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VIRUS OUTBREAK Active-duty doctor among 2 sailors to die from COVID-19

BY CAITLIN DOORNBOS Stars and Stripes WASHINGTON — Two sailors — including an active-duty doctor — have died within the last week of complications from the corona- virus, the Navy announced in a statement Wednesday. Capt. Corby Ropp, 48, died Fri- day due to coronavirus-related complications at Duke University Hospital in Durham, N.C., accord- ing to the Navy. Ropp served as the department leader of ophthalmology and re- fractive surgery at the Navy Med- icine Readiness and Training Command at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, N.C. “We are deeply saddened by the loss of our shipmate and ophthal- mologist, Capt. Ropp,” said Capt. Reginald Ewing III, commander JOSE RODRIGUEZ/U.S. Army of NMRTC Camp Lejeune. “Our A soldier looks out of the loading ramp of a C-27 aircraft while he and his fellow soldiers wear face masks and maintain social distance. The thoughts and prayers are with Pentagon on Wednesday reversed its May guidance that allowed fully vaccinated service members to go without masks at DOD facilities. Capt. Ropp’s family, coworkers and friends during this extremely difficult time.” On Monday, Petty Officer 1st Class Allen Hillman, a master-at- arms assigned to Navy Reserve Volunteer Training Unit in Boise, Idaho, died while hospitalized Walking back on masks with the coronavirus. Cmdr. Megan Fine, commander of the Navy Operational Support Pentagon returns to required face coverings at many RELATED Center in Boise, said in the state- Tokyo again breaks 1-day ment that Hillman “was a big part DOD locations as Biden mulls new vaccination plan of our community.” record for COVID cases “We are deeply saddened by the BY COREY DICKSTEIN The directive from Deputy Defense Secre- Page 8 loss of our friend and shipmate Stars and Stripes tary Kathleen Hicks on Wednesday walks back MA1 Hillman,” Fine said. “We will The Pentagon on Wednesday announced it guidance issued in May that allowed service continue to support his family and would once again require all individuals to members and others who had been fully vacci- DODEA students will be shipmates during this difficult wear face coverings when indoors at Defense nated against the virus to forgo mask-wearing offered free meals through time.” Department facilities in locations deemed high at DOD facilities worldwide. It comes one day risk by federal health officials for the spread of new school year SEE SAILORS ON PAGE 5 coronavirus. SEE MASKS ON PAGE 6 Page 9 PAGE 2 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, July 30, 2021 BUSINESS/WEATHER

EUROPE GAS PRICES EXCHANGE RATES

Military rates (Won) 1144.82 (Franc) .9069 Euro costs (July 30) $1.16 Thailand (Baht) 32.87 Europe gas prices weren’t available before press time Dollar buys (July 30) 0.8210 Turkey (NewLira) 8.4938 British pound (July 30) $1.36 Japanese yen (July 30) 107.00 (Military exchange rates are those available South Korean won (July 30) 1121.00 to customers at military banking facilities in the Commercial rates country of issuance for Japan, South Korea, Ger­ many, the Netherlands and the . Bahrain(Dinar) .3770 For nonlocal currency exchange rates (i.e., pur­ Britain (Pound) 1.3978 chasing British pounds in ), check with Canada (Dollar) 1.2474 your local military banking facility. Commercial (Yuan) 6.4596 rates are interbank rates provided for reference PACIFIC GAS PRICES Denmark (Krone) 6.2583 (Pound) 15.6798 when buying currency. All figures are foreign Country Super E10 Super unleaded Super plus Diesel  Euro .8414 currencies to one dollar, except for the British Japan .. $3.899 .. $3.409 South Korea $3.219 .. $3.909 $3.419 Hong Kong (Dollar) 7.7710 pound, which is represented in dollars­to­ pound, and the euro, which is dollars­to­euro.) Change in price .. ­1.0 cents .. No change Change in price ­1.0 cents .. ­1.0 cents No change (Forint) 301.39 Israel (Shekel) 3.2445 Okinawa $3.199 .. .. $3.409 Guam $3.209 $3.659 $3.909 .. Japan (Yen) 109.76 INTEREST RATES Kuwait(Dinar) .3004 Change in price ­2.0 cents .. .. No change Change in price ­2.0 cents ­1.0 cents ­1.0 cents .. Norway (Krone) 8.5609 Prime rate 3.25 Philippines (Peso) 50.29 Interest Rates Discount rate 0.75 *DieselEFD **Midgrade (Zloty) 3.85 Federal funds market rate 0.10 Saudi Arabia (Riyal) 3.7503 3­month bill 0.05 For the week of July 30 ­ Aug. 5 Singapore (Dollar) 1.3533 30­year bond 1.91 WEATHER OUTLOOK FRIDAY IN THE MIDDLE EAST FRIDAY IN EUROPE SATURDAY IN THE PACIFIC

Misawa 74/71

Kabul 92/57 84/76 Baghdad 110/80 Osan Tokyo Drawsko Kandahar Mildenhall/ 85/76 83/71 101/71 Pomorskie Busan Lakenheath 71/55 80/77 62/55 Iwakuni Kuwait City 80/77 Bahrain Zagan Sasebo Guam 109/87 97/93 Brussels Ramstein 74/58 81/76 69/58 74/55 84/81 Riyadh Lajes, 111/83 Azores Stuttgart 110/91 70/67 79/55 Pápa Aviano/ 88/65 Vicenza 83/66

Naples 90/74 Okinawa Morón 82/79 96/69 Sigonella Rota 104/71 The weather is provided by the Djibouti 80/69 Souda Bay American Forces Network Weather Center, 97/84 84/77 2nd Weather Squadron at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb.

TODAY IN STRIPES Classified ...... 46 Comics ...... 38-39 Crossword ...... 38-39 Faces ...... 35 Opinion ...... 36 Sports ...... 40-48 Friday, July 30, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 3 WAR/MILITARY SIGAR: Afghanistan faces grim future

BY PHILLIP WALTER ty forces as they fight the Taliban. WELLMAN Most Afghan army units refuse Stars and Stripes to conduct missions without sup- KABUL, Afghanistan — Af- port from Afghan special oper- ghanistan faces an “existential cri- ations forces, SIGAR said. When sis” after a continuing rise in Tali- special operations forces do ar- ban attacks that began well ahead rive, they’re often misused to per- of the withdrawal of U.S. troops form tasks intended for conven- from the country, a government tional forces, like route clearance watchdog agency said Thursday. and checkpoint security, the re- Each quarter since the U.S. and port said. Taliban signed a peace deal in All Afghan aircraft have also be- February 2020 has shown a come strained since the departure marked increase in enemy attacks of most international troops be- compared to the same periods in cause of increased requests for previous years, a report by the close air support, intelligence, re- Special Inspector General for Af- connaissance missions and aerial ghanistan Reconstruction said. J.P. LAWRENCE/Stars and Stripes resupply, SIGAR said. The air- NATO data on the increases had Zalmay Khalilzad, U.S. special envoy for Afghan reconciliation, signs a peace deal with the Taliban, along withcraft are flying at least 25% over been kept from the public since Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, the militant group’s top political leader, in Doha, , on Feb. 29,2020. their recommended maintenance December 2019, the report said. intervals, which could have dire Between March and May, ene- Last year, the U.S. said the Tali- airstrikes against the Taliban and ment, which could face an existen- consequences, the report added. my forces conducted nearly 10,400 ban verbally agreed to curb vio- could continue doing so, at least tial crisis if it isn’t addressed and The report came after the Unit- attacks, over 1,000 more than were lence, and warned the insurgents until the U.S. combat mission in reversed,” SIGAR inspector gen- ed Nations said earlier this week recorded during that time last would face consequences if they Afghanistan ends Aug. 31. The an- eral John Sopko said in a letter ac- that May and June saw the highest year, and 3,000 more than the didn’t. But the relentless attacks nouncement came just days be- companying Thursday’s report. number of civilian war deaths and same time in 2019, the report said. did nothing to stop the drawdown fore chairman of the Joint Chiefs Since the Taliban launched its injuries in Afghanistan for those Each of the last four quarters of international forces, which is of Staff, Army Gen. , most recent offensive in May, the two months since systematic doc- saw more than 10,000 enemy at- nearly complete. said the Taliban had taken control Afghan army has “appeared sur- umentation began in 2009. tacks, according to the data, which On Sunday, U.S. Central Com- of about half of Afghanistan’s prised and unready, and is now on NATO said was based on reporting mand leader Marine Gen. Frank roughly 400 districts. its back foot,” Sopko said. by Afghan forces and could be McKenzie told reporters in Kabul “The overall trend is clearly un- The report pointed to several [email protected] higher. that the military had stepped up favorable to the Afghan govern- problems plaguing Afghan securi- : @pwwellman Blinken talks of relocating Afghan allies in Kuwait

BY ISABEL DEBRE Kuwait, U.S. Secretary of State terpreters, drivers and other that process and notably in relo- a United Nations report. Associated Press Antony Blinken did not an- workers who helped U.S. forces cation planning for those brave Afghan allies have complained DUBAI, United Arab Emir- nounce any deal or disclose crit- during the two-decade war and Afghans and their families.” of a bureaucratic nightmare as ates — The is nego- ical details about the process, now find themselves at risk of The evacuation planning, they try to obtain the special im- tiating with Kuwait and other such as who would be eligible for retribution by the Taliban. which could affect tens of thou- migrant visas offered to foreign countries whether they can host relocation or where they would “The United States is commit- sands of Afghans, comes as the nationals deemed to be in need of Afghans who supported the be housed. ted to helping those who helped Taliban gain more ground protection because of their coop- American war effort and could As American troops complete us during our time in Afghanis- throughout Afghanistan, seizing eration with the U.S. govern- face Taliban revenge attacks if their withdrawal from Afghanis- tan over the last 20 years,” Blin- swaths of the countryside and ment. they stay in Afghanistan, Amer- tan, the Biden administration ken said at a joint press confer- fueling fears of a violent future. There are more than 18,000 vi- ica’s top diplomat said Thursday. has come under heavy pressure ence with his Kuwaiti counter- Civilian casualties surged in the sa applications pending, some During a visit to tiny, oil-rich to quickly evacuate Afghan in- part. “We’re actively engaged in first half of the year, according to for as long as nearly three years. Admiral: Virus has little impact on Talisman Sabre BY ALEX WILSON vaccines and all the precautions necessary first time on Australian soil on July 16. Stars and Stripes [were taken.]” “Every Talisman Sabre since 2005 has had The coronavirus pandemic has proved lit- Several person-to-person events and plan- an experimentation,” Engdahl said. “This tle hindrance to Talisman Sabre, the biennial ning sessions among U.S. and allied military Talisman Sabre was no different in terms of military exercise in Australia involving the commanders were reconfigured to prevent experimentation and high-end warfare op- United States and its allies, one U.S. admiral spreading the coronavirus respiratory dis- portunities to explore different things.” said during a conference call with reporters ease. The exercise involves a combined task Tuesday. “The fantastic thing is the flexibility of force of 17,000 U.S., Australian, New Zeal- Rear Adm. Chris Engdahl, commander of both of these militaries and our partners that and, Japanese, South Korean and British Expeditionary Strike Group 7, said certain we can move to virtual environment and con- troops. Engdahl’s command, which includes components of Talisman Sabre, which began nect in that fashion,” Engdahl said. “Based the amphibious assault ship USS America, in late June and runs through mid-August, on what we’re doing here, [there has been] homeported at Sasebo Naval Base, Japan, have been adjusted in light of COVID-19, but almost minimal impact to the value of the bi- and 70 fixed-wing aircraft and 50 helicop- the pandemic also provided unplanned train- national and bilateral engagement between ters, are taking part in the drills. ing opportunities. the U.S. and Australia.” Highlights from this year’s Talisman “U.S. forces have maintained the commit- Engdahl also called attention to two Chi- Sabre include a task force of Marine Corps ment and the capability to operate through nese spy ships loitering in the region, which gunners practicing expeditionary base oper- the COVID-19 environment for a long time he also said had “very little effect on this ex- ations, amphibious landing operations, night now,” he said. “There’s a very large land ercise.” infiltration exercises and a variety of other component in Australia, which is part of this Dealing with the coronavirus and Chinese scenarios. ALYSSA CHULUDA/U.S. Marine Corps exercise — as well as a large maritime com- surveillance weren’t the only novel experi- U.S. Army paratroopers jump onto a drop ponent — so the government of Australia and ences at this year’s Talisman Sabre. The U.S. [email protected] zone during the Talisman Sabre exercise the Australia Defense Force ensured that Army also fired a live Patriot missile for the Twitter: @AlexMNWilson in Queensland, Australia, on Wednesday. PAGE 4 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, July 30, 2021 MILITARY House lawmakers back 2nd destroyer plan BY CAITLIN DOORNBOS the year. The Navy had previously com- service would need an additional the budget, such as research and Stars and Stripes The proposed budget called for mitted to building two new de- $1.66 billion on top of its proposed development. WASHINGTON — House law- just one new destroyer alongside stroyers in 2022 as part of multi- $211.7 billion budget to fund the Saving the Navy’s top unfunded makers on Wednesday proposed a guided-missile frigate, two at- year contracts with Ingalls Ship- second destroyer. priority has happened in other maintaining the plan to build a tack submarines, a fleet-replen- building and General Dynamics Canceling one of the contracts budgets. Last year, Congress second guided-missile destroyer ishment oiler, two towing, salvage Bath Iron Works. However, the would cost the service a $33 mil- funded a submarine that was next year after the Navy cut the and rescue ships and an ocean- service proposed canceling one of lion breached-contract penalty originally on the Navy’s list of un- ship from its 2022 budget re- surveillance ship. the scheduled destroyers to save for doing so, Adm. Mike Gilday, funded priorities. quest. “[President ’s] bud- money in its 2022 budget. the chief of naval operations, said “While I'm frustrated that this The House Armed Services get arrived with an unexpected The Navy relies on destroyers June 22 during a Senate Armed is the second year that Congress Committee’s subpanel on sea- cut in the program of record for for some of its key missions such Services Committee hearing. has had to restore a major un- power and projection forces rec- one of our core battle force plat- as freedom-of-navigation oper- The second destroyer topped funded priority that was unex- ommended adding an additional forms, the DDG 51 destroyer,” ations. As House lawmakers the Navy’s unfunded priorities pectedly removed from the bud- destroyer to the Navy’s proposed said Rep. Joe Courtney, D-Conn., worked on the markup Wednes- list for the upcoming year. Acting get, doing so is the right decision shipbuilding plans in a budget the subcommittee chairman. “In day, the guided-missile destroyer Navy Secretary for our fleet and for the industrial markup Wednesday of the 2022 spite of these challenges, we once USS Benfold steamed through the during the June 22 hearing called base,” Courtney said. National Defense Authorization again have developed a mark that Taiwan Strait to challenge Chi- canceling the second destroyer a

