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Volume 80 Edition 30 ©SS 2021 FRIDAY,MAY 28, 2021 $1.00 Tough battle ahead Afghan forces hurt by low morale, corruption

BY KATHY GANNON Associated Press KABUL, Afghanistan — Abdullah Mo- hammadi lost his two legs and an arm below the elbow in a ferocious battle with the Tali- ban. As a young Afghan soldier, he had been eager to fight for his country, but now he’s furious at a government he says ignores him and hasn’t paid his veteran’s pension for nearly a year. Afghanistan’s National Defense and Se- curity Forces, meant to be the bulwark against advancing Taliban insurgents, are rife with corruption, demoralized and struggling to keep territory. The govern- ment says the army can hold its own, but

SEE BATTLE ON PAGE 4 RELATED Taliban warn US against RAHMAT GUL/AP setting up bases in region Afghan army veteran Abdullah Mohammadi gives an interview to The Associated Press at his home on the outskirts of Kabul, Afghanistan, on May 5. Once eager to fight for his country, Mohammadi is now furious at his government. Page 5 Ex-spouse reveals cracks in military’s response to domestic abuse incidents BY SARAH CAMMARATA are isolated and unaware of resources cuss how her husband spoke down to ing on domestic violence in the military Stars and Stripes available to them. their child for crying. A few days after held by the personnel subpanel of the WASHINGTON — Amy Logan first Several months after the move, her the assault, Logan went with her child House Armed Services Committee. experienced physical abuse three marriage turned violent, Logan told to a women’s safe shelter and eventu- Incidents of spouse abuse in the mil- years into her marriage to a sergeant House lawmakers Tuesday. ally filed for a divorce, she said. itary are at about 1.1%, according to De- major in the Army. One night, Logan’s husband at the “He told me, ‘I would rather go to fense Department data from 2019. That Logan was away from friends and time charged at her, grabbed her prison than let you leave with our rate is more than twice that of the na- family once she moved to a new base, shoulders and his knee struck her in child.’ I took this as a verbal threat to similar to many military spouses who Logan the leg after Logan attempted to dis- my life,” Logan testified during a hear- SEE SPOUSE ON PAGE 7 PAGE 2 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, May 28, 2021 BUSINESS/WEATHER

EUROPE GAS PRICES EXCHANGE RATES

Military rates South Korea (Won) 1119.19 Switzerland (Franc) .9000 Euro costs (May 28) $1.19 Thailand (Baht) 31.29 Europe's gas prices were Dollar buys (May 28) 0.7985 Turkey (NewLira) 8.4532 British pound (May 28) $1.38 unavailable before press time Japanese yen (May 28) 106.00 (Military exchange rates are those available South Korean won (May 28) 1090.00 to customers at military banking facilities in the Commercial rates country of issuance for Japan, South Korea, Ger­ many, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Bahrain(Dinar) .3770 For nonlocal currency exchange rates (i.e., pur­ Britain (Pound) 1.4172 chasing British pounds in Germany), check with Canada (Dollar) 1.2084 your local military banking facility. Commercial China(Yuan) 6.3833 rates are interbank rates provided for reference PACIFIC GAS PRICES Denmark (Krone) 6.0972 Egypt (Pound) 15.6704 when buying currency. All figures are foreign Country Super E10 Super unleaded Super plus Diesel  Euro .8200 currencies to one dollar, except for the British Japan .. $3.759 .. $3.319 South Korea $3.099 .. $3.769 $3.329 Hong Kong (Dollar) 7.7623 pound, which is represented in dollars­to­ pound, and the euro, which is dollars­to­euro.) Change in price .. +1.0 cents .. No change Change in price +1.0 cents .. No change No change Hungary (Forint) 285.39 Israel (Shekel) 3.2457 Okinawa $3.089 .. .. $3.319 Guam $3.099 $3.519 $3.769 .. Japan (Yen) 107.50 INTEREST RATES Kuwait(Dinar) .3008 Change in price No change .. .. No change Change in price No change No change +1.0 cents .. Norway (Krone) 8.3566 Prime rate 3.25 Philippines (Peso) 48.03 Interest Rates Discount rate 0.75 *DieselEFD **Midgrade Poland (Zloty) 3.68 Federal funds market rate 0.09 Saudi Arabia (Riyal) 3.7505 3­month bill 0.02 For the week of May 28 ­ June 3 Singapore (Dollar) 1.3240 30­year bond 2.27 WEATHER OUTLOOK FRIDAY IN THE MIDDLE EAST FRIDAY IN EUROPE SATURDAY IN THE PACIFIC

Misawa 64/54

Kabul Seoul 84/59 70/55 Baghdad 109/73 Tokyo Drawsko Osan Kandahar Mildenhall/ 66/55 78/59 100/64 Pomorskie Busan Lakenheath 56/47 68/59 64/48 Iwakuni Kuwait City Bahrain 67/62 Brussels Zagan Sasebo Guam 107/83 93/88 Ramstein 53/49 67/62 63/42 57/46 87/81 Riyadh Lajes, 107/76 Doha Azores Stuttgart 107/80 62/60 58/44 Pápa Aviano/ 62/50 Vicenza 67/48

Naples 75/57 Okinawa Morón 80/78 88/60 Sigonella Rota 71/57 The weather is provided by the Djibouti 75/55 Souda Bay American Forces Network Weather Center, 95/79 73/66 2nd Weather Squadron at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb. TODAY IN STRIPES American Roundup ...... 10 Classified ...... 46 Comics ...... 38-39 Crossword ...... 38-39 Faces ...... 35 Opinion ...... 40 Sports ...... 41-48 Friday, May 28, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 3 MILITARY Air Force adopts new fitness test scoring BY SARAH CAMMARATA The service announced in one-size-fits-all model,” Gen. Stars and Stripes early March that it would further Charles “CQ” Brown, the Air WASHINGTON — The Air delay testing until July due to Force chief of staff, said in a pre- Force will require only pushups, concerns about the coronavirus pared statement. “More testing situps and a 1.5-mile run when pandemic. Testing had been pre- options will put flexibility in the physical fitness testing resumes viously pushed back until April. hands of our airmen — where it July 1 using a new scoring break- The age brackets used for as- belongs.” down, the service announced sessment and grading from 10- While the waist measurement Wednesday. year age categories are now is no longer required as part of Pushups and situps will now changed to five-year age groups. the test, a separate assessment of be worth 20 points each, up 10 For example, the grading cate- body composition will continue points, and the 1.5-mile run will gory for ages 30-39 has been re- starting in October, according to remain worth 60 points. The placed with age groups of 30-34 the service. Body composition boost in points is to make up for and 35-39, according to an Air assessments will not be a part of those points that were lost when Force news release. the physical fitness test. More the service did away with waist In the coming weeks, the ser- details could be announced later, circumference measurements in vice also plans to announce alter- but the service did not say when. December. native strength and cardiovascu- The Space Force will follow An overall score of at least 75 lar testing exercise options. At the Air Force policies until its is required to pass and anyone that point, members will have leadership develops a service- taking the test must also achieve about six months to practice the specific plan. the minimum score in each com- exercises, and they will be avail- ponent. Minimum scores for able options by the start of next CHRISTOPHER PARR/U.S. Air Force each component vary based on year, according to the service. [email protected] The Air Force will require only pushups, situps and a 1.5­mile run age and gender. “We are moving away from a Twitter: @sarahjcamm when physical fitness testing resumes July 1.

Onboard Navy counselors help sailors cope with stress BY WYATT OLSON ing that skill set and quickly form- Stars and Stripes ing part of a team that would then The Navy is assessing how best go out and embark with the ships,” to employ specially trained teams he said. placed aboard large ships as they It meant cutting short holiday head to sea to help sailors with time normally spent with friends shore-to-sea transition, a program and family because team mem- tested earlier this year. bers had to join the required two- The “proof of concept” for the week restriction of movement that Departure and Separation Pro- began only a few days after Christ- gram kicked off in December on mas. six cruisers and destroyers from Laboon Cmdr. Charles Spivey Norfolk, Va., and ended in mid- described the program as “invalu- February. Their crews were deal- able” in the Navy news release, ing with the usual stressors of saying “the curriculum gave our heading to sea for many months crew new skills and appropriate but also with family issues and re- resources to be successful while strictions related to COVID-19, we are gone.” the coronavirus respiratory dis- Cannon said the data is not yet ease. available to see how effective the “I would say some of [the pro- teams were in easing problems gram’s launch] was directly attri- due to separation. But he said he buted to COVID,” Edward Can- was convinced that the roughly non, director of Fleet and Family 1,800 sailors on the six ships bene- Readiness Programs for Navy In- fited from the teams’ presence. stallations Command, told Stars Direct feedback from the com- and Stripes during a recent phone mand triads and sailors on each interview. CHELSEA PALMER/U.S. Navy ship was encouraging, Cannon “So, I don't see it as something A sailor aboard the guided­missile cruiser USS Monterey looks out at the Mediterranean Sea in March. said. that we would be rolling out enter- “What we heard was that there prise-wide on every ship, every during their initial two to six planned for January but was ments, the Navy said. were demonstrated positive out- time that they deploy,” he said. weeks of restricted movement and stepped up after Fleet and Family Cannon oversees quality-of-life comes to operational readiness,” “But we absolutely know there are then at sea. Restriction of move- Support “received an urgent re- programs for sailors and their he said. going to be times when there are ment is the term the Navy gives to quest for emotional aid” from families, and it is routine for per- Navy leaders cited decreases in additional stressors or changes to a two-week quarantine required leaders aboard the guided-missile sonnel to gather pier side when the numbers of command-direct- pace or schedule that would lend of a crew before they ship out. cruisers USS Monterey and USS ships return from long deploy- ed mental health evaluations and itself well to this model, and we The teams hosted “non-medical Vella Gulf and the destroyers USS ments — both to welcome sailors fewer requests for fitness-for-du- are prepared to support that as it counseling, group workshops, Mitscher, USS Mahan, USS Jason back and help families transition. ty assessments, Cannon said. comes up. walk-around engagement, one- Dunham and USS Laboon, the Na- The Departure and Separation “So, a healthier ship overall and “Basically, we’ve done the proof on-one consultations, [and] psy- vy said. Program essentially took that re- one that was — by definition of the of concept, and we know that other cho-education,” the Navy said in The command triads — com- union effort and “turned it on its commanding officers — better ship commanders need this type an April news release. The teams manders, executive officers and head,” Cannon said. “What about able to do their jobs,” he said. of support. Our team will be ready also arranged long-term assist- command chiefs — aboard the before they return? How can we “From the triads we heard a defi- to do that no matter what type of ance for anyone requesting it. ships had observed sailors grap- take care of them? nite interest in repeating this. ships they are.” Aside from offering formal pre- pling with “elevated stress due to “So, when we got this call to sup- We’ll be looking at providing it Beginning Dec. 28, the program sentations, the teams spent much the pandemic, loss of shipmates, port Naval Surface Force Atlantic, again.” sent two-person teams — a licens- of their time just mixing with the pressures of pre-deployment it was really a matter of asking our ed counselor and specially trained crews during walkabouts. work-ups, operational tempo and teams throughout the Mid-Atlan- [email protected] educator, in most cases — to ships The program’s rollout had been restriction of movement” require- tic if they were interested in tak- Twitter: @WyattWOlson PAGE 4 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, May 28, 2021 WAR ON TERRORISM Battle: Afghan forces endure corruption, faulty equipment

FROM PAGE 1 pital. He received two wooden military experts warn of a tough legs and an artificial plastic hand. fight ahead for poorly trained, ill- The legs are painful to wear and equipped troops whose loyalties he can manage them only for 15 waver between their country and minutes at a time. It takes two peo- local warlords. ple to help him get them on, and he By Sept. 11 at the latest, the re- sometimes pays a neighbor to maining 2,300-3,500 U.S. troops help. and roughly 7,000 allied NATO “I am proud of what I have sac- forces will have left Afghanistan, rificed for this country. What I ending nearly 20 years of military gave for my country I gave with engagement. Also leaving is the pride,” he said. American air support that the Af- But Mohammadi is fuming at ghan military has relied on to the government. For years, his stave off potentially game-chang- veteran’s pension, around 16,000 ing Taliban assaults, ever since it Afghanis ($200) a month, has been took command of the war from the erratic, and for the past 11 months U.S. and NATO in 2014. he hasn’t received it at all. “They “Without U.S. military support, tell me to wait,” he said. it is a matter of time before the Ta- Mohammadi says has had to liban consolidates its gains, par- borrow from family and friends. It ticularly in the south, east and wounds his pride, but it’s better west,” said Bill Roggio, senior fel- than begging, he said. low at the American Foundation “I am angry. I feel like my digni- for the Defense of Democracies ty has been insulted. My life is a and editor of its Long War Journal, struggle,” he said, wrapping his which tracks militant movements. lower body in a wool blanket. The At least half the country is be- cold and damp cause him pain in lieved to be contested ground, of- RAHMAT GUL/AP his missing limbs. ten with the government holding Afghan soldiers patrol outside their military base on the outskirts of Kabul, Afghanistan, on May 9. The Defense Ministry’s deputy only the main towns and cities in spokesman, Fawad Aman, prom- local districts and the Taliban take and hold several provincial Taliban frequently attack security Mohammadi, the wounded vet- ised to look into the complaint. He dominating the countryside. capitals and hold them indefinite- convoys. eran, said he was injured six years said that corruption, while it ex- In the last two weeks, the Tali- ly,” said Roggio. The commander, who wore san- ago in Zhari district in southern ists, is not widespread and efforts ban seized control of four district Within the Afghan army, sol- dals, said the outpost is occasion- Kandahar province, once the spir- are being made to tackle it and centers, including a strategic town diers complain of substandard ally hit by rocket or gunfire and itual heartland of the Taliban until that the spirit of the fighting force southwest of Kabul, on the main equipment, even shoddy basic would have a hard time fending off their ouster in 2001 by U.S.-led was high. highway linking Afghanistan’s items like army boots that fall a full-fledged attack. coalition forces. “With the withdrawal of United north and south. apart within weeks because cor- “There’s no other option but He led a company of 18 men air- States forces there will be no secu- This week, the Taliban briefly rupt contractors used inferior ma- peace,” he said, asking not to be lifted into battle in a grape field, rity vacuum or gap in Afghanistan entered Mehtar Lam, the capital terial. The Associated Press wit- identified because he did not have about 3 miles from their nearest because our forces can defend Af- of Laghman province, after the po- nessed boots with gaping holes be- permission to allow media into his base. The fight went on all day and ghanistan independently,” he lice and army abandoned several ing worn, insufficient helmets compound. night until eventually the Taliban said. outposts protecting the city, gov- available and weapons that often The Afghan government long surrounded them. The U.S is committed to pay $4 ernment officials said. The Tali- jammed. ago stopped releasing casualty fig- “I was the commander. I had to billion annually until 2024 to fi- ban were driven out but later At a police outpost seen by the ures among its forces. But a for- do something. I stood up and nance Afghanistan’s security showed off weapons and equip- AP earlier this month, eight men mer senior security official deeply aimed my RPG (rocket propelled forces. As of Dec. 31, 2020, Wash- ment allegedly left behind at the lived in a partially built bunker familiar with the cost of war over grenade launcher).” That was the ington’s chief watchdog oversee- outposts. More than 100 military that looked big enough for only the past two years told the AP that last Mohammadi remembered. ing U.S. spending in Afghanistan, personnel were brought to Kabul half that number. They had only a about 100-110 security personnel He stepped on a land mine. The John Sopko, said the U.S. has to be reprimanded for abandoning few rifles as they watched sentry are killed or wounded every day. Taliban had littered the fields with spent $88.3 billion to help the Af- their positions. from two turret-style posts on the He spoke on condition of anonym- mines, and higher-ups had not ghan government provide securi- “Once U.S. military support is outpost’s high brick walls. They ity because he was not authorized warned him or his men. ty in Afghanistan — roughly 62% gone, the Taliban should be able to overlook a busy road where the to talk about casualties. For a year he recovered in a hos- of all U.S. reconstruction funding. Reports: USS Reagan to support troops’ Afghanistan exit BY WYATT OLSON Sea, according to The Wall Street Pentagon press secretary John Meanwhile, the carrier USS exercise together in the South Chi- Stars and Stripes Journal, which first reported the Kirby told reporters during a Theodore Roosevelt returned to na Sea while the Ronald Reagan The Navy is expected to send its planned deployment and cited un- news conference Wednesday its homeport in San Diego on was in port for regular mainte- only Indo-Pacific-based aircraft named defense officials. The Ei- when asked about the Ronald Re- Tuesday after completing a five- nance. carrier to the Middle East this senhower is slated to return to its agan. month deployment that included On Saturday, the Royal Navy summer to support the planned Norfolk, Va., homeport in July. The carrier is permanently de- the Gulf of Alaska and the contest- carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth, withdrawal of U.S. troops from Af- The carrier has deployed twice in ployed at Yokosuka Naval Base ed South China Sea. with 10 U.S. Marine Corps F-35B ghanistan, multiple media outlets the past 36 months and can’t safely and normally spends about half While the 7th Fleet has roughly Lightning II stealth fighters reported Wednesday. extend beyond summer, the offi- the year at sea patrolling the Indo- 50 to 70 ships and submarines, the aboard and its strike group along- President Joe Biden earlier this cials told the newspaper. Pacific. The ship left Yokosuka on side, left the United Kingdom, Ronald Reagan and its strike force year set a deadline of Sept. 11 — The Ronald Reagan is expected patrol May 19. bound for an Indo-Pacific patrol are the Navy’s most visible projec- the 20th anniversary of the terror- to operate in the Middle East for USNI News reported Wednes- with stops in Japan, India, South tion of maritime power in the In- ist attacks on the World Trade up to four months, according to day that it had confirmed the Ro- Korea and Singapore, according Center and Pentagon that set in the report. The Navy will go with- nald Reagan’s upcoming deploy- do-Pacific. to The Associated Press. motion U.S. military action in Af- out an aircraft carrier in the Indo- ment with two unnamed defense The Navy has used the carrier Ships of the 7th Fleet routinely ghanistan — for bringing home Pacific for at least part of that officials. and other warships to push back transit the Taiwan Strait, another the remaining troops from the time, the officials said. The last time a Yokosuka-based on China’s aggressive claims of hot spot where Chinese military war-torn country. Pacific Fleet referred a Stars carrier deployed to the Middle sovereignty over most of the South aircraft have been flying into Tai- The Japan-based USS Ronald and Stripes query on the move to East was in 2003 when the USS China Sea. wan’s air defense zone. Reagan will relieve the USS the Pentagon. Kitty Hawk supported the U.S. in- In February, the carriers USS

Dwight D. Eisenhower and its “We don’t talk about potential vasion of Iraq, according to the re- Nimitz and USS Theodore Roose- [email protected] strike group in the North Arabian ship movements in advance,” port. velt moved to the Indo-Pacific to Twitter: @WyattWOlson Friday, May 28, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 5 MILITARY Taliban warn departing US against new bases in region BY KATHY GANNON Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi homeland over the horizon.” Associated Press on Tuesday told Pakistan’s Senate The U.S., along with about 7,000 ISLAMABAD — The Taliban on the country would not allow Amer- NATO forces, will leave Afghanis- Wednesday warned the departing ican bases on its territory. tan by Sept. 11 at the latest. In a state- U.S. military against setting up “Forget the past, but I want to tell ment earlier this week, U.S. Central bases in the region, and Pakistan the Pakistanis that no U.S. base will Command said it had completed vowed that no American bases will be allowed by Prime Minister Im- about 25% of its withdrawal. The lo- be allowed on its territory. ran Khan so long as he is in power,” gistics of withdrawing are tremen- Pakistan also said drone strikes he said. dous, and according to the CENT- from Pakistani territory were a non- After the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist COM statement, departing troops starter. attacks, Pakistan opened four air have already packed military The statements come amid spec- bases to the U.S.-led coalition to aid equipment onto 160 C-17 cargo air- ulation that the United States, as it in its efforts in Afghanistan to hunt craft and shipped them back to withdraws the last of its 2,500-3,500 down the al-Qaida perpetrators of America. soldiers from Afghanistan, will the attacks and unseat the Taliban Besides airlifting its supplies, the want a nearby locale from which to rulers who had given them safe U.S.is also moving equipment out of launch strikes against militant tar- haven. Afghanistan through Central Asia gets. In his April speech announcing and Pakistan. The warning also comes during an end to America’s “forever war,” In its statement, the Taliban stepped-up efforts to jump-start President Joe Biden said Washing- warned against neighboring coun- stalled peace talks between the gov- ton would hold the Taliban and the tries allowing its territory to be used ernment and the Taliban, possibly government to its commitments to as a staging area for America. in Turkey. ensure Afghanistan could not again “God forbid such a step is taken, it Both Pakistan and the Middle be used as a staging arena to attack will be a great historic mistake and CHANCEY BUSH/AP Eastern state of Qatar have been the American homeland or its allies. disgrace, its shame will go in histo- pressing the Taliban to attend talks “We will not take our eye off the ry,” said the statement. “As we have Pomp and circumstance in Turkey. U.N.-sponsored talks terrorist threat,” said Biden. “We repeatedly assured others, our soil Adeola Daniel Adeboye, right, Squadron 30, celebrates during the were to have been held last month in will reorganize our counterterror- will not be used against anyone’s se- United States Air Force Academy’s Class of 2021 graduation Turkey, but the Taliban refused to ism capabilities and the substantial curity, we urge others not to use its ceremony at the academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., on Wednesday. take part. assets in the region to prevent re- soil and airspace against our coun- More than 1,000 cadets celebrated becoming officers. Meanwhile, Pakistan Foreign emergence of terrorist threat to our try.” PAGE 6 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, May 28, 2021 VIRUS OUTBREAK USFK lifts ban on bars, clubs for fully vaccinated BY JOSEPH DITZLER ports made by 6 p.m. Thursday. Stars and Stripes Eight people tested positive A coronavirus-induced alco- after arriving in South Korea hol drought is ending for fully between May 10 and Tuesday, vaccinated U.S. personnel on USFK announced in a news re- the Korean Peninsula. lease Wednesday. Starting Friday, local bars Four of those patients landed and nightclubs will no longer be at Osan Air Base from the U.S. off-limits to those associated via a government-chartered AKIFUMI ISHIKAWA/Stars and Stripes with U.S. Forces Korea — ser- passenger service on May 10, Japanese visitors tour a World War II­era munitions storage site at Tama Hills Recreation Area in western vice members, Defense Depart- 12, 19 and Monday. The other Tokyo, on Wednesday. ment civilian workers, contrac- four arrived at Incheon Interna- tors and their families — USFK tional Airport in Seoul on May announced Thursday on Face- 11, 12, 21 and Tuesday, the re- book. lease said. USAF restarts Tokyo ‘eco tours’ However, “all bars and clubs Five came up positive on their BY SETH ROBSON bomb storage site. tions site in his youth. He was par- remain off-limits to partially first mandatory COVID-19 test, Stars and Stripes Today, Tama Hills operates as a ticularly interested in the con- vaccinated and non-vaccinated and three were positive on the TAMA HILLS RECREATION recreation area for U.S. troops and struction of old drains in the area. individuals,” the post said. test required to exit quarantine. AREA, Japan — Two dozen Japa- their families stationed in and The tours are a chance for the Seoul is another exception. All were subsequently quaran- nese visitors hiked across the U.S. around the Japanese capital. It in- Air Force to show that it is proper- The pandemic prohibition still tined at either Osan or Camp military’s sprawling recreation cludes an 18-hole golf course, ly maintaining the ecology and applies to Area II, which in- Humphreys. area in western Tokyo on Wednes- lodging, horseback riding, sports history of its facilities, Kitajima cludes the capital city and the In Japan, the Marine Corps day while learning about its histo- fields, mountain bike trails and said. surrounding area. had four new cases on Okinawa, ry and the plants and animals that camping areas. “We can make a good under- Many other activities remain two each at camps Hansen and live there. The Japanese visitors observed standing between the local com- off-limits, including karaoke Kinser, according to a Facebook The “eco tour” was the first or- small fish living in a pond near the munity and Yokota Air Base,” he rooms, saunas and bathhouses. post Thursday by Marine Corps ganized in more than a year by the base’s front gate and some ancient said. Off-post gyms are allowed with Installations Pacific. 374th Airlift Wing at nearby Yoko- stone steps. Yamaguchi held up a Yamaguchi pointed out rare approval from a colonel in com- Tokyo reported another 684 ta Air Base. Access to U.S. facili- World War II-era photograph of a moss growing on a wall and a mand or the civilian equivalent. people tested positive Thurs- ties in Japan was limited last Japanese soldier standing at the place where foxes prowl. He told South Korean rules on social day, according to public broad- spring as coronavirus cases top of the steps, which, at the time, the visitors about the tanuki, or distancing, masks and business caster NHK. The prefecture al- spiked among service members; were topped with a traditional Ja- raccoon dogs, that inhabit the for- hours still apply, according to so reported 11 deaths. however, restrictions have eased panese torii gate and led to a Shin- est and the rare goshawks that USFK, which removed a mask In South Korea, 629 people in recent months with more peo- to shrine. nest there. mandate for the fully vaccinat- had contracted the virus ple in the military community get- The visitors saw an old Japa- Officially, there are 38 gosh- ed on its installations May 15. Wednesday, including 216 in Se- ting vaccinated. nese bathhouse and dining facility awks in the recreation area, in- Lifting the ban on bars and oul and 168 in Gyeonggi prov- Tour leader Yoshitaka Yamagu- and went inside wartime bunkers. cluding two fledglings. clubs was possible because ince, where Humphreys and chi, 69, a former environmental “People can feel the history,” The goshawks didn’t make an USFK had made the COVID-19 Osan are located, according to engineer at Yokota, led visitors on Yamaguchi said. appearance during Wednesday’s vaccine available to all of its eli- the Central Disease Control the trek through some of the rec- World War II relics are often ne- tour, but Yamaguchi showed the gible population and had Headquarters. reation area’s 483 acres. glected by local cities in Japan be- visitors photos of the birds and achieved a “greater than 75% Starting in July, anyone in The tours, which began in 2006 cause they feel uncomfortable pointed out the difference in vaccination rate,” spokesman South Korea who has received and happen periodically, are a about them, according to 374th plumage between juveniles and Col. Lee Peters said in a video the first dose of a vaccine may way for locals to see what’s behind Civil Engineer Squadron environ- adults. posted to Facebook on Thurs- go without masks, a government the barbed wire fence surround- mental engineer Mutsuki Kitaji- The preservation of the endan- day. incentive to spur more inocula- ing Tama Hills, Yamaguchi said. ma, 29, who also spoke to the vis- gered birds is part of an environ- By comparison, host-nation tions, according to Japan’s Kyo- “Usually, they’re not allowed to itors during the tour. mental protection program that vaccination rates are about 4% do News on Wednesday. come in, but over the fence they “We can still maintain these his- was recently judged the best on in South Korea and 2.5% in Ja- For fully vaccinated individu- expect there are nice natural re- torical resources in good shape,” U.S. military bases overseas, Hey- pan. als, the ban on gatherings of five sources,” he said, during a break he said. ward Singleton, 47, Yokota’s In- Another 12 people with the or more people will be lifted, in the hike. “They’re also interest- One visitor, Hisao Yokota, 74, of stallation Management Flight U.S. military in South Korea too, according to the report. ed in the history.” Inagi City, said he’d played golf at chief, said in a May 17 interview. and Japan have contracted CO- Many locals already know about Tama Hills but that the tour was

VID-19, the coronavirus respi- [email protected] the base’s past as a Japanese mu- his first time to see the recreation [email protected] ratory disease, according to re- Twitter: @JosephDitzler nition facility and Cold War-era area, which he knew as a muni- Twitter: @SethRobson1 US jobless claims fall to 406,000, a new pandemic low Associated Press less aid — a rough measure of the pace of Yet many businesses complain that they $300-a-week payment that people receiving WASHINGTON — The number of Amer- layoffs — has fallen by more than half since can’t find enough applicants for all those jobless aid have been able to get, on top of icans seeking unemployment benefits January. open jobs, even though the unemployment their state unemployment check, since dropped last week to 406,000, a new pan- The decline in applications reflects a rate remains 6.1%, well above the 3.5% rate March. The federal benefit was included in demic low and more evidence that the job swift rebound in economic growth. More that prevailed before the pandemic struck President Joe Biden’s $1.9 trillion rescue market is strengthening as the virus wanes Americans are venturing out to shop, travel, in March of last year. Job growth slowed package. With many people able to earn and economy further reopens. dine out and congregate at entertainment sharply last month compared with March, a more from their combined federal and state Thursday’s report from the Labor De- venues. All that renewed spending has led surprise pullback that was largely ascribed jobless aid than from their former jobs, the partment showed that applications de- companies to seek new workers, which to a labor shortage in some industries. extra income has likely discouraged some clined 38,000 from 444,000 a week earlier. helps explain why a record number of jobs Economists blame a range of factors for of the unemployed from seeking work, The number of weekly applications for job- is now being advertised. the shortfall of workers, including an extra some analysts say. Friday, May 28, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 7 MILITARY Spouse: Domestic abuse rate is higher in military Recon Marine charged in FROM PAGE 1 “Many factors that are endemic to the tion in response to a question on tional population, which is 0.42%, the rates from Rep. Chrissy Hou- theft of ammo said Jessica Strong, co-director of military lifestyle placed military spouses lahan, D-Pa. They said they would applied research at Blue Star respond to the congresswoman in The Orange County (Calif.) Register Families, a nonprofit organization at greater risk of experiencing writing at a later date. A Reconnaissance Marine ac- that advocates for military fam- “I believe that there is data and cused of stealing ammunition ilies. [intimate-partner violence], including I would welcome it when it comes from an armory on Camp Pendle- “Many factors that are endemic back… this is something that’s re- ton, Calif., will go to court-mar- to the military lifestyle placed mil- economic vulnerability, social isolation, ally concerning when your busi- tial, military officials said on itary spouses at greater risk of ex- ness — and I’m an Air Force vet — Tuesday. periencing [intimate-partner vio- mental-health concerns and military your business is national security Sgt. Gunnar Naughton, 28, has lence], including economic vul- and readiness,” she said. been referred to a general court- nerability, social isolation, men- culture itself.” Houlahan asked what steps the martial with a trial date set for Ju- tal-health concerns and military Jessica Strong department has taken to address a ly 1 at Camp Pendleton, said 2nd culture itself,” Strong said. culture of “toxic gender tropes” Lt. Kyle McGuire, spokesman for Logan said she called the local co-director of applied research at Blue Star Families that create an unsafe environment the 1st Marine Division. police three times in response to for service members and military Naughton, with the 1st Recon- different incidents related to her committee. Speier asked department offi- families. naissance Battalion, was charged then-husband’s behavior, but the Logan’s testimony “exposes all cials who appeared at the hearing The Defense Department has with six counts of larceny and Army base was never notified. Af- the flaws in the military’s hand- about why the picture on the num- directed the RAND Corp. to ex- military property-related offens- ter the first incident, Logan’s leg ling of domestic violence … we ber of domestic abuse incidents is amine the factors of military life es involving missing ammunition began to swell from the force of can no longer ignore this,” Speier incomplete. that might lend themselves to do- in early April. In a list of articles the impact, and she was not able to said. Patricia Barron, deputy assist- mestic abuse and intimate-part- under the Uniformed Code of bend her knee. Those shortfalls were highlight- ant secretary of defense for mili- ner violence, Barron said. Military Justice released by the A military and family life coun- ed in a recent report from the non- tary community and family poli- Army Col. Steve Lewis, family 1st Marine Division, Naughton is selor from her husband’s brigade partisan watchdog the Govern- cy, said she is “committed to mak- advocacy program manager, said accused of being found in posses- attended every court hearing dur- ment Accountability Office that ing sure that this solution gets to the testimony from Logan, as well sion of thousands of rounds of ing their eventual divorce and tes- concluded the Defense Depart- fruition.” as the recent independent report military ammunition, two mili- tified on behalf of Logan’s ex-hus- ment must enhance its preven- “We have started on some of the on the toxic command climate at tary grenades and a smoke gre- band despite Logan’s testimony tion, response and oversight to do- procedures that we need in order Fort Hood, Texas, “gives us an op- nade, which Naval Criminal In- on the physical abuse that she en- mestic abuse. to get this done,” she said. portunity to really take a deep vestigative Service investigators dured, she told lawmakers. The hearing also comes at a Speier said the subcommittee is look at the climate and culture of said were found at his home off- Logan took matters into her time when the military’s handling going to require another meeting the Army.” base in Fallbrook. He is also ac- own hands by reporting her for- of sexual assault and sexual ha- with Barron in the next couple of Climate and culture are also cused of deleting evidence on Sig- mer husband to the military, yet a rassment cases has become a months “because this is just really part of the Army’s “People’s First nal, a secure messaging app, and case review committee did not flashpoint in Congress this year, unacceptable.” Task Force,” established in re- WhatsApp and attempting to dis- grant her a military protection or- while the issue of domestic vio- Defense Department officials sponse to the Fort Hood report re- card the ammunition in a ravine. der. The colonel who led the com- lence and abuse in the military would also not confirm Tuesday leased in December, Lewis said. He is charged with dereliction mittee was her husband’s brigade and how those cases are handled whether the rate of intimate-part- in performing his duties, ob- commander, who determined the has not gotten as much attention. ner violence is higher in the mil- [email protected] structing justice and violations of sergeant major should remain in More than 40,000 incidents met itary than in the civilian popula- Twittter: @sarahjcamm the UCMJ. his command. the Defense Department criteria Later, Logan filed a report to for domestic abuse between 2015 the inspector general’s office on and 2019 and 74% of those inci- base over how the colonel handled dents were physical abuse, Speier her case. The IG took the com- said. plaint directly to the colonel, Lo- Brenda Farrell, director of de- gan said, the person who her com- fense capabilities and manage- plaint was filed against. ment for the GAO, wrote the She was told the colonel would watchdog report and testified at send her a letter stating that he re- the hearing. She said the top con- ceived the report and took action, cern is the department is not col- but Logan never received that let- lecting comprehensive data on the ter. number of allegations of domestic A congressional inquiry filed by violence and related actions taken Logan also resulted in a com- by commanders, despite a statuto- manding major general opening ry requirement since 1999 to do an internal Army investigation, so. known as a 15-6. But Logan said “As a result, DOD is unable to she still has not been told what ac- assess the scope of alleged abuse, tion was taken as a result of the in- and the rate of substantiation. To vestigation, despite the risk she address these challenges, we rec- took in coming forward. ommended that DOD clarify its “Throughout all of these mili- guidance to the services for sub- tary investigations, I felt they mitting data and develop a quality questioned the validity of my com- control process to ensure com- plaint, based on what I did not do plete and accurate data on allega- instead of what was done to me. tions of abuse,” she told House Individuals in the military respon- lawmakers. sible for decisions regarding do- Additionally, the report found mestic abuse need to learn more gaps exist in creating awareness about abuse,” Logan said. of domestic abuse, reporting op- The installation, Logan’s ex- tions and resources and victim husband and the colonel were not risk assessment. The military ser- named in Logan’s written testimo- vices also performed limited over- ny to House lawmakers. sight of commanders’ disposition Logan’s testimony reflects gaps of domestic violence incidents, or in the military’s response to survi- oversight of a commander’s deci- vors of domestic violence, said sion whether to pursue a court- Rep. Jackie Speier, D-Calif., martial and other forms of puni- chairwoman of the House sub- shment or to take no action at all. PAGE 8 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, May 28, 2021 VIRUS OUTBREAK Bahrain school shifts to remote learning Monday

