Biden to Seek Extension of Nuclear Treaty with Russia

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Volume 79 Edition 198 ©SS 2021 FRIDAY,JANUARY 22, 2021 $1.00 Biden to seek extension of nuclear treaty with Russia

BY JOHN HUDSON The Washington Post President Joe Biden is seeking a five-year extension with Russia on the only remaining treaty lim- iting the world’s two largest nu- clear arsenals just days before it expires, said two senior U.S. offi- cials. At the same time, his adminis- tration is preparing to impose Heading new costs on Russia pending a newly requested intelligence as- sessment of its recent activities. The officials said Biden is ruling out a “reset” in bilateral relations with Moscow as many new U.S. presidents have done since the into the end of the Cold War. “As we work with Russia, so, too, will we work to hold Russia accountable for their reckless and aggressive actions that we’ve seen in recent months and years,” High North said a senior U.S. official, who like others spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss a sensi- tive security matter. Army plans new ‘Arctic brigade’ The decision to seek a five-year treaty extension, which Russia as sea levels and competition rise supports but the Biden adminis- tration hadn’t settled on until BY JOHN VANDIVER now, reflects the rapidly ap- Stars and Stripes proaching deadline for Washing- STUTTGART, Germany — The Army wants a new Arctic-fo- ton to renew the New START cused brigade and other operational forces to bolster its position pact Feb. 5, the officials said. in the High North, the service’s top general said this week, signal- President Donald Trump tried ing a push into an area where Russia has ramped up military oper- to conclude a shorter extension ations. with Moscow in the final months Chief of Staff Gen. James C. McConville said the Army recently of his presidency, but he failed to completed a new Arctic strategy, which was needed to better “de- reach an agreement after his nu- ter conflict,” as melting sea ice raises the prospect of increased SEE NUCLEAR ON PAGE 8 competition over natural resources and new commercial shipping routes. RELATED “It starts with recognizing where our national interests are and we certainly have national interests in the Arctic,” McConville A U.S. Army paratrooper marches after landing Dems take control said Tuesday during a meeting at the Association of the U.S. Ar- at a drop zone during a training event near Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, on Dec. 17. of Senate, confirm SEE ARCTIC ON PAGE 7 JACKSON RICKER/U.S. Marine Corps 1st Cabinet pick Page 9 PAGE 2 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, January 22, 2021 BUSINESS/WEATHER

EUROPE GAS PRICES EXCHANGE RATES

Country Super E10 Super unleaded Super plus Diesel  Military rates So. Korea (Won) 1101.32 Germany $2.645 $3.034 $3.289 $2.971 Azores .. .. $3.189 .. Switzerland (Franc) .8858 Euro costs (Jan. 22) $1.19 Change in price +6.2 cents +5.7 cents +5.5 cents +2.6 cents Change in price .. .. +5.5 cents .. Thailand (Baht) 29.92 Dollar buys (Jan. 22) 0.8018 Turkey (NewLira) 7.3735 Netherlands .. $3.575 $3.876 $3.657 Belgium .. $2.060 $2.249 $2.249 British pound (Jan. 22) $1.34 Japanese yen (Jan. 22) 101.00 Change in price .. +9.0 cents +8.2 cents +8.4 cents Change in price .. No change No change No change (Military exchange rates are those available South Korean won (Jan. 22) 1072.00 to customers at military banking facilities in the U.K. .. $2.933 $3.188 $2.870 Turkey .. .. $3.074 $3.507* Commercial rates country of issuance for Japan, South Korea, Ger­ Change in price .. +5.7 cents +5.5 cents +2.6 cents Change in price .. .. +3.3 cents No change many, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Bahrain(Dinar) .3769 For nonlocal currency exchange rates (i.e., pur­ Britain (Pound) .7285 chasing British pounds in Germany), check with Canada (Dollar) 1.2615 your local military banking facility. Commercial China(Yuan) 6.4634 rates are interbank rates provided for reference PACIFIC GAS PRICES Denmark (Krone) 6.1233 Egypt (Pound) 15.7401 when buying currency. All figures are foreign Country Super E10 Super unleaded Super plus Diesel  Euro .8231 currencies to one dollar, except for the British Japan .. $3.079 .. $2.759 South Korea $2.459 .. $3.089 $2.779 Hong Kong (Dollar) 7.7519 pound, which is represented in dollars­to­ pound, and the euro, which is dollars­to­euro.) Change in price .. +5.0 cents .. +2.0 cents Change in price +6.0 cents .. +5.0 cents +3.0 cents  Hungary (Forint) 294.12 Israel (Shekel) 3.2717 Okinawa $2.449 .. .. $2.759 Guam $2.459  $2.839 $3.089 ..  Japan (Yen) 103.58 INTEREST RATES Kuwait(Dinar) .3028 Change in price +7.0 cents  .. .. +2.0 cents Change in price +7.0 cents  +6.0 cents  +5.0 cents ..  Norway (Krone) 8.4401 Prime rate 3.25 Philippines (Peso) 48.03 Interest Rates Discount rate 0.75 *DieselEFD **Midgrade Poland (Zloty) 3.73 Federal funds market rate 0.09 Saudi Arab (Riyal) 3.7518 3­month bill 0.08 For the week of Jan. 22-28 Singapore (Dollar) 1.3230 30­year bond 1.84 WEATHER OUTLOOK FRIDAY IN THE MIDDLE EAST FRIDAY IN EUROPE SATURDAY IN THE PACIFIC

Misawa 31/22

Kabul Seoul 50/22 48/31 Baghdad 60/34 Tokyo Drawsko Osan Kandahar Mildenhall/ 50/34 47/42 60/22 Pomorskie Busan Lakenheath 45/31 43/30 54/44 Iwakuni Kuwait City 55/45 Bahrain Brussels Zagan Sasebo 61/43 63/56 Ramstein 50/35 60/50 Guam 44/36 47/34 84/76 Riyadh Lajes, 62/39 Doha Azores Stuttgart Pápa 64/59 52/35 68/58 Aviano/ 54/47 Vicenza 50/42

Naples 59/53 Okinawa Morón 74/60 58/43 Sigonella Rota 66/51 The weather is provided by the Djibouti 61/52 Souda Bay American Forces Network Weather Center, 83/71 60/48 2nd Weather Squadron at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb. TODAY IN STRIPES American Roundup ..... 36 Classified ...... 37 Comics ...... 38-39 Crossword ...... 38-39 Faces ...... 35 Opinion ...... 40 Sports ...... 41-48 Friday, January 22, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 3 MILITARY Guard helicopter crash kills 3 during drill in NY Associated Press The helicopter flew out of the ly serve and protect both here and MENDON, N.Y. — Three Na- Army Aviation Support Facility at abroad, and I extend prayers and tional Guard members on a train- Rochester International Airport, condolences from all New York- ing flight were killed Wednesday and was assigned to C Company of ers to the family, loved ones and when their helicopter crashed in a the 1st Battalion, 171st General fellow soldiers of these honorable farmer’s field in western New Support Aviation Battalion, ac- heroes,” he said in a statement. York. cording to Eric Durr, public af- Monroe County Sheriff Todd The craft, a UH-60 Black Hawk fairs director of the New York Baxter said at a news conference medical evacuation helicopter, State Division of Military and Na- that witnesses who called 911 re- crashed around 6:30 p.m. in Men- val Affairs. ported hearing the sounds of an don, N.Y., a rural town south of New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo engine sputtering and said the air- Rochester, officials said. said flags on state buildings would craft was flying very low. The circumstances were under be lowered to half-staff on Thurs- There were no survivors of the HADI MIZBAN/AP investigation. The Federal Avia- day to pay tribute to the troops. crash, he said. Security forces work at the site of a deadly bomb attack in Baghdad, tion Administration said it would “National Guard members are Baxter called the three guard Iraq, on Thursday. take part. our citizen soldiers who voluntari- members “great Americans.” Twin suicide blasts rock central Baghdad Associated Press At the Vatican, Pope Francis BAGHDAD — Twin suicide denounced the attack in Baghdad bombings ripped through a busy as a “senseless act of brutality” market in the Iraqi capital Thurs- and urged Iraqis to keep working day, killing at least 32 people and to replace violence with fraterni- wounding dozens, officials said. ty and peace. The telegram of The rare suicide bombing hit condolences sent to the Iraqi NEW the Bab al-Sharqi commercial ar- president was particularly heart- ea in central Baghdad amid felt, given Francis is due to visit RESOLUTION? heightened political tensions Iraq in early March to try to en- over planned early elections and courage the country’s Christian NEW YOU! a severe economic crisis. Blood communities that have been dev- was splattered on the pavement astated by ISIS persecution. of the busy market amid piles of Thursday’s twin suicide bomb- STUDENT clothes and shoes as survivors ings marked the first in three took stock of the disarray in the years to target Baghdad’s bus- SUCCESS aftermath. tling commercial area. A suicide No one immediately took re- bomb attack took place in the SCHOLARSHIP sponsibility for the attack, but same area in 2018 shortly after Iraqi military officials said it was then-Prime Minister Haidar al- the work of the Islamic State. Abadi declared victory over Is- Iraq’s health minister Hassan lamic State. Mohammed al-Tamimi said at Iraq has seen assaults perpe- least 32 people were killed and trated by both ISIS the Islamic 110 were wounded in the attack. State group and mostly Shiite mi- He said some of the wounded litia groups in recent months. Mi- UMGC Europe is offering hundreds of scholarships were in serious condition. Iraq’s litias have routinely targeted the military previously put the num- American presence in Iraq with worth up to $250 for new students to get them started ber of dead at 28. rocket and mortar attacks, espe- The Health Ministry an- cially the U.S. Embassy in Bagh- on a 1-credit course. nounced that all of its hospitals in dad’s heavily fortified Green the capital were mobilized to Zone. The pace of those attacks, To be eligible: treat the wounded. however, has decreased since an Maj. Gen. Tahsin al-Khafaji, informal truce was declared by spokesman for the Joint Oper- Iran-backed armed groups in Oc- P You must be a new student starting in Spring 2021 and enrolled ations Command, which includes tober. in a 1-credit course such as LIBS 150 Introduction to Research or an array of Iraqi forces, said the The style of Thursday’s assault CAPL 398A Career Planning Management. first suicide bomber cried out was similar to those ISIS has con- loudly that he was ill in the mid- ducted in the past. But the group 1-credit remote and online courses start throughout January, dle of the bustling market, has rarely been able to penetrate P prompting a crowd to gather the capital since being dislodged February, and March. around him — and that’s when he by Iraqi forces and the U.S.-led detonated his explosive belt. The coalition in 2017. P Apply today at europe.umgc.edu/scholarships. second detonated his belt shortly The twin bombings Thursday after, he said. came days after Iraq’s govern- Scan here to “This is a terrorist act perpe- ment unanimously agreed to hold apply today trated by a sleeper cell of the Is- early elections in October. Prime ENROLL NOW lamic State,” al-Khafaji said. He Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi had We’re ready to assist you from anywhere in our said ISIS “wanted to prove its ex- announced in July that early istence” after suffering many polls would be held to meet the virtual offi ces 7 days a week. blows in military operations to demands of anti-government pro- europe.umgc.edu/virtualoffi ces root out the militants. testers. PAGE 4 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, January 22, 2021 MILITARY Indo-Pacific allies congratulate Biden via tweet

BY SETH ROBSON cessful term in leading USA as we stand Stars and Stripes united and resilient in addressing common TOKYO — America’s most important al- challenges and advancing global peace and lies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region, security.” along with its greatest strategic rival, took to The India-US partnership is based on social media to congratulate President Joe shared values, Modi said in another tweet. Biden on his inauguration Wednesday. “We have a substantial and multifaceted Biden, 78, took over for a Trump adminis- bilateral agenda, growing economic en- tration that played hardball with Japan and gagement and vibrant people to people link- South Korea in an effort to get them to pay ages,” he wrote. “Committed to working more for their own defense; started a trade with President @JoeBiden to take the In- war with an increasingly aggressive China; dia-US partnership to even greater and held summit meetings with North Ko- heights.” rean leader Kim Jong Un in an unsuccess- Shyam Tekwani, an India expert at the ful attempt to denuclearize the Korean Pen- Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies in insula. Honolulu and Abhijit Singh, a senior fellow “America is back,” South Korean Presi- and security expert at the India-based think dent Moon Jae-in tweeted after Biden and tank Observer Research Foundation, told Vice President Kamala Harris were sworn Stars and Stripes in November that they ex- in. “America’s new beginning will make de- pect defense ties between the U.S. and India mocracy even greater. Together with the to deepen due to mutual apprehension over Korean people, I stand by your journey to- China’s growing military might and its de- ward ‘America United.’ ” sire to dominate the region. The alliance between the U.S. and South Modi also congratulated Harris, whose Korea will grow stronger by working to- EUGENE HOSHIKO/AP mother, Shyamala Gopalan Harris, immi- gether to address global issues such as pub- People walk past a broadcast of the inauguration of U.S. President Joe Biden on grated to the U.S. from India. lic health, security, the economy and cli- Thursday in Tokyo. “It is a historic occasion,” Modi tweeted. mate change, Moon said. “Looking forward to interacting with her to “The U.S. will surely succeed in building ga, in a tweet to Biden and Harris, de- the end of March. Trump had demanded Ja- make India-USA relations more robust. The back better, and the world will be amazed,” scribed Japan and the U.S. as allies tied pan pay $8 billion a year, up from $2.5 bil- India-USA partnership is beneficial for our he tweeted, using Biden’s campaign slogan. firmly by bonds and shared universal val- lion, for hosting U.S. troops in the country, planet.” “[South Korea] will walk along with the new ues. former national security adviser John Bol- Chinese Ambassador to the U.S. Cui Biden administration from the start. We go “I look forward to working with you and ton wrote in his memoir, “The Room Where Tiankai, who criticized Trump last spring together!” your team to reinforce our alliance and to It Happened,” published in June. for blaming Beijing for failing to stop the A new U.S. administration will likely realize a Free and Open Indo-Pacific,” Suga Australian Prime Minister Scott Morri- coronavirus’ spread, also tweeted congrat- move quickly to resolve a dispute with wrote, using a U.S. catchphrase often said in son also tweeted his congratulations to the ulations to Biden. South Korea over the cost of supporting relation to freedom-of-navigation exercises new U.S. leaders. “China looks forward to working with the 28,500 American troops on the divided pen- in the South and Ease China Seas that irk “The Australia-US Alliance has never new administration to promote sound & insula, Michael O’Hanlon, a senior fellow at Beijing. been more important. I wish you both every steady development of China-U.S. relations the Brookings Institution and Ralph Cossa, In a call following his November election success for your time in office and look for- and jointly address global challenges in a former Air Force officer and president win, Biden told Suga the U.S. would defend ward to working closely with your new ad- public health, climate change & growth,” emeritus of the Pacific Forum think tank in the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea, ministration,” he wrote. Tiankai wrote in his tweet. Hawaii, told Stars and Stripes in November. which are administered by Japan but The importance of the alliance was dem- Despite the well-wishes, there is biparti- Seoul and Washington have been at odds claimed by China and Taiwan. Chinese ves- onstrated last year with the rotation of 1,200 san concern among U.S. lawmakers over over Trump’s demand that South Korea sels in 2020 made a record 333 trips to the Marines to Australia’s Northern Territory. China’s military build-up, threats to Tai- substantially increase the amount it pays to area around the uninhabited islands, be- The contingent was half as large as planned wan, infiltration of U.S. institutions, theft of host a U.S. military presence, a contract sting the previous year’s record of 282. but went ahead despite the coronavirus American intellectual property, illegal oc- called the Special Measures Agreement. Security experts expect the new adminis- pandemic, which forced the cancellation of cupation of disputed South China Sea terri- The previous agreement expired in Decem- tration will drop hardball negotiating tac- exercises with other countries in the region tory, suppression of democracy activists in ber 2018. tics used by the Trump administration over such as the Philippines. Hong Kong and genocide of Uyghur Mus- In April, the U.S. government furloughed Japan’s contribution to the cost of basing Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi lims and ethnic and religious minority about 4,500 South Korean base employees, approximately 54,000 U.S. troops in the tweeted his “warmest congratulations” to groups who live in the northwestern region about half its local workforce, for nearly country, but that Japan will likely pay more Biden and Harris. of Xinjiang. three months when the countries failed to if asked. “I look forward to working with him to agree on a plan. The allies are negotiating ahead of the ex- strengthen India-US strategic partner- [email protected] Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Su- piration of a five-year cost-sharing deal at ship,” he wrote. “My best wishes for a suc- Twitter: @SethRobson1 Trump-appointee Norquist takes over as acting defense secretary

BY COREY DICKSTEIN Pentagon comptroller — its top fi- Norquist avoided the spotlight term could be shorter, as Biden Pentagon comptroller, was sworn Stars and Stripes nancial official — beginning in during the Trump administration, awaits Congress to vote on his de- in as the acting Navy secretary. David Norquist, a Pentagon June 2017. surviving in the Pentagon as five fense secretary pick, retired Ar- And, John Roth, who had served mainstay throughout former A longtime government finance men — two Senate-confirmed and my Gen. Lloyd Austin. as the Air Force’s comptroller President Donald Trump’s term, official, Norquist previously three acting — served as defense The Biden administration will and was the service’s acting un- was sworn in Wednesday as the served as an Army budget ana- secretary for Trump. Among his also have Trump-era holdovers dersecretary, became the acting acting defense secretary, taking lyst, a House Appropriations noted accomplishments, Norquist take on the roles of the three ser- Air Force secretary. over the Defense Department’s Committee staffer, and in former in 2019 guided the Pentagon vice secretaries in temporary, Ryan McCarthy left his role as top position until a permanent President George W. Bush’s through its first-ever audit. acting capacities. Biden has not Army secretary Wednesday after choice is approved by Congress. Homeland Security Department Trump passed over Norquist announced who he plans to nomi- speculation that he might be Norquist, who has served as the and Pentagon. As deputy defense for acting defense secretary when nate for the positions of Army asked by Biden’s administration Pentagon’s No. 2 civilian since Ju- secretary, Norquist has been re- he fired Mark Esper shortly after Secretary, Navy Secretary and to remain in the Pentagon. In a ly 2019, took over responsibility sponsible for the day-to-day busi- his election loss in November. He Air Force Secretary. note to the Army, McCarthy for the Defense Department ness operations of the Defense instead picked Christopher Mill- On Wednesday, John Whitley, called serving as the service’s top shortly after President Joe Biden Department, managing the Pen- er, a former Army Special Forces who had been serving as the Ar- civilian since September 2019 was sworn into office at the Capi- tagon’s massive budget, and over- officer, to lead the Pentagon dur- my’s comptroller, was sworn in as “the highest honor” of his life. tol, Pentagon officials said. Before seeing efforts to reform the mil- ing his final weeks in office. acting Army secretary. Thomas he served as deputy secretary of itary’s acquisition and accounting Miller served as acting defense Harker, who had been the comp- [email protected] defense, Norquist served as the practices. secretary for 72 days. Norquist’s troller for the Navy and acting Twitter: @CDicksteinDC Friday, January 22, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 5 MILITARY Tributes pour in after Green Beret’s death BY CHAD GARLAND chanical engineering from Flor- fallen soldier, where they shared Stars and Stripes ida State University in 2008, be- photos and memories. ‘John was a big brother and protector Dozens of people have paid fore join- “He was a big brother,” Leduc homage online to a Green Beret ing the said. “He was always looking out for all of us on and off the ice.’ who died last week in a noncom- Army, for me when I needed a hand. Darren Grassey bat incident, while hundreds the com- And of course he had a knack for have raised more than $50,000 mand equally getting us into trouble former FSU hockey teammate for the wife and young daughter said in a and out of it as well.” and two friends, “armed with on the Facebook memorial page. he left behind. state- Wirka joined the Army in Feb- three roses and a ‘smooth’ pick up “I know he served our country Warrant Officer John Wirka, ment. ruary 2010 and by September of line,” said a profile of the couple the same way, selflessly. Thank 36, of 2nd Battalion, 7th Special Craig that year had completed basic, in- published in the magazine VIP you & RIP John.” Forces Group (Airborne), died Leduc, a fantry training and Airborne Destin in spring 2017. Ralph Wieder, another hockey Jan. 14, the command said in a college School at Fort Benning, Ga., and After that, any time he passed a teammate, wrote that he was fo- statement over the weekend, pro- room- the Special Forces Assessment vendor selling roses, he would cusing on how proud he was of viding few details about the cir- mate who Wirka and Selection at Fort Bragg. buy his wife a flower to commem- Wirka “instead of how sad this cumstances of the incident or now lives After graduating the Special orate the night they met. He pro- loss is.” where it occurred. in Durham, N.C., recalled seeing Forces Qualification Course in posed on a beach in July 2015, As of Thursday morning, more “With this tragic event, John Wirka for the last time when his February 2012, he was assigned just two weeks before he went off than 320 people had donated a to- leaves behind his spouse and one former university club hockey to 7th Group’s 3rd Battalion at to Ranger School. tal of almost $53,000 to a Go- child,” said Col. John W. Sannes, teammate was training at Fort Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., where The Ranger-qualified soldier FundMe campaign set up for 7th Group commander. “John Bragg, N.C., and paid him a brief he deployed several times to sup- commissioned as a warrant offi- Wirka’s wife and daughter. served his nation honorably and visit. port missions in U.S. Southern cer last year. He then served as Hours earlier on Facebook, his was loved by many. We are deep- “It was so great to catch-up, Command, U.S. Northern Com- an assistant detachment com- mother expressed thanks for the ly saddened by the loss of one of share a few beers and memo- mand and Afghanistan. mander within 2nd Battalion, 7th generosity and those sharing trib- our finest soldiers.” ries,” Leduc said in a Facebook He also served as the senior in- SFG. utes to her son. In a Facebook post, his mother post Tuesday. “At the time my structor at the Maritime Oper- His awards and decorations in- “While we are devastated by expressed the family’s grief at wife was four months pregnant ations Training Detachment, clude two Bronze Stars, an Army our loss, all the kindness has learning of his death. with our daughter and John told where he helped produce over 50 Superior Unit Award and an Ar- meant so much,” she wrote. “Our hearts are broken,” Alli- me just how great it was to be a dive-qualified soldiers for the my Achievement medal. “Please pray for our families. We son Wirka wrote. “He was our he- Girl Dad.” Special Forces Regiment, the “John was a big brother and love you.” ro.” Leduc was one of dozens of command said. protector for all of us on and off

The native of Tampa, Fla., Wirka’s friends who have joined a Wirka met his wife Erica in the ice,” former FSU hockey [email protected] earned a bachelor’s degree in me- Facebook memorial page for the 2014, when he approached her teammate Darren Grassey wrote Twitter: @chadgarland PAGE 6 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, January 22, 2021 PACIFIC 15 new virus cases at bases in Japan, S.Korea

BY JOSEPH DITZLER Jan. 7 with 2,447 new patients. ported one new coronavirus pa- wrote. “Although it remains vol- and curb the virus’ spread. Stars and Stripes Ahandful of U.S. bases are with- tient, an individual screened prior untary at this time, I encourage U.S. Forces Korea on Thursday TOKYO — U.S. military bases in the larger metro area, including to deployment and already isolat- everyone to get the vaccine when reported 10 new coronavirus in Japan and South Korea report- the headquarters of U.S. Forces ed, according to a Facebook post. your name is called.” cases, seven of them new arrivals ed 15 new coronavirus cases as of 6 Japan, U.S. Army Japan and the In a separate post Thursday, in- The vaccine, which initially ar- to the peninsula between Jan. 6 p.m. Thursday, while Japan’s cap- Navy’s 7th Fleet. stallation commander Col. Lance rived at six other installations in and Wednesday, according to a ital city counted over 1,000 new Naval Air Facility Atsugi, 24 Lewis passed word that the Mod- Japan on Dec. 26, is distributed news release. patients for the ninth straight day. miles southwest of central Tokyo, erna vaccine against COVID-19, according to priorities set in a South Korea reported 401 newly Another 1,471 people in Tokyo reported four new coronavirus in- the coronavirus respiratory dis- three-phase plan that starts with infected people on Wednesday, tested positive Thursday, accord- fections: one tested positive after ease, will arrive soon. medical care providers, first re- continuing a fall in new cases from ing to public broadcaster NHK. recently arriving in Japan and “No Marine or Sailor likes be on sponders and security forces and a high on Dec. 25 of 1,235, accord- More than 90,000 people in the three were already quarantined, the defensive, so I’m pleased to culminates with the healthy, gen- ing to the Central Disease Control city have become infected with said base spokesman Sam Sa- say that this weekend, we go on the eral population. Headquarters and the World the virus and at least 754 have died muelson. He did not know why the attack with the arrival of the vac- So far in January, MCAS Iwaku- Health Organization. during the pandemic, according to three were quarantined. cine for which your chain of com- ni has reported 75 cases of corona-

metro government data. The re- Marine Corps Air Station Iwa- mand will have the details about virus and imposed a daylong lock- [email protected] cent wave of infections peaked kuni, 500 miles west of Tokyo, re- priorities and mechanics,” Lewis down to permit contact tracing Twitter: @JosephDitzler DODEA high school drill program wins virtual competition

BY DAVE ORNAUER ond to E.J. King High School at Sa- Stars and Stripes sebo Naval Base in the armed ex- CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa — hibition. In the overall standings, Brent Cook needed more bodies Yokota High at Yokota Air Base for his Junior Reserve Officer was second, followed by King and Training Corps drill program at Nile C. Kinnick High School at Yo- Camp Foster’s Kubasaki High kosuka Naval Base. All the schools School. are on U.S. military bases in Ja- Students there, deprived during pan. the coronavirus pandemic of their In a normal year, teams from 12 regular extracurricular outlets — Department of Defense Educa- football, volleyball, basketball and tion Activity schools in the Pacific the rest — needed something, any- gather in separate venues for DODEA thing, to do and a team with which JROTC drill and marksmanship The JROTC Dragon Battalion from Kubasaki High School at Camp Foster, Okinawa, won four of five events to bond. competitions. at a virtual Far East Drill Competition in December. That proved beneficial for Cook, But this is a pandemic year, who coached the Kubasaki Drag- which actually helped Cook and Cook singled out Cadet 2nd Lt. competition in a pandemic started video camera and assembled a on Battalion to top honors at the his boss, retired Marine Capt. Madison Sharp, in charge of un- in spring 2020, when JROTC su- team of 15 judges, three each as- Far East Drill Competition in De- Kenneth Gipson, expand the drill armed regulation and exhibition, perintendents realized the prob- signed to the five events. cember, according to results an- team ranks from 23 members last Cadet 1st Lt. Mateo Alvarez, in lems ahead, Cook said. “The biggest challenges were nounced last week. The drill team year to 36 this year, Cook said by charge of color guard and armed Jason Perdew, a retired lieuten- scheduling of team recordings took four of five events in the vir- telephone on Wednesday. exhibition, and Cadet 1st Sgt. Ian ant colonel and commander of the and judging sessions,” he said. tual competition. “The kids, they really bonded. It Ayson, in charge of armed regula- Matthew C. Perry High School “Every team had different COVID “It’s awesome,” said Cook, a re- was such a great environment, tion. JROTC battalion at Marine Corps rules to follow. Some could prac- tired Marine Corps sergeant ma- watching them bond and do some- Also key to victory were six Air Station Iwakuni, “was the piv- tice more than others. Some had to jor, in his fifth year as the Dragon thing” together during the pan- first-year Dragon cadets, all small otal key person who made it hap- be outside. Some could use the Battalion’s superintendent. demic, Cook said, adding he avidly in size, Cook said. pen,” Cook said. gym, some couldn’t. Bottom line “We’re very happy. The kids are recruited and had little trouble “They were tiny, they were lug- Perdew, a former communica- was, we tried to replicate a live very excited.” finding takers. ging around weapons that were tions officer in the Marines, ar- drill meet as much as we could.” Kubasaki placed first in the col- “It gave them purpose. I loved bigger than they were,” he said. ranged the competition. He devel- or guard, armed and unarmed watching their teamwork. They “But they stepped up and fell in oped a digital score sheet, a sys-

regulation and unarmed exhibi- were so focused. They made it love with drill.” tem in which every school would [email protected] tion categories and finished sec- fun,” he said. Organizing the Far East drill do their routines in front of one Twitter @DaveOrnauer

Tokyo again protests to Beijing about incursions near Senkaku Islands

BY MATTHEW M. BURKE senior diplomats from both coun- Japan urged China to halt incur- west of Okinawa that Beijing refers offices. Japanese Defense Minis- AND AYA ICHIHASHI tries, a spokesman from Japan’s sions into Japanese waters and to to as Diaoyu Dao. ter Nobuo Kishi “firmly” delivered Stars and Stripes Foreign Ministry told Stars and stop harassing Japanese fishing “We thought because of what Japan’s position over sovereignty Japanese diplomats lodged a Stripes by phone Thursday. boats in the area, the spokesman happened in the Senkaku Islands of the islands and urged China not protest with their Chinese counter- Takehiro Funakoshi, director said. region last year, it is a good time to to escalate tensions. parts Wednesday over Beijing’s general of the Japanese Foreign The Chinese delegation spoke have a talk between both countries, Chinese State Councilor and De- repeated intrusions into waters Ministry’s Asian and Oceanian Af- from “their own perspective,” but director to director, even via video- fense Minister Gen. Wei Fenghe surrounding disputed islets in the fairs Bureau, and Hong Liang, di- the Japanese spokesman declined conference,” the spokesman said. rebuffed Kishi’s demands and as- East China Sea. rector general of the Chinese For- to provide specifics. Government This meeting followed a similar serted Chinese sovereignty. The comments about the Japa- eign Ministry’s Department of spokespeople in Japan traditional- videoconference on Dec. 14 be- nese-controlled Senkaku Island Boundary and Ocean Affairs, took ly speak on condition of anonymity. tween the defense ministers of the [email protected] Twitter: @MatthewMBurke1 chain came during a maritime se- part in the conference, the spokes- Taiwan and China both claim the two neighboring nations, accord- [email protected] curity videoconference between man said. uninhabited chain about 280 miles ing to statements by the ministers’ Twitter: @AyaIchihashi Friday, January 22, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 7 MILITARY Arctic: Multi-domain units will bring new capabilities to region

FROM PAGE 1 my. “As the situation changes up “As the situation there and there is more freedom of movement, we certainly want to changes up make sure that we protect our in- terests.” there and there The Army’s plans include de- veloping a brigade, transforming is more freedom an existing two-star command in- to an operational headquarters of movement, and building a “multi-domain task force” for the region, McConville we certainly said. Multi-domain units are rela- want to make tively new to the Army. They bring together a wide range of ca- sure that we pabilities, including long-range missile systems, to counter more protect our CRISTA MACK/U.S. Army advanced potential adversaries Soldiers of the 173rd Airborne Brigade traverse frigid terrains at Exercise Cold Response in Norway in such as Russia and China. interests.” 2016. The Army’s new Arctic strate- James C. McConville gy, expected to be formally re- leased in upcoming weeks, comes Army Chief of Staff after the Navy unveiled its updat- ed Arctic strategy earlier this in the Arctic. month. The U.S. military has already “In the face of increasing ag- deployed larger rotations of Ma- gressive activity in the High North rines to Norway and sent warships from both Russia, which is an Arc- into Arctic waterways. tic nation, and China, which In March, four U.S. Navy war- claims to be a near Arctic nation, ships were sent into the Barents we in the United States must Sea, marking the first time naval maintain a favorable balance of surface ships maneuvered in that power in this region for ourselves waterway — positioned north of and for our allies,” Navy Secretary Finland and Russia — since the Kenneth Braithwaite told report- Cold War. ers following the Jan. 5 strategy For the Army, its Arctic strate- launch. gy will also be about showcasing The Navy plan calls for more “our capabilities through com- port calls in the High North and bined exercises and power projec- more training on operating in icy tion,” McConville said. conditions. The Navy also is look- ing at ways to share bases and in- [email protected] frastructure with European allies Twitter: @john_vandiver

Army investigating death of soldier found at Kuwait base

Stars and Stripes Two other soldiers were in- The Army was investigating jured in that accident and taken what caused the death of a soldier to a military hospital in Kuwait, at a base in Kuwait this week. including the driver, who was The soldier, who has not yet treated and released the same been publicly identified, was day. found unresponsive Wednesday Some 600 soldiers of the Texas at Camp Arifjan, the Army said. Army National Guard’s 36th In- “We send our heartfelt condo- fantry Division are on a 10-month lences to the family of the de- deployment to the country as part ceased,” U.S. Army Central said of Operation Spartan Shield, in an emailed statement Thurs- which supports logistics, security day. cooperation, exercises and hu- The soldier’s name was being manitarian assistance missions in withheld until 24 hours after fam- the region. The division took over ily had been notified, it said. command of Task Force Spartan It’s the second soldier’s death in November. in Kuwait this year, coming a lit- There were also approximately tle over a week after Staff Sgt. An- 2,200 active-duty personnel from thony Bermudez, 28, was killed in all services in Kuwait, Defense a vehicle accident near Camp Department data in a September Buehring. report showed. U.S. Central Com- Bermudez, from a suburb of mand declined Thursday to pro- Dallas, Texas, died Jan. 11. His vide more up-to-date numbers, remains were returned to the citing operational security con- United States in a dignified trans- cerns. fer ceremony Jan. 13 at Dover Air Force Base, Del. [email protected] PAGE 8 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, January 22, 2021 NATION Biden to kick off national virus initiatives