Act, the law that sets the Penta- makes an independent assess- na's claims to the waterway. “very hard choice” necessary to [email protected] gon’s spending and priorities for ment of our shipbuilding needs.” Navy officials have said the make room for other priorities in Twitter: @CaitlinDoornbos Coast Guard Sector Guam rebrands itself during commissioning

BY ALEX WILSON through fisheries patrols, enhanced Stars and Stripes surveillance and enforcement ef- The U.S. Coast Guard renamed forts with U.S. partners in the West- its Guam outpost the Coast Guard ern Pacific whose own capacities Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam are limited. during a rare, triple commissioning “Coastal nations worldwide seek of fast-response cutters there to strengthen their coastal forces Thursday. and to whom do they look? They look The service’s commandant, to our Coast Guard as a key strategic Adm. Karl Schultz, announced the partner,” Schultz said during rebranding of Sector Guam during Thursday’s ceremony. “Many the commissioning of the cutters small nations lack the capacity to Frederick Hatch, Myrtle Hazard protect their vast waters, to protect and Oliver Henry. and thwart those threats from sea “This change signifies a different and to protect their rich maritime TRAVIS MAGEE/U.S. Navy operational construct than how and natural resources.” The Coast Guard fast­attack cutters Myrtle Hazard, Oliver Henry and Frederick Hatch were commissioned we’ve operated beforehand. Today, Rear Adm. Matthew Sibley, com- together during a ceremony on Guam on Thursday. these [cutters] are so capable that mander of Coast Guard District 14, we bring expeditionary capability explained the roles the cutters are important island for the U.S. It also and environmental protection. use of a multipronged deployment to the region that we haven’t had be- expected to fill. presents a unique area of operations They can reach speeds up to 28 of ships from its navy, coast guard fore,” he said during the live- “Coast Guard Sector Guam has for the Coast Guard to conduct exer- knots and remain at sea for five and maritime militia “to subvert streamed event. already started routinely deploying cises and utilize new assets. days, giving them a range of more other nations’ sovereignty and en- Schultz in October 2019 said that these fast-response cutters over The fast-response cutters are de- than 2,500 nautical miles, according force unlawful claims,” the report placing the three cutters in Guam is 1,400 nautical miles from Guam to signed for missions beyond the tra- to the Coast Guard. said. a response to “coercive and antag- counter foreign intelligence collec- ditional search-and-rescue work for In December, the Navy, Marine The report suggested that a more onistic behavior from China.” tion, combat illegal unregulated and which the Coast Guard is best Corps and Coast Guard issued Ad- robust Coast Guard presence in the During the ceremony, the admi- unreported fishing, execute search- known. Armed with four, .50-cali- vantage at Sea, a tri-service naval Western Pacific could provide joint ral echoed former national security and-rescue cases and deliver vital ber machine guns and a remote- strategy responding to China’s “re- force commanders greater flexibil- adviser Robert O’Brien, who said in support to remote island nations,” controlled, 25-mm cannon, the $65 visionist approach that aims at the ity in responding to China’s “gray October that the Guam-based cut- he said during the ceremony. million vessels may also be used for heart of the United States’ maritime zone” confrontations that remain ters are expected to help police Chi- Sibley said the cutters’ homeport, drug interdiction, defense oper- power.” below the threshold of armed con- na’s illegal fishing in the region Guam, is more than a strategically ations, maritime law enforcement Beijing’s strategy hinges on the flict. US Navy sends warship through Taiwan Strait for 7th time this year

BY ALEX WILSON lease Wednesday. mile waterway that separates Chi- Sherman’s visit to China this week. are monitoring China’s stance on Stars and Stripes The Benfold’s passage marks the na and Taiwan. Its warships made Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokes- Taiwan. A Japanese Ministry of Another U.S. Navy destroyer seventh Taiwan Strait transit this 13 transits throughout 2020, Lang- person Zhao Lijian, during a press Defense report released July 13 steamed through the Taiwan Strait year by a Navy vessel, 7th Fleet ford said. conference Monday, said Beijing said the country is focused on the on Wednesday amid increasing at- spokesman Lt. Mark Langford told The Chinese government rou- had “expressed strong dissatisfac- island with “a sense of crisis.” tention on the contentious water- Stars and Stripes in an email tinely condemns as provocative the tion” with the U.S. over issues such “Stabilizing the Taiwan situation way. Wednesday. presence of Navy destroyers in the as Taiwan and the South China Sea. is important for Japan’s national The guided-missile destroyer The guided-missile destroyer strait. Beijing considers Taiwan a security and stability of the inter- USS Benfold passed through the USS Curtis Wilbur made the Na- Wednesday’s trip was the first breakaway province and has con- national community,” the report strait in a “routine” transit that vy’s past two trips through the through the strait by the Benfold sistently maintained that the island said. “demonstrates the U.S. commit- strait on June 22 and May 18. since July 2018. should be reunited with the main- ment to a free and open Indo-Pacif- The Navy routinely steams Its passage comes just after U.S. land, possibly by force. [email protected] ic,” the U.S. Navy said in a news re- through the approximately 110- Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Meanwhile, the U.S. and Japan Twitter: @AlexMNWilson Friday, July 30, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 5 MILITARY Over 370 National Guard troops fighting wildfires

BY ROSE L. THAYER and record high temperatures. standing the weather trends af- 264 missions, the Guard said. Two of the largest fires burn- Stars and Stripes More than 36,500 fires have fecting wildfires, we’ve been Additional troops and aircraft ing now are in California and More than 370 National Guard burned a total of 2.8 million preparing since March.” are on standby as officials ex- Oregon. The Bootleg Fire en- troops from seven states are acres, roughly the size of Dela- Oregon, Montana, Washing- pect military support to peak in compasses more than 413,000 fighting wildfires in the western ware and Rhode Island com- ton, Idaho, Nevada, California mid-August. acres in southern Oregon and is portion of the United States as bined, according to the National and Wyoming have contributed Ducich said they remain in about 53% contained, according multiple large-scale blazes have Guard Bureau, the Washington soldiers and airmen to help com- close coordination with state and to the U.S. Forest Service. The destroyed homes and forced headquarters that is monitoring bat fires across the West. The federal agencies to keep up with Dixie Fire in Plumas County, thousands of residents to evac- Guard support. latter three states have contrib- the need to scale troop and Calif., has grown to more than uate. “We are continually evaluat- uted a total of four C-130 trans- equipment levels up or down as 221,500 acres and is about 23% More than a dozen states are ing and evolving our readiness,” port planes outfitted with fire- needed. More than 2,100 hand contained. now battling wildfires, which ig- said Brig. Gen. Nick Ducich, vice fighting equipment. crews from nine states are also nited earlier this month as the director of operations for the Na- As of Wednesday, the crews available to construct fire lines [email protected] region faces a historic drought tional Guard Bureau. “Under- had made 253 drops and flown on the ground, the Guard said. Twitter: @Rose_Lori New software could allow more time for combat decisions

BY CAITLIN DOORNBOS they’re available immediately.” sooner,” he said. Stars and Stripes While VanHerck said the soft- VanHerck said he hopes to field The military is finding new ware could make a significant im- the software “sooner than later so ways to use technology to help pact, the information being ana- that we can collaborate and create commanders make better, faster lyzed has already been available. decision space and deterrence op- decisions on the battlefield with “It’s not new information, it’s in- tions for our senior leaders right software that brings together and formation that today is just not now.” analyzes information such as ra- analyzed and processed until later “I believe, in the near future, dar data from across the world, in the time cycle,” he said. “All that we can kind of build the bike Air Force Gen. Glen VanHerck, we’re doing is taking it and shar- while we ride it,” he said. “We can the commander of U.S. Northern ing it and making it available soon- use a new paradigm — a new way Command, said Wednesday. er.” going forward — and field these NORTHCOM just finished its Though the information already capabilities across the combatant third global information dom- exists, VanHerck said using soft- commands today and develop the inance experiment, which ware to synthesize data allows de- tactics, techniques and proce- brought together all 11 U.S. com- JACKIE SANDERS/Office of the Secretary of Defense cision-makers extra time to take dures that oftentimes take us batant commands this month to Air Force Gen. Glen VanHerck, commander of U.S. Northern Com­ preventative actions. years to develop through develop- practice sharing information mand, shown at the Pentagon in March, said Wednesday the military “All too often we end up reac- mental testing [and] operational across the world, VanHerck told is finding ways to use technology on the battlefield. ting to a competitor’s move, and in testing.” reporters at the Pentagon. this case it actually allows us to

Participants used software tools velop such technology. those ships available so any op- create deterrence, which creates [email protected] designed to analyze, synthesize Still, “humans still make all the tions you create, you’ll know if stability by having awareness Twitter: @CaitlinDoornbos and share information across all decisions” in the technology used combatant commands to help for the global information dom- commanders work together to inance experiments, VanHerck make better and faster combat de- said. The AI in that software col- cisions. lects and digests important infor- Some of the tools use artificial mation from across the world on intelligence, something that De- which commanders need to base fense Secretary re- their decisions. cently called “one of the [Defense] “Certainly, machines can pro- department’s top tech moderniza- vide options,” VanHerck said. tion priorities.” “For example, if you … develop He said in a July 13 speech that deterrence options that utilize he sees AI as key to prevent future force structure such as airplanes conflicts as China — the primary or ships, the data can have the in- “pacing threat” for the United formation of the readiness, the States — increases its efforts to de- availability or the capability of Sailors: Service members’ vaccination status before deaths remains unknown

FROM PAGE 1 least one dose of the vaccine. The Navy did not say whether Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin the sailors had been vaccinated for months has been considering against the coronavirus. whether to mandate the vaccines As of July 21, 26 service mem- once they receive full approval bers had died from the coronavi- from the Food and Drug Adminis- rus and 1,832 were hospitalized, tration, acting Navy Secretary according to the Pentagon. The Thomas Harker said in June. sailors’ deaths bring the total to at Federal law prevents vaccines least 28. under emergency-use authoriza- In total, about 205,910 troops tion from becoming mandatory have tested positive for the coro- unless the president finds it neces- navirus since the beginning of the sary. pandemic, according to the Penta- gon. More than 1.2 million active- duty, Reserve, and National [email protected] Guard troops have received at Twitter: @CaitlinDoornbos PAGE 6 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, July 30, 2021 MILITARY Sailors allowed to defer up to 120 leave days BY WYATT OLSON service said. Stars and Stripes Sailors are allowed to retain Sailors who missed vacation the special leave they have ac- opportunities during the corona- crued during the current fiscal virus pandemic may carry up to year until Sept. 30, 2024, the Navy 120 days of unused leave for an- said. Leave accrued after Sept. 30 other three years, the Navy an- is not protected by the policy. nounced Wednesday. The memo made no mention of COLBEY LIVINGSTON/U.S. Navy The leave time — twice the car- leave policy for the Marine A sailor aboard the guided­missile cruiser USS San Jacinto goes on liberty following the ship's return last ryover amount allowed in normal Corps. August to Naval Station Norfolk, Va. times — must have been accrued Enlisted sailors who have more during the current fiscal year, than 120 days of leave can “sell The Office of the Secretary of vice to set its own accrual car- The Air Force last week an- which ends Sept. 30, according to back leave,” the Navy said. “This Defense approved leave carry- ryover policy for the current fis- nounced a very similar leave ac- a Navy memo. is limited to once in a career and over for all the services during cal year. crual policy for the current fiscal The pandemic has made it dif- counts towards the 60 day career the previous fiscal year that end- The Navy’s policy was ap- year. ficult for many sailors to take limit.” ed Sept. 30, 2020, due to the pan- proved by the Assistant Secreta-