BY JENNIFER H. SVAN Bahrain announced new mea- Stars and Stripes sures Wednesday to tackle the re- Defense Department students cent spike in cases. They include in Bahrain will begin remote closures of malls and commercial learning starting Monday amid a shops, restaurants and cafes — ex- sharp rise in new coronavirus cept for delivery and takeout ser- cases in the small island kingdom, vices — as well as barbershops school officials said. and hair salons, gyms, pools and The decision to close the class- beaches. rooms came after the Navy base in The country also barred social Bahrain announced it would shift gatherings in homes and suspend- to the second-highest health pro- ed in-person learning at schools. tection condition risk level, school The measures will remain in ef- officials said in a letter to parents fect until at least June 10. and staff members Thursday. No decision has been made on HPCON Charlie indicates “sus- how long Defense Department tained community transmission,” classes in Bahrain will remain in according to the Pentagon. remote learning, said Stephen Bahrain, home to U.S. Naval Smith, a Department of Defense Forces Central Command and 5th Education Activity-Europe Fleet headquarters, had a seven- spokesman. day average incidence rate of 170 “We will continue to work with new cases per 100,000 people as of military and public health officials Wednesday, according to figures to monitor the situation and will from The New York Times. On provide updates as necessary,” KARIN ZEITVOGEL/Stars and Stripes Wednesday, 2,791 new cases were the letter said. The exterior of Cafe Susann in Kaiserslautern as shown in April. reported, along with an ongoing The last day of school for DO- average of 15.6 deaths per day. DEA students in Bahrain is June About 45% of the island’s 1.75 10. Kaiserslautern indoor dining likely million people are fully vaccinat- ed, The New York Times data [email protected] shows. Twitter: @stripesktown amid other eased restrictions soon

BY MARCUS KLOECKNER til 10 p.m. but guests must either group sports with a maximum of AND JENNIFER H. SVAN show proof of vaccination or pre- 20 adults would be allowed again, ‘A whirlwind’: Ohio vaccine Stars and Stripes sent evidence of a negative corona- Lessmeister said in a Facebook KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany virus test taken within 24 hours. post. lottery winners speak out — The city of Kaiserslautern an- Reservations must be made in ad- Kaiserslautern officials had nounced it will end its curfew Sun- vance and contact details must be been seeking a court order that Associated Press Rich, during the virtual news con- day, and the surrounding district provided. would allow them to include U.S. COLUMBUS — The first winner ference. will likely allow indoor dining soon The district of Kaiserslautern, personnel. Since the pandemic be- of Ohio’s first $1 million Vax-a-Mil- Colleen Costello said she got the as coronavirus restrictions ease in which includes Ramstein Air gan, only positive tests from U.S. lion vaccination incentive prize was call from the governor as she left an area where tens of thousands of Base, had an average incidence forces have been included in the driving to her family’s home in sub- work Wednesday. U.S. military personnel reside. rate of 35.5 new cases per 100,000 federal government’s calculations urban Cleveland when she received “I was really thankful at that mo- The city also will allow retail people, including U.S. forces, fig- for local incidence rates. a call about the good news — from ment that there was a bench nearby, shops to open to customers without ures posted by district councillor Including U.S. personnel and Gov. Mike DeWine. so I could sit down,” she said. appointments or proof of a nega- Ralf Lessmeister showed Wednes- NATO members who live in the re- A few minutes later Abbigail Bu- DeWine visited with the Costello tive coronavirus test, officials said day. Without U.S. forces, the num- gion would increase the population genske was in her parents’ house family in person along with his wife, in a statement Thursday. ber was still under 50, at 41.5 cases by about 50,000, Lessmeister has screaming so loudly they thought Fran DeWine, on Wednesday after The 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. city curfew per 100,000 residents. said. she was crying. the announcement. He said he ends Saturday at midnight, the Lessmeister said that Rhein- U.S. personnel have very low “A whirlwind,” Bugenske, 22, didn’t know the names of the win- statement said. land-Pfalz Health Minister Clem- positive rates, with all adults and said Thursday during a news con- ners until shortly before he made Contact restrictions will also be ens Hoch informed him this week most dependents aged 12-17 hav- ference. “It absolutely has not proc- the calls. eased, with five people from two that U.S. forces would be fully in- ing access to COVID-19 vaccines. essed yet. I’m still digesting it — it “Calling someone and telling households allowed to gather in cluded in the district’s figures. It Most Germans are still waiting for feels like it’s happening to a differ- them they’ve won a million dollars is public spaces, the city said. Chil- was unclear Thursday how the vaccine eligibility. ent person. I cannot believe it.” a great thing, and calling a family to dren 14 and under and people who federal government would re- Elsewhere in Germany, Stutt- Bugenske is a mechanical engi- tell them they’ve won a full scholar- are fully vaccinated or recently re- spond to the more complete fig- gart on Thursday also lifted some neer working for GE Aviation in ship is also fun,” the governor said. covered from the coronavirus do ures. of its coronavirus restrictions after suburban Cincinnati. She’s a 2020 More than 2.7 million adults not count toward the allowable to- If the district incidence rate re- its incidence rate dropped below graduate of Michigan State Univer- signed up for the $1 million prize and tal for gatherings. mains under 50 per 100,000 people 100 new cases per 100,000 people sity. She said she plans to donate to more than 104,000 children ages 12 The city on Thursday registered on Thursday and Friday, Less- for five days in a row. About 28,000 charities and buy a car, but then in- to 17 entered the drawing for the col- a seven-day average incidence meister said indoor dining and cul- people are affiliated with the U.S. vest most of it. lege scholarship, which includes rate of 56 new cases per 100,000 tural events will be allowed, with Army garrison in the city and sur- The winner of a full college schol- tuition, room and board, and books. people and dropped below 100 for evidence of a negative coronavirus rounding areas. arship was eighth grader Joseph Four more $1 million and college five consecutive days, which al- test, starting Sunday. Costello of Englewood near Dayton. scholarship winners will be an- lowed them to lift the federal From June 2, indoor group [email protected] “Very excited,” Costello said as he nounced each Wednesday for the “emergency brake” restrictions. sports with five people maintain- [email protected] sat between his parents, Colleen and next four weeks. Outdoor dining is authorized un- ing social distancing and outdoor Twitter: @stripesktown Friday, May 28, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 9 NATION Killer of 9 in Calif. had talked of shootings Associated Press was still firing rounds. When our Silicon Valley. shootings that have claimed at who had been bus and light rail SAN JOSE, Calif. — An em- deputy saw him, he took his The attacker was identified as least four lives each for a total of operators, mechanics, linemen ployee who gunned down nine life,” Santa Clara County Sheriff Samuel Cassidy, 57, according 86 deaths, according to a data- and an assistant superintendent people at a California rail yard Laurie Smith told reporters. to two law enforcement officials. base compiled by The Associat- over the course of their careers. and then killed himself as law The number of people fatally Investigators offered no imme- ed Press, USA Today and North- One had worked for the agen- enforcement rushed in had talk- shot by the gunman rose from diate word on a possible motive eastern University. cy since 1999. ed about killing people at work eight after the Santa Clara Coun- but his ex-wife said he used to At the White House, President Eight victims identified earli- more than a decade ago, his ex- ty’s medical examiner-coroner come home from work resentful Joe Biden ordered flags to be er were Paul Delacruz Megia, wife said. Wednesday night confirmed the and angry over what he per- flown at half-staff and urged 42; Taptejdeep Singh, 36; Adrian “I never believed him, and it death of Alex Ward Fritch, 49, to ceived as unfair assignments. Congress to act on legislation to Balleza, 29; Jose Dejesus Her- never happened. Until now,” a multiple Bay Area media out- “He could dwell on things,” curb gun violence. nandez, 35; Timothy Michael tearful Cecilia Nelms told The lets. He had been wounded and she said. The two were married “Every life that is taken by a Romo, 49; Michael Joseph Ru- Associated Press on Wednesday hospitalized in critical condition for about 10 years until a 2005 di- bullet pierces the soul of our na- dometkin, 40; Abdolvahab following the 6:30 a.m. attack at after the attack. vorce filing and she hadn’t been tion. We can, and we must, do Alaghmandan, 63; and Lars Ke- a light rail facility for the Valley The sheriff’s office is next in touch with Cassidy for about more,” Biden said in a state- pler Lane, 63. Transportation Authority. door to the rail yard, which 13 years, Nelms said. ment. The shooter had more than “When our deputies went serves the county of more than 1 It was the 15th mass killing in The shooting took place in two one gun, county District Attor- through the door, initially he million people in the heart of the the nation this year, all of them buildings and killed employees ney Jeff Rosen said. GOP set to block Jan. 6 commission in filibuster fight Associated Press Joe Biden’s election. WASHINGTON — Senate Re- Democrats are warning that if publicans are ready to deploy the Republicans are willing to use the filibuster to block a commission on filibuster to stop an arguably pop- the Jan. 6 insurrection, shattering ular measure, it shows the limits of hopes for a bipartisan probe of the trying to broker compromises, par- deadly assault on the U.S. Capitol ticularly on bills related to election and reviving pressure on Demo- reforms or other aspects of the crats to do away with the procedur- Democrats’ agenda. al tactic that critics say has lost its Ahead of Thursday’s vote, the purpose. mother of the late Capitol Police The vote Thursday would be the Officer Brian Sicknick was meet- first successful use of a filibuster ing with at least six Republican this year to halt Senate legislative senators to try to persuade them to action. Most Republicans oppose act. Sicknick was among many offi- J. SCOTT APPLEWHITE/AP the bill, which would establish a cers protecting the building, some Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R­W.Va., the GOP’s lead negotiator on a counteroffer to President Joe Biden’scommission to investigate the at- seen in videos in hand-to-hand infrastructure plan, confers with Sen. Roger Wicker, R­Miss., at a Senate Environment and Public Works tack by Donald Trump supporters combat with the mob. He collapsed Committee markup at the Capitol in Washington on Wednesday. over the election. immediately after engaging with “We have a mob overtake the the rioters and died the next day. Capitol, and we can’t get the Re- Video shows two men spraying GOP offers $928B on infrastructure publicans to join us in making his- Sicknick and another officer with a toric record of that event? That is chemical, but the Washington sad,” said Sen. Dick Durbin, of Illi- medical examiner said he suffered counter, funded with COVID-19 aid nois, the No. 2 Senate Democrat. a stroke and died from natural “That tells you what’s wrong with causes. Associated Press crease to pay for new investments, opening bid to $1.7 trillion. the Senate and what’s wrong with Outside of a meeting with Utah WASHINGTON — Republican and instead want to shift unspent Biden, in an economic address the filibuster.” Sen. Mitt Romney, one of two sen- senators outlined a $928 billion in- COVID-19 relief dollars to help later Thursday in Cleveland, The filibuster is a time-honored ators who has signaled support for frastructure proposal Thursday cover the costs. planned to present “head-on” the Senate tradition that requires a the House bill, Sicknick’s mother that would tap unused coronavi- “It’s a serious effort to try to re- choice before Congress and the vote by 60 of the 100 senators to cut said that he was “doing his job and rus aid, a counteroffer to Presi- ach a bipartisan agreement,” said country, according to a White off debate and advance a bill. With he got caught up in it, and it’s very dent Joe Biden’s more sweeping Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, of House official, and will frame the the Senate evenly split 50-50, Dem- sad.” plan as the two sides struggle to West Virginia, the lead GOP nego- argument as whether Americans ocrats would need support of 10 In a statement Wednesday, she negotiate a bipartisan compro- tiator. want to keep giving breaks to cor- Republicans to move to the com- was more blunt: “I suggest that all mise and remain far apart on how The Republican senators said porations or invest in modernizing mission bill. Congressmen and Senators who to pay for the massive spending. their offer delivers on “core in- infrastructure. The House already approved the are against this bill visit my son’s The Republican offer would in- frastructure investments” that Bi- Investing in infrastructure is a measure with some Republican grave in Arlington National Ceme- crease spending by $91 billion on den has focused on as areas of po- top legislative priority for Biden. support, but the Senate filibuster is tery and, while there, think about roads and bridges, $48 billion on tential bipartisan agreement. But Talks are at a crossroads before a sparking fresh debate over wheth- what their hurtful decisions will do water resources and $25 billion on their overall approach received a Memorial Day deadline to make er the time has come for Demo- to those officers who will be there airports, according to a one-page cool response by Democrats and progress toward a bipartisan deal. crats to change the rules and lower for them going forward.” summary released by the GOP ne- the White House. The White House is assessing the threshold to 51 votes to take up So far, only Romney and Alaska gotiators. It also would provide for With about $250 billion in new whether the president can strike legislation. Sen. Lisa Murkowski have said one-time increases in broadband spending, their plan falls short of the contours of an agreement with Trump has made it clear he op- they expect to back the House- investments, at $65 billion, and the more ambitious proposal out- Republicans or whether he will poses the formation of any panel to passed bill. Others, including $22 billion on rail. lined in the president’s American try to go it alone with Democrats if investigate the Jan. 6 mob siege, Maine Sen. Susan Collins, have Republicans have rejected Bi- Jobs Plan. In earlier negotiations. no progress is made in the coming when his supporters mounted an proposed tweaks to the legislation den’s proposed corporate tax in- Biden reduced his $2.3 trillion days. assault in a failed effort to overturn to try to attract more votes. PAGE 10 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, May 28, 2021 AMERICAN ROUNDUP

Man dies after crash involving leaf blower AVALON — A north- MO west Missouri man died after a collision occurred while a woman was blowing grass off a highway with a leaf blower, the Mis- souri State Highway Patrol said. The patrol said Charles Plum- mer, 75, of Hale, was on a stopped utility vehicle Sunday night on Route JJ about 1.5 miles north of Avalon. Susan Bachman, 63, of Chillicothe, was standing in front of Plummer’s UTV blowing grass off the highway. A pickup truck driven by Steven Wilson, 33, of Chillicothe, hit Plummer from behind, forcing the UTV into Bachman, the patrol said. Plummer was flown to a hospital in Liberty, where he died of his in- juries. Bachman was hospitalized with serious injuries. Wilson was not injured. School yearbook invited students to mock peers KILN — Parents in a MS Mississippi Gulf Coast community are outraged after they say a middle school yearbook was turned into a “burn book” where students were invited to mock and criticize their classmates. The Sun Herald reported that the CHARLIE RIEDEL/AP yearbook for Hancock Middle School’s 1,100 students contained prompts like, “Which friend would Sundown, you better take care you not invite on spring break?” and A man is silhouetted by the setting sun as he walks in a park on Tuesday in Kansas City, Mo. “I would like to spike a volleyball at...” Middle schoolers answered containing 25 bars was missing, au- THE CENSUS er Chance White in King County Su- with statements like, “(Name) be- thorities said. Moody found the mis- perior Court, The Seattle Times cause he walks weird” and “(Name) sing box near a cargo warehouse the The number of vehicles vandalized with orange paint this reported. would not be welcome to come with next day, drove it to a nearby loca- 82 month at Maryland’s Kent Island High School. The Queen According to the suit, Zeeks and me on a trip because she isn’t fun to tion and removed four bars, prose- Anne’s County Sheriff’s Office said in a social media postthat the school’s re- two franchisees “engaged in a sys- be around.” cutors said. source officer was called to the student parking lot on May 20 and saw multiple tematic scheme of wage and hour Parents and alumni criticized the Moody gave Benson one bar, an- vandalized vehicles. Officials determined that 82 vehicles were vandalized. abuses against its pizza drivers.” school on Facebook for turning the other to a relative and buried the The officer found the juvenile suspect, who admitted to the vandalism, and the Among the claims is that Zeeks yearbook into a “burn book.” other two in his backyard, but the suspect’s father came to the school and took custody, the sheriff’s office said. failed to pay drivers for all hours The suspect was charged with malicious destruction of property scheme and In response, district officials said FBI recovered all of them about two worked; failed to pay drivers an au- disruption of school activity, the sheriff’s office said. School administrators also in a statement that they’ve taken weeks later, prosecutors said. issued disciplinary measures against the suspect. tomatic delivery charge assessed on measures to ensure “this never hap- customers; and failed to pay drivers pens again,” but did not provide de- Man dies making IED all their tips and gratuities and re- tails. that he planned to sell that Justin Nash, 22, of Smyrna, won killed four fishermen last Novem- imburse them for mileage. the Sophie Kerr Prize, which is ber about 22 miles northeast of Cargo handlers charged JEFFERSON — An worth $65,580 this year. The prize Provincetown. Klein Marine Sys- Man tries to smuggle with stealing gold bars OH Ohio man died when an named for an Eastern Shore writer tems, a New Hampshire company, ammunition, gets prison improvised explosive device he was is awarded each year to the graduat- announced the discovery of the ves- LOS ANGELES — Two making in his garage blew up, au- ing senior demonstrating the best sel on Monday, the Portland Press TUCSON — A man has CA cargo handlers were thorities said potential for future achievement in Herald reported. Klein Marine had AZ been sentenced to nearly charged with stealing gold bars According to the Ashtabula a literary endeavor, school officials been working with the Coast Guard four years in federal prison for at- from a shipment at Los Angeles In- County Sheriff’s Office, deputies ar- said. and federal authorities to locate the tempting to smuggle ammunition ternational Airport. rived on the scene in Jefferson to Nash, an English major with wreck. An investigation into the from the United States into Mexico, Marlon Moody, 38, and Brian find the detached garage burned to three minors, has served as editor- sinking is ongoing. according to federal prosecutors in Benson, 35, both of Los Angeles, the ground and debris scattered in a in-chief of campus literary maga- The sinking led to the deaths of Tucson. were arrested by FBI agents and neighbor’s yard. A neighbor told zines and journals. He hopes to be- captain Robert Blethen Jr. of Geor- They said Jorge Armando Lopez- have been charged with conspiracy deputies the man “was making the come an editor with a nonprofit getown, Maine, and crew members Espinoza, 42, a Mexican national, and theft of interstate and foreign explosives in his garage to sell so he publishing press one day. Jeffrey Matthews of Portland, received a 46-month prison term. shipment, according to a statement could pay off a lawnmower he re- The Wilmington News Journal Maine; Ethan Ward of Pownal, Prosecutors said that in May from the U.S. attorney’s office. cently purchased,” the sheriff’s of- reported that Nash, who grew up on Maine; and Michael Porper of 2020, Lopez-Espinoza conspired A federal grand jury indictment fice said. a farm in Smyrna, focuses on sub- Gloucester, Mass. with others to smuggle 8,000 rounds alleges the men worked for a con- The 55-year-old was taken to a jects like rural life, death and desire. of ammunition in his tractor trailer tractor providing ground handling hospital, where he later died. His “I do owe that to how I was raised Lawsuit: Pizza chain from Nogales, Ariz., to Mexico. Law services at the airport in April 2020 name has not been released. and where I was raised,” Nash said. underpaid delivery drivers enforcement agents intercepted the when they stole four gold bars from shipments of ammunition before a shipment of 2,000 bars that was College student wins Wreckage of sunken SEATTLE — A pro- Lopez-Espinoza acquired them. Lo- being sent from Australia to New $65K literary prize fishing vessel found WA posed class-action law- pez-Espinoza picked up the boxes York by a Canadian bank. Each bar suit claims popular Western Wash- he believed contained the 8,000 weighed 2.2 pounds and was worth CHESTERTOWN — PORTLAND — The ington chain restaurant Zeeks Pizza rounds, hid them in his tractor trail- about $56,000, prosecutors said. MD A student from Dela- ME wreckage of a Maine withheld wages, tips and other mon- er and attempted to enter Mexico The bars were offloaded during a ware has won the nation’s largest fishing vessel that sank last year has ey owed to delivery drivers. through the Nogales Port of Entry. stopover at the airport but an eve- undergraduate literary prize. been located off Massachusetts. Seattle attorney Toby Marshall ning inventory found that one box Washington College announced The sinking of the Emmy Rose filed the suit on behalf of Zeeks driv- From wire reports Friday, May 28, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 11 NATION/WORLD White House is set to propose $6T budget plan

The Washington Post not yet made public. budget deficits above $1 trillion tiations between congressional to congressional Republicans. WASHINGTON — The White The budget is expected to con- for the rest of the decade, the two Republicans and the White House The overall spending and deficit House is set to propose on Friday a tain no new major policies from people said, as Washington’s over an infrastructure bill, as Sen- figures were first reported by The $6 trillion budget plan as Presi- the White House and instead re- spending imbalance remains at ate Republicans on Thursday New York Times. The Washington dent Joe Biden seeks major flects the plans it has already in- elevated levels. Even without new morning introduced their latest Post reported last week that the changes to the U.S. economy and troduced, including a $2.3 trillion additional spending proposals, the counteroffer to the administra- budget would mirror what has al- welfare system, according to two infrastructure proposal, $1.8 tril- annual federal budget is projected tion. That effort could come close ready been reported, jettisoning people briefed on the proposal. lion education and families plan, to include $5.8 trillion in spending to $1 trillion, but the budget under- key campaign promises on health The people spoke on the condition and $1.5 trillion in proposed dis- in fiscal year 2021. scores the scale of the administra- care such as the public option and of anonymity to discuss a matter cretionary spending. It projects The budget comes amid nego- tion’s spending ambitions relative prescription drug reform.

Saudis say coalition kit is on Yemeni island

Associated Press ernment against the Iranian- Emirates to an earlier, aban- DUBAI, United Arab Emirates backed Houthi rebels who now doned effort to build a runway — A Saudi-led coalition fighting hold the country’s capital, Sanaa. there. in Yemen on Thursday acknowl- The statement said the United Military officials with Ye- edged having equipment on an Arab Emirates, which remains a men’s internationally recognized island in the Bab el-Mandeb coalition member after largely government told the AP that Strait where a mysterious air withdrawing from the war in Emirati ships transported mili- base is now under construction. 2019, was “providing air support tary weapons, equipment and However, the coalition’s state- in defense” of the Yemeni city of troops to Mayun Island in recent ment on the state-run Saudi Marib, the target of an ongoing weeks for this latest construc- Press Agency did not name who Houthi offensive. The statement tion. The AP reports did not men- was building the facility across called any claim of Emirati tion any Emirati troop presence the volcanic island of Mayun, the troops on Mayun “baseless and on the island. subject of recent reporting by unfounded.” The Saudi statement comes af- The Associated Press. The AP reporting, based in ter rising anger from Yemeni of- The statement said the equip- part on satellite photos of the is- ficials over the air base being ment, which it did not identify, land, showed the construction of built on Mayun. The UAE has not PLANET LABS INC./AP helps the coalition back Yemen’s a 6,070-foot runway on the is- responded to repeated requests This satellite image released Tuesday shows a mysterious air base internationally recognized gov- land. Shipping data links the for comment. being built on Yemen’s volcanic Mayun Island. PAGE 12 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, May 28, 2021 Friday, May 28, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 13 Olivia Rodrigo’s WEEKEND perfect Gen Z pop Music, Page 30

After COVID scuttled the 2020 blockbuster season, this year’s schedule is bursting at the seams with films just waiting to be seen in theaters

Summer movie preview, Pages 15­19

WARNER BROS., UNIVERSAL PHOTOS/Stars and Stripes illustration

Travel & Food — 21-25 Video games — 27 Books — 28 Health — 32 Crossword — 34 PAGE 14 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, May 28, 2021 WEEKEND: GADGETS & TECHNOLOGY Keep on truckin’ GADGETS Batteries and hydrogen are the future for Daimler trucks

BY DAVID MCHUGH hydrogen vehicles by 2025. He pre- Daimler Truck will face scrutiny from Associated Press dicted that the cost of such vehicles investors and analysts as it strives both he world’s biggest truck- would fall to parity with diesels some- to improve profits from its current maker is charting an ambi- time after 2025 for battery vehicles and offerings and to invest in new tech- tious zero-emission future after 2027 for hydrogen fuel-cell nologies expected to dominate the Tand says it’s not that far off trucks. future. — despite a current lack of support A key obstacle remains infrastruc- While battery cars and trucks are infrastructure and higher costs. ture for fueling and charging, which is already on the road, the application of Daimler AG’s truck and bus division “in its infancy and developing at differ- hydrogen fuel cells to power large says it plans to shift most of its vehicle ent speeds around the world,” he said. numbers of vehicles remains farther development resources to zero-emis- Nonetheless, the company’s roadmap off. In fuel cells, hydrogen reacts with sion vehicles by 2025 and predicts that foresees up to 60% of sales as battery oxygen to produce electricity and wa- battery and hydrogen-powered trucks or hydrogen vehicles by 2030. ter. ANKER/TNS could be competitive with diesels on The company unveiled a plan to Yet the company is betting heavily cost later this decade. partner with energy company Shell to on hydrogen despite the challenges. Daimler Truck CEO Martin Daum set up a 1,200-kilometer hydrogen Daum, the Daimler Truck CEO, pre- last week underlined the company’s big fueling corridor linking Rotterdam in dicted that electrical grids won’t be plans for hydrogen, even though the the Netherlands and Hamburg and able to support an all-battery fleet of Webcam puts your technology is not as close to practical Cologne in Germany by 2025. Shell trucks as zero-emission cars and trucks use as batteries and costs remain high. would build 150 hydrogen stations become more numerous. best face forward for Daimler Truck, with brands in- along it by 2030. Rotterdam and Ham- “Both technologies will be needed, cluding Freightliner and Mercedes- burg are major commercial ports. and we intend to lead the industry in next Zoom conference Benz, outlined its strategy for a wide- Putting more zero-local emission both,” he said. ranging transition away from internal vehicles on the road is part of Europe’s The company foresees the use of BY GREGG ELLMAN combustion vehicles after it is spun off plan to drastically reduce emissions of hydrogen for long-haul routes while Tribune News Service as an independent company later this carbon dioxide, the primary green- arguing that battery-powered trucks When the pandemic started, many of us were hit with year from Daimler AG. The restructur- house gas blamed for global warming are more efficient for shorter-range video conferencing responsibilities with very little notice. ing would create separate companies and climate change. The European deliveries. Daimler Truck is testing a But it's been more than a year now, and there’s no excuse for the truck business and Daimler’s Union aims to sharply reduce its emis- hydrogen-powered long-haul truck, the for bad lighting, bad color and an out-of-focus subject. Mercedes-Benz luxury car division. sions of greenhouse gases by 2050 to a GenH2, and has battery trucks oper- After trying out the new Zoom-certified Anker Power- Chief Technology Officer Andreas level that can be absorbed through ating in customer test programs, with Conf C300 smart full HD webcam, I was sold. Gorbach said the company would artificial or natural means, such as mass production expected in 2022 for It’s convenient to use the webcam built into your com- spend the “vast majority” of vehicle oceans, soil and forests. Freightliners’ eCascadia and 2021 for puter, but when you see those results compared to the development money on battery and As a publicly owned company, the Mercedes-Benz eActros. Anker C300, you’ll never go back to built-in again. It fixes all the issues mentioned above and more. Not only is the camera smart, it’s easy to set up for conferencing and streaming with a near-perfect image. The PowerConf 300 has a 2 MP CMOS sensor, produc- ing a video image with a maximum resolution of 1080p and a frame rate of 60fps. One area in particular where the web camera really shined was with color. I put it to the test using different color combinations, and it came through like a champ with true-to-life colors. It automatically balanced any hue to give it a natural look and most importantly, whites were white. The auto low-light correction took care of any lighting imbalance, and heavily backlit situations were also corrected. Inside the PowerConf C300 is an Al chip, which keeps everything in focus by automatically and instantly ad- justing the field of view depending on the number of peo- ple in your meeting. It recognizes faces and tracks move- ment to keep the focus from any angle. The focus is done within 0.35 seconds. And while maintaining the color, I’ve always felt that audio is often more important than the video, and with the ultra-sensitive dual microphones the audio was crystal clear — at least according to my testing subjects on the other end. Active Noise Cancellation keeps the audio on the needed subjects while helping to eliminate back- ground noises. The PowerConf 300 measures 3.9-by-1.18-by-1.18 inch- es, has a 115-degree field of view, and is plug and play, connecting with the included USB-C cable. It can be mounted at multiple angles up to 300 degrees and comes tripod-ready with a ¼-inch screw mount. A nice feature is the privacy cover, which snaps on and slides over the lens to officially end the video portion of the meeting. Unplugging it will be the safest route to end the video and audio. With Anker Work software and the Anker Work app, BRITTA PEDERSEN/AP there are customized modes to change the frame rate A prototype of a truck for the future electric technology strategy of the Daimler company is presented during a news setting and other functionality. Live streaming can be conference Sept. 20 in Berlin, Germany. Daimler Truck AG, maker of brands including Freightliner and Mercedes done at either 60fps or 30fps. Benz, is unveiling plans for hydrogen and battery trucks in a zero­emissions, software­driven future. Online: us.anker.com; $129.99 Friday, May 28, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 15 WEEKEND: SUMMER MOVIE PREVIEW Coming soon: Popcorn-worthy moments Moviegoers have a lot to look forward to, including being able to watch trailers on the big screen again

BY JAKE COYLE AND LINDSEY BAHR Associated Press fter more than a year of un- certainty and ever-fluctuating release schedules, there will be Aa summer movie season. The blockbusters are back. The smell of pop- corn is in the air. Summer movies have always been stuff- ed with calamity and cataclysm, but this year, the existential threat is also off- screen. The pandemic has brought exten- sive changes for the movies, which have clung to life the past 14 months mainly on small screens. Can moviegoing be resusci- tated? This summer will be a profound test of survival, and not just for Vin Diesel. But, for us at least, absence has only made our moviegoing hearts grow fonder. Here are a few of the things we’re looking forward to this summer at the movies. Sitting in the dark with strangers Please, please, please silence my phone. And while you’re at it, burn my couch and toss my laptop in the ocean. Dim the lights. Light the screen. Our movie experi- ences these past 14 months have been isolated, muffled and downsized. As good as many of the movies have been, they’ve all been missing something that you can’t get without a packed house and a big screen. That’s where the movies live, and where we surrender. — Coyle Movie trailers It may sound silly since they are ad- vertisements, but I’m really excited about watching trailers on the big screen again. EVAN AGOSTINI, INVISION/AP Even though they’re so, so accessible Socially distant moviegoers sit at the AMC Lincoln Square 13 theater on March 5, the first day that theaters reopened in New York. everywhere now, there’s really nothing After more than a year of uncertainty and ever­fluctuating release schedules, there will be a summer movie season. like seeing them in a theater, and part of it is simply because you don’t know what’s A throwback action adventure capsule of a landmark 1969 Harlem con- Knight” is out July 30). Remember, he coming. I still remember the thrill of see- cert series. The film, which opens July 2 in made a searing meditation on grief out of Yes, we’ve been burned before by the ing the Lucasfilm logo and realizing that theaters and on Hulu, unearths little-seen Casey Affleck in a bedsheet and Rooney Disney-ride-turned-movie concept, but we were about to watch that first “The performances by Stevie Wonder, Nina Mara eating a pie. Lowery cast Patel in the something about “Jungle Cruise” (in thea- Phantom Menace” trailer and hearing Simone, Sly and the Family Stone, the lead (partially) because he couldn’t get the ters and on Disney+ Premier July 30) has Bernard Sumner’s twangy guitar inviting Staple Singers and others from a summer- image of how cool he’d look on a horse out me unambiguously excited. The ride is not us into the “Marie Antoinette” teaser, or long festival known as “Black Woodstock.” of his head and, quite frankly, now I can’t some personal favorite. But who wouldn’t the frenetic energy of Karen O’s cover of Play it loud. — Coyle either. — Bahr want to see an action adventure in the vein “The Immigrant Song” for “The Girl with of “Romancing the Stone” with two major- the Dragon Tattoo.” Even the Frou Frou- CODA ‘Zola’ memes ly charismatic movie stars like Emily overlayed spot for “Garden State”! Some It’s been hard to find crowd-pleasers It will be interesting how people re- Blunt and Dwayne Johnson in chic safari of these movies I went on to like and some without crowds, but Sian Heder’s totally spond to Janicza Bravo’s “Zola” (in thea- wear? The idea of just seeing them riff off I didn’t, but I will always love the trailers. winning, knockout family drama “CODA” ters June 30), the summer movie with the one another makes me smile. — Bahr “West Side Story,” “No Time to Die,” blow has managed to do it. When the film de- oddest intellectual property: an infamous us away. — Bahr Cars in space buted virtually at the Sundance Film Fes- 148-tweet thread on Twitter. Bravo and Movies don’t have to be complex. Just tival in January, critics were nearly unani- co-writer Jeremy O. Harris have turned Anthony Ramos, movie star shoot some cars into space, OK? Is that mous in wishing they had seen it in a that notorious escapade — in which a pair “In the Heights” is your movie of the REALLY so much to ask? Thankfully, the crowded theater like Park City’s Eccles. of strippers (Taylour Paige, Riley Keough) summer. Jon M. Chu’s exuberant adapta- “Fast and the Furious” franchise has nev- When “CODA” opens in theaters (and on go on an impromptu road trip to Miami tion of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s musical (out er been accused of over-thinking anything. Apple TV+) on Aug. 13, moviegoers will shortly after meeting — into a wild and June 11) is a blockbuster block party — a Its ninth (ninth!) installment, “F9,” (June have that chance. It’s about a teenage girl woozy trip through social media, sex work celebration of romance, Latino heritage, 25) promises one of the series’ most ridic- who’s the only hearing person in her fam- and cinema. — Coyle music, New York and, I expect, the com- ulous stunts yet, one that I can only as- ily, a hardscrabble Gloucester, Mass., munal thrill of movies. sume will be one giant step-on-the-gas for fishing clan. Her passion, it turns out, is to ‘America the Motion Picture’ And while there are many performers in mankind. — Coyle sing. As Hollywood as the setup sounds, Netflix describes the animated “Amer- Chu’s ensemble that deserve credit — “CODA” is made with such spirit and ica the Motion Picture” (June 30) as “a including Leslie Grace, Corey Hawkins Questlove, movie director lived-in authenticity that it feels like a chainsaw-wielding George Washington and Melissa Barrera — “In the Heights” The concert movie of the summer feel-good godsend. — Coyle teams with beer-loving bro Sam Adams to gets its swagger from its charismatic lead. comes from a familiar source in a new track down the Brits in a tongue-in-cheek As part of the original “Hamilton” cast role. Amir “Questlove” Thompson, the Dev Patel on a horse riff on the American Revolution.” The cast and a supporting player in “A Star Is musically ubiquitous Roots drummer, A new David Lowery film is always includes Channing Tatum as Washington Born,” a breakthrough has been coming makes his directorial debut in “Summer of reason for celebration, and this time he’s and Jason Mantzoukas as Adams, and I for the 29-year-old. And he is, um, not Soul (... or When the Revolution Could not taken on the 14th century poem Sir Ga- can already feel the patriotism welling up throwing away his shot. — Coyle Be Televised),” a foot-stomping time- wain and the Green Knight. (“The Green in me. — Coyle PAGE 16 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, May 28, 2021 WEEKEND: SUMMER MOVIE PREVIEW

