Derek Mul- day and Monday. The others are a [email protected] lion in aid and more generous job- election. lenhour said in the same video. service member, a Defense De- Twitter: @JosephDitzler PAGE 10 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, December 18, 2020 VIRUS OUTBREAK ROUNDUP Calif. sets records for cases, deaths as pandemic worsens Associated Press coronavirus pandemic, all of LOS ANGELES — Two people which have been challenged by are dying of COVID-19 every hour conservatives. in California’s most populous The case before the court county as the state set daily re- Thursday centers on statewide ca- cords for newly reported cases pacity limits ordered in October and deaths, and hospitals struggle by Evers’ Department of Health to keep up with the surge of coro- Services secretary, Andrea Palm. navirus patients. The order expired on Nov. 6, but Most California residents are the legal question of whether it under a stay-at-home order be- was legally issued persists and the cause of dwindling intensive care resolution will affect future public BRIAN VAN DER BRUG, LOS ANGELES TIMES/AP unit capacity where they live. Los health orders. University of California, Los Angeles emergency­room physician Dr. Medell Briggs­Malonson closes her Angeles County, home to 10 mil- Palm wants to issue a new order eyes as she gets prepped for inoculation of the COVID­19 vaccine from nurse Eunice Lee at Ronald lion people, has 2,500 ICU beds limiting indoor capacity, which Reagan UCLA Medical Center on Wednesday in Westwood. but could easily need far more would remain in effect for 28 days, within a month, said Dr. Christina but she doesn’t feel she legally can Wohlfiel said it applies to “San Missouri received about 51,000 faulty members from the Univer- Ghaly, the county’s health servic- do so until the court rules in the Diego County businesses with res- doses of the Pfizer vaccine this sity of Alabama at Birmingham es director. case, attorneys for the state De- taurant services,” including the week, and vaccinations of fron- nursing school to help care for pa- Southern California and the partment of Justice said in legal strip clubs, and that it exempts tline health care workers began tients sickened by the coronavirus Central Valley — regions that to- filings. Palm said Wednesday that them from shutdowns and “any Monday. The state initially said it pandemic, officials said Wednes- gether include 23 counties — had the ability for her to issue health related orders” that bar live adult would get another 63,675 doses of day. exhausted their regular supply of emergency orders pertaining to entertainment and go beyond pro- the Pfizer vaccine next week, as The hospital, which has already intensive care beds, and many COVID-19, a measles outbreak or tocols “that are no greater than es- well as 105,300 doses of the Mod- enlisted retired nurses to assist medical centers were tapping into whatever else may happen, is “re- sential” to controlling the spread erna vaccine if that version re- with care, will use faculty mem- their “surge” capacity. ally critical to our work.” of COVID-19. ceives federal clearance. bers and graduate students, all li- California is averaging more The judge noted that Pacers In- Missouri Department of Health censed registered nurses, to fill than 35,000 newly reported coro- Texas ternational Showgirls and Chee- and Senior Services Director Dr. out patient care teams. Under- navirus cases a day. Health offi- DALLAS — Coronavirus cases tahs Gentlemen’s Club operated Randall Williams said it now ap- graduate students will serve as cials estimate 12% of them — 4,200 and hospitalizations in Texas rose for five weeks during the pandem- pears that Missouri’s next batch of technicians and assist with vac- — end up in hospitals. Records again Wednesday with numbers ic under their own safety mea- the Pfizer vaccine will be 25% to cine distribution, the hospital said were set Wednesday, with 53,711 that signaled a dark holiday sea- sures, which included keeping 30% less than originally expected. in a statement. new cases and 293 deaths state- son on the way despite early vacci- strippers 15 feet from tables, al- He said the variance was “not un- Almost 50 of the new workers wide. nations providing some comfort lowing no more than one stripper anticipated” given the vast rollout are faculty members, while more that an end of the pandemic is in per stage and requiring them and nationwide, but he’s still trying to than 70 are nursing students. The Hawaii sight. other employees to wear masks. determine from federal officials program is meant to assist nurses, HONOLULU — Hawaii’s gov- Texas reported 9,528 people what changed. not replace them, the hospital ernor on Wednesday reduced the hospitalized with COVID-19 and Washington said. state’s quarantine period for ar- 252 more fatalities from the dis- SEATTLE — Washington Gov. Louisiana riving travelers to 10 days from 14 ease caused by the virus Wednes- Jay Inslee is loosening school reo- NEW ORLEANS — New Or- Illinois days based on updated recom- day. Intensive care units in some pening guidelines amid a resurg- leans bars won’t have to send pa- CHICAGO — Roughly 37% of mendations from public health of- regions were at or near full capac- ing coronavirus pandemic and trons onto the street because city eligible Chicago Public Schools ficials. The new rule takes effect ity, according to the Texas De- pleading with reluctant teachers residents have heeded warnings students plan to return to in-per- Thursday. partment of State Health Services. to return to the classroom, partic- that the city might have to tighten son classes when the nation’s Travelers to every part of the The department also reported ularly those tasked with educating coronavirus restrictions, city offi- third-largest school district be- state except for Kauai County may 14,805 newly confirmed cases of the youngest and neediest stu- cials said Wednesday. gins reopening next month, offi- still avoid quarantine, however, if the virus and 3,202 more probable dents. Numbers remain higher than cials said Wednesday. they get a negative result on a CO- cases. The governor acknowledged they were six weeks ago and are CPS announced last month that VID-19 test taken 72 hours prior to Over the last week, more than he’d have to win some teachers still higher than officials would the district would resume in-per- their departure. They must have one in five coronavirus tests in over and said he would consider like them to be, but don’t “cross son learning in phases in early the negative result before begin- Texas have come back positive, their safety concerns and risk fac- the threshold that would close our 2021 because remote learning ning the final leg of their trip. according to data from Johns tors as the state rolls out its CO- bars to indoor seating,” said Dr. wasn’t serving many students in Hawaii Gov. David Ige’s office Hopkins University. VID-19 vaccine program, but he Jennifer Avegno, head of the city the largely Black and Latino dis- said in a statement that he stopped short of committing to health department. trict where most students are low changed the rule based on recom- California have teachers jump ahead in the “In no way are we out of the income. CPS began remote learn- mendations issued by the Centers SAN DIEGO — Two San Diego line. woods at all,” Mayor LaToya Can- ing in March due to COVID-19. for Disease Control and Preven- strip clubs can remain open and Inslee, a Democrat, unveiled trell said during a livestreamed CPS data, however, show that a tion and the state Department of make their own determinations the state’s latest reopening stan- news conference with Avegno. disproportionate number of stu- Health. about providing a safe environ- dards on Wednesday, which urge However, she said, the percentage dents expected to return are ment for dancers and patrons dur- schools to begin phasing in in-per- of positive tests — which had hit white. About 23% are white, 30% Wisconsin ing the pandemic, a judge ruled son learning no matter what the 5.2% — has fallen back below 5%. are Black, nearly 39% are Latino MADISON — The latest court Wednesday, dealing a setback to community COVID-19 infection Under Gov. John Bel Edwards’ and about 4% are Asian. Overall challenge to a move made by Gov. Gov. Gavin Newsom’s health or- rates are, and to resist reverting statewide order, bars can have in- student enrollment in the district Tony Evers to slow the spread of der that calls for such establish- back to remote learning should door seating only in parishes is nearly 11% white, about 36% the coronavirus in Wisconsin ments to be shuttered. transmissions further increase. where the percentage of positive Black, nearly 47% Latino and comes before the state Supreme The scope of San Diego Superi- tests is below 5%. Over the past about 4% Asian, according to the Court on Thursday, this time re- or Court Judge Joel Wohlfeil’s Missouri week, Cantrell said, the figure was Chicago Sun-Times. lated to an order limiting how preliminary injunction appeared O’FALLON — Missouri Gov. 4.7%. Schools CEO Janice Jackson many people can gather in bars to extend far beyond the two clubs Mike Parson on Wednesday laud- said about 77,000 of the roughly and restaurants. that sued the state to potentially all ed the rollout of Pfizer’s coronavi- Alabama 208,000 eligible students in pre- The on-again, off-again order of the thousands of restaurants in rus vaccine, but it appears the sec- BIRMINGHAM — Short of kindergarten through 8th grade that expired in November is one of San Diego County, the state’s sec- ond-week supply will be thou- staff as COVID-19 cases increase and in special education planned a series that the Democratic gov- ond-largest county after Los An- sands of doses smaller than antici- rapidly, UAB Hospital is bringing to return. A date for high school ernor has issued in reaction to the geles. pated. in more than 120 students and students hasn’t been set. Friday, December 18, 2020 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 11 NATION Record-breaking snowfall blankets Northeast

Associated Press The first major snowstorm of the season left the Northeast blanketed in snow, setting re- cords in some areas. “Williamsport Regional Air- port made history,” the National Weather Service in State College said, reporting 24.7 inches of snow. Forecasters said that was the most snow in that location from a single storm on record, breaking the previous record of 24.1 inches set there in January 1964. Much of Pennsylvania’s west- ern and central regions saw accu- mulations in the double digits. Boston already broke the re- cord for snowfall on Dec. 17, re- cording 9.1 inches falling since midnight on Wednesday, a mete- orologist at the National Weather Service in Norton, Mass., said. “That is the new record right now, and it will probably be more before it’s done,” Bryce Williams said. The previous record for snow JOSE F. MORENO, THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER /AP fall on Dec. 17 was recorded in 2013 when 6.4 inches fell in Bos- Two women wait for the bus as ton. snow falls in Center City, Philadelphia, on Wednesday. High elevations in the Berk- TODD BERKEY, THE TRIBUNE­DEMOCRAT/AP shires saw the most snow, more A crew from BZ Pools in Johnstown, Pa., work on shoveling the sidewalks for several of their Johnstown than a foot, in Massachusetts. It took Fred Cullin, 23, more clients at the start of winter storm Gail on Wednesday. The heaviest snowfall from a major storm in the Moderate to heavy snowfall was than an hour and a half to dig his Northeast was expected in central Pennsylvania, the National Weather Service said. forecast through Thursday after- way out of his steep, lakeside dri- noon, with another 3 to 4 inches veway in Ithaca, N.Y., that was were reported in multiple states, corded for all of last winter in state again shut down indoor din- accumulating before slowly ta- packed with nearly 3 feet of snow causing dozens of crashes in New New York City, where 6.5 inches ing in the city, the storm pering off. piled up by plows. Hampshire, Connecticut and of snow covered Central Park — “couldn’t have come at a worse Nearly 40 inches of snow was “It was pretty crazy,” Cullin eastern New York. much less than the initial predic- time,” said Andrew Rigie, the ex- dumped on Binghamton, N.Y., as said. “Shoveling uphill, on ice, The storm came at a critical tions of up to 12 inches. There ecutive director of the NYC Hos- of Thursday morning, with wide- was definitely interesting.” time of the coronavirus pandem- was just 4.8 inches of snow tallied pitality Alliance, an industry spread reports of snowfall over 3 He then drove to work at a ic, though officials said they in New York City last year. group. feet in Broome County. brewery about 45 minutes north, didn’t expect the winter blast to The storm spurred a shutdown “It poses tremendous financial A National Weather Service noting: “The roads are pretty disrupt vaccine distribution. CO- of outdoor dining spaces in New challenges to many restaurants, spokesperson said the storm sets darn brutal. I’m driving in an ar- VID-19 vaccines started being York City that have been set up plus all the stress of securing out- a new two-day snowfall record. ea I usually do about 60 mph in given to frontline health care in roadways during the pandemic door dining setups for the weath- The previous record was record- and I’m cruising at about 40 just workers earlier this week. and equipped with heaters and er while hoping what they invest- ed March 2017 with 35.3 inches to be safe.” The overnight snowfall other features for winter. ed their money in doesn’t get de- falling. Hazardous road conditions eclipsed the entire amount re- Coming just days after the stroyed in the snowstorm.” Congress passes sweeping end-of-year veterans bill BY NIKKI WENTLING last week, the House passed the quire the department to create an provider examining them. Stars and Stripes bill Wednesday afternoon by “There is anti-harassment and anti-sexual In addition to women, the pack- WASHINGTON — Congress voice vote without any objections. assault policy and designate age contains dozens of measures approved a bill Wednesday that It now heads to President Donald something in this someone at each VA facility to re- to aid student veterans, including increases resources for homeless Trump’s desk for his signature. bill for just about ceive reports of harassment. A more protections against for-prof- veterans, creates a Department of “This is the culmination of two working group will be created to it colleges and a restoration of Veterans Affairs advisory com- years of bipartisan work,” Rep. every one of our help implement the policy. education benefits to students mittee for Native American veter- Phil Roe, R-Tenn., said on the The bill also aims to help veter- whose colleges closed or were dis- ans and mandates that every VA House floor Wednesday. “There is nation’s veterans ans suffering from military sexual approved by the VA. The bill also hospital hire a dedicated women’s something in this bill for just about trauma. In 2018, the VA Office of works to ensure veterans’ educa- health provider, among dozens of every one of our nation’s veterans and their loved Inspector General reported that tion benefits aren’t negatively af- other measures. and their loved ones.” the department wrongfully de- fected by fallout from the corona- The legislative package, which In an effort to improve services ones.” nied benefits to thousands of vet- virus pandemic. lawmakers described as an end- for female veterans, the bill cre- Rep. Phil Roe, R-Tenn. erans who filed claims for military The package also made strides of-year omnibus bill for veterans, ates a dedicated Office of Wom- sexual trauma — rejection that po- for Native American veterans by is over 340 pages long and in- en’s Health at VA, provides $20 almost tripling since 2000, from tentially caused stress and psy- prohibiting the VA from charging cludes numerous provisions for million to retrofit VA hospitals 160,000 to 475,000, according to chological harm, the IG said. them copayments and by creating female veterans, Native American with women’s health spaces and VA data. Veterans’ advocates The legislative package would an advisory committee that will veterans, homeless veterans, stu- makes permanent a program to have criticized the department for require teams who specialize in advise the VA secretary about the dent veterans, veterans experi- provide child care at VA facilities, being slow to adapt to treating military sexual trauma to process unique challenges facing tribal encing the effects of toxic expo- among other measures. more women. those benefits claims. It would al- veterans. sures and those affected by the Women are the fastest-growing One piece of the bill aims to pre- so allow veterans who must be ex- coronavirus. demographic in the military, with vent sexual harassment and as- amined during the claims process [email protected] Following the Senate’s approval the number using VA health care sault at VA facilities. It would re- to choose the sex of the medical Twitter: @nikkiwentling PAGE 12 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, December 18, 2020 NATION Governor: Biden picks show climate goals Admit it, Groups laud choice Biden won of Buttigieg to Associated Press BATON ROUGE, La. — Gov. lead transportation John Bel Edwards said Wednes- day “it’s well past time” for people Associated Press to accept President-elect Joe Bi- WASHINGTON — Joe Biden is den’s victory, even as most Re- picking deal-makers and fighters publican members of Louisiana’s to lead a climate team he’ll ask to congressional delegation refuse to remake and clean up the nation’s acknowledge the impending transportation and power-plant change at the White House. systems, and as fast as politically Louisiana’s Democratic gover- possible. nor said Republican Attorney While the president-elect’s General Jeff Landry’s support of a picks have the experience to do Texas lawsuit seeking to overturn the heavy lifting required in a cli- Biden’s election win and throw mate overhaul of the U.S. econo- out millions of votes was “unfortu- my, they also seem to be reassur- nate.” The U.S. Supreme Court ing skeptics that he won’t neglect rejected the lawsuit last week. the low-income, working class “I’m a lawyer. I know our and minority communities hit courts exist to resolve disputes, hardest by fossil fuel pollution but the dispute needs to be real,” and climate change. Edwards said on his monthly ra- Progressives, energy lobbyists, KEVIN LAMARQUE / AP dio call-in show, in his first de- environmental groups and auto Former South Bend, Ind., Mayor Pete Buttigieg, President­elect Joe Biden's nominee to be transportation tailed comments about the elec- workers on Wednesday wel- secretary, speaks during an event Wednesday with Biden at The Queen theater in Wilmington, Del. tion’s outcome. comed Biden’s choice of popular “If there were real evidence of former South Bend, Ind., Mayor American to stacles from Re- head under President Barack the kind of voter fraud that has Pete Buttigieg as transportation serve as a Cabi- publicans in Obama pushed for landmark been alleged on a scale to make a secretary. His expected picks of net secretary. Congress and rules to cut planet-warming pollu- difference in the outcome ... you former Michigan Gov. Jennifer Biden has battles over tion. In her new position, which would think that in all the weeks Granholm for energy secretary pledged to which priorities does not require Senate confirma- since Nov. 3 that they would have and former Environmental Pro- make slowing to implement tion, McCarthy will oversee a been able to produce some evi- tection Agency chief Gina McCar- the impacts of first. broad interagency effort to ad- dence of that,” he said. “Really, thy as leader of domestic climate climate change “She’s a good dress climate change across the they haven’t produced any.” Granholm McCarthy efforts also were met with general a top priority lady,” said re- federal government. Edwards, who has avoided crit- applause. and has laid out an ambitious plan tired United Auto Workers local McCarthy would be the domes- icizing President Donald Trump, Along with the yet-to-be-named to reduce U.S. greenhouse emis- president Pat Sweeney, who re- tic counterpart to former Secreta- noted that multiple state and fed- heads of EPA and the Interior De- sions to net-zero by 2050. The plan members Granholm for helping ry of State John Kerry, who will eral courts around the country partment, Buttigieg, Granholm includes an immediate return to to broker the Detroit auto bailout serve as a special climate envoy. have dismissed lawsuits trying to and McCarthy will be part of an the global 2015 Paris Agreement during the 2008-09 financial cri- McCarthy will be “an equal reverse Trump’s loss to Biden. effort to rapidly build and develop on climate and a pledge to stop all sis. “She’ll do a good job.” match to Kerry’s presence on the Still, while Edwards said indi- technology to retool the United climate-damaging emissions Sweeney recalled Granholm international side,’’ said energy viduals should accept the elec- States’ transportation and power from U.S. power plants by 2035. personally telephoning him and lobbyist Frank Maisano. tion’s outcome, only one of the grid systems from petroleum and Among those on his climate other local union officials — more “You have two high-profile, se- seven Republican members of coal to a greater reliance on clean- team, Granholm as Michigan’s than once — to push for conces- rious people leading climate ef- Louisiana’s congressional delega- er forms of energy. governor helped nudge auto sions needed to close the multibil- forts.” tion acknowledged Biden’s victo- Democratic Rep. Deb Haaland, workers toward accepting a lion-dollar federal bailout to keep A spokesman for the Sunrise ry. of New Mexico, is considered the switch to production of more elec- U.S. auto plants open. Movement, which has pushed for U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy tweeted frontrunner for Interior — and tric vehicles. That will be one of “She told us she was counting the Green New Deal and other Nov. 23: “President Trump’s legal won a key endorsement Wednes- several big-ticket clean-energy on us not to let her down, after she progressive policies, called team has not presented evidence day from House Speaker Nancy efforts she and others in the ad- put her neck on the line for us,” McCarthy’s selection “very en- of the massive fraud which would Pelosi — but Biden has not an- ministration will be pushing un- Sweeney said. couraging,” because “she under- have had to be present to overturn nounced his choice. If selected, der Biden’s promised $2 trillion Also helping drive Biden’s plan stands the urgent threat of the cli- the election. I voted for President Haaland would be the first Native climate plan, which will face ob- will be McCarthy, who as EPA mate crisis.” Trump but Joe Biden won.” Even Biden’s decisive victory in Monday’s Electoral College vote hasn’t prompted acknowl- Planners: Stay home, watch inauguration on TV edgment from Louisiana’s GOP congressional members. A spo- Associated Press Instead of the usual 200,000 ence that resembles a State of the Minnesota Democrat and mem- kesperson for U.S. Sen. John Ken- WASHINGTON — Stay away. tickets distributed to members of Union.” ber of the committee, said in the nedy said Wednesday the senator That’s the message from the Congress and passed out to their In a way, it’s a fitting culmina- statement. “While the pandemic “is continuing to watch the legal congressional committee organiz- constituents, organizers will allow tion for a historic presidential has forced us to limit in-person at- and constitutional processes.” ing inauguration ceremonies for just over 1,000 tickets — one for campaign that was conducted al- tendance, it also brings opportuni- U.S. Rep. Clay Higgins issued a President-elect Joe Biden and each of the 535 members of Con- most entirely under pandemic ties to honor our democracy in in- statement disputing Biden’s legit- Vice President-elect Kamala Har- gress and one guest each. conditions. Biden’s own inaugural novative ways so that Americans imacy as president-elect. ris. Despite this week’s rollout of committee, which works with the across the country can experience “Joe Biden may indeed be inau- A day after Biden’s own orga- the new vaccine, its availability to congressional committee, had al- Inauguration Day from home.” gurated on January 20th, 2021. In nizing committee announced that the general public is still months ready asked supporters to stay Biden’s team has turned to the my studied opinion, it would be an the swearing-in would take place away. away from Washington and plan same production team that han- unjust inauguration, the product on Jan. 20 outside the Capitol Committee Chairman Sen. Roy safe inaugural celebrations at dled the largely virtual Democrat- of a compromised presidential Building, the Joint Congressional Blunt, R-Mo., said in a statement home. ic National Convention. election,” Higgins said. Committee on Inaugural Ceremo- that concerns about spiraling vi- “We know that many Ameri- Blunt said planners were devel- “A democracy is best served nies announced that permitted at- rus numbers around the country cans would have wanted to attend oping “enhanced opportunities to when the loser acknowledges de- tendance at the event will be dras- “warranted a difficult decision to the Inauguration in-person. At the watch the ceremonies online, in feat, gracefully exits and works to tically reduced due to COVID-19 limit attendance at the 59th Inau- same time, safety must be our top addition to the traditional tele- make sure there’s a smooth tran- precautions. gural Ceremonies to a live audi- priority,” Sen. Amy Klobuchar, a vised national broadcast.” sition,” Edwards said. Friday, December 18, 2020 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 13 WORLD French president self-isolates after positive virus test

BY SYLVIE CORBET Associated Press PARIS — French President Emmanuel Macron tested posi- tive for COVID-19 on Thursday, following a week when he has met with numerous European leaders. The French and Spanish prime ministers are among those self- isolating because they had recent contact with him. SUNDAY ALAMBA/AP Macron took a test “as soon as Belongings of missing Government Science Secondary School students are seen at their hostel in Kanka­ the first symptoms appeared” and THIBAULT CAMUS/AP ra, Nigeria, on Tuesday. will self-isolate for seven days, the France's President Emmanuel presidency said in a brief state- Macron delivers a speech during ment. It did not detail what symp- a Citizens’ Convention on Climate toms Macron experienced or any in Paris on Monday. Nigerians anxious after 330 treatment he might be receiving. The 42-year-old president “will ipant or staff present during the continue to work and take care of summit who tested positive,” said boys kidnapped by extremists his activities at a distance,” the an EU official, who was not al- statement added. His wife, Bri- lowed to be identified publicly. Associated Press spokesman Garba Shehu said in a cize the government for the contin- gitte, 67, will also self-isolate but Macron had lunch on Wednes- KANKARA, Nigeria — Anger, statement. He did not, however, uing extremist violence. has no symptoms and tested nega- day with the prime minister of fear and exhaustion. Anxiety has identify the attackers who the gov- “Nobody is happy about the in- tive on Tuesday ahead of a visit to Portugal. There was no immedi- overwhelmed many parents in Ni- ernment earlier described as ban- security in the country. Even kids a Paris hospital, her office said. ate comment from Portuguese of- geria’s northern village of Kanka- dits. are afraid of being in present Nige- Macron attended a European ficials. ra who are awaiting word on their Parents are tired of waiting for ria because of insecurity,” said 58- Union summit at the end of last The Spanish government, how- sons who are among the more than the situation in the north, home to year-old Syvester Anachike, who week, where he notably had a bi- ever, announced that Prime Min- 330 kidnapped by extremists from President Muhammadu Buhari, to sells newspapers in Abuja. “Just lateral meeting with German ister Pedro Sánchez, who met Ma- a government boys’ school late improve. imagine, the children been ab- Chancellor Angela Merkel. It was cron in Paris on Monday, will Friday. “There’s no way I can measure ducted in the president’s state! It is not immediately clear what con- place himself in quarantine until Nigeria’s Boko Haram jihadi re- my anger now,” said Marwa Ham- unfair. It’s not good.” tact tracing efforts were in pro- Dec. 24. Sánchez informed bels have claimed responsibility za Kankara, camping outside the Friday’s abduction has become gress. Spain´s King Felipe VI of the deci- for the abduction of the students school Tuesday night for word of a rallying cry for Nigerians fed up EU leaders met in person on sion and canceled a Thursday ap- from the Government Science her son. “No woman wants to be with the ongoing extremist vio- Dec 10-11, for the first time since pearance at Spain´s National Li- Secondary School in Kankara. outside at this hour, but we cannot lence. #BringBackOurBoys is October. The media has been kept brary. Hundreds of other students escap- sleep, we cannot eat, because of trending on Twitter as people ex- away from the summit venue in Macron also held the govern- ed by jumping the fence during the our missing children.” press their frustrations and hark Brussels, but television images ment’s weekly Cabinet meeting attack or by fleeing as they were Hamza said that all those mis- back to 2014 when the #Bring- showed the leaders wearing Wednesday. French Prime Minis- taken into the nearby forest. sing belong to Nigeria. BackOurGirls campaign became masks, generally keeping good ter Jean Castex’s office said he Boko Haram kidnapped the “I am not only crying for my an international rallying cry for distancing — preferring elbow will also self-isolate for seven boys from the school because it be- child, but I am crying for all the girls kidnapped from a govern- bumps to the usual handshakes, days. A day earlier, Macron had lieves Western education is un-Is- children,” she said. ment boarding school in Chibok, in kisses and hugs — and occasional- lunch with the heads of political lamic, the rebels’ leader Abubakar When armed patrols go by, par- northeastern Nigeria. ly using hand gel dispensers in the groups at the National Assembly, Shekau said in a video claiming re- ents outside the school momentar- A joint rescue operation was room. France’s lower house of parlia- sponsibility for the attack, accord- ily gain hope that they may have launched Saturday by Nigeria’s “During the European Council ment. ing to SITE Intelligence Group. found their sons. police, air force and army after the of Thursday 10 and Friday 11 De- The French presidency con- The Nigerian government is in Across Nigeria, people are military engaged in gunfights with cember, all sanitary measures firmed that Macron’s trip to Leba- talks with the attackers in an effort closely following the fate of the bandits after locating their hideout were observed and we have not non scheduled for next week is be- to free the boys, government kidnapped boys, and many criti- in the Zango/Paula forest. been informed of any other partic- ing canceled. Turkey won't step back on S-400s despite US sanctions Associated Press sanctions earlier this week over and credits to the agency. sanctions as “wrong both legally U.S. support for Syrian Kurdish ANKARA, Turkey — Turkey Turkey’s procurement of Russia’s It is the first time that CAATSA and politically,” arguing that Tur- fighters considered to be terror- won’t step back from its decision advanced S-400 system, under a has been used to penalize a U.S. al- key’s purchase of the Russian sys- ists by Turkey and the continued to deploy Russian air defense sys- U.S. law known as CAATSA, ly. tem in 2017 predated the CAATSA U.S. residence of a Muslim cleric tems despite U.S. sanctions im- aimed at pushing back on Russian “If we were to step back, we law. accused of masterminding the posed on the country over the pur- influence. The sanctions target would have done so before now,” Cavusoglu said that an improve- 2016 coup attempt in Turkey. chase, Turkish Foreign Minister Turkey’s Presidency of Defense Cavusoglu said in response to a ment of relations between Turkey The U.S. had previously kicked Mevlut Cavusoglu said Thursday. Industries, the head of the presi- question on whether Turkey and the U.S. would be conditional Turkey out of its F-35 stealth jet In an interview with Turkey’s dency and three other senior offi- would cancel the S-400 deal with on President-elect Joe Biden’s program, saying their use along- 24 TV television, Cavusoglu also cials. Russia. ability to address Ankara’s griev- side the Russian technology said Turkey was mulling steps it The penalties block any assets Cavusoglu added: “Now we are ances. would jeopardize the safety of the would take to reciprocate against the four officials may have in U.S. assessing the impact of these Ties between the two have been fighter jets. Washington also said the U.S. sanctions, but did not say jurisdictions and bar their entry sanctions in great detail ... and will plagued by numerous disputes, in- the Russian system would not be what the steps could entail. into the U.S. They also include a take steps accordingly.” cluding the jailing of American ci- interoperable with NATO sys- The United States announced ban on most export licenses, loans The minister also described the tizens and local consular staff, tems. PAGE 14 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, December 18, 2020 WORLD Self-immolation China’s moon probe returns persists as grim form Associated Press BEIJING — A Chinese lunar of protest in Tunisia capsule returned to Earth Thurs- day with the first fresh samples Associated Press what I was doing. Then I saw a of rock and debris from the moon KASSERINE, Tunisia — In his flash, I felt my skin start to burn in more than 40 years. old life, Hosni Kalaia remembers and I fell down. I woke up eight The capsule of the Chang’e 5 strolling the streets of his home- months later in hospital.” probe landed in the Siziwang dis- town of Kasserine in central Tu- He says it hasn’t gotten any eas- trict of the Inner Mongolia re- nisia with confidence. He flashed ier seeing the shock on people’s gion, state media reported short- his heavy gold bracelets and rings, faces when he removes his hat and ly after 2:00 a.m. and puffed out his chest, broad sunglasses. Rivulets of scars fray The capsule earlier separated and sculptured from regular and splinter across his face and from its orbiter module and per- workouts. misshapen ears, and there are liv- formed a bounce off the Earth’s Today, Kalaia hides his face id, deep welts on his arms and atmosphere to reduce its speed from the world behind dark sun- stomach. before passing through and float- JIN LIWANG/AP glasses and beneath a woolen hat. His younger brother set himself ing to the ground on parachutes. A display screen in Beijing shows the landed Chang'e­5 spacecraft. On his left hand, three blackened, ablaze too, killing himself, and his Two of the Chang’e 5’s four gnarled fingers protrude from one mother tried to do the same, their modules set down on the moon on permanent orbiting space sta- viet Union’s Luna 24 robot probe glove; on his right, he has none at family a graphic reminder of the Dec. 1 and collected about 4.4 tion. in 1976. all. chaos and economic turmoil in pounds of samples by scooping Recovery crews had prepared The newly collected rocks are He lost them in the few seconds this North African nation. them from the surface and by helicopters and off-road vehicles thought to be billions of years it took to disfigure his life forever, Most everywhere in the Arab drilling about 6 feet into the to home-in on signals emitted by younger than those obtained ear- when — angry and distraught world, the demonstrators’ dreams moon’s crust. the lunar spacecraft and locate it lier by the U.S. and former Soviet about the abuse and injustice he’d have been shattered. Tunisia is of- The samples were deposited in in the darkness shrouding the Union, offering new insights into suffered at the hands of a local po- ten considered a success story and a sealed container that was car- vast snow-covered region in Chi- the history of the moon and other lice chief — Kalaia doused him- a Tunisian democracy group won ried back to the return module by na’s far north, long used as a bodies in the solar system. They self in gasoline and set himself on the 2015 Nobel Peace Prize, but an ascent vehicle. landing site for China’s Shenzhou come from a part of the moon fire. while it has more civil liberties, The successful mission was the crewed spaceships. known as the Oceanus Procella- He’s among hundreds of Tuni- free expression and political plu- latest breakthrough for China’s The spacecraft’s return rum, or Ocean of Storms, near a sians who have turned to the des- rality, the country is plagued by an increasingly ambitious space marked the first time scientists site called the Mons Rumker that perate act of self-immolation in ever-worsening economic crisis. program that includes a robotic have obtained fresh samples of was believed to have been vol- the past 10 years, following the ex- Lack of socio-economic re- mission to Mars and plans for a lunar rocks since the former So- canic in ancient times. ample of Mohammed Bouazizi, a forms, the devaluation of the Tu- 26-year-old fruit seller in the town nisian dinar and weak, inefficient of Sidi Bouzid who set himself governance have failed to alle- ablaze on Dec. 17, 2010, to protest viate poverty or fully revive in- police harassment. vestment. Amid the COVID-19 Bouazizi’s gruesome death un- pandemic, unemployment has ris- wittingly unleashed mass demon- en to 18%. Attempts to migrate to strations against poverty and re- Europe by sea have soared. pression, leading to the downfall “There is a huge gap between of Tunisia’s dictator of 23 years. people’s aspirations and their That in turn sparked the Arab means. It is this gap that pushes Spring uprisings and a decade of people further into misery,” said crackdowns and civil wars across Abdessater Sahbani, a sociologist the region. at the University of Tunis. “You “I would never describe the act can have a good job and be well- of self-immolation as an act of educated, but it doesn’t give you courage because even the bravest anything substantial.” person in the world couldn’t do it,” The number of self-immola- Kalaia, 49, told The Associated tions has tripled since 2011, and Press in his family home. “When I “the rise has persisted right into poured the petrol over my head, I 2020,” said Dr. Mehdi Ben Khelil didn’t think very much, because I of Tunis’ Charles Nicolle Hospital, wasn’t really conscious about who studies the phenomenon.