time off and necessitated the Spe- Officers are not authorized to demic. ry of the Navy for Manpower and [email protected] cial Leave Accrual policy, the sell back leave. The Pentagon has left each ser- Reserve Affairs. Twitter: @WyattWOlson Masks: DOD requires face coverings for vaccinated personnel FROM PAGE 1 — had been fully vaccinated. An- category. Another 537 were listed While CDC officials and Biden after the national Centers for Dis- other 233,565 troops were partial- within the substantial transmis- have said in recent days that the ease Control and Prevention is- ly vaccinated, according to the da- sion rate category. vast majority of cases, about 90%, sued new guidance encouraging ta. Defense Secretary Lloyd Aus- A CDC map of county statuses have spread among those not vac- vaccinated Americans to don tin announced July 16 that more showed high or substantial trans- cinated against the coronavirus, masks indoors in certain locations than 70% of the active-duty force mission across most of the U.S. officials have warned they have where the coronavirus is spread- had been at least partially vacci- southeast, where vaccination seen more so-called breakthrough ing rapidly. nated, but the Pentagon has not rates trail other parts of the coun- cases of the virus infecting fully “Deputy Secretary Hicks has provided updated data on active- try. But at least some counties re- vaccinated individuals. directed that all individuals, re- duty troops since then. porting significant or high rates of CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Wa- gardless of vaccination status, The U.S. military has reported infection appeared to be present lensky said breakthrough infec- wear masks in indoor settings at 208,603 troops have tested posi- in all 50 states. Updated informa- tions remain rare and the “vac- Department of Defense installa- tive for the virus since the pan- tion on local transmission rates cines work just as we thought they tions and facilities in areas of sub- MICHAEL LESLIE/U.S. National Guard demic began. Pentagon data re- and other coronavirus-related da- would.” However, where health stantial or high transmission, as Senior Master Sgt. Anita Blue leased Wednesday showed more ta is available online. officials once thought vaccinated defined by the CDC, to protect wears a mask and listens to a than 5,000 active cases. Twenty- In the Defense Department individuals were unlikely to against rising [coronavirus] speaker Aug. 19 at Camp Mabry eight service members have died memorandum announcing the spread the disease, new data cases,” said Jamal Brown, a Pen- in Austin, . from complications of the virus. changes on Wednesday, Hicks shows they can spread the new tagon spokesman. “[Wednes- The White House official said said military installations and oth- variant to others, she said. day’s] announcement applies to please, please” get their shots. new rules were meant to encour- er DOD facilities should post signs “With the delta variant, we can all service members, federal per- Biden was expected to an- age an increase in vaccination at their locations and information now see in outbreak investigations sonnel, contractors, and visitors nounce Thursday afternoon that rates in the country, setting an ex- on their websites outlining cur- in these recent weeks … that you when indoors at all properties most federal employees show ample for employers to set their rent guidance, including whether can actually now pass it to some- owned by the department in those proof that they had been fully vac- own get-vaccinated or tested reg- fully vaccinated individuals must one else,” Walensky said Wednes- areas, in accordance with updated cinated against the coronavirus or ularly policies, the AP reported. wear masks indoors in that loca- day on CNN. “For every 20 [fully CDC guidelines.” agree to regular testing, stringent Regardless, federal officials tion “as soon as possible.” vaccinated] people, one or two of The Defense Department social distancing requirements, want unvaccinated and vaccinat- Defense Department personnel them could get a breakthrough, change on mask requirements masking up and restrictions on ed individuals to return to mask- who do not comply with current they may only get mild disease, came just one day before Presi- their travel, The Associated Press wearing indoors in those locations orders regarding face masks but we wanted them to know they dent Joe Biden was expected to is- reported, citing an unnamed ad- deemed by the CDC to have sub- could be punished, defense offi- could bring that mild disease sue new rules for federal employ- ministration official. The official stantial or high coronavirus trans- cials have said. home, they could bring it to oth- ees, potentially including military said those who chose not to get mission rates. Hicks directed service mem- ers.” troops, related to the virus as in- vaccinated would not be at risk of The CDC has defined those ar- bers and DOD civilian employees The Department of Veterans fection rates increase and the losing their jobs. eas of the country, broken down to “continue to comply with CDC Affairs on Monday announced it White House pushes for more eli- AP reported it was not clear by individual county, as display- guidance regarding areas where would require its medical workers gible Americans to get vaccinated. ahead of Biden’s announcement if ing substantial coronavirus trans- masks should be worn, including to receive coronavirus vaccines. The president has placed blame he would lump active-duty mili- mission rates if more than 50 within airports.” The department, the first federal on unvaccinated adults for in- tary troops and federal contract cases per 100,000 persons were re- The change comes as federal agency to mandate vaccination for creasing transmission rates pri- workers into the new require- ported in the previous seven days. health officials expressed increas- any of its personnel, gave employ- marily with the highly infectious ments. Those reporting more than 100 ing concerns about the highly ees until Sept. 20 to be fully vacci- delta variant of the coronavirus. Pentagon data updated on cases per 100,000 persons are transmissible delta variant of the nated. “The pandemic we have now is Wednesday showed about 48% of deemed to have high transmission virus spreading throughout the a pandemic of the unvaccinated,” the military’s total active-duty, rates. On Wednesday, the CDC re- country and increasing hospitali- The Associated Press contributed to this report. Biden said Wednesday, urging un- National Guard and Reserve force ported 1,608 of 3,219 U.S. counties zation rates in many areas of the [email protected] vaccinated Americans to “please, — or 1,027,730 service members fell into the high transmission rate United States. Twitter: @CDicksteinDC Friday, July 30, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 7 OLYMPICS 2 US military community members aid golf contest BY SETH ROBSON In another golf tournament, the ball Stars and Stripes might have struck a fan. But with spectators KASUMIGASEKI COUNTRY CLUB, banned from most Olympic events it ended Japan — Incoming, wayward golf balls up in a decent lie, although trees made for a didn’t faze two members of the U.S. military challenging second shot onto the green. community working at the Olympic golf Superstars such as Masters champion competition in Saitama prefecture this Hideki Matsuyama and The Open cham- week. pion Collin Morikawa are used to walking Patrick Bowman, the professional at the past throngs of fans on their way to the tee Air Force-run Tama Hills Golf Course in box. On Thursday, only a few photogra- Tokyo, and Jon Stillabower, operations phers and course officials watched them manager at the Marine Corps’ Taiyo Golf play. Course on Okinawa, spent Thursday walk- U.S. Air Force planes passed overhead; ing the fairways at Kasumigaseki Country the country club is about 12 miles north of Club. Yokota Air Base, the headquarters in west- They plan to do the same for the next ern Tokyo for U.S. Forces Japan. three days, using radios to call in informa- Bowman, who saw win the tion on players’ shots and order of play to Zozo Championship PGA Tour at the Accor- international broadcasters. dia Golf Narashino country club in nearby During the first round on Thursday, Bow- Chiba prefecture in 2019, said he wished his man tracked a group that included Kalle Sa- friends could have been at the Olympic SETH ROBSON/Stars and Stripes mooja of Finland, Jhonattan Vegas of Vene- competition. Tokyo Olympics volunteers Patrick Bowman, left, the golf professional at the Air zuela and Thomas Detry of Belgium. “I don’t take any of this for granted,” he Force­run Tama Hills Golf Course, and Jon Stillabower, operations manager at the Stillabower watched Thomas Detry of said. “But at the same time, I wish everyone Marine Corps’ Taiyo Golf Course on Okinawa, pose at Kasumigaseki Country Club in Slovakia, Mito Pereira of Chile and Renatro was here with us.” Saitama prefecture, Japan, on Thursday. Paratore of . Plenty of people go to PGA tournaments, On the first hole, Bowman took up a posi- Stillabower said. “But it’s different going to selves despite hot, humid conditions. @OlympicGolf. Excited to get back out tion about 280 yards down the fairway to the Olympics and seeing not just the PGA Justin Thomas finished in even par. Xan- there tomorrow and begin the chase.” watch the drives land but had to duck when players but players from around the world der Schauffele tweeted after his round:

Vegas’ first shot hit nearby trees and came representing their countries.” “Left a few shots out there today but overall [email protected] down a few feet away. The U.S. players seemed to enjoy them- pleased with my 68 (-3) in round one here at Twitter: @SethRobson1 PAGE 8 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, July 30, 2021 VIRUS OUTBREAK Tokyo breaks another one-day case record BY JOSEPH DITZLER On Okinawa, the Marine Corps Stars and Stripes had four people test positive for TOKYO — The coronavirus COVID-19 on Thursday, accord- wave in Japan’s capital city broke ing to a Facebook post by Marine its one-day record for new infec- Corps Installations Pacific. tions again Thursday, one week Okinawa prefecture on Thurs- into the city’s pandemic-delayed day also reported its highest one- . day caseload, thus far, 392 newly Another 3,865 people tested infected people, surpassing 347 positive in Tokyo, the most ever new cases Wednesday and the on one day, and a day after reac- previous peak, 354 cases Tues- hing the previous peak of 3,177, day, according to NHK and pre- according to public broadcaster fectural Gov. Denny Tamaki. A NHK and metro government da- total of 23,940 people on Okinawa ta. Three people died of CO- have been infected since March VID-19 in the city, NHK reported. 2020 and 235 have died, including The fifth wave of the coronavi- two Thursday, according to NHK rus in the city has set a caseload and prefectural data online. record three days in a row. “It is not an exaggeration to say The Tokyo Olympics on Thurs- that we are experiencing the day reported 24 new COVID-19 worst situation,” Tamaki said at a patients, including three foreign news conference Wednesday. athletes, the highest daily total The coronavirus surge on Oki- since the organizing committee nawa, home to the largest concen- started keeping track July 1, ac- tration of U.S. troops in Japan, is cording to The Mainichi newspa- particularly strong among teens, per. That brought the total of Tamaki said. In central Okinawa, Olympic cases to 193. employees of bars and restau- The surge is also growing in the rants are most affected, followed city’s three neighboring prefec- by construction workers. tures, where new infections also AKIFUMI ISHIKAWA/Stars and Stripes Tamaki, who received the first broke pandemic records Wednes- Another 3,865 people tested positive for the coronavirus in Tokyo on Thursday. shot of the two-shot Moderna vac- day, NHK reported Thursday. cine Tuesday, urged his constitu- The national government may de- tama prefecture announced 1,870, miles south of Tokyo, had six peo- suka Naval Base, 38 miles south of ency to get vaccinated. Vaccines clare an emergency in those pre- and Chiba, to the east, reported ple test positive: four after close Tokyo, reported that an unvacci- are in short supply on the island, fectures as soon as Friday. 577. contact with other individuals and nated child care provider at the and Tamaki said he has asked To- Kanagawa prefecture, home to The U.S. military in Japan on two after falling ill with COVID-19 Duncan Street Child Develop- kyo for enough to inoculate the is- the headquarters for the U.S. Ar- Thursday and late Wednesday an- symptoms, according to a base ment Center had tested positive land’s population. my and Navy in Japan and home- nounced 11 new COVID-19 pa- news release. The base has nine earlier in the day. An infant room port of the 7th Fleet, reported tients, including four on Okinawa people under medical supervi- at the center was closed Thurs- Stars and Stripes reporter Mari Higa contributed to this report. 1,051 new COVID-19 patients and seven in Kanagawa. sion. day, according to a Facebook post [email protected] Wednesday. North of Tokyo, Sai- Naval Air Facility Atsugi, 26 On Wednesday evening, Yoko- by the base. Twitter: @JosephDitzler Virus cases dip in South Korea as its military tightens restrictions BY DAVID CHOI positive before entering quaran- base’s gates. A defense ministry AND YOO KYONG CHANG tine, while the other infection was official told Stars and Stripes on Stars and Stripes discovered during an isolation, Thursday that there may be some CAMP HUMPHREYS, South USFK said. exceptions, such as attending a fu- Korea — The Korea Disease Con- Meanwhile, South Korea’s Min- neral. trol and Prevention Agency re- istry of National Defense has South Korean service members ported 1,674 new COVID-19 pa- tightened its social distancing stationed in metropolitan areas tients on Thursday, hundreds less measures, which have been par- are also restricted from leaving than the pandemic-record 1,896 ticularly restrictive when com- the barracks-area with a few ex- cases announced the previous pared to regulations governing the ceptions, while those in less-pop- day. roughly 28,500 U.S. troops sta- ulated regions where there have The U.S. military, meanwhile, tioned in the country. been no infections for the past sev- had five people test positive for the According to the defense minis- en days may leave with a com- coronavirus respiratory disease try’s regulations, only 10% of mander’s approval. after arriving on the peninsula be- troops from a military unit will be Nearly 1,500 of South Korea’s ASHLEY MCLAUGHLIN/U.S. Marine Corps tween July 20 and Sunday, U.S. allowed to take leave, and only 550,000 active-duty troops have Over 80% of U.S. Forces Korea troops and civilian employees have Forces Korea announced Thurs- within the country. An additional tested positive for COVID-19, ac- been vaccinated for the coronavirus, and less than 1% of its day. 5% of troops may also be allowed cording to the defense ministry. active­duty service members have tested positive for COVID­19. One of the new patients is a ser- to take leave at the commander’s USFK similarly extended its vice member who landed at Osan discretion. own “enhanced” COVID-19 miti- are prohibited from visiting the civilian employees have been in- Air Base aboard the Patriot Ex- All private gatherings have gation measures until Aug. 27. greater Seoul-area except for mis- oculated and less than 1% of its ac- press military charter flight from been suspended or canceled for Unit-level commanders are gen- sion-essential duties. tive-duty service members tested the United States on July 20, a two weeks, and service members erally able to implement their own Seoul continues to report a high- positive for COVID-19. The com- news release said. The others — are banned from attending in-per- rules in addition to USFK policies, er number of infections than any mand has maintained that it “re- three service members and a fam- son religious gatherings outside of and all service members are in- other area in the country. The cap- mains at a high level of readiness,” ily member of a USFK contractor their military base. structed to follow local guidelines. ital city recorded 515 new cases despite the recent surge of infec- — arrived at Incheon Internation- Troops stationed at a South Ko- U.S. troops are allowed to leave Thursday, down from its record tions in the surrounding commu- al Airport on July 21, 22 and Sun- rean base are also prohibited from their bases, but regardless of their high of 638 daily cases earlier this nities. day. meeting outside visitors and hav- vaccination status are banned month. Four of those individuals tested ing overnight stays outside the from visiting bars and clubs and Over 80% of USFK troops and [email protected] Friday, July 30, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 9 VIRUS OUTBREAK Pfizer data shows vaccine still strong 6 months after jab The Washington Post is ... more profound for mild WASHINGTON — Executives cases, but there is a clear waning of the pharmaceutical giant Pfizer also for hospitalizations and se- predicted Wednesday that vac- vere disease.” cine boosters would soon be need- In Israel, Health Ministry offi- ed, a declaration that came on the cials late Wednesday recom- same day the company published mended administering booster data showing that its coronavirus shots to older adults. The director shots remained robustly protec- general of the Health Ministry is tive six months after vaccination, expected to accept that recom- providing nearly complete pro- mendation in coming days and tection against severe disease. will decide whether the target Hours later, Israeli health offi- group will include people older cials moved toward making boost- than 65 or older than 75. JULIE MITCHELL/AAFES ers available for older residents. Despite a lack of regulatory ap- Students at overseas Department of Defense Education Activity schools, like these in Netzaberg, Germa­ Pfizer’s paper, which has not proval for boosters in the United ny, in 2016, will be eligible for free lunches through June 2022, the Army and Air Force Exchange Serviceyet undergone peer review, States or Europe and the absence announced. showed a slight drop in efficacy of definitive data, the Israeli ex- against any symptomatic cases of perts concluded that the peril COVID-19, the illness caused by posed by the apparent waning of the novel coronavirus, from 96% vaccine efficacy over time, along- Free meals to be given at DODEA protection in the first two months side a spike in infections, out- after vaccination to 84% after four weighs the risk of pursuing a schools through new school year months. booster shot policy for the elderly. Company officials also present- The Israeli officials said protec- BY JENNIFER H. SVAN The meals are also available to 17,700 meals per day during the ed data showing that a third shot tion against serious illness for Stars and Stripes students learning virtually, said 2020-21 school year, including could boost disease-fighting anti- those older than 60 who were vac- KAISERSLAUTERN, Germa- Chris Ward, an AAFES spokes- “grab and go” meals for students bodies many times higher than cinated in January dropped from ny — Defense Department man. in remote classes. the level achieved by the standard 97% to about 81%. For those older schools overseas will continue to DODEA schools overseas first To participate, students must two-dose regimen. They said on a than 60 vaccinated in March, it offer free meals to students offered free meals in November have a DODEA student ID num- quarterly earnings call that they fell to about 84%. They said effica- through June 2022, school offi- after gaining USDA approval to ber and meal account through planned to seek authorization for cy remained at 93% for people ag- cials said Thursday. participate in the program, which AAFES, the Navy Exchange or a booster by mid-August, reiterat- es 40 to 59 years. The U.S. Department of Agri- was started to provide relief to Marine Corps Community Servic- ing the company’s belief that a The data released Wednesday culture granted the extension, families during the coronavirus es. No action is required to receive third dose would be needed to en- by Pfizer, when viewed across the said Stephen Smith, a spokesman pandemic. USDA subsidizes the free school meals for students who hance immunity within a year of entirety of the six-month period for Department of Defense Edu- meals for all children, regardless already have an account, AAFES vaccination. covered in the paper, showed the cation Activity–Europe. of household income. said. “There is very good protection vaccine was 91% protective over- Officials with the Army and Air “This is a tremendous benefit to Parents may set up accounts at in the beginning, and then there’s all. The findings come from the Force Exchange Service, which military families,” Air Force Chief their local military exchange cus- waning. And when you come clos- continuation of a large clinical provides meals at 76 school cafe- Master Sgt. Kevin Osby, the Ex- tomer service area. er to six months, [waning] which trial that began last summer, so terias throughout Europe and the change’s senior enlistment advis- is even more profound with delta they do not include the period