AP This combination photo shows poster art for upcoming summer films, top row from left, “A Quiet Place Part II,” “Candyman,” “The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It,” “Cruella,” “F9,” “The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard” and “In the Heights”; bottom row from left, “Jungle Cruise,” “Old,” “Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway,” “Space Jam: A New Legacy,” “Stillwater,” “The Suicide Squad” and “Zola.” A backlog of blockbusters After more than a year on the sidelines, theatrical releases are primed for a comeback

BY LINDSEY BAHR bodega owner, Usnavi (Anthony Ramos), Those looking for a more R-rated expe- big action flicks, “The Hitman’s Wife’s Associated Press and his friends in Washington Heights out rience can thank James Gunn, who made Bodyguard” and “Free Guy.” There’s even fter more than a year of bench- to people immediately. But Chu knows movie stars out of the once obscure an epic Dev Patel-led take on a classic ing its biggest spectacles, Holly- how important a global release is for films “Guardians of the Galaxy,” and now is out Arthurian legend, “The Green Knight.” wood is ready to dazzle again. with underrepresented casts. Like “Crazy to do the same for the “misfit, Z-grade For moviegoers, it’s also become hard to A From “F9” and “In the Rich Asians,” “In the Heights” features supervillains” of “The Suicide Squad.” He keep tabs on ever-shifting dates, delays Heights” to “The Suicide Squad” and unknowns in key roles who are poised for had his pick of DC characters and turned and multi-platform releases. Some sum- “Black Widow,” there will be a steady a breakout given the right platform. down Superman for Margot Robbie’s mer-ready titles, like “Top Gun: Maver- stream of blockbusters populating mul- “We had big dreams for this,” Chu said. Harley Quinn, Idris Elba’s Bloodsport and ick” and the new James Bond, “No Time tiplexes for the first time since March “To be able to do it on the biggest scale John Cena’s Peacemaker. to Die,” are waiting until later in the year 2020. For streaming-weary audiences, the possible meant so much.” Gunn looked to one of his favorite to debut. “Jurassic World: Dominion” promise of air conditioning, popcorn, soda It’s not the only blue-sky blockbuster in genres for inspiration: The 1960s war pushed to 2022. Some titles are being fountains, 60-foot screens and state-of-the- the bunch. The “Fast & Furious” series caper. Think, “The Dirty Dozen” and offloaded to streamers. Sony sold its Ca- art sound could be a welcome respite from has always been about creating a fun the- “Where Eagles Dare.” milla Cabello-Billy Porter-led “Cinderel- the living room and virtual watch parties. atrical experience, and “F9” not only “To reinvigorate that genre just using la” to Amazon Prime and its Kevin Hart as Not to mention the ever-romantic concept brings back a fan favorite — Sung Kang’s these crappy supervillains as the protago- a single dad pic “Fatherhood” to Netflix. of the shared experience. Han — but also literally sends cars into nists was very appealing to me,” Gunn Even films with theatrical debuts will For beleaguered movie theaters, it’s not space. It’s expected to be one of the sea- said. have unique hybrid release plans or short- a moment too soon. ened theatrical windows. All Warner Bros. The modern summer movie season, titles including “In the Heights,” “The which runs from May through Labor Day, Suicide Squad” and “Space Jam” will be regularly accounts for over $4 billion in For theaters and studios, the unknowns are available free for HBO Max subscribers revenue and makes up around 40% of the for 31 days as well as in theaters. Most year’s grosses. Last year, summer earn- many. Are movie theaters even on people’s Disney movies, including “Cruella,” ings were $176 million, down 96% from “Black Widow” and “Jungle Cruise,” are 2019. Although theaters have been ramp- re-opening priority lists? Will there be a opening in theaters and on Disney+ as a ing up operations for a while, this summer premium $29.99 rental. Their Pixar title will prove to be the biggest litmus test so $100 million opening weekend any time “Luca” is going straight to Disney+, free far about whether habits have changed for subscribers, on June 17. The Sundance irrevocably during the pandemic. soon? Will there ever be a $250 million breakout “CODA” is getting a simultane- In some ways, the calendar looks like a ous release in theaters and on Apple TV+. do-over of last summer. Many of the most opening weekend again? For theaters and studios, the unknowns anticipated releases were supposed to are many. Are movie theaters even on come out in 2020, including John Krasin- son’s biggest hits. There are many other options too, in- people’s re-opening priority lists? Will ski’s “A Quiet Place Part II”; the big Pre-pandemic, going to the movies in cluding a host of big-name documentary there be a $100 million opening weekend screen adaptation of Lin-Manuel Miran- the summer was a ritual. Audiences made titles, from Morgan Neville’s “Roadrun- any time soon? Will there ever be a $250 da’s Tony-winning “In the Heights”; the up for last year by seeing retro summer ner: A Film About Anthony Bourdain” to million opening weekend again? The film- ninth installment of the “Fast & Furious” hits at drive-ins. Now it’s a wild-card Peter Jackson’s “The Beatles: Get Back.” makers aren’t trying to concern them- series, “F9”; Marvel’s “Black Widow,” whether the promise of an “event film” There are family films, like “Peter Rabbit selves with that. But everyone is feeling starring Scarlett Johansson; the Emily will lure them back to theaters, especially 2: The Runaway” and “Hotel Transylva- emotional over the thought that moviego- Blunt and Dwayne Johnson action adven- if something is available to watch at home. nia: Transformania” and horrors like “The ing might finally become normal again. ture “Jungle Cruise”; and Nia DaCosta’s “Space Jam: A New Legacy” director Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It” and “I think about it all the time,” Gunn “Candyman” reboot. Malcolm D. Lee called his film, “The epi- “Don’t Breathe 2.” You can see Matt Da- said. “I can’t wait to sit in a theater with a “In the Heights” director Jon M. Chu tome of a popcorn movie.” The sequel to mon try to save his daughter in the drama group of people and watch films again. It had to convince Miranda that it was worth the 1996 Michael Jordan pic finds LeBron “Stillwater” or watch as Gael García Ber- is a true joy in life. It’s a magical space for it to wait for a theatrical release. Miranda James now sharing the screen with classic nal starts to age rapidly in M. Night Shy- me and has been since I was a very little wanted to get his joyous musical about a Looney Toons characters. amalan’s “Old.” Ryan Reynolds is in two boy.” Friday, May 28, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 17 WEEKEND: SUMMER MOVIE PREVIEW The season’s calendar, from ‘Cruella’ to ‘The Suicide Squad’ May 28 an Oklahoma oil worker whose daughter (Abi- gail Breslin) gets arrested in France for murder “A Quiet Place Part II” (Theaters): In this in this crime drama from “Spotlight” director sequel to John Krasinski’s 2018 hit, the Abbott Tom McCarthy. “Call My Agent” fans will be family (Emily Blunt, Millicent Simmonds, Noah excited to know that Camille Cottin (aka An- Jupe) ventures away from their home while dréa Martel) co-stars as a French woman who trying to survive the creatures that hunt by helps Damon’s character. sound. “Cruella” (Theaters, Disney+ Premier): A Aug. 6 live-action origin story for the “101 Dalmatians” “Annette” (Theaters): French auteur Leos villain Cruella de Vil, starring Emma Stone. Carax makes his English-language debut with “Moby Doc” (Theaters and on-demand): the musical “Annette,” starring Adam Driver as Moby narrates his own documentary, a surreal- a stand-up comic and Marion Cotillard as his ist biography in which he reflects on his life and singer wife. The script and music comes from career. Ron and Russell Mael, who are also the subject “Plan B” (Hulu): Natalie Morales makes her of Edgar Wright’s documentary “The Sparks directorial debut in this teen comedy about a Brothers.” South Dakota high-schooler (Kuhoo Verma) “The Suicide Squad” (Theaters and HBO who has 24 hours to hunt down a Plan B pill Max): Director James Gunn turned the obscure with her best friend (Vitoria Moroles) after a “Guardians of the Galaxy” characters into some regrettable sexual encounter. of the most beloved in the Marvel Cinematic June 4 Universe, and now the hope is he’ll reenergize DC’s Suicide Squad after their less-than-stellar “The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It” 2016 film. Margot Robbie, Joel Kinnaman and (Theaters, HBO Max): Paranormal investiga- Viola Davis reprise their roles alongside a tors Ed (Patrick Wilson) and Lorraine Warren whole new batch of stars like Idris Elba, John (Vera Farmiga) are back at it in another case, Cena and Sylvester Stallone (his voice, that is). this time a fight for the soul of a young boy. June 11 DISNEY­MARVEL/AP Aug. 13 Scarlett Johansson’s Avengers standalone film “Black Widow” finally makes its way to “CODA” (Theaters and Apple TV+): This “In the Heights” (Theaters, HBO Max): theaters July 9. The movie also will premiere on Disney+ as a premium rental. Sundance charmer from director Siân Heder Lin-Manuel Miranda’s other Tony-winning stars Emilia Jones in a breakout role as a hear- show, “In the Heights,” about life in New York’s played by Chris Pratt. ing child of deaf adults trying to find her own Washington Heights, gets a big-screen adapta- “Zola” (Theaters June 30): Janicza Bravo’s voice and path. Marlee Matlin is especially tion in John M. Chu’s exuberant musical star- film is based an infamous tweetstorm turned amusing as the mother. ring Anthony Ramos, Corey Hawkins, Melissa into a film by Brazo and co-writer Jeremy O. Ryan Reynolds Barrera and others. “Free Guy” (Theaters): Harris. Taylour Paige and Riley Keough star as discovers he’s a nonplayer character living in June 18 strippers who take a surreal road trip. an open-world video game in the sci-fi action “Summer of Soul” (Theaters, Hulu): Amir “Luca” (Disney+): Enrico Casarosa, director comedy “Free Guy,” from director Shawn Levy “Questlove” Thompson makes his directorial of the Pixar short “La Luna,” helms this Pixar (“Night at the Museum”) and co-writer Zak debut in this documentary of a landmark 1969 feature about a boy’s unforgettable summer on Penn (“Ready Player One”). “Killing Eve’s” Harlem concert series known as “Black Wood- the Italian Riviera with his best friend, a sea Jodie Comer co-stars along with Lil Rel How- stock.” Includes performances by Stevie Won- monster in disguise. ery and Taika Waititi. der, Nina Simone, Sly and the Family Stone and “The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard” (Thea- “Respect” (Theaters): Jennifer Hudson plays the Staple Singers. ters, June 16): In this sequel to the 2017 buddy Aretha Franklin in this longtime coming biopic, “America the Motion Picture” (Netflix): Phil comedy, Ryan Reynolds and Samuel L. Jackson which Franklin herself was even involved in Lord and Chris Miller are executive producers are back in R-rated action, but this time Salma before her death in 2018. Tony nominee Liesl of this animated absurdity, with Channing Hayek takes a more prominent role. Also star- Tommy directs. Tatum voicing George Washington, Jason ring Morgan Freeman and Antonio Banderas. Mantzoukas as Sam Adams and other cast Aug. 20 “Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway” (Theaters): members including Simon Pegg, Judy Greer, Will Gluck’s sequel to 2018’s “Peter Rabbit” “Reminiscence” (Theaters and HBO Max): Bobby Moynihan and Raoul Trujillo. returns James Corden as the voice of Peter, “Westworld” co-creator Lisa Joy makes her Margot Robbie as Flopsy and Elizabeth Debicki July 9 directorial debut with the appropriately cere- as Mopsy. Joining the CGI bunnies are live- bral “Reminiscence,” set in a flooded, near- A24/AP action actors Domhnall Gleeson, David Oyelo- “Black Widow” (Theaters, Disney+ Pre- future Miami and starring Hugh Jackman as an wo and Rose Byrne. mier): Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) gets Dev Patel is pictured in a scene from “The investigator of the mind who takes on a myste- “Fatherhood” (Netflix): Kevin Hart stars as a her long-awaited solo movie in this Marvel Green Knight.” The Arthurian epic, also rious new client played by Rebecca Hall. widower raising his baby daughter on his own. movie set between the events of 2016’s “Captain starring Alicia Vikander and Joel Edgerton, “Cryptozoo” (Theaters): Dash Shaw’s trippy, Directed by Paul Weitz, the film is based on America: Civil War” and 2018’s “Avengers: is coming to theaters July 30. animated fantasy features the voices of Lake Matthew Logelin’s memoir “Two Kisses for Infinity War.” Bell, Michael Cera and “Twin Peaks’” Grace Zabriskie. Maddy.” which was inspired by the graphic novel “Sand- July 16 “The Night House” (Theaters): Rebecca Hall castle,” and follows a family who realizes June 25 “Space Jam: A New Legacy” (Theaters and plays a recently widowed woman living in her they’re aging rapidly in their idyllic vacation HBO Max): Twenty-five years after Michael husband’s lakeside home when disturbing “F9” (Theaters): The “Fast & Furious” fran- spot. Gael García Bernal and Vicky Krieps Jordan shared the big screen with Bugs Bunny, visions start coming to her in this psychological chise rides on, undaunted by physics or the (“Phantom Thread”) star. a new generation is hitting the courts in this horror from director David Bruckner. normal lifespan of film series. Justin Lin’s film, “Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins” (Theaters): Malcolm D. Lee-directed sequel, starring Le- “Demonic” (Theaters and On Demand): the ninth in the franchise not counting the “Crazy Rich Asians” heartthrob Henry Golding Bron James as himself, Don Cheadle and a “District 9” director Neill Blomkamp crafts a spinoff “Hobbs & Shaw,” is the first to detour stars as the titular warrior. more than a few NBA cameos. mother-daughter horror. into space. “The Last Letter From Your Lover” (Net- “Roadrunner: A Film About Anthony Bour- “The Ice Road” (Netflix): Liam Neeson, star flix): Felicity Jones stars as a journalist who dain” (Theaters): Documentary director Mor- Aug. 27 of 2011’s “The Grey,” returns to the cold in this uncovers a star-crossed affair from the 1960s in gan Neville (“Won’t You Be My Neighbor”) “The Beatles: Get Back” (Theaters and thriller as an ice driver on a rescue mission. a newspaper’s archives in this Jojo Moyes explores the globetrotting life of celebrity chef Disney+): There was a lot left on the cutting- “False Positive” (Hulu): About the trials of adaptation. fertility and the horrors of patriarchy, “False and author Anthony Bourdain, who died by room floor of Michael Lindsay-Hogg’s seminal Positive” has been called a contemporary spin suicide in 2018 at the age of 61. Beatles documentary “Let It Be” (60 hours of on Roman Polanski’s “Rosemary’s Baby.” “Ailey” (Theaters): A documentary look at July 30 video and 150 hours of audio). Filmmaker Peter Starring Ilana Glazer, Justin Theroux and the life of dancer Alvin Ailey. “Jungle Cruise” (Theaters and Disney+ Jackson has sifted through and restored much Pierce Brosnan, it’s co-written by Glazer “Cinderella” (Amazon Prime Video): Pop premier access): Emily Blunt and Dwayne of the unused footage to create a new film “The (“Broad City”). star Camila Cabello takes a spin as Cinderella Johnson take a swing at turning a Disney theme Beatles: Get Back,” which will show the group’s in her acting debut alongside Billy Porter, as a park attraction into a throwback action-adven- last live performance together on that London July 2 genderless fairy godparent. ture, and odds are this will be one of the better rooftop in its entirety for the first time ever. “The Forever Purge” (Theaters): The fifth ones. Johnson said Blunt is essentially a female “Candyman” (Theaters): Director Nia Da- and supposedly final film in the “Purge” series July 23 Indiana Jones in the film. Costa sets this “Candyman” sequel in a now is set after the abolition of the annual rite. But “Hotel Transylvania: Transformania” (Thea- “The Green Knight” (Theaters): Dev Patel gentrified Cabrini-Green, overrun by upwardly some keep the tradition alive. ters): The fourth and final chapter of the ani- plays King Arthur’s nephew Sir Gawain in this mobile types and luxury condominiums where “The Tomorrow War” (Amazon Prime Vid- mated series features the voices of Selena epic fantasy film from writer-director David housing projects used to be. Jordan Peele co- eo): To fight a future war against an alien spe- Gomez, Andy Samberg and Fran Drescher. Lowery (“Pete’s Dragon”). Alicia Vikander, wrote and produced the modern spin on the cies, soldiers from 30 years earlier are recruit- “OLD” (Theaters): Naturally, details are Joel Edgerton and Barry Keoghan co-star. Candyman myth starring Yahya Abdul-Mateen ed for the battle — including a schoolteacher scarce about M. Night Shyamalan’s new film, “Stillwater” (Theaters): Matt Damon stars as II and Teyonah Parris. PAGE 18 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, May 28, 2021 WEEKEND: SUMMER MOVIE PREVIEW Waiting for the right idea Why Emily Blunt and John Krasinski nearly blew off ‘A Quiet Place’ sequel

BY SONAIYA KELLEY March 2020. “I think that was why we had our heels dug is her energy. She is unbelievably warm, providing ener- Los Angeles Times in at the idea of one; we just weren’t entertaining the gy for every single person on set. She makes everyone ust before COVID hit hard last year, Emily Blunt thought of it.” feel comfortable and focused on the goal of making this was poised to have a huge summer. The couple knew that the studio was planning to move movie great.” The star of “A Quiet Place Part II” was in the forward with a sequel whether or not they were involved But Blunt also stresses that the film is entirely Krasin- Jmiddle of promotion for the sequel to the block- but were firmly against revisiting the story until Krasin- ski’s brainchild. “Ultimately I could never birth this sort buster original when the film’s director, her husband, ski came up with an idea for “Part II’s” opening sequence of story,” she says. “That is definitely his talent. I think John Krasinski, announced the postponement of the mo- while in Kauai with Blunt when she was in production for I’m good at adding to scenes and brainstorming ideas.” vie’s release. It was March 12, 2020, just before the entire “Jungle Cruise.” That penchant for tinkering is what led her to become country shut down. “He goes, ‘I have an idea for how I would open it if I more involved in production. “I’m definitely now produc- Suddenly forced into quarantine, Blunt dove into read- did it, but I’m not saying I would,’” Blunt recalls. “And I ing everything I’m in going forward,” Blunt says. “I love ing books and scripts. She homeschooled her two kids, was a bit cautious. But he started to pitch it and I just felt to produce; I really enjoy it. I think I’m good at being then 3 and 6 years old. She had guest spots in family like my eyes got wider and wider. It was just undeniable. given a scene and saying, ‘Oh, let me rewrite it,’ but I members’ quarantine projects, most notably Krasinski’s “We’re very honest with each other. He always knows don’t think I’m a good birther of ideas. “Some Good News” and brother-in-law Stanley Tucci’s when I’m for real or not. So when he saw how arrested I “I think the job, sometimes when you go into it, makes viral cocktail tutorials on Instagram. Now more than a was by it, it became pretty apparent that he was going to you feel like you have to wait by the phone to be sum- year later, she’s back in the spotlight not only with “A write it. moned,” she adds. “And actually it’s nice to take matters Quiet Place Part II,” which finally opens in theaters May “I think that’s when I started to realize, ‘Is my snob- into your own hands and mold a path for yourself. So I’m 28, but with Disney’s “Jungle Cruise” in July — two bery turning into idiocy?’” she adds. “I wanted to be in SEE SEQUEL ON PAGE 19 blockbuster releases that many hope will reinvigorate the that sequence. I would want to do that film whether it’s a struggling box office. sequel or not. I said to him, ‘We need to approach this “It’s just been mad,” says Blunt. “We’re on the other as if someone is just turning the page and it’s the side of it [now], so I’m feeling sort of hopeful.” continuation.’ And if you are at all invested in “A Quiet Place Part II,” Krasinski’s follow-up to his this family, you’re going to want to see what critically and commercially successful 2018 sci-fi horror happens to them.” film, is a portrait of a family in crisis: After the loss in the Krasinski hadn’t intended to return as first film of her husband (played by “The Office” alum director. “But I just said, ‘If you don’t direct it, Krasinski), Blunt’s Evelyn Abbott has to find a way to I’m not going to do it,’” says Blunt. “So then he survive with three kids in a postapocalyptic world where had to do it. That’s where it helps being the wi- terrifying creatures hunt humans by sound. fey.” “The movie is made for theaters, so I’m relieved and With the opening figured, Krasin- grateful that we waited and were given the support to ski wrote “a near perfect script,” wait,” Blunt says. “Because I do believe that it’s an event Blunt says, in two weeks. “He movie, and I think to gain the full experience you’ve got to writes in a really interesting watch it in a theater.” way in that he doesn’t put pen She’s speaking by Zoom from Spain, where she’s film- to paper at all for months on ing the Western series “The English” — “if I can remem- end. He talks about themes ber how to act after a year and a half of not doing it.” and then he needs to iron out It’s been nearly that long since “A Quiet Place” had its all the kinks. And along the world premiere in early March 2020, just over a week way he’ll pitch me stuff and I’ll before stay-at-home orders began to be issued across the say, ‘That’s really interesting; country. what about this?’ I do feel very “It’s weird that it was almost about to come out, and valued by him. I think that’s then it didn’t,” says Blunt. “But we just had to ride it out probably why we’re able to and wait for the right moment. And I think John always work together without killing felt quite sure that he’d like it to be one of the first movies each other.” back in theaters. It was always sort of what he wanted for “I’ve got to say, she’s the best it.” collaborator I’ve ever had,” says “It’s certainly a bizarre circumstance to go through all Krasinski. “And it’s not just her of the motions to come out with a movie and then to have performance, her preparation, to put it back in the box,” Krasinski says. “But the truth how professional she is. It is, as bizarre as that was, it doesn’t hold a candle to all the other things that everyone else has been going through, so we just took it in stride.” One bright spot about the delay is that the film’s themes of isolation and the value of community likely will feel much more resonant now. “I think it was pretty wild to see what we were dealing with so clearly in this movie thematically was happening very physically in the world only months later,” says Krasinski. “There are themes that run through it of keeping to yourself and not extending your hand to your neighbor,” Blunt says. “So I think that idea of tiptoeing out there into the big bad world is probably resonating with people more so now.” Despite the success of the first film, the couple had been ready to walk away from the burgeoning “Quiet Place” franchise. “I don’t believe that everything should be sequel-ized,” Blunt said in a separate interview back in

Emily Blunt and John Krasinski attend the March 8, 2020, world premiere of “A Quiet Place Part II” in New York. The release of the film was delayed as the world shut down to deal with the COVID­19 pandemic.

INVISION/AP Friday, May 28, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 19 WEEKEND: SUMMER MOVIE PREVIEW Sequel: Krasinski offers fresh thrills in ‘A Quiet Place 2’ BY LINDSEY BAHR with an oxygen tank and a baby Blunt in 2 Associated Press breathing apparatus so that they John Krasinski catches you off can move without worrying about guard in the first moment of “A the baby’s cries. Clearly it’s been Quiet Place Part II,” inviting you mostly thought out by people who new films into his film with the most terrify- are actually parents themselves, ing thing of all in this universe: but it’s better if you don’t ask too FROM PAGE 18 Noise. It’s a testament to the many questions about the logis- sort of grateful for the quarantine effectiveness of “A Quiet Place” tics of all of this. in that way because it did make that any sound is guaranteed to Suffice it to say, the introduc- me read a lot and get the rights to make you immediately uneasy: tion of the baby ensures that your stuff and so the projects ahead The crinkle of a bag, the crunch stomach will never not be in are very much passion projects.” of an apple, a car door closing. knots throughout the lean dura- “Jungle Cruise,” a film based Krasinski begins the sequel, tion of the film. Krasinski makes on the Disneyland ride, is Blunt’s which he wrote and directed, in a one choice with the baby that third Disney film after starring in flashback to the day the monsters borders on indecent, but it’s ter- 2014’s “Into the Woods” and arrived, and boy, are we LOUD. ribly effective. 2018’s “Mary Poppins Returns,” It’s a bit of a gut punch, and not It is somewhat astonishing that both directed by Rob Marshall. just because he doesn’t waste any they were able to find enough “They take very good care of time before getting to action. We new in this world to justify a full me,” she says of the studio. “I know he and others won’t be sequel, but unfortunately for think their desire to bring joy and around when the film cuts to the everyone, Regan’s inspired hack a sense of hope to the world is present. And you might be sur- to stun the monsters using high- PARAMOUNT PICTURES/AP such a part of the kinds of films prised how far just a little frequency sounds is only effec- No place is safe as Regan (Millicent Simmonds), left, Marcus (Noah that I want to make and that I glimpse of their pre-disaster tive in the immediate surround- Jupe), center, and Evelyn (Emily Blunt) brave the unknown in the want my kids to see.” happiness goes when it comes to ings. In other words, there are a quietly thrilling “A Quiet Place Part II.” Blunt plays Dr. Lily Houghton, reminding you what they’ve lost lot more out there. a 20th century explorer who and what they’re trying to hang The family does find another but Krasinski unfortunately has claim to be about something persuades a shady sea captain on to. place and a once-friendly face, in something more brutal in store bigger and rarely are. These (played by Dwayne Johnson) to And this one picks up right Cillian Murphy’s Emmett. But for one of the Abbotts. films succeed at that. take her down the Amazon in where we left off. Emily Blunt’s like so many of Murphy’s charac- But the reason these films After being delayed more than search of a healing tree with the character, Evelyn, has not had ters, it’s unclear whether or not work is not because of the scares. a year, “A Quiet Place Part II” is power to change medicine. time to go full Sarah Connor in “A he can be trusted, and he doesn’t They work because, at their debuting only in theaters for the “She’s Indiana,” says Blunt. Quiet Place Part II.” Like John seem like he wants to help. heart, they are a high-concept first 45 days, until it’s made avail- “She’s this slightly reckless, Wick, the Abbotts don’t get a Blunt, Simmonds and Jupe are meditation on parenting. Sure, able on Paramount+, and it galvanized personality who breather. And she and her family all once again terrific in their the surprises keep your heart might sound cliché, but it’s hard throws herself into danger head- — a newborn, her son Marcus roles, using sign language and rate up and all that, but the true to imagine seeing it anywhere but first and thinks about [conse- (Noah Jupe) and daughter Regan their expressive, empathetic terror, the one that buries itself in on the big screen. It’s the kind of quences] on the way down. And (Millicent Simmonds) — are on faces to brilliantly convey terror, your consciousness, comes from movie that demands it. so there was something really the move to find somewhere else love and pain. The nail also re- that deep, intractable fear of not “A Quiet Place Part II” is rated PG-13 for terror, charming and funny about her. to stay. They’ve rigged up a terri- prises its role and is just as effec- being able to protect your kids. violence and bloody/disturbing images. Running She’s the go-getter and he’s this fying coffin-like box for the infant tive at creating tension as before, Many monster movies boldly time: 97 minutes. surly, duplicitous, questionable sea captain. He’s the one who’s stuck and she’s not, and I really liked and respected that.” ‘Dream Horse’ is a long shot that almost doesn’t make it The opportunity to star in an adventure film satisfied Blunt’s BY JAKE COYLE care for and a new race to run. Her zeal in- childhood captivation with the Associated Press spires those around her, including the dozen genre. “I grew up completely The based-on-a-true-story “Dream Horse,” or two others from around their small for- obsessed with those types of about a Welsh bartender who turns unlikely mer-mining village — a butcher, a drunkard, movies: ‘Romancing the Stone,’ racehorse breeder, is a feel-good movie that’s a widow — who join in a syndicate, tossing in ‘Indiana Jones’ ... I just main- a little too heavy on the “feel-good” to really money to help pay the fee to breed the mare lined them,” she says. “I was sold do the trick. with a successful racehorse and train the foal because it’s this wildly funny, But as with all long shots that pay off, that comes from it. They first meet beneath big, event-style movie but at its “Dream Horse” has its hard-to-deny charms. the quarter-operated lights of a pub pool heart it’s got amazing characters While it deviates little from the conventions table, and in not too long they’re merrily and it’s all about love and the of the “Billy Elliot”/“The Full Monty” formu- riding together in a bus on the way to the quest for that, really.” la, Euros Lyn’s film also doesn’t stray from a track, with little reason to expect to win but Working with Johnson was dependable course of underdog triumph, BLEECKER STREET/AP plenty of songs to sing along the way. “the coolest thing,” she says. midlife renewal and community spirit. Toni Collette, left, plays Jan, a bartender “If the circus is coming to town, I might as “Dwayne is a remarkable person The performances by Toni Collette, as the turned racehorse breeder, and Owen Teale is well have a front-row seat,” says one. to work with. He’s such a joy. ... I determined Jan Vokes, and Owen Teale, as Jan’s husband in “Dream Horse.” They vote on the horse’s name, but, like think people have this image of her curmudgeonly but dedicated husband most decisions, it’s really Jan’s call. They him as being a bit larger than life with a mouth half full of teeth, go a long way her husband Brian, who likes to go by “Dai- name it Dream Alliance. In the rarefied rac- and bombastic. But he’s such a to enlivening it. So does a sense of Welsh sy.” Their kids are grown and gone (and ing world, they make a motley crew, but gentle soul and such a wise, con- pride. Outside of “How Green Was My Val- oddly never even heard from in “Dream “Dream Horse” goes more for sincerity than templative person deep down.” ley” and Anthony Hopkins’ recent awards Horse”). Aside from bartending, she glumly comedy. Even the races pass by without Having two huge movies out acceptance speeches, the richly rugged, pas- works as a cashier at a grocery store. much rousing drama. Despite all the poten- simultaneously is “weird,” but toral land on the western shores of Great But when Jan overhears a tax accountant tial local color (Tom Jones’ “Delilah” does “I’m happy that these two movies Britain seldom attracts the spotlight like it at the pub (Damian Lewis) talking about the make an appearance, as do tunes by the Su- that are so polarized and so wild- does here. It’s in these two things — the thrill he got in part-owning a racehorse (an per Furry Animals and the Manic Street ly different from each other are Vokes’ relationship and the movie’s Welsh investment that nearly ruined him and his Preachers), the film is still largely bland. being received in the right way,” heart — that “Dream Horse” finishes ahead. family), she gets an idea. Jan has no history But just as Jan seemingly wills all the good Blunt says. “There used to be this It’s based on Louise Osmond’s 2015 docu- with horses but she’s raised whippets and fortune that comes their way, Collette keeps precious road map of how you mentary “Dark Horse,” a film that had the pigeons before, and she soon digs into issues “Dream Horse” at a steady gallop, and Teale should bring out a film and it was same crowd-pleasing effect but, by its nature, of “Horse & Hound” and other resources. She makes a terrific companion. Her quest leads frowned upon if you did things a was predicated more on the authentic idio- finds an ill-tempered mare and buys her for others to break from their humdrum lives. different way. But I think COVID syncrasies of its characters, and had more a 350 quid. It’s a little like if “Fight Club” was friendlier, has taught everyone to be very sense of surprise in the quixotic scheme. It’s quickly apparent that Jan isn’t motiva- Welsh and equestrian. innovative and to not sweat the When we meet Jan in Lyn’s film, she has ted by money or prestige but simply by the “Dream Horse” is rated PG for language and thematic elements. small stuff so much.” slumped into a staid empty-nester life with joy of having something to do, an animal to Running time: 113 minutes. PAGE 20 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, May 28, 2021 WEEKEND: MOVIE REVIEWS Viva La Zombie ‘Army of the Dead’ a bitingly good zombie-heist flick