EU prolongs Russia sanctions

Associated Press ments are not fully implemented BRUSSELS — The European by Russia, EU leaders unani- Union on Thursday formally pro- mously took the political decision longed for six months economic to roll-over the economic sanc- sanctions against Russia over the tions against Russia” at a summit country’s failure to live up to com- last week, the EU Council said in a mitments to the peace agreement statement formalizing the deci- in Ukraine. sion. The sanctions have been ex- The measures target Russia’s fi- tended until July 31. nancial, energy and defense sec- The move limits Russian bank tors, as well as goods that can be and company access to EU capital used for both civilian and military markets, and outlaws financial as- purposes. They are part of a raft of sistance or brokering for Russian sanctions the EU slapped on Rus- financial institutions. It halts all sia in 2014 after it annexed Uk- imports, exports or transfers of raine’s Crimean Peninsula, and defense equipment, and limits are tied to respect of the 2015 Russia’s access to some “sensi- Minsk peace deal. tive” technology used in oil pro- “Given that the Minsk agree- duction. Friday, December 18, 2020 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 15 Turkey, Iraq to cooperate against extremist groups

Associated Press ANKARA, Turkey — Turkey “Our region will and Iraq have agreed to continue their cooperation in fighting ex- not find peace tremist organizations, including the Islamic State group and Kur- until terrorism is dish rebels, Turkish President Re- cep Tayyip Erdogan said Thurs- quashed.” day. Recep Erdogan Speaking to reporters following Turkish president meetings with visiting Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi, Er- ence to a network led by U.S.- dogan also said he hoped that an based Turkish cleric Fethullah Iraqi-Turkish oil pipeline that was Gulen, who Turkey blames for a damaged by the ISIS during the failed coup in 2016. conflict against the militant group Gulen denies involvement in would soon be repaired and would the attempt. resume oil transfers to world mar- “There is no place for separatist kets. terrorism in Turkey, Iraq or Sy- Turkey has carried out numer- ria,” Erdogan said. “Our region ous ground and aerial cross-bor- will not find peace until terrorism der offensives into neighboring is quashed.” northern Iraq to attack militants Speaking through an interpret- of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party, er, al-Kadhimi told reporters that or PKK, who maintain bases in the it was “not possible for Iraq to region. show tolerance toward any The latest offensive in June, (group) that threatens Turkey.” dubbed Operation Claw Tiger, The two countries also agreed to saw Turkish commandos being continue working on a Turkish- airlifted into Iraqi territory. proposed action plan geared to- The PKK, which has been fight- ward the “effective use” of the wa- ing the Turkish state since 1984, is ters of the Tigris River, following considered to be a terror organiza- Turkey’s construction of Ilisu tion by Turkey, the United States Dam in southeast Turkey, the and the European Union. Turkish leader told journalists. “We have agreed to continue “As Turkey, we stress that wa- our struggle against our common ter shouldn’t be assessed as a fac- enemies IS, PKK and FETO,” Er- tor for disagreement, but a field dogan said — the latter a refer- for cooperation,” Erdogan said. Swiss say Uber Eats counts as postal service provider Associated Press and by doing so will become sub- GENEVA — Swiss authorities ject to postal regulations. That say food delivery service Uber could have an impact on work Eats counts as a postal service hours, salaries and other “usual provider — and needs to be regu- work conditions in the sector,” lated as such. PostCom said. Switzerland’s postal superviso- Uber did not immediately re- ry authority, PostCom, announced spond to an e-mail from The Asso- Thursday that the U.S.-based ciated Press seeking comment. company’s Swiss affiliate needs to Previously, Uber Switzerland register as a postal service provid- challenged the obligation to sub- er by the end of January, though it ject itself to Swiss postal law, argu- can contest the decision. ing that it was not in contractual Following a nearly year-long as- relationship with restaurants for sessment, PostCom found that at which the deliveries were made, least part of Uber Eats’ business PostCom said. falls under postal legislation. Food The move comes in a boom year packages in essence meet the cri- for the food delivery service: Uber teria for postal service, and “the said last month its Eats business nature of the contents isn’t rele- generated $1.45 billion in revenue vant when it comes to the proper- in the third quarter, up 125% from ties of a package,” PostCom said in a year ago as restaurants relied on a statement. the service and the trend grew of Uber Portier B.V., the subsidi- people ordering in instead of din- ary active in Switzerland, has until ing out during the COVID-19 pan- Jan. 30 to register with PostCom demic. PAGE 16 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, December 18, 2020 Friday, December 18, 2020 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 17 Taylor Swift has WEEKEND more to share Music, Page 32 THE FAST AND THE SERIOUS Cyberpunk 2077’s gritty future dystopia raises a lot of questions, but doesn’t break new ground Video games, Page 22

CD Projekt Red

Movies — 19-21 Travel — 24-29 Television — 34-35 Health — 36 Crossword — 38 PAGE 18 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, December 18, 2020 WEEKEND: GADGETS & TECHNOLOGY

This digital frame can share photos with faraway family BY GREGG ELLMAN in that. Instead, have it run in Tribune News Service the slideshow mode with music, First, the answer: The Brooks- which can include an on-screen tone PhotoShare digital photo calendar and clock. frame. That goes with the most The frames are available in 8 common question I get this time inches ($109.99), 10.1 inch of year: “What’s a great holiday ($129.99) and 14 inch ($189.99) gift?” sizes, with choices of black or Years ago, digital photo espresso wood frame finishes. frames were a hot item. I still White and black mattes to match have mine. For the most part, different home and office envi- you loaded photos onto a memo- ronments are included. JARROD VALLIERE/TNS ry card and the frame cycled A desktop stand comes with During the pandemic, Emily Dolton’s little libraries in front of her Clairemont home outside San Diego havethrough the images. Now, years the frame, or it can be wall- been busier than ever. Dolton decorated the property in a Candyland theme for the holiday season. later with the ease of instant mounted. Whatever location you pictures from smartphones and choose, make sure a power out- photo sharing via Wi-Fi, combin- let is within reach to plug in the ing this with the digital photo included power adapter to run frame makes a great product. the frame. Tiny beacons of hope Brookstone’s PhotoShare is The frame is 14.86-by-10.6- perfect for your home, or think by-2.16 inches and has 8GB of of how happy an out-of-town storage, which will store more Little libraries provide books, cheer during pandemic relative will be when priceless than 5,000 photos. family photos show up on the Some other features include BY ANDREA LOPEZ-VILLAFANA But not all little libraries are open. frame unannounced. I sent the auto-dim, which has a built-in The San Diego Union-Tribune A little library in the South Park neighborhood, frame to my mother-in-law’s light sensor to automatically here are three kinds of books that don’t once filled with books, was empty. It had a sign that house for testing. The only com- adjust the brightness of the stay long on the shelves of three wooden read, “This Little Free Library is temporarily closed plaint any of the family mem- screen based on the ambient boxes in front of Emily Dolton’s home: during the COVID-19 pandemic.” bers got from her were on days light in the room. Accessing the Thardcover children’s books, guides to San Sharon Gruby said she chose to close it because we didn’t send any photos — on/off, screen adjustments, and Diego’s neighborhoods and anything by Jodi Picoult. the library was on a busy street with a lot of foot they wondered why not. other settings are just a tap away “You start to get a pulse of what people are read- traffic, which would make it hard to know who was It takes just minutes to set up through the touchscreen. ing,” Dolton said. using it during the pandemic. But she can’t wait to the 1080p high-definition touch- When photos are received, an Dolton opened three so-called “little libraries” in reopen it. screen display with Wi-Fi and a audio chime alert can be set to front of her home near San Diego at the start of the “We love our little free library,” Gruby said. “I free account with the PhotoSh- play and a screensaver can play pandemic, hoping neighbors would benefit from the have 400 books under my bed ready to go.” are Frame companion app (An- cycling through the loaded pho- resource since schools and libraries were closed. Experts with the Centers for Disease Control and droid and iOS). Photos, mess- tos. A built-in timer can totally The little libraries are book-sharing boxes that Prevention have said the virus does not spread eas- ages, music and video can be put it to sleep and wake up at resemble miniature homes, often containing a varie- ily from touching surfaces. Recommendations for uploaded from email, the Pho- your chosen time in the morn- ty of books on cooking, self-improvement, children’s museums and libraries include routine cleaning and toShare website, social media ing. tales, science fiction and more. disinfection of commonly touched surfaces. and Google Photos. A more di- By the way, while the Brook- It’s a program of the Little Free Library, a nation- The Little Free Library nonprofit released CO- rect upload can be done with the stone PhotoShare frame is my al nonprofit that provides building materials and VID-19 safety tips for stewards in March. That in- built-in USB port and SD card number one gift choice for the information to people all over the world who want to cludes disinfecting handles, bookshelves and wiping reader. year, the portable Blendjet2 set up book-sharing boxes. down books with disinfectant wipes. Anyone with the app, user- single servicing, battery-oper- There are more than 270 little libraries in San Margret Aldrich, director of communications with name and password can load ated blender, which I wrote Diego. The idea behind it is simple: take a book; the nonprofit, said she understands if stewards opt photos from the same location or about last week is a close sec- leave a book. People who host these mini libraries — to temporarily close. different parts of the world. ond. they’re called stewards — say the libraries are in “A Little Free Library can stand as a beacon of Photos can be displayed as a Online: buyphotoshareframe- higher demand since the pandemic started. hope in what is an extremely challenging time,” single photo, but there’s no fun .com “During the morning there would be books, and Aldrich said. “It’s a signpost that we’re still connect- then in the afternoon they would all be gone,” Dolton ed, even when we have to be apart.” said. “The most we have ever turned over is 75 Caroline Grodin has managed a little library for books.” nearly four years in the Stockton neighborhood. The Mira Mesa, Calif., resident Anna Yip has been library also has a space for people to donate non- visiting little libraries more often during the pan- perishable food items. demic. She likes to find libraries in different neigh- She took a break from stocking books in the book- borhoods, to look at the creative miniature boxes shelves at the start of the pandemic and instead while her 14-year-old son browses through teen filled it with food. But people kept asking about the novels. books, so she brought them back. She said those trips have helped the family bond. “They sat there for a little while, maybe, because “These libraries bring an adventure without the people were a little more cautious, but then it was need of interacting with anyone and at our own back to the way it has always been,” Grodin said. time,” Yip said. “Everything goes.” Residents say they are not worried about using Grodin said the need for these kind of projects is little libraries during the pandemic. Some say they greater now than ever before, especially for families wipe down books with disinfecting wipes or leave with small children, who don’t have access to free them in the garage for a couple of days before bring- books or don’t have the income to purchase new ing them inside. books. Dwaine Smith operates a little library in the Bar- That’s true among Dolton’s neighbors, too. rio Logan neighborhood. He stopped stocking it with Dolton, who is an artist, decorated her home with books in April, while most people were home during a Candyland theme to make a trip to her little librar- the stay-at-home order, because he wasn’t sure ies extra special for families, she said. She thinks the people would use it, but he later discovered there libraries remain popular among her neighbors be- was still an interest. cause everyone is craving ways to connect while He resumed stocking the little library with books staying safe. about science, science-fiction and teen novels. “The idea of getting something without having to BROOKSTONE/TNS “It’s surprising (to) me that it is so popular,” spend a fortune ... I love that,” Dolton said. “It’s a Brookstone’s PhotoShare photo frame has a 1080p high­definition Smith said. “I never thought that I would have to fill sense of connection. You might have a book that touchscreen display with Wi­Fi and allows you to share photos with it up and that many books would be getting used.” someone really wants.” distant loved ones directly from your phone. Friday, December 18, 2020 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 19 WEEKEND: MOVIES Meryl’s top moments Streep’s movies aren’t all hits, but she’s consistently wonderful in them BY CHRIS HEWITT icized, the usual beef is that her Star Tribune performances are too studied, or eryl Streep has too reliant on accents or tricks made a lot of dread- such as a sideways glance, a ful movies. giggle that comes out of nowhere M The likes of Leo- or a shift in vocal register in the nardo DiCaprio or Robert Pattin- middle of a word. But every actor son can afford to turn up their has behaviors they fall back on. noses at lesser scripts, but wom- Streep’s tics are noticeable be- en who want to stay busy have to cause she has created so many say yes to iffy projects. Streep characters, and because she’s so has garnered Oscar nominations often called upon to perk up (she has a record 21 of them) for material that isn’t as good as she movies she likely agreed to do is. NETFLIX because her character was com- The flip side is that Streep Meryl Streep stars as Dee Dee Allen and James Corden is Barry Glickman in “The Prom.” pelling or the director might usually elevates roles. Would have something to teach her, “Mamma Mia!” be watchable brings a thrilling, fierce original- despite a blah script. without her? Could anyone else ity to her vituperative fashion Last year’s “The Laundromat” make the tricky theatrical device guru. “Where are the belts for is an example: a busy farce that of “Plenty” work on film? Would this dress? Why is no one rea- took a swing and missed but we listen to anyone else shriek dy?” is not even written as a offered her three roles, one of those awful notes in “Florence laugh line, but she makes it fun- which some viewers didn’t real- Foster Jenkins”? Would a less ny with an oddly musical rhythm ize was her, and a chance to be confident actor tackle the role that would make Stephen Sond- directed by Steven Soderbergh. Angela Lansbury defined in the heim green. She reunites with him for one of original “The Manchurian Candi- ‘Postcards from the Edge’ two new Streeps now playing, the date”? HBO Max comedy “Let Them All The cliche with magnetic ac- (1990) Talk.” (She’s also a narcissistic tors is that it would be entertain- There can’t be many bigger diva in “The Prom” on Netflix.) ing to watch them read the phone acting challenges than playing a “The Iron Lady” won Streep an book. I’d go further with Streep. real person in a script written by Oscar, but it’s dreck. “Music of I’d watch her play a haunted that real person on a set where Columbia Pictures the Heart” earned her a nomi- Chilean woman with telekinesis that real person is in attendance. nation, but it’s as dopey as the in a turgid adaptation of Isabel That’s what Streep did in “Post- Streep added dimension to the role of Aunt March in “Little Women.” title. You can guess why Streep Allende’s “House of the Spirits,” cards,” adapted from Carrie took on “Evening,” “Before and and — when she’s on screen, Fisher’s autobiographical novel about her characters, one that’s stodginess. It’s revelatory acting, After” or “Dark Matter” — a new anyway — I’d even believe it. about carving out a Hollywood not in the script but informs her particularly when you realize accent, an unusual character — career in the shadow of mom choices. She revealed her secret that Sophie herself is putting on but let’s face it, she has forged a ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ Debbie Reynolds. They became for “Kramer,” and it adds a lot to an act, which means Streep is career in a time when Hollywood pals — for years, Fisher ghost- rewatching the drama about a giving two performances. barely cares about women. As (2006) wrote Streep’s awards speeches bitter custody battle: Her charac- evidence: Best actress Oscars It’s cute that the trailer thinks — and why wouldn’t they? Streep ter never loved her ex. (Based on ‘Julie & Julia’ (2009) recent Streep interviews in routinely go to women whose Anne Hathaway is the star of the captures the ache beneath Fish- I want an entire TV series of which she accused co-star Dustin movies are not best picture con- comedy, but we all know differ- er’s lightning quickness and Streep as cooking legend Julia Hoffman of unprofessional be- tenders, but that almost never ently. Bette Davis has “All About expertly belts a country song for Child. She has a good wig and a havior, it probably wasn’t hard to happens with the best actor. Eve,” Vivien Leigh has “Gone the finale. decent approximation of the keep that in mind.) Because she has a master’s With the Wind” and Meryl ‘Kramer vs. Kramer’ throaty voice, but the secret to Streep has “Prada,” her most degree from Yale, Streep is (1979) ‘Adaptation’ (2002) “Julie & Julia” is joy. The delight thought of as an intellectual per- iconic and quotable role. Kicking that registers on Streep’s face, Streep blissing out to a dial former, and when she’s crit- off a midcareer surge, Streep Streep likes to have a secret whether she is speaking with her tone, flirting awkwardly with sister or dining with her husband Chris Cooper, brushing her teeth or chopping a flotilla of onions, is while stoned, smiling at her toes. so infectious that you resent the It all makes a lot more sense in “Julie” half of “Julie & Julia” the aftermath of a 2020 tweet- because Streep isn’t in it. storm by Susan Orlean that earned her a place in social media history. Here, with a script ‘Little Women’ (2019) Streep called the best she’d ever It’s a small role, but Streep read, she brings verve to the (andwriter/director Greta Ger- witty, off-kilter writer. wig) helped me understand mean old Aunt March in a way I never ‘Sophie’s Choice’ (1982) had. She’s still not exactly a hug- Re-watching this movie, I ger, but Streep’s detailed per- worried it would feel too impor- formance reveals that her per- tant or ossified. There’s a little of ceived nastiness is the result of HBO that in the narration, but Streep’s having to maintain constant vigi- Meryl Streep is Alice, an author on a cruise with her nephew, Tyler, played by Lucas Hedges in “Let Themlighter-than-air performance lance over a family of women All Talk,” streaming now on HBO Max. works against any potential with few resources. PAGE 20 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, December 18, 2020 WEEKEND: MOVIES Set adrift with Soderbergh Director discusses his latest movie — ‘Let Them All Talk,’ most of which takes place on a $750 million ocean liner — and shares why he’s hopeful for the future of blockbusters

BY JAKE COYLE Associated Press: Were you more Associated Press mentally prepared for the pandemic teven Soderbergh calls it “the because you had thought it through on boat movie” even though he’s “Contagion”? not supposed to call it “the Soderbergh: Certainly everybody that I boat movie.” talked to that worked with us on “Conta- S gion” said very, very The Queen Mary 2, on which Soder- early this is very bergh filmed the majority of his new serious, this thing is film “Let Them All Talk,” is tech- — to use a technical nically a ship, and a big one at that. term — gnarly. Get The thought of making a movie on the ready to hunker down $750 million ocean liner, during an is what I was hearing eight-day Transatlantic crossing from in early January. New York to South Hampton, U.K., None of it was a sur- tickled Soderbergh. prise. But there are HBO MAX/AP If there were any doubt, he’s not a aspects of how this Lucas Hedges, above left, and Meryl Streep star in “Let Them All Talk,” most of which was filmed in eight days on an ocean liner (below) traveling from England to New York. cruise guy. But despite — or maybe Soderbergh has played out that (screenwriter) Scott because of — his proficiency as a film- Burns and I could have never anticipated. You led the Directors Guild task force This is the first of two films you’re mak­ maker, he likes to put himself at sea, Was part of the appeal of “Let Them All for on­set COVID­19 protocols, and you ing for WarnerMedia’s HBO Max. What do with new problems to navigate. He Talk” giving yourself a rigid time frame? just returned from shooting “No Sudden you think about their 2021 streaming shot much of “Let Them All Talk” You need to finish before docking. Move” in Detroit. How did it go? plans? while rolling around the decks in a Yeah, I like the fact that this is happen- It didn’t slow me down. We were able to Somebody at Warner looked very dis- wheelchair, with a camera in his lap. ing whether we want it to or not. They’re get out of there safely. The bottom line — I passionately at what’s happening and The film, written by short-story moving at a certain pace and it takes a don’t care what anybody says — if you’re refused to make rosy assumptions about writer Deborah Eisenberg (at 75, her certain amount of time, and we have a shooting on a film set, there’s no version of what a vaccine means and the effect it will first screenplay), stars Meryl Streep certain amount of time to execute. The that that includes physical distancing. It’s have on moviegoing in 2021. What people as an author traveling to receive an first few days were rough. We were be- impossible. It’s an anthill. So what that need to understand is the economics of hind. We finally caught our rhythm day means is: For the people that are in that large-scale theatrical exhibition from the award, who brings along two friends three or four. anthill, you gotta test them three times a studio side are such that if it’s not at 100% (Dianne Wiest, Candice Bergen) and For you, what did the setting give the week and you need the results within 24 potential capacity, it’s really not worth her nephew (Lucas Hedges). film? hours. If you can do that, you can choke doing. It’s a risky business at best. If it As a travel setting now associated I looked around and everywhere I off an outbreak before it’s gotten any- were even 20% off, that creates panic. You with outbreaks from the beginning of looked I was like: This is a $750 million where. We created a bubble of sorts. ... It’s can’t risk a $200 million asset on that as- the pandemic, Soderbergh calls his film set. Everywhere you pointed the a production within the production. sumption. You have to know. film, now on HBO Max, “from the camera, it screamed scale. While deliver- What do you think Hollywood looks like Do you think the kinds of movies that before times.” ing the final elements to Warner, I sat in two, three years from now? Is it radical­ get made will change if the industry per­ That’s something Soderbergh, as the down to watch it one last time. And I was ly different? manently shifts toward streaming? maker of “Contagion,” knows about, just looking at it going: I still can’t believe What’s most important is: You need Blockbusters are not going away. Any- we thought you should do that, that you talented people making stuff that’s good. body who thinks the studios have some- too. By phone, he spoke about that should go shoot a movie on a crossing. I That’s the business. You can talk about how lost faith in people going to the mo- prophetic 2011 film, leading Holly- was shaking my head. Who would think: economic forces and trajectories, trends vies, no. When you make a movie that wood’s return to production and the Yeah, we should do that. But that’s what and all that, but the constant is you need blows up at the box office, that’s just too future of the movie industry. made it so fun. talented people making good stuff. lucrative to ever abandon. Friday, December 18, 2020 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 21 WEEKEND: MOVIE REVIEWS Never too late to fix what’s broken George Clooney dazzles on both sides of the camera in the sci-fi drama ‘The Midnight Sky’

BY MICHAEL O’SULLIVAN having spent his life as an explorer — The Washington Post albeit a vicarious, earthbound one — has et in the year 2049, in the immedi- nothing and nobody to go back to. ate aftermath of an unspecified Shortly afterward, two things happen. global calamity that appears, Augustine becomes aware of a spacecraft Sbased on scant but at times scary named the Aether whose crew (played by evidence, to be both environmental and Felicity Jones, David Oyelowo, Kyle technological — perhaps even financial, Chandler, Demian Bichir and Tiffany Netflix political and cultural — “The Midnight Boone) is returning from a mission to Caoilinn Springall, left, and George Clooney star in “The Midnight Sky.” Sky” only looks like a disaster film. Slyly, explore a potentially habitable moon of and by misdirection that cleverly conceals Jupiter. Having lost their communication sending the Aether off — is only part of a Trek”-like holodeck-style technology that its true intent until the poignant end, it with Earth, they need to be warned not to story that peels itself like an onion — and allows members of the crew to immerse reveals itself to be a story of regret over a come back. The second thing is the ap- just as surely produces tears. themselves in virtual-reality evocations of lost opportunity for connection. pearance of a small, apparently mute girl Meanwhile, the film is not without ac- the people and places they remember George Clooney, who also directed (Caoilinn Springall), who seems to have tion. from Earth. Mark L. Smith’s smart adaptation of Lily been left behind in the rush to evacuate. Although Augustine and the crew of the With Augustine, it’s more subtle, Brooks-Dalton’s 2016 novel, plays the Dubbed Iris, after a drawing she makes of Aether can only observe the death of evoked both through his increasingly fulcrum of the film’s deft pivot: Augustine the flower, the child becomes Augustine’s Earth from afar, they nevertheless en- tender relationship with Iris and the flash- Lofthouse, an astronomer stationed at an responsibility, along with the necessity of counter grave dangers: a wintry storm backs, which hint at a man who has only observatory in far-northern Canada, in- making his way to a second, stronger here below, an uncharted and destructive realized too late what he could have had. side the Arctic Circle. As the film opens, antenna, some distance away, after the meteor field up above. Yet slowly the Beneath a bushy beard, often caked and Augustine’s research colleagues are one at the observatory proves inadequate story becomes more and more interior, as with frost, Clooney’s Augustine manages being evacuated by plane to their homes to connect with the Aether. its point comes into focus. to convey a powerful sense that something — and an unknown fate — he alone has How these two things are related is only As director, Clooney juggles the in- has been forfeited forever. What that is, decided to remain. It’s not that Augustine gradually disclosed, in a story that jumps terconnecting stories adroitly, never giv- and how “The Midnight Sky” manages to is bound by an unreasonable sense of between the Arctic, the Aether and the ing away the tricks he’s playing on the show him reaching out, however imper- duty, or is simply foolhardy, as one of his past, where we see, in flashback, a young- audience while spinning the yarn, much fectly, to restore something broken, is the co-workers suggests to the scientist. er Augustine (Ethan Peck) set up the idea of which, at least on the Aether, has expli- message — and the magic — of this mo- If our protagonist, who appears to have of exploring the planets in search of a citly to do with hope and longing. Jones’ vie. a serious illness, were “in a hurry to die,” second home for Man, who, it is implied, Sully is expecting a baby, with the Aeth- “The Midnight Sky” is rated PG-13 for bloody images and brief Augustine responds, he’d be leaving with hasn’t taken care of his first one. That er’s commander (Oyelowo), and several strong language. Running time: 118 minutes. Available Dec. 23 the others. Rather, it’s that Augustine, idea — that Augustine was a catalyst in scenes aboard the ship feature a “Star on Netflix. ‘Let Them All Talk’ is a pleasing, meandering ride

BY JOCELYN NOVECK New York to Southampton, En- buddies and her nephew, Tyler If the dialogue sounds un- nanosecond before saying Associated Press gland, takes seven days, and so (Lucas Hedges, engaging as practiced, that’s because it is. “books,” and flits her fingers just It’s safe to say this isn’t a great “Let Them All Talk,” about a always). The screenplay by Deborah so — a devastatingly dismissive time for the cruise ship industry. successful yet insecure novelist What’s not clear is why exactly Eisenberg is more an extended gesture, executed with perfect Given that obvious fact, Cu- traveling to London to accept a Alice has asked along her outline; the actors themselves economy. nard is likely to be thrilled that a prize, was mostly filmed in one friends, Susan (Wiest) and Ro- largely improvised. While that The costumes by Ellen Miroj- new movie has come out that week in 2019. Soderbergh, who berta (Bergen), since it’s been allows for some refreshing spon- nick have a wonderfully lived-in takes place — or 90 percent of it relishes such challenges, appar- decades since she’s seen them. taneity, it doesn’t always work as feel, perhaps because they were — on the Queen Mary 2, with its ently did his editing in the ship’s Why now? well as it should. selected from the actors’ own gleaming dining rooms, spar- bar at night. Another tantalizing Roberta has a suspicion. She’s The actors, of course, are pros. closets. It will surprise nobody to kling ocean views, disco nights tidbit from the film’s production been carrying a grudge for years Bergen is terrific at hostility learn Streep has lots of gorgeous, and afternoon teas. notes: In order not to disturb because she’s certain Alice co- bubbling underneath a thin ve- voluminous scarves. In fact, one of the most in- paying customers, the ship made opted details of her messy mar- neer of good manners, and she They’re lovely to look at — as teresting things about Steven participating in the film one of riage in her novel, “You Always/ has a lot more to work with than is Alice’s luxurious, two-story Soderbergh’s “Let Them All the daily activity choices. As in: You Never.” And now Roberta, Wiest, who’s somewhat wasted suite. But we also envy the real Talk,” a clever and absorbing Trivia contest on Deck 4, or who’s divorced and fallen on as a soft-spoken peacemaker. passengers mingling over drinks film that feels, alas, a little unfin- Movie-making with Meryl on hard times as a lingerie sales- Bergen’s angry glare alone is or tea. It’s not just the luxury. ished and a touch too improvisa- Deck 2! woman, suspects Alice wants to something to behold. It’s the fact that they can travel tional, is not its plot nor its im- Streep is perfectly cast as use her life again, in a sequel. As for Streep, she’s never less at all. Sigh. peccable pedigree — it stars Alice, who won a Pulitzer for one Actually, nobody’s sure wheth- than compelling, and a last- Eventually, the movie does Meryl Streep, Dianne Wiest and of her novels but is so self-doubt- er Alice is writing a sequel — minute twist to the story makes seem to get where it’s going. A Candice Bergen — but the ing, she criticizes people for only that she’s writing some- you want to go back and analyze scene between Alice and Rober- glimpse it affords us of a luxury complimenting it. Alice has just thing. Karen is so nervous about her scenes again, for hints. ta touches upon issues of literary “crossing.” won another coveted award, but the new book, she secretly books But there’s one laugh-out-loud ownership and artistic license Think “Titanic,” but without tells her literary agent Karen (an passage on the ship so she can moment that’s classic Streep, that haven’t yet been fully the sinking. Or the class strug- excellent Gemma Chan) that spy on Alice from afar. This isn’t when she’s speaking with a mined. It’s a bit late in the game. gle. Or the raft/door that Leo she’s unable to fly. Karen sug- a very convincing plot point, but mass-market thriller writer on But the ride has been pleasant. somehow couldn’t fit on. gests traveling by ship instead. it allows for a potential romance board. She asks him, at dinner, “Let Them All Talk” is rated R for language. But we digress. What you need Alice agrees, as long as she can between Karen and the younger how long it takes to write one of Running time: 113 minutes. Now streaming on to know is that a crossing from bring guests — two old college Tyler. his books, but hesitates just a HBO Max. PAGE 22 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, December 18, 2020 WEEKEND: VIDEO GAMES

CD Projekt Red photos Cyberpunk 2077 is a futuristic game that asks what it means to be human and examines the effects of megacorporations that have too much control. Cyberpunk 2077: An ugly thrill ride Hotly anticipated futuristic open-world RPG dials up action, but leaves too many questions unanswered