Pacific, said breakfast and lunch er, said in a statement. [email protected] [variant],” Pfizer chief executive when the delta variant had will be free at the DODEA schools. AAFES served an average of Twitter: @stripesktown Albert Bourla said. “The waning emerged and become dominant. Variant discovered in Colombia is beginning to show up in Fla. BY LATESHIA BEACHUM international travel between Col- nt causes more severe disease or “The only time it becomes im- [of infections] to 30% or to 60%; we The Washington Post ombia and , which serves as evades the efficacy of vaccines. portant is if it gives virus selective don’t want to see that,” he said. “It A coronavirus variant discov- a gateway to Latin America. Yet the agency has designated the advantage, which we’ve seen with has to be more fit than the delta ered in Colombia is showing up A person who replied to an variant to be under investigation delta variant,” he said. “We’ll see variant. It would have to be more among patients in , email sent from The Washington as it continues to conduct lab test- with this one ... What we have to transmissible.” increasing infections and putting Post to Migoya’s office said he was ing to better understand the im- see is two weeks from now, or four It doesn’t take much time for health officials on alert as calls unavailable to comment. pact mutations have on the coro- weeks from now, is this going to do variants to spread, especially grow louder for unvaccinated in- Health experts will keep B.1.621 navirus. another trick and wind up being among unvaccinated people, said dividuals to get inoculated. on their radar as the fall season The European Centre for Dis- more?” Preeti N. Malani, chief health offi- Carlos Migoya, CEO of Jackson looms and as parts of the country ease Control and Prevention has Sellick noted how quickly the cer and a professor of medicine in Health System, told WPLG in still lag in their vaccination ef- also chosen to assign the variant as delta variant went from account- the Division of Infectious Diseas- Miami earlier this week that the forts, experts told The Post. one of interest, as evidence could ing for just more than 10% of cases es at the University of Michigan. B.1.621 variant has accounted for The earliest documented sam- suggest significant impact, but al- at the beginning of June to more Malani pointed to drug compa- about 10% of coronavirus patients, ples of B.1.621 were noted in Janu- so noting that much of the data is than 80% of cases by mid-July. ny Biogen’s annual leadership trailing behind delta, the now ary, and at least 16 cases have preliminary and marked with The Centers for Disease Control conference in February 2020, dominant variant in the United been recently reported in the many questions. and Prevention is monitoring from which the coronavirus States that’s been ravaging the na- United Kingdom, where health of- In the U.S., the variant has yet to more than 10 other variants in ad- spread across Massachusetts and tion’s unvaccinated, and the gam- ficials have noted that the major- be named one of interest or con- dition to B.1.621 that’s popping up the country, as an example of how ma variant. B.1.621 has yet to re- ity of cases linked to the variant cern, accounting for just more in South Florida. quickly variants can spread. ceive a Greek-letter designation were the result of international than 2.1% of cases as of July 17, Only time will provide more in- “If you have a lot of unvaccinat- as more prominent variants have. travel. noted John Sellick, a professor at formation about B.1.621, Sellick ed people gathering and then Migoya told the news station Public Health England noted the Jacobs School of Medicine and said. they’re going back home, you that he speculated B.1.621 is likely last week that there is currently no Biomedical Sciences at the Uni- “If this thing is really more could have very rapid transmis- rising in South Florida because of evidence to indicate that the varia- versity at Buffalo. transmissible and goes from 2% sion in few weeks,” she said. PAGE 10 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, July 30, 2021 NATION Senate to begin work on infrastructure bill Associated Press outcome showed that bipartisan- WASHINGTON — The Senate ship in Washington can work and has voted to begin work on a near- he believed GOP support would ly $1 trillion national infrastruc- only grow. “That’s pretty darn ture plan, acting with sudden good for a start,” he said. speed after weeks of fits and starts That group had labored with the once the White House and a bipar- White House to salvage the deal, a tisan group of senators agreed on first part of Biden’s big infrastruc- major provisions of the package ture agenda. Swelling to more that’s key to President Joe Biden’s than 700 pages, the bill includes agenda. $550 billion in new spending for Biden welcomed the accord as public works projects. one that would show America can In all, 17 Republican senators “do big things.” It includes the joined the Democrats in voting to most significant long-term invest- launch the debate, but most re- ments in nearly a century, he said, mained skeptical. The GOP sen- on par with building the transcon- ators were given a thick binder of tinental railroad or the Interstate briefing materials during a pri- highway system. vate lunch, but they asked many “This deal signals to the world questions and wanted more de- that our democracy can function,” tails. Biden said ahead of the vote According to a 57-page GOP Wednesday night. “We will once summary obtained by The Associ- again transform America and pro- ated Press, the five-year spending pel us into the future.” package would be paid for by tap- After weeks of stop-and-go ne- J. SCOTT APPLEWHITE/AP ping $205 billion in unspent CO- gotiations, the rare bipartisan Senate negotiators from both parties speak to reporters just after a vote to start work on a nearly $1 VID-19 relief aid and $53 billion in showing on a 67-32 vote to start trillion bipartisan infrastructure package, at the Capitol, on Wednesday. unemployment insurance aid formal Senate consideration some states have halted. It also re- showed the high interest among proceed for consideration and ul- grams and services including Portman, of Ohio, announced the lies on economic growth to bring senators in the infrastructure timately pass this bill, meaning child care, tax breaks and health bipartisan group’s agreement on in $56 billion, and other measures. package. But it’s unclear if enough support from both parties. care that touch almost every cor- the $1 trillion package earlier Giving Wednesday night’s vote Republicans will eventually join The outcome will set the stage ner of American life. Republicans Wednesday at the Capitol, flanked a boost, Senate GOP leader Mitch Democrats to support the final for the next debate over Biden’s strongly oppose that bill, which by four other Republican senators McConnell announced late in the passage. much more ambitious $3.5 trillion would require a simple majority, who had been in talks with Demo- day he would vote to proceed, Senate rules require 60 votes in spending package, a strictly parti- and may try to stop both. crats and the White House. though whether he will support the evenly split 50-50 chamber to san pursuit of far-reaching pro- Lead GOP negotiator Sen. Rob After voting, Portman said the the final bill remains uncertain. Alaskan quake US economy accelerated at shakes up coast solid 6.5% rate last quarter Associated Press ta variant. The U.S. is now averag- WASHINGTON — Fueled by ing more than 60,000 confirmed with lengthy jolt vaccinations and government aid, new cases a day, up from only the U.S. economy grew at a solid about 12,000 a month ago. Should a Associated Press 6.5% annual rate last quarter in surge in viral infections cause PERRYVILLE, Alaska — A powerful earthquake another sign that the nation has many consumers to hunker down that struck just off Alaska’s southern coast caused achieved a sustained recovery again and pull back on spending, it prolonged shaking and prompted tsunami warnings from the pandemic recession. The would weaken the recovery. that sent people scrambling for shelters. total size of the economy has now For now, the economy is show- Residents reported only minor damage, but offi- surpassed its pre-pandemic level. ing sustained strength. Last cials said that could change after sunrise and people Thursday’s report from the month, America’s employers add- get a better look. Commerce Department estimat- ed 850,000 jobs, well above the av- The National Tsunami Warning Center canceled ed that the nation’s gross domestic erage of the previous three the warnings early Thursday when the biggest wave, product — its total output of goods months. And average hourly pay of just over a half foot, was recorded in Old Harbor. A SARAH KNAPP, HOMER NEWS/AP and services — accelerated in the rose a solid 3.6% compared with a tsunami warning that had also been issued for Ha- People evacuate the Homer Spit in Homer, Alaska, April-June quarter from an al- year earlier, faster than the pre- waii was also canceled, and officials said there was no on Wednesday, after a tsunami warning was issued ready robust 6.3% annual growth pandemic annual pace. threat to Guam, American Samoa or the Common- following a magnitude 8.2 earthquake. rate in the first quarter of the year. “The fundamentals for consum- wealth of Northern Mariana Islands. The quarterly figure was less than ers and businesses are still very The warning for Alaska covered nearly a 1,000- On the Kenai Peninsula, a steady stream of cars analysts had expected, but the good,” said Gus Faucher, chief mile stretch from Prince William Sound to Samalga were seen evacuating the Homer Spit, a jut of land economy was likely held back economist at PNC Financial, who Island, Alaska, near the end of the Aleutian Islands. extending nearly 5 miles into Kachemak Bay that is a mainly by supply shortages in said he had so far seen no effects The U.S. Geological Survey said the quake was draw for tourists and fishermen. goods, components and labor. from a rise in confirmed cases. magnitude 8.2 and hit 56 miles east southeast of Per- In King Cove, up to 400 people took shelter in the For all of 2021, the economy is Consumer confidence has reac- ryville, Alaska, at about 8:15 p.m. Wednesday. The school gym. expected to expand perhaps as hed its highest level since the pan- quake was about 29 miles below the surface of the “We’re used to this. This is pretty normal for this much as 7%. If so, that would be demic struck in March 2020, a key ocean, according to USGS. area to get these kind of quakes, and when the tsuna- the strongest calendar-year reason why retail sales remain Patrick Mayer, the superintendent of schools for mi sirens go off, it’s just something we do,” school growth since 1984. And it would solid as Americans shift their the Aleutians East Borough, was sitting in his kitchen principal Paul Barker told the Anchorage newspa- mark a sharp reversal from last spending back to services — from in the community of Sand Point when shaking from per. “It’s not something you ever get used to, but it’s year’s 3.5% economic contraction restaurant meals and airline trips the quake started. part of the job living here and being part of the com- — the worst in 74 years — as a re- to entertainment events and shop- “It started to go and just didn’t stop,” Mayer told munity.” sult of the pandemic. ping sprees. Businesses are also the Anchorage Daily News. “It went on for a long time Several other earthquakes, some with preliminary Yet overhanging the rosy eco- showing renewed faith in the and there were several aftershocks, too. The pantry is magnitudes of 6.2 and 5.6, occurred in the same area nomic forecasts is the possibility economy, with orders for manu- empty all over the , the fridge is empty all over within hours of the first one, the U.S. Geological Sur- of a resurgent coronavirus in the factured goods pointing to solid the floor.” vey reported. form of the highly contagious del- corporate investment. Friday, July 30, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 11 PAGE 12 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, July 30, 2021 NATION Facing Census hold, GOP group removes request for records Associated Press The redistricting data is set to be A Republican advocacy group made public by Aug. 16 following a on Wednesday withdrew its re- five-month delay from its original quest for a court order seeking the deadline due to the pandemic. The immediate release of Census Bu- delay sent states scrambling to re- reau records after the agency’s vise redistricting deadlines, and chief scientist warned their disclo- two states, Ohio and Alabama, sure could push back the already sued the Census Bureau in an un- delayed release of redistricting successful effort to get it to release GERRY BROOME/AP data used for drawing congres- the data before August. Students begin moving in for the fall semester at North Carolina State University in Raleigh on July 31, sional and legislative districts. Fair Lines sued the Census Bu- 2020. By the end of the U.S. head count last year, the Census Bureau lacked data for almost a fifth of the Fair Lines America Foundation reau in a public records lawsuit for nation’s occupied college dorms, nursing homes and prisons, requiring the agency to make 11th­hour calls withdrew its request for a prelimi- information about how the census to facilities to collect resident information or use a last­resort statistical technique to fill in the gaps. nary injunction in a public records count was conducted on people liv- lawsuit against the statistical ing in dormitories, prisons, nurs- population figures used for divvy- most difficult places to count peo- Abowd said that if the Census agency. Earlier this week, Census ing homes and group homes. ing up congressional seats among ple during the 2020 census be- Bureau is required to release addi- Bureau Chief Scientist John Those facilities are called “group the states. cause the pandemic forced colleg- tional records as part of the Fair Abowd had said in a court declara- quarters” by the bureau. Fair The withdrawal is only being es to shutter dorms and send stu- Lines lawsuit, it will need as much tion that the records’ disclosure Lines says it’s concerned about the made on the preliminary injunc- dents home. Also, nursing homes as six months to recalibrate a new could cause an additional delay of accuracy of the group quarters tion motion, not the public records and other facilities restricted ac- statistical tool meant to protect up to six months in the redistrict- count and wants to make sure lawsuit. cess in an effort to protect vulner- people’s privacy so that they can’t ing data’s release. anomalies didn’t affect the state Group facilities were among the able residents from the virus. be identified through the data. Virus’s surge stalls plans to stop Title 42 expulsions The Washington Post surge he has described as seasonal law. administration’s thinking, accord- adults and children arriving in the WASHINGTON — A spike in cor- is growing larger this summer while Officials said last month that the ing to four U.S. officials who spoke dangerous heat, Biden administra- onavirus infections in and coronavirus caseloads rise. Repub- government was preparing to end on the condition of anonymity be- tion officials said this week they will along the southern U.S. border has licans have hammered Biden’s the return-to-Mexico policy, with- cause they were not authorized to reinstate fast-track deportations for shelved Biden administration plans moves to ease Trump-era restric- out providing a timetable, though discuss internal deliberations. families, while quietly acknowledg- to phase out the controversial public tions as a threat to public health. But several media outlets reported that The administration now fears it ing the Title 42 policy will remain in health law used to return more than the president is also taking fire from Title 42 would no longer be used on will be blamed for a pandemic re- use. 1 million migrants to Mexico, ac- immigrant advocates who have de- families after July 31. But the explo- surgence made worse by the border Immigrant advocacy groups ex- cording to U.S. officials working on nounced the expulsion program sive spread of the delta variant in re- influx. coriated Biden after the Depart- border policy. known as Title 42 and challenged it cent weeks, and a huge influx of With Rio Grande Valley Border ment of Homeland Security said The delay points to President Joe in court because it prevents most Central American families crossing Patrol stations and migrant shelters late Monday that it will use expedit- Biden’s deepening predicament at asylum seekers from applying for into the Rio Grande Valley of South stretched beyond capacity, and ed removal authority to send back the border, where the migration humanitarian protection under U.S. Texas, have recalibrated the Biden large groups with 300 or more “certain family groups.” Officials: Indianapolis FedEx gunman fired indiscriminately at his former workplace