BY MARK KENNEDY Tig Notaro as a helicopter pilot and Mat- Associated Press thias Schweighöfer as a safecracker, both t won’t take you long to warm to providing comic relief. Zack Snyder’s “Army of the Dead.” “We’ll probably die,” Ward says. “Some All it took for me was the sight of a of us at least.” Izombie Elvis impersonator. The group needs to sneak into the city Equal parts hysterical and deadly, the and that’s when the script by Snyder, Shay bloody-mouthed, jumpsuit-wearing King Hatten and Joby Harold gets sly. They in the opening credits is the perfect touch rely on a smuggling coyote to skulk into a to a joyously violent film that takes a vanil- walled-off American city, one of several la heist flick and sets it inside a Las Vegas moments that lift the material. Sean Spic- that has suffered a zombie apocalypse. er and Donna Brazile debating immigra- The song playing over those credits is, of tion on TV is another. And the use of tem- NETFLIX/AP photos course, “Viva Las Vegas.” perature guns to check if zombie-fication Scott Ward, played by Dave Bautista, left, talks with Bly Tanaka, the billionaire behind Snyder is in many ways returning to his is happening is a prescient nod to the the heist, played by Hiroyuki Sanada, in a scene from “Army of the Dead.” undead roots — before “Justice League” pandemic Snyder could not have known and “300,” he remade “Dawn of the Dead” was coming. parkour on the roulette tables, and then — but this time he’s added to zombie lore The Vegas that the group enters is a watching bullets whizz through their while adding some social commentary freaky funhouse that the filmmakers have brains with a burst of blood. They die in so along with his trademark gleefully over- filled with 2,500 plastic skeletons. The many ways beyond head-kills: knife the-top violence. zombies wear an alarming amount of through skull, being burst between two The plot stitches together old and new rhinestones and ripped clothing. But armored doors, decapitated with a garrote. ideas, yet somehow feels fresh: In the they’re awfully fun to mow down (remem- Snyder, who also shot the film, is in a near-future, Las Vegas is a walled-off zone ber, kids, always aim for the head). Here winking mood here — The Cranberries’ given over to the undead, which really the film makes lively nods to “Escape “Zombie” is featured and Culture Club’s isn’t too far off from what it is. The gov- from New York,” “The Matrix,” “Aliens” “Do You Really Want to Hurt Me” plays in ernment plans to use a tactical nuclear and “Planet of the Apes.” an elevator after a huge bloody scene. Also weapon to wipe them out, once and for all. In addition to the zombie Elvis imper- It’s chaos in a casino in a scene from Zack look for playful references to Medusa, the But a group of former military heroes sonator, there’s a zombie bride still wear- Snyder’s “Army of the Dead.” Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, “Apoc- are persuaded to get into the city and steal ing her veil and a zombie horse, but the alypse Now,” Sodom and Gomorrah, Jo- $200 million from a casino vault before the Zack Snyder Hall of Fame Cool Deal is a Alphas, led by a king and queen, who can seph Campbell and Richard Wagner. city is vaporized. “Try not to get nuked or zombie tiger. And it is glorious. (The film- think, love, hunt, mourn and presumably Zombie flicks have never felt more in- murdered by the undead,” they are makers even visited Carole Baskin’s Big whip up organic recipes for human flesh. tellectual. warned. Cat Rescue of then-future “Tiger King” These are the ones you want to avoid. Expertly paced and with top-notch spe- The group is led by a mountain of man fame to make their computer critter more (Snyder in the film’s prologue indicates cial effects, “Army of the Dead” is a pop- named Scott Ward, played by “Guardians believable.) the top Alpha was a creation of Area 51.) corn zombie movie for our time. Long live of the Galaxy’s” Dave Bautista. Despite To this world, Snyder has added a kind And there seem to be hints of robotic zom- the undead. being a war hero, he’s flipping burgers for of zombie hierarchy. There are mindless bies. Sleep well, kids! “Army of the Dead” is rated R for some sexual content, gore, a living and needs little coaxing. He then Shamblers — think the target-practice There is a perverse joy to watching language throughout, graphic nudity and strong bloody vio- assembles a team of oddballs that includes “Walking Dead” zombies — and there are growling zombies on a casino floor, doing lence. Running time: 148 minutes. Now streaming on Netflix. Eric Bana riveting in Aussie crime drama ‘The Dry’ BY LINDSEY BAHR and where they used to hang out O’Donnell) on the investigation. Associated Press is dried up now, as are all of the The screenplay does an excellent A headline and a letter draw a streams and bodies of water in job of teasing out new leads, big city federal agent, Aaron Falk Kiewarra. After a yearlong many of which are red herrings, (Eric Bana), back to his home- drought, it looks like a desert. while also endearing us to those town of Kiewarra after 20 years The besieged country farming in this odd little town, like away in the compelling Austra- community is well on its way to Gretchen (Genevieve O’Reilly), lian crime drama “The Dry.” His becoming a ghost town, and who rounded out the teenage childhood friend Luke (Martin there’s the ever-looming threat of foursome with Aaron, Luke and Dingle Wall) is presumed to have a single spark causing a brush Ellie. Gretchen, a single mom murdered his wife and young son fire that will burn everything and schoolteacher now, has her before killing himself. Only the down. Just because it’s not the own theories of what happened infant was spared. A note from most subtle metaphor doesn’t then. Gerry worries that the Luke’s father, Gerry (Bruce make it any less of a truth that presumed murder-suicide could Spence), implores Aaron to come the townspeople also harbor have been prevented had Luke to the funeral, alluding to a lie he secrets that could destroy them. been held accountable for what knows they told. It’s no wonder that the film is happened 20 years ago. IFC FILMS/AP Luke’s parents want Aaron to based on a book, written by Jane “The Dry” also often cuts back Eric Bana, from left, plays federal agent Aaron Falk in a scene with look into it: The mother doesn’t Harper and published in 2016. to the days surrounding Ellie’s Keir O’Donnell and Matt Nable from “The Dry.” believe that he could have done Robert Connolly directed and is death, adding tension to the pre- it; The father worries that he did. credited for the adaptation with sent-day investigation as we he’s surrounded by ace character would be well-served by the And Aaron is reluctant to stay. Harry Cripps. wonder whether Luke or Aaron actors. There is some much- intrigue of “The Dry.” It’s actual- Twenty years ago, when he was Aaron is greeted with hostility did in fact kill the girl, or play needed moments of humor, too, ly a bit of a wonder that it wasn’t just a teenager, he left the town from some of the longtime resi- any part in her death. Aaron is a especially with the local bar and stretched out into a television after one of his and Luke’s dents of Kiewarra. Ellie’s (BeBe somewhat shy teen and Luke is hotel owner, and even a little series itself, but Connolly has a friends turned up dead in the Bettencourt) death 20 years ago the volatile alpha, which on pa- romance teased out. It’s not just a command on the pacing, and lake. Their alibi was suspicious is still an open wound, especially per seems like a simple case but grim murder case, and is stron- “The Dry” never feels rushed or enough to raise doubt and every- for her father (William Zappa) on film, you still harbor doubts. ger and more human for it. undercooked. This is an import one just started assuming that and brother (Matt Nable). But he Bana is excellent as the reluc- Anyone hooked on “Mare of that’s worth seeking out. one of them did it. soldiers on, working with the tant outsider — determined, Easttown” and looking for a “The Dry” is rated R for violence and language That lake where she was found very green local cop Greg (Keir haunted and empathetic — and holdover in between episodes throughout. Running time: 117 minutes. Friday, May 28, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 21 WEEKEND: TRAVEL The Cotswolds: Thatched kingdom of quaint Here’s a reminder of the fun Marsh, it was once the home of that awaits us in Europe at the the richest Cotswold wool mer- other end of this crisis. chants, which explains its de- lightful thatched and cobbled he Cotswolds are criss- ambiance. crossed with hedge- Nearby, Snowshill, Stanway rows, strewn with sto- and Stanton are my nominations Trybook villages and for the cutest Cot- sprinkled with sheep. Everything swold villages. about them — the meadows, Like marshmal- thatched roofs, churches, pubs, lows in hot choco- B&Bs, and even the tourist offic- late, they nestle es — is quaint. As a travel writer, side by side. I try not to use the word “quaint.” Snowshill, a But this is England’s quaintsville. nearly edible little The Cotswolds are also walk- Rick bundle of cute- ers’ country. The English love to Steves ness, has a photo- walk the peaceful footpaths shep- genic triangular herds walked back when “poly- town center and a good pub. I ester” only meant two girls. Hik- enjoy observing the hikers, ers vigorously defend their age- young and old, wandering old right to free passage. Once a through, much like the wayfarers year, the Ramblers, Britain’s from centuries past. And, as if Ricksteves.com largest walking club, organizes a standing by for the older hikers, England’s Cotswolds are full of rambling roads and paths running along storybook thatch­roofed houses. “Mass Trespass,” when each of the traditional red phone booth England’s 50,000 miles of public no longer offers a telephone ... here to pay their feudal “rents,” Stanton’s church, which prob- above the door. The list of rectors footpaths is walked. By assuring but a defibrillator. the lord still gets rent from his ably dates back to the ninth cen- inside goes back to 1269. each path is used at least once a Stanway is notable for its ma- vast landholdings and hosts com- tury, betrays a pagan past. Stan- Grooves carved into the end of year, they stop landlords from nor house. The Earl of Wemyss, munity fêtes in his barn. ton is at the intersection of two the pew are worn away by sheep- putting up fences. Most of the whose family tree charts rela- Stanway and neighboring Stan- ley lines (considered by many to dog leashes over the generations. land is privately owned, but tives back to 1202, opens his ton are separated by a row of oak come with mystical powers) Even today, a man’s sheepdog you’re legally entitled to pass home to visitors two days a week trees and grazing land, with connecting prehistoric sites. accompanies him everywhere. through, using the various sheep- in the summer. His 14th century parallel waves echoing the fur- Churches such as this one, built Some things never change, espe- stopping steps, gates and turn- tithe barn was where the peas- rows plowed by generations of on pagan holy ground, are dedi- cially in the Cotswolds. stiles provided at each stone wall. ants of the manor would give medieval farmers. Driving under cated to St. Michael — the de- Rick Steves (www.ricksteves.com) writes Europe- I use Chipping Campden as my one-tenth of whatever they pro- a canopy of oaks and past stone fender of the Church against an guidebooks, hosts travel shows on public TV and radio, and organizes European tours. You can home base. Just a few miles from duced to their landlord. While walls and grazing sheep to get to pre-Christian spiritual threats. email Rick at [email protected] and follow his the train station at Moreton-in- motley peasants no longer gather Stanton is a joy. Michael’s well-worn figure is blog on Facebook. Ceremonies make Memorial Day even more meaningful For many U.S. military members stationed in Europe, tinental U.S. American War Memorials Overseas is a attending a Memorial Day commemoration ceremony on private organization that works to document, promote and the burial grounds of our fallen soldiers from World Wars care for gravesites and memorials falling outside of U.S. I and II represents a poignant and meaningful way to pay government auspices. The nonprofit cooperates with tribute to those who came before. other organizations at the local, national and international There to help us to honor them is the American Battle level to safeguard the future of hundreds of smaller me- Monuments Commission, an agency of the executive morials within their historical contexts. branch of the federal government established by an act of A key objective of American War Memorials Overseas Congress in 1923. The commission was formed to honor is to record the existence and location of these places and the service and sacrifice of U.S. Armed Forces by cre- to make this information readily available. To this end, ating and maintaining memorial sites, they maintain and continuously update a database cur- holding commemorative services and rently listing 2,327 memorials at 1,729 sites. The database transmitting the legacy of those who gave is searchable by a host of different parameters, including all to future generations. the name of the person honored, type of memorial and the The majority of the 57 cemeteries and iStock country in which it is located. A search of war memorials memorials overseen by the commission are A World War I Memorial Day ceremony will be in Bavaria, Germany, for example, reveals the existence located in Europe, presenting those as- prerecorded at Suresnes American Cemetery in France of a monument to American veterans in the Alter Fried- signed to the region with unique opportuni- and available to watch online on the holiday. hof cemetery in Schweinfurt; a plaque honoring the 3rd Karen ties to honor the fallen where they lay at US Infantry Division in Berchtesgaden, and a monument Bradbury rest. While Memorial Day ceremonies are neighboring countries within the European Union. On- on the banks of the Danube commemorating three Amer- slated to go ahead this year, all such events line: abmc.gov/cemeteries-memorials ican soldiers who drowned in a training accident south of will be closed to the general public. Instead, the ABMC The ABMC’s sphere of responsibility within Europe Kelheim. To learn more or support their mission, see will broadcast two virtual Memorial Day ceremonies on was expanded on Dec. 12, the date the Battle of the Bulge uswarmemorials.org. their Facebook page and YouTube channel. The World Monument in Belgium officially became its 31st federal Foreign and Outlying Departments and Posts of the War I Memorial Day ceremony will begin at 4 p.m. Cen- monument. Previously known as the Mardasson Memo- American Legion, FODPAL for short, refers to the rough- tral European Time on May 31, to be followed by the rial, the monument stands as an expression of gratitude ly 250 posts of The American Legion located outside the World War II Memorial Day ceremony one hour later. from the Belgian people to the American soldiers who borders of the continental U.S. FODPAL trustees are The World War I service was prerecorded at Suresnes perished in the U.S.’ largest and bloodiest WWII engage- charged with the custody, control and administration of American Cemetery; the service focused on World War II ment. The monument was transferred on the basis of a the Overseas Graves Decoration Trust Fund. Established was filmed at Epinal American Cemetery. Both of these 99-year lease between the Kingdom of Belgium and in the 1920s, the fund provides U.S. flags to be flown at sites are in France. ABMC, with a nominal lease payment of 1 euro to be paid cemeteries and burial sites outside the control of the While the ceremonies themselves are off-limits, some annually. Plans call for the restoration of the memorial, American Battle Monuments Commission. It also dis- of the ABMC cemetery grounds and memorials will be along with enhancement of its landscaping, improve- perses funds to honor, preserve and decorate the individ- open to the public over the weekend, subject to host na- ments in its accessibility and the construction of a visitor ual graves of U.S. veterans buried overseas. FODPAL tion COVID-19 regulations. Before considering any cross- center. Online: tinyurl.com/2pex5cyz sends its funding requests to The American Legion, border travel, do bear in mind that many COVID-19 trav- The ABMC isn’t the only organization that looks after which dispenses the funds annually on a first-come, first- el restrictions remain in place, including those between American graves and memorials located outside the con- served basis. Online: tinyurl.com/dbrncucn PAGE 22 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, May 28, 2021 WEEKEND: QUICK TRIPS

PHOTOS BY JENNIFER H. SVAN/Stars and Stripes Shaped by thousands of years of erosion, some of the A tree branch extends past an overlook on the Dimbacher Buntsandstein high path, a 6­mile circular route that winds sandstone formations on the Dimbacher Buntsandstein through numerous red sandstone formations in the Pfalz Forest, 28 miles south of Kaiserslautern, Germany. high path can be seen towering above the trees. On the QT Directions: From Kaiserslautern, the fastest route to the trailhead is via B48 through Johanniskreuz. Parking can be accessed via the Balanced, beautiful main road into Dimbach; Hauptstrasse 76848 Dimbach on GPS. Parking may be full on weekends. The circular route can be hiked in either direction. Times: Open all year. Food: The restaurant Zur Dimbacher Schenke in Dimbach, Haupt- strasse 4, has food and a beer garden; call for hours due to coro- navirus restrictions at +49-6392-914-4092. outdoor experience Information: In German at tinyurl.com/3s5f3cr4 Dimbacher Buntsandstein trail near Kaiserslautern offers a Jennifer H. Svan close view of strange, wondrous red sandstone formations

BY JENNIFER H. SVAN Stars and Stripes iking, or “wandern” as it’s more whimsically called in German, is one of the few activities in Germany free of coronavirus restrictions. H In the past year, I’ve worn out a pair of hiking shoes trekking miles of trails through four seasons, discov- ering some new favorite routes along the way. One of them lies about 28 miles south of Kaiserslautern in Germany’s Pfalz Forest, also known as the Palatinate Forest. It’s the country’s largest swath of contiguous woods, in a region strewn with medieval castle ruins and magnificent Signs along the Dimbacher Buntsandstein high path red sandstone formations. educate hikers about the geology of the area. The Dimbacher Buntsandstein high path offers distant views of some of these Middle Age relics and up-close obser- viding panoramic views of the valley and surrounding low vations of colorful sandstone carved into strange shapes by mountain range. natural forces. The 6-mile circular route is one of more than The unique geological formation on display is the Bunt- 50 trails in the country certified as a “premium walking” sandstein, sediments of feldspar, mica and quartz trans- route by the German Hiking Institute. ported and shaped by erosion into “mighty sand dunes” over The association of hiking experts considers trail surfaces, millions of years, according to a website describing the geol- traffic density, landscape features, scenic beauty, cultural ogy and other natural features of the area. and historical significance and other factors when classifying The trail starts just outside of Dimbach, a village of less walks. The institute guarantees “a balanced and beautiful than 200 people. It’s mostly a cluster of quaint farm houses, hiking experience” on its certified trails, it says on its web- including one with poodle-like Silkie chickens strutting site. about. A restaurant with a beer garden offers an enticing I’m not sure what a “balanced” trail experience means, but resting place when things open up again. balance is key on this route since much of the way winds Other local landmarks include the Falkenburg Castle ruins along narrow, rugged paths and climbs more than 1,300 total and Burg Berwartstein, while the Muskatellerhof Winery in The red sandstone formations on the Dimbacher feet in elevation. the nearby village of Gleiszellen produces wine made from Buntsandstein high path were formed more than 240 The beauty part is no mystery. It’s evident in the red sand- muscat grapes and serves up Pfalz dishes in its restaurant. million years ago through wind and water erosion, when stone formations rising out of the deep forest, towering in [email protected] the southern Pfalz Forest had a desert climate. places above the trees with a few windswept overlooks pro- Twitter: @stripesktown Friday, May 28, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 23 WEEKEND: FOOD & DINING No-recipe sauteed greens gives cooks room to improvise

BY LIGAYA FIGUERAS The Atlanta Journal-Constitution “Cooking without recipes is a kitchen skill, same as cutting vegetables or flipping an omelet,” writes Sam Sifton, The New York Times food editor and founding editor of NYT Cooking, in the introduction to the recent- ly published “The New York Times Cooking No-Recipe Recipes.” Rather than specify a precise list of measured in- gredients and exacting instructions for using them, Sif- ton’s compilation of no-recipe recipes is “an invitation for you to improvise in the kitchen.” Cooking in this manner, he proposes, helps to improve kitchen confidence and brings an element of fun to what, at times, can feel like drudgery. I’m a no-recipe gal myself. There’s freedom in going off-script, especially since the ingredients I have on hand vary from day to day, as do my level of creativity and the amount of time I can apply that energy toward cooking yet another day’s dinner. The greens, garlic, raisins and pine nuts form the core for the wilted greens dish below. Heat coaxes out bitter- ness from greens and pungency from the garlic; raisins — currants or golden raisins would be fancy — offer sweetness; toasted pine nuts bring mild buttery flavor PHOTOS BY DAVID EDGE/Stars and Stripes and crunch, although walnuts are good here, too. Chicken Kokio’s red chicken has a sweet, spicy chili sauce with sesame seeds sprinkled across the top. But, as you can see by the ingredients list below, other things are welcome to join the pan, and a splash of bal- samic at the end gives it just the right mellowed tart- ness. This one-pot dish makes for a nice side, whether served warm or at room temperature. Toss in cooked Old favorite, new home cannellini beans or chickpeas near the end of cooking to boost the protein and elevate it to entree status. I like to serve it with crusty bread for sopping up the Chicken Kokio moved across the Rhine to Mainz, but flavorful liquid released by the greens (and things) dur- ing cooking. Sometimes, I ditch a fork altogether and use the bread as a utensil. still offers the same great Korean-style fried chicken No-recipe Sauteed Greens and Things BY DAVID EDGE Chicken Kokio Ingredients Stars and Stripes AFTER Swiss chard, beet tops, spinach or a combination hen I think about getting Address: Schillstrasse 87, 55131 Mainz Yellow squash, zucchini or both good fried chicken, my HOURS Hours: Monday through Saturday, noon to Onion mind takes me to my 8:30 p.m, with a break from 3 p.m. to Garlic GERMANY 4:30 p.m. grandmother’s kitchen. I Olive oil W Prices: Between 5 euros and 13.50 euros would watch her season and batter Raisins Menu: German and English. The servers chicken to perfection in her trusted speak English and are very helpful. Takeout Balsamic vinegar cast-iron skillet as a young boy. only for now. Pine nuts So when I heard great things about Information: Phone 06131 8897177 and Salt and freshly ground pepper Chicken Kokio in Mainz, I knew that I 01573 8707299; online: chickenkokio- Directions had to check it out. .metro.rest Wash a bunch of Swiss chard. Roll the bunch up tight- Stars and Stripes last visited this David Edge ly like a cigar, then cut the leaves into about 1 ½-inch Korean-style restaurant three years strips and cut the stems into bite-size lengths. Keep the ago, when it was just opening for busi- The red, my favorite, is sweet with a leaves separate from the stems. ness near the Army’s Crestview hous- little kick to it, though I found myself Cut the squash lengthwise in half, then cut each half ing area, and gave it a pretty solid rec- wishing for more heat. into thin half-moons. ommendation. The eatery quickly The menu is small and the only Cut half an onion into thin slivers. Any onion will do, became a favorite for a lot of soldiers drinks are soda, water and tea. They but red onion will be prettiest. and their families. understand the value of doing one thing Mince 2 or 3 garlic cloves, more if you like garlic. Kokio has since moved across the well and sticking to it. The sides include Add enough olive oil to coat the bottom of a large Chicken Kokio, a favorite for families Rhine, which means they’ve shifted potato wedges, rice and radish salad for saute pan or heavy-bottomed pot and warm it over medi- at the Army’s Crestview housing from the state of Hessen over to Rhein- area, has moved to a new home achange of pace. um-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add the onion and land-Pfalz and its capital of Mainz. across the Rhine, but still serves the The chicken is super affordable, with garlic, and saute, stirring periodically. Once the onion Kokio was worth a trip around the same Korean­style fried chicken. the most expensive item the euro equiv- begins to soften, add the squash, stirring to combine, corner, but is it worth a drive? The alent of about $15. The portions are then cover the pan with a lid to encourage the release of handful of Americans in the restaurant Korean seasonings were familiar. huge — I ate from one large order for moisture. When the squash begins to soften and turn indicated it might well be. The restaurant sells boneless chick- two days. slightly golden, stir in the Swiss chard stems and lower The fried chicken is cooked to order en, wings and chicken pomballs, which If you’re coming from the Wiesbaden the heat to medium. Put the lid back on and let it cook with a homemade crispy coating and have diced potatoes added to the batter. garrison, here’s a pro tip: order your down a bit. After a few minutes, stir in the Swiss chard comes in three styles, with two different Kokio’s plain chicken is lightly sea- food in advance. The restaurant is a leaves and the raisins. Put the lid back on and let cook a sauces. soned, but they achieve big flavors with good 20 minutes from Hainerberg, and few more minutes. Add a splash of balsamic vinegar, a Having been stationed in Korea, I their sauces. The black sauce is a sweet it takes about that long to cook an order handful of toasted pine nuts, a few pinches of salt and was excited to try Kokio’s offerings. The soy sauce that can be a little overpower- of chicken. some cranks of freshly ground black pepper. Stir and frying seemed more of a hybrid style ing if you’ve never tasted sweet chick- [email protected] adjust seasoning. Serve warm or at room temperature. than I remembered, but the distinctive en. Twitter: @DavidEdge96798393 Serves 4 as a side dish. PAGE 24 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, May 28, 2021 WEEKEND: FOOD & DINING Not quite beef, not quite fish Curious diners can sample whale at Akiruno City Rajikku near Yokota

BY THERON GODBOLD Stars and Stripes AFTER ultures around the HOURS world enjoy different JAPAN delicacies. From fer- Cmented shark to Rocky Mountain oysters, tastes vary Akiruno City Rajikku widely. One such delicacy in Japan is whale. Location: K102 Amema, Akiruno, Japan has been hunting Tokyo 197-0825 Earth’s largest mammal for its Hours: Open 11 a. m. to 6 p.m.nMon- oil, bones and meat for 2,000 day to Saturday; closed Sunday. years, but the height of the indus- Prices: Lunch sets cost between $5 to $10. try came after World War II. Dress: Casual During Japan’s post-war re- Directions: A 10-minute drive from covery, whale meat became a Yokota Air Base via Route 7. Google precious source of protein. About plus code: P7FV+7V Akiruno, Tokyo 154,000 tons were consumed Information: Online: a-rajic.com domestically in 1960. (English available). These days, only a few thou- Theron Godbold PHOTOS BY THERON GODBOLD/Stars and Stripes sand pounds of whale meat are consumed yearly throughout the Akiruno City Rajikku’s whale ginger lunch set comes with a large amount of white rice with pan­fried meat on top. A small salad and pickles came with the meal. country and most of that is eaten from Yokota Air Base in western by the older generation, who say Tokyo. it reminds them of their child- Finding the eatery isn’t hard. A hood, according to a January 5-foot-tall cartoon whale serves 2019 article by Nippon.com. as the shop logo and stands out- Japan’s catch limit for whales side to greet you. Inside, photos is 383, and the country is limited of ships and posters of whales to fishing in its territorial waters cover the small space that has and exclusive economic zones. seating for eight. The United States and many Ordering isn’t difficult if you other nations and environmental use your phone. The website has groups oppose whale hunting, an English translation option, saying the animals have yet to and you can point at a photo on recover from past hunts and your mobile phone for the cash- environmental degradation. ier to start on your order. Japan counters that whale I tried the whale ginger lunch hunting is a cultural tradition. set for about $7. The set came Only Japan, Iceland and Norway with a lot of white rice with pan- continue to hunt whales, accord- fried whale meat on top. A small ing to the International Whaling salad and pickles were included. Commission. Other nations abide The taste reminded me of a by a moratorium on whaling that combination between seared started in 1985. tuna and ribeye, but not quite When I learned that a restau- either one. The ginger that came rant near my home served whale, sprinkled on top gave the meal a I was curious. I wondered if the fresh, airy flavor, though it still delicacy was worth the moral tasted slightly greasy. implications of tasting it, but in Overall, I was happy to have the end I decided to try it. tried something new, but it’s Akiruno City Rajikku is a small something I will try only once. restaurant and purveyor of whale [email protected] Whale­meat restaurant Akiruno City Rajikku has lunch sets starting at around $5. The website has an meat and goods about 10 minutes Twitter: @GodboldTheron English translation option to make ordering easier. Friday, May 28, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 25 WEEKEND: TRAVEL

Iron out

the kinks Travel plans can be ruined by a missed flight. Allow plenty of time to get to the airport for once­a­day international flights to avoid traffic snarls and the Ease back into travel possibility of missing the plane. TURKISH AIRLINES/TNS with these simple reminders

BY MARY-ANN ANDERSON Tribune News Service On the road ■ Take an extra car key and keep it in a place separate fter all this time of staying home, the mask- from your own, perhaps in your traveling mate’s purse or wearing and the vaccine-taking, that magic carpet ride that is travel is taking flight once pocket. If your keys are lost or stolen, then you have an again. We’re planning vacations to those extra to get home again. ■ long-awaited bucket list destinations or We all love Apple Maps, Google Maps, Waze and sAimple weekend getaways. those other GPS gizmos, but sometimes long stretches of Before you make the reservation, here’s a refresher rural road have no cell service. An old-fashioned paper course of a few basic travel tips that you may have forgot- road map comes in handy for those moments. While get- ten or maybe didn’t know in the first place, most of which ting lost can be half the fun of travel, be aware that tech- I learned from my years on the road, in the air and on the nology may fail in remote areas. ■ MARY­ANN ANDERSON/TNS rails. Keep a small, collapsible cooler in the trunk of your car. You never know what you might need it for leftovers During road trips, keep a small collapsible cooler in the Up in the air from a meal, flower cuttings from a beautiful vine, or trunk for taking home leftovers from a too­big meal, flower cuttings or local cheese from a farm stand. ■ If you’re flying a once-daily international nonstop, some to-die-for cheese or butter from a local market. it’s a good idea to get to the airport as early as possible to ■ A slow tour aboard a horse-drawn carriage, or even avoid traffic delays. Especially if your flight leaves near a bus tour, is often the way to learn about a city. Instead rush hour, allow an extra hour or so for traffic, or your of just barreling off blindly on your own when you get to a once-daily may be taking off while you’re stuck on the historic city, first take a tour and hear what the well- highway. trained guides have to say. After that, you’ll have more ■ Turbulence happens. Wear dark colors for flying in knowledge of sites worth exploring, plus excellent restau- case that glass of tomato juice or red wine or cup of coffee rant recommendations. goes awry. That cute pink outfit covered with a nice ca- In the suitcase bernet sauvignon suddenly becomes not so cute anymore. ■ ■ Flying with a companion? Try to book opposing aisle When it comes to packing, if it can leak, spill or seats. You’re still close enough to talk, and neither of you break, put it in a plastic storage bag with a strong zipper. is stuck in the dreaded middle seat or crammed into a It isn't a fun travel experience to open a suitcase and find tiny window seat. clothes covered with lotion, shampoo or mouthwash. ■ ■ Try booking flights as early in the morning as pos- If you can’t carry your suitcase up one flight of stairs sible to avoid weather-related delays. on your own, you’ve packed way too much. There is no need for a new outfit every day of your trip, and it’s per- Foreign lands fectly fine to wear the same things over and over. Heavy MARY­ANN ANDERSON/TNS ■ Bonjour! Jambo! Hola! Ciao! If you’re traveling luggage is no one’s friend, especially if you’re traveling to Dining at a fine, well­known restaurant can often be overseas, learn a few words or key phrases of the lan- an old, wonderful inn or hotel in Europe where elevators cost­prohibitive. You can still get the experience of the guage of the country you’re visiting, if nothing but hello, don’t exist. restaurant by checking to see if a restaurant has a goodbye, please, thank you, I’m sorry, and excuse me. ■ Pick out one basic color when planning your travel separate lunch menu that can be much less expensive. And smile. A little international friendliness goes a long wardrobe. Gray or black works well, as does red. One way. pair of black pants does it all from pairing with a T-shirt don’t speak the language, or just need to call the hotel, the ■ Flight delays happen, so take enough prescription during the day to a fancy top at night. information is at your fingertips. ■ medications to last one or even two more days longer than ■ If you find yourself on an extended trip or on a flight Always request two key cards, even if you’re by you originally plan. That’s to avoid what could turn into a with severe weight limits and can’t take many clothes, yourself. Keep one away from the other, not only in case real medical emergency because of not having enough then consider spray deodorant over stick. Lightly spritz you lose one, but also if your cell phone zaps it clean. You medicine. the inside of your clothes to keep them fresher and smell- then have a spare without having to go all the way back to ■ You’re off on that dream trip to Paris or London or ing nicer for longer stretches of time. reception. any city with fine restaurants that you’ve read about and ■ Ask for a hotel room away from the elevator or stair- have been salivating to visit. Dinner prices can be prohib- In the hotel well, both of which can be noisy sleep thieves, or one itively budget-busting, but you can still get the experience ■ Cities have myriad name-brand hotels like Marriott, that’s in the middle of the hallway and not facing the of dining at a renowned restaurant for much less money Hilton, Hyatt and Holiday Inn, but be aware that places street. Stuck in one anyway? There’s an app for that. by checking to see if the restaurant has a separate lunch like New York and London may have dozens of properties Search for terms like white noise, sound machine or na- menu. Entrees with all the fixings can be half the price of of one name. When you check in, pick up a card with the ture sounds, then it’s on to sweet, quiet dreams and an the dinner menu. hotel’s name, address and phone number. If you get lost, all-around better vacation experience. PAGE 26 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, May 28, 2021 WEEKEND: LIFESTYLE