BY ELISE FAVIS The Washington Post yberpunk 2077 is an impressive Depending on players’ choices, branching paths offer impressive flexibility that can lead realization of a futuristic world, to wildly different endings to the dystopian, unrelentingly ugly storyline. but it comes at a great cost. An Cexciting story and detailed world animation, hips swaying as though they arbitrary reasons that never fold into the are overshadowed by an abundance of were models, sauntering down a catwalk. main narrative. Philosophical questions bugs, misogynistic writing and all-too- Other times, I’d come across men holding are raised and immediately dropped. familiar game mechanics. Some of these back women that were drugged or drunk, At its best, cyberpunk fiction can be a problems run deep and are too difficult to feeling confused as to what the game’s lens through which we examine our own ignore, despite the engaging crime-drama intent was, and disgusted when I couldn’t world; A dystopian society is meant to be thrill ride on the surface. interfere. ugly. “Cyberpunk is a warning, not an Like the greats in the cyberpunk genre, Night City is equal parts ugly and im- aspiration,” said Mike Pondsmith, the Cyberpunk 2077 asks what it means to be pressive. Dimly-lit bars brim with life, creator of the tabletop game of which the human and ponders the effects of a society Female characters in Cyberpunk 2077 though an uncomfortably loud, orgasmic video game is based from, in an interview run by mega corporations that have far too are demeaned, used or objectified to moan — originating from a television ad with NME Magazine. But Night City much control. However, the biggest fail- underscore the gritty setting. nearby — may interrupt your experience. doesn’t feel like a warning or an aspira- ure of Cyberpunk is never taking these One futuristic brothel surprised me with a tion. Its fairly apolitical nature does little ideas far enough, making them feel shal- related issues, really, aren’t given the graceful, platonic moment with a sex to encourage players to reflect on real- low in a superficial setting that asks in- spotlight. The implications of the cyber- worker. Upon leaving the room, I over- world problems upon completing the teresting questions, but fails to answer punk setting are rarely meaningfully ex- heard two men speaking about how con- game. them thoughtfully. amined. The result is a dystopian world sent is no longer necessary when free will Even well-written female characters, Objectification, for example, is a tool of that is cruel just to be cruel. It is simply can be switched off with a biochip. Even like Judy, a hotheaded but sharp woman, corporate greed, and you see it every- taken as fact that this is the way things are as I drove around the intricately detailed live under the shadow of men who have where you turn: in the chatter of pas- — and they’re not going to change. city, I felt frustrated when a billboard wronged her. When you’re given the sersby, on television adverts and in emails To paint how grimy this metropolis is, fetishized a woman just to sell cans of chance to fight back against those inequal- you read. Nearly every NPC you chat with Cyberpunk relies on the suffering of mi- soda. ities, it often just ends with violence: a is rude, spitting insults your way. I imag- norities, particularly women, to embellish Of all the wonderful moments I had in cheap, vengeful tactic, rather than system- ined it stemmed from frustration in a the seedy underworld of Night City. Often, Cyberpunk 2077, they were often under- ic change that can alter this fictional city’s world with a disenfranchised populace; I came across feminine characters on the mined by uncomfortable moments like but class differences, race, poverty, or any street that walked with an exaggerated these, where women are demeaned for SEE CYBER ON PAGE 23 Friday, December 18, 2020 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 23 WEEKEND: VIDEO GAMES Cyber: Humanity hidden amid bad guys, buggy play

FROM PAGE 22 down, confiding in me about his regressive views. The answer, all difficult past. Hanging out with too often, is merely gunning Panam, a nomad who needs to down the enemy. It boils down to prove herself to her clan, is al- juvenile noise rather than ways a thrill. We bonded while thoughtful commentary. blowing things up. A plethora of bugs were dis- Decisions bring both big and tracting as well, taking me out of small consequences. Your chosen the experience too often (some- origin story changes the intro- times literally, with game crash- ductory missions and gives you es or missions that couldn’t be new dialogue options, but the completed, requiring me to re- biggest impact to decision-mak- load a save). Weapons hang in ing relies on how you spend your the air rather than laying on the time. Depending on which side ground, NPC voices are abruptly missions you complete, for exam- silenced and glitchy lighting ple, more options open up for the makes shadows and lights flicker end game. Even in the final mo- even in the most serene mo- ments, branching paths offer / ments. Sometimes these bugs are impressive flexibility that lead Keanu Reeves portrays an aging rocker, nonplayable character Johnny Silverhand, in Cyberpunk 2077. funny, like when a character you to wildly different endings. continuously shifts between If you play your cards right, standing on and sitting in a chair some characters become more in quick succession. Mostly, it than friends. The one relation- Reeves’ Johnny Silverhand just breaks immersion. ship I saw through culminated in Bugs and thematic issues a sex scene that was among the aside, yes, there are good mo- most tasteful I’ve seen in a video a big draw in a major title ments. There’s humanity to be game, never feeling gratuitous, found in this world as long as you as such scenes often do. Intimate look for it — especially within the scenes with sex workers, on the BY TODD MARTENS make a digital version of him someone so downcast in an op- meaty side missions. other hand, are absolutely ob- Los Angeles Times when he was doing ‘Superman,’” pressively bleak city feel likable. Cyberpunk 2077 is exciting, jectifying, as they’re likely meant At the last major video game says Reeves. He also referenced Or at least interesting. often dialing up the action as to be. These are also awkward, industry event, 2019’s Electronic his work on “The Matrix” films “He’s ex-military, disillu- high as possible during fun set especially as the controller rum- Entertainment Expo in Los An- as further exploring his interest sioned, angry, started a rock pieces, like when you infiltrate a bles and stiff, first-person cam- geles, the talk of the show was in what a digital character could band, who was doing protest swanky hotel or a crowded pa- era angles make for an uneasy one man: Keanu Reeves. do onscreen. For Cyberpunk music — wake-up music — he rade. Gunplay feels sharp and experience. The star, known for his work in 2077, it was the idea that Silver- was looking for a cause. He was snappy, with your regular assort- Johnny Silverhand, played by “The Matrix,” “John Wick” and hand might be a different charac- looking at the world around him ment of SMGs, shotguns and Keanu Reeves, has a significant even “Toy Story 4,” announced ter depending on how someone and confronting hypocrisy and assault rifles. Stealth is a little role in the story as a co-protago- that he would appear as a non- subjugation,” says Reeves. “That more janky, and at times frus- nist. He plays the part well, giv- playable character in Cyberpunk stance of the character felt fun to trating, especially since there’s ing the flawed character a believ- 2077, the new game from CD “I’m playing me. Within that character, they no way to escape combat when able redemptive arc in one of the Projekt Red, a work that wants to gave him the love of his life. So spotted (aside from an upgrade many substantial side missions. push boundaries with its grim different versions there’s a tough exterior but un- that lets you disengage in a limit- As genuine as that arc may be, I and cynical view of our world. derneath is this positive, hoping- ed fashion, one enemy at a time). still had a hard time warming up Out this month for consoles of the character. for-a-better-world presence. I Each mission offers flexibility, to him. In one instance, where and PCs after delays and contro- think we all relate to that.” but that’s a bare-minimum ex- you set him up on a date, I didn’t versies — the game has been That’s Reeves hadn’t played the game pectation for modern open-world feel compelled to help him, only questioned for how it presents yet at the time of this interview. role-playing games at this point. because of how poorly and self- marginalized communities, and something I For now, on the subject of games, You can create your own build ishly he had treated women in his CD Projeckt Red’s demanding he’s thinking bigger, referencing, that focuses on stealth, action or past. It makes for a complicated studio culture has been ques- normally don’t for instance, how the Disney+ hacking. At first, I was impressed relationship. tioned — Cyberpunk 2077 still series “The Mandalorian” uses a at the sheer depth to these sys- As for others, some wonderful promises to be one of the biggest get to do when game engine, Epic’s Unreal, in its tems, but the more I played and characters never get enough time games of 2020. production. The line between leveled up, the more I wished for to shine, either being killed off There is one aspect, however, I inhabit a built and virtual sets is often cooler, more dynamic powers. early in the game, or reduced to that most early players appear to difficult to discern. Unfortunately, most upgrades plot devices surrounding sexual agree on: Reeves’ performance character.” “I think what that means is are passive. Gameplay mechan- assault and human trafficking. as Johnny Silverhand is the heart Keanu Reeves going to change a lot in the next ics like hacking cameras to scope This is a shame. When Cyber- of the game. An aging rocker, five years for science fiction — out an area, or even the “brain- punk wants to, it brings incred- Silverhand is sometimes a hard- (artificially intelligent) modeling dance” sequences which involve ible depth to its varied cast. to-stomach, disillusioned figure opts to play the game and inter- ... the pursuit of technologies to scrubbing through interactive Cyberpunk 2077 is a game but one with an underlying sense act with him. create photo-real from source,” videos for evidence, all feel like that’s difficult to recommend; of idealism, however deeply “That was one of the ideas that says Reeves. “I don’t know where games I’ve played before, in- one that I both appreciate and hidden it might be. drew me to play the role. When it’s going, but I know it’s going to cluding Watch Dogs or Batman: dislike at the same time. The Reeves’ interest in the role was CD Projeckt Red brought the be wacky. It’s a good kind of Arkham Knight. This doesn’t scope of the world is ambitious, partly due, he says, to his fasci- project to me, they showed me puppeteering. Like, if I can play make them bad; these parts are with detail and content galore nation with sci-fi stories and the and spoke to me about the plat- with the animation, I have more still entertaining. They’re just not even in the briefest of interac- difficult characters who inhabit form of the game and the charac- control.” as groundbreaking as I antici- tions. For a world that has a pro- them. But he’s also curious about ter,” says Reeves. “It’s an open- Asked how, or if, he’s able to pated from the much-hyped gressive veneer, where transhu- the game medium as a whole and world, role-playing game. What stay creative in 2020, Reeves had Cyberpunk 2077. manism and body modifications how interactivity can affect the decisions you make for your a simple message: Go easy on The best moments are when are the norm, I wish more time stories we tell as technology dialogue and how you want to be, yourself and look out for others. you get to know those around was taken to constructively ex- continues to advance and the gives Johnny Silverhand not just “Try and respect others,” he you. In one mission, I was scop- amine sex and gender in the audience for gaming grows. one role. I’m playing different says. “Try and continue to get the ing out a building from afar with main threads of the story. “This has gotten me closer to versions of the character. That’s most out of life, and find ways to Takemura, a distant man who Platforms: PC, Stadia, Xbox the idea that I originally heard something I normally don’t get to get that in this situation, but also puts honor above all. As we One, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 when I was a young kid with do when I inhabit a character.” to respect it. Find ways to con- scouted, he finally let his guard Online: cyberpunk.net/us/en Marlon Brando saying they could The next challenge? Making nect. If you can. Just. ... survive.” PAGE 24 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, December 18, 2020 WEEKEND: TRAVEL Exotic Tangier tantalizing again Recent restorations make Moroccan city a worthwhile day trip from Spain As we’ve had to postpone our Mohammed VI, took the throne. travels because of the pandemic, He believes Tangier should be a I believe a weekly dose of travel great city once again. As a sym- dreaming can be good medicine. bolic show of support, the first Here’s a reminder of the fun that city he visited after awaits us in Europe at the other his coronation was end of this crisis. Tangier. Walking out of s I stand on the bow of the port, I see the my ferry, the Rock of king’s grand-scale Gibraltar disappears restorations — the Ain the mist behind me, beach has been while the fabled Pillars of Her- painstakingly cules marking Africa appear Rick Steves cleaned, pedestri- Rick Steves ahead of me. I enjoy the thought an promenades A ferry ride from Spain to Morocco brings travelers to exotic sights such as this gate in Tangier’s old town. that you encounter more cultural have popped up everywhere, and change by taking this hourlong gardens bloom with lush, new erything on sale — except for borhood, a walk through the while eavesdropping on all the ride from Spain to Morocco than greenery. The difference is pork, forbidden to Muslims. market, a quick bit of snake char- commotion. Perched like a sul- you do by flying all the way from breathtaking. Mountains of olives, a full palette ming, a visit to a sales-starved tan, I sip chai as a tour group the U.S. to Spain. In the morning, roosters and of spices, children with knives carpet shop, and lunch. passes below us, walking in a For years, when I sailed from the call to prayer work together happy to perform for my camera. With my private guide, I walk tight single file. Clutching their Tarifa across the Strait of Gibral- to wake me, along with the rest of Each animal is slaughtered in essentially the same route and purses and day bags nervously, tar to Tangier, I braced myself this world. I stand on my hotel accordance with halal: in the catch the same colorful glimpses they trundle past one last gantlet for a city known as the armpit of balcony and survey Tangier name of Allah, with a sharp of traditional folk culture. But of street merchants hoping only Morocco. Tangier was long ne- kicking into gear. Women in blade, its head pointed to Mecca, I’m free to skip the tiresome to get safely back onto their ferry glected. It was an “international colorful flowing robes walk to ritually drained of its blood. photo ops, the kickback-oriented and “home” to Europe. The city” — favored by the West and sweat shops adjacent to the port Most tourists I see on the shopping stops, and the tourist- scene reminds me of some sort of therefore disdained by the previ- — happy to earn $15 a day sew- streets are with large groups day- trap lunch spot. I visit places that self-inflicted hostage crisis. ous king of Morocco, who made a ing for European clothing lines. -tripping over from Spain. A can’t handle large groups. And I Do yourself a favor: Visit Tan- point of diverting national in- For little more than the cost of typical day-trip tour includes the enjoy the services of a knowl- gier ... but not as part of a tour vestment away from Morocco’s taking a standard tour, you can round-trip ferry crossing and a edgeable and English-speaking group. fourth city. hire a private guide. With the guide who meets you at the port. local friend all to myself.

Hopping off my ferry, I’m luxury of my own guide, I ven- All offer the same five-hour ex- While the tangled lanes of old Rick Steves (ricksteves.com) writes European eager to get up to date with the ture into the old town. He leads perience: a city bus tour, a Tangier are a cauldron of activ- guidebooks, hosts travel shows on TV and radio, and organizes European tours. You can email Rick city. I’ve heard that everything me directly into the market. The ride-a-camel stop, a drive ity, rooftop teahouses let you at [email protected] and follow his blog on changed when the current king, scene is a wonderland, with ev- through the ritzy palace neigh- enjoy a privileged tranquility Facebook. Experience the winter solstice from home next week

Public events around the world have gans, historians, scientists and the merely stice, a shaft of light shines through a been canceled in hopes of stemming the curious to experience sunrises and sunsets perfectly positioned portal and lights up global pandemic, but there’s no stopping beside the famous ring of upright rocks in the corridor leading to the basin of ances- the forces of nature. One such unstoppable Salisbury whose construction dates to tral remains. The phenomenon lasts about event is the solstice. At 11:02 a.m. Dec. 21, around 2500 B.C. At the time of the winter 17 minutes. the sun in the skies above the Northern solstice, the sun would have set between A lottery is usually held at the end of Hemisphere will reach its most southerly the upright pillars of the September to determine who will be al- point of the year, and all those living above tallest of the arched struc- lowed inside at dawn on mornings be- the equator will experience the shortest tures known as trilithons. tween Dec. 18 and 23. This year, the event amount of daylight hours and the longest This particular one is now will be live-streamed for all to experience. hours of night. collapsed. Online: newgrange.com Just how long your day will be on Dec. In the interest of public Elsewhere: The Orkney islands, an 21 will vary depending upon your location. health, no Winter Solstice archipelago off the northeastern coast of In Tarifa, Spain, the southernmost point in gathering will be held at iStock Scotland, is home to many Neolithic sites. mainland Europe, you’ll experience nine Karen Stonehenge in 2020. In- A live­stream from England’s Stonehenge, On its largest island is Maeshowe, a cham- hours and 41 minutes of daylight, whereas Bradbury stead, the Winter Solstice shown here in winter, will be available bered burial tomb whose rear wall be- in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, your day sunrise will be live- Dec. 21 since the public is not allowed. comes illuminated during winter solstice will last eight hours and three minutes. streamed from the stones on the morning sunrises. Many of the mysterious stone But spare a thought for the folk of Kir- of Dec. 21 and will be free to watch on all visit/places/stonehenge edifices known as Nuraghe, approximately kenes, a small town in far northeastern English Heritage social media channels. Newgrange, Ireland: Predating Stone- 7,000 of which dot the landscape of Sardi- Norway, where they’ve been experiencing And it’s not just during the solstice that henge is this ancient Neolithic temple nia, feature entrance orientations that Polar Nights since Nov. 27, and the sun the public can experience the skies above located about 35 miles north of Dublin. point towards winter solstice sunrises. The will first rise above the horizon on Jan. 15. Stonehenge. The Skyscape website pro- Within this massive round tomb built of Mnajdra complex in Malta, today a World Here’s where you’ll be able to see the vides users with a view to the heavens stones and covered by a mound of earth, a Heritage site, consists of three temples. At wintry rays of the solstice online: above the iconic stone circle and to learn stone passageway leads to a central cham- the time of the summer and winter solstic- Stonehenge, England: At the time of about the movements of the sun, moon and ber into which the ashes of the dead were es, sunlight illuminates the edges of the both the winter and summer solstices, planets. placed. In the late 1960s, scientists discov- megaliths flanking the doorway of the English Heritage welcomes druids, pa- Online: www.english-heritage.org.uk/ ered that at the dawn of the winter sol- lowest temple. Friday, December 18, 2020 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 25 WEEKEND: FOOD & DINING Satisfying burgers without the bloat Boll Burger in Kaiserslautern beats fast-food competition with its simple menu options

BY CHAD GARLAND Stars and Stripes here’s a storefront in downtown Kaiserslautern that I’ve seen go from a perpetually shuttered burrito shack, to a sausage shop that rarely Tshowed signs of life, to a pizzeria that at least regularly opened its doors, to a burger joint now. Walking through the pedestrian zone the other day, I noticed the lights on at Boll Burger and wondered if, under the scourge of AFTER the pandemic, the pro- prietors might soon HOURS turn them off for good GERMANY too, or whether they’d defy the odds and break the cycle. I de- cided I’d try it out and at least see if I’d regret either possibility. Situated among the downtown bars, the shop is ideal- ly placed to serve throngs of weekend revelers and carousers — remember carousing? — but would it be a satisfying option for one of those dark, deep-into-the- pandemic winter nights when turning on the micro- wave, let alone the oven, feels like too much of a pro- duction? While a recent home delivery order didn’t bowl me over, it bested typical fast-food fare and late-night snack options downtown. Not quite a strike, but not in the PHOTOS BY CHAD GARLAND/Stars and Stripes gutter either. Golden fries and Boll Burger’s signature sandwich, with a fried egg on top, is satisfying and doesn’t leave you with the Manfred Boll began slinging burgers, brats and sau- bloated feeling and chemical aftertaste of some its fast food com petitors. sages from a snack cart half a century ago, Boll Burg- er’s Facebook page says, and the stand’s been a fixture Boll Burger at the weekend farmer’s market on Stiftsplatz for dec- ades, but its storefront near the Snug Irish Pub is rela- Location: Steinstrasse 23, 67657 Kaiserslautern tively new. Hours: Delivery times: Weekdays 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to It’s clean and bright, but like many “imbiss” shops in 9 p.m. (Fridays until 11 p.m.); Saturdays 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Sun- days 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Dining in: Weekdays 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. the downtown area, it isn’t outfitted for a long sit-down (Fridays until 2 a.m.); Saturdays 4 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Sundays 4 p.m. meal, so ordering delivered hardly felt like a down- to 9 p.m. Hours are subject to change. grade. English menu: Menus on Lieferando.de are in several languages; Boll Burger’s menu options online are simple, with German in the shop. several salads, wraps and sides of fries (straight, curly Prices: Burgers and wraps from about 3.50 to 5 euros; most and sweet potato varieties) and chicken wings, fingers salads around 8.50 euros. and nuggets. The burgers, in beef or chicken, are of- Information: Online: imbiss-boll.de; Phone +49 0631-31181918 fered in two sizes: one with two 2-ounce beef patties, or Chad Garland a single 3.2-ounce fried chicken piece, and an XXL version featuring two 3.5-ounce patties, or double chick- istan, he’s had both the fried and grilled chicken ver- en chunks. For an extra 50 cents, the larger sandwiches sions, each with fresh and crunchy greens, cherry toma- can be ordered on ciabatta rolls. toes and red onions. Yet despite the abundance of meat Since it was a weeknight, I went for the standard- on the order I saw, the fried chicken was too scarce on sized signature Boll Burger, which like many of the his earlier sampling, he said. burger variations is topped with a fried egg, as was the The burger is served on a lightly toasted sesame seed grilled chicken salad my roommate selected (and two of bun and topped with cheese, lettuce, onions, pickles and the other five salads). tomatoes, in addition to the aforementioned egg. For Look, I’m a simple man with simple tastes and a pen- me, its most distinctive element may have been its chant for humble foods like burgers, tacos and pizza, “homemade sauce,” which had a pleasant, honey-like but I do like to feel like I’m getting something special sweetness. when I order out. For me, the egg does it. The beef slabs resembled thin, pre-formed patties, The food arrived much faster than the 40 minutes it and between them was about an eighth of an inch of was projected to take, possibly because I live nearby. bacon, less crispy than I like but still a delight for the While a salad wouldn’t normally appeal to me, the taste buds. I might opt for the XXL next time. hefty portion of tasty-looking grilled chicken covering The fries were golden and crispy and came in a de- The Boll Burger grilled chicken salad is large enough to the greens and egg on my roommate’s meal was enough cent portion. I also ordered a nine-piece crispy chicken share with an abundance of chicken and a fried egg atop to make me rethink my choice. nuggets that resembled the version popularized at a crispy, fresh greens and veggies. “It’s a lot,” said my roommate and colleague, J.P. certain restaurant named for a Scottish clan, complete Lawrence. “You’re getting a bucket of salad.” with barbecue sauce that seemed to be cloned from the didn’t leave me with a feeling of bloated emptiness or a There would be plenty to spare. same origins. chemical aftertaste. I felt satisfied through to bedtime, “Overall, good salads with enough volume to eat for I also tried the mango, chili-cheese and sweet chili in part by the thought that I might be helping to keep a several meals,” he said. “It’s kind of intimidating to dipping sauces, which all made for a good mix of sweet local business’s lights on in a dark time. have to schedule several rounds of salad-eating into the and savory, but none of which stood out from their daily planner. But I would order again.” close cousins at McDonald’s or Burger King. [email protected] While in self-quarantine after traveling from Afghan- Unlike its fast food competitors, however, Boll Burger Twitter: @chadgarland PAGE 26 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, December 18, 2020 WEEKEND: TRAVEL Airports expecting a long haul Even with vaccines, flying is likely to include COVID testing for years

BY NIKKI EKSTEIN Bloomberg ven as the race to approve and distribute CO- VID-19 vaccines is entering its final stretch, parts of the travel industry are sprinting to a Edifferent finish line: airport testing. In hubs large and small, from JFK to Boston to Frank- furt, Germany, a variety of companies are figuring out how to scale preflight rapid and PCR COVID testing in hopes of facilitating safe air travel and lessening quaran- tine requirements for anyone who isn’t first in line for a shot. The leaders of that effort may come as a surprise. In the U.S., it’s XpressSpa, the purveyor of quickie mani-pedis and travel pillows. It’s currently operational in four major U.S. airports, with more to come in Decem- ber. In the U.K., Collinson — the parent company of the BING GUAN/Bloomberg Priority Pass airport lounge network — is the testing Travelers wearing protective masks receive nasal swabs from nurses at a COVID­19 test site at Los Angeles partner for London Heathrow and Virgin Atlantic, which International Airport. Even with vaccines, airports expect to continue testing passengers for at least two more years. recently began offering free tests for passengers on flights to select Caribbean destinations. This effort ex- least the next two years and possibly far longer. ing over from passengers who are less concerned about panded to three additional U.K. airports this month. Col- For both Satzman and Evans, providing airport testing quarantine requirements than keeping their relatives linson also announced a partnership in mid-November is less a way to compensate for COVID-related losses safe. with American Airlines, British Airways, and the One- than a means to get air travel — and therefore their core Against all these odds, airport testing efforts are gain- world airline alliance that will bring testing to select businesses — back on track. As Satzman puts it, “It’s not a ing liftoff, thanks to a few recent developments. First is flights and possibly lead to the creation of an “air bridge.” big money thing, it’s a service you offer to let people back the recent, increased availability of rapid tests, which In other words: Momentum is building. in so you can make money off your other businesses. “ have allowed companies such as XpressSpa to think a bit “We went from concept to pilot in 75 days,” says The same could be said about Lufthansa, which in mid- further outside the box. Reliability is a growing positive, XpressSpa Chief Executive Officer Doug Satzman of the November started to roll out free and rapid pre-flight too: Just this week the NFL announced that it has helped effort’s early days; the company’s first COVID-19 testing testing for certain flights between Munich and Hamburg prove the concept of a rapid test that’s as reliable as PCR facility opened at New York’s John F. Kennedy Interna- in collaboration with the German biotech firm Centogene. swabs. tional Airport in June. But expanding has been slow work. “Successful testing of entire flights can be the key to Then there’s interest from airlines, who are seeing wide “Operating in airports is a difficult, highly complex, high- revitalizing international air traffic,” says Christina Foer- adoption of a vaccine as too far-off to suit their financial ly regulated environment — just getting an electrician in ster, Lufthansa Group’s executive board member for hopes. “Airlines are the ones stringing together the air to fix something in your store is kind of a pain,” Satzman customer, IT, and corporate responsibility. bridges,” says Satzman, referring to the joint participa- explains. There’s data to support the idea that testing could rees- tion of two destinations in a pre-approved testing require- “It’s been a tiring journey, I won’t deny it,” says David tablish consumer confidence. In a study published by the ment for entry. “They see us as a strategic partner be- Evans, co-CEO of Collinson, whose company got into the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) in October, cause we’re the only ones that will be in various airports.” testing game due to its knowledge of airport operations 76 percent of respondents said that rapid testing prior to As a result, Satzman says, XpressSpa is carrying out and its history as a purveyor of travel insurance. While its departure — with waived quarantining requirements for negotiations with nearly every major American carrier, Heathrow effort has grown from testing 25,000 passen- those who test negative — would be the best way to open from implementing a pilot program that one airline hopes gers per day to testing more than 1 million, some chal- up international travel. to roll out across all of its busiest airports to bundling the lenges to scaling up are hard to overcome. The barrier is a patchwork approach to entry require- price of a required pre-flight COVID test with airfares. Difficulties have little to do with square footage or ments across state, regional and international levels, and The next steps, say both Satzman and Evans, involve money. Creating airport testing sites, Evans says, is a the lack of a unified system to verify results. In Hong creating digital passports via which results could be up- low-cost proposition that can fill any empty or under- Kong, for instance, travelers need to present a “physical, loaded and accessed by airline agents and border control utilized space, of which there are many in airports today. stamped, paper copy of results,” says Collinson’s Evans; officials, as needed. (Imagine, for instance, not being able It’s the lack of coordinated policy around testing require- travelers to other destinations need only log into a health to board a plane unless you scanned your boarding pass ments that has thwarted any type of global (or even coun- portal for an agent to review. and your digital health app at the gate.) try-wide) expansion. Satzman doesn’t see much of that changing. In the U.S., Then, Satzman says, it can be time to look at the next “If they rolled out a national testing mandate for air as in other countries, coordinated policy for airport test- chapter: administering vaccines in addition to tests, and travel, we’d be there to support in as many airports as ing would require unprecedented cooperation among providing additional services such as strep throat tests to possible,” adds Evans, who has been lobbying vociferous- agencies as wide-ranging as the Federal Aviation Admin- help unwell passengers decide whether it’s prudent to ly for that exact approach to “get the world moving istration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention board a plane. again.” and the Department of Health and Human Services. But “Whether we call this XCheck or something else — Both Satzman and Evans think their efforts will pay off, with infections in the U.S. reaching an all-time high, and whatever this turns into, I do believe it will be bigger than whether they’re the turtle or the hare in a race with vac- Europe batting down its second wave, the need for testing the XpressSpa business,” Satzman adds. “There’s a lot to cines. After all, both executives are of the mindset that has become more urgent. Add in the desire to make long- do in airports. And we’re going to do it, step by step by airport testing will be a long-term need, relevant for at awaited holiday travels stick, and you have demand boil- step.” Friday, December 18, 2020 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 27 WEEKEND: TRAVEL Americans welcome in ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’ Banned almost everywhere else in Europe, US tourists are finding their way to Croatia

BY JELENA SIMAC Special to The Washington Post he “Pearl of the Adriatic” had waited 28 years for a direct line to America, and when it arrived, it was historic. T Last year, American Airlines began operating three weekly trips between Dubrovnik, Croatia’s seaside vacation hub, and Philadelphia, serving travelers from June until September — at which point it added a fourth trip. According to data from the Croatian National Tourist Board, Americans were the second-most numerous guests in Dubrovnik in 2019, with nearly 160,000 arrivals and more than 442,000 overnight stays. It was yet another record-setting year of overall visitors to the city. Plans for this year were even bigger. “Americans are one of the most desirable guests in Dubrovnik,” said Slavica Grkes, the owner of Dubrovnik- based Dominium Travel, an agency that does frequent business with Americans. “When on vacation, they are always in a good mood: very interested in getting to know the people and culture they are visiting, and willing to pay for a good experience.” The pandemic, and harsh disappointment, materialized in 2020 instead. As American Airlines grounded its Phila- delphia-to-Dubrovnik line indefinitely, tourism in the city cratered to a point not seen since the war of the early 1990s. And in a country like Croatia, which draws one- fifth of its gross domestic profit from tourism, such a drop-off is a hard blow. But Americans, even without a direct flight, have soft- ened it. PHOTOS BY DUBRAVKO LENERT/The Washington Post “This summer I guided around 20 tours — not a lot, A group of tourists walk with a local guide on a tour at the Pile area in Dubrovnik, Croatia. Croatia is the only European really — but the majority of my guests were Americans,” Union nation that has opened its borders to tourists from the United States. said Tomislav Matana, a longtime Dubrovnik tour guide. “They all had a big will and desire to come to Croatia. lit a project to bring ultra-fast broadband internet to the And although it was [anything] but simple for them to region. In October, the city held a “Dubrovnik for Digital come to Croatia and Dubrovnik, they all say that it was Nomads” virtual conference, to pitch workers on its initia- worth it.” tives and the virtues of making it their next remote office. Croatia, which closed itself off early in the spring to And at the beginning of 2021, Croatia is set to introduce a keep coronavirus infections low, hit zero reported cases hotly anticipated digital-nomad visa, which will make it within its borders in May and reopened to visitors from the second country in Europe and the fifth in the world to all countries in July, with testing requirements in place. do so. The move made Croatia the only nation in the European “Having the support of the local government and local Union to accept travelers from the United States. businesses is a huge deal for digital nomads, as it means That continental distinction has not changed, even as that the city is accommodating to the needs of long-term Croatia’s cases have risen and as it implemented a partial visitors,” Morlock said. “And that slight shift in attitude national shutdown this month that included closing bars made me feel a lot more comfortable choosing this city as and restaurants and banning weddings through Christ- a place to stay.” mas. As such, she said she felt safe and relaxed in Dubrovnik A largely seasonal location, Dubrovnik expects fewer — although the pandemic still required unique consid- visitors this time of year anyhow. But the closures have erations. made Americans’ warmer-weather spending all the more “As digital nomads, I believe it’s our duty to act respon- A couple enjoys a drink at D'Vino wine bar in Dubrovnik, vital. sibly when choosing destinations during the pandemic,” Croatia. During the pandemic, the country has become a According to Matana, most of his American guests in she said. “That means not staying somewhere in crisis meeting spot for binational couples to reunite. 2020 have been people who had COVID-19 and recovered, and preventing the spread of the virus as much as pos- remote workers or people who couldn’t stand to give up sible.” rented a car and toured the country, visiting the national traveling. Niksa Klecak, CEO of Croatia’s Kompas Rent a Because the rest of the European Union remains closed parks, island-hopping and enjoying our time together in Car, has noticed similar trends, plus one more of note: to American travelers, Croatia has also become an attrac- relative ease,” Lau recalled. “This time,” he said, “the Americans, when they found an tive meet-up location for binational couples. “We wore masks where it was required and were care- alternative way to come to Europe, were not here to Justin Leung and Katja Lau are among those who have ful in general. Since the rules are not different to the ones spend just a couple of weeks, but rather several months.” taken advantage. Leung, an American, and Lau, a Ger- in Germany, it was not a big hurdle to stick to the same Sarah Morlock, a 31-year-old freelance writer and so- man national, had met in San Francisco. But after Lau rules. Overall, visiting Croatia gave us the opportunity to cial media manager from Indiana, is one such case. A returned to Germany for school, the pandemic complicat- meet up again as a binational couple, which is great.” roaming remote worker, she spent October and Novem- ed plans for a reunion. Even now, as Croatia’s shutdown begins and global ber working from Croatia with her partner. “Originally we had planned to meet up in San Francis- cases rise, Dubrovnik officials and business owners re- “Dubrovnik has always been on our list of places to co again in March and then again in May in Germany, but main optimistic. visit,” Morlock said. “It’s a beautiful city, and it has better due to the coronavirus both countries locked down and Already preparing for the next tourist season, they are weather this time of year than many other places in Eu- we canceled our trip,” Lau said. “We wanted to wait for putting their hope in the success of the announced U.S. rope. Personally, when choosing a place to stay and work, things to get under control, but as the lockdown persisted, vaccine candidates — and the enduring appeal of their I often look for historical cities with decent infrastructure with no end in sight, and our time apart approached eight city. (such as good Wi-Fi), a foodie culture and access to na- months, we decided to find a place that had the coro- “Dubrovnik is one of the most interesting destinations ture. Dubrovnik checks all those boxes ... Plus, we’re not a navirus in check and was welcoming to both Americans in Europe for the American market,” said Frankovic, the fan of crowds, so the reports of a nearly ‘empty’ Dubrov- and Germans.” mayor. “And we can send to our American guests only nik were quite appealing to us.” Since Leung could work remotely, and Lau was on one message: Dubrovnik is not going anywhere. It is wait- Dubrovnik is making a direct effort, in fact, to appeal to summer break, they decided to spend a month in Croatia. ing for you.” “digital nomads” like Morlock. “We booked a week in Zagreb, where we flew in, not Three new direct flights from the United States, Fran- In February, Dubrovnik Mayor Mato Frankovic green- knowing if Justin would need to quarantine. We then kovic added, are in the works. PAGE 28 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, December 18, 2020 WEEKEND:TRAVEL