Associated Press And he’s mobilizing the Public WASHINGTON — Deep in the Health Service to deploy to assist deadliest coronavirus wave and localities in vaccinations. facing worrisome new mutations, There’s also support for states. President Joe Biden will kick off Biden is ordering FEMA to reim- his national COVID-19 strategy to burse states for the full cost of us- ramp up vaccinations and testing, ing their National Guards to set up reopen schools and businesses vaccination centers. That includes and increase the use of masks — the use of supplies and protective including a requirement that gear as well as personnel. Americans mask up for travel. But some independent experts Biden also will address inequi- say the administration should be ties in hard-hit minority commu- setting a higher bar for itself than nities as he signs 10 pandemic-re- 100 million shots. During flu sea- lated executive orders on Thurs- son, the U.S. is able to vaccinate day. Those orders are a first step, about 3 million people a day, said and specific details of many ad- Dr. Christopher Murray of the In- ministration actions are still being stitute for Health Metrics and spelled out. Evaluation in Seattle. “Given the The new president has vowed to number of people dying from CO- take far more aggressive mea- VID, we could and should do more sures to contain the virus than his — like what we’re able to do on predecessor, starting with strin- seasonal flu,” he said. gent adherence to public health Zients said Biden will not follow guidance. He faces steep obsta- through on a Trump administra- cles, with the virus actively J. SCOTT APPLEWHITE / AP tion plan to penalize states lagging spreading in most states, slow pro- President Joe Biden and his wife, Dr. Jill Biden, watch a military pass in review ceremony on the East Frontin vaccination by shifting some of gress on the vaccine rollout and of the Capitol at the conclusion of the inauguration ceremonies in Washington on Wednesday. their allocation to more efficient political uncertainty over whether states. “We are not looking to pit congressional Republicans will Biden acknowledged the urgen- resume full funding and staffing Trump made a point of going one state against another,” he help him pass a $1.9 trillion eco- cy of the mission in his inaugural support for WHO. maskless and hosting big gather- said. nomic relief and COVID response address. “We are entering what The U.S. mask order for travel ings of like-minded supporters. Biden has set a goal of having package. may well be the toughest and being implemented by Biden will Science has shown that masks, most K-8 schools reopen in his “We need to ask average Amer- deadliest period of the virus,” he apply to airports and planes, ships, properly worn, cut down on coro- first 100 days, and he’s ordering icans to do their part,” said Jeff said before asking Americans to intercity buses, trains and public navirus transmission. the departments of Education and Zients, the White House official join him in a moment of silence in transportation. Travelers from Biden also is seeking to expand Health and Human Services to directing the national response. memory of the more than 400,000 abroad must furnish a negative testing and vaccine availability, provide clear guidance for reo- “Defeating the virus requires a co- people in the U.S. who have died COVID-19 test before departing with the goal of 100 million shots in pening schools safely. States ordinated nationwide effort.” from COVID-19. for the U.S. and quarantine upon his first 100 days in office. Zients would also be able to tap FEMA’s Biden officials say they’re ham- Biden’s top medical adviser on arrival. Biden has already man- called Biden’s goal “ambitious Disaster Relief Fund to help them pered by lack of cooperation from COVID-19, Dr. Anthony Fauci, al- dated masks on federal property. and achievable.” get schools back open. the Trump administration during so announced renewed U.S. sup- Although airlines, Amtrak and The Democratic president has Getting schools and child care the transition. They say they don’t port for the World Health Organi- other transport providers now re- directed the Federal Emergency going will help to ease the drag on have a complete understanding of zation after the Trump adminis- quire masks, Biden’s order makes Management Agency to begin set- the U.S. economy, making it easier their predecessors’ actions on tration had pulled out of the global it a federal mandate, leaving little ting up vaccination centers, aim- for parents to return to their jobs vaccine distribution. And they body. Fauci said early Thursday wiggle room for passengers ing to have 100 up and running in a and restaurants to find lunch-time face a litany of complaints from that the U.S. will join the U.N. tempted to argue about their month. He’s ordering the Centers customers. states that say they are not getting health agency’s efforts to bring rights. It marks a sharp break with for Disease Control and Preven- But administration officials enough vaccine even as they are vaccines, therapeutics and diag- the culture of President Donald tion to begin a program to make stressed that reopening schools being asked to vaccinate more cat- nostics to people in need, whether Trump’s administration, under vaccines available through local safely depends on increased test- egories of people. in rich or poor countries and will which masks were optional, and pharmacies starting next month. ing. Nuclear: Biden seeks assessment of Russian aggression against US gence Avril Haines to provide in the hopes of encouraging a dous access to data and Trump’s special envoy, Marshall FROM PAGE 1 him a full intelligence assessment more productive relationship. inspections” and is “certainly in Billingslea, tried to secure a clear envoy spent months trying of Russia’s alleged interference “This will be the first post-Sovi- the national interest to extend.” shorter extension with his Rus- to persuade China to join the ac- in the 2020 election, use of chem- et U.S. administration that has not Not all of Biden’s aides have sian counterpart, Deputy Foreign cord before dropping that de- ical weapons against opposition come into office vowing to forge a supported the idea of a five-year Minister Sergei Ryabkov, but mand. leader Alexei Navalny and boun- warmer relationship with Rus- extension for the treaty. failed to make a deal, leaving a Letting the treaty expire would ties on U.S. soldiers in Afghanis- sia,” said Angela Stent, a senior Victoria Nuland, a longtime critical agreement dangerously allow Moscow and Washington to tan, officials said. intelligence official on Russia Russia hawk whom Biden will close to expiration. deploy an unlimited number of Biden is also asking Haines for during the George W. Bush ad- nominate to be the No. 3 official at Arms control advocates have nuclear-armed submarines, bom- an assessment of the massive ministration. the State Department, wrote in also opposed holding out for a bers and missiles in what many cyberattack on federal agencies Biden’s nominee for secretary Foreign Affairs over the summer shorter extension. experts fear could spark a nucle- and departments related to the of state, Antony Blinken, told law- that the United States should only “There is no evidence that Rus- ar arms race and further exacer- SolarWinds software breach, makers Tuesday that sanctions seek a one- or two-year renewal sia is desperate to extend the bate U.S.-Russia relations. which many analysts and govern- passed by Congress to target in the hopes of retaining leverage treaty or that a shorter-term ex- “New START is manifestly in ment officials have blamed on Moscow will be “extremely help- over the Kremlin. tension would make Russia more the national security interest of Russia. The request for the intel- ful in being able to impose . . . “Washington should not grant likely to negotiate a follow-on the United States and makes even ligence assessments will go out costs and consequences” on Rus- Moscow what it wants most: a agreement,” said Daryl Kimball, more sense when the relationship this week, said the officials. sia. free rollover of New START with- executive director of the Arms with Russia is adversarial,” the Biden’s plans for potential pu- Blinken said New START, out any negotiations to address Control Association. senior U.S. official said. nitive actions toward Russia at which restricts the number of de- Russia’s recent investments in U.S. officials said they hoped a As the Biden administration in- the outset of the administration is ployed strategic nuclear war- short- and medium-range nuclear quick renewal of New START forms Moscow of its terms for an unique among his recent prede- heads to 1,550 and deployed stra- weapons systems and new con- could provide a foundation for extension, the president will or- cessors, all of whom attempted to tegic delivery systems to 700, pro- ventional weapons,” she wrote. new arms control arrangements, der Director of National Intelli- turn a new page with the Kremlin vides the United States “tremen- But U.S. officials noted that potentially including China. Friday, January 22, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 9 NATION New-look Senate confirms Biden’s DNI pick BY LISA MASCARO Haines’ nomination was tempo- Associated Press “We have a rarily blocked by Sen. Tom Cotton, WASHINGTON — Three new R-Okla., as he sought information senators were sworn into office lengthy agenda. about the CIA’s enhanced interro- Wednesday after President Joe Bi- gation program. Sen. Josh Hawley, den’s inauguration, securing the And we need to R-Mo., is holding back the Home- majority for Democrats in the Sen- land Security nominee, Alejandro ate and across a unified govern- get it done Mayorkas, over Biden’s proposed ment to tackle the new president’s immigration changes. agenda at a time of unprecedented together.” And McConnell is refusing to en- national challenges. ter a power-sharing agreement In a first vote, the Senate con- Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. with Senate Democrats unless they firmed Biden’s nominee for Direc- majority leader meet his demands, chiefly to pre- tor of National Intelligence, Avril serve the Senate filibuster — the Haines. Senators worked into the tion’s painful political divisions procedural tool often used by the evening and overcame some Re- from the deadly Jan. 6 siege of the minority party to block bills under publican opposition to approve his Capitol by a mob loyal to Donald rules that require 60 votes to ad- first Cabinet member, in what’s Trump. vance legislation. traditionally a show of good faith on Congress is being called on to McConnell, in his first speech as Inauguration Day to confirm at MELINA MARA, THE WASHINGTON POST/AP consider Biden’s proposed $1.9 tril- the minority party leader, said the least some nominees for a new The Senate confirmed President Joe Biden’s nominee for national lion COVID recovery package, to election results with narrow Dem- president’s administration. intelligence director, Avril Haines, on Wednesday, 84­10, after three distribute vaccines and shore up an ocratic control of the House and Haines, a former CIA deputy di- new Democratic senators were sworn into office. economy as more than 400,000 Senate showed that Americans “in- rector, will become a core member Americans have died from the vi- tentionally entrusted both political of Biden’s security team, oversee- fice to the new Democratic sen- by California’s governor to finish rus. At the same time, the Senate is parties with significant power.” ing the agencies that make up the ators — Jon Ossoff, Raphael War- the remainder of Harris’ term. about to launch an impeachment The GOP leader said he looked for- nation’s intelligence community. nock and Alex Padilla — just hours “Today, America is turning over trial of Trump, charged by the ward to working with the new pres- She was confirmed 84-10. after taking her own oath at the anew leaf. We are turning the page House of inciting the insurrection ident “wherever possible.” The new Senate majority leader, Capitol alongside Biden. The three on the last four years, we’re going to at the Capitol as rioters tried to in- At her first White House brief- Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., urged Democrats join a Senate narrowly reunite the country, defeat CO- terrupt the Electoral College tally ing, press secretary Jen Psaki said colleagues to turn the spirit of the split 50-50 between the parties, but VID-19, rush economic relief to the and overturn Biden’s election. The Biden’s desire to have his Cabinet new president’s call for unity into giving Democrats the majority people,” Ossoff told reporters ear- Senate will need to confirm other confirmed and in place is “front action. with Harris able to cast the tie- lier at the Capitol. “That’s what Biden Cabinet nominees. and center for the president,” and “President Biden, we heard you breaking vote. they sent us here to do.” To “restore the soul” of the coun- she said he was hoping to have his loud and clear,” Schumer said in Ossoff, a former congressional Taken together, their arrival try, Biden said in his inaugural national security nominees in his first speech as majority leader. aide and investigative journalist, gives Democrats for the first time speech, requires “unity.” place Thursday or Friday. “We have a lengthy agenda. And and Warnock, a pastor from the late in a decade control of the Senate, Yet as Washington looks to turn Psaki said the president will be we need to get it done together.” Martin Luther King Jr.’s church in the House and the White House, as the page from Trump to the Biden “quite involved” in negotiations Vice President Kamala Harris Atlanta, won run-off elections in Biden faces the unparalleled chal- administration, Republican leader over the COVID relief package, but drew applause as she entered the Georgia this month, defeating two lenges of the COVID-19 crisis and Mitch McConnell is not relinquish- left the details of the upcoming im- chamber to deliver the oath of of- Republicans. Padilla was tapped its economic fallout, and the na- ing power without a fight. peachment trial to Congress. Biden revokes Trump report promoting ‘patriotic education’ Associated Press across the nation, the commission “It’s an insult to the whole enter- executive director and a vice presi- contributions of enslaved people, President Joe Biden revoked a glorifies the country’s founders, prise of education. Education is dent at the conservative Hillsdale Indigenous communities and recent Trump administration re- plays down America’s role in slav- supposed to help young people College, denied any wrongdoing, women. In a statement also signed port that aimed to promote “patri- ery, condemns the rise of progres- learn to think critically,” said Da- saying the panel’s members “con- by 13 other academic groups, the otic education” in schools but that sive politics and argues that the civ- vid Blight, a Civil War historian at tributed our own work and writing, organization says the report seeks historians mocked and rejected as il rights movement ran afoul of the Yale University. “That report is a under our own names, to the 1776 “government indoctrination of political propaganda. “lofty ideals” espoused by the piece of right-wing propaganda.” Report, which was an advisory re- American students.” In an executive order signed on Founding Fathers. Trump officials heralded the re- port to the president.” Blight, at Yale, compared it to “a Wednesday in his first day in office, The panel, which included no port as “a definitive chronicle of the Spalding and other commission sixth or seventh grade kind of ap- Biden disbanded Donald Trump’s professional historians of the Unit- American founding,” but scholars leaders did not immediately re- proach to history — to make the presidential 1776 Commission and ed States, complained of “false and say it disregards the most basic spond to other criticism leveled children feel good.” withdrew a report it released Mon- fashionable ideologies” that depict rules of scholarship. It offers no ci- against the report. After the report was removed day. Trump established the group the country’s story as one of “op- tations, for example, or a list of its In documents announcing Bi- from a White House website, some in September to rally support from pression and victimhood.” Instead, source materials. den’s executive order, administra- of its authors moved to make it white voters and as a response to it called for renewed efforts to fos- It also includes several passages tion officials said the panel “sought available on conservative web- The New York Times’ “1619 Pro- ter “a brave and honest love for our copied directly from other writings to erase America’s history of racial sites. In an opinion piece published ject,” which highlights the lasting country.” by members of the panel, as one injustice.” by The Heritage Foundation, one of consequences of slavery in Ameri- Historians widely panned the re- professor found after running the The American Historical Asso- the commissioners, Mike Gonza- ca. port, saying it offers a false and out- report through software that’s used ciation condemned the document, lez, said the members “intend to In its report, which Trump dated version of American history to detect plagiarism. saying it glorifies the founders continue meeting and fulfilling the hoped would be used in classrooms that ignores decades of research. Matthew Spalding, the panel’s while ignoring the histories and charges of our two-year remit.” PAGE 10 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, January 22, 2021 VIRUS OUTBREAK US jobless claims drop to still-high level of 900,000

BY CHRISTOPHER RUGABER ply for aid. Associated Press Once vaccines become more WASHINGTON — The num- widely distributed, economists ber of Americans seeking unem- expect growth to accelerate in the ployment benefits fell slightly second half of the year as Amer- last week to 900,000, still a histor- icans unleash pent-up demand ically high level that points to on- for visiting movie theaters and going job cuts in a raging pan- concert halls, travel and dining demic. out. Such spending should, in the- TED SHAFFREY/AP The Labor Department’s re- ory, boost hiring and start to re- People wait in line to receive the Moderna COVID­19 vaccine at a public high school in Paterson, N.J., on port Thursday underscored that gain the nearly 10 million jobs Wednesday. President Joe Biden has inherit- lost to the pandemic. ed an economy that faltered this But for now, the economy is winter as virus cases spiked, cold losing ground. Retail sales have States report shortages of vaccine, weather restricted dining and fallen for three straight months. federal rescue aid expired. The Restrictions on restaurants, bars government said 5.1 million and some stores, along with a re- cancel appointments for first doses Americans are continuing to re- luctance of most Americans to ceive state jobless benefits, down shop, travel and eat out, have led Associated Press mediately came under pressure to its supply of vaccine within two or from 5.2 million in the previous to sharp spending cutbacks. Rev- NEW YORK — The push to in- fix things. He has made it clear three days for people seeking their week. That suggests that while enue at restaurants and bars oculate Americans against the that his administration will take a first dose. some of the unemployed are find- plunged 21% in 2020. coronavirus is hitting a roadblock: stronger hand in attacking the cri- “What’s clear now is we’ll be go- ing jobs, others are likely using The loss of so many jobs has A number of states are reporting sis, and he vowed to administer ing from week to week, and you up their state benefits and transi- meant hardship for millions of they are running out of vaccine, 100 million shots in his first 100 will see a constant pattern of basi- tioning to separate extended-ben- American households. In Decem- and tens of thousands of people days. cally running out, waiting for the efit programs. ber, employers cut 140,000 posi- who managed to get appointments Less than half of the 36 million next week’s allocation, and start- More than 10 million people are tions, the first loss since April and for a first dose are seeing them doses distributed to the states by ing up again,” he said. He urged receiving aid from those extend- the sixth straight month in which canceled. the federal government have been health care facilities not to sched- ed programs, which now offer up hiring has weakened. The unem- Karen Stachowiak, a first-grade administered so far, according to ule appointments to dispense vac- to 50 weeks of benefits, or from a ployment rate remained stuck at teacher in the Buffalo area, spent the Centers for Disease Control cines they haven’t been allocated new program that provides bene- a still-high 6.7%. almost five hours on the state hot- and Prevention. Public health offi- yet. fits to contractors and the self- Yet there are signs that the line and website to land an ap- cials have said the gap could re- In Florida, local media reported employed. All told, nearly 16 mil- $900 billion federal aid package pointment for Wednesday, only to flect recordkeeping delays as well a similar problem in the Miami ar- lion people were on unemploy- enacted late last month may have be told it was canceled. The Erie as disarray and other failings at ea, where the Baptist Health care ment in the week that ended Jan. begun to cushion the damage, in County Health Department said it various levels of government in system canceled appointments for 2, the latest period for which data large part thanks to $600 checks scratched vaccinations for over actually getting shots into arms. first doses. is available. being sent to most adults. The 8,000 people in the past few days In a statement, HHS said that ju- “I could have blown the top of “Unemployment claims contin- government began distributing because of inadequate supply. risdictions actually received my head off with steam,” 76-year- ue to show a job market unable to the payments at the end of last “It’s stressful because I was so about a 5% increase in vaccine al- old Charlotte Reeve told The Mia- progress further as long as CO- month. close. And my other friends that locations this week from what they mi Herald. “I’m also a fairly recent VID-19 remains in the driver’s Those payments have likely are teachers, they were able to got in the past couple of weeks. widow. To me, having to be locked seat,” said Daniel Zhao, senior helped drive an increase in book appointments for last Satur- C ountries across Europe are al- up in my house alone is just devas- economist at Glassdoor. “While spending on debit and credit day,” Stachowiak said. “So many so having problems getting tating to me ... I feel like I just got the vaccine offers a light at the cards issued by Bank of America, people are getting theirs in, and enough doses to provide protec- cut off at the knees again.” end of the tunnel, we’re still far economists at the bank wrote last then it’s like, ‘Nope, I’ve got to tion against a virus that is now ap- San Francisco’s health depart- away from a complete reopening week. Total card spending jump- wait.’” pearing in new, more contagious ment said it is likely to run out of of the economy that could drive ed 9.7% for the week that ended The reason for the apparent variants around the globe. vaccine on Thursday, in part be- rehiring and stem further lay- Jan. 9 compared with a year ear- mismatch between supply and de- Pfizer said last week that it cause the state pulled back on ad- offs.” lier. That was up from a 2% year- mand in the United States was un- would temporarily reduce deliv- ministering a batch of Moderna New viral infections have be- over-year increase before the clear, but last week, the Health eries to Europe and Canada while shots after several health workers gun to slow after months of re- stimulus payments, Bank of and Human Services Department it upgrades capacity at its plant in suffered what may have been a lentless increases, though they America said. suggested that states had unrealis- Belgium, which supplies all shots bad reaction. The county health remain high and are averaging Last week, Biden unveiled a tic expectations for how much vac- delivered outside the U.S. Pfizer’s department received 12,000 doses about 200,000 a day. The number $1.9 trillion coronavirus plan that cine was on the way. primary site for manufacturing last week but fewer than 2,000 this of deaths in the United States would provide, among other In any case, new shipments go vaccine for the U.S. is in Kalama- week. from the pandemic that erupted things, $1,400 checks for most out every week, and both the gov- zoo, Mich. In a statement, Moderna said 10 months ago has surpassed Americans, which, on top of the ernment and the drugmakers have In the U.S., some states have that it is on track to deliver 100 mil- 400,000. $600 checks already being dis- said there are large quantities in suggested they may run out by lion doses by the end of the first Economists say one factor that tributed, would bring the total to the pipeline. Thursday and are unclear when quarter of the year and 200 million has likely increased jobless $2,000 per adult. The shortages are coming as new doses will arrive. by the end of the second quarter. claims in the past two weeks is a The new plan would also make states dramatically ramp up their New York Mayor Bill de Blasio Pfizer, the maker of the other government financial aid pack- available $400 a week in federal vaccination drives, at the federal said Wednesday that the city had vaccine used in the U.S., said it du- age that was signed into law in benefits for jobless Americans government’s direction, to reach to cancel 23,000 appointments for ly filled the government’s orders late December. Among other and extend a moratorium on evic- people 65 and older, along with people awaiting their first dose over the past two weeks. It said it is things, it provided a $300-a-week tions and foreclosures through certain others. More than 400,000 this week. The New York Police working around the clock to pro- federal unemployment benefit on September. Biden’s proposal will deaths in the U.S. have been Department suspended first-shot duce millions more doses each day top of regular state jobless aid. require congressional approval, blamed on the virus. vaccinations for its officers. and foresees no problems in meet- The new benefit, which runs and some congressional Republi- President Joe Biden, who was New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo ing its commitment to deliver 200 through mid-March, may be en- cans have already expressed res- inaugurated on Wednesday, im- said he expects the state to exhaust million by the end of July. couraging more Americans to ap- ervations about its size. Friday, January 22, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 11 NATION Portland protesters damage Dem’s HQ Powerball winner Associated Press PORTLAND, Ore. — A group of protesters carrying signs sold in Md. against President Joe Biden and police marched in Portland on Associated Press Inauguration Day and damaged LONACONING, Md. — The lat- the headquarters of the Demo- est jackpot-winning Powerball cratic Party of Oregon, police ticket, worth $731.1 million, was said. sold in a struggling coal mining Some in the group of about 150 town whose biggest previous people smashed windows and claim to fame was being the home- spray-painted anarchist symbols town of baseball Hall of Famer at the political party building. Po- Lefty Grove. lice said eight arrests were made Someone bought it at Coney in the area. Some demonstrators Market, a convenience store in the carried a sign reading, “We don’t Allegany County town of Lonacon- want Biden, we want revenge!” ing, the Maryland Lottery an- in response to “police murders” nounced on Thursday. The store and “imperialist wars.” Others will get a $100,000 bonus for sell- carried a banner declaring “We ing the ticket to the fifth-largest Are Ungovernable.” lottery prize in U.S. history. Police said on Twitter that offi- It had been more than four cers on bicycles had entered the months since anyone won the crowd to contact someone with a Powerball. An even larger Mega weapon and to remove poles af- Millions jackpot will be up for fixed to a banner that they grabs Friday night. thought could be used as a weap- AP Just who will collect the Power- on. A group of protesters shield themselves from chemical irritants as they demonstrate Wednesday evening ball prize may never be known: Police said the crowd swarmed outside the U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement building in Portland, Ore. Maryland is one of the states that the officers and threw objects at allows winners to remain anony- authorities, who used a smoke p.m. in northeast Portland with demonstrations for more than 100 Wednesday, where police said mous. Lonaconing is a town of canister to get away. speakers talking about police straight days. windows were broken at a feder- about 300 families that’s well off The group was one of several brutality. Mayor Ted Wheeler has de- al courthouse and officers arrest- the beaten track, with a poverty that gathered in the city on Inau- Portland has been the site of cried what he described as a seg- ed three people. rate of more than 22 percent, well guration Day, police said. A car frequent protests, many involv- ment of violent agitators who de- The crowd called for the aboli- above the national average. caravan in the city celebrated the ing violent clashes between offi- tract from the message of police tion of Immigration and Customs Coney Market is in a century- transition of presidential power cers and demonstrators, ever accountability and should be sub- Enforcement and, outside the old building. It draws its share of and urged policy change, The since the police killing of George ject to more severe punishment. federal immigration court, sever- regulars, who can eat hamburgers Oregonian/OregonLive reported. Floyd in Minneapolis in May. A group of about 100 people al- al people set fire to an American and submarine sandwiches in a Another group gathered around 5 Over the summer, there were so marched in Seattle on flag, The Seattle Times reported. small seating area. Controversial head of Voice of America resigns The Washington Post Senate. WASHINGTON — Michael Pack, a former documentary Pack, a Trump appointee who filmmaker who has worked with sought to remake the Voice of former Trump adviser Steve America and other government- Bannon, left a trail of controver- funded overseas news agencies, sies, lawsuits and general criti- resigned on Wednesday, bringing cism inside and around the agen- an end to a short and tumultuous cies he oversaw. tenure. He characterized his efforts — Pack quit a few hours after which included replacing top President Joe Biden took office managers and asserting the right and less than eight months into to direct VOA’s newsgathering, his three-year term as chief exec- despite a firewall of regulations utive of the U.S. Agency for Glob- intended to keep the news prod- al Media. The government agen- uct independent — as an attempt cy oversees VOA, Radio Free Eu- to restore the venerable news rope/Radio Liberty, the Office of agency’s tradition of non-partisan Cuba Broadcasting and other net- reporting. Critics, however, saw works that produce and distrib- his initiatives as an effort to turn ute news to millions of people in VOA into a mouthpiece for the countries whose governments Trump administration. suppress independent reporting. “I firmly believe that — thanks He said that his resignation to your support, patriotism, and came at Biden’s request. During understanding — a great amount the presidential campaign, Bi- of much-needed reform was den’s staff had signaled that he achieved in the past eight would replace Pack if Biden won months,” Pack wrote in a resig- election. nation letter to staff on Wednes- Biden named Kelu Chao, a vet- day. eran VOA journalist, as Pack’s in- It’s not clear if Pack’s appoin- terim replacement later on tees, including those on supervi- Wednesday. A permanent suc- sory boards, will be replaced by cessor must be confirmed by the Biden. PAGE 12 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, January 22, 2021 Friday, January 22, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 13 Broadcast TV gems WEEKEND worth revisiting Page 30 Soul-stirring Leslie Odom Jr. was too perfect a fit to pass up the chance to play musician Sam Cooke in ‘One Night in Miami’

Profile, Page 15 Review of ‘One Night in Miami,’ Page 16

Leslie Odom Jr. MARVIN JOSEPH / The Washington Post

Video games — 18 Travel — 19-25 Television — 30-31 Health — 32 Crossword — 34 PAGE 14 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, January 22, 2021 WEEKEND: GADGETS & TECHNOLOGY Kiyo UVC Water Bottle purifies water on the go

BY GREGG ELLMAN Tribune News Service Monos’ new powered Kiyo UVC Water Bottle ensures that people on the go have clean, purified drinking water. Accord- ing to Monos, the UVC kills up to 99.9 percent of bacteria and other pathogens lurking inside the water. They also hope each Kiyo bottle can eliminate more than 100 plastic bottles per year for each user. The travel-ready bottle is USB-C charged and holds 17 ANDA CHU, BAY AREA NEWS GROUP/TNS ounces of liquid. Inside is a Mighty Buildings Chief Operating Officer Alexey Dubov poses for a photograph at their facility on Dec. 22 400mAh battery, which takes in Oakland, Calif. The venture capital­funded startup hopes to address the housing crisis by making 3D about three hours to charge for printed home components from plastic polymer and minerals. 30 days of normal use. Once it’s charged (an indicator light will turn off) and clean, fill it with water up to the indicator line on the inside of the bottle, put the cap on and press the Meeting a basic need power button. MONOS/TNS Swipe across the lid of the The Kiyo UVC Water Bottle kills bottle once for a 60-second quick up to 99.9 percent of bacteria. Bay Area company thinks 3D printing can ease housing woes clean (blue light) or twice for a deeper 3-minute cleaning (green a coin-cell battery, which should BY ETHAN BARON ADUs, also known as tiny houses or in-law units, light). When the light goes out, last up to six months. Once pow- The Mercury News have been hailed as a partial solution to the housing shake the bottle a few times and ered, it works in tandem with the n a cavernous warehouse near the Oakland crisis. Issi Romem, an economist and fellow at the start drinking. AirPop app (Android or iOS) Coliseum, a 3D printer extrudes a secret Terner Center for Housing Innovation at UC Ber- Online: monos.com; $85, avail- through Bluetooth to collect the blend of minerals and plastic polymer that’s keley, estimated in late 2019 that if 1 in 10 Bay Area able in color choices of Blue breathing data, which supports Ihardened into a heavy stone-like form under lots with a single-family residence had an ADU, the Hour, Castle Rock, Graphite, sharing data via Apple Health- ultraviolet light. region’s housing stock could grow by nearly 20 Meadow, Salt Spring, and Tuscan Kit. The captured data includes The end result of that alchemy? A move-in-ready, percent over the next two decades. The Bay Area Sun breathing behavior, breathing robot-made modular home from technology startup Council is pushing to ease regulations and lower cycles, and even the pollutants Mighty Buildings. fees for development and installation of tiny homes. The AirPop was announced that the mask has blocked during Backed by $30 million in venture capital, Mighty Mighty Buildings focuses its marketing on a recently as the world’s first use. Buildings is following a classic Bay Area startup “turn-key” package that includes permits, founda- smart Air Wearable — the Ac- The AirPop Active+ is wash- recipe: use technology to address a big problem and tion and a building, along with on-site installation or tive+ Smart Mask with Halo able and built with a 360-degree — it hopes — disrupt an existing industry. The assembly. A 350-square-foot one-bathroom Mighty sensor. It’s built to help wearers sealing, medical-grade soft-touch company claims it will be able to make homes fas- Mod unit dropped by crane onto a property costs get a deeper understanding of membrane. It’s built with a 3D ter, cheaper and greener than traditional builders $183,750 while a two- to three-bedroom and one- to their respiratory health with a dome structure to keep the filter and help solve a persistent housing crisis in the Bay two-bathroom Mighty House ranging from 864 to sensor bridging the gap between core off the wearer’s face for Area and beyond. 1,440 square feet starts at $287,500 and is assem- outside air and internal respira- improved breathability and com- “We are revolutionizing an industry by introduc- bled on site. tion. fort. ing more efficient materials and more efficient Mighty Buildings wants to address the housing With the Halo sensor, the mask When the Halo sensor is used technology that isn’t tailored to certain designs,” crisis by adding its ADUs to a region’s housing captures breathing-related data, in Active Mode, it tracks metrics said chief operating officer Alexey Dubov, an engi- stock, but also, by 2022, through multiple-residence and with real-time data about air including breaths per minute and neer who co-founded the company in 2017 with buildings up to five stories tall. quality and location, the sensor breaths per pace. All this can be physicists Slava Solonitsyn, the CEO, and chief Stanford University professor of engineering and can accurately tell wearers when tracked from the Activity tab in technical officer Dmitry Starodubtsev. design Barry Katz believes that in the push to bring to replace the mask’s snap-in the app. But while housing experts see promise in the 3D printing into mainstream home construction, filter. Online: airpophealth.com/us; technology and the product, they say serious hur- “Lots of people will try, most of them will fail, and The Halo sensor is powered by $149.99 dles must be overcome if Mighty Buildings is to some of them may engineer the real breakthrough.” gain traction in the market and make a dent in the The Bay Area’s pressing housing shortage, coupled housing crisis. Beyond the sheer scale of the prob- with the popularity of ADUs, may boost Mighty lem — state officials estimate that California needs Buildings’ fortunes, Katz said. But housing, he said, nearly 2 million more homes by 2025 — Mighty “has been one of the most resistant areas to experi- Buildings is seeking to disrupt a development proc- mental technologies.” ess notorious for slow-moving bureaucracy and Terner Center researcher Tyler Puller also tem- resistance to change. pers the potential promise he sees in the company’s For now, the outer shells of Mighty Buildings’ plans with some skepticism. He believes ADUs can studios and small one- to two-bedroom homes are make “a dent” in the housing shortage and that 30 percent 3D printed — and can be milled by the multi-story housing could do even more. But he’s firm’s giant robots to resemble bricks or stonework not sure 3D construction is the answer. “I just don’t — but the company expects that the larger homes fully understand the appeal, other than it’s flashy that it plans to start installing this year will be 60 and exciting,” he said. percent to 80 percent 3D printed. Plus, Mighty Buildings’ relatively high prices for While the startup’s goal is to print any kind of ADUs don’t appear to reflect reduced labor costs, building to an architect or designer’s specifications, and the plastic in the firm’s printing mixture may including multi-family structures and office build- put it out of step with the market’s movement away ings, Mighty Buildings is presently focused on from petroleum products, Puller said. The cost of a small “accessory dwelling units” that can be in- traditionally built small ADU, Puller said, averages stalled as second houses and used by homeowners about $150,000, which is in line with a $400-per- AIRPOP/TNS who may rent them out. square-foot cost formula used by The Bay Area AirPop’s Active+ Smart Mask with Halo sensor is the world’s first In the Bay Area, accessory dwelling units or Council. smart Air Wearable that tracks breathing patterns. Friday, January 22, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 15 WEEKEND: MOVIES Cool with character

After ‘Hamilton,’ Leslie Odom Jr. just wanted to be himself. Then the role of Sam Cooke came calling