BY RICHARD CHIN Star Tribune (Minneapolis) ong before this season’s fish- ing opener, a few Minnesota anglers were avidly casting lines into the water and haul- ing in hefty catches. Nothing like LBut they weren’t hooking walleye, bass or northern pike. They were hoping to reel in an antique metal sign, a safe full of money, maybe even a gun. It’s part of a new, and admittedly niche, sport of magnet fishing, where you “fish” the pull with a super-powerful magnet tied to a strong line. Most of the time, magnet fishers pull in mundane scrap metal: old nails and bolts, a length of rebar, fish hooks, beer bottle of sunken caps. But every once in a while, they might get a bite that turns out to be a sub- merged bike, an abandoned shopping cart or a Lime scooter that went for a swim. Websites and breathless YouTube vid- eos are full of memorable metallic fish treasure stories like the 6-year-old who found a stolen safe in the bottom of a South Car- olina lake, the Czech magnet fisher pulling Magnet fishing becoming a World War II-era German submachine gun from the water or the magnet fisher popular hobby in Europe, from Great Britain who found a hand- cuffed body in a Southhampton river. many regions of the US Nothing quite that exciting has hap- pened to Minnesota magnet fishers, al- though Marc Hirsh, of Monticello, once pulled up a picnic table in addition to the more common pocket knives, antique hand-forged nails and railroad spikes. Scott Thiry, a magnet fisher from Hop- kins, Minn., has reeled in a bicycle, a spe- cialized tool called a spud wrench and all the fishing hooks he could ever use. Phillip Marbut Jr., of Waite Park, Minn. said his coolest finds are a Zippo lighter, an old metal toy truck and, for some rea- son, several butter knives. “I don’t catch spoons. I don’t catch DAVID JOLES, (MINNEAPOLIS) STAR TRIBUNE/TNS forks,” Marbut said. Magnet fisherman Phillip Marbut Jr., who goes fishing most days, works one of his favorite spots at River’s Edge Park in Waite Park, No magnet fisher can count on getting Minn. Joining him was Steven Shoemaker, the creator of the Magnet Fishing Minnesota Facebook page. rich, finding a historical artifact or solving a crime by tossing a magnet into the wa- Marbut said. to get into. Magnet fishing kits sell on where it’s considered a form of metal ter. But it’s sort of like playing a lucky dip Metal fishing is believed to have started Amazon (which include a magnet, line and detecting, which is prohibited, said Ed game. You never really know what’s lying in Great Britain when traditional anglers protective gloves) for as little as $25.99. Quinn, a natural resource program super- on the bottom, and what you might pull up used magnets to retrieve keys or tools they Muscular Magnetics sells a family kit for visor with the Minnesota Department of when you reel in the line. accidentally dropped in the water, accord- $139.99. Natural Resources. State regulations also “That’s the fun of it,” said Steven Shoe- ing to Michael Taylor, owner of Muscular The magnets, which are shaped like a prohibit the removal of any state property maker of Elk River, Minn., who also hunts Magnetics, a 2-year-old magnet fishing hockey puck, are made with neodymium, in a state park, with the exception of ed- for treasure by panning for gold and using gear company based in Idaho. a rare-earth element that can be used to ible fruit and mushrooms for personal, a metal detector. “It’s just amazing what “It’s only been in the past four or five make high-powered magnets that, in ideal noncommercial use. people throw into the water.” years that it’s become a thing,” Taylor conditions, can grip objects weighing And while local magnet fishers say they Part of the appeal is trying to identify said. hundreds of pounds. often get strange looks, they haven’t been what you just hauled up. (A car part? Part He estimates that there are a few thou- Besides good heavy gloves, magnet prohibited from practicing their hobby. of a railroad bridge? A metal shoe for an sand magnet fishers in the United States, fishing websites also suggest getting a “I’ve never had any issue anywhere I’ve ox?) And then trying to figure out how it although “it’s getting out there more and tetanus shot and packing hand sanitizer. thrown,” Marbut said. “We’re just pulling got in the water. (Dropped by a butter- more.” And if you find a gun — “the trophy rusty old steel out of the water.” fingered boater? Dumped by a litterer? Shoemaker uses satellite images and Picked up and put down by a tornado?) map databases to research historic bridge “You always think of people who lose “That’s the fun of it. It’s just amazing what sites or other places where stuff might their stuff when they’re fishing,” Marbut have been tossed in the past. said. “It kind of gets your imagination people throw into the water.” “Places where people drive, a lot of stuff going.” gets thrown over,” Marbut said. One magnet fishing website claims that Steven Shoemaker But places where there’s little traffic, people have used the hobby to find coins, magnet fisher in Elk River, Minn. where you wouldn’t be spotted throwing cannonballs and motorcycles under water. something in the water, are also good The site suggests magnet fishing off piers spots for magnet fishing, Shoemaker said. in harbors because “you could find large The hobby is also growing in parts of muskie of magnet fishing,” according to “If there’s graffiti in the area, that’s metal boxes of cash that may have fallen Europe, where there’s a lot of metal in Shoemaker — the police should be notified usually a good sign that someone’s dump- off some boats.” canals and other bodies of water thanks to immediately, said Sgt. Natalie Davis, a ing stuff,” Thiry said. Even if it’s just scrap metal, local mag- centuries of warfare. spokeswoman for the St. Paul, Minn., Despite the abundance of lakes and net fishers don’t catch and release, but “England is very, very big for magnet police. Anything that might fire or explode rivers, there’s one problem with magnet rather dispose of or recycle their finds and fishing,” Shoemaker said. shouldn’t be handled at all, she added. fishing in the state. consider themselves to be helping the A retired Army helicopter pilot, Shoe- The activity is so new that it has few “Minnesota is pretty doggone clean,” environment by hauling hundreds of maker started the Magnet Fishing Minne- regulations. Shoemaker said. “You don’t see a lot of pounds of metal out of local rivers and sota Facebook group about two years ago. “Most of the time you can magnet fish garbage in Minnesota streams. lakes. It currently has about 450 members. anywhere,” Taylor said. “It’s bad for magnet fishing, but good “I always bag up everything I catch,” As hobbies go, it’s a relatively cheap one However, it’s not allowed in state parks, for the environment.” Friday, May 28, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 27 WEEKEND: VIDEO GAMES

f you can believe it, biodiversity and mutation are at you’ve played any of the games previously mentioned, it’s the core of the narrative and mechanics of Biom- incredibly hard not to notice it. However, I am impressed utant. That’s not always a strength. The game’s that Experiment 101, a studio that seemingly has fewer Iweird, Frankenstein design cobbles together so BIOMUTANT than 30 employees, created such an expansive world. many elements owed to its contemporaries that the game Biomutant offers many types of weapons, including often feels like less than the sum of its parts. melee varieties like one-handed and two-handed swords, Right off the bat, Biomutant provides a huge swath of and crushing hammer weapons, as well as ranged ones customization options. For your player character, you can A cool world such as pistols and rifles. You’ll also come across differ- select different breeds that have advantages in certain ent parts that you can combine together to create new stats, and that establishes your baseline look. The Hyla, weapons. The loot you find can almost be overwhelming for example, is a hyena-based species that focuses more at times. It’s great that Biomutant offers so much choice on defense; it has a slight advantage in the Armor stat. in how you customize your character, gear and approach. The Fip breed is nerdy-looking with buck teeth, and is that could use The biggest problem with Biomutant is the minute-to- more naturally inclined toward Psionic powers; it can minute combat. Most attacks feel absolutely weightless. recover energy faster for its mind-based attacks. There’s no impact behind the swing of the sword. Ene- On top of that, you can also select better stats that in mies can feel like damage sponges, especially the bigger turn mutate your character. Putting more focus into Vital- ones. When you hit them, they don’t seem to stagger; in ity causes your player character to have a much bigger better combat fact, they usually end up knocking you off your feet any- head, whereas specializing in Agility gives you longer way. You can parry attacks by blocking at the right mo- legs. The customization here is pretty impressive and BY GEORGE YANG ment, but the window of opportunity isn’t very forgiving. I truly lives up to the game’s title. The Washington Post was left wishing the combat mechanics were closer to The world is a post-apocalyptic one, the result of corpo- Ghost of Tsushima, which were very well refined. rate greed by a toxic chemical company in the “old You can level up to earn upgrade points and unlock world.” Anthropomorphic animals — such as your char- special combo attacks and abilities to perform during acter — roam the Earth. It’s a truly beautiful world that battle, such as spewing toxic waste that forces your ene- attempts to world-build by calling old contraptions, like my to fight against their own comrades, or leaving a trail washing machines and toilets, silly names like “clothes- of fire when you dash toward an enemy. soakers” and “flush-stools,” respectively. These naming The gameplay attempts to be flashy. But without any of conventions that the world’s inhabitants come up with the “oomph” behind your attacks, it feels shallow, and it’s add charm to the world and its overall cartoonish tone. just not fun to engage in combat encounters. Additionally, Biomutant borrows many mechanics from its contem- there doesn’t seem to be any sort of manual targeting poraries. Scavenging a once-populated city’s ruins re- mechanic as far I could tell. So fighting multiple enemies minds me of looking for materials in The Last of Us Part at a time, which you will often do, feels like a chore if II. The open-world exploration is very reminiscent of you’re trying to focus on taking out enemies one by one. Days Gone and modern Assassin’s Creed games. It’s such a shame that the combat feels so undercooked Of course, the biggest elephant in the room is how because the rest of the game is decent, or sometimes much it reminds of Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. great, such as with the environmental design. I really do The overall goal of Biomutant is to take down four giant enjoy exploring what the open world has to offer and monsters called the World Eaters and restore the Tree of listening to the soft soundtrack while learning more about Life. Sound familiar? You even get a glider. the characters through their side quests. Biomutant even has a morality system of Light and Biomutant is a weird amalgamation of many standard Dark, incredibly similar to the Paragon and Renegade video game mechanics, almost like an actual mutant. dynamic in Mass Effect. The choices you make through- There are so many borrowed ideas that you’re bound to out the game can change how other characters interact find something you like about this game. There’s a lot of with you. If you choose to execute an NPC rather than customization, and it’s got a lot of charm and personality work with them, that could have ripple effects. too. If only the combat had just been fine tuned to feel It may seem unfair to judge Biomutant by the stan- more impactful, the overall experience could have been dards of games that have garnered “Game of the Year” Experiment 101 photos that much better. praise and accolades, but the way the mechanics are Biomutant is a third­person, open­world game in which Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, implemented are so obvious, they stick out. It’s not a bad the player controls a mammalian warrior to scavenge, Xbox Series X/S, PC thing and these mechanics are competent enough, but if scrap and survive in a world filled with mutated animals. Online: biomutant.com/en PAGE 28 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, May 28, 2021 WEEKEND: BOOKS

BY ASHLEY SPENCER ride about their own impressions Special to The Washington Post JESSE DITTMAR/For The Washington Post and, he somewhat sheepishly he evening began at admitted, he has not read any of Spago, as so many ’80s his peers’ memoirs. nights did for the young “Memory is a funny thing,” he Tand the fun and the noted. In Gilbert’s memoir, for famous. A cast of characters that instance, the “Little House on the included Rob Lowe; his then- Prairie” star wrote that the afore- girlfriend, Melissa Gilbert; and mentioned outing at Spago and Andrew McCarthy dined at the Sammy’s included Michael Jack- trendy West Hollywood eatery son at their dinner table and alongside Liza Minnelli before Minnelli and McCarthy publicly blindly following the chanteuse “making out” at the end of the to somewhere she called “Sam- night. Both of those points, ac- my’s.” cording to McCarthy’s rep in a “Sammy’s” turned out to be the follow-up email, are “absolutely Beverly Hills mansion of Sammy untrue.” Davis Jr., where the Rat Packer The paradox of both the “Brat” ushered members of the soon-to- book title and the label in gener- be-minted Brat Pack into his al, of course, is that the Brat Pack party pad for a night of billiards never really existed as a defin- and drinking that ended with itive group in the first place. In McCarthy struggling not to vomit 1985, New York Magazine writer all over Minnelli’s Rolls-Royce David Blum was tasked with on the drive writing a profile on McCarthy’s home. “St. Elmo’s Fire” co-star Emilio “I’ll never get Estevez. But after trailing him, that image out Lowe and Judd Nelson to a Hard of my mind Rock Cafe one night where the when the door stars chatted up women and opens and you reveled in their popularity, Blum look straight opted to publish a sweeping, ahead, and scathing commentary on this there’s nobody new generation of young celebri- there. Then you ties instead. He included every- look down, and there’s Sammy,” one from Tom Cruise to Nicolas McCarthy said. “Rob just looked Cage, basically anyone under 25 at me and goes, ‘Holy s—.’” who had appeared in a coming- Most of this fantastical order of of-age film with other under-25- events is recounted in McCar- year-olds. The cover line? “Holly- thy’s new memoir, but he de- wood’s Brat Pack.” lights in breathlessly telling it McCarthy, an introspective again at the mention of the in- East Coaster at heart who “was tergenerational outing. not aggressively showbiz ori- “Oh my God! It was one of the ented,” didn’t attend the docu- craziest — first, I’m sitting at mented raucous outing, and his dinner next to Liza. And then we only mention in the piece is a go to Sammy’s. I mean, how?” he single, anonymous quote from laughed. “I was a long way from one of his “St. Elmo’s Fire” New Jersey.” brethren, who quipped that Now he’s a long way from Confronting his past McCarthy “plays all his roles Sammy’s. Chatting via video with too much of the same in- from the sun-dappled kitchen of tensity. I don’t think he’ll make his lake house in upstate New Actor and director Andrew McCarthy ran from the Brat Pack, it.” York, McCarthy is embodying Looking back on the dynamic the role of middle-aged dad but now he’s ready to relive the ’80s with his new memoir with his male co-stars, McCarthy working from home in the pan- said, “I don’t know that I felt demic. He joins the call, then excluded by them. I just felt immediately pops on his reading the “Brat Pack” label and took ments letting him know that education — the latter obtained excluded from them. I think that glasses to text his teenage daugh- pains to distance himself from posters of his face once hung on during a stint at New York Uni- was more my own thing. They ter before we begin and scram- his time as an inadvertent mati- their bedroom walls or that they versity and by sneaking into any were perfectly fine and nice to bles to silence the bing of un- nee idol. While fans enveloped named their sons after his “Pret- Broadway show he could manage me.” Still, reading the printed related emails. themselves in the comforting ty in Pink” character, Blane.) — landing his first movie role at quote from one of them, he said, The face on the screen is still nostalgia of his ’80s films on “This was the definitive mo- age 20 in “Class,” in which he “hurt my feelings.” (He’s un- the same face that won the hearts VHS, DVD and now streaming, ment in my life, these couple of romanced a then-38 Jacqueline willing to guess which of the of viewers and Molly Ringwald McCarthy ignored the rearview. years, and I never looked at it,” Bisset, and how the chaotic dec- three said it: “I don’t care. Who in the 1986 teen classic “Pretty in He became an accomplished he said. “So, I thought I should ade unfolded from there. cares.”) Pink.” A few decades older, a few travel writer, published a travel look under that rock and see if I Through it all, McCarthy felt Adding insult to injury, he was decades wiser. His eyes don’t memoir and served as the editor actually had anything to learn like an outsider. He developed an cropped out of the cover photo, widen with boyish wonder as at large for National Geographic from it, and then, anything to aloof exterior and a general blasé which was a publicity still from often as they once did but rather Traveler. He wrote a young adult offer from it.” attitude toward the industry. He the movie. crinkle with intensity as he care- novel told through the eyes of a With “Brat: An ’80s Story,” out inadvertently blew opportunities “Initially, you look at the cover, fully unpacks his origin story. He teen girl. He pivoted to TV di- May 11, he offers not only a recol- and distanced himself from the and you go, ‘Wait, I should be in wanders down scholarly tan- recting, helming dozens of epi- lection of his experiences shoot- Hollywood scene. It was a revela- this!’ Then, you read the article gents, quoting Joan Didion and sodes of shows like “Orange Is ing films like “Pretty in Pink,” tion when, years later, Alec Bald- and go, ‘Thank God, I’m not in theories of enlightenment, punc- the New Black,” “The Blacklist,” “Mannequin,” “Weekend at Ber- win suggested during a podcast it,’” he said. “Then, two weeks tuating his thoughts with a fre- “The Sinner” and “Gossip Girl.” nie’s” and “St. Elmo’s Fire,” but appearance that maybe McCar- later, it doesn’t matter because quent, inconclusive refrain of Until, finally, the self-de- a broader exploration of the thy never wanted to be famous in ‘Pretty in Pink’ comes out and is “but anyway.” scribed “not a nostalgic person” tangled nature of success, fame, the first place. a huge hit, and you get swallowed The fact that we’re even hav- decided he should confront the his complicated relationship with Still, McCarthy maintains his up into it anyway.” ing this conversation represents decade that made him a house- his father and his personal de- book isn’t a definitive account of But by lumping the rising stars a marked shift for the 58-year- hold name among a certain group mons. Less sordid tell-all, more that heady time, but rather the together, Blum inadvertently old. of Gen X pop culture lovers. (On contemplative reflection. He way he remembers it. He chose dismantled the whole system. For decades, McCarthy McCarthy’s Instagram, fans in writes about his New Jersey to abstain from consulting with flinched at his association with their 40s and 50s still leave com- upbringing and his New York others who were along for the SEE BRAT PACK ON PAGE 29 Friday, May 28, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 29 WEEKEND: MUSIC/BOOKS Q&A Heart’s Nancy Wilson on Van Halen, 1st solo album

BY JOHN CARUCCI played me this beautiful piece of music on this Associated Press guitar, this acoustic. It just broke my heart. It was hen Nancy Wilson befriended Eddie so beautiful. Van Halen, she learned the famed How did “4 Edward” come about? musician never played acoustic gui- After he left us just recently, I was like, “Oh, I’m Wtar. So she gifted him one. making an album. I’m going to write an acoustic Wilson said Van Halen called her the next day to instrumental for Eddie.” It’s a minute-and-a-half say he stayed up all night and penned a song with it. that ends the record. But it’s my take on what his “It just broke my heart,” Wilson said. thing sounded kind of like with a bit of classical to After the guitar virtuoso succumbed to cancer start, a little bit of rock in the middle, and like a last year, Wilson thought it was fitting to honor him beautiful sort of sweet classical ending for him. on her new album. “4 Edward,” inspired by that What made this the right time for your first solo first song he played for her on acoustic guitar, is the album? closing track on Wilson’s first solo album “You and It’s been a long time since I was off the road. I’ve Me,” released May 7. been on the road since my early 20s. And so, you As for the album, the Heart guitarist and co- know, being on the road with Heart has been the founder had not considered doing a solo record in main job for decades in my life. And having had the the past but being stuck at home during the pan- shutdown happen, for me was actually such a bless- demic changed things. ing in disguise. “It was kind of a forced opportunity to actually do What’s the status of your day job, you know, in the solo record,” she said. Heart? While most of the songs on the album were writ- There’s an offer from Live Nation for a Heart ten by Wilson, she recorded a few covers, including tour, which would be 2022 most likely, probably not Simon and Garfunkel’s “The Boxer” and Bruce until the spring. So that offer is still on the table and Springsteen’s “The Rising.” The album also has I hope it stays there before everybody else, like, collaborators like former Van Halen singer Sammy sweeps it up before we can get it. ... I would love to Hagar, Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins and get back onstage with my sister because we’re a Guns N’ Roses bassist Duff McKagan. really good band together and we have some good In an interview with The Associated Press, the songs that people love. Rock and Roll Hall of Famer spoke about her solo You and (sister and Heart vocalist) Ann have album, her day job in Heart and her friendship with inspired girls around the world to play rock ’n’ roll. Van Halen. Remarks have been edited for clarity How did you become role models? and brevity. Nobody expected us to be out frontwomen rock- AP: Something special happened when you ing like that. We came from a military background, toured with Van Halen, right? so, you know, our dad retired as a major in the Wilson: I gave him his first acoustic (guitar). He Marine Corps and we traveled all the time, and we said, “You play great acoustic,” and I go, “Why were tight knit, and our mom was strong because don’t you play acoustic guitar?” He’s like, “I don’t he was gone. And she raised us like as a dad and a have one.” Well, so here it is. You do now. And I mom. And she got a lot of music under our skin as always love to tell the story because later, at the well. So, we just felt like, “Why can’t we be the Ricky Steel crack of dawn, he called my hotel room on the ac- Beatles?” Like, we love the Beatles, but not going to Heart guitarist Nancy Wilson, who had time on her hands when COVID tual analog hotel phone in the day and said, “Listen, marry the Beatles. We just wanted to be the Beat- forced the band off the road, recorded her first solo album. listen, listen. I wrote the song all night.” And he les. Brat Pack: McCarthy says he now has ‘affection’ for the label

FROM PAGE 28 OK to talk about it again, but year-old son, Sam (with ex-wife played Ringwald’s on-screen son they shouldn’t be messed with, The actors weren’t all palling there’s no talk of getting the band Carol Schneider), co-stars on in the 2018 indie flick “All These and I’m not so precious that I’m around en masse before (some, back together for that greatest Netflix’s “Dead to Me,” and his Small Moments.” When he was like, no, I wouldn’t touch that,” like Demi Moore and Estevez, hits tour.” 14-year-old daughter, Willow cast, McCarthy asked him who he said. “They mean more to did date each other), and as soon Label or not, the effects of (with wife Dolores Rice), played else was in the movie. Sam’s other people than they do to me.” as the magazine hit stands, most fame were immediate and pro- the titular role in Broadway’s response: “‘Somebody named McCarthy has spent a lot of scattered in fear of being forever found. While filming “Pretty in “Matilda” musical. Molly something.’” time thinking about exactly why tied to the perceived slur. Pink,” McCarthy recalls in the “The last thing I ever wanted, I To younger generations, in that is. After a draft or two of his “The minute that term was book, co-star James Spader took always said, was for my children general, the term “Brat Pack” memoir, he ultimately settled on invented, those movies stopped him to a strip club where a danc- to become actors,” he said with a now conjures a hazy vibe of ’80s this: It’s not really about him or happening because actors stop- er named Glitter altered her sigh. “Life is cruel to parents, high-schoolers and John Hughes. his characters or the movies or ped wanting to be in a movie with usual routine to include the isn’t it?” The sordid minutia of the New the Brat Pack at all. He, the not- anyone contemporary,” McCar- theme song from “St. Elmo’s Still, McCarthy’s kids (he and York Magazine or any negative nostalgic person, is a mere avatar thy said. Fire” and proceeded to date Rice are also parents to son Row- stereotypes that surrounded it for everyone else’s nostalgia. Estevez shirked from doing a McCarthy for a brief time. an, 7) have little interest in their are all mostly forgotten. “What they’re talking about is film about the men who created “I’m suddenly catnip where a dad’s contributions to cinematic Even McCarthy has made their own youth. What I repre- the Woodstock music festival week before, I would not have history. A viewing of “Weekend peace with the label that will sent, really, to so many people is after learning McCarthy would been looked at twice. That’s a at Bernie’s” merited a “Dad, follow him forever. More than their own (coming-of-age) mo- be involved. And McCarthy weird adjustment,” he said. that’s the stupidest movie I’ve peace, he insisted. He has “affec- ment,” he said. “And to be able to hasn’t spoken to most of his for- “Fame cellularly changes people. ever seen” reaction from Sam, tion” for it. “It’s a great term, serve that function for people, to mer co-stars in decades. It changed who I became.” while Willow only made it you’ve got to admit,” he said. “It’s be the avatar of that, is actually a “There were so few of us that And despite McCarthy’s ada- through the “Pretty in Pink” caught on for a reason.” He’s also great gift. That’s what I came to that happened to, and it hap- mant belief that “no one should trailer before declaring, “I am not opposed to seeing his films realize. It’s not a prison. It’s not a pened to us in a big way. I’ve be famous before they’re 30,” not watching that movie. I do not rebooted or sequeled and would box. It’s not a stigma. It’s all never talked to any of them about two of his children have also want to see you kissing some- consider reprising his old roles. those things, but it’s also this it,” he said. “I hope we’d all be pursued acting careers. His 19- body.” Coincidentally, Sam also “They’re not so sacred that blessing in a way.” PAGE 30 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, May 28, 2021 WEEKEND: MUSIC Gen Z gem Rodrigo delivers flawless, Swiftian pop on debut album

BY MIKAEL WOOD Los Angeles Times hatever you think of Olivia Rodrigo — whatever you could say (or tweet) about the 18-year-old singer-songwriter shaping up to be pop’s breakout star of 2021 — trust that Rodrigo has already thought it. W She knows she’s “obsessive,” as she puts it in one song from her wily and affecting debut album, “Sour”; she knows she’s “too emotional,” as she puts it in another. And though she also knows she “thinks too much ’bout kids who don’t know me,” she simply can’t help it: “I hate the way I’m perceived,” Rodrigo admits in a voice proudly defined by SoCal vocal fry — a pretty striking confession given that it comes barely a minute into an LP whose whole job is to introduce her. Hot on the heels of “Drivers License,” Rodrigo’s gloriously melodramatic power ballad that came out of nowhere to spend eight weeks atop Billboard’s Hot 100, “Sour” might be the most self-aware pop record in recent memory. Again and again across these 11 songs, Rodrigo measures her values and desires against those of others; she describes how her experience of a relationship differed from an ex’s and wonders why she’s not as psyched about being young as older people keep telling her she should be. “I’m so sick of 17 / Where’s my f— teenage dream?” she snarls over crunching guitars on “Brutal” — just one perfect Insta- gram caption on an album full of them. This preoccupation with perception and identity makes sense for a member of Gen Z who grew up amid social media where even noncelebrities have to learn to navigate an endless projec- tion of selves. Over a creeping bass line in “Jealousy, Jealousy,” she admits to wanting to “throw my phone across the room Olivia Rodrigo ’cause all I see are girls too good to be true.” Sour (Geffen) Yet for Rodrigo, it’s also an occupational hazard. Before “Drivers License” instantly ignited her musical career, the Temecula, Calif., native with Filipino family roots was best known for her starring role on the deeply self-referential Disney+ show “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series,” on which she plays a girl who has a starring role in a production of a high school musical adapted from the original 2006 Disney Channel movie. More complicated still, Rodrigo supposedly wrote “Drivers Li- cense” after breaking up with one of her castmates — an actor whose onscreen character had earlier inspired real-life Rodrigo to write a song for her charac- ter to sing (after writing it!) on the show. Does all this make it sound as though “Sour,” which she made almost en- tirely with writer-producer Daniel Nigro, should come with a flow chart? You don’t need to know anything about Rodrigo’s life to enjoy the record, which uses shapely melodies and crafty textures to deliver stories about the emotional trials of late teenhood. Strip away the complex intertextual stuff Rodrigo learned to do by watching her avowed hero Taylor Swift, and “Sour” argues that even heartbreak is a welcome sensation after more than a year of soul-dead- ening Zoom life. “Maybe in some masochistic way, I kind of find it all exciting,” she says of a boy’s mixed messages in “1 Step Forward, 3 Steps Back,” which takes enough inspiration from Swift’s song “New Year’s Day” that the superstar is credited as a co-writer. Yet fully appreciating Rodrigo’s skill requires paying close atten- tion; she sings like an actor and writes like a screenwriter, which sets her apart in a post-Taylor pop scene that’s gotten quickly crowded with the whispery likes of Billie Eilish, Tate McRae and Gracie Abrams. The referents are hipper than with previous Disney stars looking to break out of the Mouse House, and the language is coarser with F-bombs dropping every few tunes. There’s nothing offhand about these songs, though; each has been worked to a kind of exquisitely scuffed polish that suits the album’s hall-of-mirrors vibe. Rodrigo ends “Sour” by turning her gaze outward in the hymn-ish “Hope Ur OK,” which tells of two childhood friends who struggled with bigoted, unloving parents when they were young. She’s not sure where they ended up, she tells us, softly and breathily now, as though she’s looking back through the eyes of an old woman. But of course, she’s not. “Nothing’s forever / Nothing’s as good as it seems,” she sings — another illusion inside and out.

Universal Music Group Friday, May 28, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 31 WEEKEND: TELEVISION

COMMENTARY

Thuso Mbedu plays a runaway slave in “The Underground Railroad.” Don’t look away The graphic images in ‘Underground Railroad’ may be hard to watch but are necessary, a AMAZON STUDIOS PHOTOS/TNS “The Underground Railroad’s” Ridgeway (Joel Edgerton) and his sidekick, Homer (Chase Dillon), spend the ‘testament’ to the reality, resilience of slaves series chasing Cora, a runaway slave. Episode four offers a look at how Ridgeway became so ruthless.

BY DAVID ZURAWIK ity of dominant culture. Jenkins hidden openings in the earth. can see is a Black corpse. This is of-age drama that won Oscars for The Baltimore Sun contrasts these scenes with poet- Jenkins’ visual adaptation of that Cora’s introduction to a white, best picture and best adapted he images in Amazon’s ic and equally powerful images brilliant conceit is equally im- religious community where one screenplay in 2017, shared his “The Underground of resilience, tenderness and pressive as he uses sound and man, a station master on the thinking on such gruesome imag- Railroad” are searing, kindness among the victims of image to create a pulsing, surg- railroad, reluctantly agrees to es in production notes provided Tchallenging, graphic slavery, particularly Cora. ing, steam-belching locomotive hide her in the rafters of the by Amazon. and, in some cases, tender and As the series opens, Cora is a that arrives like a mighty archan- home he shares with his wife. “There are hard images in this poetic. They will remain in my teenager. She has been aban- gel of deliverance at the under- Cora’s narrative of escape is show, images that speak forth- mind’s eye and, I believe, the doned by her mother, Mabel ground station where Cora and made all the more gripping by rightly to the injustices inflicted collective unconscious of all who (Sheila Atim), who disappeared Caesar wait. the ongoing storyline of Ridge- upon my ancestors in the great see them long after the final from the plantation and is pre- But deliverance from slavery way (Joel Edgerton), a relentless making of this country … and yet credits roll. This is a special, sumed to have escaped. Every in Georgia is not necessarily and ruthless slave catcher on her they could never truly sum up even epic, screen production horrible thing one can imagine salvation. Episode two opens in trail. One of the most jarring the hardness of this most hor- from Academy Award-winning happening to an abandoned slave 19th-century South Carolina, still moments in the series comes in rible condition, the American director Barry Jenkins. child on a plantation appears to in the realm of magical realism episode four, when Jenkins takes institution of slavery,” he says. Adapted from Colson White- have happened to Cora, and she as evidenced by a skyscraper in viewers away from Cora’s jour- “And while I have done every- head’s Pulitzer Prize-winning is physically and emotionally the city where Cora and Caesar ney to provide an extended back- thing I can to present them forth- novel, the 10-part limited series, scarred. now reside. Life here is pretty, story for how Ridgeway became rightly and without over-sensa- which began streaming May 14, tion, the fact of their existence is starts on a plantation of savage, a hard thing to bear. It is for that white cruelty in Georgia in the Though it is set in the past, it speaks with great force, reason that alongside those hard antebellum South and follows an images I have also strove to pay escaped slave named Cora (Thu- righteousness and wisdom to the conversation of respect to softer ones whose so Mbedu) on a brutal and fan- existence is no less emphatic. tastic hero quest for freedom. American life today about systematic racism, Whether that be a formerly en- Though it is set in the past, it slaved woman marveling at her speaks with great force, righ- reparations and the crimes committed by figures of sublime reflection in a mirror … teousness and wisdom to the or an enslaved man sitting on a conversation of American life law enforcement authority against Black people. porch mending a toy for the chil- today about systematic racism, dren he did not conceive but reparations and the crimes com- Then a chance of escape. Cae- gentle and refined for the couple. such a monster. I believe the whom he will raise as his sons.” mitted by figures of law enforce- sar (Aaron Pierre), a fellow slave They dress in fine clothes and choice pays off and enriches the Jenkins says the images “are ment authority against Black who reads from a hidden copy of waltz under globes of light at an drama. My advice overall for the testament to the deep wells of people. Jonathan Swift’s adventure saga, outdoor pavilion. But, as they series: When in doubt about a fortitude that had to have been Understand that some of the “Gulliver’s Travels,” tells her of come to find out, Black life is no narrative change in direction, present in order for the descend- images are tough to see. I had to an Underground Railroad that less threatened here than on the trust Jenkins. You could not be in ants of those people to persevere step away from the screen sever- can deliver them from the hell in plantation as the ever-smiling better hands. and retain agency that they may al times to deal with the brutal which they are trapped. She white sponsors of this society are One of the director’s most one day use language to create acts of violence, such as a recap- agrees to follow him through the practicing Nazi-style eugenics stunning and surreal creations is testaments in their ancestors’ tured runaway slave being hung woods and swamps to a place he aimed at wiping out Black life. the imagery in episode five as image.” up by his arms, whipped and set says he knows the train will stop. The next stop finds Cora alone Cora travels through Tennessee “The Underground Railroad” on fire just yards away from This is the first of several mar- in North Carolina. And the white as Ridgeway’s captive. Ten- is one of the screen’s greatest where the white plantation owner velous moments in the series. people here are far more open nessee is a hellscape of burning cultural testaments to the cour- and his guests were having an Whitehead’s novel took the his- about what they are up to: hunt- trees and charred forests. It is a age, humanity, resilience and outdoor dinner. But, I believe torical underground railroad, a ing and killing any Black people perfect objective correlative for strength of those ancestors. The they are necessary to communi- network of Black and white peo- they encounter. The tone is set the emotional and spiritual dev- nation is profoundly enriched by cate some sense of the horrific ple who helped runaway slaves early in this episode as Jenkins astation Cora feels at being cap- having the words and images of reality of slavery after some two escape, and turned it into a literal creates the shocking cinematic tured again and marched back this series become an enduring centuries of whitewashing in reality, a locomotive that runs on image of a long road flanked on toward Georgia in chains. part of our shared memory. media, ranging from textbooks to a series of underground tracks, both sides by stately trees. Hang- Jenkins, who also directed and All 10 episodes of “The Underground Railroad” are feature films, by the vast major- which are accessed through ing on each tree as far as the eye co-wrote “Moonlight,” a coming- available to stream on Amazon Prime Video. PAGE 32 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, May 28, 2021 WEEKEND: HEALTH & FITNESS ‘As music evolves, Zumba evolves’ Zumba co-founder and CEO ponders first 20 years of the ‘forever brand,’ its next 20