BY MARK BERMAN even after months of deep inves- raising fears about possible bias The Washington Post tigations ... the why is still un- fueling the carnage. The gunman who killed eight known,” Taylor said at a news But the FBI believes that “the people at a FedEx facility in Indi- briefing. “That’s something that shooter did not appear to have anapolis in April opened fire in only the shooter honestly knows, been motivated by bias or a de- “an act of suicidal murder” and and we know we can’t get any- sire to advance an ideology,” said did not appear to be driven by thing from him.” Paul Keenan, special agent in racial bias, officials said, though Still, officials said their investi- charge of the bureau’s Indianapo- police said they had not identified gation, which included more than lis field office. “We didn’t find it a conclusive motive for the at- 120 interviews and an examin- was a bias crime.” tack. ation of the attacker’s digital Keenan said investigators had This announcement came media footprint, ruled out some found that the gunman had more than three months after the potential motivations. viewed some “World War II, Na- gunman — identified by police as Investigators found no evi- zi-type propaganda,” but de- 19-year-old Brandon Hole — at- dence of any workplace grievanc- scribed it as a small fraction of tacked the facility where he had es, saying the gunman, who his overall digital history. “There once worked, firing inside and worked at the facility for a few was no indication there was any outside before taking his own life. months in 2020, just stopped animosity towards the Sikh com- Authorities said they had spent showing up for work. They also munity, or any other group for months conducting an expansive found no connection between him that matter,” he said. investigation in search of a mo- and any of the victims. In a statement, Amrith Kaur, tive and “trying to find out the Four of the eight people slain in the Sikh Coalition’s legal director, why,” said Randal Taylor, chief the April 15 massacre were Sikh, described being “disappointed” of the Indianapolis Metropolitan and police had previously report- that police and the bureau “still Police Department. ed finding white supremacist have not detailed how they ruled “Unfortunately, sometimes, sites on the attacker’s computer, out bias as a possible motive.” Friday, July 30, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 13 Skyward Sword WEEKEND redeems itself Video games, Page 19

WILD RIDE Johnson, Blunt pack plenty of puns, fun on Disney’s ‘Jungle Cruise’

Movies, Page 16

Dwayne Johnson, left, and Emily Blunt are explorers after a valuable treasure in “Jungle Cruise.” Disney

Travel — 20-27 Music — 28-29 Books — 30 Health — 32 Crossword — 34 PAGE 14 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, July 30, 2021 WEEKEND: GADGETS & TECHNOLOGY

GADGETS Cooking thermometer that’s impossible to beat

BY GREGG ELLMAN two small buttons. Adjustments Tribune News Service can be made for readings of It’s hard to say whether the Fahrenheit or Celsius, the dis- Thermapen One, which the com- play resolution, screen rotation pany describes as being as fast as and the auto-off/sleep mode. the speed of thought, is truly the I kept everything in the factory world’s fastest cooking thermom- settings, showing Fahrenheit on eter. But after the instant reads, the 1.75-inch display, which goes I’d say it’s impossible to beat. to sleep to save the battery power The Thermapen measures right as the probe is folded in. 6.1-by-1.7-by-0.74 inches, weighs The intelligent backlight display 0.25 pounds and is powered by has a 360-degree auto-rotating an included AAA battery, rated display and automatically illumi- to last up to 2,000 hours. There’s nates in low light. a rubber gasket around the sin- Online: thermoworks.com; SHAFKAT ANOWAR/AP gle-screw battery compartment, $105, available in choices of 10 An Amazon package sits by the mailbox at Jason Goldberg’s apartment on March 29 in Chicago. Amazon isensuring it’s shockproof, dust- colors making a push to install a device on buzzer systems in apartment buildings throughout the country that proof and waterproof, with an allows its delivery drivers to whip out a phone, tap a button and unlock a building’s front doors whenever IP67 rating. Moshi’s Muse 13-inch 3-in-1 they need to leave packages in the lobby instead of the street. Temperature readings have a slim laptop sleeve is perfect for a range of 58 degrees below zero to storage compartment, but it does 572 degrees Fahrenheit (or -49.9 a lot more. to 299.9 degrees Celsius) with an The main functionality of the accuracy of plus/minus 0.5 de- Muse 13-inch ($59.95) is for stor- Innovation or invasion? grees Fahrenheit (or 0.3 degrees age and protection, which the Celsius.) attractive caramel brown-colored Physically, it’s built like a sleeve does well. It’s made of pocket knife, but instead of a high-resilience polyester and the Amazon wants a ‘Key’ to your apartment building blade, there’s a 4.3-inch Type K exterior is weather-resistant Thermocouple probe, which vegan leather, which can be BY JOSEPH PISANI hood, two of seven buildings had the sticker. folds out up to 180 degrees when cleaned with commercial leather Associated Press Amazon salespeople have been fanning out to needed and into a rubber probe cleaners. Other colors are sea- mazon is tired of ringing doorbells. cities across the country to knock on doors, make retainer when not. A motion shell white and jet black. The online shopping giant is pushing cold calls or approach building managers on the sensor is on the front so it’s ready A nice feature lets a laptop landlords around the country — some- street to urge them to install the device. The com- to use when picked up. slide into the Muse easily but not Atimes with financial incentives — to give pany has even partnered with local locksmiths to I didn’t use a stopwatch to get slide out. The SlipGrip opening its drivers the ability to unlock apartment-building push it on building managers while they fix locks. the exact time, but honestly, it’s prevents the laptop from acci- doors themselves with a mobile device. Amazon installs the device for free and sometimes as instant as instant can be. Us- dentally sliding out of the sleeve, The service, dubbed Key for Business, is pitched throws in a $100 Amazon gift card to whomever lets ing Thermapen’s statement of which I tested with great success. as a way to cut down on stolen packages by making them in. Measures at Virtually the Speed The same front-opening mag- it easy to leave them in lobbies and not outside. Soltani said he learned about Key for Business of Thought is true to the word netic closure flap turns into a Amazon benefits because it enables delivery work- when he was approached by two Amazon salespeo- with full readings in one second 15-degree convertible laptop ers to make their rounds faster. And fewer stolen ple in April who wanted access to the building or less. stand with an ergonomic design packages reduces costs and could give Amazon an where he lives in Oakland, Calif. Building manage- The hand-washable Therma- for comfort positioning when over competitors. ment declined, and no device was installed. pen One is simple to test, with typing and browsing the web. Those who have installed the device say it reduc- Amazon had better luck with Kenton Girard. A instant results on cooked, fresh This also keeps the laptop raised es the constant buzzing by delivery people and is a Chicago landlord, Girard agreed to have the device and frozen food. to increase airflow to keep the safer alternative to giving out codes to scores of installed in four of his buildings as a way to reduce The mirror-thermocouple device cooler. delivery people. package theft, which was getting so bad that he was sensor is on the tip of the probe, While the laptop is inside, a But the Amazon program, first announced in considering building a package drop box outside. which is recommended to be soft Terahedron microfiber inner 2018, could stir security and privacy concerns as it “I would have paid to have it done,” Girard said inserted at least one-eighth of an lining protects the laptop from gains traction. The company said that it does back- of the Amazon device. inch into the meat being tested. scratches, dust and dirt. A front- ground checks on delivery people and that they can Currently, only the U.S. Postal Service has a way There are some settings to side storage compartment has unlock doors only when they have a package in to enter apartment buildings in order to get to mail- configure. To access them, re- room for a few accessories. hand to scan. But tenants might not know that Ama- boxes. UPS says it has tested a way for its workers move the battery cover to reveal Online: moshi.com zon drivers have access to their building’s front to enter buildings without buzzing tenants, teaming doors, since Amazon leaves it up to the building to up with a smart-lock company in 2018. But that test notify them. ended, and UPS declined to say why. The company Ashkan Soltani, a privacy researcher who was a says customers can instead have their packages senior tech adviser to former President Barack delivered to nearby grocery stores, dry cleaners or Obama, said that any device connected to the in- florists if they’re not home. ternet could be hacked, including the Amazon one, Amazon has wanted to walk through people’s and bad actors could try to unlock the doors. front doors for years. In 2017, it launched a way for “You’re essentially introducing a foreign in- shoppers to let delivery people come in their home ternet-connected device into an otherwise internal when they’re not there and leave packages in the network,” said Soltani, who also is a former chief foyer. Walmart did the same shortly after, but its technologist at the U.S. Federal Trade Commission. delivery people also stocked the fridge with grocer- Amazon didn’t respond to questions about poten- ies. Amazon and Walmart don’t say how many tial hacking. people are using those services, but both have ex- The company has already installed the device in panded them to more cities recently. thousands of U.S. apartment buildings but declined Jason Goldberg, chief commerce strategy officer to give a specific number. It sometimes leaves a at marketing company Publicis Communications, clue, placing a round sticker with the Amazon smile said the device could save Amazon money, since logo on buzzers where the device has been in- workers can drop off more packages during a shift THERMOWORKS/TNS stalled. On one New York City street, the sticker and may have to offer fewer refunds to those whose The ThermoWorks Thermapen One has a range of 58 degrees below was on three of 11 buildings. In another neighbor- packages were stolen. zero to 572 degrees Fahrenheit (­49.9 to 299.9 Celsius.) Friday, July 30, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 15 WEEKEND: MOVIES The blending of two worlds In Tom McCarthy’s ‘Stillwater,’ Matt Damon bridges the gap between Oklahoma and