BY THOMAS FLOYD earned his first Emmy nomi- The Washington Post nation for his voice-over per- h, I have to take formance in “Central Park,” the a COVID test,” earnest and eccentric Apple TV Leslie Odom Jr. Plus animated series. “O says over video Now, Odom is orchestrating chat from his Los Angeles home, double Oscar buzz for “One putting talk about his new film, Night in Miami,” in which he “One Night in Miami,” on pause. plays soul music savant Sam “It’s very, very 2020 of me.” Cooke and performs the original It’s nearly Christmas, and song “Speak Now,” co-written by almost two weeks have passed him and Sam Ashworth. The since the actor and singer-song- movie, directed by Regina King writer appeared on “The Ellen and adapted by Kemp Powers DeGeneres Show,” after which from his 2013 play, imagines the DeGeneres tested positive for the discussions that went down Feb. coronavirus. Odom has since 25, 1964, when Muhammad Ali been quarantining from his wife, (Eli Goree), then known as Cassi- actress Nicolette Robinson, who us Clay, celebrated his heavy- is pregnant with their second weight world championship by child. After a slew of negative convening in a seedy hotel room tests, Odom says this should be with fellow Black icons Malcolm the last one. X (Kingsley Ben-Adir), Jim By now, Odom is used to pan- Brown (Aldis Hodge) and Cooke. demic-induced deviations. This “(Odom) is such a special tal- past spring, his monthlong con- ent as far as singing, dancing, cert tour was nixed after two acting, theater, TV, film — he dates. He spent his summer really can do it all,” Goree says. co-starring with Robinson in the “You feel like you’re next to Freeform miniseries “Love in the somebody that 30, 40 years from Time of Corona,” which they shot now, people are going to come up from their house. And “Hamil- to you and say, ‘Wow, what was ton” unexpectedly reclaimed the he like?’” zeitgeist in July, when the coro- Actor Josh Gad was 18 when navirus prompted Disney to send he met Odom at Carnegie Mellon a filmed production of the origi- University’s theater program. nal Broadway cast — Odom in- His classmate had lengthy drea- cluded — straight to streaming, dlocks, Gad recalls, and a heav- 15 months ahead of a planned enly voice — plus a sly sense of theatrical release. humor that surfaced when the Odom, of course, relishes the duo were required to help with shot of joy “Hamilton” brought set construction. (“It was just viewers during a dreary 2020. such delirium,” Gad says, “that AMAZON STUDIOS/AP But from a professional perspec- two actors who had basically Leslie Odom Jr. plays soul music singer Sam Cooke in “One Night in Miami.” He’s generating double Oscar tive, he acknowledges the early never used their hands for phys- buzz for the role, for which he also sings an original song he co­wrote, called “Speak Now.” drop was “disconcerting.” ical labor were suddenly working “When ‘Hamilton’ is going to with saws and jackhammers.”) “There’s a depth in his acting and film. November 2019 brought “ran from this project for an be released, you’re going to try to After Odom graduated in 2003, and in his singing that speaks to a the release of “Mr,” a fusion of amount of time that embarrasses set up things around that,” says he embarked on an inconsistent very full life with ups and classic jazz and contemporary me today.” And Cooke wasn’t the Odom, 39, who won a Tony and career performing on Broadway downs,” says Gad, the co-creator soul that marked Odom’s first only musical mastermind he Grammy for playing Aaron Burr, (in “Rent” and the short-lived of “Central Park.” “Any pain that album of original material. On resisted — Odom backed off Alexander Hamilton’s tragic foil. “Leap of Faith”) and the small he’s had in his life, he puts into the big screen, he booked roles in when approached about playing “Maybe I’m going to record a screen (in the NBC musical his performance. Over the years, “Murder on the Orient Express,” Sammy Davis Jr. on screen, as record, or maybe I’m going to get “Smash,” most notably). Success- obviously he’s refined it. But you “Harriet” and the upcoming well. some meetings. This is maybe es proved fleeting, setbacks could even see as an 18-year-old “Sopranos” prequel, “The Many “I wanted to do all of the things the biggest moment of my career, proved dispiriting and, before his that, God, this guy is special.” Saints of Newark.” that no one would have dared let and I’m locked in the house — star-making turn in “Hamilton,” In the wake of “Hamilton’s” When asked about auditioning me do before ‘Hamilton,’” Odom we’re all locked in the house.” Odom considered quitting show transcendence, Odom steered his for Cooke in “One Night in Mia- explains, noting Hollywood’s If Odom couldn’t capitalize on business. drive toward new lanes: music mi,” though, Odom concedes he penchant for pigeonholing actors. #Hamifilm mania the way he “For the very first time, instead imagined, you wouldn’t know it of being, you know, a wack Sam- from his recent body of work. For Considering how the role of Cooke amounted to an my Davis Jr., I had the opportu- one, Odom did eventually record nity to be a really exceptional an album — his second collection uncanny confluence of Odom’s talents and traits — as Leslie Odom Jr. So as you can of Christmas tunes, released in imagine, that was a valuable November — and collaborated a performer, songwriter, activist and father — he is all thing to me. I didn’t want to rush with Sia on a reimagining of his 2019 track “Cold.” He also the more flummoxed that he hesitated to pursue it. SEE ODOM ON PAGE 16 PAGE 16 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, January 22, 2021 WEEKEND: MOVIES Odom: Wanted next role to be more of an original

FROM PAGE 15 Night in Miami” to its cathartic to put on somebody else’s very conclusion, as the film ends with large, ill-fitting shoes.” Cooke’s “Tonight Show” per- But Odom’s representatives formance of the seminal protest pleaded with him to reconsider song “A Change Is Gonna Come.” “One Night in Miami.” Powers’ Odom filmed that scene Feb. 7 — script lends a fly-on-the-wall his last day of principal photog- appeal to the fictionalized banter raphy and, coincidentally, the among Cooke, Clay, Brown and 56th anniversary of that “Tonight X, as their larger-than-life per- Show” taping. sonas fuel a crackling dialogue “(Cooke) was never closer to on faith and philosophy. At the me than he was on that day,” film’s core is an ideological spar- Odom says. “Because ‘A Change ring session between Cooke and Is Gonna Come,’ that is all of his X over how to best use one’s training in the gospel church, all platform to advance Black empo- of his experience as a then-pop AMAZON STUDIOS/AP werment. sensation and a matinee idol — it From left: Leslie Odom Jr., Eli Goree, Kingsley Ben­Adir and Aldis Hodge star in “One Night in Miami.” “My hesitation was being in, was him putting all of that to- like, a Sam Cooke biopic, where gether and saying the thing that it’s just essentially a trick, an only he could say. And that’s impersonation,” Odom says. “But what I’m trying to do.” with this script, Kemp Powers Odom carried that metaphys- In ‘One Night in Miami,’ wanted to use these men and ical bond with Cooke into the their legacies, these archetypes composition of “Speak Now,” of what they meant, what they which plays over the film’s end stood for, and have a conversa- credits. Dwelling on Cooke’s tion.” death less than a year after the speculative history sings That conversation, Odom says, release of “A Change Is Gonna echoes the discussions that Come,” Odom remarks that “he’s BY JAKE COYLE controlled world, and how their fame brings burden played out backstage at “Hamil- already singing to us from be- Associated Press as much as it does opportunity. Are they risking ton” in 2015 and 2016, as the yond the grave ... leaving some- he potential pitfalls of a movie that brings enough? Or too much? original cast and crew grieved thing for all time, for his children together Muhammad Ali, Malcolm X, “We are fighting for our lives,” says Malcolm. the tragedies of Sandra Bland, to know him better.” Sam Cooke and Jim Brown for a night on Some of the same dialogue, of course, resonates Alton Sterling and Philando Cas- Cooke’s mortality inspired the TFebruary 25, 1964, seem so numerous, so directly with today. And it goes without saying that tile — Black Americans whose urgency expressed in “Speak prone to falling into caricature, that “One Night in films this intimate with the existential anxieties of deaths became flash points in the Now,” which Odom recorded this Miami” feels like a miracle. Black identity aren’t common. “One Night in Mia- nation’s struggle with systemic past summer amid the Black The concept comes from Kemp Powers (co-di- mi,” the first film by a Black female director select- racism — and considered their Lives Matter movement’s re- rector of the recent Pixar film “Soul”), a playwright ed to play at the Venice Film Festival in its 77 own responsibility to speak out. surgence. With his young fam- who used a real occurrence — the four Black icons years, comes through stirringly unfiltered. “We were in a unique position ily’s future on his mind, Odom did gather that night, after 22-year-old Cassius Clay And, as the dialogue surges, the movie crackles. where we can say something and wanted to follow in Cooke’s foot- dethroned world heavyweight boxing champ Sonny Malcolm confronts Cooke, suggesting he left Gospel people are listening,” says Odom, steps and produce an activist Liston — for an acclaimed one-act play that imag- music behind to sing sweet ballads for white audi- who dedicated his final “Hamil- anthem for generations to come. ined what they might have talked about behind ences like “a wind-up toy in a music box.” This may ton” performance to Sterling and “I’m just trying to reach a closed doors. “One Night in Miami,” the directorial be the film’s most questionable departure from Castile, among other victims of moment like that,” Odom says, debut of Regina King, turns Kemp’s play into a history — Cooke, you could argue, deserves better violence. “What is our responsib- “when I can put together all scintillating dialogue of African American activism — but it sets up a charged back-and-forth on mak- ility to say? There were disagree- these experiences from those and artistry, with a quartet of impassioned per- ing change from within or without, declaring all-out ments (backstage), and there dance classes when I’m 13, 14 formances. war or subverting with a smile. Malcolm charges were fights. So that’s the con- years old in Philadelphia, and The importance of “opening up” a play in a film Cooke with not writing songs about the movement, versation that Kemp wanted to finding myself standing in the adaptation is often overrated. Usually, this means claiming Bob Dylan’s “Blowin’ in the Wind” beat have, and that’s daring. That’s center of my wildest dream in the insertion of some outdoor filler. “One Night in him to it. Cooke responds the only real freedom is what made me get over my fear ‘Rent’ on Broadway, and the Miami” falls victim to this, too, at first. The film, for economic freedom. and jump in with both feet.” television training, and every- which Powers wrote the script, takes a while to get “Everybody talks about getting a piece of the After a limited theatrical re- thing that ‘Hamilton’ and Burr going, as we’re introduced to each of the four: Clay pie,” says Cooke. “I want the g--d--- recipe.” lease, “One Night in Miami” is gave me, and these films — I ’m (Eli Goree), Malcolm X (Kingsley Ben-Adir), I won’t go further into the details of the exchange, now streaming on Amazon trying to put it all together to say Brown (Aldis Hodge) and Cooke (Leslie Odom Jr.) but King builds it, beautifully, toward the creation Prime. something that only I can say.” But once they’ve assembled in a room at the Hamp- and performance of one of the era’s greatest songs, Odom gradually found the Considering how the role of ton House Motel, King’s film — relaxed and confi- Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come.” If the opening character over the course of Cooke amounted to an uncanny dent in its pacing — comes alive in conversation prelude of “One Night in Miami” is less purposeful, production, imbuing Cooke with confluence of Odom’s talents and coursing with the civil rights currents of the day the payoff of the film’s final crescendo is exhilarat- cool charisma and simmering traits — as a performer, song- and each man’s way of navigating them. ing. intensity. To perform Cooke’s writer, activist and father — he is Clay is poised to change his name to Muhammad The movie’s gathering momentum, even as it songs, Odom immersed himself all the more flummoxed that he Ali and join the Nation of Islam, just as Malcolm is grows more claustrophobic, is owed to a few things. in archival recordings that hesitated to pursue the part. preparing to depart it. Brown is exploring a career It comes from Ben-Adir’s artfully calibrated per- helped him evoke the King of When Odom called his repre- in film. Cooke, fresh from a performance before a formance as Malcolm — here more consumed with Soul’s smooth tenor and stage sentatives after production, he disinterested white audience at the Copacabana, doubt, worry and self-awareness than the usual presence. thanked them for pushing him seems uncertain of his place in music. firebrand portrayal. It comes from Odom’s deft “When I first heard the play- toward the role and told them Being such a charismatic force, Ali usually takes sense of Cooke. And it comes from King’s remarka- back on set of ‘You Send Me,’ I that “One Night in Miami” was a up all the oxygen in movies. There isn’t a camera ble elegance as a director in this, her first feature didn’t know it was Leslie — I “new beginning” for his career. that isn’t drawn to him, nor should there be. But (though she’s been directing television series for thought it was Sam,” Goree says. Rule No. 1 for that restart: Clay and Brown aren’t quite front and center in nearly a decade). Like the foot-stomping “ohh-ahh” “I was like, ‘Man, I love this “From here on out, they all have “One Night in Miami.” Instead, the film gravitates Cooke coaxes from an audience in a poignant flash- song.’ He’s like, ‘Yeah, I tried my to feel like this.” toward the sparring between Malcolm and Cooke. back of an a cappella performance of “Chain best.’ And I said, ‘What are you “I’ve got to bring all of myself A sense of victory and celebration quickly fades, Gang,” “One Night in Miami” ultimately throbs talking about? No, that’s not you!’ to this work,” Odom says. “Once and not only because, in observing Malcolm’s reli- with the soulfulness of shared brotherhood. For He just sounded so much like you get to do that once, I don’t gious dictates, they aren’t drinking. (Malcolm in- these four Black men, yes, and for many others.

Sam.” want to leave any of this at the stead offers vanilla ice cream.) Each character is “One Night in Miami” is rated R for language throughout. Running time: 110 Odom’s vocals carry “One door anymore.” contemplating how they fit, or don’t, in a white- minutes. Friday, January 22, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 17 WEEKEND: MOVIES Turning chaos into cinema gold With ‘Locked Down,’ Director Doug Liman boils current issues down into one film BY LINDSEY BAHR later, they had a yes. In other words, it’s a Associated Press movie that could only have been made dur- irector Doug Liman was on a call ing the pandemic. with screenwriter Steven “Filmmakers, certainly myself, are Knight and producer PJ van known for being optimists and proposing DSandwijk in July when they outrageous things, and then producers and started wondering what it would be like to the adults in the room rein them in a little make a movie about the current moment IN bit,” Liman said. “This is a situation where the current moment. there were no adults in the room.” Liman makes films about characters in Hathaway’s agent told Liman he’d better extraordinary situations: An assassin with at least talk to her and describe his vision if amnesia (“The Bourne Identity”), a military she couldn’t get a full script. A few minutes officer caught in a time loop (“Edge of To- in, Hathaway told him to save his breath: morrow”), an unhappy married couple who “I’ve read it, I love it, and I’m in,” he re- are also secret killers (“Mr. and Mrs. called. Smith”). The lockdowns, the economic Within weeks, they were filming. stress and the isolation of quarantining, he Liman decided that they’d shoot the 180- HBO MAX/AP thought, could be the perfect backdrop for page script in 18 days. It was a self-con- Director Doug Liman, left, consults with actress Anne Hathaway on the set of “Locked one of his films. scious choice: He’d shot his debut, “Swing- Down.” In four months, in the middle of a pandemic and widespread shutdowns, Liman And in four months, in the middle of a ers,” in 18 days too. and his team wrote, shot and edited a glossy Harrods heist film in London. pandemic and widespread shutdowns, he “I equated what we were doing, trying to and his team wrote, shot and edited a glossy pull this film off, to matching what the char- The vast majority of Harrods extras are finish it a week earlier, they didn’t balk. Harrods heist movie in London with Anne acters on screen are trying to do robbing actually Harrods employees. Composer “We were like, you are speaking our Hathaway and Chiwetel Ejiofor. The result, Harrods,” Liman said. “These are both John Powell, who spent six months on the language,” Liman said. “Locked Down,” is now available on HBO completely crazy and audacious plans.” “Bourne Identity” score, did this one in Part of the collective energy was because Max. It required everyone to be on their toes. three weeks. “Locked Down” was one of the first inde- “For the next 50 years, people are going to Once he had to shift to a nine-page dialogue And the Zoom and Skype scenes? They pendent films to go back into production in be making movies about what we’re all scene that neither star had prepared for. were done live. The people on the other end, the U.K. and people were simply happy to going through,” he said. And they made do, taping Hathaway’s dia- from Ben Stiller to Mindy Kaling, are in be back at work. They used the safety proto- He wanted to be the first and to use the logue anywhere they could — including, but their own homes, in their own wardrobe, cols that Cruise helped develop for “Mis- chaos of the moment to capture something not limited to, Ejiofor’s body and a calendar acting alongside their own families. It made sion: Impossible” as a guide. true. Besides, he’s a filmmaker who thrives she draws on. for interesting casting requests: For Ejio- But Liman was always keenly aware that on the impossible. His next film is literally “When she said she was in, she was IN,” for’s brother and sister-in-law, he needed there was no guarantee they’d be able to taking him to space with Tom Cruise. he said. “I got some of the most honest per- two actors who were already living togeth- finish “Locked Down.” They couldn’t afford In the process of making “Locked Down,” formances I’ve ever gotten on screen be- er. For Hathaway’s boss, he needed some- to shut down for two weeks like the bigger possibilities emerged where they never cause Annie and Chiwetel could see how far one with a teenager and to be in a place that productions; Their entire shoot was scarce- would have before. They got major movie out on a limb I was going, and they went out looks somewhat like Vermont. For her co- ly longer than that to begin with. In the end, stars and financing with only a quarter of there with me.” worker, he needed someone with a toddler. they finished without incident. the script. Harrods, the luxury London There were numerous instances of his “There were so many times when I said, “The protocols work,” he said. “The social department store that does not often allow cast and crew diving in with innovations and ‘When are you ever going to have a chance distancing, the masks, they work.” film and television sets on their grounds, acan-do spirit. The first shot in the movie, to do this again?’” he said. “I thought, let’s And he hopes that more independent agreed to let them shoot there. They told an empty intersection in Notting Hill, was just embrace it.” films will follow their lead. Otherwise, he them there was no plan B. If there was no filmed by Liman himself outside of the So when Warner Bros. bought the film for said, “This time next year there will be only Harrods, there was no film. A few days place he was staying before he went to work. HBO Max and asked them if they could franchise films.” ‘Locked Down’ holds a mirror up to our quarantine experiences BY JAKE COYLE quarantine-screwball atmosphere rich in claustrophobia Associated Press and shut-in frustration. The experience is causing Linda Doug Liman’s “Locked Down,” one of the first and most (Hathaway) and Paxton (Ejiofor) to doubt much in their ambitious films to be conceived and shot during the pan- lives. Linda, who has initiated the break-up, runs the Lon- demic, is, like our own quarantine experiences, erratic, a don division of a global corporation. After being ordered to little absurd and sporadically delightful. fire her staff by Zoom, she begins to question her career. Unlike our time in quarantine, it has Chiwetel Ejiofor Paxton’s never got going. A biker and poet who occasional- and Anne Hathaway. This, not a small difference, is crucial ly reads to his locked-down block from the middle of the in “Locked Down,” an energetic romantic comedy/heist street, he’s never risen above delivery man, his record movie that makes a game entry into the emerging genre of tarnished by a long-ago crime. COVID-19 movies. Liman, the director of “Mr. and Mrs. For a while, they’re both monologuing around the house Smith,” “Edge of Tomorrow” and “The Bourne Identity,” in between videoconference confessions, but their exist- has always, in a movie world of lumbering, oxygen-deplet- AP ential distress eventually syncs up, and “Locked Down” — ed action films, had a knack for more agile and playful “Locked Down,” a romantic comedy/heist movie on HBO like someone finally settling into a pandemic rhythm — films that give A-list performers ample room to breathe. Max, stars Anne Hathaway and Chiwetel Ejiofor. takes shape. That serves “Locked Down” well, with Hathaway and “Locked Down” is inevitably, and intentionally, of the (especially) Ejiofor making a charming pair, even as they It also feels very March-April 2020. There are pajama moment. But I hope some of its off-the-cuff spirit lasts after play a couple that, just before lockdown began, have had it pants, baking plans and Zoom calls (Ben Stiller, Ben King- the pandemic. So much Hollywood moviemaking is labo- with each other. The script is by Steven Knight (“Eastern sley and Mindy Kaling make remote cameos playing char- riously preordained. The largest studios have release cal- Promises,” “Peaky Blinders”), who penned an early break- acters seen only through the computer screen). “Locked endars planned out years in advance. Little is spontaneous out for Ejiofor in the very good, London-set “Dirty Pretty Down” points to one problem of pandemic movies: So and, as a consequence, films that feel connected to their Things.” Knight wrote “Locked Down,” which debuted this much has changed so fast that some of the novelties of last time are hard to find at the studio level. Hopefully the CO- month on HBO Max, in July, and by September, they were spring now feel dated and stale. VID-made movie genre is soon a relic, but its fleet-foot- filming in London with COVID on-set protocols — mainly But seeing two terrific performers like Ejiofor and Hath- edness sticks around. shooting in a townhouse, on empty city streets and a culmi- away in such circumstances lends them a far less familiar nating scene at Harrods. That things build to a semi-ridicu- glamour. Knight’s lively and verbose script (he also wrote “Locked Down” is rated R for language throughout and some drug material. Running lous heist is fitting; the whole movie feels stolen. the even-more-confined “Locke”) gives the actors a kind of time: 118 minutes. PAGE 18 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, January 22, 2021 WEEKEND: VIDEO GAMES

Raw Fury photos Call of the Sea is a first­person adventure puzzle game set in the 1930s that tells the story of Norah, a woman on the trail of her missing husband’s expedition in the South Pacific. For hardcore puzzlers only Challenging, mysterious Call of the Sea a tropical adventure with a storyline reminiscent of 20th century-style horror fiction

BY CHRISTOPHER BYRD three days later. As she draws closer to the shoreline, she Special to The Washington Post is startled by the sight of a stone obelisk rising above a here is a moment late in Call of the Sea where promontory near the center of the island. It matches a Norah Everhart, the game’s heroine, is walking drawing she made that was inspired by a dream. Ashore, through an otherworldly temple adorned with she discovers that the feelings of chronic fatigue associ- Tmurals depicting ritual sacrifice. “This place is ated with her illness are gone. like a labyrinth,” she says aloud, then, looking at one of As Norah heads inland, she will come across various the murals she gasps, “They were submerged in black symbols and ideograms on the surfaces of walls and ob- ichor!” I giggled to myself when I heard those words jects, which she’ll jot down in a notebook. One of the eas- As players hunt for Norah’s husband, they investigate the because they seemed to perfectly ier puzzles early in the game finds her needing to deciph- clues left by the previous voyage, piece together what sum up the pulpy tenor of this er the marking on a device that controls the directional happened and solve a variety of puzzles. game, which wears its affinity for orientation of a wooden bridge. By exploring the nearby H.P. Lovecraft and weird, early area, Norah will come across pillars containing symbols solely for their aquatic beauty. twentieth-century fiction like a along with drawings of mountains, fish and water. She Call of the Sea is stuffed with puzzles that range from flower on a lapel. can use her findings to figure out the proper sequence in very clever to borderline maddening. To unlock the se- Set during the closing months of which to arrange the dials on the device that controls the crets of the island and her own latent abilities, Norah will 1934, Call of the Sea is a demanding bridge. have to play instruments, translate symbols, arrange puzzle game that follows Norah, a The game’s story is a pastiche of genre cliches knitted constellations, manipulate water levels and press all sorts former art teacher, as she travels together: an island that acts as a portal to another realm, of levers at the right time or in a particular order. by ship to an island located east of an illness that brings with it a gift as well as a curse, mad- There is no way I could have completed the game in Tahiti. Her journey from Denver to ness, blood sacrifice, etc. Everything feels derived from time to finish this review without consulting online re- the South Pacific is occasioned by a something else. (Even Norah’s plucky spirit seems like it sources. Truthfully, even if I’d had more time, I would not package she received in the mail which contained a key, was cribbed from watching movies.) However, the have had the patience to pore over some of the puzzles an ornamental knife and a picture of her husband Harry game’s art direction and ingenious puzzles give Call of the because I was indifferent to Norah’s fate. Still, the care with the coordinates of the island written on the back. For Sea undeniable momentum. that went into the game’s mechanics construction is evi- the past few months, Norah has fretted over the where- I played Call of the Sea on an Xbox Series X hooked up dent. (Cue Zelda metaphor: Imagine a game that feels like abouts of her husband, who went missing after trying to to a Samsung 4K QLED TV after first trying it out on my a big water temple.) find a cure for his wife’s mysterious illness. computer. I couldn’t help but note how much better it Call of the Sea will be welcomed by those who enjoy a On the trail of her husband, Norah discovers that the looked with HDR lighting, so I started the game over on challenging puzzle game with a matinee feel of familiarity people of Tahiti and the seafaring folk who work in the the Xbox. Watching the color of the sky shade from yel- and extravagance. For those of us with less patience, area shun the unnamed neighboring island. But she finds low to green to violet depending on where Norah is stand- there are other ways to spend our time. the captain of a ship who is willing to drop her off in a ing made for its own pleasant diversion early on, while Platforms: PC, Xbox One paddle boat near the island and return to pick her up near the end there are underwater sections that I enjoyed Online: calloftheseagame.com Friday, January 22, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 19 WEEKEND: QUICK TRIPS A borderline learning experience European tripoints allow you to visit 3 countries at once BY KARIN ZEITVOGEL Stars and Stripes was looking forward with childlike glee to standing in three countries at once as my son and I headed to the tripoint where Germany, Belgium and Luxem- Ibourg intersect. A tripoint is the geographic spot where the borders of three countries meet. Europe has 48 of them. The U.S. has zero because it only borders two countries. Seven of Europe’s tripoints involve Germany. Three are on the western border, including one near the Luxem- bourg town of Schengen. It’s where on a boat in the mid- dle of the Moselle River at the point where France, Ger- many and Luxembourg meet, the Schengen Agreement was signed in 1985, allowing for the free movement of goods and people between most European Union member states. Few knew about Schengen, the town, before Schengen, the agreement. Tens of thousands of visitors now flock there each year. But we were headed to the lesser-known tripoint at Ouren, a town in Belgium with 129 inhabitants. When we got there, we learned something about tripoints: many meet in the middle of bodies of water, which form natural boundaries between countries. KARIN ZEITVOGEL/Stars and Stripes We opted not to wade into the Our River but instead A child crosses from Belgium into Germany on Jan. 10 at the Vaalserberg tripoint, where the borders of Germany, stood in the middle of a small footbridge leading to a Belgium and the Netherlands meet. Despite the coronavirus pandemic, many visitors were milling about the site. hiking trail on the German side. Then we visited a monu- ment to European unity on the Belgian side, feet away On the QT from the border with Luxembourg. A plaque there celebrated the 1957 signing of the Trea- Directions: The tripoints on Germany’s western border are between ty of Rome, which created the European Economic Com- 30 minutes and 3 hours away from U.S. and NATO bases in munity. In 1995, when the European Union was created, Benelux and Germany. Check before you leave to make sure that borders are open and that you are authorized by your command to the EEC became its main component. travel for leisure purposes. Nearby, a map of the EU showed a united Ireland, even Food: A fast food takeout place near the Baudouin viewing tower though the Irish island has been divided since it was par- at the Vaalserberg tripoint was open in January 2021, but the titioned by the British nearly 100 years ago. The hard sit-down restaurant next to it was closed. Aachen and Vaals have border between Northern Ireland and Ireland disap- lots of eating establishments. There was no food available at the peared after a deal was signed in 1998 to end decades of tripoint in Ouren. violence north of the border, known as the Troubles. More information online: Ouren: visit-eislek.lu/en/portfolio-fiche/ Fears that a new hard border would reappear and vio- natural-sites/point-des-3-frontieres-lieler-ouren lence would resurge when the U.K. left the EU made the Schengen: visitschengen.lu/en/european-museum status of the border a key part of the Brexit negotiations. Vaalserberg/Dreilandenpunt: plombieres.be/en/leisure/tourism/ plombieres-tourism/discover/nature-and-landscapes/three-frontier/ Even though I didn’t get to stand in three countries at three-borders once at Ouren, I was able to visit large parts of Europe via Neutral-Moresnet: the-low-countries.com/article/100-years-ago- the mini history lessons at the tripoint. tiny-country-neutral-moresnet-became-part-of-belgium I also relished the peace and quiet. We were the only Karin Zeitvogel people there. The next tripoint I went to, where the borders of Ger- many, the Netherlands and Belgium meet, was a little different. First, the Dreilandenpunt — literally, three-country point — or Trois Bornes, which means three markers, is a dry tripoint, meaning it’s on land. Second, it was mobbed, and few of the people milling around the tripoint marker on top of the Vaalserberg — Luca Zeitvogel the highest point in mainland Netherlands, topping out at The borders of Germany (D), Belgium (B) and just over 1,000 feet — were wearing face masks. Luxembourg (L) meet in the middle of the Our River, But, like Ouren, it held many history lessons. a poster in Ouren, Belgium, shows visitors. A distance from the crush of tourists, I came upon two memorials to a Belgian volunteer who fought with VII clear day. The 1992 Maastricht Treaty laid the founda- Corps, U.S. 1st Army, in the Battle of the Bulge. tions for the euro currency and expanded cooperation Pierre Roiseux was 20 when he died on Christmas Day, between European countries. 1944, said the memorial erected by his parents. He had I didn’t go up. Too many people — and I was fascinated stepped on a land mine, a Google search told me. by the crushed penny machine at the base. It was the first Nearby, a memorial, made of shell casings and barbed one I’d come across in Europe and required only 1 euro to wire, recalled Belgium’s suffering during World War I. elongate and emboss a 5 euro cent piece with a souvenir Judging from an old map, the view from that memorial image. includes the former country of Neutral-Moresnet. When it I cursed myself for leaving my change in the car. But existed, from 1816 until Jan. 1920, the borders of four on the upside, I’d learned a little more about Europe and KARIN ZEITVOGEL/Stars and Stripes countries met on the Vaalserberg. got to walk in and out of three countries in 30 seconds. A memorial dedicated to Pierre Roiseux stands near the A stone’s throw from there, visitors walked up a metal tripoint on the Vaalserberg hill where the borders of staircase to the top of a viewing tower, from where the [email protected] Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands meet. Roiseux Dutch town of Maastricht, 20 miles away, is visible on a Twitter: @StripesZeit died on Christmas Day, 1944, in the Battle of the Bulge. PAGE 20 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, January 22, 2021 WEEKEND: TRAVEL Naples: Crowded, chaotic, captivating