BY ROB WILE Miami Herald t started with VHS tapes. And now it’s taken over the world. Twenty years since its founding, IZumba has helped millions dance their way to fitter, happier lives, says co- founder and CEO Alberto Perlman. Officially launched in Aventura, Fla., by Colombian dancer Alberto “Beto” Perez, Zumba reached $20 million in Q&A video sales via TV infomercials by 2003. By 2012, the New York Times reported Zumba was val- ued at $500 million. It now has 250 employ- ees at its Hallandale Beach, Fla., head- quarters. “The stories you hear are amazing — it’s not what you hear in a normal fitness class,” Perlman said. “It’s people who have survived an illness, or stories of people who moved to a new city and didn’t know any- one and Zumba created a community for them, or someone who was able to leave an abusive relationship.” Today, Zumba, the business, works via licensing its material to instructors who pay a monthly fee to teach classes. Perlman says the company’s biggest growth market is in Asia, which he attributed to the re- gion’s rising middle class. Zumba’s Japa- nese Instagram page has nearly 15,000 GETTY IMAGES/TNS followers. First Lady Michelle Obama (right) dances in a Zumba class along with children and actor Mario Lopez (center) during a visit to the “It’s nonstop in those markets — I don’t Gwen Cherry Park NFL/YET Center Feb. 25, 2014, in Miami. The visit was part of a celebration around the fourth anniversary of think you’ll find a gym there that doesn’t “Let’s Move!,” Obama’s initiative to ensure that all children grow up healthy and reach their full potential. have Zumba,” Perlman said. The Miami Herald spoke with Perlman successful. We believe people don’t need to learn about the evolution of the dance- “In Zumba, we call it F.E.J.: freeing another screen in their life. We want them fitness craze 20 years later, how it survived to get together in person, and we don’t want the pandemic, and what the next 20 years electrifying joy. You get lost in the music: humanity to lose that. Mental health has might look like. His remarks have been also come up as a big topic in how Zumba edited for clarity and brevity. You’re having so much fun that all other helps — we want to create more moments Miami Herald: How has Zumba changed to help people through any mental health over the past two decades? thoughts are gone; you’re just there, present issues. Perlman: The original Zumba class We’ve also created a new brand, hasn’t changed that much, but what chang- in the moment.” STRONG Nation. It’s a high-intensity train- es is the the type of music we use. When we Alberto Perlman ing program — but we created a program came on the scene, reggaeton did not exist, where the music is scored to the workout. and as soon as we started hearing these Zumba co-founder and CEO talks about the fitness activity’s emotional aspect So we create these routines, then create sounds coming out of Puerto Rico, we said, music that completely matches the rou- ‘These are perfect for Zumba.’ We were the And the other piece is the community. In over 50 developers — we said in 60 days we tines. We want to have an epic feeling, first ones to bring reggaeton into the main- yoga, it’s similar as well — there’s a pil- need a solution for instructors to teach really feeling like a bad-ass. So you’re go- stream. As music evolves, Zumba evolves grimage to India, or some sort of yoga digitally, take payments digitally, and ing to see more STRONG Nation in the — you’re dancing to popular music, and shrine. In Zumba, there’s a convention manage students, and they did it in 60 days. years to come. that always keeps you coming back. every year, and it’s a magical place. Phys- It was incredible and amazing to see our We also created the Zumba music lab. How does Zumba compete with new ical plus emotional plus community is why instructors and the community migrate to It’s a production house where we create exercise trends on the scene? Zumba is a forever brand. online. You can see what people were say- our own music. We’re working with some Most fitness programs usually live in the How did the COVID­19 pandemic affect ing about the classes — it was a very pow- of the best writers and producers in the space of, ‘We’re better from a calorie-burn Zumba? erful moment to emerge as a virtual brand. world, and now record labels are coming perspective, or from a fitness perspective.’ We had some pretty dark moments at the But now we’re trying to get them back into and saying they want to launch our songs. But if you only live in that physical space, beginning. In February 2020, since we classes, so after the virtual moment, we What is the best way to convince someone is going to come along and will have an operation in China, we started started seeing outdoor classes. So we had someone to try Zumba? build a better mousetrap. Think about the getting some real reports of things happen- instructors teaching in parking lots and Go with them. Say, ‘I’ll do it with you. I’ll Thighmaster in the ’90s, or 8 Minute Abs — ing, and instructors calling in and saying parks — and they still are. Now we’re final- go to the gym with you and if you don’t someone is going to come up with seven- this is serious. So we started preparing for ly going back into the exercise rooms, and laugh the whole time and never do it again’ minute abs. it by saying, ‘If you want to become an seeing the classes come back is an emotion- — you know, it’s hard not to smile when Zumba is similar to yoga in that there is instructor, you can train online,’ and we al thing. To be physically back in the Zum- you’re in a Zumba class. And a good in- emotion — in yoga, you think of zen or flow created a livestream version of our course. ba class, sometimes you see everyone cry- structor will notice people who are shy — state. In Zumba, we call it F.E.J.: freeing Then in March, when lockdowns started, ing to be back — it’s very powerful. they might be going there and not be sure electrifying joy. You get lost in the music: we told instructors that we were going to What will the next 20 years of Zumba what they’re getting into. And the instruc- You’re having so much fun that all other create something so you can teach from look like? tor will make them feel warm and special. thoughts are gone; you’re just there, pre- home to people at home. And we chal- We’re constantly enhancing our tech- And when that happens, that’s when they sent in the moment. lenged our technology team — we have nologies to make our instructors more get hooked and their life starts to change. Friday, May 28, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 33 WEEKEND: FAMILY

Even a military spouse can’t handle everything

As my car wound along Lexington Street through the neat rows of tidy duplexes in Coddington Cove military housing community near Naval Station Newport, R.I., I breathed a long sigh of relief. The familiar route felt like therapy after what I had just been through. I had just returned from an apartment-hunting trip to New York City with our daughter, Anna, who was moving there to start her career. In 48 hours, we walked 16 miles, climbed 40 flights of stairs and toured more than 20 apartments. I was sore, tired and somewhat troubled by the whirlwind trip. As a “seasoned” military spouse who moved 11 times in 23 iStock years, lived six years overseas and traveled extensively, I Teenagers may be excited about having a baby sibling, but they also may be nervous about how life will change. considered myself a model of resilience, adaptability and grit. But New York City had jackhammered its way through my hard-earned calluses (literally … I have a blister the size of Fort Bliss on my big toe) and rendered me a pathetic jel- lyfish, quivering in fear among the shadowy depths of its Teen, meet your baby sibling towering and complex personality. I was excited to experience Anna’s eccentric new locale. I figured, how different could it be from Rome, London, Paris, Experts offer tips for easing the transition when there is an age gap and all the other cities we’d visited as a military family? As BY JULIA PELLY Maintain family rituals, even if adjusted we’d done before, we’d figure out the subway, find our bear- Special to The Washington Post ings, hit major landmarks and sample indigenous cuisine. Every family has rituals that make life feel special. hen Darah and Corey Forney became Easy peasy! Whether holiday meals or weekly game nights, main- parents 14 years ago, they were sur- Walking from our Midtown hotel the first morning, I was taining these rituals after the baby arrives is impor- prised but excited. They also knew it too distracted by interesting architecture, charming parks, tant. would be at least a few years before they gargantuan billboards, ethnic restaurants and fascinating W “It can be helpful to think ahead about how you can added another baby to their family. characters to notice the city’s seedy underbelly. But soon, shift what you do now so you’re not caught off guard “We were young,” Corey said. “We knew we needed the wormy side of the Big Apple exposed itself. Several tiny and can prepare your teenager for potential changes,” to spend some time building our relationship as a cou- apartments we toured in the East Village were filthy, with Harris said. ple and creating some stability for our daughter before entrances wedged between noodle shops and tattoo parlors. Adjusting rituals to include the new baby might we had more kids.” Some had dank basement laundry rooms where rapists mean moving Sunday brunchtime to accommodate a When their daughter, Dominique, was 13, they wel- might lurk, and others forced tenants to patronize nearby nap, taking more frequent breaks on family hikes or comed a second daughter, Mona, and, just over a year laundromats where heroin addicts nap. In Midtown, I was ordering delivery instead of going out for Friday pizza later, a son, Corey Jr. shocked at what constituted an apartment bedroom: just in the earliest weeks of a baby’s life. “When we told our friends that we were having enough room for a twin bed, no closet, and if you were lucky Mona, everyone thought we were a little crazy because Prioritize one-on-one time to get a window, a lightless view of a brick wall. our oldest was so close to being independent and a lot Often, when parents bring home a new baby, there’s The next day, we crossed the Williamsburg Bridge, believ- of people saw it as starting over,” Corey said. a lot of joy but also a little mourning for the close rela- ing we’d find charming apartments among matcha bars and Although adding a baby is a big transition, adding a tionship they’ve shared with their older child or chil- organic grocers. We saw six apartments, each one with its baby when there are much older siblings brings par- dren for so long. own appalling deal-breaker. ticular challenges. “No matter how joyous the family is about the new The last straw happened five feet from a train trestle so “Families are systems,” said Anthony James Jr., baby, both the parent and child may be nervous about crumbling with rust, I thought it might collapse. “Don’t wor- editor in chief of Marriage and Family Review and their relationship shifting,” James said. ry,” our agent told us as we trudged up another grimy stair- director of the Family Science Program at Miami One way to buffer feelings of insecurity is to ensure well, “the apartment has noise-canceling windows.” Minutes University in Oxford, Ohio. “Each person typically has each child still gets dedicated one-on-one time with later, I looked out a bedroom window as a train rumbled by, their role, and when those roles shift or there is a dis- their parents. Consider picking a regular day (say, mere feet from the sill. Not only was the noise deafening, I ruption — even a good one like a new baby — there’s every other Saturday afternoon) and choosing an ac- had to grab my chin to keep my teeth from chattering. likely going to be an adjustment period.” tivity that feels more grown-up, such as going to the Back in Rhode Island, I shuddered at the memory of two Here’s what parents can do to ease the transition. nail salon rather than the playground. dead rats (one flattened and displaying hideous fangs) Welcome a wide range of feelings One-on-one time with a spouse or significant other is among scattered garbage I sidestepped in Brooklyn. important to prioritize as well, Harris said, because Should I trust our daughter to live in a place that reduced A new baby induces a range of emotions for every- having a baby can be a major stressor on a relation- me to a withering pantywaist? Had military life really one in the family. ship. “Be sure to take time at the end of the day to “toughened me up”? Did I take safety, camaraderie and “Often, parents feel both excited and worried about connect and talk about the big things and the little order for granted after 23 years of living in military commu- how things might change,” said Michelle Harris, foun- things.” nities? Does our daughter have the resilience to succeed in der and chief executive of Parenting Pathfinders. New York City? “Listening to those feelings and trying to be open and Avoid making older siblings do too much Short answers: Yes, yes, yes and yes. nonjudgmental toward themselves can help parents There’s a big difference between asking teenagers to While military life forces military spouses out of comfort feel less stressed about the situation.” play a helping role in the family and asking them to zones, it also coddles us with secure housing, safe neigh- The same advice applies when helping a teenager take on responsibilities outside the traditional scope of borhoods and close-knit communities. Our children, on the process the news of a new sibling. an older sibling. other hand, learn from a young age to adapt to new and “Parents can work to validate their teenager’s feel- “Parents and teenagers can talk about what their sometimes frightening situations. They know they might ings and let them know that it’s OK to feel whatever family situation calls for and how they can all support need to climb a few stairs, avoid the dark alleys and sidestep they’re feeling,” said Harris, who also suggests parents one another,” James said, but parents should avoid a scary rodent or two before they’ll learn the ropes. ask open-ended questions to help their teen think requiring excessive babysitting if they have other It may be hard for a seasoned military spouse like me to through the “why” behind their feelings. “Adolescents options. “When you require teenagers to step into an admit, but my military child’s unique courage sometimes have the language to tell us a lot about how they’re almost parental role, they lose the opportunity to build makes her better suited for “the real world” than I am. feeling, but we have to make sure we create a safe a sibling bond with the baby and can end up feeling Read more at themeatandpotatoesoflife.com, and in Lisa’s book, The Meat and Potatoes of space if we want them to do so.” resentful of the situation.” Life: My True Lit Com. Email: [email protected]. PAGE 34 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, May 28, 2021 WEEKEND: CROSSWORD AND COMICS

NEW YORK TIMES CROSSWORD

A SHOT IN THE DARK 1234 5678 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 BY JOE DIPIETRO / EDITED BY WILL SHORTZ 2212029181 Joe DiPietro, of Brooklyn, owns a bar called One Star in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan. He previously owned a bar called No Idea, which made a confusing answer to the question ‘‘Where do you want to go tonight?’’ As a crossword 62524232 constructor, he hates partial phrases (answers like TUG OF and IF I) and grids with ‘‘S’’ in the lower-right corner. This puzzle has neither of those. — W.S. 03928272 ACROSS 61 Mensch 122 Nickname for the 24 Takes over (from) 1 Dude, slangily 63 Meals with Haggadah Wildcats of the 25 More than just a 73635343332313 readings Pac-12 talker 5 Toaster Swirlz brand 64 Award to wear 124 Smut 32 Indian lentil dish 2414049383 9 Country singer 65 Real deal 126 Collection on 34 ‘‘No info yet,’’ on a Haggard 3525150594847464544434 66 — Facebook schedule 14 Lhasa ____ (dog 68 Like cabernet 127 Shot in the dark 35 Carefully avoid 958575655545 breed) sauvignon 131 Three-time American 36 Heating option 36261606 69 Go over League M.V.P. of the 39 Composer Bruckner 18 Metallic fabric 1950s 71 Start of many 42 — 8676665646 19 ‘‘____: Legacy’’ (sci-fi 132 Varsity sequel) Portuguese place 43 Unlikely Oscar names 133 Hurt badly winners 473727170796 20 Hymn of joy 73 Be angry 134 Disneyland transport 44 Fighting 78685848382818089787776757 21 Loud thudding sound 75 Suffix with age 135 Bill blockers 45 Tiny bit 136 Ta-tas 23 Shot in the dark 78 Highly resistant 47 G 2919099888 elastomer 137 Polishes off 26 Get to the point? 49 Opening for 81 — 138 Fore-and-aft-rigged a computer 69594939 27 Steps up? 84 Skyscraper support sailboat with two technician? 301201101001998979 28 Court plea, in brief 88 Like some ballots masts 50 Pro fighter? 29 Winner’s sign 90 Breakfast drink sans 52 Swampy stretch 901801701601501401 creamer DOWN 53 V.A. concern, for short 30 Alternative to a blitz 811711611511411311211111011 92 Ill-advised move 1 Photo mishap 55 — 31 False start? 2 Amassed 93 Intangible qualities 57 Phenomenon by 521421321221121021911 33 Improved version of 94 Do 3 Congregational chorus which electrons an existing product 95 Anonymous surname 4 Tools for landscapers radiate from a 031921821721621 37 — 96 Causes of pocket 5 ‘‘You get the idea’’: heated filament, so buzzes Abbr. named for a famous 431331231131 38 Skipping syllables? observer 97 Loud, sharp sound 6 Food found in some 831731631531 40 Reward for a big hit, 59 ‘‘You can’t be a real 98 Like Golden bars say 7 Most-often-used country unless you Raspberry- have a ____ and 41 Two-legged stand ‘‘winning’’ films 8 Net wt. of many pasta an airline’’: Frank 76 Literature Nobelist 87 One of the friends on 105 Whom the Secret 115 ‘‘I’m baffled’’ 43 Fix for a bald spot 100 Detectives packages Zappa Bellow ‘‘Friends’’ Service dubbed 117 Botanist’s study 103 — 9 Sticker stat 61 Mil. leader Renegade and 46 — 77 Innovation in push- 89 Very easy living 118 A sucker for 104 Whispered sweet 10 It’s water under le 62 Catch Renaissance 48 Shock pont ups 91 — milkshakes, say nothings 63 Arc on a music score 107 Mike who served as 51 Oscar-winning Hanks 11 Teller of the third tale 79 It can represent a 94 French explorer who a Wyoming senator 120 — 106 It’s a sign 65 Investment goal role of 1994 in ‘‘The Canterbury folder founded Detroit from 1997 to 2021 123 ESPNU covers its 108 Unsmiling 67 Trucker on a radio 54 Tiny bits Tales’’ 80 First offer? 96 Duty 109 — games 110 Like some roller 70 Pitchfork-shaped 125 Web file format, for 56 Byway connection chains and ball 12 Surgical tool 82 ‘‘I touched your 98 According to 110 Longtime Swedish 13 Like some casts letters automaker short 58 Voice-mail prompt bearings nose!’’ sound 99 Bad P.R. for a celeb, 14 Makes a scene 72 — 111 ____ Johnson Sirleaf, 128 The natural order of 59 Hasbro game 112 — 83 Coffin frames maybe Africa’s first elected the universe 15 ‘‘Hallelujah!’’ 74 When the first requiring 116 Leaves zip for a tip ‘‘Peanuts’’ comic 85 Squarish 101 Baseball announcer’s female head of state 129 Chats over Twitter, 16 Marvelous increasingly quick 119 One given orders appeared 86 A jokester might cry 113 Mammal found in the briefly reflexes around the house 17 ____-3 75 Apple on the teacher’s say ‘‘And the pot 102 One doing a Spot Andean cloud forest 130 Grp. mobilized by a 60 Tiny bit 121 Tract of land 22 Slice and dice, say desk? thickens’’ after one check? 114 Utterly lost 911 call

GUNSTON STREET RESULTS FOR ABOVE PUZZLE

L W A Y S T A E S O A I C S Y A N

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T R O F F E H C T I D T S A L M U B L A

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“Gunston Street” is drawn by Basil Zaviski. Email him at [email protected], and online at gunstonstreet.com. D O P I B I B R A L A R T

P A R SET U O M R E T T E B O D U E S P

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P M U R C N A E A P N O R T E M A L O S P A E L R E M O G G E H A R B Friday, May 28, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 35 FACES There for us once again Team behind ‘Friends’ shares reason for long-awaited reunion

BY YVONNE VILLARREAL Los Angeles Times The figure is far from official, but according to Marta Kauffman, the co-creator of TV’s enduring global blockbus- ter “Friends,” she’s been approached 147,000 times — give or take — about a reboot or revival of the NBC sitcom. “It started before we went off the air!” Kauffman says with a laugh. She’s heard all the ideas, old and new. Hey, what about a show centering on Ben Geller — who would now be roughly the age his father, Ross, was when the show started — and his circle of friends? “Oh, 100 people have mentioned that idea,” she says. “And I shut that down. My question is: Why? We can’t do bet- ter than what we did in this arena. So if we’re trying to do HBO MAX/AP some version of it, it’s already watered down.” The cast of “Friends” — Jennifer Aniston, from left, Courteney Cox, Matthew Perry, Lisa Kudrow, David Schwimmer With a little bit of patience and a push by WarnerMedia and Matt LeBlanc — return to where it started in a reunion special streaming now on HBO Max. executives seeking star power to help with the 2020 launch of HBO Max — the platform where the long-running sitcom ries. Mixed in are stories about the making of the series from the dressing room to the audience bleachers, be as is available to stream after years of being on Netflix — a from the cast and producers, as well as testimonials from identical to what existed when “Friends” originally filmed breakthrough came when the show’s producers and six cast fans — both celebrity and everyday admirers — about their there as possible — a task made somewhat easier with John members, Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, adoration. Schaffner, the production designer on “Friends,” also work- Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry and David Schwimmer, The delay in production proved valuable, according to ing on the reunion special. agreed to participate in a reunion special. Ben Winston, the director and producer of the special: With Most of the artifacts were in the archive, with a few excep- Even after overcoming the participants’ years of tactfully the extra time to research, he watched all of the show’s 236 tions. One was the neon light that hung over the audience: dodging questions about a return, it’s been a long road to get episodes, read two books about “Friends,” and spent time “We found it on all archive photos, but no one could find that the “Friends” reunion to the screen. The pandemic caused a getting to know the cast better over Zoom. neon light,” Winston says, “so we had to get it remade.” An- year of delays between the original planned shoot and when Winston, who also serves as showrunner of “The Late other was the rug in Monica’s apartment, which they also production ultimately happened. But over two days in April Late Show with James Corden,” said the concept for the spe- had to have remade. on the Warner Bros. lot in Burbank, Calif., the cast of cial didn’t change much from what was originally planned, “I really was obsessive that when [the cast] walked in on “Friends” was there for us once more. with the exception of the location for the interview portion that set, I wanted them to feel like they’ve literally just got In a weird way, “Friends: The Reunion” is a jolting re- moderated by Corden. It was originally going to take place back in time and have a very weird, emotional out-of-body minder of the passage of time. With the show still playing on indoors, with the plan to build out Stage 24 into something experience,” he explains. “And I think that as soon as you aloop thanks to its streaming afterlife, it can feel like no time resembling the setup for the “Saturday Night Live 40th An- see something in the wrong place, or something’s in the has passed at all since the series finale, “The Last One,” niversary Special,” and lean into the glam with audience wrong order, or that was never the right color, that immedi- aired in 2004. But it’s been 17 years since Rachel got off the members in formal wear. It was Schwimmer who suggested ately takes you out.” plane bound for Paris to be with Ross — thanks, in large moving the segment outdoors because of the pandemic. Ultimately, what matters most to fans is that this is the one part, to Phoebe — and Chandler and Monica welcomed “I was most worried that somebody would get COVID in where the group gets back together. And as a semblance of twins and bid adieu to city life, making sure Joey had a room the lead-up to it,” Winston says. “There was no margin for normalcy creeps back into our daily lives, there’s something in their suburban home. error; if somehow, at the last minute, somebody tested posi- to the special arriving when it does, according to Kauffman. The two-hour special features new footage with the cast, tive or whatever, then it’s over. So I was always nervous “As the world is opening up again, I think it’s a really posi- including a sit-down interview; segments showing them about that. And I think just the weight of expectation of this tive, celebratory [thing]. People have been waiting for this marveling at the carefully reconstructed sets on Stage 24, show. I’d be lying if I didn’t have a bit of butterflies in my for a long time, like they have been waiting for other things the same studio where the series originated; and vignettes stomach.” during this year. I’m hoping that what it does is provide of them doing table reads of classic moments from the se- It was crucial, Winston says, that the sets and the stage, some real joy and laughter, and maybe a tear or two.”

Isbell, Kiah lead in the group Our Native Daugh- res’s, and will replace “Ellen” Amazon to buy MGM Americana music awards ters. beginning fall 2022. Associated Press ing a powerhouse that includes Singer-songwriters Jason Isbell Clarkson to take over Other news Online shopping giant Amazon HGTV, CNN, Food Network and and Amythyst Kiah are both up for ■ Kevin Clark, who played is buying MGM, the movie and TV HBO. three nominations at this year’s DeGeneres’ daytime slot drummer Freddy “Spazzy studio behind James Bond, “Le- Amazon doesn’t say how many Americana Honors and Awards Two weeks after Ellen DeGe- McGee” Jones in the 2003 movie gally Blonde” and “Shark Tank,” people watch its Prime Video show, which will resume in-per- neres said her talk show would be “School of Rock” with Jack Black, with the hopes of filling its video streaming service, but more than son after the pandemic forced the ending with its upcoming season, was killed when he was struck by a streaming service with more stuff 200 million people have access to cancellation of last year’s awards NBCUniversal announced that car while riding his bicycle along a to watch. it because they pay for Prime ceremony. the daytime slot would eventually Chicago street early Wednesday. Amazon is paying $8.45 billion membership, which gives them Nominees were announced on be taken over by “The Kelly Clar- Police said Clark, 32, was struck for MGM, making it the compa- faster shipping and other perks. Wednesday for the Sept. 22 show kson Show.” after running a red light in the ny’s second-largest acquisition af- Amazon said it would use in Nashville. Isbell is nominated Clarkson launched her talk city’s Avondale neighborhood. ter it bought grocer Whole Foods MGM’s vast library, which in- for artist of the year, and he and show in September 2019 to suc- Clark was riding east on Logan for nearly $14 billion in 2017. cludes famous characters such as his band are nominated for album cessful ratings. The show earned Boulevard when he was struck by The deal is the latest in the Rocky, RoboCop and Pink Pan- of the year for his record “Re- three Daytime Emmys in its first a vehicle heading south on West- media industry that’s aimed at ther, to create new movies and unions” and song of the year for season, including a hosting award ern Avenue, a witness and the boosting streaming services to shows. “Dreamsicle.” for Clarkson. Her celebrity inter- driver both told responding offi- compete against Netflix and Dis- “It’s going to be a lot of fun Kiah is nominated for song of views and heartwarming seg- cers, according to a Chicago Po- ney+. AT&T and Discovery an- work,” said Amazon founder Jeff the year for “Black Myself,” ments featuring everyday Ameri- lice Department crash report. nounced last week they would Bezos, during the company’s sha- emerging act of the year and for cans undoubtedly appeal to an au- combine media companies, creat- reholder meeting on Wednesday. duo/group of the year for her work dience overlapping with DeGene- From wire reports PAGE 36 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, May 28, 2021 Friday, May 28, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 37 PAGE 38 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, May 28, 2021 Eugene Sheffer Crossword Frazz Dilbert

ACROSS DOWN 31 Chairman 1 Protrude 1 Comic’s of China 4 Pop repertoire 32 Political 7 Wizardry 2 Dickens’ Heep strategist 12 Granada gold 3 Rich cake Navarro Pearls Before Swine Pearls Before 13 Sch. URL ender 4 Society newbies 33 Scribble (down) 14 “If — Would 5 Chaperones, 36 “Today” anchor Leave You” usually Hoda 15 White wine 6 Persian Gulf 37 Zigzag in snow cocktail emirate 40 “NCIS: New 16 Beverage with 7 “Alice” diner Orleans” actor tapioca pearls 8 “Hail, Caesar!” Steven 18 Consume 9 Retrieve 42 Kick out 19 Closes noisily 10 Hot temper 43 Heart line 20 Molt 11 Espionage org. 44 Comes in last

Non Sequitur 22 Uncle (Sp.) 17 College VIP 45 Gone to the 23 Envelope part 21 Entrances bottom 27 Drs. that deliver 23 Hair conditioner 46 Cozy rooms 29 Percentage target 48 Billboards posted by 24 Trail the pack 49 Bit of physics a bank 25 Sports fig. 50 Reuben 31 College study 26 Favorite bread 34 Octet count 28 Bikini top 51 “Don’t — 35 Parka 30 Scottish river stranger!” 37 “— who?” Answer to Previous Puzzle

Candorville 38 Feedbag fill 39 Hooting bird 41 Gusto 45 Lieu 47 Tic-tac-toe loser 48 Ephemeral jacuzzi sight 52 7, on old phones 53 Senior member 54 A billion years 55 Summer in Paris Carpe Diem 56 Sly one 57 Apt. divisions 58 Vegas lead-in Beetle Bailey Bizarro Friday, May 28, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 39 Eugene Sheffer Crossword Frazz Dilbert

ACROSS 50 Co. that created 26 Jazz combo 1 Society Watson instrument newcomer 51 Soho residence 27 Mahal preceder 4 Roster 52 Beget 28 “Strange 8 Amorphous mass 53 Mao — -tung Magic” gp. Pearls Before Swine Pearls Before 12 Medit. nation 29 Mafia boss 13 Words to a DOWN 31 Parking places backstabber 1 Quick swims 32 Hawaiian city 14 Entice 2 Jacob’s brother 34 Road rescue 15 Standard 3 “I’m f-f-freezing!” 35 Cheapen 16 Complain 4 Crummy cars 36 Banquet 17 “The Good 5 “Check —!” 37 Mystery writer’s Earth” heroine (“Look at this!”) award 18 Enhanced audio 6 Jazz great Getz 38 Move, as freight technique 7 Arctic plains 39 Rice-shaped

Non Sequitur 21 Busy insect 8 Melancholy pasta 22 Mojito ingredient 9 Humdinger 40 “Catch — 23 Hen pens 10 Algerian port You Can” 26 Muppet eagle 11 Flex (DiCaprio film) 27 Media mogul 19 Knocks 41 Sitarist Shankar Turner 20 Bottom line 42 One 30 Rara — 23 Upper limit 43 Pen tips 31 Helium, for one 24 Lab eggs 44 Title for Judi 32 Angelic light 25 Squeak stopper Dench 33 Bud Answer to Previous Puzzle

Candorville 34 Levy 35 Mustard city 36 In favor of 37 Sushi choice 38 Simon & Garfunkel hit song 45 Geometric calculation 46 Lady — (singer) 47 Actress Vardalos Carpe Diem 48 Submachine guns 49 Peron and Longoria Beetle Bailey Bizarro PAGE 40 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, May 28, 2021 OPINION

Max D. Lederer Jr., Publisher Lt. Col. Marci Hoffman, Europe commander Lt. Col. Richard McClintic, Pacific commander The odd evolution of US policy on Afghanistan

BY MARTIN SCHRAM from afar after American troops leave,” The Islamic youths, hoping they would someday Tribune News Service Times reported. “Nor have top Defense De- rise up and run the godless Soviet communist EDITORIAL or what seems like forever, Ameri- partment officials secured agreement from troops out of their country. So the Reagan ad- Terry Leonard, Editor ca’s presidents have been ordering allies about repositioning American troops in ministration planned to flood rural Afghanis- [email protected] up new U.S. policies designed to fi- other nearby countries. … The rapid with- tan’s madrassas with millions of schoolbooks nally fix, or at least make the best of, drawal has exposed a variety of complex prob- preaching and teaching Islamic militancy. Robert H. Reid, Senior Managing Editor F the old and perpetual crises in Afghanistan. lems that have yet to be resolved and are pro- The U.S. Agency for International Develop- [email protected] And sooner or later, each optimistic U.S. voking intense concern.” ment gave $51 million in grants to the Univer- Tina Croley, Managing Editor for Content president has discovered that even the best- No wonder, Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of sity of Nebraska Omaha’s Center for Afghan [email protected] intentioned Afghan fixer-upper ended up Joint Chiefs of Staff, recently issued this chill- Studies. Soon young Islamic boys were learn- Sean Moores, Managing Editor for Presentation looking like it had been cobbled together by ing non-assurance: “It’s not a foregone conclu- ing math by counting pictures of soldiers, [email protected] his departments of Unforeseen Develop- sion, in my professional military estimate, that tanks, guns and land mines. ments & Unintended Consequences. the Taliban automatically win and Kabul And lo, the Soviets wound up wasting a vast Joe Gromelski, Managing Editor for Digital Today we’ll start by trying to finally learn falls.” fortune in a failed war to control Afghanistan. [email protected] from the entire history of flailed and failed We know well what to expect (see also: what President Bill Clinton’s administration can- U.S. initiatives in Afghanistan. In the process, to fear) if the Taliban re-conquer Afghanistan. celed the program in 1994. And we didn’t even BUREAU STAFF you will read about one U.S. initiative that may When The Washington Post’s Lally Wey- find out about it until The Washington Post surprise not just you, but also those who con- mouth asked Afghanistan President Ashraf wrote about it in 2002. (Even then, the free- Europe/Mideast sider themselves experts because they know Ghani about the Taliban’s subjugation of dom-fighter image molding master plan Erik Slavin, Europe & Mideast Bureau Chief [email protected] about every miscalculation that has been on women, including assassination attempts on wasn’t really made clear until it was detailed +49(0)631.3615.9350; DSN (314)583.9350 the whole sad list, ever since 9/11. female journalists in Kabul, the Afghan presi- in a book on terrorism and weapons of mass Pacific This week, President Joe Biden, who prob- dent explained how and why the Taliban’s fol- destruction — “Avoiding Armageddon: Our Aaron Kidd, Pacific Bureau Chief ably spent more eras grappling with Afghan- lowers accept such horrific acts against wom- Future. Our Choice” — that I wrote in 2003.) [email protected] istan than all other modern presidents com- en: Those militant young Afghan boys in the +81.42.552.2511 ext. 88380; DSN (315)227.7380 bined, has been seeing military and diplomat- “They’ve grown up outside normal families mid-1980s were men in their 20s and 30s when Washington ic info that seems to be warning him that, de- in madrassas in the absence of women, so the Taliban were ruling Afghanistan and giv- Joseph Cacchioli, Washington Bureau Chief spite all his experience and optimism, he may women have been construed as a threat to ing Osama bin Laden’s al-Qaida the sanctuary [email protected] be joining that exclusive club of commanders them.” from which they attacked America’s home- (+1)(202)886-0033 Brian Bowers, Assistant Managing Editor, News in chief who produced woebegone Afghanis- Ghani may not realize it — and indeed Bi- land, half a world away. [email protected] tan outcomes. den and his best and brightest may not either Time out! Biden would be wise to slow his On Wednesday, Washington’s policymak- — but there’s an unbelievably wacky, yet en- rushed withdrawal, which is now just a slight- CIRCULATION ers awoke to a warning-siren blaring from the tirely true, backstory behind just how the ly recalibrated version of Trump’s withdraw- upper-right corner of The New York Times’ United States played a once-secret role in the al from this 20-year war, America’s longest- Mideast front page. A news article reported that Bi- molding of the young men in Afghanistan’s ever conflict. Biden will regret it forever if the Robert Reismann, Mideast Circulation Manager [email protected] den’s administration and NATO intend to madrassas, those rigidly Islamic schools. It Taliban take control and subjugate women [email protected] have their troops withdrawn from Afghanis- happened two decades before America pow- once again — and if the Taliban give terrorists DSN (314)583-9111 tan by early to mid-July; that’s later than for- erfully invaded the Taliban-run Afghanistan sanctuary once again. If both of those foreseen Europe mer President Donald Trump’s pledge to from which al-Qaida planned its terror attacks but unintended outcomes happen, history will Karen Lewis, Community Engagement Manager withdraw totally by May 1, but well ahead of of Sept. 11, 2001. judge him harshly. And accurately. [email protected] Biden’s pledge to be gone by Sept. 11. President Ronald Reagan’s administration [email protected] +49(0)631.3615.9090; DSN (314)583.9090 “The Pentagon still has not determined how developed a plan to stealthily promote free- Martin Schram, an op-ed columnist for Tribune News Service, is it will combat terrorist threats like Al Qaeda dom-fighter militarism among Afghanistan’s a veteran journalist, author and TV documentary executive. Pacific Mari Mori, [email protected] +81-3 6385.3171; DSN (315)227.7333 CONTACT US Must put science at the center of the UFO question Washington BY RAVI KOPPARAPU understand what UAP are, then we need to en- data (rather than cherry-picking one instance tel: (+1)202.886.0003 AND JACOB HAQQ-MISRA gage the mainstream scientific community in of an event). He argued that much of the 1968 633 3rd St. NW, Suite 116, Washington, DC 20001-3050 Special to The Washington Post aconcerted effort to study them. report was biased and shallow. Reader letters ith a government report due in Decades ago, the notion of serious research “Doesn’t a UFO case … warrant more than a [email protected] June on unidentified aerial on UFOs wasn’t out of the question. mere shrug of the shoulders from science?” he phenomena (UAP) and a re- In the late 1960s, a U.S. Air Force-led effort wrote. Additional contacts cent “60 Minutes” story on U.S. called Project Blue Book examined thousands We need to frame the current UAP/UFO stripes.com/contactus W Navy pilots’ sightings and videos of myste- of UFO reports from the 1950s and 1960s. In question with the same level of active inquiry, OMBUDSMAN rious images, prominent people in politics, the 1968, however, another report, commissioned one involving experts from academia in disci- military and national intelligence are finally by the Air Force and conducted at the Univer- plines including astronomy, meteorology and Ernie Gates asking: What are we looking at? sity of Colorado to examine UFO research to physics, as well as industry and government The Stars and Stripes ombudsman protects the free flow It’s the wrong question — or, at least, it’s pre- that point, stated that “nothing has come from professionals with knowledge of military air- of news and information, reporting any attempts by the mature. the study of UFOs … that has added to scien- craft, remote sensing from the ground and sat- military or other authorities to undermine the newspaper’s independence. The ombudsman also responds to concerns Before we get to what these mysterious phe- tific knowledge.” Soon after, the Air Force ellite observations. Participants would need to and questions from readers, and monitors coverage for nomena are, we need to be asking how we can shuttered Project Blue Book. About 700 of the be agnostic toward any specific explanations fairness, accuracy, timeliness and balance. The ombudsman welcomes comments from readers, and can be contacted by figure out what they are. This is where scien- more than 12,000 cases remained “unidenti- with a primary goal of collecting enough data email at [email protected], or by phone at tists, notably absent from the current UAP fied” at the close of the project. — including visual, infrared, radar and other 202.886.0003. conversation, come in. Despite this, distinguished scientists in- possible observations — to eventually allow us For too long, the scientific study of unidenti- cluding astronomer Carl Sagan, physicist to deduce the identity of such UAP. Following Stars and Stripes (USPS 0417900) is published week- days (except Dec. 25 and Jan. 1) for 50 cents Monday fied flying objects and aerial phenomena — James E. McDonald and astronomer J. Allen this agnostic approach, and relying upon through Thursday and for $1 on Friday by Pacific Stars and Stripes, Unit 45002, APO AP 96301-5002. Periodicals UFOs and UAPs, in the shorthand — has been Hynek thought UAP should be investigated sound scientific and peer-reviewed methods, postage paid at San Francisco, CA, Postmaster: Send taboo. A big driver of that taboo is the vacuum scientifically. McDonald, a professor of mete- would go a long way toward lifting the taboo in address changes to Pacific Stars and Stripes, Unit 45002, APO AP 96301-5002. This newspaper is authorized by the of knowledge that is being filled by unscientif- orology and member of the National Academy mainstream science. Department of Defense for members of the military services ic claims thanks to a lack of scientific investi- of Sciences, conducted a rigorous analysis of a Without robust, credible data mined by overseas. However, the contents of Stars and Stripes are unofficial, and are not to be considered as the official views gation. few UAP cases that Project Blue Book high- mainstream scientists, UAP studies will al- of, or endorsed by, the U.S. government. As a DOD newspa- In recent decades, science has focused on lighted as unexplainable. ways be viewed as fringe science. With a sys- per, Stars and Stripes may be distributed through official channels and use appropriated funds for distribution to aspects of extraterrestrial inquiry, including McDonald documented his methods — ex- tematic collection of new data, and access to all remote locations where overseas DOD personnel are located. the search for signs of life on other planets — tensive interviews with witnesses, detailed ac- existing data, we can apply scientific rigor to The appearance of advertising in this publication does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense or think the Mars rover — and techno-signatures counting of their observations, examination of what has been observed and documented. Stars and Stripes of the products or services advertised. — radio signals that appear to emanate from radar and other technology possibly implicat- Ultimately, understanding UAP is a science Products or services advertised shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, outside Earth. The research has been com- ed in the sightings — in “Science in Default,” problem. We should treat it that way. religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical plex, evidence-based and demanding, pulling which he presented in a 1969 American Asso- handicap, political affiliation or any other nonmerit factor of the purchaser, user or patron. in scientists from across disciplines and all ciation for the Advancement of Science sym- Ravi Kopparapu is a planetary scientist at NASA Goddard Space © Stars and Stripes 2021 around the globe. The same should be true for posium. He relied on evidence-based investi- Flight Center. Jacob Haqq-Misra is a research scientist at the the exploration of UAP sightings. If we want to gation and consideration of all the available Blue Marble Space Institute of Science. stripes.com Friday, May 28, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 41 SCOREBOARD/SPORTS BRIEFS