SANDRA WALSER Scientist and polar guide Allison Cusick shows FjordPhyto citizen science participants the equipment they will be using to gather data from the polar marine environment. Be an armchair research assistant Citizen science allows laymen to contribute to groundbreaking investigations, even without traveling

BY TANYA WARD GOODMAN in motion, evidence of change is everywhere and, as I the Secchi disk. Like a black and white CD on a line, the Special to The Washington Post push myself to run, I breathe it all in. The small space of disk indicated the level of light penetrating the dense or the first time in some years, I don’t have a my backyard is filled with information and, with time on saltwater. A pricey digital gizmo called a SonTek Cast- plan to travel. With this nourishing cycle of my hands, I can’t help but take notice. Away revealed further information about the pressure, investigation, expectation and adventure at a Back in February, when I had no idea that stepping temperature and salinity of the depths. Fstandstill, I’ve been looking for ways to expand beyond my doorstep would soon mean breathing through My fellow passengers on the Hebridean Sky, a vessel my experience and cultivate awareness of the world a mask, I spent an hour in a Zodiac inflatable boat strain- run by Polar Latitudes, were from all over the world. On without leaving home. ing phytoplankton from freezing seawater in the Antarc- the Zodiac that morning, our small crew hailed from I get on the treadmill in my garage and watch a slice of tic Peninsula. The day was silent and foggy and our voic- Singapore, the United States, Germany and Argentina. morning sun illuminate the narrow width of my drive- es mingled with the cries of a few Adelie penguins and We all knew a bit about phytoplankton, but less about its way. Light transforms the chilly air, revealing a sea of the occasional crack and boom of a calving iceberg. vital role in the vast interconnected web of the natural tiny winged insects, bits of pollen, grains of ash or soot, Flat and mysterious, the ocean was the color of pewter. world. Bluntly put, these microscopic floating plants sawdust from a neighboring construction site, and the A scattering of tiny krill squiggled through my reflection delicate luminous scrawl of a spider’s web. The world is as I stared down into the depths, tracking the descent of SEE SCIENCE ON PAGE 29 Friday, December 18, 2020 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 29 WEEKEND: TRAVEL Science: Getting involved fosters deeper connection to the world

FROM PAGE 28 would drive south from my home in Los provide 50 percent or more of the oxygen Angeles to catch up with them again in on Earth. Cusick’s lab. The spread of the coronavi- “Every second breath you take, you can rus changed everything. I got back to the thank the phytoplankton,” said Annette States, but the phytoplankton did not. Bombosch, education coordinator for “2020 is going to be a year of myste- Polar Latitudes, from the stern of the rious productivity,” Cusick said when we bobbing boat. first spoke back in March, a week after We were participants in a particularly the California shutdown began. The hur- dramatic example of a citizen science ried efforts to shut down her lab mim- opportunity, in which the sound of a dis- icked the scramble to clear the samples tant exhalation was likely signaling a from our ship in Ushuaia, Argentina, and passing humpback whale. We filled small, also the rush on toilet paper and pasta in brown bottles from the surface, adding a my local supermarket. preservative stain called Lugol’s solution. Confined to the boundaries of home and More concentrated samples were collect- yard as the pandemic spread, Cusick ed by dragging a net slowly through the studied computer coding while I joined water for 10 minutes and filtering out the my fellow humans in binge television phytoplankton with a handheld pump. watching, added the verb Zoom to my Though we had less than two cups of wa- vocabulary, and scanned through the ter in our sample, the pumping required internet proliferation of sourdough reci- effort and we all took a turn. The resulting pes and TikTok dances. In these unusual brownish substance on the white filter times, the human need to consume and was folded into what someone jokingly share information (for better or worse) is called “a Phyto Taco” and dropped into a on full display. Taking a look at positive test tube. ways we might use this connection is Back on the ship, we met our phyto- heartening. plankton under a microscope. One was “I just go to the case studies that show rounded at the ends and sported a spiky and demonstrate the power of the crowd crown of tiny hairs; another was shaped and the knowledge of collective contribu- SANDRA WALSER like a fountain pen. Bombosch suggested tion,” Cusick said when we spoke again Fjord Phyto citizen science participants pull up a net filled with phytoplankton, the we think of the phytoplankton universe as recently. “Weather forecasting started microscopic plant­like organisms that give life to these icy ecosystems. an “invisible forest.” She attributed this because people had rain gauges in their description to Allison Cusick, a PhD can- backyards. The people in Flint, Mich., anywhere else in the world if you didn’t breaking research and investigations. didate back at the Scripps Institution of started testing their own water. Something have the polar regions where they go to With thousands of ongoing projects, get- Oceanography in San Diego whose work was off, and the city wasn’t doing anything feed,” Cusick says. ting involved doesn’t require a trip to the we were aiding. Determined to chart the about it. It was a social justice issue.” At least 50 percent of our oxygen and white continent. Many projects offer a effects of melting glaciers on coastal eco- The coronavirus is a more nefarious whales: That’s a lot of responsibility for a chance to participate from home, making systems, Cusick needed long-term data, microscopic cohabitant of our planet, but tiny floating sea plant. I’m a little in love it an ideal activity for these strange days. but distance, logistics and funding kept it shares with phytoplankton an ability to with the phytoplankton right now. An urge Log on to the Globe Observer app, for her from making regular trips to Antarc- illustrate the effect of our global intercon- to protect these minuscule organisms example, and help confirm NASA satellite tica. To fill in the gaps, she created Fjord nectedness. Everything and everyone guides me to make sustainable choices in cloud observations on your lunch break. Phyto, a partnership of education and affects everything and everyone. A trickle my own life and look for ways to encour- You might count birds or insects, play research that capitalizes on the regular of fresh water into the Antarctic con- age others to do the same. This conscious games on your phone that help identify routes of cruise ships and uses travelers vergence may not ring an alarm bell until work helps balance my fear of the virus fish or plants, or scan the night sky for like me to convey the crucial data needed you also begin to understand that large and grounds me in the world. stars. Numerous coronavirus-related pro- from one of the most distant and fastest- phytoplankton prefer colder, saltier water. “When you collaborate with people who jects are working to create a large picture warming regions on Earth. In addition to providing much of the air aren’t scientists, you gain a whole commu- of how the virus is affecting us emotional- At the end of the season, these samples we breathe, these chunky phytoplankton nity of people who are invested in the ly as well as physically. A comprehensive would make their way by ship, auto and are at the base of a complex food chain project,” Cusick said, explaining the ongo- database of participation opportunities is airplane back to California. Just like me. that links all the way up to penguins and ing value of participatory science. available at scistarter.org. With a certain sense of attachment to our whales. Citizen science offers the general public To learn more about Fjord Phyto, visit collected samples, I had this idea that I “There would be no whale watching an opportunity to participate in ground- fjordphyto.ucsd.edu. PAGE 30 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, December 18, 2020 WEEKEND: LIFESTYLE Staying home for the holidays The possibility of a no-drama corona Christmas has some families secretly jumping with joy, relief

BY LEANNE ITALIE clinical family medicine at the Ohio State Associated Press University Wexner Medical Center and a orritta Lewis has a huge extend- facilitator of mindfulness classes. ed family. Her mom is one of 12 “What has emerged is that many peo- siblings. Usually, Christmas ple discovered something via the Thanks- Cmeans that she, her wife and giving restriction of gathering with less their 2-year-old son dig out their cold- people — they loved it. They thought they weather gear for the schlep from home in would feel a huge sense of loss from the sunny Southern California to Ohio and days inability to travel and the typical gather- CORRITTA LEWIS/AP of holiday chaos. ing with larger groups,” she said. Corritta Lewis, center, and her wife Mea pose with their son Caleb, 2, in Oceanside, Not this year. Participants in her classes reported Calif., on Dec. 4. Lewis, who has a huge extended family in Ohio, says she is looking “We’re happy to be saving money, less anxiety without extended family and forward to staying home with her family and avoiding the overall holiday mania. spending more time together, and to just friends around, and deeper, more mea- have a less stressful holiday,” said the ningful conversations with the smaller This year, it will be just the two of them 31-year-old human resources analyst in numbers left around them. in 80-degree weather with “zero familial Oceanside, Calif. “We don’t have to deal “COVID-19 and its ensuing collateral obligations.” with the crowded airports, stores and over- damage may have some realizations that As it did for Thanksgiving, the U.S. all mania that the holiday brings. We’re sculpt future behavior, and not all in a Centers for Disease Control and Preven- going to lie in our pajamas and watch mo- negative way. We just need to have our tion is urging people to avoid travel dur- vies all day.” eyes open to these surprising realiza- ing the December holidays while the Though Thanksgiving pleas to stay put tions,” Klatt said, falling short of the “sil- pandemic continues to surge. For those were ignored by many, and authorities fear ver lining” cliche. who don’t heed the call, the CDC recom- the same for Christmas and New Year’s, In Fort Lauderdale, Fla., 33-year-old mends travelers get tested for COVID-19 many others around the world are gleefully Shannon O’Reilly usually travels back before and after their trips. looking forward to spending the December home to New Jersey at Christmas, “and it On the Upper East Side of Manhattan, holidays at home without the expense, never, ever feels like a vacation.” She and 38-year-old Rosalin Siv won't take her family drama and travel headaches they her husband both have large extended annual holiday trip to Southern California normally endure. families. Trying to squeeze in visits with with her husband and 4-year-old son to Some plan to use the money they save to all of them leaves little meaningful face visit her parents, siblings, and extended buy gifts for those in need as coronavirus time for any, she said. family and friends. deaths and hospitalizations rage on nearly “We’re constantly house hopping and She’s relieved. 10 months into the pandemic. never really feel settled when we go back “This year I’m pregnant, and the Many who stayed home during Thanks- up there," she said. “Quite frankly, as thought of juggling a busy work schedule SHANNON O’REILLY/AP giving to keep safe already experienced the soon as we land on the tarmac in Newark, with holiday and family activities is more Shannon O’Reilly and her husband Ezequiel restfulness of opting out of holiday mad- we both look at each other every time and stressful than usual,” said Siv. “I can’t say Viant pose for a selfie in Ft. Lauderdale, ness, said Maryanna Klatt, a professor of say, ‘Why are we doing this?’” I’ll miss all the logistics.” Fla., in 2019. She and her husband both have large extended families. Trying to The sentiments are shared around the squeeze in holiday visits with all leaves world. little meaningful face time for any, she said. Ben Taylor, 43, lives on the Kent coast- line of southeast England with his wife the positive side of every situation,” Barba- and two kids, ages 6 and 2. He calls their ta said. normal Christmas holiday a “crazy mag- Christmas is tinged with sadness this ical mystery tour” that lasts about a week. year for Holly Nordenberg in Madison, They usually travel by car, for about four Wis. hours, to visit relatives and old friends in “My grandfather passed away from Norfolk. COVID last month,” said the mom of two “I’ve always felt a little envious be- girls, ages 3 and 5. cause it feels like we visit house after With their patriarch gone, the 36-year- house where people are relaxing, whilst old Nordenberg said the usual extended not getting to do the same thing our- family get-together with up to 40 people selves,” he said. “Well, now it’s our turn!” back home in Rock Island, Ill., may not Nicoletta Barbata is an Italian who’s happen, regardless of whether she goes. been living on the Greek island of Santo- There are other reasons why she’s fine rini for nearly four years. Christmas is not returning. usually her one and only trip home to “I’ve been dreading our Christmas gath- Milan every year. ering this year because of the political “I usually stay for four to six weeks,” climate and how polarized my family is said the single Barbata, who’s 39. “My regarding politics,” Nordenberg said. time back to Milan is devoted to catching Instead, she, her husband and their kids up with my family and friends, spending will focus on “gratitude and baking” at time with my parents and meeting friends home.

HOLLY NORDENBERG/AP all over Italy who I haven’t seen for “I’m honestly looking forward to a quiet Holly Nordenberg, left, poses with her family: Gia Nordenberg, 3, second from left; months.” holiday season,” Nordenberg said. “We husband Ross Nordenberg; and Gwen Nordenberg, 5, at the Hann’s Christmas Tree While she’ll “deeply miss” the trip this have all our decorations up, a pantry full of Farm in Oregon, Wis., on Nov. 25. For some planning to stay home for Christmas, givingyear, she’ll happily make do with the baking supplies, and we’re finding ways to up the hassle and family drama of holiday travel isn’t such a bad deal in the end. Holly friends she’s made in Greece. really appreciate how fortunate we are Nordenberg said her family will focus on “gratitude and baking” at home. “I’m a person who always tries to see each day.” Friday, December 18, 2020 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 31 WEEKEND: BOOKS Emancipating the undocumented DACA repicient wrote book about hidden lives of immigrants to offer them a better representation BY DORANY PINEDA heard “the xenophobic and dehu- Dreamers — the approximately the risks were, so they knew that I Los Angeles Times manizing rhetoric that Trump 700,000 young immigrants who wasn’t going to be taking those arla Cornejo Villav- used for his campaign,” as she were brought to the U.S. illegally risks, that I wasn’t going to be icencio grew up seeing recalled in a phone interview. as children. Instead, she wanted doing dumb s— with their identi- caricatured and “And when he won in 2016 I just to tell the stories of immigrants ties.” Kcliched representa- felt like, as an artist, what I could who had made the decision to After filling “tons” of Moleskine tions of migrants in books, televi- contribute was a better repre- cross borders. notebooks, the author destroyed sion and movies. What she didn’t sentation.” Sometimes, getting her subjects them: “They had peoples’ stories see reflected in them was her The result, published this year, to open up was relatively easy: that had to disappear because thought, ‘Nobody is talking about parents — immigrants from was “The Undocumented Amer- “Migrants are people and they do they didn’t exist according to the this.’” Ecuador — or herself, a recipient icans,” a book that unearths the think about their representation,” United States government,” she The strongest responses to of the Deferred Action for Child- mostly hidden lives of immigrants Cornejo Villavicencio said. “They said. “The Undocumented Americans” hood Arrivals program (DACA). living in the United States. Corne- do think about the way that they In these intimate conversations, came, she said, from those who When Cornejo Villavicencio jo Villavicencio weaves in her are talked about and depicted in Cornejo Villavicencio discovered lamented how rarely mental was a senior at Harvard Uni- own story throughout, describing Hollywood, in television and on something about herself: Many of health came up among immi- versity, she wrote an anonymous her lifelong battle with trauma cable news, so of course they’re her subjects shared the same grants. essay for The Daily Beast about and mental illness and reflecting interested and have a stake in traumas and mental health issues “There’s this belief that we’re what the publication wanted to on her parents’ sacrifices. Pub- that, so they were happy to talk to she’s struggled with since she was not supposed to air dirty laundry, call her “dirty little secret” — that lished in March, it was a non- me.” child, including anxiety and de- and I think that’s the stigma: that her parents did not immigrate fiction finalist for a National Book Other times, they declined. pression. we owe our activism and that we legally. Immediately, literary Award — the first such nomi- With those who agreed to talk, she “We all have these crazy f— owe our collective need for im- agents started asking for a mem- nation for an undocumented per- didn’t use a tape recorder. nightmares, we have migraines, migration reform, that we owe oir. It made her angry because she son. “This was 2016, 2017. This was a we have ulcers, a lot of us self- that cause so much that we need knew it wasn’t about her writing; In six chapters, “The Undocu- bad time, and I was going to plac- medicated, but what we had in to swallow our own pain and the they wanted a “rueful tale” about mented Americans” follows the es fresh off of raids, so I took notes common that was insane was that lasting damage that migration and someone defying the odds and stories of people the author met in by hand, I changed names and I we did not miss a day of work,” the American dream has caused getting into an Ivy League school. five cities across the United assured people of anonymity,” she she said. “These are incredibly in our community,” she said. But she was 21; she wasn’t ready. States: New York; Miami; Flint, said. high-functioning people who have For many of the people she has She knew she was ready six Mich.; Cleveland; and New She believes her own story depression, anxiety, PTSD, [ob- written about and written for she years later as she watched Donald Haven, Conn. She made a con- helped earn their trust: “Because sessive compulsive disorder] and says, “I think this book has been Trump run for president and scious choice not to write about I was undocumented, I knew what they just swallow it all, and I emancipatory.” Oral history of Linklater’s ‘Dazed and Confused’ nostalgic for past

BY MATTHEW ODAM and full of promise as they were in 3. Both the characters of Mitch motto, “Just keep livin.’” 9. Linklater didn’t want the cast Austin American-Statesman that carefree summer of 1992 (played by Wiley Wiggins) and 7. The young out-of-town cast watching TV or consuming mod- ou don’t expect to read filming in Austin. Randall “Pink” Floyd (portrayed stayed at the Crest Inn (now the ern music, according to London, in the oral history of one of On the road to those wistful by Jason London) operate as sur- Line hotel), and the days and order to get them in the spirit of the great American realizations, Maerz takes readers rogates for Linklater, and like nights were filled with a fairly the movie’s period. The director Yhangout movies and through the spirited making of an Floyd, Linklater was a high school innocent mixture of sex, drugs also gave the young stars mix find heartache. But a touch of American classic, detailing wild quarterback. But Linklater left his and rock & roll. There were also tapes with ‘70s music to help them longing lingers at the end of Melis- nights, high school-level behind- Huntsville high school before his days on the river, nights at An- build their characters and get a sa Maerz’s new book “Alright, the-scenes-drama and the compli- senior year to play baseball at tone’s and all of the mischief you sense of the vibe. Alright, Alright: The Oral History cations the indefatigable Linklater Bellaire High School, and he led would expect from a cast that age 10. Affleck (and his brother) of Richard Linklater’s Dazed and endured in making his first Holly- the city of Houston in batting his let loose on a much more relaxed purchased the 1969 Cadillac Se- Confused.” Maybe it’s just proof wood studio movie, a film that senior year. Austin of the early ‘90s. dan de Ville driven by Cole Haus- that the pain of returning home started more as a knowing obser- 4. Several young actors in 8. Stars Milla Jovovich (”Mi- er (”Benny”) in the film and still always holds a little bittersweet- vation weighted with skepticism “Dazed” went on to be massive chelle”) and Shawn Andrews has it in his garage. The Oscar- ness. and buoyed by gallows humor and stars (Affleck, McConaughey, (”Pickford”) engaged in a border- winning filmmaker calls “Dazed” Linklater first hoped his 1993 ended up being one of the best Zellweger), but there were just as line obsessive romance that one of the most fulfilling creative film would push back against times you can have at the movies. many eventual big names who caused a rift with cast and crew. experiences of his life. He has only sentimentality Here are 10 things readers were considered but passed on, Both ended up with very limited two of his own movie posters up in and nostalgia might learn in reading “Alright, including Claire Danes, Jared roles in the film. Neither lent their his house — “Dazed and Con- for high school Alright, Alright”: Leto, Mark Ruffalo, Vince Vaughn voice to the book that features fused” and “Argo,” for which he and the 1970s, 1. The characters are loosely and Hilary Swank. about 150 cast and crew members. won an Oscar. but the Austin based on fragments of person- 5. Many film lovers have heard filmmaker alities and anecdotes about people astory that McConaughey was realized in the named Slater and Wooderson with discovered by legendary casting making of whom Linklater attended high director Don Phillips at the bar “Dazed” that school, and Maerz goes behind the atop the Hyatt on Lady Bird Lake, the medium of Pine Curtain for stories from but McConaughey was proactive. film has the Linklater’s high school classmates He got a tip from the bartender power to enrap- that will sound awfully familiar to that the casting director was there, ture audiences and glamorize viewers of the film. and the Uvalde native headed up subjects regardless of authorial 2. A natural observer and “in- to the bar and approached the intent. cessant note-taker,” according to a hard-living Phillips himself. A Maerz’s book, like the film it high school peer, Linklater says raucous night ensued, and the rest chronicles, also cannot help but be that one of his filmmaking heroes is history. nostalgic. Such is the place that and one he models himself after is 6. McConaughey improvised the film holds in the hearts and Francois Truffaut, whom Linklat- the line that gives the book its title. minds of many of its cast and er describes as “obsessed with the And the actor, whose role kept crew, young people who would notion of truthfulness — not nec- expanding during filming, turned come to realize that their artistic essarily that it happened to him to the lessons learned from his lives and professional careers but that it really happened to father, who died just days into may never again be as innocent somebody.” filming, for the film’s one-line life PAGE 32 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, December 18, 2020 WEEKEND: MUSIC

REVIEW

BETH GARRABRANT Less than five months after the surprise release of the quarantine blockbuster “folklore,” Taylor Swift again surprised fans with the release of the companion album “evermore.” ‘Evermore’ is more – and less – ‘folklore’

BY MIKAEL WOOD Yet the singer’s companion band; “Gold Rush,” about the I’m fine with my spite and my Los Angeles Times LPs also showcase her prodi- torments of being in a relation- tears all it “Use Your Seclu- gious songwriting talent at a ship with a famous person; and And my beers and my candles sion II.” moment when COVID has kept “Champagne Problems,” which “My beers and my candles”! A Less than five musicians off the stages that play-by-plays a rebuffed engage- top 10 bar for 2020, easy. Cmonths after Taylor normally define their lives. ment offer with so much em- Yet too many of the remaining Swift dropped “folklore” — the Has any A-list act utilized her pathy that neither character ends songs on “evermore” feel like blockbuster made-in-quarantine involuntary time at home more up as the bad guy. (Interestingly, leftovers from “folklore,” with album that reintroduced this fruitfully than Swift has? Swift wrote “Champagne Prob- recycled vocal cadences and country-turned-pop star as an What distinguishes “folklore” lems” with her boyfriend, Joe melodic phrases or lyrical scena- introspective indie balladeer — from “evermore,” of course, was Alwyn, working in his alter ego rios that seem unfinished, as in she’s returned with “evermore,” the element of surprise — not in as William Bowery.) “Willow” and the pretty but aim- which she calls the earlier set’s how the albums appeared (which “No Body, No Crime,” which less “Ivy.” The National’s guttur- “sister record” and which came Taylor Swift shocked fans and industry in- features vocals from Danielle al-voiced Matt Berninger joins out with equally little warning on siders alike in both cases), but in and Este Haim, evokes the Swift for a ghastly duet called evermore (Republic) Dec. 10. the stylistic shift “folklore” em- Chicks and Shania Twain as it “Coney Island” that makes you Like “folklore,” the new set of bodied. By downsizing her music, unspools a daffy-vengeful who- wonder if Dessner lost a bet to 15 songs (17 if you splurge for the ford & Sons, along with Bon Iv- Swift’s first 2020 record obliged dunit yarn about a woman with a his pal. deluxe physical edition) was er’s Justin Vernon, who appeared listeners to reconsider the skills dead husband. “Dorothea” and And although you have to love created during the COVID-19 on “folklore” but plays a larger of a master spectacle-maker; “’Tis the Damn Season” star the the concept for “Cowboy Like pandemic with a crew of musi- role this time as duet vocalist and “folklore,” with its many tunes same central figure: a Hollywood Me,” about a pair of grifters who cians led by Aaron Dessner of sideman. about characters both real and hopeful who leaves behind her fall for each other on the job, the The National; like “folklore,” Given its scale and especially imagined, also asked us to detach sleepy hometown only to return ersatz Lana Del Rey folk-rock “evermore” mines an atmo- its secrecy — at this point, Swift’s Swift’s songs from the particulars at Christmastime, when she arrangement (with Mumford on spheric, slightly twee chamber- NDA game is approaching of her highly scrutinized person- temporarily rekindles an old backing vocals) never gets up rock sound defined by breathy Beyonce’s level — it’s fair to al life. romance. and goes anywhere. vocals and hand-played instru- think of the sprawling “folklore”/ “Evermore,” in a first for “You could call me ‘babe’ for “Evermore” closes with a ments of both the acoustic and “evermore” project as a super- Swift, simply repeats its prede- the weekend,” she tells the guy, callback to one of “folklore’s” electronic variety. star flex along the lines of Guns cessor’s trick, which means the which could just about break high points — the juicily emo- “To put it plainly, we just N’ Roses’ 1991 “Use Your Illu- new album’s tunes must stand on your heart. tional Bon Iver duet “Exile” — couldn’t stop writing songs,” sion” two-fer or Shakira’s “Fija- their own. Then there’s “Closure,” a wild with another slow-motion piano Swift wrote in an Instagram post cion Oral” and “Oral Fixation” And not all of them are up to industrial-folk number with Nine ballad featuring Vernon’s pained announcing the existence of the from 2005. (That “evermore’s” the standard she set on “folk- Inch Nails-style drums in which man-in-the-woods falsetto. But new album and of a music video release closely follows “folk- lore.” the narrator lays into an ex who this time he and Swift fail to for the lead track, “Willow.” lore’s” numerous Grammy nomi- There are some incredible can’t stand the idea that she’s still connect as they did in “Exile,” Joining the tea party this time nations, including for album of songs here, none more impres- mad at him: which gives the song a glum are the sisters of Haim, several the year, only deepens the im- sive than “Tolerate It,” a devas- Don’t treat me like brand-integration vibe. of Dessner’s National bandmates pression that Swift is here to tating account of a loving wife Some situation that needs to be For most pop stars, that might and Marcus Mumford of Mum- win.) who no longer interests her hus- handled be enough. Not for Swift. Friday, December 18, 2020 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 33 WEEKEND: MUSIC REVIEWS

Mary McCartney Paul McCartney played all the instruments on his latest release, “McCartney III,” as he did on “McCartney” (1970) and “McCartney II” (1980).