BY JAKE COYLE script in the fall of 2016 around the election of Donald tend to just be really nice and open and helpful.” Associated Press Trump. Damon’s character doesn’t definitively say he’s a , a bustling and multicultural port city, also he set-up of Tom McCarthy’s “Stillwater” Trump supporter, but it’s implied. But McCarthy wanted infatuated Damon. If he were younger and living in sounds very Liam Neeson. to expand the movie’s horizons; he brought in a pair of France, he’d move there, he says. But is Damon’s French Matt Damon stars as a tough, terse Oklahoma French writers — Thomas Bidegain and Noé Debré — to any better than Bill’s? In the movie, Bill rarely gets more Tfather who travels to Marseille, France, to visit blend the movie more authentically with France. than a few French words out. “Hell yeah, ça va,” he says his jailed daughter (Abigail Breslin), who has been im- In Marseille, Damon’s character, Bill, befriends a local with a strong Oklahoman accent. prisoned for her role in a scandalous Amanda Knox- single mother (played by the French actress Camille “It’s maybe worse,” Damon says sheepishly. styled murder case. Damon, a gruff, working-class rough- Cottin, star of “Call My Agent” and her young daughter “Actually much worse,” laughs McCarthy. neck, sticks around to seek justice for his daughter and Maya played by Lilou Siauvaud) and slowly, reluctantly “Stillwater” debuted to strong reviews at Cannes and find a mystery man who may have been the real killer. begins to adapt and, maybe, expand his very ethnocentric early Oscar nominations speculation for Damon’s lead McCarthy, the director of “Spotlight,” “Win Win” and perspective. The movie’s subtle question: Can a national- performance. Produced by Participant Media and distrib- “The Station Agent,” had long pursued Damon for one of istic, narrow-minded American change his ways? Oui or uted by Focus Features, it will try to stoke interest as a his movies. In “Stillwater,” he knew audiences would non? theatrical release that appeals to both blue states and red, come in expecting Damon as a quintessentially American The production, itself, wasn’t so different. It was largely American moviegoers and European ones. It’s an in- hero. shot in Marseille with a mostly local crew. Shortly after creasingly uncommon kind of movie: a star-fronted dra- “I have a very specific set of skills,” Damon, doing his premiering the film in Cannes, they returned to Marseille ma for adults from an original idea, made for theaters. most gravelly Neeson, jokes while sitting alongside to screen it. At the premiere, Damon was moved to tears at simply McCarthy in an interview. “Too many times, American movies pitch their tent,” being back in a full movie theater. “Stillwater,” though, is more than it might appear. The says McCarthy. “Thank you, Pedro. Thank you, Fran- “It was completely overwhelming,” Damon says. “It film, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and coise. Stay over there.” was a really powerful reminder of watching things on the then opened in North American theaters on Friday, is an “Stillwater” could be seen as Hollywood’s version of a little screen in my house, what the experience is of sitting anomaly — a U.S.-Euro hybrid set just down the coast Middle America newspaper profile, the kind that gets with a thousand people who are strangers and watching from Cannes, yet one of the biggest American films at this written a lot during election seasons. But the filmmakers this thing and taking it together — and why we do that. year’s festival. As “Stillwater” progresses, it takes its made an effort to get beyond clichés. Before shooting the And why it’s so unlike the other thing. You’re looking at premise in unpredictable directions, turning the Amer- movie, Damon and McCarthy took a pre-production trip the same quote-unquote ‘content,’ but it’s not the same. ican-abroad thriller on its head. to Oklahoma for, as McCarthy says, “three days in a truck It’s a form of worship. It’s like church. And I forgot how “It’s a movie that owes as much to American storytell- and a lot of barbeque” to get a sense of the region’s char- great that felt.” ing as it does to European storytelling,” says McCarthy. acter. Both came back with a new understanding. But getting “Stillwater” made wasn’t easy. When the “It’s not the fish-out-of-water story that you’d expect “It was coming at a time where we were super polar- production budget went higher than expected, McCarthy from Hollywood,” says Damon. “He’s like the opposite of ized. My French co-writers used to say: You were so an- had to pull back on the crew size during shooting. His Bourne.” gry when we were writing this,” McCarthy says. “Even department heads asked why their teams were getting Intrigued at making a Mediter- when I started going (to Oklahoma), I thought: ‘What am I smaller. ranean noir, McCarthy going to get?’ And these guys were just great. When I got “On one of the calls, someone said, first wrote a simpler back, I was so angry at politicians.” ‘It feels like we’re making an inde- version of the movie “The movie has tremendous empathy for Bill, and so pendent movie,’” says McCarthy. 10 years ago. He do we,” says Damon. “Anytime you play a role, you “I was like: ‘No, we’re making a returned to the have to have a deep understanding of why your European movie.’” character does what they do. I really feel like we got that from our time down there. I looked at it like: This is a beautiful life and culture. They live entirely different from (Damon gestures to himself and McCarthy) guys who live in New York and the way I grew up in Boston.” Damon had his own fish-out-of-water experience in the early days of the pandemic, when he and his family stayed in a small coastal Irish village. The townspeople became charmingly protective of the star in their midst. “I’m much more taken care of than Bill by any com- munity I parachute into,” says Damon. “People

Director Tom McCarthy, left, and Matt Damon pose for portraits to promote the film “Stillwater” on July 11 at the 74th international film festival in Cannes, southern France.

VIANNEY LE CAER, INVISION/AP PAGE 16 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, July 30, 2021 WEEKEND: MOVIES

‘Jungle Cruise’ invites you to turn off your mind, enjoy BY MICHAEL O’SULLIVAN War I — which somehow allows The Washington Post for a German villain (Jesse Ple- Jungle Cruise — the theme mons, with an overripe accent park ride, not the new Disney and a U-boat armed with torpe- movie it has inspired — is nota- does) to wander around the ble for the groan-worthy humor world unimpeded in search of the of its “skippers,” the tour guides same tree — there is also an who provide Borscht-Belt-style element of the supernatural. entertainment for passengers on Edgar Ramírez plays an undead, the minutes-long trip down a lazy moth-eaten conquistador, and (fake) river lined with anima- there are mechanical stone appa- tronic animals. The shtick is bad, ratuses reminiscent of an Indiana and leans on wordplay and dad Jones movie. For all its disparate jokes that often have nothing to influences and cinematic bor- Disney photos do with the tropical rainforest rowings, a better title for this Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt hunt for a mystical tree with healing powers in Disney’s “Jungle Cruise.” setting, along the lines of: “I used movie might have been “Jungle to work in an orange juice facto- Pirates of the Lost Ark.” ry, but I got canned. My boss said Still, over a running time of I couldn’t concentrate.” (Pause more than two hours, packed for laughter.) more tightly than the Rock’s That esprit of the unapologet- bulging shirt with slapstick vio- Two roads converge ically cheeseball, the ersatz and lence and implausible peril, the at-times downright inexplic- Johnson manages to carry the able — however lovable some film to a (more or less) satisfying fans of Disney’s theme parks conclusion — assuming you’re a The paths Emily Blunt and Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson might call those qualities — per- small child in need of constant meates and weighs down the new distraction. For older teens, took to ‘Jungle Cruise’ could not have been more different movie. That movie stars Dwayne adults or anyone with higher Johnson as an effervescent Ama- storytelling standards, there’s a BY PETER SBLENDORIO zon riverboat skipper named romantic subplot involving Lily New York Daily News Frank, who utters some version and Frank, and a sprinkling of wayne “The Rock” of that same, field-tested orange- naughty double-entendres. Johnson and Emily juice bit during the film’s early Other amazing sights you’ll see Blunt followed very moments. He is no more convinc- on this “Cruise”: Frank wrassling Ddifferent paths to get ing in the role than a guy in a with a leopard; river dolphins; a to “Jungle Cruise.” Mickey Mouse costume waving bad guy who can converse with Johnson didn’t hesitate when to you from behind the touch- snakes and bees; dangerous he was first approached about point entrance stanchions of rapids; people eating piranhas, making a fantasy-adventure Typhoon Lagoon. and not the other way around; movie based on the longtime boat The plot of “Jungle Cruise” is and a scene in which Frank ride at Disney’s theme parks. generally more straightforward emerges from the river, soaking “The script was in a really than the river itself: Frank gets wet, only to put on a dry shirt for good place, and I immediately hired by a British plant scientist some reason — over his already just saw the potential of the op- named Lily (Emily Blunt), who, waterlogged one. portunity,” Johnson, 49, said along with her reluctant brother This is an untaxing, big-budget during a press conference Mon- MacGregor (Jack Whitehall), is summer popcorn movie for the day. searching the Brazilian jungle for whole family. Like the ride itself, “That opportunity was to take a legendary tree. Its petals, it requires no more mental en- a beloved and iconic Disney ride Johnson and Blunt find chemistry while starring in “Jungle Cruise.” known as Tears of the Moon, are gagement than you would devote since 1955, when the park opened said to possess miraculous heal- to any theme park visit (exclud- — this was Walt Disney’s baby. Cruise” sees the characters en- an innate romantic and a world- ing powers — and, for no extra ing the thrill rides, which actual- There were a lot of elements that counter daunting dangers and builder, and that’s what you need charge, the ability to break curs- ly raise a pulse). At many points, I felt comfortable with saying supernatural scares as they ven- for this type of movie.” es. you might find yourself asking, yes, I will come on board, I’ll ture into the jungle — while Other cast members in “Jungle Did someone say curses? Hold like MacGregor, “Are we there partner with you guys.” grappling with a ruthless prince, Cruise” include Edgar Ramírez that thought. yet?” Once Johnson joined, he re- portrayed by Jesse Plemons, and Paul Giamatti. Yes, along with the lush (CGI- “Jungle Cruise” is rated PG-13 for sequences of corded a video for Blunt in hopes who’s after the same prize. It’s the latest major movie that enhanced) natural scenery, and adventure violence and some racy humor. of recruiting her as his co-star, The goal was to create a movie Blunt has worked on with Dis- the historical backdrop of World Running time: 127 minutes. saying, “Emily, you are the only that captured the magic of classic ney; she also starred as the title one who can do this movie.” She adventure films like “Indiana character in the 2018 sequel didn’t exactly jump at the Jones” and “Romancing the “Mary Poppins Returns.” “Jun- chance, he joked. Stone,” Blunt said. gle Cruise” also marks her sec- “I just needed to back it up a “We just needed to strike a ond big film of 2021, following little bit, and I needed to read the chord that was really well-craft- Paramount Pictures’ freaky script,” Blunt, 38, deadpanned. ed and that we curated with so thriller “A Quiet Place Part II.” Ultimately, the duo teamed up much love and was made in the She and Johnson both raved for the twist-filled flick, which spirit of the films that we all about the “Jungle Cruise” cast’s has now cruised into theaters and grew up watching,” Blunt said. chemistry, with Johnson adding on Disney+ Premier Access. The movie is directed by Span- that the film is “so much more Blunt plays Lily Houghton, a ish American filmmaker Jaume than what I expected.” botanist driven to find a mythical Collet-Serra, whom Blunt praised “There’s so much to do in the entity with extraordinary healing for his ability to balance the Disney parks, then you get on powers that’s rumored to exist story’s action and heart. this ride and it’s almost like you deep in the jungle. Johnson por- “He goes, ‘You know, it’s about can exhale and really just enjoy trays the pun-loving Frank, a love,’” Blunt said. “It was so ... the simplicity of the ride,” skilled steamboat skipper who perfect, because you could’ve Johnson said. agrees to guide Lily and her talked about all the action and “But our movie is anything but brother McGregor, played by the spectacle and the myths and simple with all the elements that Disney Jack Whitehall, on their quest. the legends and all that, but that’s we had. I think we delivered,” he Jack Whitehall, left, Emily Blunt and Dwayne Johnson star in “Jungle Set a century ago, “Jungle when I knew, in Jaume, we had said. Cruise,” now playing in theaters and on Disney+ Premiere Access. Friday, July 30, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 17 WEEKEND: MOVIE REVIEWS A different kind of American hero In ‘Stillwater,’ Damon plays an Oklahoman who travels to France to help his daughter incarcerated for murder BY MARK KENNEDY Gallic kindness along the way. He is Associated Press cringe-worthy. He is an American hero arly on in “Stillwater,” a gruff inverted. oil rig worker from Oklahoma is “You sound very American right now,” asked what he’s doing in the Bill is told after failing to grasp that doing French port city of Marseille. something both legally and ethically E Focus Features “Visiting my daughter,” he replies. wrong to free his daughter might be a bad That’s only sort of right, it turns out. He idea. Abigail Breslin appears in a scene from “Stillwater” with Matt Damon as her father. left some stuff out. But truth itself gets But “Stillwater” is after more than just more than a little smeared in this fascinat- caricature and, astonishingly, the movie her? How far outside the law of a foreign hamburgers and going to a Subway sand- ing film that’s really a character study abandons the hunt for the real killer for country will he go? Will he pick the past wich shop even in France. pretending to be a thriller. long stretches to focus on domestic tran- over a makeshift new life? Or, as his Can he change? Can he find grace? Matt Damon stars as the Oklahoman, a quility. The tonal shifts might be too much daughter wails, is he just fated to mess Those are the questions that constantly goateed, denim-wearing roughneck for some viewers sucked in by a poster everything up? pop up in this overly long but thoughtful named Bill with a sad past. He’s visiting and trailer that dwell on the chase. Bill is a hard part to pull off, but Damon work. It opens with Bill carpooling with his daughter (Abigail Breslin) in France Damon’s character befriends a local does, creating a flawed but compassionate fellow tornado cleanup workers who mar- — that part is true. But it’s not like she’s single mother (played brilliantly by the character, made doubly hard since he vel at why Americans always return to the studying abroad — she’s in prison for an French actress Camille Cottin, star of the outwardly reveals little emotion. Damon site of their home’s destruction to rebuild. Amanda Knox-like murder she insists she Netflix series “Call My Agent”) and her plays him with a haunted sadness, un- “I don’t think Americans like to did not commit. 9-year-old daughter, Maya, played delight- failingly polite (“yes, ma’am”), honorable change,” one says. The rest of the film is a A potential break in the case unleashes fully by Lilou Siauvaud. Together they as long as you see things his way. test of that observation, using a rare red Bill on the streets of the fading, cosmopol- pull him out of his cliche. The trio make a The way Bill walks — stiffly, unyielding, state hero in a foreign land forced to ex- itan Marseille for the true killer. Except sweet, off-kilter family, but they are tested almost martial — sticks out on the streets amine how the world sees him. And the he’s no Jason Bourne or Liam Neeson: Bill by the pull from Bill’s biological family, of Marseille. He wears high-waisted work result? It’s sometimes ugly, Americans. clumsily bulldozes through a new culture, namely his daughter. jeans, steel-toed boots and a dusty base- “Stillwater” is rated R for language and some violence. Running language and justice system, relying on What lengths is he willing to go to free ball cap, listening to country and eating time: 140 minutes. Now playing in select theaters. ‘Annette’ the love child of Carax films, Sparks music BY JUSTIN CHANG musical. Sparks fans, who can be hours and 20 minutes later, that tor (an excellent Simon Helberg) Los Angeles Times fiercely loyal and strangely fickle promise feels kept in one sense steps in, singing of his devotion to Ann Defrasnoux is an opera by turns (a phenomenon un- and deliberately betrayed in Ann and his suspicions about singer. Henry McHenry is a packed in Edgar Wright’s terrific another. It’s hard not to feel Henry. Nuggets of exposition are stand-up comic. Their whirlwind recent documentary, “The stirred, even moved, by the sheer dispensed in Hollywood-satiriz- romance, much like the weird Sparks Brothers”), will surely be improbable fact of this picture’s ing newsclips, breaking up the and wondrous movie in which it delighted that the Maels have existence. music and hastening Ann and unfolds, is a reminder that trage- finally realized their dream of But before long a chill seeps in, Henry’s journey through mar- dy and comedy often make intim- bringing their music to the darkening the movie’s melodies riage and parenthood. They ate bedfellows. But where does screen — and in a movie set in and tilting a once-glorious love name their infant daughter An- one end and the other begin? their home city of Los Angeles, story into a spiral of alienation, nette — a petite Ann, of course. When Ann (Marion Cotillard) even if most of it was shot in loss and regret. The city’s bright Cotillard is as luminous a pres- solemnly dons a red wig and Belgium and Germany. neon shimmer recedes and the ence as ever, but this isn’t her navigates the kind of scenery that A demented backstage melo- action shifts toward the enviable, movie; nor, despite the title, does keeps fog machines in business, Amazon drama that nods to “A Star Is faintly menacing luxury of the it belong to the sweetly preco- you might stifle a chuckle as well Adam Driver stars in “Annette.” Born,” among others, “Annette” couple’s home, where even the cious Annette, represented by a as a tear. And when Henry begins with a giddy rush of let’s- swimming pool practically glows puppet. No, the movie belongs to (Adam Driver) takes the stage in riage of sensibilities. put-on-a-show energy. The Maels with foreboding. (The splendid Driver, who’s credited as a pro- a boxing robe that suits his pun- This is just Carax’s sixth fea- appear, tuning up their equip- production design is by Florian ducer, and who has rarely ap- chy delivery, his violent self- ture in 37 years, while Sparks has ment and launching into a deliri- Sanson.) peared more imposing in his loathing (“Why did you become a churned out 25 albums over five ous number (“So May We The warning signs are there physicality, more bottomless in comedian?!” he asks himself decades. These artists have a lot Start?”) that becomes goofily from the beginning. But so is a his capacity for rage and deceit. again and again) seems to pro- in common — emotional stealth, hypnotic as Carax and his actors genuine sense of mutual love and The emotional and aesthetic voke more anxiety than laughter. mercurial style, an affinity for join in, all of them marching desire, one that finds its tender- possibilities of “Annette” curi- Such wild emotional extremes the French New Wave — and toward the camera in a virtuoso est expression in the incantatory ously seem to constrict as the can only be properly expressed have been adored and cham- one-shot take that begins indoors quality of the lyrics and the qua- movie progresses: By the end, it’s in song, an article of faith that pioned with much the same cul- and ends somewhere out on San- vering loveliness of the actors’ painted itself into a poignant “Annette” embraces with fervid tish intensity. ta Monica Boulevard. voices. Both leads have shown off corner, one that feels like the imagination and playful, unshak- “Annette,” which fittingly There’s a lot to love in that their singing talents before — logical (if that’s the word) end able conviction. Dazzlingly di- takes its name from Ann and overture: a merry collaborative Cotillard in numerous recordings point for the punishing story of rected by the French filmmaker Henry’s not-yet-born daughter, spirit that promises to lift your and the movie “Nine,” Driver in fame and futility that Carax is Leos Carax from a script and turns out to be an artistic love mood and defy your expecta- “Inside Llewyn Davis” and telling. Here he shows us the with songs written by brothers child like no other. Cinephiles tions. (It must have been a par- “Marriage Story” — though nev- bitter reality — more tragic than Ron and Russell Mael, the art- who’ve swooned for Carax’s ticularly warm welcome for er at a level this emotionally and comic — of what happens when pop-rock duo better known as brand of doomy romanticism audiences at the Cannes Film narratively demanding. that love is lost. Sparks, the movie is both the (“Mauvais Sang,” “The Lovers on Festival, which “Annette” kicked From time to time the spell “Annette” is rated R for language and sexual content including some nudity. Running time: 140 story of a doomed marriage and a the Bridge”) have long hoped off.) But by the time the movie breaks, sometimes deliberately. minutes. Now playing in limited theatrical release; remarkably harmonious mar- that he might make a full-blown draws to a melancholy close two A sympathetic orchestra conduc- starts Aug. 20 on Amazon Prime Video. PAGE 18 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, July 30, 2021 WEEKEND: MOVIE REVIEWS ‘Green Knight’: Patel’s quest for glory Based on a 14th century poem, Camelot fantasy pulls viewers into a world, rhythm rarely found