PRO BASKETBALL GOLF TENNIS BRIEFLY WNBA PGA Tour statistics Angela Stanford (29), United States, def. Strasbourg Open Ashleigh Buhai (36), Russia, 1-up Thursday Through May 23 Thursday Eastern Conference Brooke M. Henderson (4), Canada, vs. At Strasbourg Tennis Club Mets’ Snydergaard FedExCup Season Points Ashleigh Buhai (36), Russia WLPct GB Strasbourg, France sidelined for 6 weeks 1, Bryson DeChambeau, 1,677. 2, Justin Angela Stanford (29), United States, vs. Purse: Euro189,708 Jenny Coleman (61), United States New York 5 1 .833 — Thomas, 1,634. 3, Viktor Hovland, 1,619. 4, Surface: Red clay Xander Schauffele, 1,423. 5, Sam Burns, GROUP 5 Women’s Singles Mets manager Luis Rojas said Connecticut 5 1 .833 — 1,397. 6, Stewart Cink, 1,390. 7, Cameron Wednesday Round of 16 Chicago 2 2 .500 2 Smith, 1,386. 8, Patrick Cantlay, 1,352. 9, Danielle Kang (5), United States, def. Al- Sorana Cirstea, Romania, def. Zhang Thursday that right-hander Noah bane Valenzuela (60), Switzerland, 7 and 6 Atlanta 2 2 .500 2 Jordan Spieth, 1,349. 10, Hideki Matsuya- Shuai (6), China, 6-2, 6-1. Syndergaard will not throw for six ma, 1,296. Lizette Salas (28), United States, def. Washington 2 3 .400 2½ Madelene Sagstrom (37), Sweden, 5 and 4 Scoring Average weeks after an MRI revealed right Indiana 1 5 .167 4 Thursday 1, Viktor Hovland, 69.783. 2, Joaquin Nie- Danielle Kang (5), United States, vs. Ma- DEALS elbow inflammation. mann, 69.822. 3, Justin Thomas, 69.824. 4, delene Sagstrom (37), Sweden Western Conference Xander Schauffele, 69.861. 5, Webb Simp- Lizette Salas (28), United States, vs. Al- Syndergaard, who underwent bane Valenzuela (60), Switzerland Wednesday’s Transactions WLPct GB son, 69.897. 6, Bryson DeChambeau, 69.957. Tommy John surgery last year, 7 (tie), Tony Finau and Louis Oosthuizen, GROUP 6 Wednesday BASEBALL Seattle 4 1 .800 — 69.971. 9, Dustin Johnson, 69.983. 10, Corey appeared to be a few weeks away Conners, 70.005. Alison Lee (59), United States def. Hyo Major League Baseball Las Vegas 3 2 .600 1 Joo Kim (6), South Korea, 5 and 4 MLB —Placed Los Angeles Angels pitch- from rejoining the Mets before he Driving Distance Phoenix 2 3 .400 2 Megan Khang (27), United States, def. ing coach Mickey Callaway on the ineligi- 1, Bryson DeChambeau, 322.5. 2, Rory Jenny Shin (38), South Korea, 5 and 4 ble list through the 2022 season, following left his second rehab start with Dallas 1 2 .333 2 McIlroy, 319.0. 3, Cameron Champ, 317.9. 4, Thursday MLB’s investigation. Class A St. Lucie on Tuesday after Minnesota 0 3 .000 3 Wyndham Clark, 315.8. 5, Will Gordon, Hyo Joo Kim (6), South Korea, vs. Jenny American League Los Angeles 0 2 .000 2½ 314.4. 6, Matthew Wolff, 314.2. 7 (tie), Luke Shin (38), South Korea BALTIMORE ORIOLES — Placed OF Aus- just one inning. List and Joaquin Niemann, 312.9. 9, Dustin Megan Khang (27), United States, vs. Ali- tin Hays on the 10-day IL, retroactive to Johnson, 312.3. 10, Gary Woodland, 311.0. son Lee (59), United States May 24. Recalled OF Ryan McKenna from His velocity, normally in the Tuesday’s games GROUP 7 Norfolk (Triple-A East). Optioned RHP Driving Accuracy Percentage mid-to-high 90s, was clocked in Washington 85, Indiana 69 Wednesday Dean Kremer to Norfolk. Atlanta 90, Chicago 83 1, Brendon Todd, 73.69%. 2, Abraham An- Patty Tavatanakit (7), Thailand, vs. Sa- HOUSTON ASTROS — Sent RHP Jose Ur- the mid-80s by the end of his stint Seattle 90, Connecticut 87, OT cer, 72.89%. 3, Brian Stuard, 72.65%. 4, rah Kemp (58), Australia, tied quidy to Corpus Christi (Double-A Central) Ryan Moore, 71.19%. 5, Ryan Armour, Stacy Lewis (26), United States, def. Mi for a rehab assignment. Selected the con- Tuesday. Wednesday’s games 70.90%. 6, Collin Morikawa, 70.83%. 7, Brice Hyang Lee (39), South Korea, 5 and 4 tract of RHO Ralph Garza Jr. and added to Garnett, 70.63%. 8, Webb Simpson, 70.29%. Thursday active roster. Placed RHP Lance McCullers Las Vegas 85, Phoenix 79 9, Chez Reavie, 69.97%. 10, Corey Conners, Patty Tavatanakit (7), Thailand, vs. Mi on the 10-day IL, retroactive to May 23. Bill would allow college 69.92%. Hyang Lee (39), South Korea Transferred RHP Josh James from the 10- Thursday’s games day IL to the 60-day IL. Greens in Regulation Percentage Stacy Lewis (26), United States, vs. Sa- Dallas at Atlanta rah Kemp (58), Australia LOS ANGELES ANGELS — Sent C Max athletes to organize 1, Collin Morikawa, 72.45%. 2, Matthew GROUP 8 Stassi and RHP Chris Rodriguez on rehab Friday’s games NeSmith, 72.31%. 3, Emiliano Grillo, Wednesday assignments to Salt Lake (Triple-A West). College athletes would have the Washington at Connecticut 71.92%. 4, Cameron Percy, 71.89%. 5, Stew- Minjee Lee (8), Australia, vs. Jaye Marie MINNESOTA TWINS — Activated RHP Mi- right to organize and collectively Los Angeles at Chicago art Cink, 71.65%. 6, Jon Rahm, 71.40%. 7, Green (57), United States, tied chael Pineda from the 10-day IL. Placed Minnesota at Seattle Russell Knox, 71.04%. 8, Corey Conners, Moriya Jutanugarn (25), Thailand, def. INF/OF Luis Arraez on the 10-day IL, retro- bargain with schools and confer- Indiana at Las Vegas 70.80%. 9, Martin Laird, 70.50%. 10, Aaron Cheyenne Knight (40), United States, 5 and active to May 24. Wise, 70.14%. 3 NEW YORK YANKEES —Activated 2B D.J. ences under a bill introduced Le Mahieu from the paternity list. Saturday’s games Total Driving Thursday Thursday by Democrats in the Minjee Lee (8), Australia, vs. Cheyenne TEXAS RANGERS —Placed OF David Dahl Atlanta at New York 1, Scottie Scheffler, 64. 2, Jon Rahm, 85. 3, on the 10-day IL. Selected the contract of Phoenix at Dallas Knight (40), United States House and Senate. Keegan Bradley, 94. 4, Sungjae Im, 103. 5, Moriya Jutanugarn (25), Thailand, vs. OF Jason Martin from Round Rock (Tri- Paul Casey, 105. 6, Jason Kokrak, 113. 7, Jaye Marie Green (57), United States ple-A West). Transferred RHP Kohei Arih- Sen. Chris Murphy (Conn.) and James Hahn, 114. 8, Collin Morikawa, 122. 9, GROUP 9 ara from the 10-day IL to the 60-day IL. Sen. Bernie Sanders (Vt.) an- SOCCER 2 tied with 123. Wednesday National League SG­Putting Gerina Piller (56), def. Hannah Green (9), CHICAGO CUBS — Sent RHP Trevor Me- nounced the College Athletes Australia, 3 and 2 gill to Iowa (Triple-A East) for a rehab as- MLS 1, Louis Oosthuizen, .996. 2, Patrick Reed, Azahara Munoz (41), Spain def. Mel Reid signment. Placed INF Nico Hoerner on 10- Right to Organize Act. .993. 3, Brendon Todd, .921. 4, Christiaan (24), England, 2-up day IL. Selected the contract of OF Rafael Bezuidenhout, .866. 5, J.T. Poston, .842. 6, Ortega from Iowa (Triple-A East). Activa- “Big-time college sports haven’t Eastern Conference Thursday Zach Johnson, .793. 7, Jason Kokrak, .792. 8, Hannah Green (9), Australia, vs. Azahara ted RHP Shelby Miller from the 10-day IL Xander Schauffele, .737. 9, Ian Poulter, and designated for assignment. Released been ‘amateur’ for a long time, and WLTPts GF GA Munoz (41), Spain .722. 10, Kris Ventura, .663. Mel Reid (24), England, vs. Gerina Piller RHP Jason Adam. the NCAA has long denied its play- MIAMI MARLINS — Recalled RHP Nick New England 4 1 2 14 10 7 Birdie Average (56), United States GROUP 10 Neidert from Jacksonville (Triple-A East). ers economic and bargaining 1, Justin Thomas, 4.71. 2, Viktor Hovland, Orlando City 3 0 3 12 7 2 Wednesday Optioned LHP Shawn Morimando for as- rights while treating them like Philadelphia 3 2 2 11 6 5 4.59. 3, Sam Burns, 4.57. 4, Collin Morikawa, signment. 4.56. 5, Xander Schauffele, 4.52. 6, Daniel Nasa Hataoka (10), Japan, def. Jing Yan NEW YORK METS — Traded LHP Pedro commodities,” Murphy said in a Nashville 2 0 4 10 7 4 Berger, 4.50. 7 (tie), Bryson DeChambeau (55), China, 3 and 1 Quintana to Milwaukee in exchange for LF and Rory McIlroy, 4.39. 9, 3 tied with 4.38. Jasmine Suwannapura (42), Thailand Billy McKinney. Transferred RHP Jordan Atlanta 2 1 3 9 7 5 def. Mi Jung Hur (23), South Korea, 2-up statement. Eagles (Holes per) Thursday Yamamoto from the 10-day IL to the 60- NYC FC 2 2 2 8 11 6 day IL. Placed OF Johneshwy Fargas on the This NCAA said the bill would CF Montréal 2 3 2 8 9 9 1, Sergio Garcia, 72.0. 2, Matthew Wolff, Nasa Hataoka (10), Japan, vs. Jasmine 10-day IL, retroactive to May 25. Suwannapura (42), Thailand “directly undercut the purpose of Columbus 2 2 2 8 5 5 74.3. 3, Bryson DeChambeau, 75.3. 4, Carlos PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES — Placed OF Ortiz, 82.3. 5, Justin Thomas, 85.1. 6, Xander Mi Jung Hur (23), South Korea, vs. Jing Scott Kingery on the 10-day IL. college: earning a degree.” It add- Inter Miami CF 2 3 2 8 8 10 Schauffele, 86.4. 7, Will Zalatoris, 87.4. 8 Yan (55), China PITTSBURGH PIRATES — Recalled RHP New York 2 4 0 6 8 9 (tie), Tony Finau and Kris Ventura, 88.4. 10, GROUP 11 Nick Mears from Indianapolis (Triple-A ed that “turning student-athletes Dustin Johnson, 90.0. Wednesday East). Optioned RHP Cody Ponce to Indi- D.C. United 2 5 0 6 5 11 So Yeon Ryu (11), South Korea, def. into union employees is not the an- Sand Save Percentage anapolis. Toronto FC 1 3 2 5 7 10 Ryann O'Toole (54), United States, 3 and 1 SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS — Outrighted swer.” Chicago 1 4 1 4 4 10 1, Xander Schauffele, 69.35%. 2, Brooks Eun-Hee Ji (43), South Korea def. Mirim OF Braden Bishop and RHP Trevor Hilden- Koepka, 66.67%. 3, K.J. Choi, 66.20%. 4, Lee (22), South Korea, 4 and 3 berger to Sacramento (Triple-A West) af- Cincinnati 1 3 1 4 6 14 Cameron Smith, 64.95%. 5, Ben Taylor, Thursday ter clearing waivers. Recalled 3B Jason 64.71%. 6, Webb Simpson, 64.38%. 7, Chris- So Yeon Ryu (11), South Korea, vs. Eun- Vosler from Sacramento. Placed 1B Bran- EU expresses support Western Conference tiaan Bezuidenhout, 63.64%. 8, Patrick Hee Ji (43), South Korea don Belt on the 10-day IL. Reed, 62.50%. 9, Byeong Hun An, 62.22%. Mirim Lee (22), South Korea, vs. Ryann BASKETBALL for Tokyo Olympics WLTPts GF GA 10, Tyrrell Hatton, 61.70%. O'Toole (54), United States Womens National Basketball Association GROUP 12 All­Around Ranking ATLANTA DREAM — Waive C Kalani The European Union’s two top Seattle 5 0 2 17 14 3 Wednesday Brown. Sporting KC 4 2 1 13 12 8 1, Xander Schauffele, 218. 2, Daniel Berg- Annie Park (53) Russia, def. Austin Ernst PHOENIX MERCURY — Activated C Kia officials expressed support er, 268. 3, Justin Thomas, 291. 4, Brooks (12), United States, 1-up LA Galaxy 4 2 0 12 10 11 Vaughn. Koepka, 304. 5, Dustin Johnson, 337. 6, Amy Olson (5), United States, vs. Bronte FOOTBALL Thursday for holding the Tokyo Houston 3 2 2 11 9 9 Webb Simpson, 339. 7, Joaquin Niemann, Law (44), England, tied National Football League Olympics despite growing opposi- Colorado 3 2 1 10 9 8 356. 8, Viktor Hovland, 367. 9, Cameron Thursday BUFFALO BILLS — Signed WR Lance Le- Smith, 377. 10, Jon Rahm, 380. Austin Ernst (12), United States, vs. Portland 3 3 0 9 9 8 noir and released WR Tre Walker. tion to the event in Japan because Bank of Hope Match Play Bronte Law (44), England CAROLINA PANTHERS — Re-signed DE San Jose 3 4 0 9 11 11 Amy Olson (5), United States, vs. Annie Frank Herron. Placed DE Kendall Donner- of the coronavirus pandemic. Real Salt Lake 2 1 2 8 8 6 LPGA Tour Park (53), Russia son on waivers. At Shadow Creek Golf Course GROUP 13 European Commission Presi- Los Angeles 2 2 2 8 7 7 CINCINNATI BENGALS — Claimed LB Joe Las Vegas Wednesday Bachie off waivers from Philadelphia. dent Ursula von der Leyen and Vancouver 2 4 1 7 6 9 Prize Money: $1.5 million Jennifer Kupcho (13), United States, def. CLEVELAND BROWNS — Re-signed WR Austin FC 2 4 0 6 5 8 Yardage: 6,804; Par: 72 Christina Kim (52), United States, 6 and 4 Khadarel Hodge to a one-year contract. European Council President Leona Maguire (45), Ireland def. Ally Ew- GREEN BAY PACKERS — Signed WR Minnesota 2 4 0 6 5 10 Group Stage Charles Michel discussed the (Seedings in parentheses) ing (20), United States, 2 and 1 DeAndre Thompkins. FC Dallas 1 2 3 6 8 8 GROUP 1 Thursday HOUSTON TEXANS — Signed QB David games with Prime Minister Yoshi- Wednesday Jennifer Kupcho (13), United States, vs. Mills to a four-year contract. Note: Three points for victory, one point Leona Maguire (45), Ireland Jin Young Ko (1), South Korea def. Nata- JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS — Promoted hide Suga during a virtual EU-Ja- for tie. Ally Ewing (20), United States, vs. Chris- Kelly Flanagan and Megha Parekh to exec- lie Gulbis (64), United States, 4 and 2 tina Kim (52), United States pan summit. Saturday, May 22 Caroline Masson (32), Germany def. An- utive vice presidents. GROUP 14 LAS VEGAS RAIDERS — Reverted OT Ka- Cincinnati 2, CF Montréal 1 na Nordqvist (32), Sweden, 3 and 2 Thursday Wednesday maal Seymour to non-football injury list. Portland 3, LA Galaxy 0 Jeongeun Lee6 (14), South Korea, vs. Pa- Jin Young Ko (1), South Korea vs. Car- LOS ANGELES RAMS — Signed DB Ka- Swiss bank must pay $80 Chicago 1, Miami 0 jaree Anannarukarn (51), Thailand, tied reem Orr. Orlando City 1, Toronto FC 0 oline Masson (32), Germany Brittany Lincicome (46), United States Anna Nordqvist (32), Sweden vs. Natalie SEATTLE SEAHAWKS — Waived DE Mar- Columbus 2, New York City FC 1 defShanshan Feng (19), China, 2 and 1 cus Webb. Signed TE Cam Sutton. million for role in scandal New England 3, New York 1 Gulbis (64), United States Thursday GROUP 2 TENNESSEE TITANS — Signed QB Davis Real Salt Lake 2, FC Dallas 2, tie Jeongeun Lee6 (14), South Korea, vs. The Swiss bank Julius Baer Wednesday Mills to a rookie contract.Agreed to terms Houston 2, Vancouver 1 Brittany Lincicome (46) United States with T Christian DiLauro. agreed to pay nearly $80 million in Sporting Kansas City 3, San Jose 1 Inbee Park (2), South Korea vs. Jennifer Shanshan Feng (19), China, vs. Pajaree SOCCER Los Angeles FC 2, Colorado 1 Chang (63), United States, tied Anannarukarn (51), Thailand Major League Soccer fines and penalties for its role in il- Celine Boutier (34), France def. Gaby Lo- GROUP 15 Sunday, May 23 D.C. UNITED — Named Sean Howe direc- pez (31), Mexico, 4 and 2 Wednesday tor of scouting. legal payments involving FIFA Atlanta 1, Seattle 1, tie Thursday Sophia Popov (15), Germany, vs. Hee USL Championship and the South American govern- Philadelphia 1, D.C. United 0 Inbee Park (2), South Korea vs. Celine Young Park (50), South Korea, tied USL — Suspended Atlanta United 2’s D Nashville 1, Austin FC 0 Boutier (34), France Sung Hyun Park (18), South Korea, def. Jack Gurr one game for his violent conduct ing body CONMEBOL. Gaby Lopez (31), Mexico vs. Jennifer Su Oh (47), Australia, 3 and 1 during a May 23 game against Memphis Saturday’s games Chang (63), United States Thursday The bank will pay a $43.32 mil- GROUP 3 901 FC. Suspended San Diego Loyal head CF Montréal at Chicago Sophia Popov (15), Germany, vs. Su Oh coach Landon Donovan one game for leav- lion fine plus $36,368,400 in resti- Orlando City at New York Wednesday (47), Australia ing the technical area and dissent to an of- New England at Cincinnati Sei Young Kim (3), South Korea, vs. Aya- Sung Hyun Park (18), South Korea, vs. ficial during a May 22 game against Louis- tution — matching the total of the Toronto FC at Columbus ko Uehara (62), Japan, tied Hee Young Park (50), South Korea ville City FC. Suspended FC Tulsa’s D Jorge Nashville at Atlanta Brittany Altomare (30), United States, GROUP 16 Corrales one game for his two cautionable illegal payments — for a total of New York City FC at Los Angeles FC def. Yu Liu (35), China, 1-up Wednesday red card offenses during a May 19 game San Jose at LA Galaxy Thursday Ariya Jutanugarn (16), Thailand, vs. Lau- against Sporting Kansas City II. Suspend- $79,688,400, according to a plea D.C. United at Miami Sei Young Kim (3), South Korea, vs. Yu ren Stephenson (49), United States, tied ed New Mexico United’s F Andrew Tinari agreement read into the record Houston at Sporting Kansas City Liu (35), China Sarah Schmelzel (48), United States, def. one game for his two cautionable red card FC Dallas at Colorado Brittany Altomare (30), United States, Carlota Ciganda (17), Spain, 1-up offenses during a May 21 game against Thursday by U.S. District Judge Minnesota at Real Salt Lake vs. Ayako Uehara (62), Japan Thursday Colorado Springs. Suspended Charlotte GROUP 4 Ariya Jutanugarn (16), Thailand, vs. Sa- Independence’s D Christian Dean one Pamela K. Chen. Sunday’s games Wednesday rah Schmelzel (48), United States game for his two cautionable red card of- Portland at Philadelphia Jenny Coleman (61), United States def. Carlota Ciganda (17), Spain, vs. Lauren fenses during a May 22 game against Austin FC at Seattle Brooke M. Henderson (4), Canada, 1-up Stephenson (49), United States Pittsburgh SC. Associated Press PAGE 42 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, May 28, 2021 NFL

OWNERS’ MEETINGS 2 Number of Super-Bowl winning kicks made by Vinatieri for the New Stadiums England Patriots expected 10 Game-winning kicks in overtime, an NFL record. to be full 21 BY ROB MAADDI 1,000-point seasons. The Associated Press previous record was 16. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell says the league expects full stadiums this season and players and staff are being encouraged 44 to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Consecutive field goals “One of the things we’ve made, an NFL record. obviously learned over the last year is not to make projections too far out,” Goodell said Wednesday 238 following virtual meetings Points in the playoffs, Goodell with team owners. “Thirty-two teams are another NFL best. going to have to be in compliance with health officials on a local basis, do whatever is necessary to keep all personnel safe. But 599 we do think it will be a much more normal experience. We do expect full stadiums. It is Vinatieri's league-record very possible that some nonvaccinated per- number of field goals. sonnel may have masks on. “But those are things that I think we’ll continue to follow closely, make sure that we’re doing in accordance with all laws and 2,673 regulations and make sure that we provide Career points, also a league our fans the best possible experience.” AP record (with FGs) previously So far, 30 of 32 teams have approval to held by Morten Andersen. safely open at 100% capacity before the pre- New England Patriots kicker Adam Vinatieri celebrates after kicking the 48­yard, game­winning field goal in the final seconds of Super Bowl XXXVI against the St. Louis Rams in New Orleans on Feb. 3, 2002. From The Associated Press season schedule begins. The Colts and Broncos do not but are on a path to get ap- proval before August. Goodell said social justice was a topic ad- Record-breaking kicker Vinatieri to retire dressed during meetings with owners. “We reflected on the murder of George BY MICHAEL MAROT Vinatieri played in 365 regular-season expired gave the Patriots their first Super Floyd a year ago yesterday,” he said. “Our Associated Press games, second behind Andersen (382), and Bowl. focus at the league and the clubs remains Adam Vinatieri used his strong leg to be- is the only player in league history to top the A fluke? Hardly. squarely, as it did in the years prior, on come the NFL’s career scoring leader. 1,000-point mark with two franchises. Two years later, Vinatieri’s tiebreaking working with our players and our partners A surgically repaired left knee apparent- He entered the league as undrafted free 46-yard field goal proved the difference in to help build a more just society. And, we ly will force him out. agent and became known as the best clutch another playoff win and his 41-yard kick talked about our continuing commitment in The former Indianapolis Colts and New kicker in NFL history. Vinatieri made 29 with 4 seconds left broke a 29-29 tie with that area. We are also focused on our contin- England Patriots star told former team- game-winning kicks during his career. Carolina, giving New England its second ued expansion of our diversity, equity and mate and SiriusXM radio host Pat McAfee Vinatieri started the 1996 season by mis- Super Bowl title. inclusion efforts, which will continue to be that he plans to retire. sing four of his first six field-goal attempts, After he scored 1,158 points withthe Pa- four pillars of our continued growth and “By Friday, if (the) paperwork goes in, and then-coach Bill Parcells considered triots, the team let Vinatieri become a free success. We had a lengthy discussion on you heard it here first,” Vinatieri said. cutting him. But the rookie saved his job agent and he landed in Indianapolis, where that.” Vinatieri, 48, hasn’t played since missing with a 31-yarder into the into the wind and he spent the next 14 seasons writing the sec- NFL executive vice president of football three of four field goals in a 31-17 loss to the rain with 36 seconds left in a 31-0 victory ond chapter of his career. He scored a fran- operations Troy Vincent said he spoke with Tennessee Titans on Dec. 1, 2019. over Arizona. chise-record 1,515 points with Indy. former player and assistant coach Eugene Vinatieri’s final kick was blocked and re- Vinatieri spent 10 seasons with the Patri- The scoring numbers are only part of Vi- Chung, who recently revealed that a team turned 63 yards to break a 17-17 tie. He went ots, delivering one memorable moment af- natieri’s remarkable résumé. official told him he was “not the right mi- on injured reserve the next week and had ter another. The four-time Super Bowl winner and nority” during a job interview. Chung, who surgery on the knee, and his rehabilitation He forced overtime in a 2001 divisional three-time All-Pro was part of 242 regular- is Korean American, didn’t identify the process was complicated by the COVID-19 round playoff game with a 45-yard field season wins, and broke career records for team. Dasha Smith, the NFL’s executive pandemic. Vinatieri didn’t play last season. goal in blizzard conditions. field-goal attempts (715) while becoming vice president and chief administrative offi- This is not how anyone expected Auto- “I would say it was by far the greatest the third-oldest player to appear in an NFL cer, said the league is investigating. matic Adam to go out. kick I have ever seen,” New England coach game. He scored points in 47 stadiums, too. Also: After he missed six extra points and eight Bill Belichick said more than a decade later. Vinatieri played in six AFC champion- ■ The league expanded the prohibition field goals in the worst season of his 24-year “There were probably 3 to 4 inches of snow ships, five Super Bowls and a record 397 for blocks below the waist. career, the Colts opted not re-sign Vinatieri, on the ground. It was a soft snow that kind of games including the playoffs. He was se- ■ Rosters for training camp were set for who still wanted to play. didn’t go away. I mean, there was no way to lected to the NFL’s 100th anniversary team. amaximum of 90 players. A cutdown to 85 is His decision this week ends one of the get around it. The magnitude of the kick was Former teammate Reggie Wayne posted due by Aug. 17 and a cut to 80 a week later. longest and most distinguished careers in significant. It’s got to be the greatest kick of on Twitter that Vinatieri was the greatest Teams have to set their 53-man rosters by NFL history. all time, certainly that I’ve seen.” kicker of all time. “Congrats on your retire- Aug. 31 after the third preseason game. Vinatieri scored 2,673 points and made Vinatieri later won that game with a 23- ment bro. It was a pleasure to sit back and ■ The league and NFLPA agreed to set a 599 field goals, breaking both records pre- yarder. watch #greatness for many years,” Wayne salary cap ceiling of $208.2 million for 2022. viously held by Morten Andersen. Two weeks later, his 48-yard kick as time tweeted. Friday, May 28, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 43 MLB