Paul McCartney 1970, signaled the breakup of the This is no “Lovely Rita” or “Polythene Pam,” although Beatles, and “McCartney II” followed McCartney III (Capitol Records) perhaps Lil did come in through the bathroom window. in 1980. Add Paul McCartney to the list of artists who have been Then there’s “Deep Down” with the 78-year-old “Seize the Day” is the standout with McCartney fantasizing about partying all night long. And busy making inspired music while grounded due to the the most Beatles-esque groove as Sir pandemic. Paul offers some inspiration at the the eight-plus-minute-long “Deep Deep Feeling” could “McCartney III,” recorded at his home studio earlier end of a bleak year. The unreleased have used a deep, deep edit. But give the guy a break; this year, doesn’t quite match the power and weight of 1990s track “Winter Bird/When Win- there wasn’t anyone else around to tell him when to knock fellow aging baby boomer Bob Dylan’s “Rough and Row- ter Comes” is a refreshingly simple, and simply delight- it off. dy Ways” that came out earlier this year, but it’s still ful, take on farm life that could have easily found a home “McCartney III” is a record that grows on you with worth a serious listen. on 1971’s “Ram.” Paul even still hits the high register on repeated listens. Here’s hoping McCartney will get to try “McCartney III” is the third in a trilogy of records the charming “Kiss of Venus.” out some of the tracks before a live audience soon. where McCartney plays all the instruments and handles McCartney also gives us the unfortunately titled “Lava- — Scott Bauer all the vocals. “McCartney,” his first solo record from tory Lil,” which has a nice hooky groove and a fun vibe. Associated Press

Chris Cornell rock classic. He does the same No One Sings Like You Anymore (UMe) with Electric No disrespect to Sinead O’Connor, but there's Light Orches- another version of “Nothing Compares 2 U” that tra’s “Show- might be even better than the one the Irish singer down,” stripping delivered. That would be the cover by Chris Cor- the original of its nell, which is ragged with heartbreak. bed of strings It's the highlight of “No One Sings Like You Any- and adding a more,” a batch of 10 covers that the leader of driving funki- Soundgarden and Audioslave recorded in 2016, a ness. year before his death. Included are tunes originally His version of made famous by giants like Janis Joplin and John Joplin’s “Get It Lennon. While You Can” is simply unrecognizable. Cornell Throughout his career, Cornell covered other knows he can’t out-wail the electric Joplin, with all artists and was covered himself, once by no less her vulnerability and fear, so he goes in a different than Johnny Cash, who recorded Soundgarden's direction, transforming what was a bluesy ballad “Rusty Cage.” Cornell seemed to relish tackling into an arena rocker. Cornell turns soulful when he other artists' music, including “Billie Jean” by Mi- tackles Lorraine Ellison’s “Stay With Me Baby,” chael Jackson and “Thank You” by Led Zeppelin. letting his voice soar by replacing the delicateness His live sets included songs by Black Sabbath, the of the original with a powerful neediness. Beatles and Dolly Parton. None of those made this He keeps the vocal distortions in his version of latest collection, which focuses on more polished Harry Nilsson’s “Jump Into the Fire,” but tightens gems, overseen by producer Brendan O’Brien. the meandering arrangement and ups the bass. His Cynics might say this new album is just a money cover of John Lennon’s “Watching the Wheels” is grab from those who watched Cornell's cover of very respectful — maybe even too much — but the Guns N’ Roses' “Patience” go to No. 1 on Billboard's song interlinking the two men is heartbreaking: mainstream rock songs chart this year. But there's Both dads, taken too soon, enjoying the little things nothing here that Cornell touches that isn't fascinat- in life. ing, excellent or lighters-in-the-air cool. Many are The album is bittersweet — another chance to Andrew Stuart simply better than the originals. hear a voice that's deeply missed. Nothing com- “No One Sings LIke You Anymore” is a collection of covers recorded What he does with Ghostland Observatory’s “Sad pared to him. by former Soundgarden and Audoslave lead singer Chris Cornell in Sad City” is remarkable, taking a synth-heavy, New — Mark Kennedy 2016, a year before his death. Wave-ish tune into a momentous foot-stomping The Associated Press PAGE 34 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, December 18, 2020 WEEKEND: TELEVISION

“We really wanted a cross section of America and not just the typical pretty princess white girl that you associate with musical theater. And I include myself in that.” Laura Benanti Broadway and TV star chose to not dwell in the negative. The audience will be able to see them reclaim their 2020 with this experience.” The seven — aged 17 or 18 — come from across the nation — Indiana, Georgia, Mississippi, New Jersey, Ohio and two from Texas. Each tells their story and sings a song that shares their experience. A teen from West Orange, N.J., sings R.E.M.’s apoc- alyptic “It’s the End of the World as We Know it (And I Feel Fine)” and one from Douglasville, Ga., , sings Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive” with masked background danc- ers armed with bubble guns. Others sing “Pray” by Sam Smith, “My Future” by Billie Eilish, “Dog Days Are Over” by Florence + The Machine, “Lift Every Voice and Sing/I Can’t Breathe” by H.E.R. and “Somewhere” from the musical “West Side Story.” At the end, they join for a rendition of “Waving Through the Window” from “Dear Evan Hanson.” “We really wanted a cross section of America and not just the typical pretty princess white girl that you associ- ate with musical theater,” Benanti says. “And I include myself in that.” Benanti and producers found the seven by starting with the thousands of submissions and whittling the list down to only graduating high school seniors, about 1,500. They narrowed the list to about 20 candidates then cut to seven. AP photos “That was the worst part of it,” says Benanti, who per- Recognizing that most high school musicals would be canceled because of the pandemic, Broadway and TV star Laurasonally contacted those who didn’t make the cut. As an Benanti decided to ask young people across the country to record themselves performing their songs, post them on actress, she has been in their shoes and tried to communi- social media and tag her. HBO’s “Homeschool Musical: Class of 2020,” features seven of those 15,000 submissions. cate that the teens not picked had done nothing wrong.“There are people performing in the subway that I’m like, ‘What? Why are you in the subway and I get to be on Broadway?’ Really to me, that is just being in the right place at the right time. That is luck because there are so many talented people in this world; it’s astonishing.” Major year, minor key The creators originally considered making it a scripted show but pivoted into documentary after the death of HBO special features seven high school seniors who shared videos of George Floyd. “We all collectively agreed that it’s best to let these kids themselves performing a song describing their year amid the pandemic tell their own story instead of putting words into their mouths,” Benanti says. BY MARK KENNEDY The effort — dubbed Sunshine Songs — has led to a The special highlights voices from a generation that Associated Press new, poignant special on HBO Max led by Benanti called often gets looked down on. But viewers are reminded that hen the coronavirus pandemic closed high “Homeschool Musical: Class of 2020,” which was filmed these young people, born around 9/11 and never knowing a schools, Broadway and TV star Laura Be- remotely and offers a window on Gen Z. world without smartphones, have endured school shoot- nanti knew it also meant most spring high The hourlong documentary follows seven seniors and ings, environmental degradation and now COVID-19. Wschool musicals would be scrapped. how they’ve navigated what should have been the best “This is the generation that self-identifies as anxious So Benanti asked crestfallen young people across the months of their lives. Several jumped into social activ- more than any previous generation. Their levels of anxiety country to record themselves performing their songs, post ism, one experienced homelessness and one realized she are through the roof,” says Benanti, who is shooting a them on social media and tag her. Stages might be silent, was transgender. “Gossip Girl” reboot for HBO Max and “Younger” for TV but she wanted to hear them. “While some of these kids dealt with such a tough time Land.“We’ve handed them this world and then we turn The response stunned her — 15,000 submissions. in 2020 as well as personal challenges before, it was around and call them entitled and spoiled and really put “I really thought the initial sort of call to action would really inspiring to see their outlook on it all,” said Jennif- them down. And I find that deeply upsetting because be quite small. I never imagined it would turn into what it er O’Connell, an executive vice president at HBO Max. when I look at them, I see them using social media for did,” says Benanti, a Tony Award winner and star of “Although at times, they acknowledged how tough it has good. They’re not just on TikTok looking fabulous. They’re shows like “Nashville,” “Supergirl” and “Younger.” been, they all shared an optimism for the future and on TikTok fighting for democracy.” Friday, December 18, 2020 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 35 WEEKEND: TELEVISION

NEW ON DVD “Kajillionaire”: Writer-direc- tor Miranda July (“The Future,” “Me and You and Everyone We Know”) continues her singularly empathic look into offbeat lives, this time following a family of Los Angeles grifters. Residing in an office space next to a soap factory complete with overflow- ing bubbles they must scrape off the walls as a daily chore, par- ents Robert and Theresa (Ri- chard Jenkins and Debra Win- ger) and daughter Old Dolio (Evan Rachel Wood) commit forgeries and cons just to barely get by. After an unintended run-in with the landlord and the family needing rent money fast, Old Dolio concocts a scheme in which the family will fly to New York and back — her parents pretend- ing not to know their daughter upon their return — and find an accomplice to take Old Dolio’s luggage so she can blame the disappearance on the airline and collect a travel insurance check. AP But as her parents find their Jacky Lai, center, and Tony Giroux, right, star in “A Sugar & Spice Holiday.” The Lifetime TV film features a mostly Asian cast. target, the posh Melanie (Gina Rodriguez), she quickly charms them into including her in future endeavors. And Old Dolio, who pretends to be a mother and A more inclusive season attends early childhood seminars in her spare time, is unsettled by the family addition. As always, July offers her ‘A Sugar and Spice Holiday’ one of the first TV Christmas films with a mostly Asian cast characters an almost primal sense of humanity in what some BY TERRY TANG Asian American and had worked with the Hollywood studio film with an all-Asian cast parents can ultimately give their Associated Press network before, came to them with the story in 25 years. children, what they can’t, and the n one scene from the Lifetime TV mo- pitch. “You hear people say there hasn’t been a importance of finding one’s own vie “A Sugar & Spice Holiday,” a co- “It was exciting to be presented with this movie like this in 25 years. ... But it’s not until chosen family in the meantime. worker says to Suzy, an Asian Amer- particular point of view that has been long I sat in the theater and watched someone who Also available on DVD: Iican architect in Los Angeles: “I didn’t overdue for the Christmas movie genre,” looked like me on screen who wasn’t a ninja “The War with Grandpa”: A know if Christmas was a big deal where Maggini said in a statement. Most important: or a nerd but someone just like me. I remem- grandson (Oakes Fegley) seeks you’re from.” Retorts Suzy: “I’m from The movie itself was actually funny and “full ber the way it felt,” Lai says. “I am so excited revenge on his grandfather (Rob- Maine.” of Christmas heart.” that there’s another movie like that and hope- ert De Niro) for stealing his bed- A lot of viewers of a cozy Christmas film Indeed, the rom-com has all the warm, fully we bring joy and open some minds with room. might just shrug off the insinuation that Suzy familiar holiday movie tropes. Suzy returns to this movie and more opportunities.” “The Craft: Legacy”: The is somehow not American. But for an Asian the small town where she grew up for Christ- The movie is lovingly sprinkled with Chi- reboot/sequel of 1996’s “The audience, that brief exchange is a knowing mas, is persuaded to revive her baking skills nese American nuances on script and screen. Craft” follows group of teenage reminder that microaggressions don’t take a for a local gingerbread house competition These include a photo of Suzy’s deceased witch friends who discover how holiday. They especially haven’t in the wake and is assisted by her former high school grandma flanked by incense sticks and the to use their powers. Stars Cailee of the pandemic, which has triggered anti- crush (Tony Giroux). entire family eating with chopsticks. And it is Spaeny, Zoey Luna, Gideon Asian racism and terms like “Chinese virus” In Hollywood, it can often feel like studios definitely the only Christmas movie to fea- Adlon and Lovie Simone. and “kung flu.” only cast Asians in narratives where there’s ture both gingerbread and stinky tofu, a be- “Jiu Jitsu”: Jiu-jitsu fighters “I think it’s great timing for us for this some kind of hardship or East-meets-West loved Chinese dish known for its pungent confront an alien invasion. Stars movie to be coming out now during the pan- struggle. And with TV holiday movies, smell. Alain Moussi, Nicolas Cage and demic with the perception of the Asian cul- they’re almost nonexistent. Meanwhile, there “I love that we were able to kind of include Raymond Pinharry. ture and the ‘flu’ and all,” Canadian actor are white actors who have made a baker’s a lot of nice details ... It’s really a romantic “The Shop Around the Cor- Jacky Lai, who plays Suzy, told The Associ- dozen of them. Like any other group, Giroux comedy where the characters happen to be ner”: This 1940 comedy follows ated Press. “I really do hope that this (movie) says, Asians deserve to see themselves in Asian American,” says Jennifer Liao, the bitter business rivals who have — with our faces — is able to hopefully be lighthearted fare regularly. director. “It’s nice to make an Asian Amer- unwittingly fallen in love with welcomed by people into their homes and see “I think it’s so important to have all sorts of ican movie that’s not necessarily completely each other as pen pals. Stars us as just your American/Canadian friends.” stories with any culture — for them to have frontloaded with having to carry the weight James Stewart and Margaret “A Sugar & Spice Holiday” may be the first exposure to the stories of struggle, but it’s of cultural identity issues and things like Sullivan. feel-good TV Christmas flick to feature a such a delight to see something lighter, to see that.” “It Happened on 5th Avenue”: mostly Asian ensemble. It’s one of several aspects of culture that aren’t surrounded with Does Liao feel pressure as “the first” even In this 1947 comedy, a drifter projects where cable channels are demon- times of difficulty,” Giroux says. on such an innocuous project to bring in a (Victor Moore) invites an un- strating a desire for inclusion this yuletide Giroux, who is Canadian, is also looking sizable audience? knowingly evicted veteran (Don season. The shift comes a year after the Hall- forward to queuing up a movie where his “I feel like the pressure is more to deliver DeFore) to move into the New mark Channel dropped an ad that included a grandparents can see themselves. something that I and everybody else (who) York townhouse in which he’s same-sex couple. The fallout pointed to an “I’m really excited for them to see a story worked on (this) can be proud of. That was squatting. overall diversity problem in the genre with that covers part of their story. My grandpar- really No. 1,” Liao says. “The Place of No Words”: This not just the LGBTQ community, but commu- ents immigrated here from China in the Lai doesn’t see the point of getting caught father-son drama explores mor- nities of color. Recent months of racial unrest ’50s,” Giroux says. “That’s why being part of up in things like ratings. tality after a young boy asks only added to the conversation within the this project is telling a story that I’m really a “I think that it is really, really nice to hear about the existence of an after- entertainment industry about representation. part of.” when someone says ‘I got to see someone who life. Stars Mark Webber, Teresa Tia Maggini, vice president of Lifetime Lai grew up loving romantic comedies. She looks like me on screen.’ That will never get Palmer and Bodhi Palmer. Original Movies, says it was a coincidence remembers unexpectedly getting emotional old,” Lai says. “We get more responses like — Tribune News Service that screenwriter Eirene Donohue, who is watching “Crazy Rich Asians,” the first major that — for me, the movie did its purpose.” PAGE 36 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, December 18, 2020 WEEKEND: HEALTH & FITNESS Inclination to improve health

said. “You have to vary it because the The ‘12, 3, 30’ treadmill body is so adaptive.” Doing the same high-intensity exercise workout is gaining traction, frequently could also become boring or result in overuse injuries such as Achilles but experts urge caution tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, knee pain or shin splints, experts said. BY ALLYSON CHIU “You’re using the same joints and mus- AND LIZZY RABEN cles and tendons repeatedly like that, and The Washington Post that’s really not the object of exercise,” or some people, starting to exer- Ravick said. “That’s why you want to cross cise can be a daunting experi- train, that’s why you want to use interval ence. That’s how social media training, so that you don’t strain the same Fpersonality and content creator thing because that’s how you get hurt.” Lauren Giraldo felt when she decided to He noted that he wouldn’t do any one focus more on her health in 2017. Popular specific workout more than three or four online workouts looked intimidating, and days a week: “That’s the sweet spot for trying to navigate most parts of the gym exercise.” was overwhelming for Giraldo, now 22. Giraldo said she has not encountered But she found herself drawn to the tread- physical problems doing the workout mills. frequently, and varies what she’s watching Giraldo quickly learned running on the or listening to in order to prevent bore- machine didn’t suit her. So she started dom. But she has added other exercises to experimenting with its settings, eventually her routine, including strength training settling on a 12% incline — the equivalent like weights and squats, and is no longer of a steep hill — and walking at a speed of intimidated at her gym. three miles an hour for 30 minutes. “Getting on the treadmill was a really “That’s where I kind of found my great entryway for me,” she said. groove,” Giraldo said. She started promot- To reduce the risk of injury during an ing the workout she calls “12, 3, 30” in incline treadmill workout, you should videos shared to YouTube, where she has wear proper shoes, drink water and more than 1 million subscribers, and on stretch before and after the workout, ex- her other social media pages. perts said. Be sure to stretch the leg mus- In a viral TikTok video last month that cles likely to feel the most strain, such as was liked by more than 2.5 million people, the calves, Achilles, hamstrings, glutes, Giraldo credited the routine, which she quads and hips. said she does about five times a week, with Good posture while walking can also helping her become active and maintain iStock help reduce risk of injury and increase the her improved physical and mental health. benefits of the workout, several experts The workout appears to resonate with But within a couple of months of consis- ities that you’re doing.” noted. many viewers, who have posted on social tently doing the routine, Giraldo added, While losing weight is also possible, “You want to roll your shoulders back, media about adding the workout to their she started noticing positive changes. She Bassett emphasized that it takes time. stand up tall, don’t bend at the waist,” routines. Some before and after videos on has publicly talked about losing weight as “You may also be putting on muscle at Stanten said. “When your body’s aligned YouTube with titles like “I Tried Lauren a result of “12, 3, 30,” although she em- the same time as you’re burning fat, and so like that, number one, you can breathe Giraldo’s Treadmill Workout for One Week phasized that wasn’t her main goal. don’t expect huge changes when you’re better when your chest is open, and you’re *surprising results*” have racked up thou- “Primarily what I was looking for was looking at the scale,” Bassett said. But, he using all of your core muscles to hold sands of views, and Giraldo said she often to just be more fit and feel healthier,” she added, people may see their waistline yourself up.” receives messages from people who say the said. getting trimmer or their legs getting toned. If you don’t have a treadmill, you can workout has helped them become more “12, 3, 30” has probably worked so well Try not to hold onto the hand rails, which get a similar cardiovascular effect through confident. for Giraldo because it is an aerobic exer- can decrease the energy expenditure, core interval training. But when asked about “12, 3, 30,” experts cise that falls within the ideal range of engagement and calorie burn. Geoffrey Burns, a biomechanics and took a more cautious approach, saying it’s energy expenditure for most healthy Experts also urged people to consider sport science researcher at the University important for exercisers to listen to their young adults, said David Bassett, an ex- modifying the workout to fit their abilities of Michigan, suggested alternating run- bodies, protect themselves against poten- pert in exercise physiology. Given its and incorporating a variety of exercises ning for one minute and walking for sever- tial injuries and be realistic about results. intensity, the workout may not be suitable into their routines, such as interval or al minutes. “For the average person starting out, a for older people or those who are over- strength training. For those looking to avoid running, 12% incline is really high and 30 minutes weight or have chronic conditions, Bas- “Your body is going to experience a experts suggest walking up outdoor in- can be a really long time,” said Michele sett noted. level of a plateau in the changes that you clines such as hills or stairs, or walking Stanten, co-author of “The Walking Solu- Bassett estimated a person who see take place, not just with this type of with hand weights or a weighted back- tion” and a fitness instructor certified by weighed 150 pounds would burn 283 calo- workout, but any activity that’s the same pack. the American Council on Exercise (ACE). ries per “12, 3, 30” workout. In compari- thing over a long period of time,” Ewunike “What it comes down to is just making “It could be an effective part of an overall son, walking at that speed for 30 minutes Akpan, an ACE-certified personal trainer, walking harder on yourself,” Burns said. exercise program but with the caveat that without the incline would burn 113 calo- Whatever the workout is, consistency is you have to build up to it.” ries, he said. key, Stanten said. People need to find Arnold Ravick, a podiatrist who special- “Putting the incline on there is really “It could be an exercises they enjoy and are able to do on izes in sports medicine and an assistant what gets the calorie cost up a lot,” said a regular basis. clinical professor of surgery at George Bassett, head of the department of kine- effective part of an Giraldo agreed. Washington University Medical School, siology, recreation and sport studies at “I’ve learned that it’s less about what suggested starting at a lower incline and the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. overall exercise exact workout you’re doing but more walking for a shorter period of time. “It’s not as vigorous as most runners about getting your foot in the door and Giraldo, who described herself as being would be doing, but it’s still well into the program but with the implementing something into your rou- “in a very unhealthy place” when she start- vigorous zone, so that’s definitely a bene- tine,” she said. ed the routine, said at first she felt “out of fit.” caveat that you have For Giraldo, “12, 3, 30” also has become breath the whole time” and needed to take Over time, people should expect to an opportunity for “me time,” she said: “I frequent breaks. An exercise shouldn’t be improve their heart and lung function, to build up to it.” can hop on the treadmill, watch my videos, “super hard on yourself if you can’t get Stanten said: “You would notice things Michelle Stanten get one thing done. Just one simple thing through the 30 minutes without stopping,” like you’re not as winded climbing stairs; done, and I can feel accomplished and she said. you have more endurance for other activ- certified fitness instructor, author confident.” Friday, December 18, 2020 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 37 WEEKEND: FAMILY

Battling for normalcy at holiday thrift sales illy, wake up!” I whisper-yelled to my sleeping daughter, who looked as if she’d slipped into a “L coma overnight. “It’s seven-thirty! We’re leaving for the Christmas Fair in 30 minutes!” Lilly emitted a deep groan, clearly indicating that she’d forgotten the plan that we’d forged the night before: Get up early and be first in line for St. Matthew’s thrift shop Christmas Fair. iStock I’d been frequenting thrift stores and yard sales my whole adult life. In college, I’d buy lambswool sweaters and Levi’s jeans to keep up with my preppy peers. In law school, I bought furniture, clothing, and housewares because I was flat broke. As a young Navy wife, stationed in the English countryside, I began collecting antiques and vintage items Saying no to winter woes with other military spouses for fun. After our son was born, I bought lots and lots of toys and games to use when he needed home therapy. When our daughter became interested in Experts offer tips for helping kids cope with spending winter in a pandemic upcycled fashion, I’d skim thrift stores in search of Harley Davidson T-shirts and 80s jeans she’d use in her designs. BY AMY JOYCE “What does your joy look like to- she adds, she can hear him “how- Over the years, I’ve purchased everything from ceramic The Washington Post day?” says Vanessa Joy Walker, ling with laughter” playing video Christmas trees to couches secondhand. I once wore a gown e’s over it,” a author of “Make Room for Joy.” “If games with friends he wouldn’t I snagged for $5 from a thrift store to the Navy Ball. friend said of her it’s ‘I wish I could play with my otherwise be able to see right now. When we moved to our current location, my daughters and son recently. “He friends,’ then help them figure out I were excited to find that our new hometown had a thriving “H doesn’t like the how to create a connection.” Try an Acknowledge the hard little secondhand shop run out of a church basement. Every cold. He doesn’t want to play out- online Netflix watch party, where Saturday morning, St. Matthew’s Thrift Shop becomes a side anymore.” And so, she said, kids each make popcorn and wear parts, then be proactive veritable beehive of activity. Women come to socialize as her remote-schooling 10-year-old pajamas “together,” or a dog fash- “We are taught by society to much as shop, often gathering around the popular “free will get through this mess as best he ion show held via Zoom. avoid difficulty and crisis from a table” while the husbands kibitz in the used book section. can, even if that means more time “Instead of trying to avoid the young age,” Walker says. “There is When the pandemic began, the villagers here were tempo- playing video games with friends. difficulty” of this time, Walker says, something really valuable about rarily deprived of their weekly sojourns to the thrift shop, After three seasons of this pan- “spend your energy doing some- preparing for a crisis, as opposed to until St. Matthew’s reopened with occupancy limits and demic during which kids could thing else, like creating an envi- avoiding it.” safety protocols, including lining up outside six feet apart to mostly cure their cabin fever with ronment that makes sense for this Acknowledge that this is a diffi- wait for permission to enter. When it was announced that St. bike rides and socially distanced normal.” cult time for our children. Matthew’s Annual Christmas Fair was still taking place, Lilly outdoor games, we’re staring down “For school-aged kids, but even and I made our plan to be first in line. the next few months of winter, Go outside, even if it’s cold more, for teens, they’ve lost activ- Little did we know, so did everyone else. where one short day pushes into the We also have to get comfortable ities, major events, time with The rain was coming down in sheets when my husband next short day. The kids are done. with being outside in colder weath- friends,” explains Beresin. pulled our car into the St. Matthew’s parking lot 45-minutes D-O-N-E. The parents are out of er, McBride says. He added: “Listen, listen, listen to before opening time. No one was in line, but cars were ideas and patience. And yet, we Outdoor gatherings with family the concerns and needs of our kids. parked with engines running. Through the rain we could see have no choice but to navigate this friends, kid friends, other parents Validate them with empathy. Don’t shadowy figures seated inside. We eyed them suspiciously. time as we continue to work (at and their kids, even if the gathering feel you need to do something all A few minutes later, a woman exited a Subaru, popped home or in person), go to school (at is brief and cold, will help us all get the time. Just sit and let them talk.” open an umbrella, and scurried toward the entrance. As if a home or in person) and attempt to through. She suggests we prioritize Teens lacking motivation or a starting gun had been fired, we all burst out of our vehicles still like one another when this is all those gatherings “at a distance, of desire to connect with friends? and ran. One surprisingly spry, portly lady dashed ahead, over. course.” There may be more going on there, and beat us. Lilly and I huddled under our umbrella, six feet So how are we going to get Brainstorm fun outdoor activities such as seasonal affective disorder behind her, ready to fight for our rightful place in line. through these upcoming cold, dark together with kids, says Gene Bere- or depression. You may want to “You started this!” someone in the back shouted through days? I asked experts and parents sin, executive director for the Clay invest in a light box, he suggests. the rain and fog to the woman at the entrance. We all chuck- for their ideas. Center for Healthy Minds at Mas- And check into therapy for your led, as the ridiculousness of our situation dawned on us. Why sachusetts General Hospital and tween or teen. They may want to on Earth would a dozen women stand out in the freezing rain Prioritize connection professor of psychiatry at Harvard. talk through this incredibly difficult at 8:30 in the morning, elbows poised for battle? For the “When you think about mental “Making obstacle courses, scav- time with someone other than a chance to peruse used Christmas junk, of course! health, that naturally involves so- enger hunts ... getting outdoors and guardian. A half hour later, Lilly and I, our shoes soaked through, cializing and connecting with peo- exercising.” This is also the time for children were allowed to enter. As I scanned the tables filled with old ple,” says Lucy McBride, a D.C. As the saying goes, “there is no to learn gratitude. If they have holiday ornaments, stockings, jewelry, table linens, lights doctor, mother of three teens and bad weather, just bad clothing.” something to grieve during this and tree stands, I realized that the fervor over the St. Mat- author of a helpful newsletter about time, Walker says, that also means thew’s Christmas Fair had nothing to do with the sale. COVID-19. “We’re wired for surviv- Relax about screen time they have much to be thankful for. The pandemic has robbed us all of our routines, our tradi- al, but also for connection. We can’t Who among us hasn’t yelled, So help them see that by asking tions, our community. Deprived of those things that make us expect ourselves to survive in our begged, pleaded and threatened things like, “If I’m talking about this uniquely human, we have become desperate. For entertain- rooms alone in lockdown.” And so their kid to stop staring at screens winter five years from now, what do ment, for fellowship, for normalcy. it’s imperative we think creatively and get outside? Parents, McBride I want to remember?” Rain, sleet and snow won’t stop us from finding that 50- about how to be with other people says, have to realize that tweens and Kids (and adults) can also get out cent Santa mug that we’ll donate back to charity next year. — and to help our kids do the same teens socialize online, and that this of their own heads by helping oth- That 99-cent “Nutcracker” CD that skips in the middle. That — “to maintain some semblance of can be a good outlet for them right ers, Beresin says, “because giving is irresistibly sparkly $2 rhinestone candycane pin that we’ll mental and emotional health.” now. far better than receiving.” never wear. And, most of all, that priceless Christmas spirit Younger children, in particular, “We have to not beat ourselves up Help kids find ways to help the that we simply can’t live without. may need some help to figure out if they’re on screens,” she says. She homeless or write cards to the el- Read more at themeatandpotatoesoflife.com, and in Lisa’s book, The Meat and Potatoes of how to still “be” with friends. It herself has a child who is “like a derly. Our brains release oxytocin Life: My True Lit Com. may help children if you ask them, moth to flame with screens.” But, when we help others, he says. Email: [email protected] PAGE 38 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, December 18, 2020 WEEKEND: CROSSWORD AND COMICS

NEW YORK TIMES CROSSWORD

GET OUT OF HERE! 1234567 8910 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 BY TONY ORBACH / EDITED BY WILL SHORTZ 91 02 12 22 Tony Orbach, of Montclair, N.J., is a construction-project manager, saxophonist and crossword constructor. Tony’s love of puzzles runs in the family. ‘‘My father was a big crossword solver, and as a teen, I would look over his shoulder and help.’’ 32 42 52 Tony once made a Puns and Anagrams crossword for his dad. ‘‘He loved it and made me one in return.’’ By ‘‘my father,’’ incidentally, Tony means the actor Jerry Orbach of Broadway and television fame. — W.S. 62 72 82 92 03

ACROSS 54 TV journalist Curry 101 Assistance 21 Short race, for short 13 23 33 43 53 1 Impromptu musical 55 Long 104 Peninsula shared by 24 Your: Fr. 63 73 83 93 get-together, 56 Press Italy, Slovenia and 29 ‘‘When the country informally Croatia 57 Covers with goo was fallin’ apart, 04 14 24 34 44 54 64 74 84 8 Counting tools 58 Speck 106 Art-shop worker’s Betsy Ross got it all manual? ____ up’’ (‘‘Maude’’ 94 05 15 25 35 59 Quits 13 Most up to the task 110 Urbanize theme lyric) 62 Shadow during an 45 55 65 75 32 Albanian coins 19 Not much eclipse 111 Spit it out! 33 Something that’s 85 95 06 16 26 20 Oddball 63 Knowing everything 112 Part of a canopy that’s available to 113 The plus side often rigged 22 Commotion 36 46 56 66 view on Netflix? 114 Cuisine that 34 TV’s Burrell and 23 Archaeologist’s 67 Look forward to specializes in beef baseball’s Cobb 76 86 96 assertion about a 68 Clay-based barbecue 35 Looks longingly finding? 07 17 27 37 47 57 67 69 Unpleasant 115 No-parking-zone 36 Band that won the fixture 1974 Eurovision 25 Jackson not in the 70 Clishmaclaver or 77 87 97 08 18 Song Contest Jackson 5 bavardage, to DOWN 37 Minnesota’s state bird 28 38 48 58 26 Benchmark: Abbr. use some fancy language 1 Pokes 38 Orlando-to-Miami dir. 27 Members of the genus 68 78 88 98 72 Trim 2 Bushels 41 Role for Patti LuPone Lepus 73 A/C measures 3 ‘‘Whoa!’’ and Madonna 09 19 29 39 49 59 69 79 28 Some overseas 74 Hwy. offense 4 Geneviève, for one: 42 Brand X seasons 89 99 001 301201101 77 Amenity offered at an Abbr. 43 Flock member 30 Common vinaigrette internet cafe? 5 Imprinting indelibly 44 Spotted bean 401 501 601 801701 901 ingredient 79 Nickname for 6 M.I.T.’s business school 45 ‘‘Well, I’ll be,’’ to a 011 111 211 31 Russian pancakes baseball great Ernie 7 Mathematician Brit Banks 33 Swim-team guru? Poincaré with a 46 Offspring of a 311 411 511 81 Gets out in dodgeball, famous conjecture 43-Down 36 Geri ____, late jazz say 8 Flabbergasts 47 Taiwanese PCs pianist 82 Sticks in 9 ____ E. King, singer 48 Big butte 59 Hair-pattern 74 Start of a seasonal 86 Untethered 97 Suspicious 38 Authority 83 Yes, in Brest and co-composer of 51 A dime a dozen, say? protector request 87 Biblical mount 100 Where Shiraz is 84 Bit of reading at a bar ‘‘Stand by Me’’ 39 Used to be 60 ____ nous 75 ‘‘Fluff Yeah’’ slipper 88 Team spirit located mitzvah? 10 River islet 52 It can help you get a grip 61 Get in gear? sandals, e.g. 90 Spanish term of 40 Hire Phil Collins’s 86 Director Lee 11 Ye olde news 102 Pic to click 63 Dubbing need 76 ‘‘Gotcha’’ affection between longtime band for announcers 53 Drops (down) heavily 103 Corp. division 87 Entertain young women a gig? 55 Beautifully worded 64 Used a stun gun on 78 Helical bit 89 Deconstruct for 12 ‘‘Same here!’’ 91 Spring in northern 105 Exclamations of 44 Brand that comes out 56 Joe Jackson’s ‘‘____ 65 ____ pants 79 Be off the mark analysis 13 Knee part, for short Africa regret a head? Really Going Out 66 Take a dive, maybe 90 Stand-up’s bombs? 14 Fan group? 80 GPS calculation: 92 Many rescues 107 Combine With Him?’’ 67 Digital-imaging 45 Explosive sound 95 Keys near G’s 15 Like ‘‘alter ego’’ and Abbr. 58 Van Gogh painting company that used 93 Gooseflesh-inducing, 108 Green of ‘‘Miss 49 Curtain-call actions ‘‘alma mater’’ 81 Exam for H.S. jrs. 98 Actor Rutger of that once fetched to make film maybe Peregrine’s Home 50 One of 32 in the Thai ‘‘Blind Fury’’ 16 Prayer hands, for one a record amount 71 Apt rhyme for 84 Original tale of robot 94 Some coin tossers for Peculiar alphabet 99 Keister 17 ‘‘. . . or ____ think!’’ at auction ($53.9 ‘‘baloney’’ rebellion 95 Serve well? Children’’ 51 The Serengeti, e.g.? 100 Less friendly 18 Part of L.G.B.T.Q. million) 73 Dating notation: Abbr. 85 Boxed a bit 96 Liquor-store purchase 109 Always, in verse

GUNSTON STREET RESULTS FOR ABOVE PUZZLE

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“Gunston Street” is drawn by Basil Zaviski. Email him at [email protected], and online at gunstonstreet.com. S A W O S Y A S N E L L A

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R O M A L C O D R I E W E L T T I L A T S E L B A I C A B A H S E S M A J Friday, December 18, 2020 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 39 PAGE 40 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, December 18, 2020 OPINION