As we’ve had to postpone our the palaces and museums. Since travels because of the pandemic, ancient Greek times, the old city I believe a weekly dose of travel center has been split down the dreaming can be good medicine. middle by a long, straight street Here’s a reminder of the fun that called Spaccanapoli (“split Na- awaits us in Europe at the other ples”). Just beyond it, the Span- end of this crisis. ish Quarter climbs into the hills. And ven with its new af- behind the Ar- fluence and stress on chaeological Mu- law and order, the city seum is perhaps Eof Naples remains the most colorful appalling and captivating at the district of all, same time. It’s Italy’s third large- Sanita. st city, as well as its most pollut- Rick Walking ed and crime-ridden. But this Steves through the Spac- tangled urban mess still some- canapoli neigh- how manages to breathe, laugh borhood, I venture down narrow and sing with a joyful Italian streets lined with tall apartment accent. Naples offers the closest buildings, walk in the shade of thing to “reality travel” in West- drying laundry and slip into ern Europe: churning, fertile and time-warp courtyards. Couples exuberant. on Vespas are surrounded by Rick Steves With more than two million more fights and smiles per cob- Naples, which has very few open spaces, offers the closest thing to “reality travel” in Western Europe. people, Naples has almost no blestone than anywhere else in open spaces or parks, which Italy. er. Mothers hold up babies, sis- The abundance of gold and shop fronts that close up to be- makes its ranking as Europe’s I spy a woman overseeing the ters pose arm in arm and an old, silver shops here makes me think come private homes after dark. most densely populated city action from her balcony on the wrinkled woman fills her window this is where stolen jewelry ends Today is just one more page in a plenty evident. Watching the fifth floor. I buy two carrots as a frame with a toothy grin. up. But according to locals, 2,000-year-old story of city activ- police try to enforce traffic sanity gift and she lowers her bucket to Around the corner, there’s an thieves quickly sell their goods ity: meetings, beatings and cheat- is almost comical. But Naples pick them up. One wave pop- entire street lined with shops and the items are melted down ings; kisses, near misses and still surprises me with its impres- ulates six stories of balconies, selling tiny components of fantas- immediately. New pieces go on little-boy pisses. sive knack for living, eating and each filling up with its own wav- tic manger scenes, including sale as soon as they cool. raising children with good humor ing family. A contagious energy figurines caricaturing politicians Naples has the most intact Rick Steves (ricksteves.com) writes European and decency. fills the air. I snap a photo and and local celebrities — should I ancient Roman street plan any- guidebooks, hosts travel shows on public TV and In Naples, I spend more time radio and organizes European tours. You can suddenly people in each window want to add a Putin or a Ber- where. Imagine life here in the email Rick at [email protected] and follow his in the local neighborhoods than and balcony are vying for anoth- lusconi to my Nativity set. days of Caesar, with street-side blog on Facebook. Unusual, worthwhile sights in your own European backyard With lockdown likely to continue for front and back for bicycles. A self-guided tour through the historical some time, trips of any distance remain on A single-day ticket valid within city center of “La Citta del Palladio” could the back burner. But longed-for escape limits allows a rider to take both trains, take you past several of his constructions, can also be had exploring one’s own back- and a short walk through the cemetery including the Teatro Olimpico, Palazzo yard. And U.S. military members sta- allows one to ride both on the same outing. Chiericati and Palazzo Thiene. A fitting tioned in Europe have some pretty amaz- Online: ssb-ag.de/erleben/stuttgarts-be- end would be the Basilica Palladiana, ing backyards in which to roam. When sondere-bahnen where a marble statue of Palladio himself local conditions and regulations permit, Grave-hunting in Wiesbaden: While the overlooks the Piazza dei Signori. here are some things to do and see: name Manfred Albrecht Secrets of churches in Naples: Naples’ Riding the rails in Stuttgart: Stuttgart Freiherr von Richthofen nickname “The City of 500 Cupolas” re- was Germany’s first city to introduce a might not mean a lot, his fers to its impressive number of churches. network of streetcars, drawn by horses, in nickname is likely to ring a The Church Of Gesu Nuovo, a Jesuit 1868. Two of the trains that make up part few bells: The Red Baron. church consecrated in 1601, is a magnif- of the current Stuttgarter Strassenbahnen Baron von Richthofen, a icent example of Neapolitan Baroque. On AG (SSB) city transportation network are fighter pilot with the Ger- its exterior, stones carved into the shape notably unique. The Standseilbahn Stutt- man Air Force, is credited of diamonds bear unusual signs. It was gart is a funicular railway linking the Karen with 80 air combat victories iStock only in 2010 that the engravings were Sudheimer Platz station below with the Bradbury from 1916-18. He died at the The obelisk in the San Domenico Maggiore identified as Aramaic characters and the Degerloch Waldfriedhof above. The line age of 25, killed by a bullet Square in Naples is one of three so­called notes to a musical score, a concerto for opened in 1929 to take passengers to a while engaged in air combat near Amiens, plague columns in the city. stringed instruments. Inside, the relics of cemetery in the forest in a section of town France, on April 21, 1918. A full military 70 early Christian martyrs are held in two known as Heslach. The cable-hauled fu- funeral was given him by the No. 3 Squad- Admiring architecture in Vicenza: The large wooden containers. nicular rises 285 feet at a maximum gra- ron, Australian Flying Corps, and his body term Palladianism refers to a style of No less worthy of exploration is the San dient of 28.3% and operates as Line 20. was buried in a cemetery in the village of architecture based on the aesthetic of the Domenico Maggiore Church. In 1272, the The pretty teak wagons run up and down Bertangles, near Amiens, the following classical temples of the Ancient Greeks philosopher and theologian St. Thomas every 20 minutes, and the ride itself takes day. and Romans. It takes its name from Re- Aquinas began teaching theology at a just under four minutes. Sometime in the early 1920s, his body naissance Italian architect Andrea Palla- university located by the spot now occu- The second public train of note is the was transferred to the Fricourt Military dio, whose works have exerted exception- pied by the church. A reliquary holds a Zahnradbahn Stuttgart, locally known as Cemetery, also in France. In 1925, his al influence on architectural and urban bone from the saint’s left arm, while in the the Zacke, or prong. One of only four cog remains were transferred to the Inval- design throughout the world. While he vestry, coffins contain some royal re- railways in Germany and the only one idenfriedhof Cemetery in Berlin. In 1975, designed churches, theaters and palaces, mains, including those of King Alfonso I located in an urban environment, it con- his body was moved to the Richthofen he was best known for his villas and coun- and King Ferdinand I of Aragon. Upon nects Marienplatz in Stuttgart South with family grave plot at the Sudfriedhof Ceme- try houses. The designs of 23 buildings exiting the church into the square of the the Albplatz in Degerloch. The track built tery in Wiesbaden. The location of the within Vicenza are credited to him, and same name, take note of the obelisk in the in 1884 covers a 1.4-mile distance and rises grave is Westhain, Number 77, and the these gracious properties, along with 24 center of the square. It’s one of the city’s 673 feet at a maximum grade of 17.8%. It cemetery itself is well within city limits. others found across the Veneto, are on three so-called “plague columns,” erected operates as Line 10, and has trailers at the Online: tinyurl.com/y4xoujg7 UNESCO’s World Heritage List. as votive offerings after the plague of 1656. Friday, January 22, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 21 WEEKEND: FOOD & DINING Quick, filling on-the-go meal Humble doner kebab is the perfect street food for COVID-19-era hunger BY SLOBODAN LEKIC Stars and Stripes AFTER f you’re tired of burger joints, curry- wurst and German sausages but still HOURS want something quick, my recom- GERMANY Imendation would be to pop by a doner place. Doner kebabs are everywhere in Kai- serslautern, as in seemingly every other further down Mannheimerstrasse. And, in town in Germany. contrast to some doner places, the guys In contrast to the high-end Turkish serving you speak English. cuisine served in restaurants, doner is a One of them, Ramzi Waleed, worked as filling fast food that you can pick up on the a fixer/translator for U.S. journalists in go. That makes it a perfect street food at a Irbil, in northern Iraq, before emigrating time when all sit-down establishments are to Germany. Another, Ali Fakir, is a Pakis- closed due to government corona restric- tani who has been here for several years. tions. I’ve reported from both countries on nu- The popular “turning roast” sandwich merous occasions, so I enjoy chatting with made from meat from a vertical spit was them. introduced to Europe by Turkish workers Oz Firat’s menu is also pretty standard, in the 1970s, and the reason for its pop- but somehow their doners seem to be ularity isn’t hard to see. more succulent and more substantial than Reasonably priced, the doner is a com- at most other places I’ve tried. Maybe plete meal, containing carbohydrates from that’s part of the reason it’s been a favorite the pita bread, protein from the tasty for Stars and Stripes journalists based in meats and vitamins from the salads — Kaiserslautern for many years now. usually consisting of tomatoes, lettuce, But to be fair, there are other shops that cabbage and onions. For those who don’t are also popular. PHOTOS BY SLOBODAN LEKIC/Stars and Stripes want meat, there are a variety of salads Foremost among these is the Istanbul A typical doner kebab at Oz Firat before it is wrapped up for delivery. Unlike some other available, along with fries and traditional Kebap Haus at the beginning of Markt- fast foods, the doner is a complete meal with carbohydrates from the pita bread, protein Middle Eastern pickled veggies. strasse, the main pedestrian downtown from the meats and cheese and vegetables like tomatoes, lettuce, cabbage and onions. In Kaiserslautern, you can find a doner street. This is normally a regular restau- shop in just about every downtown street. rant that offers Turkish mainstays, but bap, around the corner from the Istanbul, Oz Firat Kebap Pizza Haus Generally, there’s little variety in their now serves only takeout food. which includes fried vegetables and hal- takeout offerings. But unlike the Oz Firat, where you can loumi cheese in its kebabs. Regardless of Address: Bismarckstrasse 30, Kaiserslautern But my personal favorite is Oz Firat park on the street, it is impossible to leave what you choose, you’ll probably end up Hours: Monday-Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Kebap Pizza Haus on Bismarckstrasse, your car anywhere near the Istanbul, with a full stomach without breaking the Sundays noon-10 p.m. Food: Turkish about 400 meters from the central Stift- which makes a quick run to pick up your bank. Prices: 5 to 7 euros for most meals. Menu in platz square. It’s conveniently located on order a bit more complicated. Other col- German and English the way to or from the U.S. installations leagues swear by Berliner Gemuese Ke- [email protected] Dress: Casual Slobodan Lekic

A customer waits for her order at the Oz The crew at the Oz Firat doner restaurant Firat Kebap Pizza Haus in downtown in downtown Kaiserslautern: Ali Fakir from Kaiserslautern. It is one of many doner Pakistan, left, owner Mohamad Fuzat from shops still open under coronavirus Turkey, center, and Ramzi Waleed from The falafel is a favorite vegetarian dish at Oz Firat in downtown Kaiserslautern. restrictions, which allow takeout food. northern Iraq, right. PAGE 22 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, January 22, 2021 WEEKEND: TRAVEL

MELANIE D.G. KAPLAN/The Washington Post Wintertime camping can yield delights like quiet trails and bug­free camping areas, such as this Irons Mountain campsite on the Potomac River outside Cumberland, Md. Warm to the idea of winter camping lenses on my eyeballs, I realized just how much I’d for- Understand the risks Prepare for cold-weather gotten about wilderness survival. Ages ago, I was fairly competent camping in the cold. But heading into a new Winter camping puts you at a much higher risk for season of the pandemic, I realized I was flunking winter hypothermia and frostbite, serious medical conditions outings with some pro tips camping. Before camping in even colder weather, I con- that can sneak up if you’re not careful about your body sulted some experts. temperature. According to the Mayo Clinic, hypothermia BY MELANIE D.G. KAPLAN “If you’ve done your research and you’re prepared, occurs when your body loses heat faster than it can pro- Special to The Washington Post camping in the cold is an incredible experience,” said duce it, causing a dangerously low body temperature. It n my first night camping in Western Maryland Clare Arentzen, an outdoor guide for Appalachian Moun- can happen quickly in any season, and, left untreated, can two weeks ago, the mercury dipped into the tain Club in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, be deadly. Frostbite, most common on the fingers, toes, 30s, and I had naively optimistic hopes for the noting that snow and ice can transform even the most nose, ears, cheeks and chin, is caused by freezing of the O20-degree sleeping bag I’d borrowed: Inexplic- familiar destinations. “You see signs of animal activity all skin and underlying tissues (frostnip is a milder form that ably, I decided not to wear socks. over the place. It’s quiet. There’s less crowding on the doesn’t cause permanent damage). Learn about the early All night, I tried to warm my toes. My fingers were trails. It feels epic.” (Bonus: No bugs.) signs of hypothermia and frostbite, how to treat them and toasty, conveniently tucked under my arms, siphoning “Winter camping is ridiculously fun,” said polar explor- when it’s time to call it quits. Prevention is far easier than core heat from my body. But restricted in a narrow bag, I er Eric Larsen, who enjoys the challenges that winter trying to warm up a dangerously cold body. couldn’t curl into a warmer fetal position — or any posi- camping presents. “You have to be more thoughtful about tion favorable to toe survival. I tried them all. I expended your gear, systems and attitude, but you also have the Wintertime is a different time an embarrassing amount of energy flopping and tossing, opportunity to explore new landscapes.” Larsen is plan- In winter, you have much smaller margins for safety. futilely trying to heat my distant digits and certain I ning a Greenland Ice Cap crossing and North Pole expe- For example, Larsen said, if you sprain your ankle in the would look down in the morning to find 10 little speci- dition for this winter and knows a thing or two about summer, you could rest on a rock for a while without mens of frostbite. Despite my discomfort, I imagined that keeping warm in a sleeping bag. For frigid feet, he sug- serious repercussions. “That same sprained ankle in the getting out of the bag to find socks would be a far graver gested puffy booties — essentially little sleeping bags, winter — you have about five minutes before your body exploit. possibly my favorite gear that I don’t yet own. core temperature drops and you enter the first stages of Eventually, I donned a hat, completely buried my head Here are more tips and hacks from Arentzen, Larsen hypothermia,” he said. Also keep in mind that ordinary in the sleeping bag and caught a few winks. As I woke up and other experts for staying safe and warm in the great and cringed at the thought of placing ice-cold contact outdoors this winter. SEE CAMPING ON PAGE 23 Friday, January 22, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 23 WEEKEND: TRAVEL Camping: Layer up for a fun cold-weather outdoor excursion

FROM PAGE 22 wears 10 layers on top when she’s work- tasks take considerably longer, and days ing, including multiple hoodies, sweaters are shorter. Assembling tent poles with and jackets. “You just have to accept cold hands can be laborious, snow-covered you’re going to be taking things off and trails can reduce travel speed, and finding on,” she said. Arentzen said preventing water can be tricky when streams are overheating from the start is the way to go. frozen. Arentzen said it also takes more Her mantra is, “Be bold; start out cold.” In time (and fuel) to cook with snow. other words, wear just enough to be a little chilly before you start moving; your body Gear up will soon generate heat as you hike or If you already have the essential sys- snowshoe. tems for three-season camping and hiking (such as shelter, extra clothes, sun protec- Mind the extremities tion, headlamp and first-aid kit), you’re Fingers and toes are often the first to get well on your way to winter camping pre- cold — and among the biggest risks for paredness. “You don’t necessarily need frostbite. Jeff Stivers, who designed and different gear, but you do need additional leads a Mount Kilimanjaro climbing and gear,” said Larsen, who managed in his deluxe camping trip for REI Adventures, early dog-sled expeditions without any said it’s important to wear non-cotton winter-specific items. Work with what you socks that keep your feet warm but are not have. For example, wear long underwear so thick that your boots are tight — you under summer hiking pants. Arentzen said want room to wiggle your toes. Always winter must-haves include a warm hat, have gloves — a lightweight fleece pair balaclava, insulated gloves, and insulated under a waterproof shell, for example. and waterproof hiking boots and gaiters to Bring extra socks and gloves to swap out keep snow out of your boots. Kelly Sloan, for wet ones. Don’t scoff at the single-use founder of Alberta-based Odyssey Adven- toe- and hand-warmer packets — even the tures for Women, said in all four Canadian experts use them. “They’re pretty dog- MELANIE D.G. KAPLAN/The Washington Post seasons she wears neck warmers (also gone good,” Dixon said. “But they do go Campers James Haworth, left, and Robert Gillanders enjoy hot coffee and oatmeal called neck gaiters) with flaps down the bad, so check the expiration date.” You recently at the Irons Mountain campsite in Western Maryland. The key to an enjoyable front and back to block cold air. can also buy battery-powered heated wintertime camping trip is preparations and planning. Thanks to innovative and advanced gloves and mittens, particularly handy synthetic materials, we can stop turning to when you’re riding your fat-tire bike in the you’re talking.” Myers-Smith, who at one ing and weight is not an issue, you can set fur and feathers for our winter gear. We snow. point spent five straight months living in a up a pop-up privacy tent with a portable don’t need beaver mittens and fur hoods, tent in the Arctic, said if it’s minus-20, you toilet. said Carl Dixon, an owner of Within the Hydrate need a minus-40 bag. She uses two bags Wild, which offers Alaska overnights with Staying hydrated, even if you’re not together and the thickest mat she can Keep devices toasty a dog-sled team. “We think fur looks bet- feeling thirsty, will keep you warmer. carry. Cold weather is the enemy of batteries, ter on the animal.” Some pros swear by “The water in your body is what trans- Regular winter campers know that so be sure to start your adventure with down coats and sleeping bags because of ports heat around and out to your extrem- layering clothes applies overnight, too — electronics — including headlamps and their warmth, but if they get wet, they’re ities,” Arentzen said. Carry more water cozy socks, long underwear, maybe a GPS devices — fully charged. When Stiv- useless; there are synthetic alternatives than you think you’ll need, drink it often, fleece layer on top and bottom, a neck ers is hiking Kilimanjaro, he’ll take batter- that are excellent insulators and dry fas- and keep it from freezing with water bottle gaiter and a hat. (Unzip your bag and ies out of his camera and tuck them in an ter. insulators (a wool sock will do, too). Hy- remove layers to prevent sweating.) Pack inner pocket to make sure his camera If you’re in a remote spot without cell dration reservoirs will freeze faster; drink enough that you have dry clothes for works at the summit. If you’ve brought a service, you may want a satellite commu- from the tube regularly so it doesn’t turn nighttime; if you get in a bag wearing phone, keep it in airplane mode or turn it nication device with GPS navigation, like to ice. The temptation to stop hydrating something damp, your body will have a off unless there’s an emergency. At night, Garmin’s inReach, which allows text before bedtime is hard to resist. But trust hard time warming up. If your extremities stow batteries or devices in the bottom of messaging and can track your location for the pros on this one: Drink up, and you’ll are still uncomfortable, put on slippers your sleeping bag. family and friends. I borrowed a friend’s warm up. and mittens. Some campers put hot water Jetboil when I camped and loved the little in Nalgene bottles and toss those in their Consider your dog stove for its compactness and efficiency. Bring on the calories bags, but a proper rubber hot water bottle When a sled dog camps, he sometimes Of course there’s no end to the gear you “Calorie replenishment is critical for is less likely to leak. Throw any damp curls up on a straw bed in the snow, furry can buy: I recently camped next to a guy cold-weather camping,” Stivers said, be- layers from the day into the bottom of tail covering his muzzle. Some dogs aren’t with a propane heater for his tent. “A cause your body needs more calories to your bag — your body heat will help dry quite as hardy. Determine whether your game-changer,” he said. stay warm. Pack high-cal snacks like gorp, them. And if there’s still room, add tomor- canine friend has the right constitution for chocolate and protein bars; gel shots with row’s shirt and boot liners to avoid don- camping in the cold. Arentzen said dogs Layer, layer, layer caffeine are quick boosters if your energy ning cold layers in the morning. need more food, water and layers just like A big newbie mistake is overdressing. is waning. (Keep snacks from freezing by we do. Consider protecting paws with “The giant Michelin Man suits don’t work storing them in pockets close to your Take care of business booties to prevent freezing feet, cracked because you’ll be sweating soon,” Dixon body.) Dehydrated meals have radically If you’re an occasional camper like me, pads or ice balls between toes. Unless you said. “And then you’re in trouble.” Re- improved over the decades. Larsen rec- you have been awake many wee hours of have a sled dog — or an equally robust member, cold and wet can quickly lead to ommended adding butter to everything — the night trying to wish away a full blad- pup — make accommodations for your hypothermia, so regulating your body’s just for the extra calories. And Arentzen, der to avoid leaving your warm bag. Do dog in the tent, such as an indoor sweater temperature and moisture is critical. To who advised eating and drinking “con- yourself a favor: Get it over with, and go and extra foam pad. Check that paws are reach that sweet spot, you will want to stantly,” suggested something fatty — like back to sleep. Of course, urinating in a free of snow before entering the tent. remove layers when you’re exerting your- a chunk of cheese or spoonful of peanut bottle in the tent is always an option for self (warming up) and add layers when butter — right before bed for some added guys, and there are contraptions for wom- Practice beforehand you’re stationary (cooling down). A good warmth in your bag. en that allow us to do the same. (A re- Before Larsen goes on any expedition, rule of thumb is three layers: Base/wick- minder that bears repeating: Clearly mark he tests his gear in the backyard and does ing layer (long underwear), insulating Sleep like a pro the contents of that bottle.) countless shorter training trips. You will layer (fleece, sweater or vest) and a shell Two words: mummy bag. In extreme If you’re in the wilderness, remember want to practice using your stove, setting layer to keep out wind and moisture (par- cold, layer sleeping bags just as you would that using the “facili-trees” changes when up your tent and sleeping pads and wran- ka, puffy or ski jacket). Avoid cotton, jackets. Do the same with foam and in- the ground is frozen, Arentzen said. “You gling booties onto paws. Go for a day hike which takes a long time to dry when it gets flatable sleeping pads (an old wool blanket can’t really dig a cat-hole to bury your with a full overnight backpack as a trial wet; synthetics and wool dry faster. is also a good layer), because the insula- poop, and pooping into the snow carries run, and bring your dog. If you’re a new- National Geographic explorer and ecol- tion between you and frozen ground can health and environmental risks once ev- bie, schedule your first night with a friend ogist Isla Myers-Smith, who studies plants be just as important as the layers around erything thaws.” She suggests carrying a who has winter camping experience, or on Herschel Island on the north coast of you. Pay attention to sleeping bag ratings. small kit that includes an odor-neutraliz- practice overnight at a state park. “I’m a the Yukon (where Arctic summers are as “If it says 50 degrees, that’s car camping,” ing waste bag (such as the Cleanwaste Go huge advocate of starting small,” Larsen cold as Vancouver winters), sometimes Dixon said. “If it says minus-20, now Anywhere Toilet Kit). If you’re car camp- said. “Then train hard and travel easy.” PAGE 24 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, January 22, 2021 WEEKEND: QUICK TRIPS

PHOTOS BY AYA ICHIHASHI/Stars and Stripes Iheya Island, about 80 minutes by ferry from Motobu Port, Okinawa, offers island ambiance without an abundance of tourists. ON THE QT Directions: Iheya is an 80-minute ferry ride from Motobu Port. The roundtrip fair is 4,720 yen for ages 12 and older; 2,360 yen for ages 6 to 11. A quiet weekend getaway No public parking is available at Motobu Port. Private parking near the port is 700 yen per day. Costs: About 4,000 yen a day for car rental; about 8,000 yen per night for hotel with two Bask in the turquoise-blue seas, starry skies on Okinawa’s Iheya Island meals per person. Food: Several diners and a few small grocery BY AYA ICHIHASHI ular tourist destination in Okinawa. Iheya Rental or simply bring your vehicle stores are available on the island, but be mindful Stars and Stripes Contrary to the Keramas, Iheya Island on the ferry. I reserved a minivan and not to clear the shelves as supplies are limited. ince making Okinawa my home in is much quieter, with no sign of over- ended up breaking down in the middle of Information: Hotel Nishie, hotel-nishie.ciao.jp/ 2007, I have visited more than 20 tourism. I enjoy the slow-paced island Noho Bridge. room_newfee2.html; Rental Iheya, 0980-46- islands within the archipelago. ambiance there. During that part of the island experi- 2090; Yonezaki Camping Ground: www.iheya- island-yonezaki.net Iheya Island is most definitely Due to the ferry schedule, booking an ence, we got to interact with locals who S Aya Ichihashi in my top three. I enjoyed it so much on accommodation is a must. Dining options stopped to help us. That made our trip the first visit that it became my summer are very limited on the island, so it is bet- even more memorable. routine to grab my snorkeling gear and ter to choose a place that offers breakfast As an avid snorkeler, I have been swim- don’t forget a flotation device as the ocean hop on the ferry to Iheya. and dinner. I chose Nishie Hotel, which ming in countless places and let me tell can be tricky. The island, population 1,200, is about 80 has amazing meals. Also, it’s equipped you, Iheya’s oceanfront is over-the-top. My favorite site is near Yonezaki Camp- minutes by ferry from Motobu Port. The with a launderette so I could wash and dry All the amazing coral reefs are acces- ing Ground. Yonezaki Beach offers a fare is around $47, about the same as the my ocean gear daily. sible from the beach, but be mindful of the fare to the Kerama Islands, the most pop- It is best to reserve a rental car from tide, current and wind directions, and SEE GETAWAY ON PAGE 25 Friday, January 22, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 25 WEEKEND: TRAVEL & FOOD

Root veggies at the center of an ideal crispy galette

BY ANN MALONEY Associated Press Sometimes, leftovers and a new recipe cross paths at just the right moment. I was flipping through “Clo- dagh’s Weeknight Kitchen” by KATIE WORKMAN/AP Clodagh McKenna (Kyle Books, Root vegetables, such as carrots 2021) and came across her recipe and parsnips, are a great way to for a phyllo galette filled with add variety and nutrition to your roasted butternut squash. cold­weather meals. I happened to have leftover roasted squash on hand and a Phyllo Galette box of phyllo in the freezer, so with Butternut Squash, the next evening — after defrost- ing the phyllo overnight in the Feta and Olives refrigerator — I had dinner on Ingredients the table in about 15 minutes. 1 pound butternut squash, (If you have to peel, seed and peeled, seeded and diced roast the squash, add another 20 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus PHOTOS BY AYA ICHIHASHI/Stars and Stripes to 25 minutes to that timing.) more for greasing and brushing Iheya Island, with its abundance of coral, offers one of the best snorkeling experiences on Okinawa. If you keep phyllo on hand, and pastry I do, this recipe falls squarely in ¼ teaspoon crushed red pep- cook-with-what-you-have cate- per flakes Getaway: Escape the throngs of tourists gory. Freshly ground black pepper I made a tart with butternut 8 sheets phyllo dough FROM PAGE 24 squash, kalamata olives, feta and 2 ounces feta cheese, crumbled glimpse of a breathtaking undersea world with its thyme as McKenna directed. 12 kalamata olives, halved layers of table corals, colorful branch corals and so Shortly after that, I ended up 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leav- many varieties of fish. with leftover rutabaga, so I es, or 1 teaspoon dry It is best to swim at high tide to protect the corals peeled, diced and roasted it — it 2 teaspoons honey and yourself. Noho Bridge is near the camp site and takes a lot longer to get tender Directions it connects Iheya and Noho Islands; the view from than butternut squash — and Place rack in the middle of the the bridge is simply gorgeous. filled the tart with that root vege- oven and preheat to 375 degrees. My friends and I swam all day, then enjoyed table along with grated Gruyere, On a large, rimmed baking sunset at the beach, which becomes a natural plan- olives and dried rosemary. sheet, arrange the squash, drizzle etarium. In the pitch darkness, we saw countless The crispness of phyllo is so with the oil and sprinkle with the stars spread across the sky, a sight not easily avail- appealing, but working with it pepper flakes and black pepper. able in an urban lifestyle. We were speechless and can be a little intimidating be- Toss with your hands to coat. Roast for 15 to 20 minutes, or just stood there to seize the moment. Kumaya Cave on Okinawa’s Iheya Island is a sacred cause it is delicate — the thin I chose the new moon period to photograph the place for locals. Legend says that Amaterasu, the sheets tear so easily and dry out until just tender. Decrease oven Milky Way. I picked Nento Hiramatsu pine tree Japanese goddess of the sun, hid herself in the so quickly. That’s what makes temperature to 350 degrees. park and Yonezaki campground to shoot the photos. cave and the world was covered in darkness. this a great starter phyllo recipe When the squash is almost Nento Hiramatsu is about 300 years old and a na- for home cooks. done, line a large rimless baking tional natural monument. To make it, you line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lay We also visited Kumaya Cave on the north side of sheet, rimless if you have one, one sheet of phyllo on the pan the island, and it was a quite an experience. The with parchment paper and then and place each additional sheet cave is slightly difficult to enter as the entrance is lay sheets of phyllo down one on top at different angles to cre- extremely narrow with a sharp rock surface. after another, turning each one ate a starlike shape. Inside, the cave is dark and quiet. Natural light just a little to create a starlike Arrange the roasted squash in enters through a crack in the ceiling; we felt like we effect. Don’t stress about getting the center of the phyllo, leaving were at a sacred place. According to Japanese my- it too perfect. If the sheets tear a about 1½-inch border uncovered. thology the cave is said to be where Amaterasu, the little, that’s OK, too. Sprinkle over the feta, olives and goddess of the sun, hid herself. Then, you fill the center with thyme. Drizzle the honey on top. Iheya offers absolute beauty and helps you to vegetables, cheese and any other Fold the edges of the pastry reconnect with nature. It will recharge your tired ingredients or herbs you like and around the filling and brush it mind and body and fill you with unforgettable me- fold the edges of the dough over lightly with the olive oil. Bake for mories and laughter. to form a wreath-like circle. 15 minutes, checking after 10 Finally, brush the phyllo with a minutes, or until the crust is golden. Let cool for 2 minutes. [email protected] The Milky Way is clearly visible as stars light up the little oil and slip the tart into the Twitter: @AyaIchihashi nearly cloudless night sky on Iheya Island. oven for about 15 minutes. Serves 2 to 4. PAGE 26 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, January 22, 2021 WEEKEND: LIFESTYLE World of their own design

MICAH FLUELLEN, LOS ANGELES TIMES/TNS Players are turning to Dungeons and Dragons amid the pandemic, searching for fun, camaraderie and an escape from the coronavirus. Dungeons & Dragons is gaining fans during the pandemic

BY SARAH PARVINI fined spaces, escaping to a world that is Liz Schuh, head of publishing and li- The players debated their options. Dis- Los Angeles Times boundless felt like a really good thing to censing for Dungeons & Dragons, isn’t patch one player’s bird to conduct recon- or a few hours each week, Kevin do.” surprised by the game’s reanimated pop- naissance? Have someone scale the bell Benedicto inhabits an other- Dungeons & Dragons rose from humble ularity. Revenue was up 35% in 2020 com- tower for a better vantage point? worldly realm: Icewind Dale, a origins, first published in 1974 as three pared with 2019, the seventh consecutive “I don’t think the best option is to send a Fperilous land of tundra and frost, booklets shipped in wood-grain-colored year of growth, she said. bear up through the roof,” one player said, wizards and orcs, white dragons and crag cardboard boxes assembled by hand. The “The first few days of news [of the vi- laughing, referring to another character, cats. His domain is the universe of Dunge- 1,000-print run sold out that year, gaining rus] coming out globally, at the top of who had morphed into an ursine form. ons & Dragons, the addictive tabletop in popularity until what many assumed every hour all the alarms were going off at Palmer, who plays with friends, her role-playing game that made its debut was its heyday in the 1980s — shortly after the company,” said Dean Bigbee, director boyfriend and his daughter, turned to the more than four decades ago. it was thrust into the nation’s culture wars of operations for Roll20, an online tabletop game for the first time in 2020, drawn by As dungeon master — for the uniniti- and accused of promoting devil worship. gaming platform. “The amount of new the prospect of improvising her own “Lord ated, that’s the game’s organizer and lead- No D&D adventure plays out the same account requests were so high that the of the Rings”-style adventure. er of the adventure — Benedicto steers his way. An adventure book outlines the plot systems thought that we were under a But it’s not just newcomers who have group of friends across a world conceived of a journey, but it’s the players — through denial-of-service attack. But they were embraced D&D in quarantine. Caity Knox in their minds and limited only by their their unique characters and distinct choic- legitimate. They were accounts from Italy, and Nate Thompson have played in a near- creativity and the roll of the dice. Here, es — who shape the heroic quest. Each and then France, following the paths of ly four-year campaign with their friends, they can do something they can’t in real player has a set of dice with four, six and lockdowns across the world.” but in 2020 went from playing once every life: defeat a monster. eight sides, among others, and rolls deter- Antero Godina Garcia, an assistant six or so weeks to meeting every weekend. “I can have a measure of control over mine success or failure — whether it’s professor at Stanford University’s Gradu- Knox, a fashion designer whose charac- the world, at a time when we have no impaling an orc or hiding in the shadows ate School of Education, said that interest ter is a matcha-haired Druid forest gnome control in the world,” he said. from a bandit. in D&D never truly disappeared. named Arlo Candlehall, said that playing Benedicto is a lawyer by day, but during At a time when it feels as though society “It’s a 40-year phenomenon,” he said. “I has been “anchoring,” a tether to “what those precious weekend hours he sits collectively rolled a “nat one” — generally, think the stigma of playing it and being a our social life used to be like before.” among the burgeoning number of new an automatic failure in the game — play- nerd has dropped as ‘Lord of the Rings’ Playing together has been the married D&D acolytes who have turned to the ers largely leave their coronavirus anx- and Marvel became popular.” couple’s main social gathering — more fun game during quarantine. ieties at the door. But sometimes, like a Traditionally, D&D players gathered in than staring at tiles of faces on a Zoom With little else to do, many players say, “mind flayer,” COVID-19 invades their person. In 2020, virtual play rose 86%, screen, said Thompson, the group’s dunge- they now reach for the “d20,” a signature world. Benedicto thought he’d found the Schuh said, aided by online platforms such on master. 20-sided die, gather their party and ven- perfect new adventure book, but as he as Roll20 and Fantasy Grounds. “I feel like I learn new things about ture forth into dangerous ruins, aban- kept reading he learned that the expedi- Around 11 a.m. on a recent Sunday, Cara people I talk to every day,” he said. doned watchtowers and hamlets filled tion encounters a plague. Palmer and friends logged into Zoom from Back in a fictional shrine, Palmer and with traders, taverns and inns that host “I was like, ‘No, I think we have had different corners of the country for their her friends had defeated a pack of orcs shifty travelers. enough of that,’” he said, chuckling. “Hard weekly D&D session. and recovered gold and magical loot. They “I suddenly had more time, since there pass.” As both a player-character and dungeon debated their next move: Travel back to were no more happy hours or dinners Players and scholars attribute the master, Palmer would set the scene for town? Or head up the hills to see about a out,” said Benedicto, who in another group game’s resurgent popularity not only to their latest encounter. Maneuvering necromancer who had been raising the plays a young and preppy “dragonborn the longueurs of the pandemic, but also to through real-life distractions — a barking dead? paladin” — a kind of holy fighter and its reemergence in pop culture — on the dog, a mail carrier — she pulled up a The fellowship bantered, their biggest spell-caster — named Aaravos Buff- Netflix series “Stranger Things”; on the board and drew a map in black ink for the problems being a throng of zombies and sprocket. “I think with the existential sitcom “The Big Bang Theory”; or via the players to see. The characters observe a the mechanics of towing the bell they’d claustrophobia we were all feeling in the host of celebrities who display their love belfry, she explained, and a portcullis stripped from the tower — but not a pan- pandemic, feeling trapped in these con- for the game online. blocking their entry. demic. Friday, January 22, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 27 WEEKEND: BOOKS