Scoreboard ROUNDUP

American League East Division WLPct GB Tampa Bay 31 20 .608 _ Edman’s 2 HRs help Cards nix sweep Boston 30 20 .600 ½ New York 28 20 .583 1½ Toronto 24 23 .511 5 St. Louis manager Shildt is ejected Baltimore 17 32 .347 13 Central Division after Cardinals pitcher Gallegos is WLPct GB forced by umpires to switch caps Chicago 28 20 .583 _ Associated Press Cleveland 26 21 .553 1½ CHICAGO — Giovanny Gallegos came in to a Kansas City 23 24 .489 4½ Minnesota 20 29 .408 8½ sticky situation, with the St. Louis Cardinals Detroit 19 30 .388 9½ clinging to a one­run lead and two on in the sev­ West Division enth inning. It quickly became a heated one. WLPct GB Umpire Joe West ordered him to switch caps Oakland 29 22 .569 _ because there apparently was sunscreen on the Houston 27 22 .551 1 bill. Manager Mike Shildt, thinking his player Seattle 23 27 .460 5½ was unfairly singled out, got ejected during an Los Angeles 22 27 .449 6 Texas 22 29 .431 7 animated argument. That overshadowed everything else in the National League Cardinals’ 4­0 victory over the Chicago White East Division Sox on Wednesday. WLPct GB “This is baseball’s dirty little secret, and it’s New York 22 20 .524 _ the wrong time and the wrong arena to expose Atlanta 24 25 .490 1½ it,” Shildt said. “Here’s the deal. First of all, Gio Miami 24 25 .490 1½ Philadelphia 24 26 .480 2 wears the same hat all year. Hats accrue dirt. Washington 20 24 .455 3 Hats accrue substances. ... Did Gio have some Central Division sunscreen at some point in his career to make WLPct GB sure he doesn’t get some kind of melanoma? St. Louis 27 22 .551 _ Possibly. Does he use rosin to help out? Possi­ Chicago 26 22 .542 ½ bly. Are these things that baseball really wants Milwaukee 24 25 .490 3 to crack down on? No.” Cincinnati 21 25 .457 4½ Pittsburgh 18 30 .375 8½ Tommy Edman homered twice, and the Car­ West Division dinals avoided a three­game sweep. WLPct GB Shildt was ejected with one out in the sev­ enth, after Génesis Cabrera hit Yoán Moncada, San Diego 32 18 .640 _ Los Angeles 30 19 .612 1½ putting runners on first and second. San Francisco 30 19 .612 1½ The Cardinals brought in Giovanny Gallegos. CHARLES REX ARBOGAST/AP Colorado 19 30 .388 12½ West, who on Tuesday set Major League Base­ The St. Louis Cardinals’ Tommy Edman celebrates his home run off Chicago White Sox start­ Arizona 18 32 .360 14 ball’s record for most games umpired, said sec­ ing pitcher Carlos Rodon during the third inning. Edman homered a second time in a 4­0 win. Wednesday’s games ond­base ump Dan Bellino noticed a substance Minnesota 3, Baltimore 2 St. Louis 4, Chicago White Sox 0 on the brim of the pitcher’s cap. his eighth save. Caratini’s leadoff single to right off Brent Su­ Oakland 6, Seattle 3 L.A. Angels 9, Texas 8 West said Gallegos told him it was sunscreen. Cubs 4, Pirates 1: Trevor Williams pitched ter (3­3) scored automatic runner Wil Myers Detroit 1, Cleveland 0 Even so, he made the pitcher switch caps be­ six innings and singled twice against his former from second base. Tampa Bay 2, Kansas City 1, 10 innings Boston 9, Atlanta 5 fore throwing a pitch because “we don’t want team, helping streaking Chicago win at stum­ Astros 5, Dodgers 2: Jose Altuve, Carlos Houston 5, L.A. Dodgers 2 Toronto at N.Y. Yankees, ppd. anybody to be accused of cheating or any of that bling Pittsburgh. Correa and Aledmys Díaz homered, and host Chicago Cubs 4, Pittsburgh 1 stuff.” The cap was sent to the commissioner’s The Cubs won for the fifth time in six games. Houston stopped a four­game slide by topping Miami 4, Philadelphia 2 San Diego 2, Milwaukee 1, 10 innings office. David Bote hit a two­run homer for Chicago, Trevor Bauer and Los Angeles. San Francisco 5, Arizona 4 Cincinnati at Washington, sus. “The whole point of this is we’re trying to pro­ and Kris Bryant had three hits and two RBIs. Altuve hit a leadoff drive in the first inning, Colorado at N.Y. Mets, ppd. tect his pitcher, and he got ejected,” West said. Tigers 1, Indians 0: Niko Goodrum doubled, and Correa put the Astros ahead to stay with a Thursday’s games Cleveland at Detroit Twins 3, Orioles 2:Miguel Sanó hit a three­ advanced on Jake Rogers’ bunt and scored on tiebreaking solo shot off Bauer with two outs in Kansas City at Tampa Bay run homer off Jorge López (1­6), and host Min­ Robbie Grossman’s sacrifice fly in the eighth the sixth. Díaz tacked on a two­run shot during Toronto at N.Y. Yankees, 2 Baltimore at Chicago White Sox nesota completed a three­game sweep of Balti­ inning, and host Detroit snapped a four­game Houston’s three­run seventh. L.A. Angels at Oakland Texas at Seattle more, which have lost nine straight. losing streak overall and a six­game skid Red Sox 9, Braves 5:Rafael Devers home­ Colorado at N.Y. Mets, 2 Michael Pineda (3­2) allowed one run and against Cleveland. red and drove in three runs, helping host Bos­ Philadelphia at Miami Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh three hits over six innings in his first start since The Tigers’ Jose Urena gave up three hits ton beat Atlanta in a game that was delayed San Diego at Milwaukee 2 Cincinnati at Washington, 2 May 13 following a trip to the injured list caused and three walks over 5⁄3 innings before exiting nearly three hours by rain after the sixth in­ St. Louis at Arizona by a thigh abscess. He fell behind in the first on with a forearm injury in the middle of an at­bat ning. San Francisco at L.A. Dodgers Friday’s games Trey Mancini’s 11th home run. after a trainer made a brief visit to the mound. Hunter Renfroe also connected for the Red Miami (Poteet 2-0) at Boston (Pérez 2-2) The Twins have won six of seven overall and Jose Cisnero, Michael Fulmer (4­3) and Grego­ Sox, and Christian Vázquez had three RBIs. N.Y. Yankees (Cole 6-2) at Detroit (Mize 3-3) Toronto (Ryu 4-2) at Cleveland (TBD) 15 in a row over the Orioles. Hansel Robles ry Soto completed the four­hitter, with Soto Xander Bogaerts walked twice and scored Baltimore (Harvey 3-5) at Chicago White Sox (Keuchel 3-1) earned his third save. earning his fifth save. three times. Kansas City (Bubic 0-0) at Minnesota Athletics 6, Mariners 3: James Kaprielian Rays 1, Royals 0 (10):Manuel Margot hit a Giants 5, Diamondbacks 4: Jason Vosler (Dobnak 1-3) San Diego (Lamet 1-0) at Houston (Val- (2­0) allowed two hits in seven scoreless in­ run­scoring single in the 10th inning and host snapped an eighth­inning tie with his first ma­ dez 0-0) L.A. Angels (Cobb 2-2) at Oakland (Ma- nings, and host Oakland avoided a three­game Tampa Bay beat Kansas City. jor league home run and visiting San Francisco naea 3-2) sweep. Kevin Kiermaier advanced from second to rallied to hand Arizona its 10th straight defeat. Texas (Lyles 2-3) at Seattle (Sheffield 3-4) Cincinnati (Gutierrez 0-0) at Chicago Matt Olson hit his 13th homer, Seth Brown third when Taylor Walls flied out to deep center Pinch­hitter Austin Slater connected for a Cubs (Alzolay 2-4) Colorado (Gray 4-4) at Pittsburgh (Keller 2-6) had two hits and two RBIs, and Jake Diekman field against Tyler Zuber (0­2). After Austin two­run shot that tied it 4­all earlier in the Milwaukee (Anderson 2-3) at Washing- got four outs for his sixth save. Meadows was intentionally walked, Margot eighth. Tyler Rogers pitched out of a huge jam ton (Lester 0-2) Atlanta (Anderson 4-1) at N.Y. Mets (TBD) Robert Dugger (0­1) gave up five runs, five won it on just the Rays’ third hit of the game. in the ninth, sending the Diamondbacks to an­ San Francisco (DeSclafani 4-2) at L.A. 1 Dodgers (Buehler 3-0) hits and three walks in 3⁄3 innings. Marlins 4, Phillies 2: Jon Berti hit a go­ other agonizing loss and their longest skid since Saturday’s games Angels 9, Rangers 8: Taylor Ward hit a ahead. two­run single in a three­run eighth in­ 2010. Philadelphia at Tampa Bay Nationals 3, Reds 0 (4 innings, suspended): Baltimore at Chicago White Sox three­run homer off Dane Dunning (2­4) in the ning, and host Miami beat Philadelphia. Kansas City at Minnesota first and had a career­high five RBIs. The Phillies built a 2­1 lead on Brad Miller’s The game at Washington suspended in the mid­ L.A. Angels at Oakland Miami at Boston Los Angeles led 9­1 but Nate Lowe had a two­ bases­loaded walk in the third off Nick Neidert dle of the fourth inning following a rain delay N.Y. Yankees at Detroit San Diego at Houston run homer in sixth, and visiting Texas scored and Rhy Hoskins’ fifth­inning sacrifice fly that lasted for more than three hours. Toronto at Cleveland five times in the eighth on Joey Gallo’s two­run against Anthony Bender. Play will resume Thursday afternoon with Texas at Seattle Cincinnati at Chicago Cubs homer, Brock Holt’s RBI double and Willie Cal­ Padres 2, Brewers 1 (10): Victor Caratini the Nationals holding a 3­0 lead. The resump­ Colorado at Pittsburgh Atlanta at N.Y. Mets houn’s two­run double. singled home the go­ahead run in the top of the tion will be a standard­length game, while the Milwaukee at Washington With a runner on, Raisel Iglesias struck out 10th inning, and San Diego won at Milwaukee regularly scheduled series finale will be seven San Francisco at L.A. Dodgers St. Louis at Arizona Adolis García, Joey Gallo and Khris Davis for for its 11th victory in 12 games. innings.. PAGE 44 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, May 28, 2021 AUTO RACING Stewart will celebrate 60th anniversary of Foyt’s 1st Indy victory BY JENNA FRYER As the friends approached Sun- Associated Press day’s reunion, they reflected on INDIANAPOLIS — Tony Stew- the meaning of Indianapolis Mo- art had one favorite driver grow- tor Speedway to their lives. ing up, and if he ever reached the Foyt said the track is the single same level as A.J. Foyt, he hoped most influential venue in his ca- to emulate his hero. reer. Although Stewart made his “All I can say is Indianapolis is fame and fortune in NASCAR, his what made A.J. Foyt,” he said. no-nonsense, hard-nosed style “A.J. Foyt didn’t make Indianapo- was reminiscent of Foyt. The two lis and like Tony said, Indianapo- built a close friendship that has lis, all the world knows that race, stretched over decades during and you’ve got a bunch of great their Hall of Fame careers. racetracks, don’t get me wrong, On the 60th anniversary of the but you only have one Indianapo- first of Foyt’s four Indianapolis lis.” 500 victories, Stewart will sit side- Stewart landed a job in 1995 as a by-side next to his idol on the pit crew member for A.J. Foyt Racing stand this weekend as Foyt’s guest on Eddie Cheever’s car for the In- for the celebration. dianapolis 500. Cheever was in- PHOTOS BY DARRON CUMMINGS/AP “It won’t be much fun. I’ve volved in a crash on the first lap, Above: Jimmie Johnson talks with Dario Franchitti, left, following a practice session for the IndyCar race at known him too damn long,” Foyt bringing Stewart’s experience to Indianapolis Motor Speedway on May 14. Below, Johnson climbs out of his car after a practice session. said. “I’d like to win the race so he an end 10 seconds after the start. could know what victory circle is The next year he was on the pole like on the 500 with IndyCar. That and had never faced such nerves would be the most fun week I’ve in the buildup to the green flag. had, both of us.” “That’s the closest I’ve ever Johnson watches, waits That’s classic Foyt, taking aim been to throwing up before a race. at his buddy Stewart for the score The nerves were at a level that I sheet at Indianapolis Motor had never seen before in my entire Speedway. Now 86, Foyt is one of life, in any form of motorsports, only three four-time winners of leading up to my first Indy 500,” for his turn at Indy 500 “The Greatest Spectacle in Rac- Stewart said. “It was extremely ing” with wins in 1961, 1964, 1967 hard to stay composed. To go from BY JENNA FRYER speeds,” Johnson said. “I’m under- and 1977. being a crew member to literally Associated Press standing the environment a lot Stewart, who grew up an hour the next year starting the race INDIANAPOLIS more and becoming more comfort- away from IMS in Columbus and from the pole was definitely a immie Johnson was inside able. I don’t know about Texas Mo- earned money driving a tow truck drastic shift.” a sauna at 120 degrees and tor Speedway, but for the Indy 500 in the speedway vicinity, only Foyt has turned over most of the climbing as part of an hour- itself, I’m definitely becoming hoped to one day get a chance to day-to-day operations of A.J. Foyt Jlong sweat session prep- more comfortable.” run an Indy 500. He made five ca- Racing to his son, Larry. The team ping him to race on hot summer Johnson will be back this week- reer Indy 500 starts, — he even tried to qualify four cars for the days. It’s part of a fitness program end as part of the NBC crew to ana- started on the pole as a rookie in 33-car field, but Charlie Kimball that calls for mental exercises to be lyze the Indy 500 and watch his four 1996 — but never finished higher missed the cut. J.R. Hildebrand completed while roasting inside the Ganassi teammates attempt to win than fifth. qualified and will compete in a sweat bath, but Johnson was Sunday. All four qualified inside In NASCAR, though, Stewart replica livery of the car Foyt drove knocking out phone calls instead. the first three rows, with Scott Dix- won the Brickyard 400 twice. to his 1961 win. He wanted to talk Wednesday on on the pole and Kanaan, the ol- program when it came together, it Stewart turned 50 earlier this Stewart cites the 1982 Indy 500 about his first weekend at the Indi- dest driver in the field at 46, start- was just the perfect fit for Tony and week and wasn’t alive for Foyt’s race as the Foyt memory of his anapolis 500, where the seven-time ing fifth. no one has had any doubt that he first three Indy 500 wins. But the that will live forever. Foyt had sus- NASCAR champion was part of the The irony is that Kanaan might was going to be fast as hell at Indy. two are close enough friends that pension damage and, not satisfied NBC Sports broadcast team over not even be in the race if not for He’s just so relaxed and so excited he lets Stewart count his wins as with the crew repairs, climbed out two days of qualifying. Johnson had Johnson’s wild idea to retire from to have a car that can win the race.” his own. of his car and grabbed a hammer never before attended any part of NASCAR and make a move to In- That puts Johnson in a strange “Tony has got four. He was pull- to do his own work. He then re- the Indy 500. dyCar at the age of 45. But Johnson spot as he soaks in the race Sunday ing for me, so he’s got part of the turned to the race. Had rules permitted, he just only wanted to do road and street as a broadcaster all while his desire wins, too. I know deep down he “That just shows the true grit might have kicked Tony Kanaan courses, which left four oval races to be a participant in “The Greatest was hoping I would win,” Foyt and determination A.J. has always right out of his car. open for the No. 48 Honda. Spectacle in Racing” takes over. said. had,” Stewart said. “I knew it was going to go one Kanaan expected to be retired His wife and two daughters won’t way or the other, I was either going from IndyCar this season, but be at Indy this weekend — and it is to be totally against oval racing or Johnson recruited him for the ova- Johnson’s wife, Chani, who also see that the next realistic step is a ls. Now the Brazilian is a contender needs to sign off on oval racing — test session,” Johnson told The As- for a second Indy 500 victory with a but team owner Chip Ganassi un- sociated Press. strong week around Indianapolis derstands a test is likely on an up- What he learned last weekend is Motor Speedway. coming schedule. that the driver approach to the Indi- Johnson is no longer on the fence “He’s known where my head is anapolis 500 is not unlike how his about, at minimum, testing on an on all this and the journey to run on NASCAR peers head into races at oval and determining if that gets an oval and if I was to pick just one Daytona and Talladega, where him an Indy 500 seat next year. oval of course it would be the 500,” speeds are higher and crashes This current arrangement with Ga- Johnson said. “But there’s a lot that common. nassi for both Johnson and Kanaan has to happen on my side to be 100% “I have in my mind that these In- is two years, and Kanaan is thriv- for the 500 next year. And same dyCar drivers enter these oval ing. thing for CGR, what does the team races like we do a restrictor plate “We know he’s super good and look like? We’ve had expansion. Do JOHN RAOUX/AP race and it’s a much more calculat- we know he’s one of the guys to beat we expand more? So we’ll see in in a Driver Tony Stewart, left, said he idolized A.J. Foyt, right, growing up. ed and conservative approach in an and we know he loves this race to couple of months where it all nets The two are shown during practice for the 2009 Daytona 500. Indy car due to the risks, due to the death,” said Dixon. “The whole out.” Friday, May 28, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 45 NBA PLAYOFFS

Scoreboard Simmons Playoffs leads 76ers Play­in Play­in First Round Eastern Conference past Wizards Tuesday, May 18 Indiana 144, Charlotte 117 Associated Press Boston 118, Washington 100 Western Conference PHILADELPHIA — Ben Sim- Wednesday, May 19 Memphis 100, San Antonio 96 mons put a spin move on Russell L.A. Lakers 103, Golden State 100 Westbrook that sent him spraw- Play­in Second Round Eastern Conference ling to the floor several minutes Thursday, May 20 before an ankle injury sent the Washington 142, Indiana 115 Western Conference NBA’s triple-double king to the Friday, May 21 Memphis 117, Golden State 112 (OT) locker room and First Round nearly into the (Best­of­seven) x­if necessary stands to con- Eastern Conference Philadelphia 2,Washington 0 front a misbe- Philadelphia 125, Washington 118 having fan. Wednesday: Philadelphia 120, Washing­ ton 95 With Sim- Saturday: at Washington mons soaring Monday: at Washington x­Wednesday, June 2: at Philadelphia and Westbrook x­Friday, June 4: at Washington ailing, the Phila- x­Sunday, June 6: at Philadelphia Brooklyn 2, Boston 0 delphia 76ers Simmons Brooklyn 104, Boston 93 beat the Wash- Brooklyn 130, Boston 108 Friday: at Boston AP photo ington Wizards 120-95 on Sunday: at Boston x­Tuesday, June 1: at Brooklyn Atlanta Hawks forward Danilo Gallinari, left, tries to keep the ball from Knicks forward Julius Randle duringWednesday night to take a 2-0 x­Thursday, June 3: at Boston the third quarter in Game 2 of their first­round playoff series Wednesday, in New York. lead in the first-round playoff se- x­Saturday, June 5: at Brooklyn Milwaukee 2, Miami 0 ries. Milwaukee 109, Miami 107 (OT) Game 3 is Saturday night at Milwaukee 132, Miami 98 Thursday: at Miami Washington. Saturday: at Miami Westbrook went down after x­Tuesday, June 1: at Milwaukee x­Thursday, June 3: at Miami Knicks rally past Hawks colliding with Furkan Korkmaz x­Saturday, June 5: at Milwaukee Atlanta 1, New York 1 early in the fourth quarter. He Atlanta 107, New York 105 Associated Press Thibodeau said. Trae Young scored 30 points for limped off the floor and then was Wednesday: New York 101, Atlanta 92 Friday: at Atlanta NEW YORK — Down 13 points, “And I think Julius hitting that the Hawks after having 32 and hit- restrained by security after a fan Sunday: at Atlanta the New York Knicks needed a shot, Julius is not going to go away. ting the tiebreaking shot with 0.9 threw popcorn at him as he was Wednesday, June 2: at New York x­Friday, June 4: at Atlanta change in the second half beyond He’s going to keep coming. He’s seconds left in Game 1. Bogdan headed under the tunnel. x­Sunday, June 6: at New York Western Conference starting Derrick Rose. got a great will, great determina- Bogdanovic and De'Andre Hunter “We’ll see,” Westbrook said Memphis 1, Utah 1 They needed the Julius Randle tion and he’s a fighter.” added 18 apiece. about his availability for the next Memphis 112, Utah 109 Wednesday: Utah 141, Memphis 129 they saw in the regular season. The winner of the NBA's Most Game 3 is Friday night in Atlan- game. “Hurt it twice in a short Saturday: at Memphis Rose scored 26 points, Randle Improved Player award finished ta, where the Hawks will be al- amount of time. We’ll see what Monday: at Memphis x­Wednesday, June 2: at Utah shook off a miserable first half to with 15 points and 12 rebounds de- lowed to welcome a full capacity happens.” x­Friday, June 4: at Memphis lead a third-quarter turnaround spite another poor shooting night. crowd for the first time this sea- As for the incident with the fan, x­Sunday, June 6: at Utah Phoenix 1, L.A. Lakers 1 and the Knicks beat the Atlanta He was 5-for-16 after going 6- son. Westbrook said: “I wouldn’t Phoenix 99, L.A. Lakers 90 L.A. Lakers 109, Phoenix 102 Hawks 101-92 on Wednesday for-23 in the opener. “I hope Atlanta’s ready to bring come up to me on the street and Thursday: at L.A. Lakers night in Game 2 to tie the series. But he came through with it that energy and I hope it’s loud throw popcorn on my head, be- Sunday: at L.A. Lakers Tuesday, June 1: at Phoenix Randle was 0-for-6 with just two counted along with Reggie Bull- and I hope everybody’s excited to cause you know what happens. ... x­Thursday, June 3: at L.A. Lakers points at halftime. But with Rose ock, who made four three-pointers have playoffs back in the A,” In these arenas, you gotta start x­Saturday, June 5: at Phoenix Portland 1, Denver 1 moving into the starting lineup to in the second half and also had 15 Young said, “and I’m ready to play protecting the players. We’ll see Portland 123, Denver 109 open the third quarter, Randle points as New York guaranteed back inside that arena in front of what the NBA does.” Denver 128, Portland 109 Thursday: at Portland made a three-pointer to start the there will be at least one more those fans. So it’s going to be fun.” Simmons and Joel Embiid each Saturday: at Portland Tuesday, June 1: at Denver period and scored 11 points on 4- home game in this surprising sea- Rose made the basket the gave scored 22 points and Tobias Har- x­Thursday, June 3: at Portland for-5 shooting as New York surged son. the Knicks the lead for good at 93- ris added 19 for the top-seeded x­Saturday, June 5: at Denver Dallas 2, L.A. Clippers 0 into the lead. “Obviously, throughout the 91 with 4:45 to play and kick off a Sixers. Simmons added nine re- Dallas 113, L.A. Clippers 103 “Obviously we were disappoint- game there's going to be frustra- decisive 9-0 run. He played 39 bounds and eight assists. Dallas 127, L.A. Clippers 121 Friday: at Dallas ed with the way we played in the tions, but we know who we are as a minutes as Thibodeau stuck with Bradley Beal had 33 points and Sunday: at Dallas first half, but I knew in the second team,” Randle said. “We’re never one of his most trusted players to Westbrook finished with 10 x­Wednesday, June 2: at L.A. Clippers x­Friday, June 4: at Dallas half there’d be great fight and going to doubt whether we can win keep the series — and maybe sea- points and 11 assists for the sub- x­Sunday, June 6: at L.A. Clippers there was,” Knicks coach Tom a game or not.” son — from slipping away. .500 Wizards. Mitchell, Jazz overcome Morant, Grizzlies Associated Press Mitchell, who was limited to 26 everything. I was able to just find Mitchell. SALT LAKE CITY — Donovan minutes, made five three-pointers. my spots and attack and just kind Dillon Brooks, who scored 23 Mitchell wanted to make up for lost Rudy Gobert had 21 points, 13 re- of just do what I do,” Mitchell said. points, had a dunk that got Mem- time. bounds and four blocks for the Morant broke Conley’s Grizzlies phis within 121-112 with 7:06 to Mitchell scored 25 points in his Jazz. playoff scoring record, and be- play, but it couldn’t stop Utah’s much-anticipated return from a Mike Conley had 20 points and a came the first player to score as multifaceted attack, which scored sprained ankle and the Utah Jazz career-best 15 assists, and Bojan many as 71 points in his first two at least 36 points in three of the four overcame Ja Morant’s franchise- Bogdanovic added 18 points to help career playoff games since the periods. record 47 points in a 141-129 victo- Utah knot the series. NBL merged with the BAA to cre- Mitchell was ready to play on ry over the Memphis Grizzlies on Buoyed by Mitchell, the Jazz led ate the NBA before the 1949-50 Sunday, but the Jazz medical staff Wednesday night, tying the first- by as many as 22 points in the first season. scratched him from the lineup round playoff series at a game half, but Morant and the Grizzlies “I just got to be aggressive at all hours before the game, frustrating apiece. roared back in the third quarter. times. I put that pressure on myself the Utah star who missed 17 games “I have never been in this posi- Utah didn’t ask Mitchell to win the to get us back in the game. I was with a sprained ankle. tion before, so this is uncharted game himself, but the Jazz needed able to get to my spots on the floor On Monday, Mitchell pro- territory. I had to find a way to just his presence to withstand the and make shots,” Morant said. claimed he was playing in Game 2 relax myself. It’s easy to go out Memphis runs. Two Gobert dunks off pick-and- no matter what, and the team RICK BOWMER/AP there and try and hit a home run to “Mike had 20 and 15 Rudy at 21 rolls powered a 10-0 run that agreed. He tried to make up for lost Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell start the game, but the game’s not and 13 -- we did a lot of really good bridged the third and fourth quar- time, scoring 12 points — including scored 25 points in his won in the first five minutes,” things so it made my job easier. I ters and gave the Jazz a 110-97 lead three from long range — in his first much­anticipated return from a Mitchell said. didn’t have to come in and just do following a three-point play by eight minutes. sprained ankle. PAGE 46 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, May 28, 2021 NHL PLAYOFFS

ROUNDUP Scoreboard

First round Islanders 4, Pittsburgh 1 Islanders 3, Pittsburgh 2, 2OT Wednesday: Islanders 5, Pittsburgh 3 (Best-of-seven; x-if necessary) Toronto 3, Montreal 1 Lightning, Islanders advance Carolina 3, Nashville 2 Montreal 2, Toronto 1 Carolina 5, Nashville 2 Toronto 5, Montreal 1 Carolina 3, Nashville 0 Toronto 2, Montreal 1 Associated Press Nashville 5, Carolina 4, 2OT Toronto 4, Montreal 0 Nashville 4, Carolina 3, 2OT Thursday: Montreal at Toronto TAMPA, Fla. — Andrei Vasilev- Carolina 3, Nashville 2, OT x-Saturday: Toronto at Montreal Thursday: Carolina at Nashville x-Monday: Montreal at Toronto x-Saturday: Nashville at Carolina skiy wrapped up a series with a Winnipeg 4, Edmonton 0 Game 6 shutout for the second Tampa Bay 4, Florida 2 Winnipeg 4, Edmonton 1 Tampa Bay 5, Florida 4 Winnipeg 1, Edmonton 0, OT straight time, stopping 29 shots in Tampa Bay 3, Florida 1 Winnipeg 5, Edmonton 4, OT the Tampa Bay Lightning’s 4-0 Florida 6, Tampa Bay 5, OT Winnipeg 4, Edmonton 3, 3OT Tampa Bay 6, Florida 2 victory over the Florida Panthers Florida 4, Tampa Bay 1 Vegas 3, Minnesota 3 Wednesday: Tampa Bay 4, Florida 0 Minnesota 1, Vegas 0, OT on Wednesday night. Vegas 3, Minnesota 1 Boston 4, Washington 1 Vegas 5, Minnesota 2 Vasilevskiy also shut out the Washington 3, Boston 2, OT Vegas 4, Minnesota 0 Dallas Stars last year to win the Boston 4, Washington 3, OT Minnesota 4, Vegas 2 Boston 3, Washington 2, 2OT Wednesday: Minnesota 3, Vegas 0 Stanley Cup. Boston 4, Washington 1 Friday: Minnesota at Vegas Boston 3, Washington 1 The Lightning advanced to face Colorado 4, St. Louis 0 N.Y. Islanders 4, Pittsburgh 2 the Carolina-Nashville winner in Colorado 4, St. Louis 1 Islanders 4, Pittsburgh 3, OT Colorado 6, St. Louis 3 the second round. Tampa Bay ad- Pittsburgh 2, islanders 1 Colorado 5, St. Louis 1 Pittsburgh 5, islanders 4 Colorado 5, St. Louis 2 vanced to the second round for the fifth time in the past seven years. and two assists, and Kyle Palmieri to finish with 150 in his four starts. The Panthers have not won a CHRIS O'MEARA/AP and Ryan Pulock also scored to Wild 3, Vegas 0: Kevin Fiala playoff series since the 1996 East- Florida Panthers wing Jonathan Huberdeau shoots Wednesday in front help New York beat the top-seed- had a goal and an assist in the third ern Conference Finals. of Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Mikhail Sergachev. ed Penguins in the first round for period to break open a scoreless Steven Stamkos scored his third the second time in three years. game, Cam Talbot had his second goal of the series and Pat Maroon net for Florida after his strong in Game 6 to advance to the sec- Josh Bailey and Jean-Gabriel Pa- shutout of the series and host Min- added his first. Brayden Point playoff debut in Game 5, finished ond round. geau each had two assists. nesota beat Vegas to again stave added his fourth of the series in with 20 saves. The Islanders will face Boston Ilya Sorokin stopped 34 shots to off elimination. the third period and Alex Killorn Islanders 5, Penguins 3:Brock in the next round, and fans chant- move to 4-0 with a 1.95 goals- Ryan Hartman scored first and had an empty-net goal with 1:42 Nelson scored twice in New York’s ed “We want Bos-ton! We want against average in the series. He Nick Bjugstad tacked on the last left. three-goal second period and the Bos-ton!” in the closing minutes. had seven saves in the first period, goal in support of Talbot, who Rookie Spencer Knight, back in Islanders beat visiting Pittsburgh Anthony Beauvillier had a goal 15 in the second and 12 in the third made 23 stops. Friday, May 28, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 47 TENNIS/OLYMPICS Debut: Skateboarding leaps to 2020 Olympic competition

FROM PAGE 48 qualify in both the park and street boarding, reluctantly took to the events being showcased at the biggest stage in sports, skate- games. “But they’ve also always boarding is grinding its way into loved being out on the (backcoun- the much more crowded summer try), and going out and filming program. It’s one of a number of projects. And they’ve shown they attempts by the International can do both.” Olympic Committee — surfing, Said Dashawn Jordan, a football rock climbing and 3-on-3 basket- player-turned-skateboarder who ball are also debuting in Tokyo — is also aiming for Tokyo: “I was in- to appeal to a younger, trendier, troduced to skateboarding more easily distracted audience. through the competitive side. And Whether any of this is truly then I found out a lot about what “saving” the Olympics for the next the other side of the sport looks generation is a matter of opinion. like. I look at all the amazing peo- Viewership numbers — many ple who try really hard to keep proprietary, most skewed by the both factors in play.” online fragmentation of the audi- The most successful athlete in ence and all of them open to ma- the current-day group is Ameri- nipulation to tell whatever story can Nyjah Huston, a 12-time X might fit the narrative — indicate Games and five-time world cham- JEAN­FRANCOIS BADIAS/AP the games still have issues with pion who, in a sign of where the Roger Federer, 39, will play in his first Grand Slam tournament in more than 15 months when the French the in-demand 18-to-34 market. soul of this sport has already Open opens on the red clay of Roland Garros stadium in Paris on Sunday. (That puts them in good company: moved, includes a shoe deal with The NFL and MLB and pretty Nike among his cache of endorse- much anything aired on TV are al- ments. so doing worse in that demograph- “I never put much thought into Federer, Serena approach yet ic over the past decade.) it being in the Olympics,” Huston Regardless of whether either said. “I was always confused side enjoys a boost from this new about why it wasn’t in there, but at partnership, suffice it to say that least it’s in there now, and I’m another mark — turning 40 none of it would’ve happened hyped for it.” without the 1998 introduction of There’s also, Sky Brown, the 12- All-time greats at last French Open of their 30s snowboarding to the Olympics. year-old competing for her fa- Despite its now-veteran status in ther’s home country of Britain BY HOWARD FENDRICH rarer (Williams has appeared in the games, the so-called shred- who spent about half her time Associated Press just three matches, going 1-2, since ders still get treated like the shiny growing up in Japan, her mother’s Roger Federer himself put it a semifinal loss to Naomi Osaka at new thing on the shelf every four native country and the place quite simply recently: “How can I the Australian Open). years. And while the entire sport where all the action is happening think of winning the French Open?” While Federer made clear he has prospered over the two dec- this summer. She also surfs and After all, the 20-time major sees this trip to France mainly as a ades, snowboarding has delivered recently took time off to star in, champion will be entered in his first way to help him get ready for Wim- only two athletes the average per- and win, “Dancing With The Grand Slam tournament in more bledon, Williams acknowledged son might recognize on the street: Stars: Juniors.” than 15 months when play begins on her lack of play on clay makes Shaun White and Chloe Kim. As mass marketable as it might the red clay of Roland Garros in the things less comfortable as she re- But lots of folks just beneath be, skateboarding still has some leafy southwestern outskirts of Pa- sumes her bid for a 24th major that level — Jamie Anderson, Red hurdles to climb. In Japan, skate- ris on Sunday. championship. Gerard, Danny Davis and others boarding in broad daylight on a Consider this summary of his cir- “This year has been a little more — have made very good livings, as busy street is still frowned upon. cumstances: Federer has accumu- difficult than normal,” said Wil- well. All of which has been enough It’s not all that much different in lated more operations on his right liams, who pulled out of last year’s to woo a big chunk of skateboard- some places in America. knee (two) than victories (one, in French Open before the second ing’s elite into the Olympics with- If the Olympics might be ALESSANDRA TARANTINO/AP three matches) since February round because of an injured left out much hand-wringing. viewed as offering some sort of 2020. Achilles. Serena Williams, who turns 40 in “You look at snowboarding and mainstream seal of approval to a September, has appeared in just “The moment you know you’re Asked how much she considered the way it is now, and I know they once-rebellious sport, what’s left not going to win the French Open, it skipping the red stuff entirely this three matches, going 1­2, since a semifinal loss to Naomi Osaka at love to compete,” said 20-year-old to be seen is how their show plays can’t be your goal. At least at my season, Williams quickly replied: the Australian Open. Jagger Eaton, who is trying to in Tokyo. level. So I’m just realistic and I “Not one second.” know I will not win the French — Both Williams and Federer carry “So when ... I feel like, ‘My God, I and whoever thought I would, or expectations of excellence every can play so much better,’ it feels could, win it is wrong,” Federer time they step on a court. strange and it’s disappointing. But said. Some comes internally, of course, at the same time, this is the process “Of course, crazier things might which is why Williams holds the Ineed to go through and that’s why I have happened. But I’m not so sure professional era record of 23 Slam can’t get too down on myself.” in the last 50 years at the French singles titles and Federer shares the Not quite on time: The start of Open, somebody just walked up at men’s mark of 20 with Rafael Na- last year’s tournament moved from 40 years old, being out for a year dal. May to September because of the and a half, and just (went) on to win And some comes externally. coronavirus pandemic. This year’s everything. ... I know my limitations That all can be daunting when shift, for the same reason, is far less at the moment.” there is more than the usual amount dramatic: Play was delayed one For the record, he hasn’t quite hit of uncertainty about the status of week. the “Big 4-0” just yet. Still, this will one’s game. “What does it change if we do it a be the last French Open of his 30s — “You need to, sometimes, just put week later? We’re talking about CO- and the last one for Serena Williams yourself out there. Sometimes it’s VID here. I’m not sure it will change in her 30s, too. not fun when you know where your anything,” said Daniil Medvedev, a He turns 40 in August; she reac- limitations are and, obviously for two-time Grand Slam finalist. hes that milestone in September. me, it’s always difficult, because One effect, though, is there will The chances for fans to watch people expect a lot from me and I be only two weeks, instead of three, CHARLIE NEIBERGALL/AP them compete, and for other play- have high expectations for myself,” between the end of the French The United States’ Dashawn Jordan skates during an Olympic qualify­ ers to try to measure up, are getting Federer said. Open and start of Wimbledon. ing event at Lauridsen Skatepark last week in Des Moines, Iowa. PAGE 48 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, May 28, 2021 On to round 2 SPORTS Lightning, Islanders advance with Game 6 wins ›› NHL playoffs, Page 46

OLYMPICS Taking flight

As qualifying events wrap up, skateboarding prepares to make Olympic debut in Tokyo BY EDDIE PELLS The questions under the magnifying glass at this Associated Press week’s Dew Tour — one of the last major qualifying DES MOINES, Iowa events for the Tokyo Games in July — are whether the he hotel door opens and, fast as that, the sound of Olympics is ready for skateboarding and, more tellingly, polyurethane clicking across concrete begins. whether skateboarding is ready for the Olympics. The rhythmic grrrr-chk-chk-grrrr-chk-chk- “That’s the beautiful thing about skateboarding,” said Tgrrrr-chk-chk sound of wheels scooting over Mariah Duran, a 24-year-old from Albuquerque, N.M., cracks in the sidewalk is a telltale sign that something is who is one of a handful of U.S. medal hopefuls. “It takes different in Des Moines. you places you’ve never been.” Skateboarders took over Middle America last week in a More than 20 years after its wintertime cousin, snow- final dress rehearsal for this summer, when they’ll bring their show to the rest of the world at the Olympics. SEE DEBUT ON PAGE 47

Top: Hampus Winberg of Sweden practices during an Olympic qualifying skateboarding event at Lauridsen Skate­ park, May 19, in Des Moines, Iowa. Right: The United States’ Nyjah Huston practices at Lauridsen Skatepark, Saturday, May 22. With last week’s Dew Tour representing one of the last major qualifying events for the games in Tokyo in July, the world is about to find out whether the Olympics is ready for skateboarding. PHOTOS BY CHARLIE NEIBERGALL/AP

Age wearing on Federer, Williams in Paris ›› Tennis, Page 47