Max D. Lederer Jr., Publisher Lt. Col. Marci Hoffman, Europe commander Lt. Col. Richard McClintic, Pacific commander Why civilian control of military is vital Caroline E. Miller, Europe Business Operations BY GRANT GOLUB officials aiming to constrain their elected Special to The Washington Post The military chiefs’ leader by presenting him with a no-win ast week, President-elect Joe Bi- scenario they felt he would have to accept. EDITORIAL den nominated retired Gen. machinations The move clearly subverted the American Terry Leonard, Editor Lloyd Austin to be secretary of amounted to a group constitutional structure and threatened a [email protected] Ldefense. If confirmed by the Sen- key presidential power. ate, Austin would be the first Black Amer- The memorandums outraged Roosevelt. Robert H. Reid, Senior Managing Editor ican and the third former military officer of unelected officials He supported the Germany-first strategy [email protected] to run the Defense Department since its as the soundest method for winning the Tina Croley, Managing Editor for Content establishment in 1947. But Austin, who aiming to constrain war and was furious the JCS were trying to [email protected] oversaw U.S. military operations across undermine him. In response, the president the Middle East, must obtain a congres- their elected leader spent the next several days working to get Sean Moores, Managing Editor for Presentation [email protected] sional waiver to serve since federal law re- his military chiefs back in line and eventu- quires potential defense secretaries to be by presenting him ally ordered them to London to reach an Joe Gromelski, Managing Editor for Digital out of uniform for at least seven years be- agreement with the British on strategic [email protected] fore taking the post. Austin retired in 2016. with a no-win plans. While Austin seems to be uniformly well Roosevelt bluntly signed the memo out- BUREAU STAFF respected, the need for a waiver has pro- scenario they felt he lining instructions for this mission, “com- voked an uproar in the foreign policy and mander in chief” as a straightforward re- Europe/Mideast national security community. Those crit- would have to minder of who was in charge. The presi- Erik Slavin, Europe & Mideast Bureau Chief [email protected] icizing Biden’s choice claim that Austin’s dent’s envoys finally reached an accord +49(0)631.3615.9350; DSN (314)583.9350 selection would further erode civil-mili- accept. with the British, but Roosevelt took Pacific tary relations after four norm-shattering vanquish the Germans as quickly as pos- charge, directing a North African invasion Aaron Kidd, Pacific Bureau Chief years under President Donald Trump. And sible. A rapid buildup of Anglo-American to begin no later than Oct. 30, and forcing [email protected] history says they’re right. forces in the British Isles for an invasion of the JCS to ostensibly accept them. Yet, +81.42.552.2511 ext. 88380; DSN (315)227.7380 The architects of the 1947 National Secu- northwestern Europe and a direct assault even this directive did little to alter the Washington rity Act, the law that formed the Depart- on German military power would best ac- joint chiefs’ thinking; instead, they began Joseph Cacchioli, Washington Bureau Chief ment of Defense, created the secretary of complish this goal. to sanction offensive action against the Ja- [email protected] (+1)(202)886-0033 defense position because they wanted to By summer, this debate reached a cross- panese and divert additional U.S. re- Brian Bowers, Assistant Managing Editor, News ensure strict civilian control over the mil- roads. On July 8, 1942, British Prime Min- sources to the Pacific theater for months [email protected] itary after the dizzying experience fighting ister Winston Churchill informed Presi- later in clear defiance of their commander the Axis powers during World War II. In dent Franklin D. Roosevelt that he and his in chief. CIRCULATION particular, one now long-forgotten crisis il- military advisers unambiguously opposed Things worked out and America won the Mideast luminated why the armed forces needed an invasion of the European continent war after an eventual successful invasion Robert Reismann, Mideast Circulation Manager strong civilian leaders and inspired Con- across the English Channel. Instead, Chur- of Western Europe. Yet, this demonstra- [email protected] gress to insist upon a gap between military chill proposed a joint Anglo-American in- tion of the willingness of military leaders [email protected] service and assuming the secretary of de- vasion of North Africa to evict the Ger- to disobey their civilian chief compelled DSN (314)583-9111 fense position absent a congressionally mans from the region code-named Oper- American policymakers to codify the Europe granted waiver. This episode reminds us ation GYMNAST. Roosevelt, who believed chain-of-command and ensure robust ci- Karen Lewis, Community Engagement Manager today why this tradition is still sacrosanct. it was vital to have U.S. troops fight the vilian leadership at the Pentagon after the [email protected] [email protected] During the first half of 1942, the Allies Germans somewhere in 1942 and who war. They created a secretary of defense +49(0)631.3615.9090; DSN (314)583.9090 were on the strategic defensive across the sought to relieve pressure on the Soviets with authority over the entire U.S. mili- Pacific world. After their attack on the U.S. naval fighting on the Eastern Front — something tary, second only to the president — and Mari Mori, [email protected] fleet at Pearl Harbor, Japanese forces demanded by Soviet Leader Josef Stalin — harder to capture than a secretary focused +81-3 6385.3171; DSN (315)227.7333 quickly conquered American, British and found the idea enticing. on a single service like Stimson. The se- Dutch colonial possessions in Southeast Yet, his military leaders vehemently ob- vere breakdown in civil-military relations CONTACT US Asia and the western Pacific. In the Atlan- jected. During a July 10 meeting of the showed that although the president was Washington tic, German submarines were destroying Joint Chiefs of Staff, the president’s chief commander in chief of the armed forces, tel: (+1)202.886.0003 Allied shipping at an alarming rate. Across uniformed military advisers, Gen. George he needed a strong civilian team to help 633 3rd St. NW, Suite 116, Washington, DC 20001-3050 the deserts of North Africa, Germany’s Marshall, the Army chief of staff, extraor- him exert total control over an unwieldy Reader letters Afrika Korps had pushed the British dinarily proposed that if the British urged military. [email protected] Eighth Army into Egypt and threatened GYMNAST over a 1942 European inva- Congress inserted the waiver provision the Suez Canal and Britain’s position in the sion, then the U.S. should abandon the because legislators understood achieving Additional contacts Middle East. On the Eastern Front, tempo- Germany-first strategy and launch all-out this goal required civilian control of the stripes.com/contactus rarily successful Soviet counterattacks offensives against Japan. This was a re- military, not a secretary fresh enough from OMBUDSMAN during the previous winter had given way markable turnaround, because Marshall uniform that he might side with his fellow to a major German offensive. had spent months fending off Navy generals thanks to training and experienc- Ernie Gates The Axis appeared on the verge of total schemes to do just this. Adm. Ernest King, es. The Stars and Stripes ombudsman protects the free flow victory. the Chief of Naval Operations, unsurpris- Ironically, the first such waiver would of news and information, reporting any attempts by the Amid these troubling developments, a ingly backed the proposal, which was for- be granted to Marshall himself, who after a military or other authorities to undermine the newspaper’s independence. The ombudsman also responds to concerns messy debate erupted over how to prose- warded to Roosevelt as a formal memoran- distinguished tenure as secretary of state, and questions from readers, and monitors coverage for cute the war effort. American military dum in a rebellious gamble to force the would become the third defense secretary. fairness, accuracy, timeliness and balance. The ombudsman welcomes comments from readers, and can be contacted by leaders were divided over whether the president’s hand. Yet, Congress would not grant another email at [email protected], or by phone at 202.886.0003. United States should focus its resources on In a second private memorandum to the such waiver until it approved one for defeating Germany or Japan first. The Ar- president, Marshall argued that his plan Trump’s first secretary of defense, Jim Stars and Stripes (USPS 0417900) is published week- my, viewing Germany as the biggest threat intended to force British acquiescence to Mattis, in 2017. days (except Dec. 25 and Jan. 1) for 50 cents Monday to American security, largely favored con- American strategy, but acknowledged that Repairing the enormous damage done to through Thursday and for $1 on Friday by Pacific Stars and Stripes, Unit 45002, APO AP 96301-5002. Periodicals centrating on Europe while the Navy if they would not budge, the general want- civil-military norms over the last four postage paid at San Francisco, CA, Postmaster: Send pressed for determined action in the Pacif- ed to decisively reconfigure U.S. assets to- years necessitates reestablishing tradition- address changes to Pacific Stars and Stripes, Unit 45002, APO AP 96301-5002. This newspaper is authorized by the ic in the aftermath of the Pearl Harbor at- ward winning the Pacific war first. Mar- al lines of civilian authority at the Defense Department of Defense for members of the military services overseas. However, the contents of Stars and Stripes are tacks and subsequent Japanese expansion shall even enlisted Secretary of War Hen- Department. That can’t be accomplished unofficial, and are not to be considered as the official views in the region. ry Stimson, the Army’s civilian head and by further eroding yet another norm — no of, or endorsed by, the U.S. government. As a DOD newspa- per, Stars and Stripes may be distributed through official At the same time, senior American and his superior, in his stratagem by leading matter how accomplished Austin might be. channels and use appropriated funds for distribution to British military officers disagreed on how Stimson to believe the proposal was a ruse The insubordination that Roosevelt con- remote locations where overseas DOD personnel are located. The appearance of advertising in this publication does to defeat the Axis. The British favored a to scare the British and not a serious oper- fronted reminds us why civilian control of not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense or Germany-first strategy, but advocated ational proposition. the military is paramount in a well-func- Stars and Stripes of the products or services advertised. Products or services advertised shall be made available for confronting the Germans in a series of pe- The gambit represented an astonishing tioning democracy. purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical ripheral engagements in the Mediterrane- breach of civil-military norms and a vio- handicap, political affiliation or any other nonmerit factor of an basin designed to weaken them in a war lation of the president’s constitutional pre- Grant Golub is a doctoral candidate in the department of the purchaser, user or patron. of attrition. On the U.S. side, the Army and rogatives as commander in chief of the international history at The London School of Economics and © Stars and Stripes 2020 Political Science, researching Henry Stimson, the War Navy agreed that if the Allies were to fol- armed forces. The military chiefs’ mach- Department and the politics of American grand strategy stripes.com low a Germany-first approach, they should inations amounted to a group of unelected during the Second World War. Friday, December 18, 2020 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 41 FACES An uneasy nakedness Oldman draws from personal experience in Netflix’s ‘Mank’ BY JAKE COYLE dense and dazzling Hollywood Associated Press time machine that all the conver- The first time Gary Oldman and sation it’s spawned — on the au- David Fincher met was in London thorship of “Citizen Kane,” on “au- 1990, when Fincher was looking to teur” directors, on its ’30s political cast him in “Alien 3.” backdrop — has sometimes over- “And he had the sense to say no,” looked the incredible balancing Fincher recalls. act at its center. It’s a performance In the 30 years since then, they always teetering on the edge, have never been far out of orbit poised between inebriation and lu- from one another. They consider cidity, ’40s-style zip and modern- one another friends. They share an day naturalism. ex-wife, the mother of their chil- “Mank, it’s in the eyes. It’s like a dren. But Fincher cast Oldman’s different head,” says Oldman NETFLIX manager, Douglas Urbanski (as speaking by phone from London. Gary Oldman portrays writer Herman Mankiewicz in the Netflix original “Mank.” Larry Summers in “The Social “It’s a different motor that’s mov- Network”), before he called up ing. It’s what I call a character’s “It was never our intention to “I am partial to a disguise. I like taneous offers — “Waterworld” Oldman about another role. running condition. It’s finding the rectify some wrong. It’s just a to hide. And David wanted no veil and “The Scarlet Letter” — with a “There are some directors who frequency of the man.” character study of a man who was between me and the audience,” coin flip. (Rev. Dimmesdale won.) get stars in their eyes and say, ‘We “Mank,” now playing on Netflix, self-emulating and who did it in a says Oldman. “He said: ‘I want you For Oldman, it meant drawing must do something.’ Mainly you is about a little-celebrated figure rather witty way,” says Fincher, as naked as you’ve ever been.’ It on “muscle memory.” never hear from them again,” Old- of Hollywood history: a sharped- whose father, Jack Fincher, wrote wasn’t that I resisted that. I was “It’s a long time ago now. I’ve man says, chuckling. “David’s the tongued newspaperman turned the script. “I’ve got nothing against just a little uneasy with it at first.” been sober almost 24 years. But sort of director that if you’re right studio hack who worked often Orson Welles. Orson Welles was a It’s a role that Oldman isn’t so you remember it, and I certainly for something, he’ll cast you. And if without credit (the black-and- genius and if everybody doesn’t terribly far from, in some respects. brought that to the party,” says you’re not, he won’t.” white to Technicolor switch of know that, I don’t know what to He’s well acquainted with alcohol- Oldman. “Mank said something While some have quibbled that “The Wizard of Oz” was his idea). say.” ism. Oldman’s brutally honest au- that struck me to my heart. He Oldman, 62, is a little old to play But despite a penchant for self- In crafting the portrait of Man- tobiographical film about his said, ‘My critical faculty has pros- Herman Mankiewicz — he wrote sabotage and liquor, Mankiewicz kiewicz, Fincher wanted Oldman working-class London upbring- pered at the expense of my talent.’ “Citizen Kane” more than a dec- — relying on his own history with as himself. No wigs, no special cos- ing, “Nil By Mouth,” shot scenes in There’s the longing to write the ade before drinking himself to William Randolph Hearst (Char- tume. For Oldman — who had re- the very bar his hard-drinking fa- great play, to write the great novel, death at the age of 55 — Oldman is les Dance in the film) as a kind of cently buried under prosthetics ther used to frequent. Oldman was and there’s a fear involved there — so tailored to the role that he wears court jester to Hollywood’s most and makeup as Winston Churchill himself once an alcoholic and, like the fear of trying and failing. I’ve it like the cocktail-soaked, day-old, powerful — turned in a draft for in “Darkest Hour,” winning him Mank, prone to audacious gam- known quite a few drunks who are rumpled suit Mank flops around what’s generally considered the the best actor Oscar — that made bles. Back when he was drinking, like that. It’s like they have a critic in. Fincher’s “Mank” is such a greatest film of all time. him nervous. Oldman chose between two simul- on their shoulder.” Tom Cruise insists on social Swift says she, boyfriend Alwyn bond over sad songs distancing on ‘Mission’ set Sad songs are part of Taylor named William Bowery, who is Swift’s love story. credited on two songs on that al- Associated Press coronavirus pandemic. The tim- The superstar singer shared bum, is actually Alwyn. Tom Cruise has launched an ing of the outburst was not clear, during a new interview with Apple He is again credited on the “Ev- expletive-laden rant at colleagues though the Sun said production of Music’s Zane Lowe that she and ermore” album’s titular track, as on the set of his latest “Mission: the movie returned to Britain two her boyfriend and songwriting well as on the songs “Champagne Impossible” movie, after he re- weeks ago. collaborator, Joe Alwyn, both en- Problems” and “Coney Island.” portedly spotted two workers fail- Many movies have either been joy sad music. ing to respect social distancing delayed until after the pandemic “Joe and I really love sad Other news rules. is over or because of COVID-re- songs,” Swift said during the video
Just a month after publica- In audio released by the Sun lated delays on set, including the conversation, which was released tion, Barack Obama’s “A Prom- tabloid, the 58-year-old Holly- seventh instalment of the “Mis- Tuesday. “We’ve always bonded ised Land” is well on its way to be- wood star can be heard warning sion: Impossible” franchise. over music. We write the saddest coming the best-selling presiden- that anyone caught not following ANDREW MEDICHINI/AP During his outburst, Cruise songs. We just really love sad tial memoir in modern times. the rules to stay at least 2 meters Actor Tom Cruise wears a face notes the higher costs for insuring songs. What can I say?” Crown announced Wednesday away from others will be fired. mask as he greets fans Oct. 13 a movie in these times. He also Swift, 31, released her second that sales have topped 3.3 million “If I see you doing it again, during a break from shooting voices his concerns about the di- surprise album of 2020 last week copies in the U.S. and Canada, you’re f—-ing gone and if anyone “Mission Impossible 7” along rect impact on families and their with “Evermore.” It serves as a within range of Bill Clinton’s “My on this crew does it, that’s it,” he is Rome’s Fori Imperiali avenue. ability to pay bills if the movie follow up to “Folklore,” which Life” and George W. Bush’s “De- heard saying on the audio record- shuts down. came out in July. cision Points,” both of which have ed during filming in Britain. is around 30 miles north of Lon- “That’s what I sleep with every In a documentary about the sold between 3.5 million and 4 mil- “That’s it. No apologies.” don, Cruise catalogued the diffi- night,” he said. “Do you under- making of “Folklore” that pre- lion. During his outburst at Warner culties he and everyone in the film stand the responsibility that you miered on Disney+ last month, Bros. Studios in Leavesden, which industry are facing during the have?” Swift revealed that a co-writer Compiled from wire reports PAGE 42 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, December 18, 2020 AMERICAN ROUNDUP

Sports broker pleads guilty in scheme MEMPHIS — Prosecu- TN tors in Tennessee said a sports broker pleaded guilty to fe- lony theft and must repay more than $700,000 to investors he bilked through fraudulent high- end ticket package agreements. Shelby County District Attor- ney Amy Weirich’s office said Rick Barlow, 53, pleaded guilty last week and received a two-year prison sentence. Prosecutors say between June 2012 and April 2019 Barlow claimed to be a high-end corpo- rate hospitality agent and sports event broker who bought and sold event packages for a profit. Barlow promised packages for high-profile events, but instead used the money to pay off debts and expenses. Murder suspect flees van stopped at McDonald’s GARY — A man charged IN with murder escaped by jumping through an open window in a transport van while it was stopped at a McDonald’s, Lake County Sheriff Oscar Martinez Jr. said. Leon Taylor, 22, was being tak- en from Texas to Lake County by an agent from REDI Transports of Green Bay, Wis., when Taylor fled Jeff Chiu/AP about 3 p.m. Monday in Gary de- spite wearing a chain around his midsection, handcuffs and a re- Scenes along the Pacific straint on his leg, police said. Pedestrians take in the scenes of the day Tuesday, as birds fly above and waves roll into Pacifica, Calif. A manhunt by Gary and Lake County sheriff’s police, including are warning residents about THE CENSUS from evidence in a police case. a helicopter and K-9 units, was un- fraudulent telephone calls that ap- Thomas Reif, 27, was booked in able to locate Taylor following his pear to be part of a spam attack re- The number of fake karaoke machines seized by federal law the Klamath County Jail on Tues- escape. garding federal warrants and fic- 5K enforcement officials in Virginia. The Virginian-Pilot reported day on charges including con- He remained at large Tuesday. titious activity on Amazon ac- that they're now sitting in a Chesapeake warehouse and will likely be de- trolled substance, impaired driv- counts. stroyed. The fake machines came from China and were heading to consumers ing and official misconduct, ac- City removes name of Sparks officials said Monday who purchased them on Amazon. cording to a release from Oregon reviled settler from street the spam calls give the false im- State Police, the agency handling pression they are coming from the tion zone was triggered by an ob- Prosecutors say he then carried the criminal investigation. SPOKANE — The city or the Sparks Police Depart- servation of North Atlantic right them to a car in Derby Line, Vt. He Witnesses told police they saw WA Spokane City Council ment. whales on Dec. 14. The whales was later arrested by Border Pa- Reif driving erratically on Nov. 27 voted unanimously Monday to Some calls claim the recipient number 366 in the world and they trol agents. Court records say ex- before the crash in Klamath Falls, change the name of Fort George may have been the victim of suspi- are vulnerable to ship strikes and perts determined that four of the and paramedics found Reif not Wright Drive, a street named for a cious activity tied to their Amazon entanglement in fishing gear. birds were Yellow-headed Ama- conscious and not breathing at the now-reviled Indian fighter. accounts. NOAA has asked mariners to zon parrots. The other two were scene. Reif was taken to a local The road will be called Whis- Others reference federal war- avoid the area altogether or travel white-bellied Parrots. Both spe- hospital and stabilized. No other talks Way in honor of a female rants and warn you will be arrest- through it at 10 knots or less. The cies are protected by an interna- injuries were reported. warrior and Spokane Indian who ed if you don’t submit a payment. whales were spotted by an aerial tional agreement. Over the weekend, evidence played a role in the resistance City spokeswoman Julie Due- survey team from the New En- After his apprehension, Rodri- analyzed at a crime lab allegedly against Wright in 1858. wel said the calls are not coming gland Aquarium. guez said he had made arrange- determined that Reif had been un- “The Spokane Tribe worked ve- from the city or the police depart- The slow zone is in effect ments with people in New York to der the influence of the synthetic ry hard to involve tribal elders and ment. through Dec. 29, NOAA said. buy the birds from someone in opioid fentanyl, according to state the tribes that were directly af- She said neither the city nor po- Canada. Rodriguez told agents he police. Investigators believe that fected by the acts of Col. George lice will ever make phone calls Man spared jail time didn’t know that he had crossed Reif obtained the drug from evi- Wright,” said Margo Hill, a mem- asking for money or indicating for smuggling parrots the border when he picked up the dence in “an unrelated case in the ber of the Spokane Tribe of Indi- there’s been any suspicious activ- birds, but he said he had seen the course of his duties.” ans. ity involving a person's account. BURLINGTON — A border marker. Klamath County Jail records Wright led a violent campaign VT Pennsylvania man is After being quarantined, the showed as of Tuesday afternoon, against Indian tribes to suppress NOAA creates new slow going to spend two years on super- birds were sent to a zoo in North Reif was no longer in jail, the Mail their resistance as white settlers zone to protect whales vised release after he had previ- Carolina. Tribune reported. spread across the land of the Ya- ously pleaded guilty to charges Reif resigned from the police kama, Palouse, Coeur d’Alene and NANTUCKET — that he smuggled six parrots into On-duty detective department Dec. 1 while on ad- Spokane tribes in the mid-19th MA Federal authorities the United States by carrying accused of using drugs ministrative leave and in the century. are implementing a speed restric- them across the U.S.-Canadian midst of an internal affairs investi- tion zone southeast of Nantucket border, prosecutors said. KLAMATH FALLS — gation, according to a Klamath Police issue warning on due to the presence of an endan- A surveillance image shows Ja- OR A Klamath Falls Po- Falls Police Department Face- fake phone calls gered species of whale in the area. fet Rodriguez, 40, of Hazleton, Pa., lice detective has been arrested on book post. The National Oceanic and At- retrieving the birds on Dec. 30, accusations he caused a multi-ve- SPARKS — Sparks po- mospheric Administration said 2019, from a car parked by a li- hicle crash on duty while under NV lice and city officials the voluntary vessel speed restric- brary in Stanstead, Quebec. the influence of fentanyl taken From The Associated Press Friday, December 18, 2020 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 43 PAGE 44 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, December 18, 2020 Eugene Sheffer Crossword Frazz Dilbert

ACROSS DOWN 26 One way to get 1 Weary sounds 1 Bro’s kin around New 6 Sit-up targets 2 Roth svgs. plan York City 9 Two, in Acapulco 3 Round Table 28 “— the breaks!”

Pearls Before Swine Pearls Before 12 Livid knight 30 Motor City 13 Campaigned 4 Webmaster’s labor org. 14 Tolkien creature code 32 Female buds 15 Hayek of “Frida” 5 Elite Navy group 33 Leading lady? 16 Italian 6 Sock pattern 34 Mermaid’s astronomer 7 Sheepish home 18 Metallic mixtures remarks 36 Set straight 20 Jack of early 8 NBC weekend 38 Igneous rock talk TV show source 21 Fan’s cry 9 Postpone 39 Separated Non Sequitur 23 Costa del — 10 Tatum of 40 Salsa singer 24 In a timid way “Paper Moon” Cruz 25 Thick chunk 11 Bedtime reading 42 Bush 27 Paris subway 17 Droid’s rival 45 Repast 29 Neaten 19 Pizzazz 46 First-rate 31 Door hardware 21 Trio after Q 48 Actress Lucy 35 Western 22 Foreman foe 50 Ran into resort lake 24 Lanka lead-in 51 Map lines (Abbr.) 37 Roof overhang Answer to Previous Puzzle 38 Showy parrot Candorville 41 Apt. divisions 43 Salonga of “Miss Saigon” 44 Pinnacle 45 Little accident 47 Biblical sea 49 Wanders 52 Hosp. scan 53 Author Fleming

Carpe Diem 54 Vacant, as a flat 55 One-time link 56 Last (Abbr.) 57 Defeats Beetle Bailey Bizarro Friday, December 18, 2020 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 45 Eugene Sheffer Crossword Frazz Dilbert

ACROSS 53 “Madam 13 Hinder 1 Dishonor Secretary” 18 Some fridges 6 Gem weight star Téa 21 Allied (with) 11 Furtive ones 54 Island near Java 23 New York’s — Island

Pearls Before Swine Pearls Before 12 Acted badly? 14 Seaboards DOWN 25 Dawn goddess 15 Maiden in 1 Derisive sounds 27 Days of yore “The Raven” 2 Close, as a 29 Gwen of No 16 Online address wound Doubt 17 Wise ones 3 Small batteries 31 Lock of hair 19 Safety precaution 4 Stock exchanges 32 Tourist’s vehicle for an acrobat (Abbr.) 33 Eventually 20 A/C measures 5 Thoreau piece 34 LAX info 22 “Of course” 6 Holm of “All 36 Sound system About Eve” 37 Hair roller Non Sequitur 23 Lighten 24 Easy — 7 Iowa city 38 Maternity (simple) 8 Harry Potter pal ward doc 26 First-rate 9 Lacking a 41 Winter weather 28 Coifs musical key 44 One-named 30 Right angle 10 Nobel-winning supermodel 31 Italian city on Mother 45 Roman 57 the Adriatic 11 Go deep- 48 Stickum 35 ’70s club sea diving 50 Shade tree 39 Tear Answer to Previous Puzzle

Candorville 40 UFO crew 42 Theatergoer’s souvenir 43 Tolkien creature 44 Patsy Cline’s “— to Pieces” 46 Work unit 47 Mark of disgrace 49 The — Brothers Carpe Diem (“Bye Bye Love” duo) 51 Pacific islander 52 Actress Brennan Beetle Bailey Bizarro PAGE 46 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, December 18, 2020 Friday, December 18, 2020 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 47 PAGE 48 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, December 18, 2020 SCOREBOARD