Inauguration Path to the poet hopes to inspire unity BY AMY B. WANG The Washington Post vice presidency Los Angeles poet Amanda Gorman delivered a stirring Author says ‘Kamala’s Way’ refers to how she poem at the inauguration Wednesday titled “The Hill We balanced principles against political ambitions Climb,” a piece she said she wrote with the intention of repre- BY MARTHA S. JONES politics. Though Berkeley was senting as many Americans as Special to The Washington Post her girlhood home, Harris was possible. n “Kamala’s Way,” Dan not a politician who came up In doing so, Gorman, 22, be- Morain takes readers back from the grassroots. Instead, came the youngest inaugural to an arresting moment beginning with her career as a poet and nearly stole the show, Ifrom June 2019. At a Mo- prosecutor in Alameda County, drawing immediate praise on veOn forum, as California’s home to Oakland, Harris com- social media for her poise and junior U.S. senator and presi- mitted herself to public service, lyricism. dential hopeful Kamala Harris working in the trenches of the An excerpt of Gorman’s poem, settled in for an interview, a justice system for those she courtesy of NPR: man barreled onto the stage, termed the “voiceless and vul- “We’ve seen a force that would yanking the microphone from nerable.” It is a perspective that shatter our nation rather than her hands. The moderator, Ka- continues to frame her work to share it, rine Jean Pierre, rushed to place this day. would destroy our country if it herself between Harris and the But principles alone did not meant delaying democracy. assailant, who towered over take Harris beyond the seedy And this effort very nearly them, his intentions unknown. courthouses of the East Bay. succeeded. Moments after the intruder was Her rise from local prosecutor But while democracy can be led away with the help of Har- to district attorney of San Fran- periodically delayed, ris’ husband, Doug Emhoff, the cisco, attorney general of Cali- it can never be permanently candidate called for a new mic fornia, U.S. senator and finally defeated. and went back to fielding ques- vice president took three dec- In this truth, in this faith, we tions. ades. Building relationships, trust. The election season was full of Morain explains, was key. Early For while we have our eyes on jaw-dropping moments that on, Harris was an intimate of SUSAN WALSH/AP the future, eclipsed this confrontation. But her state’s unrivaled Black pow- Harris, shown Jan. 7, made history Wednesday when she became the history has its eyes on us.” Morain returns er broker, lawmaker Willie nation’s first Black, South Asian and female vice president. to it and offers Brown, who showed her Cali- “My hope is that my poem will a telling snap- fornia’s political underbelly and Here, Morain is admiring of provides little on how racism represent a moment of unity for shot of Harris. its ropes. Along the way he Harris and forgives her for the and sexism shaped Harris’ path. our country,” she told Washing- He portrays her boosted Harris’ statewide visibil- policy compromises that still In his effort to explain her char- ton Post book critic Ron Charles as a confident, ity. Harris’ sister, Maya, who attract criticism. In 2008, as San acter, Morain comes very close last week, “that with my words seasoned public headed the American Civil Lib- Francisco’s district attorney, to trading in old, pernicious I’ll be able to speak to a new figure, whose erties Union of Northern Cali- Harris aimed to curb truancy stereotypes about Black women, chapter and era for our nation.” success rests fornia, and her husband, Tony with a stick: prosecuting parents though perhaps unwittingly so. That she did, with a beautifully upon the intim- West, associate attorney general whose children failed to attend In his telling, Harris sometimes delivered poem full of alliteration ate loyalties of under President Barack Obama, school. Though she had built her comes across as a Jezebel who and internal rhyme. One would others and whose candidacy have served as her steadfast public career as a death penalty callously exploited intimacies, never guess that a few years ago, could not avoid being symbolic. confidants and strategists. opponent, in 2014 Attorney Gen- even one with a married public Gorman was struggling with a Witnessing those harrowing In 2007, Harris was a surro- eral Harris fended off a consti- figure; a Mammy who, though speech impediment. As she told seconds, some flashed back to gate for Obama during his presi- tutional challenge to California’s she had no children, readily The Lily last year, writing was a the 1968 assassination of Martin dential run, and her star was death penalty. Morain explains mothered others; an angry Black means of self-expression when Luther King Jr., while others rising. She jockeyed with Gavin that Kamala’s way meant she woman wielding a sharp tongue she found herself unable to ver- saw the ubiquitous threat of Newsom as the two ascended in balanced her principles against and sharper wit; or an ambi- balize her thoughts. Music 21st-century gun violence. California politics; Newsom won her political ambitions. She tiously talented professional who helped her overcome her impedi- Americans had no precedent for the governorship, and Harris assessed matters through the knew that to get ahead she had ment, which included difficulty a scene in which harm might moved from attorney general to lens of the larger public issue. “to be twice as good as them to pronouncing the letter R. come to a woman of color — the the Senate. She parlayed her In the case of prosecuting par- get half of what they have,” as “My favorite thing to practice daughter of Jamaican and Indi- roots in the Democratic strong- ents for their children’s truancy, Olivia Pope’s father told her in was the song ‘Aaron Burr, Sir,’ an immigrants — while she hold of the Bay Area into alli- she sought to enforce a child’s the television show “Scandal.” from ‘Hamilton’ because it is campaigned for the highest ances with East Coast figures right to an education. On the While chronicling Harris’ jam-packed with R’s. And I said, office in the land. such as Sen. Cory Booker (N.J.) death penalty, she sided with the climb, “Kamala’s Way” also has ‘if I can keep up with Leslie in For readers eager to under- and the late Delaware attorney need for a balance of powers one eye trained on the present. this track, then I am on my way stand how Harris became some- general Beau Biden. that ensures that courts settle It is, after all, a book that seeks to being able to say this R in a one who could hold her own on While some observers, in- constitutional questions. But her to explain how Harris and poem,’” she told CBS News. a national stage, Morain charts cluding those on San Francisco’s approach still riles detractors America both got to this historic Gorman tweeted that she in- her route. His premise is that society pages, have focused on who brand Harris a public offi- moment: the election of the first cluded two references to “Hamil- there was nothing predictable Harris’ style, Morain, a former cial too steeped in a law-and- woman, first African American ton” in “The Hill We Climb.” She about the journey of a daughter longtime reporter and editor for order model of justice. and first Asian American as vice also paid homage to a previous of immigrants, a Howard Uni- the Los Angeles Times and the Morain relies on insights he president. inaugural poet. When Oprah versity alum and a Hastings Sacramento Bee, keeps the spot- gathered in his time covering It is likely that Harris’ most tweeted her congratulations, College of Law graduate from light on her achievements. After California politics, bolstered by intimate revelations will remain Gorman replied: “I would be local prosecutor to vice presi- becoming California’s attorney interviews with Harris’ col- with her, at least until she pens nowhere without the women dent-elect. He stresses that it general in 2011, Harris earned a leagues through the years, giv- her own memoir after leaving whose footsteps I dance in. While does no justice to Harris’ story voice on issues that had national ing the book the feel of an in- office. In the meantime, this reciting my poem, I wore a ring to label her a “female Obama.” resonance: the death penalty, sider’s tale. But without access story about how she ran the with a caged bird — a gift from Morain gives readers the public marriage equality, gun control, to the vice president-elect or her gantlet of American politics will @Oprah ... to symbolize Maya Harris on her own terms: a the mortgage crisis, for-profit family, Morain cannot get to the leave readers admiring Harris Angelou, a previous inaugural leader who rose to power in the colleges, reproductive rights and inner Kamala Harris. for how she has not only sur- poet. Here’s to the women who crowded terrain of California human trafficking. Curiously, “Kamala’s Way” vived but thrived. have climbed my hills before.” PAGE 28 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, January 22, 2021 WEEKEND: MUSIC

BY RANDALL ROBERTS ing action, swing and excitement Los Angeles Times COMMENTARY to stagnant pop charts then ick a classic Phil Spec- weighted down by Pat Boone- tor production. It ac- style pablum. tually doesn’t matter Growing up just south of Mel- Pwhich. The opening rose and Fairfax, the son of a eight bars of the Ronettes’ 1963 single mom and a father who smash “Be My Baby” are among died by suicide when Spector the catchiest in American song, a was a boy, the prime orchestrator thump, thump-thump, splash of teenage love and angst lived rhythm that rockets into outer just a 10-minute cruise to down- space with sizzling shakers and town Hollywood, where dozens of snares that boom like shotguns. recording studios and labels When Ronnie Spector’s soaring operated. He got his first profes- voice swoops in to steal the thun- sional music lessons around the der, the combined eruption is corner from Wallich’s Music City undeniably thrilling. at Sunset and Vine. Some days Or take “Strange Love,” the after school he would race home Darlene Love-propelled gem that to turn on the radio and practice opens with a frolicking school- guitar along with KGFJ disc yard melody before turning into jockey Hunter Hancock. a galloping riot of string- and A shy kid, he landed his 1958 percussion-driven weirdness as debut single, “To Know Him Is to Love sings of a creeper whose Love Him” by the Teddy Bears, brand of affection is so concern- at No. 1 when he was 18 and just ing that she “can’t take it, can’t out of Fairfax High School. take it no more.” The entirety of As he matured, Spector’s aural “A Christmas Gift to You,” Spec- signature — huge, echoed per- tor’s canonic holiday album, is a cussion, prominent string ar- rush of joyous girl-group energy. rangements and charismatic, “River Deep, Mountain High” — pitch-perfect Black belters — my, oh my. became immediately identifiable. Record producer, songwriter Some of the earliest singles by and studio auteur, Spector — the Beatles and Rolling Stones who died Jan. 16 at age 81 in a reek of Spector’s influence, and Northern California hospital of his production style remains an complications from COVID-19 — archetype. It didn’t always over- was one of the most influential whelm; Pitney’s “Every Little musical creators of the 20th Breath I Take” and the Righ- century. It’s right there in the teous Brothers’ “Unchained groves, every clack of clave, Melody” were more contained, doo-wop wail, stealthy saxophone but still bursting at the seams. run, chorale explosion, jangle of He knew talent when he heard it: bells and rat-a-tat percussion Session players on Spector’s breakdown. Among the first classic hits included Sonny Bono, American hitmaker-producers of ANDRES VICTORERO/TNS Leon Russell, Glen Campbell, the record era to combine his Phil Spector was a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, but his murder conviction in the 2003 killing of actress bassist Carol Kaye and drummer sonic ideas and single-minded Lana Clarkson changed the groundbreaking producer’s already complicated legacy. Earl Palmer. drive to become a chart-busting As the puppet master, Spector one-stop shop, Spector laid the was a hands-on operator. A mil- foundation for auteur-producers lionaire by the time he hit 23, he such as Rick Rubin, Dr. Dre, booked studio time, conferred Timbaland and Mike Will Made Listening to Phil Spector: with writers and directed studio It. engineers. He accomplished a lot Equal parts composer, maes- in pre-production, spending tro, producer, director and im- entire days, for example, getting presario, Spector helmed his the percussion properly ampli- sessions at Gold Star Studios in A three-minute thrill ride, fied in one of the studio’s four Hollywood with vocalists the echo chambers, working with Ronettes, Crystals, Gene Pitney, pounders including Bono and the Righteous Bros. and others Palmer on woodblocks, casta- on songs including “To Know then a reckoning with evil nets, bells, tom-toms, timpani Him Is to Love Him,” “He’s a and congas. Rebel,” “Unchained Melody,” If you want to get technical, the “Walking in the Rain” and “And my hand to write about Spector’s She added, “Of course, you death. “So much to love about so-called Wall of Sound was Then He Kissed Me” as if each work as a producer and the pow- can’t read someone in the same those days. Falling in love was actually angled back, like a rising record were preordained. er he unleashed on the world way.” like a fairytale. The magical wave just before a surfer catches The result was a string of from a storefront recording stu- Like most, I stopped being able music we made was inspired by it. With dozens of musicians breathtakingly deep hits that dio on Santa Monica Boulevard to listen to Spector’s music the our love.” The namesake of the arranged by timbre and tone and helped guide the trajectory of the in Hollywood. To write about his same way the moment he was Ronettes tempered her statement surrounded by strategically 1960s and beyond. Although his creations is not to eclipse his arrested for Clarkson’s murder. by calling him “a brilliant pro- placed microphones, Spector and reign on the charts only lasted killing of Clarkson, the details of But that doesn’t diminish the ducer, but a lousy husband.” engineer and unsung hero Larry half a decade, echoes of Spector’s which are easily accessible. Ter- glory of the Crystals’ “Da Doo At peak success in the early Levine captured the sound of the famed “wall of sound” produc- rible people have made great art, Ron Ron,” the Paris Sisters’ “I 1960s, Spector described his room, the instrumental reso- tion technique can be heard in a notion that writer Fran Lebo- Love How You Love Me,” the three-minute pop gems as “little nance and, somehow, the emo- the work of Bruce Springsteen, witz discusses in her new Netflix Treasures’ “Hold Me Tight” or symphonies for the kids,” and the tional heart of the record. An the Beach Boys, Katy Perry, series, “Pretend It’s a City.” Spector’s harrowing production moment was right for them. A engineering classicist, Spector Beck and Best Coast. Asked whether there were any on the Righteous Brothers’ mas- generation of teenagers was famously rejected the burgeon- And, and, and: Spector was a writers she won’t read, Lebowitz sive “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ transforming boom-time Amer- ing hi-fidelity stereophonic ad- murderer. A pistol-wielding replied by citing novelist Henry Feeling.” ica — and the Billboard charts — vances in sound reproduction. kidnapper and career violent Roth, who she explained “was “Working with Phil Spector and the scrawny Spector mani- His motto: “Back to mono.” abuser who was convicted of the discovered to have had sex with was working with the best,” Ron- fested their desires. The best of Before takes, Spector was 2003 killing of Lana Clarkson. his sister. And it was horrible, nie Spector, Spector’s ex-wife his singles were so propellant known to roam the room coach- These truths exist side by side, but no, it wouldn’t keep me from and most enduring collaborator, that they upended pop music in which is why I hesitantly raised reading him.” wrote in a statement after his the pre-Beatles 1960s by deliver- SEE SPECTOR ON PAGE 29 Friday, January 22, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 29 WEEKEND: MUSIC REVIEWS

Moon Taxi Silver Dream (BMG) Aaron Frazer Moon Taxi have a Introducing... new album with a (Dead Oceans/Easy Eye Sound) dozen songs, but you This year is going to be fine. may be forgiven for How can we be so sure? It’s start- losing track of them. ing with the release of Aaron One unmemorable, Frazer’s debut solo album. One formulaic tune bleeding into another leaves spin and you’ll be spellbound, the listener underwhelmed by the effect. Has swaying — and smiling. it been 20 minutes, really? How many bland Frazer, the drummer and co-lead singer for Durand songs have been offered? Jones & The Indications, has teamed up with Dan Auerbach But perhaps “Silver Dream” — the Nash- of The Black Keys for the electric, falsetto-fueled and soulful ville alt-rockers’ sixth full-length album — is 12-track “Introducing...” not intended for music lovers. The band has Auerbach has empowered Frazer to more deeply explore already sold the single “One Step Away” to funk, soul, doo-wop, fuzzy guitars and blues, creating an old- ESPN’s SEC Network for coverage of college new and deeply satisfying sound, from the horn- and Wur- football. litzer-led “If I Got It (Your Love Brought It)” to the torch That deal is just the latest in which deep- song “Leanin’ On Your Everlasting Love.” pocketed brands have snapped up Moon Taxi With vibes of Curtis Mayfield and Marvin Gaye and music — Maker’s Mark, Jeep, Microsoft an irresistible bass line — and wait, a flute? — “Bad Surface Pro, BMW and McDonald’s. Is this News” is tremendous, satisfying both your finger- the real silver dream of the title? snapping and soul needs. There’s even a moment in it We are witnessing the natural effect when when Frazier simply abandons his falsetto for a split a band loses the last of its edge, lured into second, thrillingly. writing mainstream fluff. They even have a Auerbach’s clout is evident, as when legendary song- song on the new album called “Take the Edge writer L. Russell Brown, who wrote hits for falsetto Off.” It’s all the musical equivalent of the star Frankie Valli, helped write “You Don’t Wanna Be gradual bleaching of coral. My Baby,” the album’s glorious opening track. Another After the sadly underwhelming — sonical- standout is “Over You,” a pulsating jewel built on an ly, we mean, clearly not monetarily — album addictive drum beat and chunky bass. “Let the Record Play” in 2018, there was a “Ride With Me” — co-written and featuring Mem- phis Boys keyboardist Bobby Wood — uses a train glimmer of hope in 2019 that the band had metaphor (”Children can you hear it/Can you hear righted its course with the terrific song that whistle blowing?”) to signal change is coming, “Restless.” But that was a false dawn. recalling The O’Jays’ “Love Train.” Moon Taxi just doubled down on mediocre, Frazer drums and sings throughout and his more dad jeans alt-rock and are now so distant famous co-writer plays guitar and sings backup as from their brilliant 2012 album “Cabaret” they make revival soul worthy of Motown and Stax. that it’s too far for a taxi to drive. “It’s a long It is music to dance to, drive to, cook to, celebrate walk back from yesterday,” lead singer and friendships to — 2021 starting with the coolest of guitarist Trevor Terndrup seems to acknowl- highs. edge on the new album. — Mark Kennedy So let’s just call them what they really are Associated Press right now: jingle writers. — Mark Kennedy Alysse Gafkjen Associated Press Spector: Producer’s legacy included artistry, arrogance and abuse

FROM PAGE 28 drugs can open that door. But Phil Spector gnant longing in us.” dio and do it and not be frustrated. Phil ing musicians as if he were Quentin Ta- opened it for me.” Wilson later added that The bridge on “Then He Kissed Me” — seemed to be frustrated with us.” rantino prepping actors before an action Spector’s work led him “to design the the moment of lip-locking impact, which Ramone added that Spector “wasn’t the sequence. As the late producer and musi- experience to be a record rather than just singer Dolores “LaLa” Brooks belts with most friendly guy I’ve ever met. He tried cian Jack Nitzsche recalled to writer Har- a song.” exuberance — swirls with strings that to be friendly but then he had his guns on vey Kubernik when directing guitarists, “He’s a Rebel,” written by Spector col- somehow capture the hormone-in-a-bottle him and he wouldn’t let me out of his Spector “would whisper in their ears, laborator Pitney, tapped generational rush of falling in love. Spector’s produc- house for a couple of days.” ‘Dumb — don’t do anything. Just play angst, hormonal hunger and a baritone- tion of the King-Goffin song “He Hit Me Spector’s arrogance hobbled many an eighth notes.’ It was hard for any of the blaring brass run to advance a song about (It Felt Like a Kiss)” powers the upsetting artist, not least of which was his ex-wife guitarists to breathe or stretch out on the a Romeo-and-Juliet-style romance. “Da song with a sorrowful menace. Ronnie, who once told British music mag- records.” Doo Ron Ron” starts on a Monday when For Spector, the hits didn’t keep coming. azine NME that he “was always telling me Critics bemoaned so much sound, which our heroine meets Bill, continues when he By the time the Beatles invited him to that I was nothing, that it was his produc- stretched the capacities of AM radio at the walks her home and ends later that night work on “Let It Be” with them, the pro- tion and his writing that made me and time and prompted some to complain of after a little da-doo-ron-ron. “You never ducer hadn’t had a major hit in years, and that, without him, I wouldn’t make it his productions’ expressionistic chaos. close your eyes anymore when I kiss your was stinging from the failure of Ike and again.” Spector acknowledged the so-called “muz- lips, and there’s no tenderness like before Tina Turner’s roaring take in “River He also proved unwilling to change with ziness,” but his ears registered it other- in your fingertips” sings the Righteous Deep, Mountain High” to make a sales the times. A rigid aesthete who demanded wise, saying that the onslaught “adds up to Brothers’ Bill Medley to open “You’ve dent. The Beach Boys’ Bruce Johnston subservience in the studio, he bemoaned musical guts. There’s gotta be guts in Lost That Lovin’ Feeling.” Measure by compared Spector in those periods to “a the rise of the Laurel Canyon folk scene, music. Make it too sharp and you lose out. measure the tension builds as the singer little boy who does something really cute and steadfastly refused to let his Southern You can call it cloudy if you like, but I just lays out his heartbreaking evidence. When and gets applauded for that, and so he California upbringing seep into his sound. call it the guts of the music.” the chorus arrives, Spector scores it as if starts figuring out how to get the applause “They thought Gold Star was in New The Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson was the world’s imploding. back, but then it’s not quite as cute again. I York,” Spector told Kubernik, adding that mesmerized by Spector’s onslaught. In the “In those songs, the storyline was as think Phil started believing his own legend his techniques were “hardly typical Cali- years before Wilson produced “Pet clear as clear could ever be,” recalled the and press.” fornia stuff. There are no four-part harmo- Sounds” using Spector’s techniques, Wil- late Leonard Cohen, upon whom Spector The Ramones hired him to produce nies on my records. Maybe 32-part harmo- son would drop by Gold Star to observe famously pulled a gun during one noto- their fourth album, “End of the Century.” nies.” sessions. Wilson has said that the Crystals’ rious session. “The images were very It didn’t go well, according to Dee Dee He concluded his point with a dig at 1962 smash “He’s Sure the Boy I Love” expressive — they spoke to us all. Spec- Ramone. “I like beauty to be instant. Not Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young: “Anybody “opened up a door of creativity for me like tor’s real greatness is his ability to induce to be labored over, I don’t like music to be laid-back in this room, get the f— out of you wouldn’t believe. Some people say those incredible little moments of poi- a hustle. I think we can just go into a stu- here!” PAGE 30 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, January 22, 2021 WEEKEND: TELEVISION

Nostalgic for NBC Mariska Hargitay has starred for 22 years on “Law and Order: SVU.” old-fashioned cameo by Prince. And while it ‘The O.C.’ (2003) wasn’t known for its social com- mentary during its time on air, Josh Schwartz’s teen drama is fans have pointed out a few plot- iconic for many reasons: Seth network TV? lines that evoke current events. (Adam Brody), Summer (Rachel (Streaming on Netflix) Bilson), Peter Gallagher’s eye- brows (which apparently could ‘Lucifer’ (2016) have been Jon Hamm’s?!) and, Though this devilishly funny yes, Ryan (Ben McKenzie) and comedy landed on Nielsen’s list Marissa (Mischa Barton). of most-streamed original series, (Streaming on HBO Max) we’re including it here because it NBC/TNS began on Fox. The show’s trajec- ‘Jane the Virgin’ (2014) Kristen Bell and William Jackson Harper are two of the stars of “The Good Place,” streaming on Netflix. tory alone — from being can- This dramedy was inspired by celed by Fox after 3 seasons to a telenovela — roots the CW enjoying a lively and well-re- series playfully wove into its Here are 15 great broadcast shows, ready to stream viewed revival on Netflix — DNA with standard evil twin highlights its passionate fan base. appearances, love triangles and BY BETHONIE BUTLER by guest star, of which there are haven’t quite been the same (Streaming on Netflix) that-character’s-not-dead-after- The Washington Post a seemingly infinite amount, since. The series is currently in ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’ all reveals. But it was always hanks to a proliferating including memorable turns by its 17th season, so settle in, more than its twists and turns. number of streaming Martin Short, Cynthia Nixon, McStreamy. (Seasons 1-16 (2013) The true heart of the story is networks, TV shows Robin Williams and Ann-Mar- streaming on Netflix; Season 17 Like “Lucifer,” “Brooklyn the bond Jane (Gina Rodriguez) Taren’t exactly in short gret, to name a few. (Streaming streaming on Hulu) Nine-Nine” was canceled by Fox shares with her mother Xiomara supply these days. But amid the on Hulu) If you’re in the mood for a — following its fifth season — (Andrea Navedo) and grand- flashy new thrillers and slow- snarkier medical drama, try due to lackluster ratings. Dis- mother Alba (Ivonne Coll), three burn sagas, it can be comforting ‘The Office’ (2005) “House” on Peacock or Amazon appointed fans lobbied for its generations of Latinas who al- to return to the old stalwarts: The beloved and oft-quoted Prime. resurrection, prompting NBC to ways had each other’s backs. network sitcoms and dramas. workplace comedy was already a ‘Cheers’ (1982) bring the goofy Jake Peralta (Streaming on Netflix) In fact, a new Nielsen analysis perennial hit on Netflix before (Andy Samberg), stalwart Cap- ‘The Fresh Prince of suggests many viewers did just moving over to NBC’s Peacock The TV equivalent of going tain Raymond Holt (Andre that last year, as broadcast hits earlier this year. But the series where everybody knows your Braugher) and their colleagues Bel-Air’ (1990) including “The Office,” “Crimi- became especially popular — name. The classic NBC sitcom back to our TV screens. The Will Smith’s breakout, which nal Minds” and the still-airing and resonant — amid a global features a memorable ensemble eighth season of the series will aired for six seasons on NBC, “Grey’s Anatomy” topped the pandemic that unexpectedly took cast: Ted Danson, Woody Har- premiere on NBC later this was one of the most exciting research company’s ranking of many people away from their relson (whose character replaced month. (Streaming on Hulu) additions to streaming last year. 2020’s most-streamed shows. offices and colleagues. the late Nicholas Colasanto’s For all of its hilarious moments, Nielsen cites those shows as The show’s real-time appeal beloved Coach), Bebe Neuwirth, ‘Girlfriends’ (2000) the sitcom was just as skilled at garnering more viewership than goes beyond its meme-worthy George Wendt and, uh, Kirstie Fans rejoiced when Netflix delivering poignant scenes that any other title (including original humor, as Washington Post Asso- Alley — long before she had a announced a slate of classic we still remember by heart. series and movies), based on its ciate Opinions Editor Autumn Twitter account. (Streaming on Black sitcoms — including Mara (Streaming on HBO Max) content ratings for Netflix, Hulu, Brewington recently mused: Hulu, CBS All Access and Pea- Brock Akil’s treasured series Disney Plus and Amazon Prime. “Losing oneself in Dunder Mif- cock) about four Black women naviga- ‘Parks and Recreation’ Below, we’ve compiled a wide- flin is a way of coping with pan- You likewise can’t go wrong ting their late 20s and early 30s ranging list of our favorite broad- demic isolation.” (Streaming on with the spinoff “Frasier,” avail- while living in Los Angeles — (2009) cast gems available to stream on, Peacock) able on CBS All Access, which were coming to the platform last Amid questionable pandemic- and beyond, those platforms. follows Dr. Frasier Crane (Kel- year. (Streaming on Netflix) focused entertainment efforts ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ (2005) sey Grammer) and features some from celebrities last year, this ‘Law and Order: SVU’ Before “Scandal” and “Bridge- of the best TV banter we’ve ever ‘This Is Us’ (2016) delightful Amy Poehler-led com- (1999) rton,” Shonda Rhimes gave us heard. Dan Fogelman’s tender family edy resurfaced with a pitch- Few shows reflect our social this drama about the heavily drama, now in its fifth season on perfect reunion special that and cultural evolution the way intersected lives and careers of ‘New Girl’ (2011) NBC, follows the triumphs and made us remember why we love SVU does — after all, it’s the the beautiful, brooding and occa- This roommate comedy, which struggles of the Pearson family Pawnee, Ind., so much. (Stream- longest-running (non-animated) sionally insufferable doctors at a aired for seven seasons on Fox, is across generations, while poi- ing on Peacock) show on prime time. It’s also Seattle teaching hospital. We funny, sweet and once featured a gnantly exploring issues that iconic: Taylor Swift literally has affect all of us — most recently ‘The Good Place’ (2016) a cat named after its main char- the pandemic and protests Eleanor (Kristen Bell), a self- acter Olivia Benson (Mariska against racial injustice. (Stream- proclaimed Arizona dirtbag, dies Hargitay) of the New York Police ing on Hulu) and unexpectedly ends up a Department’s Special Victims place that looks a lot like heaven Unit. If you’re up for a serious in this comedy from “Parks and USA Network-style marathon, ‘Black-ish’ (2014) Rec” co-creator Michael Schur. start at the beginning with Detec- Over the course of seven sea- Danson, of “Cheers” fame, plays tives Benson and Stabler (that’s sons, Kenya Barris’ ABC sitcom the afterlife architect who helps Elliot Stabler, played by Chris- — about a multigenerational and Eleanor (and several other arriv- topher Meloni) and work your wealthy Black family — has als) navigate her new surreality. way through to Season 22, which masterfully balanced its humor The thoughtful comedy ended now follows Captain Olivia Ben- with moving and nuanced explo- last year after four seasons, so son and will soon feature Sta- rations of issues ranging from you can binge and get the an- bler’s return. NBC/TNS police brutality to colorism. swers to the universe in one fell You can also choose episodes Phillis Smith and Steve Carell are among the cast of “The Office.” (Streaming on Hulu) swoop. (Streaming on Netflix) Friday, January 22, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 31 WEEKEND: TELEVISION NEW ON DVD “Synchronic”: Steve (Anthony Manifesting passion into purpose Mackie) and Dennis (Jamie Dor- nan) have worked together as New Orleans EMTs for decades, Javicia Leslie talks about playing ‘Batwoman’ and relating to her character, a lesbian and as such, their flaws and their wounds sit near the surface of BY JONATHAN LANDRUM JR. often. It’s so epic. I grew up on their friendship. Frequently Associated Press Batman and Catwoman and the hungover Steve is in his 40s and hen Javicia Leslie Joker and Penguin. Now, to see still partying; Dennis resents moved to Los An- blackness in that, I think it’s very this, as well as his role as hus- geles, she frequent- inclusive. Very empowering. band and dad. But things shift Wly rode down the What’s the importance for this after a bizarre, disturbing call popular Sunset Boulevard to character to be a lesbian? from dispatch, wherein Steve is view the row of erected TV and It’s important to have repre- stabbed and they find a long film billboards for inspiration. sentation in general. Fans of DC serrated weapon that doesn’t As an aspiring actor, she often represent everyone, whether it’s CW/AP seem from this day and age. parked underneath her favorite about race, whether it’s LGBTQ. It turns out there’s a new party ones to study before an audition. I think what I love so much about drug going around, Synchronic, For years, Leslie made this her my show is that every character that’s leading to freak accidents, routine in hopes of one day see- is really a great representation of injuries, disappearances and ing her image on full display in everything. deaths. Steve, who is diagnosed Hollywood. Before telling your mom about with terminal brain cancer, finds Her dreams ultimately became landing the Batwoman role, you the last remaining supply of the reality when the 33- informed her about your sexual drug, and discovers that it makes Q&A year-old actor — who orientation as a bisexual. How the user travel through time. starred on CBS’ “God was that convo? While in search of Dennis’ mis- Friended Me” and Carl I never had a fear of talking to sing daughter, he realizes that Weber’s “The Family Business” my mom about anything. It’s to time-traveling through Louisiana on BET+ — recently saw a bill- the point where I don’t have to as a Black man is as much a board of herself donning the talk about a lot of things. She threat as his deadly tumor. black-and-red Batwoman suit. already gets it. She already Also available on DVD: Leslie stars as the caped cru- knows. So when we had a con- “Come Play”: A young boy sader on CW’s “Batwoman,” versation, she was like “I am (Azhy Robertson) unintentionally which premiered its second sea- your mother. There’s nothing you unleashes a monster into the son on Jan. 17. She succeeds can tell me that I didn’t already world via electronic devices. Ruby Rose, becoming the fran- know.” My mom, that’s my best “Fatman”: An armed Cris chise’s first Black actress to friend. She’s very supportive. Cringle (Mel Gibson) makes a portray the superhero, and will How did your character Ryan deal with the military and faces be featured as an avowed off with an assassin hired by a endure being homeless? LGBTQ central character. child disappointed by what he That may seem like the bottom In “Batwoman,” Leslie plays found in his stocking. to some people, but that was the the role of Ryan Wilder, who “Batman: Soul of the Dragon”: top of what she’s been through. spent years as a drug runner The animated film follows Bat- To even have her own van and while dodging Gotham police. man on a mission to find a mis- take care of herself, that meant Her character has lethal hand- sing martial arts teacher. something to her. She comes combat skills but is viewed as a “Bordertown Season 1”: A from foster care and abusive kindhearted person who lives in Finnish city detective (Ville Vir- foster homes and people not a van with a plant. tanen) relocates his family to a caring for her. The one person Leslie spoke to The Associated small town only to encounter a that cared about her was mur- series of distressing murders. In Press about carrying the mantle dered in front of her. I think what Finnish. as the new Batwoman, the impor- may seem like nothing to some- “Born A Champion”: A former tance of the character being a one else is a lot to her. She holds Marine (Sean Patrick Flannery) lesbian and talking to her mother onto it. She cherishes it. takes on a jiu jitsu opponent who about her sexual orientation. How did your character’s cheated in their last match. Answers have been edited for circumstances mold her? “The Court Jester”: The 1956 length and clarity. I think that if there is anything film starring Danny Kaye as a AP: What compelled you to that roots the darkness in her, it’s king’s jester impersonator is study for your roles under probably a little bit of revenge. being released on Blu-ray for the billboards? The vengeance she has for the first time in celebration of its Leslie: I needed that visual to ones that killed her mother. That 65th anniversary. remind myself of what the end is enough. How can you truly goal was and what I really want- “Doom Patrol: The Complete fight for what’s good if you can’t ed. It just motivated me. It was Second Season”: The DC heroes forgive? How can you truly be on fun. Sometimes, I’d study until I return, shrunken and stuck on a the right side if vengeance is fell asleep. Like, I had to wake up toy race car track. what empowers you? and drive back home. “Princess of the Row”: A girl What do you want people to So this is something you in foster care (Tayler Buck) take away from your career so manifested? escapes to find her homeless far? I feel like everything I’m living father (Edi Gathegi) with a There’s so many times where I right now, I’ve spoken into exist- dream to leave town together. could have said “This is hard” ence. From the very beginning to “Snowpiercer: The Complete and walked away. But you must the detail. Even with Batwoman, First Season S1”: The post-apoc- keep going. One of the things I alyptic series based on Bong I did an interview in May and I live by is that if you follow your Joon-ho’s 2013 film follows the was asked what role I wanted to CHRIS PIZZELLO, INVISION/AP passion, you’ll find your purpose. infamous nonstop moving train’s do next, and I said, “I want to Actress Javicia Leslie poses for a portrait Jan. 4 in Glendale, Calif. I think God puts passions in us survivors. play a superhero” ... The follow- Leslie stars as the caped crusader on “Batwoman” (inset). Season 2 for a reason ... You must find “You: The Complete Second ing month, I got the audition. I is now airing Tuesdays on AFN­Spectrum. your purpose in anything you Season”: Now known as Will, didn’t even know they were look- want and speak it into existence. stalker Joe (Penn Badgley) at- ing to cast a new Batwoman. So, I You know, I always just re- put me in this position for a rea- tempts to start over in a new city truly believe in manifestation. mind myself that my purpose son. With that, it’s nothing to fear Then you need to have the work with a new target, Love (Victoria What does being DC’s first isn’t for me. My purpose is to because I know this will empow- ethic to support it. Pedretti). Black female lead superhero empower other people. God er someone to see a Black female “Batwoman” airs Tuesdays on — Katie Foran-McHale/TNS mean to you? brought me here for a reason. He superhero. You don’t get to see it AFN-Spectrum. PAGE 32 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, January 22, 2021 WEEKEND: HEALTH & FITNESS

Olga Stavridis, 53, jump ropes in the driveway of her neighbor Donna Reda’s Upper Arlington house in Ohio, while working out Dec. 15 with her personal trainer, Caitlin Kennelly.