BY MICHAEL PHILLIPS ably) wherein Gawain must pass a resistance test or two Chicago Tribune and remain Round Table-worthy. Lowery’s script height- ho’s the green knight here? When we first ens the involvement of the women in the story, and while spy Dev Patel tumbling out of bed in “The there are moments in “The Green Knight” when motiva- Green Knight,” after a night with his sweet- tions and relationships become a bit muddy, well, it’s a Wheart played by Alicia Vikander, the movie’s muddy world quite literally. title seems to be referring to him — Sir Gawain, that is — Filming in Ireland, cinematographer Andrew Droz and not the hulking, mossy-toned forest creature who Palermo finds an astonishing variety of natural and hu- later tests the young man’s mettle. man-made light to help tell the story. The effects work is Gawain, King Arthur’s impetuous nephew, is one of the both impressive and sparing, ranging from digital cre- Knights of the Round Table. Though he’s ripe for “adven- ations to old-fashioned matte paintings. (As Terry Gilliam ture, brave and bold,” up until now, life in Camelot has said in “Monty Python and the Holy Grail”: “It’s only a been a royal slacker’s breeze. The strategy behind writer- model.”) director David Lowery’s quietly arresting medieval fanta- Lowery has an unusual gift for forest-shrouded won- sy is simple: Gawain is a vessel, waiting to be filled with ders, as proven by his beguiling live-action “Pete’s Drag- life’s challenges. on” for Disney. (His next project is also for Disney: “Pe- The wonderful thing about Patel in this role is simple, ter Pan & Wendy.”) Serving here as his own editor, the too: He’s an open book on camera, a natural audience director pays close attention to that extra beat or longer- conduit between our century and the movie’s absorbing than-usual take, by which we’re pulled into a world and a vision of an earlier one, far away. rhythm not like that of most movies. The movie’s more This is a bleak midwinter’s tale. Early on, as the story’s ruminative than exuberant. It’s also fully invested in Morgan le Fay figure (Sarita Choudhury, a spellbinder making its own kind of magic, on its own time. even when she’s not casting spells) suggests that she’s the The casting’s splendid, and supporting players such as one calling the shots, a rather desiccated King Arthur Barry Keoghan (as a feckless highwayman) add all sorts (Sean Harris, vaguely sinister), Queen Guinevere (Kate of spice. Largely nonverbal and reactive to events, Patel Dickie, equally intense) and the Camelot Round Table serves the film, valiantly. Lowery creates a spiritual cou- regulars are visited by the Green Knight (Ralph Ineson, sin to Shakespeare’s Prince Hal, torn between taverns Dickie’s costar in the superb witchcraft chiller “The and common folk and his highborn destiny. There’s a lot Witch”). here, either on the surface or bubbling beneath it. In its Resembling a tree trunk on horseback, the Green Christianity vs. paganism square-off, “The Green Knight” Knight proposes a nutty sort of a contest. He’ll gladly be A24/TNS lands on a note (and an event) very different from the beheaded by a valiant knight if the ax-wielder agrees to Dev Patel appears in a scene from “The Green Knight,” poem’s. seek out the Green Knight in his forest lair one year later, as the nephew of King Arthur who embarks on a journey The R rating is for some nudity and violence, but in on New Year’s Day, and risk his own beheading. Gawain to find the Green Knight and in the process to find out spirit it’s a lot less brutal than any number of PG-13s out accepts the challenge. The Green Knight’s head plops to whether he is worthy to remain on the Round Table. there, fighting for a sliver of a pandemically rattled audi- the floor. Then the headless but otherwise uninjured ence. Zingy and “commercial,” it’s not. “The Green adversary reaches down, picks up his noggin and tells the from the 14th century poem, author unknown. Lowery Knight is too busy in its quest for quality, and surprise, to stunned Gawain that he’ll see him next year. reorders and invents at will. The key test of his character bend over backwards for a Marvel audience.

“The Green Knight” follows Gawain’s episodic journey en route is from the poem: It’s an encounter with a lord “The Green Knight” is rated R for violence, some sexuality and graphic nudity. Running to make good on the bargain. Much of the material comes (Joel Edgerton) and his lady (Vikander again, memor- time: 125 minutes. Now playing in select theaters. Shyamalan takes new risks with familiar genre in ‘Old’ BY CHRIS HEWITT Although most of the films have (the film was written before the Star Tribune trappings of the supernatural as COVID-19 pandemic but filmed For about half of “Old,” I was well as domestic drama, they’re during it)? An “Our Town”-like thinking “Yes, intriguing,” “Cree- really murder mysteries and, like reminder to live in the moment? py, sure” but, by the end, it was all mysteries, they boil down to a A TED Talk about community “Wait. All that was for this?” couple things: What’s going on responsibility? Although he adapted the here? And is anyone smart As Shyamalan tries to fit the screenplay from a graphic novel enough to stop it? pieces together, some scenes are by Pierre-Oscar Levy and Fre- The “What’s going on?” part is unsettling and others are unin- derick Peeters, “Old” is comfort- skillfully done, largely on the tentionally funny. It’s goofy to able territory for director M. strength of Mike Gioulakis’ sho- suggest, as Shyamalan does, that Night Shyamalan: Unsettling wy camerawork and the quietly a museum curator is unable to get behavior. Dead folks. Ostenta- committed acting of Gael Garcia her head out of the past while her tious camera moves that remind Bernal and Vicky Krieps as a husband, whose equally on-the- us every frame includes exactly couple who’ve brought their nose profession is insurance what he wants it to contain and children to a resort for one last actuary, can’t get his out of the nothing else, as exemplified by an vacation before they split up. future. extreme close-up of Rufus Sewell But that complication, and the Although “Old” isn’t entirely where there’s only room for additional one of a whispered- successful, I enjoyed hanging about one-third of his face. Universal Pictures about illness, is an early sign that with it. Shyamalan’s originality Given the title and the ad- Nikki Amuka­Bird and Ken Leung appear in a scene from “Old,” the Shyamalan doesn’t have enough and willingness to take material vertisements, virtually everyone latest from M. Night Shyamalan about a beach that ages its visitors. faith in his premise. And, as the to extremes always make for who attends “Old” will go in movie progresses and we meet compelling viewing, even if some knowing it’s set on a sunny, se- ing every detail in the first half of the mystery beach, right past a sunbathers played by Thomasin of his swings are misses. No mat- cluded beach where, for myste- “Old” fraught with meaning: sign that says “Keep Out.” McKenzie, Ken Leung and oth- ter what the title tells us, the risks rious reasons, everyone ages vultures surveying the beach, a Shyamalan’s best works have ers, he gums it up with so much Shyamalan takes with “Old” feel rapidly. Shyamalan, who’s always mention that it’s surrounded by an elegant simplicity as they stuff that we lose our bearings. utterly new. been adept at knowing how much “natural anomalies,” a kid who blend humdrum life with the Is it a horror movie? A very information to give to or withhold solemnly says he has no friends, a fantastic. (The guy was dead all expensive melanoma PSA? A cry “Old” is rated PG-13 for disturbing images, brief strong language, partial nudity, strong violence from audiences, capitalizes on bus driver (played by Shyama- along. Superheroes live among of outrage at climate crisis? A and suggestive content. Running time: 108 our advance knowledge by mak- lan) who ferries vacationers to us. Aliens really are attacking.) warning about medical ethics minutes. Friday, July 30, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 19 WEEKEND: VIDEO GAMES