PRO FOOTBALL DEALS

NFL Jacksonville at Baltimore RAVENS — JAGUARS: DNP: TE Tyler Eifert Wednesday's transactions G Andrew Norwell and CB Chris Clay­ New England at Miami (not injury related, quadricep). LIMITED: brooks to return from injured reserve. San Francisco at Dallas DE Adam Gotsis (hip), S Josh Jones (shoul­ BASEBALL Placed CB Tre Herndon on the reserve/CO­ AMERICAN CONFERENCE Seattle at Washington der), CB Sidney Jones (Achilles), CB Greg Major League Baseball VID­19 list. Placed C Brandon Linder on in­ Tampa Bay at Atlanta Mabin (hamstring), RB James Robinson American League jured reserve. East N.Y. Jets at L.A. Rams (knee). RAVENS: No data reported. LOS ANGELES ANGELS — Agreed to KANSAS CITY CHIEFS — Designated WR Philadelphia at Arizona KANSAS CITY CHIEFS at NEW ORLEANS terms with LHP Alex Claudio to a one­year Byron Pringle to return from injured re­ WLTPct PF PA Kansas City at New Orleans SAINTS — CHIEFS: DNP: T Eric Fisher contract. serve. Cleveland at N.Y. Giants (back), T Mike Remmers (back, neck), LB SEATTLE MARINERS — Signed RHP Key­ LOS ANGELES RAMS — Activated TE Ken­ Buffalo 10 3 0 .769 359 321 Damien Wilson (knee). FULL: WR Tyreek nan Middleton to a major league contract. dall Blanton from the reserve/COVID­19 Miami 8 5 0 .615 330 245 Monday’s game Hill (hamstring), TE Nick Keizer (ankle, Designate OF Phillip Ervin was for assign­ list. knee), DE Tanoh Kpassagnon (hip), DT MIAMI DOLPHINS — Activated RB Matt New England 6 7 0 .462 277 279 Pittsburgh at Cincinnati ment. Derrick Nnadi (ankle), DE Alex Okafor TAMPA BAY RAYS — Signed C Mike Zuni­ Breida from the reserve/COVID­19 list. N.Y. Jets 0 13 0 .000 183 393 (knee), T Martinas Rankin (knee), C Austin no to a one­year contract. Agreed to terms MINNESOTA VIKINGS — Waived CB Mark Reiter (knee). SAINTS: DNP: DT Malcom with RHPs David Hess and Andrew Kit­ Fields II. Signed LB Blake Lynch to the ac­ South NFL injury report Brown (shoulder, calf), G Nick Easton tredge and C Joseph Odom to minor tive roster. (concussion), WR Deonte Harris (neck), league contracts. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS — Designated WLTPct PF PA NEW YORK — The National Football WR Tommylee Lewis (illness), DT Malcolm WR Julian Edelman and DE Shilique Cal­ League injury report, as provided by the TEXAS RANGERS — Acquired minor Roach (illness), WR Michael Thomas (an­ league INF Jose Acosta from Cincinnati in houn to return from injured reserve. Indianapolis 9 4 0 .692 372 300 league (DNP: did not practice; LIMITED: kle). LIMITED: DE Marcus Davenport (qua­ NEW ORLEANS SAINTS — Designated QB limited participation; FULL: Full participa­ exchange for OF Scott Heineman. Signed Tennessee 9 4 0 .692 390 336 dricep), G Andrus Peat (foot), T Ryan RHP Luis Ortiz to a minor league contract. Drew Brees to return from injured reserve. tion): Ramczyk (elbow). National League Houston 4 9 0 .308 295 359 SATURDAY NEW YORK GIANTS — Designated DB NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS at MIAMI DOL- CHICAGO CUBS — Named Willie Harris Adrian Colbert to return from injured re­ Jacksonville 1 12 0 .077 261 383 BUFFALO BILLS at DENVER BRONCOS — PHINS — PATRIOTS: LIMITED: DT Adam serve. BILLS: DNP: S Jaquan Johnson (ankle). LIM­ third base coach, Chris Valaika assistant Butler (shoulder), DT Byron Cowart hitting coach, Craig Driver first base/ NEW YORK JETS — Designated RB La'Mi­ North ITED: LB Tremaine Edmunds (foot), QB (back), T Jermaine Eluemunor (ankle), K cal Perine and K Sam Ficken to return from Jake Fromm (not injury related), CB Taron catching coach, Andy Green bench coach, Nick Folk (back), DT Lawrence Guy (shoul­ Tommy Hottovy pitching coach, Anthony injured reserve. Placed OLB Jordan Jen­ WLTPct PF PA Johnson (concussion), TE Lee Smith der), T Justin Herron (ankle), CB J.C. Jack­ kins and S Saquan Hampton on injured re­ (knee). FULL: QB Josh Allen (knee, ankle). Iapoce, hitting coach, Chris Young bullpen son (knee), CB Jonathan Jones (neck), G serve. BRONCOS: DNP: CB Duke Dawson coach, Mike Borzello assistant pitching/ x­Pittsburgh 11 2 0 .846 349 237 Shaquille Mason (calf), WR Donte Mon­ catching and strategy coach, Mike Napoli PHILADELPHIA EAGLES — Placed S Rod­ (knee), CB Kevin Toliver (knee). LIMITED: G crief (thigh), WR Matt Slater (knee), RB J.J. Cleveland 9 4 0 .692 348 368 Graham Glasgow (foot), RB Melvin Gordon quality assurance coach, Kyle Evans se­ ney McLeod on injured reserve. Promoted Taylor (quadricep), RB James White (foot). nior director of major league data and de­ DB Elijah Riley to the active roster. Signed Baltimore 8 5 0 .615 363 273 (shoulder), DE Shelby Harris (elbow), RB DOLPHINS: DNP: TE Mike Gesicki (shoul­ Phillip Lindsay (hip), S Trey Marshall velopment, Juan Cabreja staff assistant S Blake Countess to the practice squad. Cincinnati 2 10 1 .192 244 338 der), S Bobby McCain (ankle). LIMITED: RB and Chad Noble bullpen catcher coach. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS — Designated TE (shin). FULL: T Garett Bolles (illness), DE Salvon Ahmed (shoulder), G Ereck Flowers Bradley Chubb (neck), T Demar Dotson COLORADO ROCKIES — Signed RHP Chi George Kittle to return from injured re­ West (ankle), WR Jakeem Grant (hamstring), Chi Gonzalez to a minor league contract. serve. Placed OL Colton McKivitz on re­ (hand), TE Noah Fant (illness), WR Jerry WR DeVante Parker (hamstring), LB Elan­ Jeudy (ankle), LB Malik Reed (ankle), LB MILWAUKEE BREWERS — Signed OF serve/COVID­19 list. Signed DL Alex Bar­ WLTPct PF PA don Roberts (chest), LB Kyle Van Noy (hip). Dustin Peterson to a minor league con­ rett, CB Briean Boddy­Calhoun, DL Daesh­ Derrek Tuszka (hand). FULL: S Kavon Frazier (shoulder), CB Xa­ CAROLINA PANTHERS at GREEN BAY— tract. on Hall, OLs Aaron Neary and Isaiah Wil­ yx­Kansas City 12 1 0 .923 403 281 vien Howard (shoulder), T Austin Jackson NEW YORK METS — Named Dave Jauss liams to the practice squad. Released TE PANTHERS: DNP: RB Christian McCaffrey (knee), G Solomon Kindley (foot), DE Shaq Las Vegas 7 6 0 .538 350 391 (thigh), T Russell Okung (calf), S Kenny as bench coach. Chase Harrell. Lawson (shoulder), QB Tua Tagovailoa PITTSBURGH PIRATES — Named David SEATTLE SEAHAWKS — Designated TE Denver 5 8 0 .385 257 347 Robinson (illness). LIMITED: S Tre Boston (ankle). (hamstring), G Dennis Daley (concussion), Burke executive vice president of sales & Greg Olsen to return from injured reserve. L.A. Chargers 4 9 0 .308 297 362 NEW YORK JETS at LOS ANGELES RAMS business development. Activated DT Bryan Mone form the re­ DE Austin Larkin (shoulder), T Greg Little — JETS: DNP: WR Jamison Crowder (calf), (ankle), WR D.J. Moore (not injury related). SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS — Signed RHP serve/COVID­19 list (Mone remains on in­ NATIONAL CONFERENCE LB Jordan Jenkins (shoulder). LIMITED: S Anthony DeSclafani to a one­year con­ jured reserve list. FULL: DT Derrick Brown (ankle), DE Yetur Marcus Maye (rib), C Connor McGovern Gross­Matos (ankle), DE Marquis Haynes tract. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS — Placed RB (hamstring), WR Breshad Perriman BASKETBALL Ronald Jones II on the reserve/COVID­19 East (shoulder), DE Efe Obada (knee), CB Troy (shoulder). FULL: QB Sam Darnold (ankle), Pride (ankle), TE Ian Thomas (abdomen). National Basketball Association list. WLTPct PF PA G Pat Elflein (shoulder), DE John Franklin­ MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES — Signed G Chris­ WASHINGTON FOOTBALL TEAM — PACKERS: DNP: TE Jace Sternberger Myers (wrist). RAMS: No data reported. (concussion). LIMITED: LB Rashan Gary tian Vital and Shaq Buchanan to an undis­ Signed RB Lamar Miller from Chicago Washington 6 7 0 .462 287 275 PHILADELPHIA EAGLES at ARIZONA CAR- closed contract. Waived G Zhaire Smith. practice squad. (hip), CB Kevin King (Achilles, groin), WR DINALS — EAGLES: DNP: S Grayland Arnold N.Y. Giants 5 8 0 .385 238 291 Allen Lazard (core), TE Marcedes Lewis MIAMI HEAT — Waived the contracts of HOCKEY (hamstring), DT Fletcher Cox (not injury G Breein Tyree and F Paul Eboua. National Hockey League Philadelphia 4 8 1 .346 277 328 (knee), G Lucas Patrick (toe), LB Randy related), T Jack Driscoll (knee), CB Avonte Ramsey (neck), P J.K. Scott (right quadri­ FOOTBALL CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS — Named Dan­ Dallas 4 9 0 .308 298 400 Maddox (knee), CB Darius Slay (concus­ National Football League cep), LB Za’Darius Smith (ankle, thumb), sion). LIMITED: LB T.J. Edwards (hamstr­ ny Wirtz chief executive officer, Jaime WR Equanimeous St. Brown (knee), CB ing), S Rudy Ford (hamstring), DT Malik ARIZONA CARDINALS — Designated TE Faulkner president of business operations South Chandon Sullivan (hip), WR Malik Taylor Jackson (concussion), CB Michael Jacquet Darrell Daniels and DL Josh Mauro to re­ and Stan Bowman president of hockey op­ (hamstring), T Rick Wagner (knee). FULL: turn from injured reserve. erations and general manager. WLTPct PF PA (hamstring), DE Josh Sweat (shoulder). SOCCER CB Jaire Alexander (knee, hand), S Darnell CARDINALS: DNP: LB De’Vondre Campbell BALTIMORE RAVENS — Placed WRs Mar­ quise Brown, James Proche and Miles Boy­ Major League Soccer x­New Orleans 10 3 0 .769 368 265 Savage (groin), G Simon Stepaniak (knee). (ankle), RB Chase Edmonds (ankle), WR Larry Fitzgerald (not injury related), K kin on the reserve/COVID­19 list. Desig­ COLORADO RAPIDS SC— Signed D Aus­ Tampa Bay 8 5 0 .615 370 294 SUNDAY Zane Gonzalez (back), WR DeAndre Hop­ nated DB Terrell Bonds to return from in­ ton Trusty to a contract through the 2023 Atlanta 4 9 0 .308 328 322 CHICAGO BEARS at MINNESOTA VIKINGS kins (not injury related), CB Dre Kirkpa­ jured reserve. season. — BEARS: No data reported. VIKINGS: DNP: CAROLINA PANTHERS — Activated WR FC CINCINNATI — Selected MF/F Ben Carolina 4 9 0 .308 307 332 trick (hamstring), DT Domata Peko (not in­ RB C.J. Ham (quadricep), LB Eric Kendricks jury related), DT Jordan Phillips (hamstr­ D.J. Moore from the reserve/COVID­19 list. Mines from the 2020 End­of­Year Waivers (calf), RB Alexander Mattison (illness), TE ing), G Justin Pugh (calf), S Jalen Thomp­ CINCINNATI BENGALS — Placed DT Geno draft and now possess the winger's MLS North Kyle Rudolph (foot), DT Armon Watts son (ankle). LIMITED: T Kelvin Beachum Atkins on injured reserve. Promoted DE rights and can initiate contract negotia­ (back). LIMITED: E Jordan Brailford (back). Amani Bledsoe to the active roster from tions. WLTPct PF PA (back), RB Jonathan Ward (shoulder). FULL: DE D.J. Wonnum (ankle). SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS at DALLAS COW- reserve/COVID­19 list. FC DALLAS — Re­signed Alan Avila to CLEVELAND BROWNS at NEW YORK GI- CLEVELAND BROWNS — Signed RB John represent the club as its official eMLS ath­ yx­Green Bay 10 3 0 .769 410 323 BOYS — 49ERS: No data reported. COW- ANTS — BROWNS: No data reported: GI- BOYS: DNP: CB Deante Burton (shoulder), Kelly to the practice squad. lete for the 2021 season in the EA SPORTS Chicago 6 7 0 .462 282 291 ANTS: DNP: CB Darnay Holmes (knee). RB Ezekiel Elliott (calf), CB Rashard Robin­ DALLAS COWBOYS — Designated CB FIFA 21 Global Series. Minnesota 6 7 0 .462 333 355 LIMITED: QB Daniel Jones (hamstring, an­ son (knee). LIMITED: CB Anthony Brown Trevon Diggs to return from injured re­ SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES — Signed Ben kle), G Kevin Zeitler (shoulder). serve. Re­signed C Adam Redmond to the Remez as the club's official eMLS compet­ Detroit 5 8 0 .385 310 389 (ribs), S Donovan Wilson (groin). FULL: DE DETROIT LIONS at TENNESSEE TITANS — Aldon Smith (foot). practice squad. itor to represent the club in Major League LIONS: DNP: LB Jason Cabinda (illness), T SEATTLE SEAHAWKS at WASHINGTON DENVER BRONCOS — Activated QB Jeff Soccer's EA Sports FIFA League for the West Tyrell Crosby (ankle), WR Kenny Golladay FOOTBALL TEAM — SEAHAWKS: No data Driskel and practice squad DL Darius Kilgo 2021 season. (hip), DE Da’Shawn Hand (ankle), C Frank from the reserve/COVID­19 lists. Placed VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC — Signed WLTPct PF PA reported. WASHINGTON: DNP: LB Thomas Ragnow (throat), CB Darryl Roberts (hip), Davis (not injury related), RB Antonio Gib­ CBs Duke Dawson Jr. and Kevin Toliver II Alex Gonzalez on Xbox and Erfan Hossei­ QB Matthew Stafford (rib, right thumb). on injured reserve. Signed CB Parnell Mot­ nithe on Playstation to represent the club L.A. Rams 9 4 0 .692 325 246 son (toe), LB Kevin Pierre­Louis (ankle), LIMITED: DT John Penisini (shoulder), RB QB Alex Smith (calf). LIMITED: DT Jonathan ley from San Francisco practice squad. as eSports athletes in 2021. Seattle 9 4 0 .692 393 324 Adrian Peterson (forearm), S Tracy Walk­ Allen (groin), RB Peyton Barber (ankle). DETROIT LIONS — Signed RB Jordan National Women's Soccer League Arizona 7 6 0 .538 358 303 er (shoulder). FULL: DE Austin Bryant TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS at ATLANTA Scarlett and QB Jordan Ta'Amu to the SKY BLUE FC — Signed MF Nahomi Kawa­ (thigh), S C.J. Moore (ankle). TITANS: DNP: practice squad. Released RB Dalyn Daw­ sumi to a contract 2021 season. San Francisco 5 8 0 .385 300 311 FALCONS — BUCCANEERS: DNP: T Joe Haeg T Dennis Kelly (knee), G Rodger Saffold (illness), RB Ronald Jones (finger). LIMIT­ kins and P Arryn Siposs. Designated OL (toe), DT Jeffery Simmons (knee), TE Geoff ED: CB Jamel Dean (groin), DT Steve Halapoulivaati Vaitai to return from in­ COLLEGE FOOTBALL x­clinched playoff spot Swaim (ankle), S Kenny Vaccaro (illness). McLendon (elbow), LB Jason Pierre­Paul jured reserve. Placed CB Jeff Okudah on in­ y­clinched division LIMITED: WR A.J. Brown (ankle), CB Kris­ (knee). FALCONS: DNP: CB Ricardo Allen jured reserve. Schedule tian Fulton (knee), CB Adoree’ Jackson (concussion), CB Darqueze Dennard (qua­ HOUSTON TEXANS — Activated RB David Thursday’s games (knee), C Ben Jones (knee). Johnson from the reserve/COVID­19 list. dricep), WR Julio Jones (hamstring), T Ka­ Friday’s games L.A. Chargers at Las Vegas HOUSTON TEXANS at INDIANAPOLIS leb McGary (not injury related). LIMITED: G Placed S Justin Reid and DT Brandon Dunn COLTS — TEXANS: No data reported. on injured reserve. James Carpenter (groin), DT Marlon Da­ EAST Saturday’s games COLTS: DNP: TE Mo Alie­Cox (knee), DT vidson (knee), DE Steven Means (hand), INDIANAPOLIS COLTS — Placed S Ibra­ Denico Autry (not injury related), TE Trey WR Calvin Ridley (foot), RB Keith Smith heim Campbell on the practice squad CO­ UAB (5­3) at Marshall (7­1) Buffalo at Denver Burton (knee), T Anthony Castonzo (neck), DE Jacob Tuioti­Mariner (elbow), VID­19 list. Nebraska (2­5) at Rutgers (3­5) Carolina at Green Bay (knee), DE Justin Houston (not injury relat­ LB Mykal Walker (shoulder). JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS — Designated Ball St. (5­1) vs. Buffalo (5­0) at Detroit ed), QB Philip Rivers (toe). FULL: LB Darius FAR WEST Sunday’s games Leonard (back), CB Xavier Rhodes (knee), MONDAY PRO BASKETBALL Chicago at Minnesota P Rigoberto Sanchez (illness), DE Kemoko PITTSBURGH STEELERS at CINCINNATI Oregon (3­2) at Southern Cal (5­0) Detroit at Tennessee Turay (ankle). BENGALS — STEELERS: No data reported. NBA preseason Saturday’s games Houston at Indianapolis JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS at BALTIMORE BENGALS: No data reported. EAST COLLEGE BASKETBALL Tuesday’s games Air Force (3­2) at Army (8­2) Philadelphia 108, Boston 99 Illinois (2­5) at Penn St. (3­5) Houston 112, San Antonio 98 Michigan St. (2­5) at Maryland (2­3) Wednesday’s men’s scores Purdue 67, Ohio St. 60 Jacksonville St. 63, Samford 46 Sacramento 114, Golden State 113 South Florida 74, Cincinnati 71 Kennesaw St. 86, Martin Methodist 60 SOUTH SOUTHWEST Liberty 76, High Point 66 Wednesday’s games EAST Longwood 84, Radford 55 Texas A&M (7­1) at Tennessee (3­6) Bryant 74, Wagner 62 Abilene Christian 95, Hardin Simmons 73 Presbyterian 69, Gardner­Webb 60 New York 100, Cleveland 93 Florida St. (3­6) at Wake Forest (4­4) CCSU 78, St. Francis (NY) 59 Oklahoma 79, Oral Roberts 65 South Florida 65, Memphis 58 Chicago 124, Oklahoma City 103 Wake Forest (4­4) at Louisville (4­7), ppd. LIU 75, Sacred Heart 55 SMU 70, East Carolina 55 Stephen F. Austin 67, Auburn 54 Denver 126, Portland 95 Missouri (5­4) at Mississippi St. (2­7) Syracuse 62, Northeastern 56 TCU 77, Oklahoma St. 76 Tennessee Tech 67, W. Carolina 63 L.A. Lakers 112, Phoenix 107 Louisiana­Lafayette (9­1) at Coastal Toledo 96, Marshall 87 Texas 79, Sam Houston St. 63 W. Kentucky 82, Bellarmine 49 Carolina (11­0) Thursday’s games Mississippi (4­4) at LSU (4­5) UMass 85, La Salle 66 FAR WEST William & Mary 48, George Mason 43 Villanova 85, Butler 66 Charlotte at Orlando Alabama (10­0) vs. Florida (8­2) at Atlan­ Colorado 91, Omaha 49 MIDWEST Detroit at Washington. ta SOUTH Montana 66, Washington 58 DePaul 86, Kentucky 82 Atlanta at Memphis MIDWEST Belmont 64, Kennesaw St. 53 N. Colorado 83, Denver 75 Evansville 84, Oakland City 52 San Antonio at Houston Oregon St. 73, UTSA 61 Marquette 66, St. John’s 62 Minnesota at Dallas Northwestern (6­1) vs. Ohio St. (5­0) at Chattanooga 69, UNC­Asheville 66 Indianapolis Elon 66, Campbell 56 Pepperdine 91, Concordia (Cal.) 68 Missouri 84, New Orleans 45 Golden State at Sacramento San Diego 70, Cal Poly 61 N. Dakota St. 74, North Dakota 67, OT Utah at L.A. Clippers Oklahoma (7­2) vs. Iowa St. (8­2) at Ar­ FIU 85, Florida Gulf Coast 69 lington, Texas Georgia St. 88, Mercer 81 UTEP 76, Arizona St. 63 Ohio 77, N. Illinois 67 Valparaiso 88, Xavier 83 Friday’s games Clemson (9­1) vs. Notre Dame (10­0) at Grambling St. 78, Louisiana­Monroe 61 Charlotte, N.C. Jacksonville St. 74, Tennessee Tech 50 Wednesday’s women’s scores Philadelphia at Indiana SOUTHWEST Miami at Toronto Minnesota (3­3) at Wisconsin (2­3) Liberty 91, Carver 38 Tulsa (6­1) at Cincinnati (8­0) Memphis 80, Tulane 74 EAST Baylor 86, Southern U. 52 Cleveland at New York Mississippi 70, Middle Tennessee 51 LIU 56, Sacred Heart 55 East Carolina 50, SMU 46 Brooklyn at Boston FAR WEST Mississippi St. 81, Cent. Arkansas 65 Lincoln (PA) 72, Delaware St. 55 Prairie View 95, McNeese St. 73 Chicago at Oklahoma City Washington St. (1­2) at Utah (2­2) Pittsburgh 70, Miami 55 Mass.­Lowell 69, Northeastern 59 Rice 83, Louisiana­Lafayette 51 Milwaukee at New Orleans Boise St. (5­1) at San Jose St. (6­0) Richmond 78, Vanderbilt 67 St. Bonaventure 67, Binghamton 57 Texas State 56, Texas A&M­CC 46 Portland at Denver Stanford (3­2) at UCLA (3­3) South Alabama 103, Flagler 81 St. Francis (Pa.) 64, Fairleigh Dickinson UALR 60, Cent. Arkansas 50 L.A. Lakers at Phoenix Arizona St. (1­2) at Oregon St. (2­4) Troy 79, Samford 71 48 UAB 88, Southern U. 46 FAR WEST Saturday’s games Monday’s game William & Mary 75, Hampton 58 SOUTH Idaho St. 63, N. Colorado 50 Charlotte at Orlando Alabama 86, Nicholls 46 Portland St. 63, Dixie State 53 Detroit at Washington SOUTHWEST MIDWEST FIU 97, Flagler 64 Western Colorado University 77, Air Atlanta at Memphis Appalachian St. (8­3) vs. North Texas Duke 75, Notre Dame 65 Furman 81, Converse 28 Force 70 End of preseason (4­5) at Conway, S.C. Friday, December 18, 2020 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 49 COLLEGE BASKETBALL/COLLEGE/NBA

TOPP 255 ROUNDUP Wright stuff: Villanova gives coach 600th win

Associated Press Greg Brown scored 17 points VILLANOVA, Pa. — Jay Wright apiece for the host Longhorns. flashed the “V” toward empty Ramey, a junior, also had six as- bleachers and then encountered a sists and matched his career best divine interception on his way to with five three-pointers. Brown, a celebrate in the locker room. His freshman, grabbed 10 rebounds, face red and bundled in winter made two steals and blocked two clothes, the Rev. Peter M. Dono- shots. DARRON CUMMINGS / AP hue stopped Wright to congratu- Andrew Jones added 13 points Maryland quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa, who came from Alabama, needed a waiver to transfer late him on his 600th career for Texas (6-1). Zach Nutall led the immediately. This year, the NCAA will allow blanket waivers for all Division I athletes. coaching victory. Bearkats State (3-5) with 23. Donohue, Villanova’s president, Purdue 67, No. 20 Ohio State had no idea Wright was near the 60: Trevion Williams scored 16 milestone until he heard it men- points and came close to a triple- NCAA will allow blanket tioned on TV. So he walked in the double for the host Boilermakers. snow to the Pavilion — even in this Williams had nine rebounds era with no fans allowed inside the and a career-high eight assists in arena, a Very Important President his second game coming off the waivers for all transfers gets a free pass — to greet Wright bench. Eric Hunter Jr. added a after the victory. season-best 15 points as Matt BY JOHN MARSHALL athletic director at Pennsylvania. today’s transfer waiver,” Notre Donohue wasn’t alone in nearly Painter beat a ranked team for the Associated Press “Allowing transfer student-ath- Dame coach Mike Brey tweeted. missing No. 600. The Wildcats 50th time in 16 seasons as Purdue's The NCAA’s Division I Council letes to compete immediately will The waiver only applies to were set to head home until gradu- coach. has granted blanket waivers for all provide additional opportunities transfers from other Division I ate assistants clued them in on the The Boilermakers (5-2, 1-0 Big athletes to play immediately. to student-athletes during this schools. The regular transfer mark. Ten) have won two straight and The NCAA’s announcement continued difficult time, and per- waiver process will be used for “I was confused because I four of their last five. Wednesday includes all Division I haps allow games to be played that non-Division I transfers. thought somebody would have Justice Sueing led the Buckeyes sports, but is contingent on certain otherwise might not have been.” Transfers must be enrolled full- mentioned it,” guard Collin Gilles- (5-1, 0-1) with 14 points and Duane criteria. The decision should have an im- time at the current school for the pie said. Washington Jr. had 13. Transfers previously were re- mediate impact on basketball pro- 2020 fall term and it must be their Already a two-time national No. 21 Duke 75, Notre Dame quired to sit out a season unless grams, with some transfers be- first transfer from a four-year champion and the winningest 65: Sophomore forward Matthew granted a waiver by the NCAA. coming eligible for games school. Transfers must have left coach in program history, Wright Hurt scored 18 points and three The NCAA had decided on waiv- Wednesday. Among the players their previous school in good won his 600th career game in the Blue Devils freshmen also ers on a case-by-case basis, but who should give their programs a standing academically and are not No. 7 Wildcats’ 85-66 victory over cracked double digits as Duke had been more lenient as the pan- big boost include Creighton’s Alex facing disciplinary suspension. Butler on Wednesday night. opened Atlantic Coast Conference demic depleted rosters. O’Connell, Memphis’ DeAndre The NCAA’s Division Council is Gillespie and Jeremiah Robin- play with a road win. “The Council continued its Williams, Miami’s Elijah Olaniyi, expected to consider permanent son-Earl each scored 18 points for DJ Steward had 16 points to go trend of voting in favor of maxi- Xavier’s Ben Stanley and Notre transfer rules at a meeting next the Wildcats (6-1, 2-0 Big East), with seven rebounds, while Jere- mum flexibility for student-ath- Dame’s Trey Wertz. month that would allow all ath- and Justin Moore had 13. my Roach scored 14 and Jaemyn letes during the pandemic,” said “I tip my cap to @NCAA for letes to transfer once without hav- Jair Bolden scored 18 points and Brakefield added 10 for the Blue Council chair M. Grace Calhoun, their forward thinking by passing ing to sit out a year. helped the Bulldogs (1-1, 0-1 Big Devils (3-2, 1-0), who led from the East) stay competitive with three- second minute onward. pointers that kept them within two Dane Goodwin scored 25 points in the second half. for the Fighting Irish (2-3, 0-1), hit- Harden mum on reports he wants out No. 11 Texas 79, Sam Houston ting 10 of 12 shots from the field State 63: Courtney Ramey and with four three-pointers. BY KRISTIE RIEKEN While the rest of the Rockets Associated Press were in Houston for the start of HOUSTON — Given the chance training camp earlier this month, to address months of speculation Harden was photographed at rap- that he wants to be traded from the per Lil Baby’s birthday party in Houston Rockets, James Harden Atlanta and at a nightclub in Las sidestepped questions more deftly Vegas. than he shakes defenders with his The Beard was asked what signature step-back. message he was sending to the The disgruntled superstar team by jaunting around the coun- spoke to the media on Wednesday try when he should have been at for the first time since reporting practice. late to camp amid reports that he “I was just training,” he said. wants out of Houston. Harden, For what? who made his preseason debut “The start of the NBA season,” Tuesday night, was asked directly he said. if he wants to be traded. Reporters continued to press “Right now, I’m just focused on Harden about how being in Atlan- being here,” he said. “Today was ta and Vegas could prepare him MATT SLOCUM / AP good. Yesterday it felt really good for the season and he answered: MICHAEL WYKE / AP Villanova beat Butler 85­66 Wednesday, giving Jay Wright, already being out there for the first time “Just, you know, my personal Rockets guard James Harden the winningest coach in his school’s history, his 600th victory. since the bubble.” trainers.” would not say if he wants a trade. PAGE 50 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, December 18, 2020 NFL Titans’ Tannehill proving he’s no 1-year wonder Reigning Comeback Player of the Year has thrown a career-high 28 touchdown passes with 3 games left

BY TERESA M. WALKER me coming to work excited each Associated Press and every day,” Tannehill said NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Ryan Wednesday. Tannehill has done his best to put Tannehill’s not leading the NFL to rest the idea that he’s a one-hit in passer rating this season, but wonder. there’s been little fall-off in that The 2019 AP NFL Comeback category. He’s currently sixth at STEPHEN B. MORTON / AP Player of the Year who led the 108 and has had a passer rating of Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill throws a pass against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Dec. 13 in league with a career-best 117.5 at least 100 the past four games — Jacksonville, Fla. He has thrown at least one touchdown pass in 10 consecutive games. passer rating last year has fol- one off a franchise record. lowed up with another strong sea- He also has thrown a career- here,” Vrabel said. “He wanted to playing a 16-game season was 12 getting separation. son. And Tannehill still has three high 28 touchdown passes, tying learn and figure out everything in in 2014 and 2015 in Miami. Tan- “Now you’ve got a gap right games remaining as he tries to him for sixth in the NFL with Buf- about the offense. Again, it’s a nehill also has been sacked only 19 there and he just throws it over help the Tennessee Titans win falo’s Josh Allen. Tannehill has great example of being ready for times, thanks to quick decisions your head in between the backers their first AFC South title since spread it around, too, with TD your opportunity to take advan- finding his target or simply throw- and the corners,” Undlin said. “It 2008. passes to nine different Titans. tage of it. He studied. He came in ing the ball away. will be a great challenge for us, That March 2019 trade sending With two more TD passes, Tan- and continued to grow, continued The Detroit Lions (5-8) get the too, to make sure that after we Tannehill from Miami to Tennes- nehill would join George Blanda to build.” next chance to defend Tannehill compete and fight to slow this run see certainly has been a great fit (36 in 1961) and Warren Moon (33 The Titans turned to Tannehill and Tennessee on Sunday. Defen- game down, to not let them throw between quarterback and a tal- in 1990) as the only quarterbacks in mid-October last season and sive coordinator Cory Undlin said it over our heads.” ent-filled offense. in franchise history to have that gave him a four-year contract in play-action has been a key to the Notes: RT Dennis Kelly (knee), “When you have that combina- many in a season. Tannehill has March. Tannehill’s relationship quarterback’s success, and the Ti- LG Rodger Saffold (toe), DT Jef- tion of guys who want to win, want thrown at least one TD pass in 10 with coordinator Arthur Smith tans have a perfect balance going fery Simmons (knee), TE Geoff to find a way to get better, don’t straight games. has grown along with his comfort right now. Swaim (ankle) and S Kenny Vac- get chewed up by the grind, but Tennessee coach Mike Vrabel level in both the offense and with Defenses have to respect Der- caro (illness) did not practice keep pushing through it and find a said he thinks they all appreciate his wide receivers and tight ends. rick Henry and the other Titans Wednesday. WR A.J. Brown (an- way to get better and play our best Tannehill for his toughness and Tannehill has thrown for 3,209 running backs at the line, making kle), CBs Kristian Fulton (knee) football late in the season, that leadership. yards and only has five intercep- it easier when Tannehill keeps the and Adoree Jackson (knee), and C mentality is contagious and has “I go back to when he first got tions. His previous career low ball to throw, with his receivers Ben Jones (knee) all were limited. Rookie Bowden turns into multiple threat for Dolphins BY STEVEN WINE more active last week, playing 71% Associated Press “We asked him of the offensive snaps. Bowden MIAMI — A rash of Miami Dol- was targeted nine times, and twice phins injuries has given rookie re- to do a lot, and took handoffs on plays designed ceiver Lynn Bowden Jr. the for him to throw, including once chance he never had with the team he responded with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa that drafted him. the intended receiver. With Miami’s top four pass- very well.” Neither play worked, but it catchers sidelined by the end of gives future opponents another Sunday’s game against Kansas Chan Gailey thing to prepare for. City, Bowden was busy. He had Dolphins offensive coordinator Bowden acknowledges he al- seven receptions for 82 yards, on receiver Lynn Bowden Jr. ways wanted to be a quarterback, both season highs that led the and studied video of Lamar Jack- team. Miami (8-5) also likes his versa- son. “He did some really good tility, even though it’s one reason “Me and him had similar play- things; he made some plays,” of- he had trouble finding a role at ing styles coming out of high fensive coordinator Chan Gailey first in the NFL. He played quar- school,” Bowden said. “When I said Tuesday. “We asked him to do terback and receiver and was the moved to quarterback at Ken- a lot, and he responded very well. leading rusher at Kentucky, tucky, I was like, ‘Why not watch He’s learning. He’s getting more where he won the Paul Hornung him,’ because he was basically a comfortable. He’s understanding Award as the nation’s most versa- spitting image of me. I took it from what we’re trying to get done. I tile player. there and ran with it.” think he’s going to be a part of The Las Vegas Raiders drafted Bowden said he embraces the what we’re trying to do going for- him in the third round in April as a WILFREDO LEE / AP role with the team, playing multi- ward.” running back, but that experiment Miami running back Lynn Bowden had seven catches for 82 yards in ple receiver spots. But like any At least a couple of the Dol- failed. At the end of training camp, his team’s loss to Kansas City on Sunday in Miami Gardens, Fla. good quarterback, he’s focused on phins’ ailing pass-catchers might they traded him to the Dolphins in the big picture rather than his lat- be back for Sunday’s game against a deal that also involved draft phin now.” active for five games and sat out est statistics. New England, but Bowden has picks. Bowden’s progress with the one game while on the COVID-19 “I could’ve gone for 10 catches earned playing time by showing “You can’t worry about the team has come slowly, which is list. for 500 yards,” he said. “We lost, an ability to get open and elusive- past,” Bowden said. “Everything not surprising given that he mis- He had four catches in Week 13 so it doesn’t matter how I played. I ness when he has the ball. happens for a reason. I’m a Dol- sed its training camp. He was in- against Cincinnati and was even want to win.” Friday, December 18, 2020 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 51 NFL Bills’ D flexing identity in time for playoff push