GAINS WITHOUT THE GYM TNS PHOTOS BY ADAM CAIRNS, COLUMBUS DISPATCH/

Effective workout routines can be maintained at home with minimal cost, using furniture and other household items BY KEN GORDON to find those in stores during the pandem- The Columbus Dispatch ic, so the good news is that there are house- ike many Americans, Donna hold equivalents. Reda struggled with maintaining Kennelly said a large can of soup can a workout routine last spring weigh up to 3 pounds. A full gallon milk jug Lwhen the COVID-19 pandemic weighs about 8 pounds, she said. shut down fitness centers. Rue suggested paint cans or milk jugs, “I had all kinds of little exercises on my “or you can use a chair as an elevated iPad, and I would just look at them and surface and do tricep dips. You can use the turn it off and walk away,” said the Upper things around you pretty well, and really, Arlington, Ohio, resident. “It was easier to you can do a lot with your own body sit in a chair or read a book or eat some- weight.” thing than to go stand and exercise for an As for cardio, of course there are tread- hour.” mills and rowing machines and stair-clim- The solution turned out to be one door bers. But again, your home may provide away. Her neighbor, Olga Stavridis, had some of what you need, particularly when been undergoing physical therapy. When bad weather keeps you from going for a jog Stavridis found out the therapist also was a or bike ride. personal trainer, she and Reda decided to “I like to do stairs,” Kennelly said. “I’ve hire her. done this thing at home where I go to the For the past several months, Caitlin basement and then take two stairs at a time Kennelly, personal training manager for Kennelly advises Stavridis, left, and her daughter Maria, 21, right, as they work out in from the basement to the second floor and Columbus Fitness Consultants, has come the garage of their neighbor’s home. jog back down again. I’ll give myself 30 to Reda’s garage twice a week at 7 a.m. seconds to rest and then do it again.” There, Kennelly puts Reda, Stavridis and home with minimal cost. dedicate to fitness. Next, he said, is decid- The only drawback, she said, is “it drives Stavridis’ daughter Maria through an And that’s good news as the pandemic ing what type of workout you would enjoy my dog crazy.” hourlong rotation of exercises. has surged in recent months. Even if gyms (strengthening versus cardio, for instance) The American College of Sports Med- The neighbors pooled the equipment have reopened, many people may not be and will therefore be more likely to stick icine recommends 150 minutes of moder- they had: 5, 8 and 10-pound dumbbells, an comfortable returning. with. ate exercise a week. Pulliam said he rec- exercise ball, resistance bands and yoga Dr. Craig Pulliam, fitness team leader at As for equipment, Kennelly, Pulliam and ommends not doing strength-training on mats, as well as a 25-pound weight that the OhioHealth McConnell Heart Health Rue all said resistance bands may be the consecutive days. Kennelly brings. Center, said about a third of the center’s best investment one can make. Rue said he describes moderate exercise They do squats, lunges, crunches, step- members have not returned to the gym. “They’re the most versatile thing you as an activity that someone can do, “while ups on the stair between the garage and Dr. Brian Rue, a primary care sports can purchase,” Pulliam said. “You can talking in mostly complete sentences, but house, and whatever else Kennelly dreams medicine doctor in the Mount Carmel anchor them to many things, and they not singing.” up. Health System, said he would not recom- replicate the robust cable systems we have Rue said any amount of exercise is help- “I’ll admit to sometimes using four-letter mend working out in a gym at this point. in the gym.” ful, though. He did not want to discourage words,” Reda said. “I’ve never been “There are so many variables, with air Rue said, “Their uses are limitless; you anyone from working out for 10 or 15 min- pushed like she has pushed us. filtration systems, with other people not can work out pretty much any muscle in utes a day if that’s all the time they have. “But at the same time, it has been won- wearing masks properly, and of course, the body using them.” For Reda, her 120 minutes a week with derful. I can’t even tell you what a godsend you’re touching a lot of different surfaces,” To make sure one is using proper form Kennelly have been plenty. She has en- it is to my mental health. I said to her, ‘If I Rue said. “In general, the safer thing to do during these exercises, Rue also suggested joyed it enough that she’s not sure she will didn’t have this to look forward to, I don’t is work out at home.” having a mirror in the workout space. ever return to her gym. know what I’d do.’” So what does one need for an effective A variety of lightweight dumbbells, such “I haven’t addressed that yet; we’ll see Hiring a personal trainer may not be for home workout? as the ones Reda and her neighbors use, what happens when this (pandemic) is all everyone, but experts say most people can Pulliam said the first priority is finding also are useful, they said. settled down,” she said. “I’ll keep Caitlin as maintain an adequate workout routine at the right space in your house that you But people have been finding it difficult long as I can.” Friday, January 22, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 33 WEEKEND: FAMILY

Learning to lose now to win in the long run This month, we all bore witness to the horrific extremes that some people will go to in order to avoid losing. Although no one wants to fail, the vast majority of us won’t turn to insurrection, violent assault or malicious destruction of prop- erty to win. Besides, for most of us, personal success or failure is not gauged by national elections, the stock market report or the Super Bowl. Winning and losing happens in small moments throughout our daily lives. We all experience failure when we burn the toast, are late for a meeting or eat too much dessert. We succeed when we have a good hair day, make it GINA FERAZZI, LOS ANGELES TIMES/TNS to the gym or have a bonding moment with our teenager. Alejandrina Arizmendi­Ruiz teaches a step­by­step science experiment to students in an after­school class Dec. Hands down, my husband, Francis, has the most self- 10 over Zoom from her home in Pomona, Calif. She works for a nonprofit called City Year, tied to AmeriCorps. esteem in our family. He nurtures his iron-clad ego by re- maining in complete denial of his shortcomings, and cele- brating himself daily. I, on the other hand, am one of those annoying women who can’t accept a compliment, point out my flaws and minimize my accomplishments. Extended learning support I recognize those tendencies in our children, too. Our son overcame symptoms of autism as a child but has a limited sense of social awareness, so he is fairly secure and oblivious LA County’s City Year becomes social lifeline for students during pandemic to judgment. Our middle child has Francis’ self-assuredness, BY JULIA BARAJAS that time to socialize is most important to them during but our youngest struggles with confidence at times. Los Angeles Times the after-school sessions. When Francis and I witnessed each child’s sense of self ometimes it’s karaoke. Sometimes it’s mul- “Genuine human interactions are what really matter emerge during adolescence, it was hard not to panic. Know- tiplayer games like skribbl or Among Us. now,” said Mary Helen Immordino-Yang, an assistant ing that parenting contributes to whether a person feels like Whatever it is, middle-school student Tiggeri- professor of education, psychology and neuroscience a winner or a loser was daunting. Of course, we recognized na Virgen never skips her after-school pro- at the University of Southern California whose re- our children’s accomplishments, and told them they were S smart, funny, beautiful and talented. But being a self-doubt- gram — even though it means more time on Zoom. search examines the relationship between emotions During one meeting, Alejandrina Arizmendi-Ruiz, a and deeper levels of learning. er, I wondered if I was making mistakes. recent college graduate who runs the sessions, found The pandemic has introduced a host of burdens to When I was in 10th grade, I came home one day with big out that Tiggerina had an F in science. She quickly students’ lives. Concerns over relatives falling ill, the news. Throughout middle school, my self image was skewed: mobilized support for Tiggerina, making sure she fear of getting sick or infecting loved ones, even dying, Fat, desperate, goofy, not very good at anything in particular. But a small personal triumph in ninth grade (I improved submitted missing work and stayed on track. Tiggeri- Immordino-Yang said, are “consuming kids’ thinking from worst swimmer on the team to middle of the pack) na’s grade rose to a D. Then a C. because they’re so emotionally salient.” Also, many instilled a twinge of newfound ambition. “I was, like, ‘I’m so proud of you!’” Arizmendi-Ruiz families are grappling with housing and food insecuri- “Dad, guess what?” I announced at dinner. said. “I asked her: ‘So, what helped you change that ty, making it difficult for students to focus on academ- “What is it, Lee Lae?” my father said affectionately, be- grade? What are you planning to do next?’” ics. tween bites of Swiss steak. My older brother, the family Arizmendi-Ruiz’s intervention at John Liechty Mid- Since April, the Los Angeles school district’s Student superstar, was a new plebe at the Naval Academy, and of dle School typifies the work of 225 young adults who and Family Wellness Hotline has received more than course they were thrilled with his accomplishments. This are embedded in 26 schools throughout Los Angeles 11,000 calls, mostly from caretakers seeking mental was my chance to make them proud of me, too. County, including Boyle Heights, Inglewood, Pico health support for their children or seeking assistance “I’m my homeroom’s new representative for Student Gov- Union and Watts. They’re part of City Year, a nonprof- with basic needs. ernment Association. They voted for me!” I stared at my it tied to AmeriCorps. Usually corps members serve as Faced with the pandemic maelstrom, Principal father, waiting for his reaction. mentors and tutors to help students reach graduation. Adalberto Vega and staff at John Liechty Middle Finally, he raised his eyes and his fork, and proclaimed, But during the pandemic they have become a social School were intentional about City Year’s role in stu- “You know what you need to do? You need to become Presi- lifeline for students, many of whom are faltering as dents’ well-being. When developing the after-school dent of Student Government. That’s what you should do.” they grapple with a sense of despair after months program, said Vice Principal Eleanor Murray, “the My father meant well. He was trying to say that he be- away from their friends. plan of action was to reach a clear understanding of lieved in me, that I had the potential to do anything. But what Education experts said the personal, on-the-ground how the social emotional support would take place, my fragile constitution heard was, “You’re not good enough.” work City Year corps members provide is an example because the rapport has to be developed for students In my adolescent mind, I had failed. of the type of extended learning support that is needed to feel comfortable enough to share their thoughts and As parents, how do we encourage our kids to try, to im- to address the growing mental health crisis among feelings.” prove, to practice, to achieve, without making them feel they students as school closures drag into the 10th month. When students share personal challenges, corps aren’t good enough? Ironically, experts say that we must Recent data and studies signal the increasing toll the members listen closely. Then, if necessary, they con- allow kids to fail if we want them to succeed. Disappoint- pandemic is taking on students. Since last spring, the nect them with counselors or administrators who can ments represent a learning experience, when children can proportion of mental health-related emergency room provide them with additional support. develop coping skills, resilience, creative thinking and per- visits has increased 31% for children 12 to 17 years old, Strengthening students’ support network amid the severance. data from the Centers for Disease Control and Preven- pandemic has proved fruitful. Back in August, Tiggeri- At the same time, parents should help kids build self es- tion show; a survey of 3,300 high school students de- na’s mother, Yesica Ayala, worried about her daugh- teem without showering them with so much praise that they scribed a sense of “collective trauma” as nearly a third ter’s transition from elementary school to sixth grade become dependent on validation. Studies show that “[s]uc- said they are more often feeling unhappy or de- at Liechty. Tiggerina has always been a bit shy. When cess leads to feeling good about yourself, not the other way pressed. schools closed last March, Ayala struggled to get her around.” And one of the best ways parents can build a child’s Arizmendi-Ruiz, a University of California, Santa out of bed and ready for class. self worth? To model confidence themselves. Cruz, graduate and the first in her family to go to col- But Tiggerina is navigating the school year with I never did run for SGA President, but I survived ado- lege, knows firsthand why students need support. success. Her camera stays on when she’s in class. lescence and went on to become a lawyer, a writer, a Navy “Growing up, I was not a student to reach out for She’s making new friends and seeks help when she wife, and a mother of three resilient military children. help,” she said. “It wasn’t until I was trying to figure needs it. Ayala credits the change in her daughter to I guess I am a winner after all. out what to do after high school that I realized I City Year, which gives her the opportunity to connect couldn’t do it alone.” with friends or staff members before hunkering down Read more at themeatandpotatoesoflife.com, and in Lisa’s book, The Meat and Potatoes of At John Liechty Middle School, students told her for class. Life: My True Lit Com. Email: [email protected] PAGE 34 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, January 22, 2021 WEEKEND: CROSSWORD AND COMICS

NEW YORK TIMES CROSSWORD

OH, FOURPEAT’S SAKE! 12345678 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 BY ALEX BAJCZ / EDITED BY WILL SHORTZ 91 02 12 Alex Bajcz, of Morris Plains, N.J., is an assistant professor of biology and environmental science at Drew University. He studies how and why plants produce fruits — he says he’s one of the few biologists who get to eat his research. The name Bajcz is 22 32 42 Hungarian. Since that’s difficult for American tongues, his family pronounces it ‘‘badges.’’ This is Alex’s sixth Times crossword and second Sunday. — W.S. 52 62 72 82

ACROSS 52 Actor/TV host Joel 96 Fixture whose name 9 Meditation sounds 92 03 13 23 33 1 What a deadline 55 To take this, translates to ‘‘small 10 Click the circular increases paradoxically, might horse’’ arrow button, say 43 53 63 73 83 93 signify taking a 99 Result of the ’64 Clay/ 11 Aids for sleepyheads 9 Dental brand 04 14 24 34 44 54 64 74 stand Liston fight 12 Top part of an I.R.S. 14 Neaten (up) 56 Wedding exchange 101 Hitting the ground form 84 94 05 15 25 35 45 19 Jet routes 57 The D-backs, on heavily 13 Red morning sky, to scoreboards 103 Relatively light sailors 55 65 75 85 20 First name in flying 58 Quack doctor’s foundry product 14 Part of an Italian sub history 95 06 16 26 36 offering 108 Wash. neighbor 15 Some pricey 21 ‘‘____ the Doughnut,’’ 59 London neighborhood 109 Lavishes affection handbags 46 56 66 76 86 96 07 17 children’s book west of Covent (on) 16 Things Wyoming and series Garden 110 Super-quality Nevada lack 27 37 47 57 67 22 Classic saying 62 Most expensive block 111 ‘‘This one’s all 17 Guy who hosts originated by John 77 87 97 08 18 28 38 48 58 64 Kirghizia or mine!’’ ‘‘Diners, Drive-Ins Donne Byelorussia: Abbr. 113 Like about 97 percent and Dives’’ 68 78 88 98 09 24 Like oxfords, but not 67 Quick hit of U.S. land 18 Overnighting option slippers 19 29 39 49 59 69 Word in the 117 Óscar ____, 1987 20 It’s been performed Peace Nobelist from more than 1,000 25 Really put one’s foot Declaration of 69 79 89 99 001 201101 down Independence but Costa Rica times at the Met 23 Kan. neighbor 26 Shaded not the Constitution 118 Potful in some Italian 401301 501 701601 801 70 ____ Rachel Wood of kitchens 30 Title for a lady 27 ____ O’s (breakfast ‘‘Westworld’’ 121 Given (to) 32 Be outta sight? 901 011 111 211 311 611511411 cereal) 71 ‘‘Can’t you ____?’’ 122 Stock-exchange 33 Alice in Chains genre 711 811 911 021 28 Love, love, love 72 Post-interruption worker 34 Atlanta hoopster 29 Population grouping, question 123 Makes Don nod? 35 Repeated word in 121 221 321 informally 75 Plant used in making 124 Things that can be Hozier’s 2014 hit 421 521 621 31 Aid for making a tiki- biofuel closed with a zip ‘‘Take Me to Church’’ bar cocktail 77 ____ Schomburg, 125 Brains 36 Base of an arch 37 Video call annoyance 34 Isn’t attending solo, Harlem Renaissance 126 Least spicy say figure 42 Falling-out 61 ‘‘With what 73 Classic work by Karel 89 Common lecture 104 Peter of 78 Haiti’s ____ de la 43 Mammal’s head and frequency?’’ Capek length ‘‘Casablanca’’ 38 Bouncer’s requests, DOWN Tortue heart? 62 ‘‘The Masque of the 74 Whitney for whom a 90 Giant in fairy tales? 105 ‘‘The Dick Van Dyke for short 1 Trashes Show’’ co-star 79 Like some coffee and 44 ‘‘Pokémon’’ cartoon Red Death’’ writer Connecticut museum 93 Queen Anne’s royal 39 Beethoven title 2 ____ shield sprains genre 63 Duck is named family 106 Wood stain has a woman (whose 3 Bombeck who wrote 76 Certain security strong one identity is unknown) 82 Heedless 46 High-ranking 64 Tries for a fly 97 ‘‘Let me clarify . . . ’’ ‘‘At Wit’s End’’ officer 107 Tiny ____ 86 ‘‘Fantabulous!’’ 47 Chutzpah 65 Film character who 98 Trashes 40 Supreme Egyptian 4 Participates in a mosh 79 Prez No. 34 112 Hurtful remark 87 First ruler of a united 49 Call to mind deity pit says ‘‘That’ll do, 99 Yellow-brick-road 114 Ploy Hawaii 80 Quick pick-me-up? 5 Los Angeles port 50 Like Parmesan and Donkey. That’ll do’’ traveler 41 Standing on the street pecorino 81 Send forth 115 Pocket rockets, in 91 Boot attachment district 66 Payback 100 Folds and stretches poker 44 Carpenter ____ 51 ‘‘You do it ____ will’’ 83 Atmospheric prefix 92 ____ Pre√ 6 Sea urchin, at a sushi 68 Christensen of 102 Backpacker’s 116 In the event that 53 Stick (to) 84 Ostracize 45 Pin number? 94 Loan option, briefly bar ‘‘Parenthood’’ lodging 119 Symbol on a Junction 48 ‘‘Glad to have you 95 Like a narrow 7 Took another take 54 That guy 69 Grammy winner 85 Be left undecided 103 Make lemonade from Ahead sign back, dear!’’ baseball win 8 Isaac’s firstborn 60 Cheri of old ‘‘S.N.L.’’ Stefani 88 Watered-down rum lemons, so to speak 120 Future zygotes

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E I N R A A I L E M A S E N A L R I A F F I P S B L A R O E R U S S E R P Friday, January 22, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 35 FACES Familiarity creates trust Murray, Coppola’s history extends from ‘Lost in Translation’ to ‘On the Rocks’

BY MICHAEL ORDONA on adventures.” Los Angeles Times Jones is the daughter of the late hildren of famous par- actress Peggy Lipton and music- ents sometimes strug- industry giant Quincy Jones. She gle to escape those long and Coppola have known each Cshadows. To find their other since the casting process for place in the sun, some leave the “Translation.” family business. Not Sofia Coppo- “We’ve both gone as [our fa- la. ther’s] date to some location or With her second directorial fea- work trip,” Coppola said of the ture, as a self-described “kid” two relating to the film’s primary (she was 32 when it came out), the relationship. “I went to Cuba with daughter of Oscar-winning film- my dad and met Fidel Castro maker Francis Ford Coppola won when he was speaking at the film the original screenplay Oscar for school. That’s unique, having a fa- APPLE TV+/TNS 2003’s “Lost in Translation.” She ther like that. But I also think “On the Rocks” marks the second collaboration between actor Bill Murray and writer­director Sofia has since racked up acclaim in- there’s a universal aspect; you Coppola. The first time the duo worked together was the 2003 film “Lost in Translation.” cluding the Golden Lion at the have bigger-than-life characters Venice Film Festival (for “Some- in all families.” always remembered the nugget ray Christmas” (2015) — which had such great chemistry. I know where”) and the director prize at Murray’s Felix is the cultured of that. I thought, you could hang also happened to feature Jones. that Bill really has regard for her, Cannes (for “The Beguiled”). rapscallion, the Teflon-coated fa- all these other aspects on that in a Coppola is now a member of a so I thought that would come Now that sunny spot has be- ther to Jones’ Laura in Coppola’s fun way,” said Coppola, thinking fairly exclusive club: directors through. They’re both just so in- come so comfortable that she has sophisticated relationship come- of screwball comedies and the whom Murray chooses to work telligent and funny.” made a film about a woman with a dy set in a New York similar to “Thin Man” gentlefolk mysteries. with repeatedly. He still surprises Coppola was aware of how their famous father, starring a woman Woody Allen’s but more active “Maybe I could make some- her, as he did with his vulnerabil- working relationship had (Rashida Jones) with a real-life and modern. Happily married, thing that was playful and fun but ity in one of the most painful mo- changed since their 2003 collab- famous father, and reuniting Cop- Laura begins to wonder if hus- dealt with this exchange between ments in “On the Rocks”: “I think oration and how she had sort of pola with a kind of famous father band Dean (Marlon Wayans) the two of them, with contrasting the scene in Mexico where he’s grown up behind the camera. figure from early in her career. might be having an affair. Felix points of view and also the talking about a former love, and “We’d just met, and I was kind “Felix is a very debonair man. rematerializes in her life and uniqueness of a father-and- he really opens his heart up in a of a kid. He believed in the pro- He’s a specific kind of character drags her along to solve the mys- daughter relationship.” way that was striking, because ject and was totally there for me. that my dad isn’t like,” she says of tery, as only one with his effort- As Felix, Murray delivers one you don’t usually see that side. It But now we have a history togeth- the role Bill Murray (who was less charm and endless connec- of his richest, most lived-in yet was moving.” er; I felt like there was probably nominated for an Oscar for his tions can. uniquely charismatic perform- It was Murray’s chemistry with more trust, and we have a rap- work in “Lost in Translation”) “I had a friend whose husband ances. Coppola had been hesitant Jones that sealed the casting for port. I trust my instincts more plays in her new Apple TV+ fea- was going on work trips, and [she to reunite on screen because of Coppola. than when I was starting, because ture, “On the Rocks.” became] suspicious. Her father, “Lost in Translation’s” legacy. “I’d done a short scene with I’ve seen how things evolve; it “But definitely, Rashida and I who is a playboy, said, ‘We’re go- Things may have shaken loose for them on the Christmas show we looks like a mess and then some- talked about the fun of having a ing to’ — they went and spied on her after he asked her to direct did with Bill, and that’s when I how it turns into a movie,” she charismatic father that takes you him. It was such a crazy story. I his Netflix special, “A Very Mur- first saw them together, and they said. Biden granddaughter Natalie creates style buzz at inauguration

BY MARQUES HARPER “Natalie biden i am in love w u,” wrote another, adding, AND CHRISTI CARRAS “ok it’s official bright pink gonna be a 2021 fashion Los Angeles Times trend.” Step aside, Jennifer Lopez and Lady Gaga. America has According to Town & Country, “Though more private found a new inauguration “style icon” in Natalie Biden. than her cousins, Natalie campaigned for her grandfather Natalie, one of seven grandchildren of President Joe in the 2020 election and even spoke about having Dr. Jill Biden, was one of the fashionable standouts at the presi- Biden as a grandmother at the 2020 Democratic National dential inauguration in Washington, D.C. The 16-year-old Convention.” stole the runway show with a monochromatic pink coat Appearing during the virtual 2020 DNC in August, Joe and matching mask among a sea of purple and blue shad- Biden’s granddaughters opened up about their close rela- es worn by Vice President Kamala Harris, former First tionship with the president, while Natalie called him out Lady Michelle Obama, former Secretary of State Hillary for “eating [ice cream] in the freezer so that my grandma Clinton, and her grandmother, First Lady Jill Biden. doesn’t see.” Social media was buzzing Wednesday about the young- The young women also discussed the president’s daily er Biden’s all-pink look along with the Miu Miu coat worn habit of checking in on his granddaughters via phone, as by Ella Emhoff, the vice president’s stepdaughter. We’ll well as his concerns about how a 2020 presidential run likely get to know more about the eldest child of the might impact his family. president’s late son, Beau, and his widow Hallie as Joe “Pop told us that this election would be totally different DREW ANGERER/TNS Biden’s first term commences. from any other election, ever. He was worried how it Natalie Biden, left, accompanies her grandfather, “Natalie biden really serving pls,” one person tweeted, would affect his kids,” Natalie said during the DNC seg- then­presidential candidate Joe Biden, on the campaign along with viral video of the teen making her inaugu- ment. “We just knew that he had to run, and we weren’t trail in November in Scranton, Penn. ration debut. gonna take no as an answer.” PAGE 36 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, January 22, 2021 AMERICAN ROUNDUP

Conviction overturned over ‘Shining’ reference TRENTON — The New NJ Jersey Supreme Court has overturned a man’s bank rob- bery conviction because of a prose- cutor’s reference to a classic hor- ror movie. During closing arguments in the case against Damon Williams, the prosecutor showed jurors a photo from the movie “The Shining” de- picting a character played by Jack Nicholson telling his terrified wife and son, “Here’s Johnny!” mo- ments after breaking through a door with an ax. The reference was meant to illustrate that actions can speak louder than words, and to support the prosecutor’s conten- tion that Williams should be con- victed of a more serious offense even though no threatening words were spoken to the bank teller in Camden County in 2014. The jury convicted Williams of second-degree robbery, which re- quires the use of force or the threat of force, rather than third-degree theft. Prosecutors argued that Wil- liams’ conduct before and after passing a note to the teller support- JEFF GRITCHEN, THE ORANGE COUNTY (CALIF.) REGISTER, SCNG/AP ed the more serious charge. Wil- liams is currently serving a 14-year term. Winds that sand can’t withstand A unanimous Supreme Court Marich Schapiro, left, her daughters, Cassie and AJ, and June Castillo, brave the wind as they wait for Schapiro's husband, who was surfing disagreed Tuesday, writing that south of the pier in Huntington Beach, Calif., on Tuesday. prosecutors “must walk a fine line” when comparing a defendant with Sheriff’s deputies arrested Ri- THE CENSUS “an individual whom the jury asso- chard Dawayne Fonville, 37, of State parks attendance ciates with violence or guilt.” Hilliard, on Monday on theft The amount, in pounds, of methamphetamine seized during a reaches new high of 3M charges. An arrest report said Fon- 151 traffic stop that led to charges against five Kentucky men, offi- Legislative panel OKs ville was left in charge of the store cials said. The charges stem from an investigation conducted by federal and AUGUSTA — Maine home delivery of alcohol for a few days over the holidays local law enforcement agencies, U.S. Attorney Russell Coleman said in a state- ME users of state parks while the manager was assigned to ment Tuesday. The Jan. 11 traffic stop also resulted in the seizure of counterfeit shattered records for attendance LITTLE ROCK — An another one. pharmaceutical pills suspected of containing fentanyl, marijuana and other last year as they sought outside ad- Arkansas Senate panel When the manager returned to drugs, the statement said. Afterward, multiple search warrants were executed ventures amid the coronavirus AR around Owensboro and authorities seized additional drugs, firearms and over on Tuesday advanced legislation the store on Dec. 29, she found pandemic. $325,000 cash, the complaint said. The five men were all later charged with allowing home delivery of alcohol some inconsistencies in the lottery conspiring to possess drugs with the intent to distribute, Coleman said. The Maine Department of Agri- by liquor stores, a measure that ticket sales record, the report said. culture, Conservation and Forest- would make permanent some- She reviewed security footage, ry’s Bureau of Parks and Lands thing that’s been temporarily al- which showed Fonville removing was not wearing a mask and em- jo Route 4178 with concrete bar- said state park attendance topped lowed during the coronavirus pan- scratch-off tickets from the coun- ployees asked him several times to riers and signs near the Navajo 3 million in 2020 for the first time. demic. ter on those dates, the Florida put a mask on. After ignoring the Agricultural Products Industry The record came despite closures The Senate City, County and Lo- Times-Union reported. The video requests, at the checkout stand, an farm and food product company. in the spring and capacity limita- cal Affairs Committee approved showed Fonville scan the tickets to employee refused to sell goods Genevia Cundiff, the security tions throughout the year. the bill, which would allow deliver- find the winners without scratch- costing about $15 total to the man. manager at NAPI, said no acci- ies by retail liquor permit holders. ing them off. He “became irate,” and the two ar- dents or fatalities have been Home’s Christmas lights The deliveries would not be al- The manager told investigators gued, the release said. caused by drag racing but “it’s a still bringing cheer lowed outside the county where the tickets were never paid for, but The man walked out without risk we do not want to take.” the permit holder is located. the amount each ticket won was paying for the items and an em- AUGUSTA — Though Arkansas allowed home deliv- taken from the cash register. ployee confronted him, the release Police: Man helped GA the holidays have come ery of alcohol by liquor stores in said. The suspect threw a coffee woman, then took her car and gone, John Jarman’s Christ- March when it imposed restric- Maskless customer hits bottle at the employee that struck mas lights are still burning bright. tions on bars and restaurants be- worker with glass bottle him in the head before shattering ST. LOUIS — St. Jarman said he spent a year cause of the coronavirus. Under on the ground, officials said. MO Louis police are planning the display, about 1,800 the measure now heading to the SPOKANE — Wit- The customer then picked up a searching for a man who appeared colored lights with an image-pro- full Senate, the deliveries could on- WA nesses told deputies a piece of the broken bottle, “holding at first to be a good Samaritan by ducing matrix, that covers his ly be made by the permit-holder man became “irate” over grocery it as a weapon,” and threatened the helping an elderly woman load home in Augusta. The whole thing and not a third-party delivery sys- store employees’ requests that he employee, the release said. The groceries — only to pull out a gun syncs to his choice of music, in- tem. wear a mask, ultimately attacking suspect fled before police arrived. and take her minivan moments lat- cluding the Bee Gees and Nat King an employee with a glass bottle, ac- er. Cole. Despite the jolt to his electric Store employee accused cording to a Spokane County Sher- Section of road closed Police say the carjacking hap- bill, Jarman said he plans to keep in lottery ticket theft iff’s Office news release. because of drag racing pened Saturday. The 76-year-old the lights on nightly until people Once he is arrested, deputies victim said she was picking up a get tired of them. JACKSONVILLE — An will recommend felony charges of FARMINGTON — food donation from a church when So far, his neighbors have been FL assistant manager of a robbery and second-degree as- NM Officials have closed a man came over and helped her supportive. convenience store has been arrest- sault, the Spokesman-Review a section of road on the Navajo Na- put the groceries into her vehicle. “Everybody loved it,” said ed in a case involving stolen Flor- reported. tion through the end of February The woman said she thanked the neighbor Christine Ellison. “Any- ida Lottery scratch-off tickets. Around 9:40 a.m. Friday, Spo- because of concerns about persist- man and offered him a ride out of thing that kind of makes you con- The tickets taken from a Jack- kane Valley Deputies responded to ent drag racing. gratitude. Police say that as they nect with the spirit and the joy of sonville Circle K store were worth a report of a disorderly customer The Farmington Daily Times re- drove, the man pulled out a pistol Christmas … I think it was a good acombined total of $6,520, accord- who was refusing to leave the Gro- ported Monday that the Bureau of and ordered her out of her 2006 thing.” ing to the Nassau County Sheriff’s cery Outlet, officials said. A store Indian Affairs Division of Trans- Dodge Caravan. She complied and Office. employee told deputies the man portation closed 2.5 miles of Nava- the man drove away. From wire reports Friday, January 22, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 37 PAGE 38 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, January 22, 2021 Eugene Sheffer Crossword Frazz Dilbert

ACROSS DOWN 26 Hurt severely 1 Rushmore face 1 Regrettably 27 Mater 4 Entreaty 2 “Brandenburg lead-in 8 Senior moment? Concertos” 28 Drain blockage 12 Murphy’s — composer 29 Golf’s Ernie Pearls Before Swine Pearls Before 13 Cantaloupe 3 Ornamental 32 Biting cover jug 33 Not as many 14 Make over 4 “At once!” 15 Paint removers 5 Script makeup 35 Espionage org. 17 Currier’s partner 6 Away from WSW 36 Coffee bar 18 Place of prayer 7 Magazine orders 19 “Frontline” airer moneymaker 38 Tubular pasta 21 UFO crew 8 Spectrum 39 Sacred song 22 Designer Giorgio creator 42 Lane 26 PC shortcut 9 Gun the engine 43 “Rhyme Pays”

Non Sequitur 29 Author Umberto 10 Poetic tribute rapper 30 Foundation 11 Yr. parts 44 Trawler gear 31 Shakespeare 16 Levels 45 Retrieve title starter 20 Buddy 46 Egg (Pref.) 32 Pub order 23 “East of 47 Granola morsel 33 Gratis Eden” girl 49 — Mae 34 “As I see it,” 24 — -do-well (Whoopi’s to a texter 25 “The — of role in 35 IV measures March” “Ghost”) 36 TV’s Norman Answer to Previous Puzzle

Candorville and family 37 Heckle or Jeckle 39 Furry foot 40 Hearing thing 41 Intervene 45 Thug 48 Regatta 50 Novelist Hunter 51 Not busy 52 Hanoi holiday Carpe Diem 53 Carry 54 Engine parts 55 Uplands, for short Beetle Bailey Bizarro Friday, January 22, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 39 Eugene Sheffer Crossword Frazz Dilbert

ACROSS DOWN 24 Agt.’s cut 1 Robber 1 Hoodlum 25 Sushi fish 6 Skin-related 2 Roll call reply 26 Merlot-sampling 12 Israeli currency 3 “— Forgettin’ spots

Pearls Before Swine Pearls Before 13 Matches ” (Michael 28 Examines 14 California motto McDonald hit) 30 Genetic stuff 15 Solar-brewed 4 “A mouse!” 31 Still, in verse drink 5 Andalusian 33 Actor Cariou 16 Screenwriter dance 34 Browns, on James 6 Sitcom pioneer scoreboards 17 Roman 1052 Arnaz 39 Sediment 19 Play part 7 Furnish with gear 41 Imperative 20 Entreaty 8 Skedaddle 42 Mater lead-in 22 Oom- — 9 Seductive spy 43 Clark’s love Non Sequitur 24 Furry foot 10 Sir Guinness 45 Rhyming 27 New Age singer 11 Aspiring tributes 29 Created atty.’s exam 47 Really, really 32 Spicy-and- 12 Yacht spot 48 Adolescent 49 Schedule abbr. hearty dish 18 Time between 51 Actor Daniel 35 Fork part flights — Kim 36 Cameo shape 21 Floral ring 53 Lyricist Gershwin 37 Author Fleming 23 Docs’ bloc Answer to Previous Puzzle 38 Finale Candorville 40 Mountain ht. 42 Cleric’s garment 44 “Gilmore Girls” daughter 46 Teeny bit 50 Wealthy 52 Strummed instrument

Carpe Diem 54 Desert illusion 55 Pencil part 56 Size up 57 Stylist’s shop Beetle Bailey Bizarro PAGE 40 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, January 22, 2021 OPINION

Max D. Lederer Jr., Publisher Lt. Col. Marci Hoffman, Europe commander Lt. Col. Richard McClintic, Pacific commander Biden’s message for the dissatisfied Caroline E. Miller, Europe Business Operations BY GEORGE F. WILL sive use of what presidents of both parties global cabal of Satan-worshipping pedo- Washington Post Writers Group have wielded beyond constitutional pro- philes out.” She has vowed to try to impeach EDITORIAL WASHINGTON priety — executive orders. There might Biden on Thursday. Another first-term rep- Terry Leonard, Editor tanding where his predecessor de- soon be many of those issued to undo some resentative, Greene’s Republican colleague [email protected] cried what he subsequently deliv- Trump measures: Policies that impatient, from Colorado, the pistol-packing Lauren ered — “American carnage” — Joe careless presidents implement by decrees Boebert, recently posted a long video of her- Robert H. Reid, Senior Managing Editor Biden on Wednesday promised a are written on water. But there will not be self preening about how admirable she is be- [email protected] S recuperative presidency. His call for Amer- the blizzard of executive fiats that progres- cause she carries her Glock on Capitol Hill. Tina Croley, Managing Editor for Content icans to heed the better angels of their na- sives desire. Why are strange people proliferating? [email protected] ture — “each of us has a duty and responsib- “There’s some things that I’m going to be And why did 450,461 of our dissatisfied fel- ility” — recalled an admonition 160 years able to do by executive order,” Biden said, low countrymen vote to transform these two Sean Moores, Managing Editor for Presentation [email protected] ago. In 1861, when seven of the 34 states had “and I’m not going to hesitate to do it, but ... I into lawmakers? already voted for secession, the 16th presi- am not going to violate the Constitution. Ex- One reason, Sasse said, is “America’s Joe Gromelski, Managing Editor for Digital dent said in his inaugural address that the ecutive authority that my progressive junk-food media diet,” the “underlying eco- [email protected] nation’s fate was “in your hands, my dissat- friends talk about” — e.g., banning assault nomics” of which involve “dialing up the isfied fellow-countrymen, and not in mine.” weapons — “is way beyond the bounds.” Fif- rhetoric” to increase “clicks, eyeballs, and BUREAU STAFF Today, too, ultimate responsibility for the teen days later, resisting pressure to unilat- revenue.” Another reason is “institutional republic’s trajectory resides in the citizen- erally erase billions of dollars of student collapse” as “the digital revolution erodes Europe/Mideast ry. debt, he said, “I’ve spent most of my career geographic communities in favor of place- Erik Slavin, Europe & Mideast Bureau Chief [email protected] Biden’s responsibility involves restora- arguing against the imperial presidency.” less ones. Many people who yell at strangers +49(0)631.3615.9350; DSN (314)583.9350 tion of institutional norms and equilibrium. Progressives yearning for New Deal 2.0 on Twitter don’t know their own local offi- Pacific Five days before becoming president, he will notice that Biden did not speak as Fran- cials or even their neighbors across the Aaron Kidd, Pacific Bureau Chief spoke five blunt words that would have been klin Roosevelt did in his first inaugural ad- street.” And the susceptibility of a signifi- [email protected] discordant in an inaugural address but that dress about perhaps seeking “broad Execu- cant portion of the citizenry to irrational +81.42.552.2511 ext. 88380; DSN (315)227.7380 the entire nation needs to take to heart. Com- tive power” as great as he would need “if we rage reflects “the failure of our traditional Washington menting on Republican members of Con- were in fact invaded by a foreign foe.” Bi- political institutions and our traditional Joseph Cacchioli, Washington Bureau Chief gress who refused to wear masks while den’s grown-up respect for institutional pro- media to function as spaces for genuine po- [email protected] (+1)(202)886-0033 crowded into protected rooms during the prieties might be infectious, encouraging litical conversation,” creating “a vacuum Brian Bowers, Assistant Managing Editor, News Jan. 6 Capitol riot, Biden said: “It’s time to temperateness among his dissatisfied coun- now filled by the social-media giants.” [email protected] grow up.” trymen, 74 million of whom voted for four Biden’s address, the essence of which was Grown-up American politics requires more years of infantilism. the admonition to “stop the shouting and CIRCULATION voters, as well as those they elect, to have the Among the legislators in attendance on lower the temperature” and end the “ex- Mideast patience to respect constitutional process- Wednesday was Sen. Ben Sasse, R-Neb., hausting outrage,” had the unadorned rhet- Robert Reismann, Mideast Circulation Manager es. So, some words Biden spoke six weeks who four days earlier had published in the oric of a teacher telling disorderly pupils to [email protected] ago were heartening. Speaking truth to pow- Atlantic a call for Republicans to choose sit down and buckle down. In tone, it was [email protected] er is universally praised and occasionally adulthood. Their House caucus now in- pitch-perfect for intimating to his dissatis- DSN (314)583-9111 practiced. On Dec. 8, however, in a meeting cludes Georgia’s Marjorie Taylor Greene, fied fellow countrymen that they should not Europe with supporters, Biden did something even who was one of those who would not wear a be self-satisfied. In their hands, not his, is Karen Lewis, Community Engagement Manager rarer: He spoke truth about power. mask when closely confined on Jan. 6. She the responsibility for mending the social [email protected] [email protected] He rejected pleas that he pursue broad welcomed the previous presidency as “a fabric that they have played a large part in +49(0)631.3615.9090; DSN (314)583.9090 swaths of his domestic agenda by aggres- once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take this fraying. Pacific Mari Mori, [email protected] +81-3 6385.3171; DSN (315)227.7333 CONTACT US Many Capitol rioters don’t fit media’s mold BY ADAM CHANDLER average Joes, small-business owners and that rioters with military affiliations were Washington Special to The Washington Post elite travelers who flew private jets to D.C. “not representative of our country’s mili- tel: (+1)202.886.0003 n the days following the attack on the and then stormed the Capitol. Civic leaders tary” is less than reassuring. But if that’s 633 3rd St. NW, Suite 116, Washington, DC 20001-3050 U.S. Capitol, it was both easy and and religious activists also took part in the true, what steps are being taken to address Reader letters tempting for Americans to distance melee. Weeks later, many are wondering the growing issues of political extremism [email protected] Ithemselves from the masses that who, if any, of these respected community and white supremacy in the military? Additional contacts sought to execute a coup in broad daylight. members will face consequences back The various revelations about who was in- stripes.com/contactus Channeling the collective disgust, many de- home. While cases are being built and arrests volved speak to the depth of our unprepared- picted the mob as just that — a mob, uniform are underway, the consequences for the ness as well as the reach of the threat into our OMBUDSMAN in its rage, reasons and economic status. On thousands involved are not entirely clear. national life. That so few of the rioters both- Ernie Gates CNN, Anderson Cooper caricatured the par- What’s more terrifying than a carbon-copy ered to make themselves unidentifiable and ticipants as Olive Garden regulars, while at rioting mass? A group of furious insurrec- so many broadcast themselves committing The Stars and Stripes ombudsman protects the free flow of news and information, reporting any attempts by the the Atlantic, Caitlin Flanagan grouped them tionists with no totalizing banner. Their tac- crimes is symbolic of a sense of impunity dri- military or other authorities to undermine the newspaper’s as an unwashed coalition of “deadbeat dads, tics and agendas, like their demographics, ven by mainstream approval. In a CBS News- independence. The ombudsman also responds to concerns and questions from readers, and monitors coverage for YouPorn enthusiasts, slow students, and were far-ranging and diverse. Some mem- YouGov poll a week after the riot, 43% of Re- fairness, accuracy, timeliness and balance. The ombudsman MMA fans.” bers of the mob who arrived in Washington publicans described the actions of those who welcomes comments from readers, and can be contacted by email at [email protected], or by phone at This sentiment apparently found favor came armed with guns and homemade na- forced their way into the Capitol as “patriot- 202.886.0003. even in the White House, where an anony- palm, while others tracked excrement down ism”; 50% described them as “defending mous adviser claimed then-President Do- the hallways of the Capitol and parkoured off freedom.” No wonder the aftermath has left Stars and Stripes (USPS 0417900) is published week- days (except Dec. 25 and Jan. 1) for 50 cents Monday nald Trump ultimately issued his disapprov- the Senate balcony. the rest of us reeling. through Thursday and for $1 on Friday by Pacific Stars and al of the insurrection on the grounds that the Some pilfered stationery and took memen- With Joe Biden taking the oath of office on Stripes, Unit 45002, APO AP 96301-5002. Periodicals postage paid at San Francisco, CA, Postmaster: Send optics of it were “low class.” tos, while at least one accused looter may the Capitol’s West Front on Wednesday, mil- address changes to Pacific Stars and Stripes, Unit 45002, The troubling reality is, we would be lucky have wanted to sell House Speaker Nancy lions watching in the U.S. and around the APO AP 96301-5002. This newspaper is authorized by the Department of Defense for members of the military services if it were that simple. It is not. We are learning Pelosi’s laptop to Russian agents. Perhaps world breathed a huge, long-held sigh of re- overseas. However, the contents of Stars and Stripes are the extent to which political violence and the the only upside to the disorder within the lief. While calm and civility may have been unofficial, and are not to be considered as the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. government. As a DOD newspa- subversion of democracy are in bounds to a ranks is that a far more devastating outcome the watchwords of the day, the transfer of per, Stars and Stripes may be distributed through official channels and use appropriated funds for distribution to wide spectrum of people. The implications of was avoided, according to several accounts, power should not lead us to believe in tempt- remote locations where overseas DOD personnel are located. our collective misconceptions are astound- by a matter of seconds and feet. ing fictions or magical thinking. The appearance of advertising in this publication does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense or ing, especially as a new administration tries We’re also learning how far established Just as all of 2020’s woes didn’t magically Stars and Stripes of the products or services advertised. to credibly take power. The failure to grasp groups and institutions went to undermine dissolve when our calendars flipped to 2021, Products or services advertised shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, the severity of the threats reveals how far be- the democratic process. That includes the the threats we face won’t change just be- religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical hind we are in the battle to legitimately un- participation of some members of law en- cause the White House has a new occupant. handicap, political affiliation or any other nonmerit factor of the purchaser, user or patron. derstand them, much less counter them. forcement and the military. That Gen. Mark

© Stars and Stripes 2021 Amid the ranks of the costumed and cos- A. Milley, Trump’s chairman of the Joint Adam Chandler is a New York-based writer and the author of stripes.com playing in the halls of Congress were CEOs, Chiefs of Staff, had to clarify on the record “Drive-Thru Dreams,” a book about the fast-food industry. Friday, January 22, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 41 SCOREBOARD/COLLEGE BASKETBALL/OLYMPICS

PRO FOOTBALL DEALS NFL playoffs Wednesday's transactions Wild-card Playoffs BASEBALL Saturday, Jan. 9 Major League Baseball Buffalo 27, Indianapolis 24 American League Los Angeles Rams 30, Seattle 20 KANSAS CITY ROYALS — Agreed to Tampa Bay 31, Washington 23 terms with RHP Wade Davis on a minor Sunday, Jan. 10 league contract. Baltimore 20, Tennessee 13 TORONTO BLUE JAYS — Agreed to terms New Orleans 21, Chicago 9 with RHP Kirby Yates on a one-year con- Cleveland 48 Pittsburgh 37 tract. Divisional Playoffs FOOTBALL Saturday, Jan. 16 National Football League Green Bay 32, Los Angeles Rams 18 ARIZONA CARDINALS — Signed LBs Ja- Buffalo 17, Baltimore 3 mal Carter and Donald Rutledge on re- Sunday, Jan. 17 serve/futures contracts. Kansas City 22, Cleveland 17 GREEN BAY PACKERS — Designated LB Tampa Bay 30, New Orleans 20 James Burgess, DBs Kabion Ento and Parry Conference Championships Nickerson to return from injured reserve. Sunday, Jan. 24 INDIANAPOLIS COLTS — Activated RB AFC Jordan Wilkins from the reserve/COVID-19 Buffalo at Kansas City list. NFC NEW ORLEANS SAINTS — Signed LB Wyn- Tampa Bay at Green Bay ton McManis to a reserve/futures con- Super Bowl tract. Sunday, Feb. 7 PHILADELPHIA EAGLES — Activated CB At Tampa, Fla. Nickell Robey-Coleman from the reserve/ COVID-19 list. AFC champion vs. NFC champion TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS — Activated NFL injury report LB Kevin Minter from the reserve/CO- VID-19 list. NEW YORK — The National Football HOCKEY League injury report, as provided by the National Hockey League league (DNP: did not practice; LIMITED: DALLAS STARS — Assigned Ds Joseph limited participation; FULL: Full participa- Cecconi, Ben Gleason, Jerad Rosburg and tion): SUNDAY Ryan Shea, C Riley Damiani, LWs Tye Fel- haber, Adam Mascherin and Riley Tufte to BUFFALO BILLS at KANSAS CITY CHIEFS — the Texas Stars (AHL). Waived D Julius BILLS: DNP: DT Vernon Butler (quadricep), Honka. Designated D Thomas Harley, Cs WR Gabriel Davis (ankle). LIMITED: WR Joel L'Esperance and Tanner Kero for as- Stefon Diggs (oblique), QB Jake Fromm signment taxi squad. (not injury related), DT Quinton Jefferson FLORIDA PANTHERS — Assigned G Sam (ankle). FULL: K Tyler Bass (hand), LB Tre- Montembeault to Syracuse (AHL). maine Edmunds (hamstring), DE Darryl MILWAUKEE ADMIRALS — Signed D Matt JOHN PETERSON / AP Johnson (knee). CHIEFS: DNP: LB Willie Donovan to a contract with HV71 (SHL) for Gay (ankle). LIMITED: CB Bashaud Bree- the 2020-21 season and a contract with the Providence center Nate Watson, left, looks to the basket as Creighton center Ryan Kalkbrenner defends land (concussion, shoulder), RB Clyde Ed- Admirals for the 2021-2022 season. during the second half of Wednesday’s game in Omaha, Neb. wards-Helaire (ankle, hip), CB Rashad MONTREAL CANADIANS — Recalled C Fenton (foot), QB Patrick Mahomes (con- Jesperi Kotkaniemi from the minor league cussion, toe), WR Sammy Watkins (calf). taxi squad. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS at GREEN BAY NEW JERSEY DEVILS — Reassigned G TOP 25 ROUNDUP PACKERS — BUCCANEERS: DNP: WR Anto- Gilles Senn to Binghamton (AHL), desig- nio Brown (knee), LB Jason Pierre-Paul nated D Kevin Bahl for assignment taxi (knee, not injury related). LIMITED: WR squad and promoted G Eric Comrie to the Mike Evans (knee), WR Chris Godwin (qua- active roster. dricep), RB Ronald Jones (quadricep, fin- TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS — Recalled C Ja- ger), CB Sean Murphy-Bunting (quadricep, son Spezza from the minor league taxi ankle), S Jordan Whitehead (knee). FULL: squad. DT Jeremiah Ledbetter (calf), G Ali Marpet WINNIPEG JETS — Designated LW Kris- (pectoral). PACKERS: LIMITED: LB Krys tian Vasalainen and D Ville Heinola for as- Friars turn back Creighton Barnes (thumb), K Mason Crosby (shoul- signment taxi squad. Assigned C David der), RB A.J. Dillon (quadricep), DE King- Gustafsson to Manitoba (AHL). sley Keke (concussion), WR Allen Lazard SOCCER Associated Press jays. the season. (wrist, back), TE Marcedes Lewis (knee), Major League Soccer OMAHA, Neb. — Nate Watson Georgia Tech 83, No. 20 Clem­ Sasser, who scored 18 points in LB Za'Darius Smith (thumb), WR Equani- LA GALAXY — Signed D Jalen Neal. meous St. Brown (knee, ankle), G Rick NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION — An- scored a career-high 29 points and son 65: The host Yellow Jackets the first half, finished 8-for-15 Wagner (knee), RB Jamaal Williams (an- nounced D Alexander Buttner mutually kle). FULL: S Will Redmond (knee). agreed to terminate his contract. Providence turned back Creight- returned from a 17-day layoff with from the field, including 6-for-12 SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES — Acquired MF COLLEGE BASKETBALL Javier Eduardo Lopez for one-year from on each time it pulled close, beat- one of their most impressive on three-pointers. Tramon Mark C;hivas de Guadalajara (Mexico) and will ing the 11th-ranked Bluejays 74-70 showings of the season, getting had 11 points and six rebounds for Wednesday’s men’s scores occupy an international spot on the ros- ter, pending receipt of his P1 Visa and ITC. on Wednesday night. more than 20 points from three Houston. EAST SPORTING KC — Signed MF Grayson Bar- Providence (8-6, 4-4 Big East) players and routing the Tigers. The Cougars (12-1, 7-1 Ameri- Duquesne 71, Rhode Island 69 ber, F Ozzie Cisneros and G Brooks Thomp- son. won for the first time in four Michael Devoe led the way with can) shot 43%, including 13-for-32 St. Bonaventure 70, VCU 54 National Women's Soccer League SOUTH SKY BLUE FC — Re-signed D Caprice Dy- games and avenged a crushing 22 points, while Moses Wright and on three-pointers. Houston outre- Chattanooga 70, Samford 64 dasco to a one-year contract with a sec- Davidson 73, Fordham 58 ond-year club option. loss to the Bluejays three weeks Jordan Usher chipped in with 21 bounded Tulsa 52-24, and had a ETSU 59, W. Carolina 48 COLLEGE ago. Creighton (10-4, 6-3) lost its apiece. 26-7 advantage in second-chance Gardner-Webb 84, UNC-Asheville 57 TUSCULUM UNIVERSITY — Named Cas- George Mason 87, Saint Joseph’s 85, 2OT sie Born men's volleyball assistant coach second straight after one of its Georgia Tech (7-3, 3-1 Atlantic points. Georgia 63, Kentucky 62 and Greg McGruder assistant football Georgia Tech 83, Clemson 65 coach. worst offensive games of the sea- Coast Conference) built a nine- No. 10 Wisconsin 68, North­ Longwood 67, High Point 54 UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN — Named son. point halftime lead and handed western 52: Tyler Wahl paced a Mercer 83, The Citadel 63 Ross Kolodziej defensive line football New Orleans 87, Texas A&M-CC 68 coach. Alyn Breed had 15 points, David Clemson its second straight blow- balanced attack with 14 points and North Carolina 80, Wake Forest 73 Radford 67, Campbell 61 AP SPORTLIGHT Duke added 12 and Jimmy Nichols out loss. the host Badgers pulled away in SE Louisiana 92, McNeese St. 88 Jr. scored 10 for the Friars, who No. 8 Houston 86, Tulsa 59: the second half in a win over the VMI 74, Furman 73 Jan. 22 Winthrop 78, Presbyterian 66 were playing the third of four Marcus Sasser scored 26 points, Wildcats. MIDWEST 1920 — The New York Yankees announce they will be the first team to wear uniform straight road games. Quentin Grimes added 18 points D’Mitrik Trice added 12 points, Chicago 75, Valparaiso 39 numbers, according to the player’s posi- Illinois St. 71, Bradley 56 tion in batting order. Damien Jefferson scored a ca- and seven rebounds as the host Brad Davison 11 and Potter 10 for Providence 74, Creighton 70 1960 — Paul Pender beats Sugar Ray Wisconsin 68, Northwestern 52 Robinson in a 15-round split decision to reer-best 26 points for the Blue- Cougars avenged their only loss of Wisconsin (12-3, 6-2 Big Ten). SOUTHWEST capture the world middleweight boxing ti- Arkansas 75, Auburn 73 tle. Houston 86, Tulsa 59 1962 — Bob Feller and Jackie Robinson Nicholls 92, Houston Baptist 83 are elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Sam Houston St. 64, Abilene Christian 57 Robinson, who had the distinction of be- Stephen F. Austin 86, Northwestern St. coming the first black to play in the Major 74 League, is also the first to enter the Hall of Pound: Fans optional for Olympics FAR WEST Fame. 1973 — George Foreman knocks out Joe Boise St. 73, Fresno St. 51 Frazier in the second round in Kingston, BY STEPHEN WADE asm for the post- “It’s either 2021, or nothing," he Cal Baptist 89, San Diego Christian 37 Jamaica, to win the world heavyweight ti- Associated Press Washington 84, Colorado 80 tle. poned Olympics. said. Wednesday’s women’s scores 1983 — Houston becomes the first NBA TOKYO — Former IOC vice His words Pound said “nobody can guar- team not to score a point in overtime as EAST the Portland Trail Blazers outscore the president Dick Pound says the come as recent antee the Olympics will open on Rockets 17-0 for a 113-96 victory. Seton Hall 87, St. John’s 64 1988 — Mike Tyson knocks out Larry Tokyo Olympics could go ahead polls in Japan July 23. But I think there’s a very, West Virginia 65, Kansas St. 56 Holmes in the fourth round at Atlantic City without fans. And he predicted show 80% of the very, good chance that they can, SOUTH to retain his world heavyweight title. McNeese St. 80, SE Louisiana 72 1994 — New York Islanders’ Pierre Tur- the games will open on July 23 de- public believe and that they will.” Stephen F. Austin 87, Northwestern St. geon has four assists to help the Eastern spite surging coronavirus cases in the Olympics Pound's words suggest the 28 Conference beat the Western Conference Pound MIDWEST 9-8 in the NHL All-Star game. Japan and around the globe. should not hap- Olympics may be shaping up as a 1998 — New York’s Pat LaFontaine reac- Bowling Green 66, Akron 57 hes the 1,000-point mark, scoring his 19th "The question is — is this a pen with virus cases surging — or largely TV-only event with ath- E. Michigan 70, Cent. Michigan 67 goal in the Rangers’ 4-3 loss to Philadel- Marquette 72, Georgetown 40 phia. ‘must-have’ or ‘nice-to-have.’ It’s will not happen. letes kept in a bubble, transported Memphis 61, Cincinnati 52 2005 — Jockey Russell Baze passes Bill nice to have spectators. But it’s Pound, a veteran Canadian back and forth to venues, and en- Ohio 84, Buffalo 81 Shoemaker to take over second place on Texas Tech 75, Kansas 65 the all-time win list. Russell gets his not a must-have,” Pound said in Olympic official and inaugural couraged to leave Japan as soon Toledo 67, N. Illinois 62 8,834th victory aboard Hollow Memoires W. Michigan 70, Miami (Ohio) 54 in the seventh race at Golden Gate Fields. an interview with Japan’s Kyodo president of the World Anti-Dop- as their participation ends. SOUTHWEST 2006 — The Pittsburgh Steelers are the news agency published on Thurs- ing Agency, repeated what the Japanese media have said the Baylor 77, Oklahoma St. 58 first team since the 1985 Patriots to win Houston 80, Temple 46 three postseason road games thanks to a day. IOC and local organizers have opening ceremony will be limited Sam Houston St. 88, Abilene Christian 72 34-17 dismantling of the Denver Broncos in Texas 71, TCU 54 the AFC title game. Pound is no longer a part of the been saying for months: the to 6,000 athletes. About 11,000 are Texas A&M-CC 57, New Orleans 49 2012 — Lawrence Tynes kicks a winning IOC's decision-making executive games will be canceled if they expected to compete in the Olym- Tulsa 68, East Carolina 54 31-yard field goal in sudden-death over- time and New York beat the San Francisco board, but he has been speaking cannot be held this time. There pics. The Paralympics add anoth- FAR WEST 49ers 20-17 in the NFC championship Colorado St. 90, Utah St. 59 game. out recently to generate enthusi- will not be another postponement. er 4,400 athletes. PAGE 42 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, January 22, 2021 NHL

AROUND THE NHL Ovechkin on COVID list, Flat salary cap Caps fined BY HOWARD FENDRICH Associated Press WASHINGTON — Alex Ovech- kin and three other Washington forces teams Capitals players were added to the NHL’s COVID-19 list Wednes- day and the team was fined $100,000 by the league for violat- ing coronavirus protocols, includ- ing a gathering in a hotel room. to get creative In addition to three-time MVP Ovechkin — one of just eight play- ers in NHL history with more BY STEPHEN WHYNO than 700 goals — the Capitals join- Associated Press “It isn’t ideal, ing the COVID-19 list were center n the 16 years since the sala- Evgeny Kuznetsov, defenseman ry cap has been a reality in but it’s Dmitry Orlov the NHL, it never has been manageable. JEFF ROBERSON / AP and top goalie Ithis much of a challenge to The St. Louis Blues’ Mike Hoffman, left, was signed by the team as a Ilya Samsonov. maneuver. free agent this season. The Blues and other teams are are danger­ “I regret my Teams that made moves in 2019 Part of the ously close to the league’s salary cap. choice to spend and right up to the 2020 trade time together deadline expected the cap to in- ingredients defenseman Michal Kempny by with my team- crease substantially from the cur- signing former Boston captain Scoreboard mates in our ho- rent $81.5 million. Then the coro- necessary to Zdeno Chara, the Blues made the tel room and navirus pandemic hit, the league most of Steen’s retirement by add- East Division away from the Ovechkin and players’ association agreed to success in the ing one of the top free agents avail- GP WLOT Pts GF GA locker room ar- freeze the ceiling at that number able in Mike Hoffman just before eas,” Ovechkin said in a state- Philadelphia 4 3 1 0 6 15 11 and executives had to get creative NHL is team training camp. Washington 4 2 0 2 6 15 14 ment issued by the Capitals. “I to be cap-compliant for opening Oh, and they should get Tara- New Jersey 3 2 0 1 5 8 7 will learn from this experience.” night of the most unusual season depth.” senko back healthy and under the N.Y. Islanders 3 2 1 0 4 5 5 The Capitals themselves said in hockey history. cap just in time for the stretch run. Pittsburgh 4 2 2 0 4 14 18 they were “disappointed by our Julien BriseBois Boston 3 1 1 1 3 4 5 The defending Stanley Cup “Our goal is to have him ready,” N.Y. Rangers 3 1 2 0 2 8 8 players’ choice to interact in their champion Tampa Bay Lightning Tampa Bay GM Armstrong said. Buffalo 4 1 3 0 2 11 12 hotel room and outside of team set a roster that, when injury al- And the dance isn’t over. The Central Division approved areas.” Saying it ac- lowances are factored in, is just ita Kucherov was lost for months Montreal Canadiens continue to GP WLOT Pts GF GA cepts the NHL’s decision, the $334 from the cap ceiling. It’s a because of a hip injury that re- cycle some of their top young play- team vowed to “reiterate the CO- Tampa Bay 2 2 0 0 4 10 3 similar situation for the St. Louis quired surgery. They still gave up ers through their taxi squad for no Florida 2 2 0 0 4 10 6 VID-19 protocols in place to make Blues, who are within $300,000 of a second-round pick and center reason other than to bank cap Carolina 3 2 1 0 4 9 6 sure the players are in full com- the cap with hopes of adding Vla- Cedric Paquette in a trade with space for later; those players don’t Nashville 3 2 1 0 4 10 7 pliance moving forward.” dimir Tarasenko when he’s ready Ottawa and had to play opening need waivers and instead are paid Detroit 4 2 2 0 4 9 10 Five players from the Carolina Columbus 4 1 2 1 3 8 13 to return from another shoulder night without forward Tyler John- a minor league salary for taxi Chicago 4 0 3 1 1 9 20 Hurricanes also are on the operation. The Vegas Golden son to make it work. He was squad days while they practice Dallas 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 league’s COVID-19 list, and that Knights started with an unusual li- stashed on the taxi squad — cre- and await a call-up. West Division team’s games were called off by neup of five defensemen and 13 ated this season to help teams deal GP WLOT Pts GF GA the league through “at least” Sat- forwards because they figured with roster headaches — after Sitting Stars urday. Vegas 4 4 0 0 8 16 7 playing short on the blue line was clearing waivers. The NHL’s first COVID-19 out- Minnesota 4 3 1 0 6 11 9 The postponements were an- less risky than exposing a young “It isn’t ideal, but it’s managea- break came for the Dallas Stars, St. Louis 4 2 1 1 5 10 15 nounced Wednesday, a day be- player to waivers. ble,” Tampa Bay GM Julien Brise- who had 17 players test positive Colorado 3 2 1 0 4 12 6 fore the Hurricanes were set to “This is the hardest year to Bois said. “Part of the ingredients for the coronavirus. Their first San Jose 4 2 2 0 4 13 14 host the Florida Panthers in their Arizona 4 1 2 1 3 12 16 manage a flat cap,” Blues general necessary to success in the NHL is four games were postponed, with Anaheim 4 1 2 1 3 6 10 home opener. The teams were manager Doug Armstrong said by team depth. In order to have team the new season opener scheduled Los Angeles 3 0 1 2 2 8 11 scheduled to play again Saturday. phone. “It’s certainly no one’s depth, you need to properly man- for Friday at Nashville, which had North Division The NHL said the Hurricanes’ fault at the league or the PA or the age your cap space.” its game Tuesday against Carolina training facilities are closed and GP WLOT Pts GF GA players or the management. It just Even without Kucherov — who postponed. will stay that way “until further caught everybody off guard.” could be activated for the playoffs Veteran coach Rick Bowness is Montreal 4 2 0 2 6 17 13 notice.” The league is revising Toronto 5 3 2 0 6 17 15 A team can’t be over the cap and when the cap doesn’t matter — prepared for more changes. Calgary 3 2 0 1 5 11 6 Carolina’s schedule. would have to play with fewer Tampa Bay is again a title conten- “I’ve laid out this whole thing Winnipeg 3 2 1 0 4 9 9 The Capitals were punished by than the standard 18 skaters if nec- der. and a map on a day-to-day basis Edmonton 5 2 3 0 4 13 16 the league for “social interactions essary. It has happened a handful “A big part of that is what Julien and it’s in pencil, so we can erase it Vancouver 5 2 3 0 4 13 21 among team members who were Ottawa 3 1 1 1 3 10 10 of times since the cap was imple- was able to do,” coach Jon Cooper and change it,” Bowness said. in close contact and who were not mented in 2005. said. “To be able to keep a group “We’ll adapt and we’ll just roll Wednesday’s games wearing face coverings.” What’s usually a difficult ba- together that had some success with what each day brings us.” Edmonton 3, Toronto 1 This is the first instance this San Jose 2, St. Louis 1, SO lancing act became a trapeze show last year, obviously, that took Minnesota 3, Anaheim 2 season of Capitals players ap- this year for GMs and their cap gu- some work. And you have to be Struggling Bruins Vegas 5, Arizona 2 pearing on the NHL’s COVID-19 Vancouver 6, Montreal 5, SO rus to save every dollar. Accord- prepared for every scenario that’s The Boston Bruins are the only list. Thursday’s games going to come at us. He was.” team (aside from Dallas) to not Being on that list would make ing to the database site Puckpedia, Florida at Carolina, ppd. 22 of 31 teams either started the Armstrong and Blues assistant score an even-strength goal so far New Jersey at N.Y. Islanders Ovechkin and the others unavail- Philadelphia at Boston season using the long-term in- Ryan Miller were, too. They went this season. They’ve won a game Tampa Bay at Columbus able for practice, but it is possible Winnipeg at Ottawa jured reserve exemption to go through several “what if?” scena- in a shootout, lost one in overtime Montreal at Vancouver that they could be allowed back over or were within $2 million of rios after it was clear that forward and were shut out in regulation. Colorado at Los Angeles with the team in time to play in the cap. Alex Steen couldn’t keep playing “Yes, I would say there would Friday’s games Washington’s next game, which is The Lightning faced a crunch because of an injury. be some frustration,” coach Bruce Buffalo at Washington Friday against the visiting Buffalo Edmonton at Toronto before becoming bubble hockey Much like the Washington Cap- Cassidy said. “That’s been a bit of N.Y. Rangers at Pittsburgh Sabres. Detroit at Chicago champions and were only able to itals used long-term injury cap al- a challenge for our (defensemen) San Jose at Minnesota avoid more treacherous cap gym- lowances to make up for losing is getting shots through on a con- Nashville at Dallas Vegas at Arizona AP sports writer John Nicholson in Phoenix nastics and losses when star Nik- goaltender Henrik Lundqvist and sistent basis.” Colorado at Anaheim contributed to this report. Friday, January 22, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 43 NBA