BY JOHN WAWROW down opportunities, and got two Associated Press turnovers, including Taron John- ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — Les- son returning an interception 51 lie Frazier’s confidence in the Buf- yards for the Bills’ first defensive falo Bills’ defense reaching its po- touchdown since 2017. tential never wavered even at the And it was an outing that in- lowest point a month-and-a-half spires confidence in a team pre- into the season. paring to play at Denver (5-8) on The coordinator maintained Saturday — with a chance to LEON HALIP / AP faith in his veteran-laden unit and clinch Buffalo’s first AFC East ti- Green Bay Packers wide receiver Davante Adams pulls away from Detroit Lions outside linebacker Jahlani took into account the limited tle since 1995. Tavai for a touchdown. Adams has a touchdown catch in a team­record eight consecutive games. amount of preparation due to the “There was a lot unexpected coronavirus pandemic-shortened coming into the season,” safety offseason. He preached patience Jordan Poyer said. “We had high over panic that a turnaround expectations and we still do have Despite TD-catch streak, Pack’s would happen eventually. high expectations in ourselves as a “I knew the character of these defensive unit. And us not playing Adams looks at long-term goals guys. I knew what our talent level our best ball earlier on in the year was like, and I also understood the kind of helped us refocus our fo- BY STEVE MEGAREE six passes in each of these past circumstances we were operating cus.” Associated Press eight games. No player in NFL under,” Frazier said Monday, a The proof is evident in the num- Green Bay Packers wide re- 8 history ever had at least six recep- day after a 26-15 win over Pitts- bers. ceiver Davante Adams has pro- tions and one touchdown catch in burgh. In a 4-2 start ending with con- Consecutive games with a touchdown duced a touchdown catch in each catch for Green Bay Packers wide eight consecutive games before. “It’s just going to take longer secutive losses to Tennessee and of his past eight games. receiver Davante Adams. The longest previous streak of this than it ordinarily would,” he add- Kansas City, the Bills were allow- However Adams says he isn’t kind came in 2007, when Terrell ed of an opening six-week stretch ing an average of 28 points and 387 thinking much about how long he Owens had six-plus receptions in which Buffalo ranked 25th in yards per outing. In its past seven, can keep that streak going. and at least one touchdown catch the NFL against the run and 24th Buffalo has allowed 22 points and He has long-range goals in 91 in seven straight games. against the pass. “I just tried to 344 yards per game. If not for giv- mind instead. Since the start of the 2016 sea- continue to encourage our guys ing up DeAndre Hopkins’ 43-yard “At the end of the day, I want to Total catches this season for Adams, son, Adams has caught 54 touch- because I knew a day like last touchdown catch with 2 seconds be great and I want this team to be fourth in the league and first on a down passes, the most of any NFL night was coming.” left in a 32-30 loss at Arizona, the per-game basis. great,” Adams said Wednesday. player during that stretch. But Though the Bills’ defensive pro- Bills would be riding a seven- “The awards or minor achieve- this still represents a break- duction has been trending upward game winning streak. ments along the way, the weekly through season of sorts for the since Week 7, the payoff for Fra- More impressive over the past things, hearing stuff like that 1,144 2014 second-round pick from zier was on full display when his seven games is how Buffalo has- makes me feel good obviously, but Fresno State. players broke into a dance on the generated 14 of its season total 21 that ain’t what drives me. What Yards receiving this season for Adams, Adams had only one 1,000-yard sideline with 7:11 remaining to cel- takeaways, 20 of its 31 sacks, and drives me is getting the Super sixth in the league and first on a season before this year, though he ebrate Levi Wallace’s intercep- limited opponents to converting Bowl and ultimately trying to be per-game basis. finished two years with 997. One tion that essentially sealed a 10th just 25 of 80 third-down attempts the best receiver to play this Source: Associated Press of those 997-yard seasons came victory. after allowing 38 of 66 in its first game.” last season, when he missed four The interception punctuated six. Adams just might be the best They’re the only players in the Su- games with turf toe and caught the the team’s most complete de- The improved production bet- receiver playing right now. per Bowl era with longer stretch- just five touchdown passes. fensive performance of the sea- ter reflects a defense that finished Even though he missed two es within the same season of con- The three-time Pro Bowl selec- son. Buffalo forced a season-best the past two seasons among the games with a hamstring injury secutive games with a touchdown tion now seems poised to earn his eight punts, limited the Steelers to NFL’s top units, and returned nine earlier this season, Adams has 14 pass. Adams can tie Green by first All-Pro honor. convert on just one of 10 third- starters from last year. touchdown catches to tie Kansas catching a touchdown pass Satur- Adams has spoken on multiple City’s Tyreek Hill for the NFL day night when Green Bay (10-3) occasions this year about how he lead. He ranks fourth in the plays host to Carolina (4-9). has tried to adopt Kobe Bryant’s league in catches (91) and sixth in Adams already has shattered a mentality and approach. yards receiving (1,144), but leads Packers record that lasted nearly “If you go out and practice su- the NFL in both categories on a seven decades. Hall of Famer Don per hard and then you go play in per-game basis. Hutson had a pair of seven-game the game, it’s going to be a lot “He’s one of those transcend- streaks with touchdown catches more natural for you,” Adams ent, generational-type players, during the early 1940s. said. “You’ll be able to catch the that it doesn’t matter the era or “I think about scoring touch- ball and think fast and start mak- the offense,” Packers quarter- downs a lot,” Adams said. “I defi- ing plays, making people miss and back Aaron Rodgers said. “He nitely think about that. But re- turning it into the next phase of could be productive in any of cords, I let those come. I let Tom the play rather than just catching those decades or any of those of- (team communication manager the ball and being surprised and fenses.” Tom Fanning) text me or catch happy that you caught the ball. Adams’ current streak puts him me after the game and let me “Those type of habits and that in select company. know if anything interesting has type of lifestyle that you build up Hall of Famer Jerry Rice happened. I tend to just think and become accustomed to, it just caught touchdown passes in 12 about the touchdowns them- becomes second nature. It’s been ADRIAN KRAUS / AP consecutive games in 1987. A.J. selves, score and then go from something that I’ve admired from Buffalo Bills free safety Jordan Poyer, right, forces a fumble by Pitts­ Green did it in nine straight there on all that stuff.” him forever, so just trying to allow burgh Steelers running back James Conner during the Bills’ 26­15 games in 2012 for Cincinnati. Adams also has caught at least that to continue to live on.” win Sunday in Orchard Park, N.Y. PAGE 52 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, December 18, 2020 COLLEGE FOOTBALL

PAC­12 CHAMPIONSHIP Family ties lead Trojans’ defense

BY DAN GREENSPAN tional. He has an interception in Associated Press four straight games, becoming the LOS ANGELES — It didn’t take first USC player with such a streak long for Southern California de- since 1996. After failing to record a fensive coordinator Todd Orlando pick through his first 19 college to realize his first season would be games, Hufanga is tied for fifth- a family affair. most interceptions in the FBS. Cousins Talanoa Hufanga and While the interceptions have fi- Marlon Tuipulotu would anchor nally come, and in bunches, Hu- the defense as third-year starters fanga’s overall production re- at safety and nose tackle, respec- mains as solid as ever. He leads tively, and younger brother Tuli USC in tackles (50), solo tackles Tuipulotu was making enough (30) and forced fumbles (2), and plays in camp to show he could his 3½ tackles for loss are tied with contribute as a freshman defen- Marlon Tuipulotu for third on the sive tackle. team. “I told Marlon, joking around “During the offseason, I just the second Tuli started to take off, wanted to try to step up my game L.G. PATTERSON / AP I said, ‘You got any more brothers, in total,” Hufanga said. “I definite- Georgia head coach Kirby Smart said the personal touch that helps coaches sell their programs to blue­ younger brothers, cousins, any- ly still have a lot to work on all- chip prospects is missing from this year’s recruiting cycle. body that plays football? Because around, and a big emphasis this considered them offered (scholar- year just for our whole team is just ships) if they do,’” Orlando said. to run and hit and create turn- Together, Hufanga and the Tui- overs. I gotta make the most of all pulotu brothers have helped the my opportunities I get. At the end ‘It’s just weird’: Pandemic No. 13 Trojans reach the Pac-12 ti- of the day, I just want to help our tle game against Oregon on Fri- team win any way possible.” day. Marlon Tuipulotu is still a force The value of the trio for USC on the line, commanding double makes recruiting trail tricky (5-0) was never more evident than teams and creating chances for in the thrilling 43-38 comeback others to make plays. BY STEVE MEGAREE other prospects looking to raise win against UCLA on Saturday. But it is the 6-foot-3 Tuli Tuipu- Associated Press their stock at camps or high school Hufanga had a staggering 17 tack- lotu who has emerged as the big The personal touch that helps games that never took place. les with two tackles for loss, an in- surprise. He has 20 tackles, 2½ coaches sell their programs to “I’ve had several high school terception and a forced fumble. tackles for loss and two sacks in blue-chip prospects is missing coaches here in Florida call me Tuli Tuipulotu made nine tackles, the past four games. this year. about some 2021 guys that they including 1½ tackles for loss with a “I did not expect him to be the Restrictions brought about by had who are really, really good sack, and Marlon Tuipulotu tallest one out of all of us,” Hufan- the pandemic prevent face-to- players that had FBS offers,” helped clog up the middle in sev- ga said. “He’s the little brother, face communication between South Florida recruiting coordi- eral critical short-yardage situa- he’s taller than both of us.” players and coaches. Staffs can’t nator Jules Montinar said. “And tions. Getting another big perform- visit high schools. Plenty of states all of a sudden, now they’ve got “The athlete is one thing, and all ance from Hufanga and the Tui- didn’t even play high school foot- nothing.” three of them are super-talented pulotu brothers would go a long ball. College staffs feel hamstrung guys,” Orlando said. “But to me, way towards USC winning its sec- “It’s just weird,” Georgia coach because they couldn’t evaluate the internal … I mean, these guys ond Pac-12 title in the 10 seasons Kirby Smart said. players in the usual manner. are five-star, seven-star guys in- since the conference adopted a ti- It all creates uncertainty as high “We’ve been really dependent ternally in terms of their want to, tle game. Issues with ball security school seniors finalize their col- upon camps,” Duke coach David their work ethic, their character. and pass protection have hurt Ore- lege selections during the early Cutcliffe said. “We’ve signed a lot And it doesn’t surprise me that all gon (3-2) in its past three games, signing period, which began of people out of camps where we CHARLES REX ARBOGAST / AP three guys are playing well.” as the Ducks committed six turn- Wednesday and runs through Fri- can get our hands on guys, coach Minnesota head coach P.J. Fleck Hufanga’s performance over overs and allowed seven sacks of day. Many signings will bond a them and see what their effort lev- said nearly half of the players the past month has been excep- quarterback Tyler Shough. player and coach who haven’t yet els are and what their character’s he’s likely to sign he hasn’t met spent time in the same room. about and how good they are at the in person. “Almost half of our players that end of the day, as opposed to the are going to sign, we haven’t met beginning of the day. All of those season. face to face or shook hands,” Min- things are just out the window.” High school juniors may get nesota coach P.J. Fleck said. The lack of official visits under hampered even more, even if the There are various opinions over pandemic-imposed NCAA re- NCAA ends the recruiting dead the pandemic’s short-term im- strictions also has caused prob- period April 15 rather than ex- pact. lems. Coaches liked seeing how tending it once again. About 80% of last year’s Foot- each recruit interacted with pro- Many Power Five programs al- ball Bowl Subdivision recruits spective teammates during those ready had assembled much of signed in December rather than visits. their classes or had narrowed waiting until February. Mike Far- “You get a better feel for kids down their targets by the time the rell, the director of recruiting for and their families when you’re pandemic arrived. Those schools Rivals, doesn’t expect that per- face to face,” Florida State don’t know as much about the ju- centage to change while Barton recruiting coordinator David niors without having evaluated Simmons, the 247Sports director Johnson said. “It’s a little different them in person. of scouting, believes fewer pro- on Zoom.” “The ’22 class, you’re going to spects will sign early this time. It has been even tougher on the have to really be careful in your RICK BOWMER / AP The pandemic didn’t necessar- prospects themselves. That’s par- vetting and what you’re getting Southern California defensive lineman Tuli Tuipulotu (49) sacks Utah ily hinder elite recruits who al- ticularly true in the 16 states, in- and not just go off statistics or old quarterback Jake Bentley on Nov. 21 in Salt Lake City. Tuipulotu’s ready were being heavily pur- cluding California, that didn’t film,” Wisconsin director of play- older brother and a cousin also play on defense for the Trojans. sued. But it caused headaches for have a fall high school football er personnel Saeed Khalif said. Friday, December 18, 2020 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 53 COLLEGE FOOTBALL

SEC CHAMPIONSHIP Tide chasing just second unbeaten year under Saban BY JOHN ZENOR perfection. Associated Press “We’ve still got the SEC cham- Alabama has swept through the pionship on the line,” Florida line- regular season with ease, naviga- backer Ventrell Miller said. “This ting a schedule with all Southeast- is a great opportunity to go out and ern Conference games amid the show the world how talented we perils of COVID-19. are, how good of a team we are.” The top-ranked Crimson Tide And, in the process, keep the head into Saturday night’s SEC 2020 Alabama team from joining championship game against No. 11 the ’09 group. Florida with an elusive goal still in Past history indicates Alabama MATT CASHORE / AP sight: An undefeated season. is a long way from done. But the Notre Dame linebacker Jeremiah Owusu­Koramoah, left, closes in on Syracuse running back Sean Tucker For all those dominant Nick Sa- Tide have made things look easy so during their game on Dec. 5 in South Bend, Ind. ban teams in Tuscaloosa, only one far, dispatching their two best op- has finished with a perfect record, ponents, No. 5 Texas A&M (52-24) ACC CHAMPIONSHIP and that was 11 years ago. The Tide and No. 10 Georgia (41-24), with (10-0) has appeared all but un- ease. touchable so far, posting the fifth The Tide have won their games undefeated regular season of a Sa- by an average margin of 32.7 ban era that has included five na- points, topping even Saban’s pre- tional titles. vious most dominant teams. Lea, Irish defense get Alabama still has to get through Alabama has flirted with other the Gators (8-2) and two playoff undefeated seasons, but only been games to join that 2009 juggernaut able to seal the deal that once. The that went 14-0. Tide posted perfect regular-sea- “How you finish is the most im- son records in both 2016 and 2018, portant thing in terms of your lega- only to lose to Clemson in the na- final shot at Clemson cy as a team so it’s not what we tional title games. have done up to this point, al- Perhaps the Tide’s two most BY JOHN FINERAN some things we have to do much though we’re all proud and appre- dominant teams of the Saban era Associated Press DID YOU KNOW? better in defending the passing ciate that the players have done a came in the 2009 and 2011 national SOUTH BEND, Ind. — Clark The Notre Dame defense is ranked game. We have to continue to keep good job so far,” Saban said Mon- championship seasons. In the first, Lea is on the way out at Notre among the top 15 teams statistically their running game in check.” day. “It’s about how you finish. Alabama outscored its opponents Dame just as his defense has been in third-down conversion defensive Kelly is hoping for a perform- You’ve got to look forward, not by an average of 20.4 points, on the way up. percentage (third), fumbles reco- ance like Notre Dame put up in the backwards.” capped by a 37-21 win over Texas The 38-year-old Lea, a Tennes- vered (seventh), rushing defense second half against North Caroli- The Gators know how fine a for Saban’s first national title in see native, was named head coach (eighth), tackles for loss (11th), na's prolific offense. Even after margin there can be between per- Tuscaloosa. Tailback Mark In- at alma mater Vanderbilt on Mon- points allowed (12th) and total losing Hamilton to a first-half tar- fection and a couple of losses. They gram won the Heisman Trophy day. Before he focuses on rebuild- defense (14th at 314.5 yards al- geting penalty, the Irish held the lost 37-34 to LSU after Cade York’s and Rolando McClain claimed the ing the Commodores, the second- lowed per game). Tar Heels to zero second-half 57-yard field goal with 23 seconds Butkus Award. ranked Fighting Irish (10-0) face Associated Press points in a 31-17 victory. left, aided by a foolish penalty and The 2011 team dominated oppo- Trevor Lawrence and No. 3 Clem- knocking off Alabama 44-16 for In all, the defense surrendered followed up by a Gators miss nents by an average of 26.9 points son (9-1) in the ACC championship the national championship. 414 yards, including 229 on the No. 5 Texas A&M earlier edged and allowed only 8 points a game. game. “They were a great team in ’18,” ground, to North Carolina — so the Florida 41-38 on Seth Small’s 26- Alabama avenged the lone blem- Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly Clemson coach Dabo Swinney yards have been there for the top yard kick as time expired. ish, a 9-6 overtime loss to LSU in doesn't think the pending new gig said. “This year, they can get pres- offenses to take. Now, they’re two-touchdown the so-called Game of the Century, will distract his defensive coordi- sure with that front. Their backers Nevertheless, the Irish defense, underdogs against the Tide and of with a dominating 21-0 perform- nator. are really good, and they’ve got which has abundant depth every- course would like nothing more ance in the rematch to claim the “It’s not going to disrupt what he two of the best players (rover Jer- where, is ranked among the top 15 than to derail Alabama’s pursuit of national title. does in his preparation for the emiah Owusu-Koramoah and teams statistically in third-down game and hopefully moving for- safety Kyle Hamilton) that you’ll conversion defensive percentage ward," Kelly said. "I’m not con- see in college football.” (third), fumbles recovered (sev- cerned (and) I know our players When the teams last met on enth), rushing defense (eighth), aren’t as well.” Nov. 7 in Notre Dame Stadium, tackles for loss (11th), points al- It isn’t coincidence that Notre Lawrence was sidelined by CO- lowed (12th) and total defense Dame’s four-year run of 43-6 has VID-19 and his 6-foot-5 freshman (14th at 314.5 yards allowed per occurred since Lea joined Kelly’s replacement, D.J. Uiagalelei, game). staff as linebackers coach under threw for a Notre Dame opponent- “Our guys have an immense defensive coordinator Mike Elko. record 439 yards. amount of pride,” Kelly said. “It When Elko left for Texas A&M fol- Notre Dame did limit Clemson starts with Clark.” lowing the 2017 season, Kelly ele- star running back Travis Etienne Lea, whose calmness has im- vated Lea and the Irish defense to 28 yards on 18 carries and reco- pressed even Kelly, is expected to has improved. vered three fumbles, one returned be in the coaching booth Saturday In 2018, Lea’s defense with its 4- for a touchdown by Owusu-Kora- at Bank of America Stadium in 2-5 alignment was the cornerstone moah. The Irish got back-to-back Charlotte, N.C. Lea could stay in as Notre Dame won its first 12 sacks by ends Adetokunbo Ogun- place if the Irish secure a CFP games to gain a semifinal berth in deji and Daelin Hayes and a fum- berth – the Rose Bowl and Sugar the Cotton Bowl against Clemson. ble recovery by cornerback Nick Bowl semifinals are Jan. 1 and the Lawrence and the Tigers burned McCloud in the second overtime championship in suburban Miami MATTHEW HINTON / AP the Irish for three second-quarter to secure the 47-40 victory. is Jan. 11. Only one of coach Nick Saban’s Alabama teams has gone unbeaten: touchdowns and 327 passing “We’ve got to play better,” Kelly First things first: Clemson is The 2009 team that went 14­0 and won the national title. This year’s yards total in a 30-3 victory before said of the rematch. “There are waiting. team is unbeaten and faces Florida in the SEC championship game. PAGE 54 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, December 18, 2020 COLLEGE FOOTBALL

BIG 12 CHAMPIONSHIP Humble start leads to huge season for Cyclones, Campbell

BY ERIC OLSON total of four four-star prospects Associated Press and no five-stars, according to Jay Chapman earned his bache- 247Sports composite rankings. lor’s and master’s degree from Io- Oklahoma has signed 57 four- wa State, was a member of the stars and four five-stars over the marching band and has attended same span. all but one home football game “I just think it’s more proof that since 1986. when you’ve got people who are The president of the Cyclone aligned toward a vision, when you Gridiron Club booster group has have people who are in it for the seen a lot of losing. Some good right reason and you have people players came through and there willing to put their ego aside and were some notable upsets. Still, in continue to grow, that’s the beauty the 30 years prior to 2016, five of the sport of football,” Campbell JAY LAPRETE / AP coaches combined for only eight said. “It is still a team sport. Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields looks for an open receiver. The 5­0 Buckeyes are ranked No. 3 but seasons of .500 or better. “There are great examples in say they feel they have something to prove in Saturday's Big Ten championship. “Six wins,” Chapman said, “was the history of college football of about as good as it got.” that occurring,” he added. “It just And then along came Matt so happens it hadn’t happened yet BIG TEN CHAMPIONSHIP Campbell. in Ames, Iowa. I think that’s some- The 41-year-old Ohio native is thing that has been enjoyable.” seen as nothing short of a miracle Campbell’s mantra of building worker by the Cyclone faithful. At personal relationships with his a school that hasn’t claimed even a players, emphasizing develop- No. 3 Buckeyes out to hush share of a football conference title ment and getting the most out of since 1912, Campbell, in his fifth limited resources is the product of year, has led Iowa State to the Big his being the son of a high school 12 championship game for the football coach and going through skeptics with Big Ten title first time. the powerhouse Division III The Cyclones, who at No. 8 have Mount Union program as a player their highest ranking ever in the and young coach. BY MITCH STACY in the country for sure, and I think AP Top 25, play No. 12 Oklahoma Coaching stops at Mount Union Associated Press we control our destiny,” Fields on Saturday at AT&T Stadium in and Bowling Green preceded his COLUMBUS, Ohio — A group said. “If we go out there on Satur- Arlington, Texas. first head coaching job at Toledo, of university administrators on a day and handle business like “Man, is this what you envi- where he had been an assistant for Zoom call decided Ohio State we’re supposed to, we should be sioned or saw?” Campbell said, re- three years. The Rockets went to would play in the Big Ten cham- where we want to be.” peating a question. “I’ll be really four bowls with Campbell in pionship game. Now the No. 3 Tight end Jeremy Ruckert ac- honest. Early on we were trying to charge for all or part of five sea- Buckeyes are eager to show that knowledged the Buckeyes need to show that we could compete.” sons. not only are they the dominant win and look impressive doing it to Iowa State (8-2, 8-1 Big 12) fin- Iowa State athletic director Ja- team in the conference, but they leave no doubt they belong in the ished the regular season alone in mie Pollard fired Paul Rhoads af- also unequivocally deserve a spot playoff. first place and in October beat the ter the 2015 season and sought the in the College Football Playoff. “It’s pretty important,” he said. Sooners (7-2, 6-2) in Ames, Iowa, advice of Mid-American Confer- They do that by winning big Sat- “I mean we try not to think about it for the first time since 1960. ence athletic directors he knows. urday. as much, but what it comes down Naturally, the Cyclones are un- “Everybody kept coming back Ohio State (5-0, CFP No. 4) can to is that every other (contending) derdogs this week, which bothers to this guy at Toledo, Matt Camp- collect a fourth straight confer- school has more games than us. ... them not in the least. bell, who they just said was an old- ence title by beating No. 15 North- NAM Y. HUH / AP We try and just put the best game The most recent federal college school football coach but was a western, but the Buckeyes are Northwestern running back Jesse out there on film and really dom- athletics spending reports showed young guy,” Pollard said. “We seeking style points — a good Brown celebrates with team­ inate.” Campbell’s program spent only started looking more, and he’s a thumping of the Wildcats on na- mates as he holds the Land of Northwestern coach Pat Fitz- about two-thirds the amount of Division III guy, which that reso- tional TV — to firm up their place Lincoln Trophy after Northwest­ gerald is a believer in Ohio State, Oklahoma’s Big 12-high $43.4 mil- nated with me because I was a Di- in the national rankings. ern defeated Illinois 28­10 Sat­ no matter how many games it lion football budget in 2018-19. vision III athlete. And his staff was In other words, they are motiva- urday in Evanston, Ill. played. “If I had a vote,” he said, In his four full recruiting class- made up of all guys who weren’t ted to dominate. “I’d vote them No. 2. I think es, Campbell has signed a grand born on third base.” “Oh, we’ve definitely got some- clinched the Big Ten East, could they’re a complete football team, thing to prove,” All-American cor- compete for the title and be better all three phases.” nerback Shaun Wade said Tues- positioned to play for a national Buckeyes coach Ryan Day in- day. “Like I’ve been telling a lot of crown. sisted he just wants to win the my teammates, we got to blow That came at the expense of In- game — he doesn’t care by how them out. We have to come to play diana, which at 6-1 had enough many points or how it looks to oth- and show the world what we can games in but had lost to Ohio State ers. He said he hates the idea that do.” 42-35 on Nov. 21. Social media style points matter. Because of COVID-19 issues, heated up with criticism aimed at “It goes against everything Ohio State was left with just five the Buckeyes, whose body of work we’ve been brought up with,” Day regular-season games, one short isn’t as comprehensive as other said. “I don’t think there’s any oth- of the threshold to play in the top teams. er sport in the world where any- championship game set by the Let the people talk, said Ohio thing other than winning matters. conference before the start of the State’s Justin Fields, who on Tues- So it’s very unique. If you win by pandemic-delayed season. Con- day was named Big Ten Offensive one point every week in the NFL, CHARLIE NEIBERGALL / AP ference administrators last week Player of the Year and Quarter- you’d win the Super Bowl. But col- Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell has his team ranked No. 8, its voted to change the rule so the back of the Year. lege football is different, and this highest ranking ever, as it takes on Oklahoma on Saturday. Buckeyes, who had already “We’re one of the top four teams year it’s even more strange.” Friday, December 18, 2020 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 55 COLLEGE FOOTBALL Unlikely: Both QBs better than expected FROM PAGE 56 out instead of transferring. to be here with our play this sea- “I definitely have a lot of respect son.” for Kyle, for how he’s handled his And both quarterbacks earned situation, too,” the ’ Bama quarter- their spots among the nation’s best back said. “I think all that’s just a in their first full seasons as start- personal decision to stay, develop ers. Both have been better than personally. just about anybody could have ex- “That’s kind of how I looked at pected. it. Eventually we both got our A career backup, Trask played chance to help out our teams.” behind Miami’s D’Eriq King in Jones arrived at Alabama as a high school and waited his turn be- skinny 180-pounder and the No. 18 hind Austin Appleby, Luke Del pro style QB, according to the Rio and Feleipe Franks in Gaines- 247Sports composite ratings. ville. He finally got his shot in Sep- More importantly, Jalen Hurts tember 2019 after Franks sus- had just been named SEC offen- tained a season-ending ankle inju- sive player of the year as a fresh- ry. man and five-star prospect Tua JAY LAPRETE / AP Trask has been nothing short of Tagovailoa was in the same sign- Ohio State head coach Ryan Day signed five five­star recruits on Wednesday. sensational since, throwing 64 ing class. Both are now starting touchdown passes and 12 inter- games in the NFL. ceptions in 20 starts. His shot came after Hurts trans- He passed 1996 Heisman Tro- ferred to Oklahoma and Tagovai- phy winner Danny Wuerffel for loa sustained a hip injury late last Bama, Ohio St add 5-stars the school’s single-season touch- season. Jones had three straight down record with No. 40 during a 400-yard passing games early this 37-34 loss to LSU, which likely season, proving himself a worthy ended any chance the Gators had successor and then some. of playing in the College Football “He’s a guy that has had a great before conference champs Playoff. year,” Florida coach Dan Mullen Wuerffel called Trask after the said. “Very similar to Kyle. Does a BY RALPH D. RUSSO crushing loss and reminded him great job managing their offense, Associated Press that the Gators lost their regular- distributing the ball to all the dif- As Alabama, Ohio State, Clem- season finale in 1996 before re- ferent playmakers. Getting them son, Oregon, Notre Dame, Oklaho- bounding to win it all. in the right place at the right time. ma and Florida prepared to play “If we play at a higher level that Taking what the defense gives for conference championships, I know we can, then I think we can him.” they signed top-10 recruiting play with anybody in America,” The results for both have been classes for 2021 they hope to fuel Trask said. terrific. their next title contenders. Jones said he looks up to Trask

The most unusual college foot- as both a person and a player, es- AP sports writer Mark Long contributed to this ball season in memory brought the pecially since both opted to stick it report. convergence Wednesday of the start of the early signing period with the end of the regular season, which includes 10 conference Playoff buzz muted championship games this week- end. VASHA HUNT / AP for No. 5 Texas A&M “I could be here all day talking Coach Nick Saban and No. 1 Alabama landed five 5­star recruits and about how different this is,” Ohio was expected to land one more, once again putting the Crimson Tide BY KRISTIE RIEKEN The Aggies have one more State coach Ryan Day said on the at the top of the signing day haul. Associated Press chance to do that this week when Big Ten Network. Texas A&M has a shot to make they visit Tennessee (3-6) on Sat- The pandemic has altered much five-stars in the country going to Even with the coach’s future still the College Football Playoff for the urday after last week’s game about the college football season three schools. to be determined, signing day was first time this season. Not that the against Ole Miss was scrapped be- and recruiting this year, but some- Only Clemson, Miami and LSU OK for the Wolverines. Aggies are the first team anyone cause of coronavirus cases within things never change. Alabama is also signed multiple five-stars. Ok- The bad news was four-star line- thinks about heading into the final the Rebels program. on the way to having the highest- lahoma has a chance to make that backer Branden Jennings of Jack- weekend of the Fisher has helped his team put rated class in the country. The very short list by the time all the na- sonville, Fla., bailed on a verbal season. together a fine season in his third Buckeyes are not far behind. And it tional letters of intent have been commitment to Michigan and Ranked fifth in year in College Station after sign- starts at the top. submitted in February, when the flipped to Big Ten division rival the latest CFP ing that massive 10-year, $75 mil- According to 247 Sports’ com- traditional signing period opens. Maryland. Michigan also lost four- rankings and lion deal that brought with it an- posite player rankings, there are As much as it seems like signing star defensive end Quintin Some- fifth in the AP nual expectations of top-shelf re- 34 five-stars recruits in the class of day during a game week could be rville from Scottsdale, Ariz., to Top 25, the Ag- sults. Fisher, after all, won a na- 2021. overwhelming for a program try- UCLA. gies would need tional championship at Florida As of late Wednesday afternoon, ing to earn a conference title and On the positive side for the Wol- some help and State. Fisher Alabama had signed five of them spot in the college football playoff, verines on signing day: In-state possibly a shift in Now that they are in the mix for a and was expected to land at least in reality the hardest work of running back Donovan Edwards, a opinion to get one of the four spots, playoff spot, some wonder why one more. Ohio State landed five recruiting for the top schools has four-star, signed with Michigan. with many around college football Fisher won’t stump for his team as five-stars, including defensive end been done for a while. The Wolverines also held on to seeming to overlook Texas A&M pundits promote teams like Ohio Jack Sawyer from nearby Picke- Wednesday was mostly a for- four-star receiver Xavier Worthy (7-1), whose only loss was to No. 1 State and USC — both 5-0 and play- rington North High School. mality. from Fresno, Calif., who had taken Alabama (52-24 on Oct. 3). ing for conference titles this week- Georgia, which has been push- a late trip to Alabama. Coach Jimbo Fisher insists he end — over the Aggies, who beat ing Alabama in the Southeastern Bad season, good class This class also features the high- isn’t concerned about the rankings Florida along with nearly every- Conference but not yet been able to Michigan slogged to a 2-4 record est-rated quarterback Michigan and won’t be lobbying for his team. one else this season. get over the hump, has four five- and has dragged around specula- has signed under Harbaugh in J.J. “If we need an argument, we “You control where you’re going stars in the fold. tion about coach Jim Harbaugh’s McCarthy, an Illinois native from need an argument by how we play, to go based on what you do,” he That’s a little less than half the future this season. IMG Academy in Florida. not by what we say,” he said. said. PAGE 56 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, December 18, 2020 Virtual wooing SPORTS College coaches land players through online recruiting ›› College football, Page 52

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PHOTOS BY JOHN RAOUX / AP Florida quarterback Kyle Trask dives over the LSU defense for a 1­yard touchdown during the second half of last Saturday's game in Gainesville, Fla. Unlikely candidates Trask, Jones rise to Heisman contenders BY JOHN ZENOR ries that bring respect from top-ranked Trask has already set the school season Associated Press Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban, “guys that record for touchdown passes despite the t’s hard to imagine a much more sort of come up the hard way.” shortened, SEC-only schedule. Jones’s 27 meteoric rise to Heisman Trophy “I know he’s had a tough road coming up, TD passes ranks third nationally. contender than that of Alabama just like kind of Mac,” Saban said of Trask. Trask is second nationally in passing quarterback Mac Jones, until you “But I have a lot of respect for guys that yards per game (360.3), one spot ahead of consider Florida’s Kyle Trask. stick with it, persevere, overcome a lot of Jones at 345.9. IFormerly three-star recruits with daunt- adversity, go through a lot of learning and Jones is the nation’s No. 2-rated passer ing paths to starting jobs but five-star per- growing pains. and Trask is fourth. severance and smarts, now they’re perhaps “Then when they get their opportunity, Trask appreciated the praise coming the leading Heisman candidates heading they take advantage of it and do extremely from Saban. into Saturday night’s Crimson Tide-Gators well. Kyle has certainly done that and has “It’s pretty special,” he said. “Coming showdown in the Southeastern Conference had as fine a season as anybody in the coun- from a legendary coach like him, it’s pretty Like Trask, Alabama quarterback Mac championship game. try.” cool. We’ve got a lot of respect for their foot- Jones had to wait his turn to become the It’s entirely possible the Heisman could Ditto for Jones. ball team, as well. We both earned the right starter. Now both players are considered come down to that game in Atlanta. Regard- The numbers are impressive, but don’t Heisman Trophy candidates. less, Trask and Jones have the kind of sto- tell their whole stories. SEE UNLIKELY ON PAGE 55

Villanova gives Wright 600th victory ›› College basketball, Page 49