Scoreboard Wizards get Eastern Conference time to reset Atlantic Division WLPct GB after layoff Philadelphia 10 5 .667 — Boston 8 5 .615 1 BY TIM REYNOLDS Brooklyn 9 7 .563 1½ Associated Press New York 7 8 .467 3 Toronto 5 9 .357 4½ Washington got back on the Southeast Division practice court Wednesday for the WLPct GB first time in more than a week, and Atlanta 7 7 .500 — Bradley Beal wondered if the Wiz- Orlando 7 8 .467 ½ ards need more time there before Miami 6 7 .462 ½ returning to game mode. Charlotte 6 8 .429 1 The NBA apparently agreed Washington 3 8 .273 2½ with him. Central Division Not long after the league’s lead- WLPct GB ing scorer said he believes the Milwaukee 9 5 .643 — short-handed team — which has Indiana 8 6 .571 1 six players who have tested posi- Cleveland 7 7 .500 2 Chicago 6 8 .429 3 tive for COVID-19 — may be fol- Detroit 3 11 .214 6 lowing “a recipe for injury” if they Western Conference played Milwaukee as scheduled Friday night, the NBA said that Southwest Division DAVID ZALUBOWSKI / AP game would be postponed in a WLPct GB Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic, left, hangs from the rim after dunking against Oklahoma City on move that simply gives Washing- Memphis 7 6 .538 — Tuesday. He already has nine slams, after having 15 all of last season. ton more time to get game-ready San Antonio 8 7 .533 — Dallas 7 7 .500 ½ again. New Orleans 5 8 .385 2 That move, along with the post- Houston 4 9 .308 3 ponement of Wednesday’s Mem- Northwest Division phis at Portland game, pushes the WLPct GB The Joker’s wild total to 17 games this season that Utah 10 4 .714 — have been pushed back because of Portland 8 6 .571 2 the virus — those decisions com- Denver 7 7 .500 3 ing on the same day the league re- Oklahoma City 6 7 .462 3½ Nuggets big man Jokic steps up his game to an MVP-candidate level Minnesota 3 10 .231 6½ vealed that 11 more players in the BY PAT GRAHAM Jokic, who turns 26 next past week have tested positive for Pacific Division Associated Press month, tries to deflect the atten- COVID-19. WLPct GB 46 DENVER tion. The NBA said Washington’s L.A. Clippers 11 4 .733 — ikola Jokic faced a sit- “I know that they trust me. I Friday game would be called off L.A. Lakers 11 4 .733 — Career triple-doubles by Nikola Jokic. Phoenix 8 5 .615 2 uation he couldn’t In his fifth season, he’s already third know they’ve got my back,” said “due to the number of unavailable Golden State 8 6 .571 2½ pass, shoot or dribble on the Nuggets’ list for triple-doubles. Jokic, who along with Jamal Mur- players for the Wizards, contact Sacramento 5 10 .333 6 his way through. ray was a big reason the Nuggets tracing for other players on their N SOURCE: Associated Press Tuesday’s games The Denver Nuggets big man made the Western Conference Fi- roster, and the length of time pre- Denver 119, Oklahoma City 101 Utah 118, New Orleans 102 was befuddled by a simple yet nals inside the NBA bubble last ceding the game during which the Wednesday’s games complicated question: How does player efficiency rating and tri- season. “It’s nice to hear some- team was unable to practice.” Dallas 124, Indiana 112 he define an NBA MVP? ple-doubles. His 46 career triple- thing like that.” That’s exactly what the team Philadelphia 117, Boston 109 Cleveland 147, Brooklyn 135, 2OT “I don’t know,” Jokic answered doubles are already the most in He sees the entire floor — evi- wanted. Miami 111, Toronto 102 after a long pause. “Probably the team history. denced by his full-court passes — The Wizards had eight bodies Atlanta 123, Detroit 115, OT Orlando 97, Minnesota 96 best player in the NBA? The top “He produces just as much, if and it’s why Oklahoma City coach for their first practice in nine days Phoenix 109, Houston 103 L.A. Clippers 115, Sacramento 96 scorer? I don’t know.” not more, than anybody in the Mark Daigneault put it in football Wednesday night, after which Golden State 121, San Antonio 99 By any measure, the 7-footer NBA,” Morris said. “I’m amazed terms in trying to defend him. Beal sounded the alarm and said Washington at Charlotte, ppd Memphis at Portland, ppd who views himself equal parts every night.” “You want to pressure the he hoped the NBA would allow the Thursday’s games center and point guard has defi- And now Jokic is adding a rim- quarterback,” said Daigneault, team time to get in some sem- L.A. Lakers at Milwaukee New Orleans at Utah nitely put himself in the early rattling element — dunks. The whose team lost 119-101 to Denver blance of game shape before play- New York at Golden State MVP conversation. After all, he is player from Serbia nicknamed on Tuesday as Jokic had 27 ing again. Friday’s games averaging a triple-double this “Joker” already has nine slams, points, 12 rebounds and six as- “The health of us is the most im- Chicago at Charlotte Houston at Detroit season. which is a big step up considering sists in just three quarters. “If portant thing, and the safety of us, Orlando at Indiana Not only that, but he’s display- he had 15 all last season, 11 in ’18- you just let him sit back and pick and that goes far beyond the vi- Boston at Philadelphia Brooklyn at Cleveland ing an array of dunks — he’s nev- 19 and eight (along with a miss) in you apart, that’s what he’ll do.” rus,” Beal said. “It’s our physical Miami at Toronto Atlanta at Minnesota er been known for his dunks — ’17-18. He even got called for a Before a recent game in Den- health, too. ... It’s unfair that other Washington at Milwaukee, ppd Dallas at San Antonio and a newfound aggressive shoot- technical during a dunk this sea- ver, Golden State coach Steve teams have been going and prac- Denver at Phoenix ing mentality that his coach cer- son, when he basically did a pull- Kerr gave his rookie center ticing and playing and having Memphis at Portland New York at Sacramento tainly appreciates — and playful- up on the rim. James Wiseman a little encour- their constant rhythm. We haven’t Oklahoma City at L.A. Clippers ly takes credit. “I just like the excitement the agement in facing Jokic. played in a week and some Saturday’s games “I locked him in my office one guys have on the bench when I “That Jokic is one of the best change. It’s going to be tough on Philadelphia at Detroit Miami at Brooklyn day, and I beat him with a pillow- dunk,” said Jokic, a second-round centers in the league,” Kerr said. us. It’s going to be real tough on L.A. Lakers at Chicago New Orleans at Minnesota case filled with soda cans, and pick in 2014 who’s averaging 25.1 “(Wiseman) will learn some hard us.” Houston at Dallas said, ‘You’ve got to score more,’ ” points, 11.4 rebounds and 10 as- lessons.” The earliest Washington will Denver at Phoenix Golden State at Utah coach Michael Malone cracked. sists in ’20-21. “I dunk for them.” Wiseman did, too, with Jokic play now is Sunday in San Antonio Leaders “He’s a great player. He’s playing And they appreciate it. going for 23 points, 14 rebounds — 13 days after the Wizards’ most Through Jan. 19 at an MVP level.” “Every game, he adds an inch and 10 assists in a Nuggets victo- recent game. The latest postpone- Scoring Reserve point guard Monte or two on his vertical,” said for- ry. ment means Washington has had Morris believes Jokic fully be- ward Paul Millsap, whose Nug- About the only small quibble six games pushed back in the last GFG FT PTS AVG longs in the same company as gets (7-7) begin a five-game trip with Jokic this season has been two weeks. Beal, WAS 10 121 83 349 34.9 Durant, BKN 11 113 80 337 30.6 Milwaukee’s Giannis Anteto- Friday in Phoenix. “It’s unbeliev- his turnovers. He’s among the Its Wednesday practice was Curry, GS 13 118 78 367 28.2 kounmpo, Brooklyn’s Kevin Du- able to watch. It’s great to watch a league leaders in that category, mostly some 5-on-0 offense and Lillard, POR 14 119 104 394 28.1 rant and James Harden and Le- guy like that, a young guy, come too. shooting. Wizards coach Scott Rebounds Bron James of the Los Angeles to the gym every single day with “The best players in the NBA Brooks isn’t expecting any of the GOFF DEF TOT AVG Lakers. his hard hat on, training and have the ball in their hands a ton. six players who have tested posi- Drummond, CLE 12 53 136 189 15.8 Morris’ assertion is buoyed by shooting. Even a guy that good Much is asked of them,” Malone tive back in the next few days at Gobert, UTA 14 50 141 191 13.6 the stats: Jokic is first in field comes in and works every single said. “Nikola’s been phenom- least, and Russell Westbrook is Capela, ATL 11 40 104 144 13.1 goals this season, total assists, day.” enal.” still out with a leg injury. PAGE 44 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, January 22, 2021 NFL PLAYOFFS Chiefs QB Mahomes practices, remains in concussion protocol BY DAVE SKRETTA “He’s done well up to this point Associated Press and they just progress you KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Chiefs through the day,” Reid said, “so quarterback Patrick Mahomes today was limited work and no remained in the NFL’s concussion contact, I think was the schedule protocol Wednesday, but prac- for today. And that’s kind of what ticed in a limited capacity, raising we’re doing on Wednesday, so it hopes that the reigning Super fit perfectly with that.” Bowl MVP can play in Sunday’s Mahomes was hurt in the third AFC title game against Buffalo. quarter of last Sunday’s 22-17 vic- The Chiefs typically breeze tory over the Cleveland Browns through their midweek practice when he was tackled around the with little contact before ramping neck while keeping the ball on a things up with their longest work- quarterback option. His head did out Thursday, and coach Andy not appear to strike the ground /AP ZACH BOLINGER Reid said afterward that fit per- hard — if at all — and that led to The Green Bay Packers defense celebrates a turnover againts the Indianapolis Colts in November. fectly with what Mahomes was reports that he had tweaked a able to do. nerve that runs up the neck. “He looked good,” Reid said. Chad Henne finished the game Best: Defenses playing at next level “He’s in the protocol so there’s on- and would be the starter if Ma- ly certain things he can do, but he homes was unable to play against took all the snaps and he feels the Bills. FROM PAGE 48 good. So, I mean, we’re just going “It’s definitely not the easiest if the loss to Arizona after giving up 26 306 to follow this protocol as close as you don’t get the reps during the 273 points in its first 10 games. we possibly can.” week,” Henne said, “but mentally And rather than blowing leads, the Turnovers forced by the Kansas City Average yards allowed by the Green There are five steps in the you have to stay in it. When Pa- defense is now closing out victo- Chiefs defense this season, tied for 9th Bay defense over their last seven league’s return-to-play protocol: trick was in last week, during ev- ries as evidenced in two playoff in the NFL. Kansas City. The Chiefs games. The Packers are coming off a rest until signs and symptoms re- ery practice, Matt (Moore) and I wins. limited Buffalo to a season-low 206 32-18 divisional-round victory over the turn to baseline clearance to be- are in the back doing our drops, Safety Micah Hyde, one of the yards of offense in Week 6 and held Rams in which Los Angeles finished gin cardio; stretching and bal- our progressions. That doesn’t defenders burned by Hopkins, the Saints to 285 yards in a 32-29 with a time of possession of 23 min- ance training with medical over- change. After practice we get the sealed a 27-24 wild-card win over win at New Orleans on Dec. 20. utes and 48 seconds. sight; an increase in exercises throws we need that Patrick took Indianapolis by batting down Phi- SOURCE: Associated Press SOURCE: Associated Press that includes monitored strength and we go about our business.” lip Rivers’ desperation pass in- training; the resumption of non- The return of Mahomes was on- tended for T.Y. Hilton as time ran 16th in yards allowed. Since allowing a combined 956 contact football activities; and fi- ly the start of the positive injury out. On Saturday, cornerback Ta- Kansas City limited Buffalo to a yards in back-to-back losses to the nally, the player is cleared by news for Kansas City. ron Johnson punctuated the de- season-low 206 yards of offense in Rams and Chiefs in late Novem- team physicians and passes an in- Defensive back Bashaud Bree- fense’s most complete perform- Week 6; limited the Saints to 285 ber, the Buccaneers have return- dependent neurological exam, at land, who also left the Browns ance by returning Lamar Jack- yards in a 32-29 win at New Or- ed from their bye week to to allow which point he is cleared to prac- game with a concussion, got in son’s interception for an NFL leans on Dec. 20 in Drew Brees’ a combined 1,943 yards and force tice and play. some limited work as the Chiefs playoff record-matching 101-yard return after missing a month with 10 takeaways in their past six. Reid didn’t specify which step moved practice from outdoors in- touchdown in a 17-3 win over Bal- rib injuries; and finished the sea- “It’s a different football team Mahomes was in Wednesday, but side because of gusty winds. timore. son tied for ninth in the NFL in than that week,” coach Bruce Ar- the work he described coincides The availability of their No. 1 The outings validated the pa- forcing 26 takeaways. ians said, referring to a 38-3 loss to with the fourth step. If all goes cornerback is important with tience Frazier showed in a unit In the NFC, the Packers are al- New Orleans on Nov. 8. “I tell ev- well, that could mean the Chiefs’ Bills quarterback Josh Allen rid- that opened the season allowing lowing an average 306 yards of of- erybody that. Nobody wants to be- quarterback is cleared to partici- ing a hot streak and All-Pro wide an average of 387 yards over its fense over their past seven out- lieve me.” pate more fully in practice Thurs- receiver Stefon Diggs coming to first six games, following consec- ings. And Green Bay is coming off The same can be said in Buffalo, day or Friday. town. utive losses to Tennessee and a 32-18 divisional-round win over where the Bills’ two playoff wins Kansas City. And it brings confi- the Rams in which Los Angeles came against a 10th-ranked Colts dence to a group eager to show it’s finished with a time of possession offense and the league’s top run- better than the unit that was tram- of 23 minutes and 48 seconds. ning attack in Baltimore. pled by the Chiefs in allowing a “They were relentless all Here comes Patrick Mahomes, season-worst 245 yards rushing in game,” Packers coach Matt La- should he clear the NFL’s concus- a 26-17 loss on Oct. 15. Fleur said of his defense. “That’s sion protocol, and the league’s top- “I think more than anything, it the one thing that I think has really ranked offense. emphasizes and highlights a very shown through the last half of the Safety Jordan Poyer under- resilient group of players that season, is just the intensity level.” stands the challenge ahead, and have continued to develop all the As for Tampa Bay, the Bucca- knows critics are counting out way through the season,” coach neers head to Green Bay coming Buffalo, just as they had last week. Sean McDermott said. “And that’s off a 30-20 win over New Orleans “I don’t think anybody’s given important because it’s a journey. in which their defense forced four us a chance really all year,” he There’s going to be highs and lows turnovers, three leading to touch- said. through a season. And those play- downs, and limited the Saints to 73 The turning point was losing at ers have done a phenomenal job of yards of offense and four first Arizona. learning from previous situations downs on their final four posses- “You go into the bye with that and experiences.” sions. taste in your mouth, it gives you a The Bills aren’t the only defense The Buccaneers were led by little bit of an edge,” Poyer said. REED HOFFMANN/AP to have overcome obstacles second-year linebacker Devin “That’s not us. We’re better than Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid didn’t specify which step of the among the four remaining playoff White, who had an interception, that.” league’s concussion protocol quarterback Patrick Mahomes was in teams. recovered a fumble, and tied a Wednesday, but the work he described coincides with the fourth step — meaning that if all goes well, the reigning Super Bowl MVP could The Chiefs’ defense is no push- franchise record with 11 tackles in AP sports writers Fred Goodall, Steve Megargee and over despite finishing the season his playoff debut. Dave Skretta contributed. be cleared to participate more fully in practice Thursday or Friday. Friday, January 22, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 45 NFL Developing chemistry Brady finally gets used to many options BY FRED GOODALL Associated Press TAMPA, Fla. hen Tom Brady drops back in the pocket, he has a bunch of options to attack opposing Wdefenses, including a talent- ed collection of receivers that’s possibly the best he’s played with in more than a decade — maybe even his entire career. For starters, Mike Evans is the only player in NFL history to begin a career with seven consecutive seasons with at least 1,000 yards receiving, Chris Godwin is a prime target with exceptional hands, and Rob Gronkowski is one of the most prolific tight ends of all time. Don’t forget Antonio Brown, who joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at midseason and has contributed to the team’s run to Sunday’s NFC championship game at Green Bay. Tight end Cameron Brate has been a trusted and dependable playmaker BRYNN ANDERSON / AP for Brady, too. Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady drops back against the New Orleans Saints during the first half of last weekend's Then there’s Scotty Miller and Tyler divisional playoff game in New Orleans. Johnson, a couple of late-round draft picks roughly half the age of the 43-year-old “The tight end position, I’ve been around quarterback. Gronk for a long time. I know exactly what Johnson’s acrobatic 15-yard catch on he’s thinking, how he looks. Cam is a pretty third-and-11 and Miller’s 29-yard recep- easy guy to get up to speed with, too. We’re tion on third-and-5 helped Brady position just going to keep trying to make improve- the Bucs for a fourth-quarter field goal that ments.” put Tampa Bay ahead for good in last Brady threw for just 199 yards a week week’s 30-20 divisional-round win over the ago, yet showed how much trust he’s devel- New Orleans Saints. oped in his playmakers across the board. “He sees those guys work so hard on the He spread 18 completions against the practice field and he’s got a great rapport Saints among nine different receivers, with all of them, especially Scotty,” coach none of whom were targeted more than Bruce Arians said. seven times. “Tyler, very few guys can twist and turn Evans’ only reception went for a 3-yard and make that catch. Tom put it out there touchdown. Brown’s lone catch produced a and he knew Tyler could make that catch. first down, as did the key plays Miller and He’s got a great, great future.” Johnson delivered in the fourth quarter. Throw in running back Ronald Jones — One of Fournette’s team-leading five re- as well as Leonard Fournette and LeSean ceptions out of the backfield produced a McCoy, a pair of veterans brought in to 6-yard TD that erased a 20-13 deficit in the bolster depth at the position — and the third quarter. Bucs have assembled the best group of The speedy Miller, 23, was a sixth-round playmakers Brady has had to work with draft pick out of Bowling Green in 2019. since 2007, when he was teamed with Hall Johnson, a 22-year-old rookie from Minne- of Fame receiver Randy Moss in New En- sota, was a fifth-rounder who only had 12 gland. receptions during the regular season. Without the benefit of normal offseason The young receivers very well may be workouts or preseason games because of called on again against the Packers, with the coronavirus pandemic, Brady and his Brown listed day to day with a knee injury. receivers gradually developed a close rela- “That’s what it’s all about. You get your tionship and Tampa Bay’s offense has real- opportunities, you’ve got to make the best ly taken off during the six-game winning of them,” Arians said. streak the Bucs (13-5) will take to Lambeau “You don’t know when they’re coming, Field this weekend. BRETT DUKE / AP and (last week) Scotty jumped out there. It “I think we’ve certainly come a long Buc wide receiver Mike Evans celebrates his touchdown catch against the Saints. was really a play designed for Antonio, but way. I think we’re just going to keep im- Scotty ran a great route. Tyler makes a proving. The more we’re together, the 4,633 yards and 40 touchdowns this season. tions. .... The more that I’ve been around great catch,” Arians added. “It’s everybo- more we’re talking about football, the more “It’s a complex game. There’s a lot of Mike, Chris, Antonio, Scooter (Miller), Tyl- dy just doing their job. ... All we’ve got to do we’re trying to be on the same page, the moving parts, there’s a lot of coordination er, Mick (Jaydon Mickens) — the better it is do our job. We’re good enough to beat better it is,” said Brady, who threw for involved between a lot of different posi- gets,” Brady said. anybody.” PAGE 46 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, January 22, 2021 NFL PLAYOFFS Super Bowl play-ins at Lambeau rare yet rich events for Pack

BY DAVE CAMPBELL existence — defeated the Cow- Associated Press boys in the divisional round. The As Aaron Rodgers spoke with balance of NFC power had begun reporters in the wake of Green to shift that year to Green Bay, Bay's lopsided loss at San Francis- which looked every bit the part of co in the NFC championship game the top seed with Brett Favre guid- last year, the superstar quarter- ing the offense and Reggie White back expressed an optimistic out- dominating on defense. look for the Packers that came With a game-time temperature with one caveat. of 3 degrees, Favre let running “We’ve got to get one of these at back Dorsey Levens do most of the home,” Rodgers said. work with 205 total yards that The achievement has been un- helped overcome two early turn- locked for the first time in his 13 overs. The Packers went on to beat seasons as the starter, with the New England for their first title top-seeded Packers set to host since the Ice Bowl squad. Tampa Bay on Sunday afternoon. JEFFREY PHELPS/AP They've played in three NFC title FAVRE'S FAREWELL Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers celebrates during Saturday's divisional playoff game games on the road under Rodgers. Jan. 20, 2008 between the Los Angeles Rams and Packers in Green Bay, Wis. This goal of playing on home turf for a spot in the big game has Giants 23, Packers 20, OT frequently eluded the storied Over the next nine seasons after franchise, actually, long before the consecutive Super Bowl ap- Rodgers took the reins. pearances in Favre's prime, from Packers realize how much Only three times previously in 1998-2006, the Packers went just the 55-year Super Bowl era — the 2-5 in the playoffs and didn't get neutral-site championship began past the second round as he an- with the 1966 season — have the nually and openly mulled retire- Packers staged a semifinal at ment. QB Rodgers has at stake Lambeau Field. Favre had one of his best years Here's a look back at those in 2007, as the Packers went 13-3 BY STEVE MEGARGEE early in the second quarter back NFC championship game loss at games: in the regular season and cruised Associated Press on Oct. 18 until Jamel Dean scored San Francisco. to the NFC championship game Aaron Rodgers’ Green Bay on a 32-yard interception return. “When you throw five intercep- ICE BOWL against a wild-card team in the Packers teammates understand Rodgers’ next pass was picked off tions and throw the ball 526 times, Dec. 31, 1967: New York Giants that was finally what this NFC championship by Mike Edwards and returned 38 that’s amazing,” said Rich Gan- beginning to find its footing be- game means to the All-Pro quar- yards to the Green Bay 2-yard non, a former NFL quarterback Packers 21, Cowboys 17 hind quarterback Eli Manning. terback’s legacy. line, setting up another touch- who now works for CBS Sports. The Packers took home the first Home field was not an advan- Rodgers has delivered the kind down. “You’re going to get the ball two Super Bowl trophies, but their tage for Green Bay that day, with a of season that puts him in conten- After the Packers lost 38-10, tipped, deflected. Balls are going win over Dallas to simply get in temperature that dropped to mi- tion for a third MVP honor, which Rodgers called the performance a to go through the hands of a re- the second one still stands as one nus-4 degrees when Favre — look- would match the total won by wakeup call and kick in the rear ceiver. Something bad going's to of the most remarkable perform- ing every bit his age of 38 — tele- Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarter- for an offense that had moved the happen. Yet he’s thrown five ances in league history. graphed a pass for Donald Driver back Tom Brady. ball virtually at will up to that picks. I think in the last three Lambeau Field's familiar label on the second play of OT. Corey The Super Bowl count between point. years, he’s thrown 11 picks. Think — the “frozen tundra” — can es- Webster intercepted it to set up the two NFC championship game The Packers haven’t been held about that. You throw 38 touch- sentially be traced back to this the winning field goal, and the Gi- quarterbacks is more one-sided. below 22 points since. They’ll be down passes and 11 picks in a sea- game, which became forever ants went on to beat unbeaten New Brady won six Super Bowl titles chasing their eighth consecutive son, you’d think that’s pretty good. known as the “Ice Bowl” after it England in the Super Bowl. and appeared in nine overall while victory when the Packers (14-3) 11 picks in three years. began with a kickoff temperature starring for the New England Pa- host the Bucs (13-5) on Sunday. “He’s been the best in the last of 15 degrees below zero and a triots. Rodgers led the Packers to a “We’ve been playing the right decade at ball security. There’s no wind chill factor in modern calcu- Super Bowl crown in the 2010 sea- way, and I feel like the way we’ve one who’s been better.” lations of minus-48. The air was so son, but hasn’t brought them back been winning has been better than This marks Rodgers’ fourth cold that referee Norm Shachter's since. early in the season,” Rodgers said. NFC championship game appear- whistle froze to his lips and tore off “You look at Brady and every- “We’ve been playing a lot better ance over the past seven years. All a chunk of flesh when he pried it body wants to make that compari- on both sides of the ball.” of Rodgers’ previous starts in the off, prompting a subsequent son forever, but it’s basically turn- The performance at Tampa Bay NFC championship games came switch by the NFL to plastic ver- ed into a quarterback stat: Super was out of character for someone on the road. sions. Bowls,” Packers All-Pro wide re- who protects the ball so well. Green Bay has finished the reg- Coach Vince Lombardi unchar- ceiver Davante Adams said. Rodgers completed 45.7% of his ular season 13-3 each of the past acteristically skipped a tying “If that’s what it’s going to be, passes for 160 yards with two in- two years, but looks far more im- field-goal try and ordered an all- then obviously we’re going to put terceptions and no touchdowns posing this time around. or-nothing play, when quarter- as much as we can on ourselves to that day. In the Packers’ other 16 “A lot of people didn’t think back Bart Starr plunged across try to help him get there and, ulti- games, he has completed 71.9% of we’d be back here after last sea- the goal line with 13 seconds left mately, relieve him of the Super his passes for 4,435 yards with 50 son,” Rodgers said. “We got a lot of for the lead behind a devastating Bowls being a thing that hinder touchdowns and three intercep- interesting comments last year block from guard Jerry Kramer. him from being the GOAT (great- tions. about us being the worst 13-3 team est of all time). In my mind, he’s He has been picked off just five that people had seen. Not the same FAVRE'S FIRST DAVID J. PHILLIP/AP the GOAT, regardless of how times in 562 pass attempts this type of comments this year.” Jan. 12, 1997: In this Jan. 20, 2008 photo, many Super Bowls are won.” season (526 in the regular season, This may represent the 37-year- Green Bay Packers quarterback Rodgers’ brilliant season has in- 36 in a playoff victory over the Los old Rodgers’ best chance to get Packers 30, Panthers 13 Brett Favre looks on during the cluded just one outright dud. It oc- Angeles Rams). His only other back to another Super Bowl, After losing in the playoffs to NFC championship game against curred the previous time these multi-interception game over the though he says he isn’t dwelling on Dallas three straight years, the the New York Giants at Lambeau two teams met. past three seasons came when he his future with so much at stake Packers were done a favor when Field in Green Bay, Wis. The Green Bay led Tampa Bay 10-0 was picked off twice in last year’s right now. Carolina — in its second season of Giants beat the Packers 23­20. Friday, January 22, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 47 NFL PLAYOFFS Bomb squad: QBs share affinity for going deep Final 4 QBs Allen, Brady, Rodgers and Mahomes will likely go deep BY SCHUYLER DIXON Associated Press 17.1% he four quarterbacks in the AFC and NFC cham- Percentage of Patrick Mahomes’ pionships this weekend completions over 20 yards, second in Thelped their teams re- the NFL this past season behind ach this point by thinking and Deshaun Watson. The other four throwing deep. starting quarterbacks this weekend If Patrick Mahomes can’t start weren’t far behind with Tom Brady at the AFC championship game 15.7%, Josh Allen at 15.6 and Aaron against Buffalo because of con- Rodgers at 15.3% cussion protocols, Kansas City SOURCE: NFL.com will be the only team in the final four without a quarterback tend- year-old Henne started regularly ing to look downfield for throws. in the NFL, the journeyman has If Mahomes does start over similar career numbers in com- backup Chad Henne on Sunday, it pletions and yards to last season’s might be a good week to put defen- Super Bowl MVP. sive backs through plenty of those With an extraordinary combi- backpedal-turn-run drills. nation of mobility and arm “I think I have to focus on the strength, the 25-year-old Ma- fundamentals for myself,” Ma- homes is the prototype for throw- homes said before the 22-17 divi- ing deep in today’s NFL and has sional-round win over Cleveland the numbers to prove it. JEFFREY T. BARNES / AP last weekend. Before rallying the Chiefs to a The Buffalo Bills’ Josh Allen has been throwing deep since he was a rookie, but he has improved his passer “The good thing about this team Super Bowl victory over San Fran- rating to 107.2 this season, fourth in the NFL. is we have a lot of great playmak- cisco, Mahomes led the NFL with ers that can make plays happen in a passer rating of 119.1 on throws space and so if I’m getting the ball of at least 20 yards during the 2019 out of my hands and getting it to regular season and was the only them, if that’s holding it or stretch- QB with double-digit touchdowns ing plays out and throwing deep (12). passes or getting it out quick, After Mahomes left the divi- whatever way in order to have sional playoff last weekend, success on the field, I’ll try do Henne threw one pass of at least that.” 20 yards. It was incomplete. The Tom Brady’s first season with definitive plays in clinching the Tampa Bay, after 20 years in New victory were Henne’s 13-yard England, marked the highest per- scramble to set up a fourth-and-1, MIKE ROEMER / AP game average of the six-time Su- and his subsequent 5-yard com- Green Bay Packers quarterback per Bowl champion’s career for pletion to Tyreek Hill that allowed Aaron Rodgers has been throws of at least 20 yards at 5.9 in Kansas City to run out the clock. consistently among the league the regular season. That number With four of the NFL’s top 12 in leaders in deep throws and is led the NFL. deep throws from the regular sea- fifth in the league this season in The opponent for the three-time son still alive, it’s no coincidence the category. MVP Brady in the NFC champion- that the two fastest qualifying re- BRYNN ANDERSON / AP ship game — 2020 MVP contender ceivers, according to Sportradar’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady posted the highest passer rating of 67.9 two years Aaron Rodgers of Green Bay — is average top speed, are still playing per­game average of his career for throws of at least 20 yards at 5.9 ago, the 24-year-old almost hit a consistently among the league as well. in the regular season, a league­high average. 70% completion rate this regular leaders in deep throws and ranked Green Bay’s Marquez Valdes- season. His 107.2 passer rating fifth this season. Scantling (16.6) and Hill (16.3) For Valdes-Scantling, the speed trend immediately, which stood to was fourth in the NFL, with Rodg- Henne’s career rate of deep were the only two to surpass 16 translated into leading the NFL at reason with the 43-year-old Brady ers and Mahomes among the three throws per game is 2.7 compared mph among receivers with at least 20.9 yards per catch. Buffalo’s Ga- joining coach Bruce Arians’ “no above him. to 5.1 for Mahomes. Although it’s two catches per game in the regu- briel Davis was fourth at 17.1, and risk it, no biscuit” philosophy after Buffalo’s offseason trade for been seven years since the 35- lar season. all four remaining teams had at years of emphasis on a shorter Stefon Diggs was a big boost for least one receiver in the top 20 in passing game that utilized run- Allen, with Diggs earning his first yards per catch. ning backs. All-Pro nod after leading the “I think it’s all predicated on the There were some bumps along league in catches (127) and yards situation,” Packers coach Matt the way, but Tampa Bay ended up receiving (1,535). LaFleur said. “If those looks pre- second in the NFL in passing be- “Ultimately, what we tell our sent themselves, then certainly we hind Mahomes and the Chiefs. wideouts and our skill players is have a lot of confidence in Aaron’s “We knew we were a work in your main job is to get open and ability to push the ball down the progress,” offensive coordinator catch the ball,” offensive coordi- field accurately and our guys have Byron Leftwich said. “We still nator Brian Daboll said. “The been doing a nice job of running are.” quarterback’s main job is to make precise routes and coming up with Buffalo’s Allen knows a little a good decision and throw it accu- big plays.” something about progress. The rately and on time.” Brady’s final two seasons with third-year pro’s attempts on deep With or without Mahomes the Patriots were notable for the balls have gone down from 5.4 as a among the final four quarter- missing threats at receiver on the rookie to 4.2. But Allen’s comple- backs, there’s a decent chance REED HOFFMANN / AP outside, and he had his lowest con- tions on those throws have nearly that throw will be well down the Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, left, throws a pass secutive years of 20-plus-yard doubled. field. in front of Cleveland Browns defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson. throws in almost a decade. Where Allen was forcing deep Mahomes had 67 completions of 20 or more yards this season and Mike Evans and company with passes while completing barely AP sports writers Fred Goodall, Steve Megargee, eight completions of 40 or more yards. the Buccaneers reversed that 50% of his throws overall with a Dave Skretta and John Wawrow contributed. PAGE 48 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, January 22, 2021 Breaking protocol SPORTS Ovechkin among four Capitals on COVID-19 list ›› NHL, Page 42

NFL PLAYOFFS

All four remaining teams have defenses that are playing at their best won on Kyler Murray’s desperation 43- right way, this could turn out to be a posi- 27 years Sunday, when Buffalo travels to BY JOHN WAWROW yard touchdown pass to DeAndre Hop- tive instead of a negative.’ It didn’t have to face the top-seeded Kansas City Chiefs Associated Press kins, who outleaped three defenders in the be something that carried over to the next (15-2). eslie Frazier’s faith in his Bills end zone with 2 seconds left. one and affect the rest of your season,” Though much of the credit for Buffalo’s defense never wavered even at Frazier, Buffalo’s defensive coordina- Frazier said this week. “To our players’ success has centered on a dynamic Josh the lowest point of Buffalo’s sea- tor, recalled collecting his thoughts on the credit, I think they rebounded. ... That was Allen-led offense, the defense has shown Lson. flight home when frustration turned to a hard loss for a lot of reasons and they signs of shedding its early season deficien- It was mid-November and the Bills were hope in coming to the realization of how didn’t let it hold them back.” cies to find itself gradually peaking over entering their bye week on the heels of a the experience could become a valuable The Bills (15-3) have won eight straight the final half of the year. 32-30 defeat at Arizona. Immediately motivating tool. since and are preparing to make their first Buffalo has allowed just 137 points since dubbed “The Hail Murray,” the Cardinals “I said to myself, ‘If we handle this the AFC championship game appearance in SEE BEST ON PAGE 44

Pictured above, from left: Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander and linebacker Rashan Gary; Tampa Bay Buccaneers defenders Carlton Davis (24), Jordan White­ head and Devin White; Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Ed Oliver and cornerback Taron Johnson; Kansas City Chiefs safety L'Jarius Sneed (38) and cornerback Antonio Hamilton. AP PHOTOS

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