Nintendo photos The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD, newly released for the Switch, addresses many of the problems encountered in the 2011 original. Latest Zelda a breath of fresh air

fussing with the placement of my actual arms. Puzzles Skyward Sword HD improves with this control setup are also much easier. Bowling bombs into small crevices or dropping them while flying a on original title, recent sequel drone always felt too close to rubbing your tummy and your head at the same time. By simply aiming with sticks BY GENE PARK and pressing buttons, the industry standard to play games, The Washington Post puzzles are suddenly engaging because I can meet them fter 10 years, Nintendo proved me wrong. The with their core ideas. Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword was always a I was so upset over the game’s many other faults initial- stellar entry in the series. ly, this was the first Zelda title in which I didn’t engage in A I’ve spent 20 hours on only the second run of many of the side activities. Now that my frustrations have my lifetime for this particular Zelda game, one I have been addressed, I am happily collecting monster parts to called the worst console Zelda game ever made. The an- upgrade my shields, and playing minigames to fatten my ger and confusion I felt in 2011 still feel raw and potent, wallet for more item spaces. which makes this apparent epiphany feel all the more It’s through this lens that I can finally understand why destabilizing for me. so many longtime Zelda fans were disappointed by Breath Skyward Sword HD, released this month for the Ninten- of the Wild, despite many others considering it to be the do Switch, has either directly ad- With the latest version of Skyward Sword, players can greatest game ever made (myself included). Skyward dressed serious issues in the initial use the more accurate analog sticks for movement. Sword has several things that BOTW did not: 2011 release, or made enough chang- Rewarding quests: Skyward Sword has dozens of ran- es to soften what problems remain in dom folks needing help with small-scale issues, like find- the core game. Many of these chang- ing a missing girl or literally doing cleanup work as a es aren’t exactly the kind you’d pro- barback. But these tasks are immensely rewarding, some- mote on the back of the box, but times providing more health, or if you’re lucky, one of Nintendo, the company that never only four traditional and vital “bottle” items. BOTW side bothers to detail patch notes for its missions were similar, but usually only offered spare online game updates, took the rare change. step of outlining several of these Dungeon design: This was the biggest missing feature changes on Twitter. from the otherwise lauded most recent title. BOTW had This included streamlining the bite-sized shrines, most of which featured clever puzzles. amount of tutorials you receive in the game. In the open- But they never matched the scale and menace of Zelda’s ing hours of the original game, the hero Link couldn’t walk Side activities become more enjoyable now that some of greatest temples. And Skyward Sword, even in a state I more than a dozen steps without a neighbor grabbing the the game’s frustrations have been reconciled. disliked, still had the most ingeniously designed brain player’s camera for attention and deliver instructions that ticklers in the entire series. used to come in a manual. Now, all of these tutorials are for myself, long after the fad has faded, that motion con- I wrote in 2019 that the risks of Skyward Sword were optional, even with Link’s robotic gal pal Fi. While Fi trols were never for me. Stabbing and the signature “sky- admirable, but didn’t pay off. Consider this a correction. interrupts the game a grand total of 162 times throughout ward strike,” which requires you to thrust and hoist your It’s clear that many of the risks of the 2011 release were the original adventure, almost all of her interactions are controller respectively, never felt very reliable. ultimately realized in Breath of the Wild. The experiments optional. Instead, I’ve taken up Nintendo on its offer to swing our in stamina usage, floating through the air and upgrading Suddenly, Fi isn’t the bane of my existence while play- sword and fly or swim by using either left or right analog equipment would all blossom in the Switch launch title. ing this game. She isn’t literally interrupting me every five sticks. Flicking the right analog stick in a direction will get Skyward Sword HD not only helps me finally fully ap- minutes (or less!). Rather, her character arc and charm as Link swinging the sword in that exact direction. No more preciate what I once thought was the “bad egg” of the artificial intelligence can finally shine through. second-guessing the gyroscopic ramifications of me lazily series, but it now has me unreasonably excited for what That goes for the entire game, at least with my experi- kicking back on the couch. they have for the sequel to Breath of the Wild. And as a ence, now that Nintendo has given us another control This makes the game’s fights much easier, though puni- longtime and once-heartbroken Zelda fan, I couldn’t hap- option besides using motions. Between this release and shing fights have not always been a key pillar of the se- pier to be proved wrong. the Zelda: Twilight Princess HD release for the Wii U ries. Rather, the fights feel satisfying and exciting, now Platform: Nintendo Switch (which also removed motion controls), I’ve finally decided that there’s a level of expertise and plotting without me Online: zelda.com/skyward-sword-hd PAGE 20 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, July 30, 2021 WEEKEND: TRAVEL In appreciation of Europe’s artisans Until European travel becomes fully Craftsmen lament that the next gener- open to Americans, here’s a reminder of ation, drawn to the energy of big cities and the fun that awaits us in Europe. lured by the opportunities of big corpora- tions, won’t be there to carry on the tradi- hen you’ve traveled in Eu- tions. The artists who craft handmade rope, you see how tradition- guitars in Madrid, the family winemakers al, local businesses are mak- of Burgundy, the fishermen Wing way for cookie-cutter who sell shrimp on the chains and synthetic conformity. In histor- harborfront ... they are all ic city centers, as rents go up, longtime at risk. What will become HEWITT/Rick Steves’ Europe residents and families are pushed out. of these rich facets of local Craftsmen such as this coppersmith in Montepulciano, Italy, are getting squeezed out. Small hotels, one-of-a-kind shops and culture if the younger gen- individual craftspeople simply don’t have eration opts out? Of course, prints using the copper-plate technique, young cobbler who’s passionate about the scale to compete with the big guys. I can’t blame the children just as Albrecht Dürer did 500 years ago. preserving the art of traditional shoemak- In Florence, the end of rent control of artisans for jumping into Peter prints the black-and-white etchings, ing. After apprenticing at a leather shop in made costs spike immediately, driving Rick the modern rat race; I’m paints them with watercolors and sells Rome, he set up his own studio, where he artisans and shops catering to locals out of Steves not an old-school piano them in his shop. Peter is getting older and patiently crafts fine leather shoes for an business — to be replaced by upscale technician like my father. will soon retire. He told me that with no appreciative clientele. Federico says that boutiques and trendy eateries. The same But it’s worth considering how the future one to take over for him, his 3,000 copper “Made in Italy” doesn’t apply to mass- thing happened in Barcelona’s Gothic will look when economic scale and effi- plates will likely end up in a museum. One produced factory shoes — it’s a label that Quarter. As landlords evicted long-term ciency trump artisan values. of his etchings hangs in my office. rightly belongs only to the fine products renters to make more money off short- It’s a real joy when I stumble upon true In the Tuscan hill town of Montepulcia- hand-crafted by artisans like him. term Airbnb rentals, mom-and-pop shops artisans who are committed to doing no, my friend Cesare is a proud copper- I don’t have the answers on how to sus- lost their traditional clientele and went out things the traditional way, by hand — and smith with a spirit as strong as the oak- tain Europe’s age-old traditions, but I’m of business. In Istanbul, the city wants to communities that understand the impor- tree root upon which his grandfather’s inspired whenever I meet the artisans who move the iconic gold-and-silver work- tance of keeping them in business. I urge anvil sits. For Cesare, every day is show- lovingly carry treasured and endangered shops from the Grand Bazaar to a place travelers to seek out and support artisan and-tell, as steady streams of travelers crafts into the future. And it always feels outside the city center, while “Made in experiences — before it’s too late. drop by to see him at work, fashioning right to buy a piece of their work. Taiwan” gift shops are able to pay higher In Rothenburg, Germany, I visited with special ornaments for the town cathedral Rick Steves (www.ricksteves.com) writes European guidebooks, rents and take their place, changing the Peter Leyrer, a printmaker who proudly and pounding out fine cookware. hosts travel shows and organizes European tours. You can email character of the market. showed me his etchings. He makes his In nearby Orvieto, Federico Badia is a Rick at [email protected] and follow his blog on Facebook. Intricate model villages provide tiny pleasures for tourists When it comes to touring the Continent, the typical approximately 120 models built on a 1:25 scale portray 10-day jaunt through Europe is hardly enough to scratch landmarks from each of the country’s 26 cantons. The the surface, and one could likely experience a new land- doors to the workshop occasionally open to the public scape and attraction each day for a year without ever during the park’s season from March through November. crossing the borders of countries like France or Italy. Online: swissminiatur.ch/?lang=en There is one rather quirky way in which to experience Italia in Miniatura: This park in Viserba, part of the the best the Continent or a single country has to offer in Adriatic seacoast resort town of Rimini, displays 275 the space of an afternoon: exploring attractions that miniatures of Italian and European buildings, along with shrink a land’s most iconic sights into faithful replicas, thousands of plants and tiny trees and 17 miniature trains. often with a few fun touches thrown in for good measure. In existence since 1970 and inspired by the Swiss Minia- Bekonscot Model Village: What’s considered the oldest tur, the area can be taken in by means of a ride on the model village in the world and the in- Arcobaleno monorail. Italian landmarks brought to life spiration for other attractions of its kind is here include Rome’s Colosseum and St. Peter’s Basicila, found in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, Venice’s Grand Canal and St. Mark's Square, along with England. First created as a feature to the iStock Rimini’s Castel Sismondo, where noble families settle grounds of a private property, the tiny Madurodam is a popular miniature park and tourist ancient scores with water cannons. Extensive renovations replica captured the imagination of those attraction on a 1:25 scale in The Hague, Netherlands. were carried out for the park’s 50th anniversary last year. who heard about it, and from the time of Children aged 6 and older can acquire their licenses at its opening in 1929, it has attracted a con- try’s best-known sights replicated here include the Rijk- the driving school. The park’s season runs from March stant stream of visitors. Six model villages smuseum, Schiphol International Airport, the port of through September. Online: italiainminiatura.com Karen portray rural England as it would have Rotterdam and its skyline, canal houses, tulip fields and Miniatur Wunderland: This model railway and minia- Bradbury appeared at the time of the park’s creation. windmills. Other things to do here include making a 3D ture airport in Hamburg, Germany, consistently tops lists The scenery includes a watermill, pubs, garage and a replica of oneself in the form of a unique doll or exploring of Germany’s most beloved attractions. The largest model racecourse for horses, and a model railroad ensures that the Dutch roots of 17th century Nieuw , better railway found anywhere in the world is divided into nine no tiny resident is late to an appointment. It’s worth pay- known today as New York City. Online: madurodam.nl/en sections: the mountainous Harz region, a fictitious city ing attention to the names of the businesses, as clever Swiss Miniatur: Switzerland’s largest open-air minia- named Knuffingen, and the Alps, Hamburg, puns allude to proprietors of dubious repute, i.e. Sam and ture museum is found in Melide, on the shores of Lake America, Scandinavia, Switzerland, the Hamburg Airport Ella’s Butchers. Operated by a charitable foundation, a Lugano. Majestic mountains make an impressive back- and Italy. The exhibit includes 1,300 trains, more than visit to this gem from a bygone era supports worthwhile drop to this attraction featuring funicular railways, boats, 100,000 moving vehicles, 130,000 trees and 400,000 hu- causes. Online: bekonscot.co.uk cable cars and a model railway. The driving force behind man figurines. Construction on this immense indoor at- Madurodam: This attraction at The Hague, Nether- the park was Pierre Vuigner, who upon hearing of the traction began in 2000 and it opened the following year. lands, has been delighting families since 1952. Gener- aforementioned Madurodam set out to create the same Expansion continues to date, with Monaco, Provence and ations have enjoyed Madurodam’s 1:25 scale model repli- thing for his native Switzerland. The park opened in 1959, South America in the works. The detail in the infrastruc- cas of famous Dutch landmarks and its history-rich and its glory days came in the ’70s, helped by its advanta- ture amazes, from an airport with flight arrivals and de- towns. Each installation includes trees, flowers, greenery geous position near the Italian border, when an advanta- partures to a gigantic cruise ship. Lighting alternating and lots of tiny, multi-ethnic people whose clothing geous exchange rate between Swiss Francs and Italian between day and night adds another dimension to the changes in rhythm with the seasons. Some of the coun- Lira meant a steady stream of visitors from the south. The bustle of activity. Online: miniatur-wunderland.com Friday, July 30, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 21 WEEKEND: TRAVEL Finding workers is difficult work Europe’s hotels and restaurants are eager to welcome tourists, but are short of staff BY RICK NOACK Those programs appear to The Washington Post have worked for the people they he Hôtel Martinez in covered. A study in the Interna- Cannes, France, is tional Journal of Hospitality famous for a strict Management found businesses Taccess policy to protect that put employees on paid fur- its famous guests. lough instead of laying them off People hoping to catch a were more likely to retain them glimpse of celebrities attending beyond lockdowns. the film festival here this month But seasonal workers, of the had to wait outside, sitting on sort that staff resort hotels, had their suitcases, in the sweltering to apply for normal unemploy- sun. Only those with reservations ment benefits instead. And, after or on a list are allowed inside the 16 months of on-and-off lock- art deco entrance. downs, it is increasingly clear Or those who can prepare that many of them sought out Mediterranean bluefin tuna. new, and, in some cases, more “Cooks or room maids are not stable jobs in the retail industry easy to find these days,” said and other sectors. Many may not Yann Gillet, the hotel’s manager, return to hotel reception desks as he took a short break between and restaurant kitchens anytime welcoming stars during the fes- soon, if ever. iStock tival. “It was a bit of a challenge.” France’s hospitality sector European hotels and restaurants are facing an unexpected shortage of applicants and are struggling to find Whereas the Martinez has estimates that 150,000 workers enough staff to fill open positions just as the busy August tourism season gets underway. often been inundated with appli- have left the industry. In Germa- cations in the past, it now faces a ny, union experts estimate that cate, and limited opportunities staffers to high-demand sites or instructor in Austria, where he post-pandemic staff shortage that every sixth worker — almost for long-term careers. expanding the pool of potential met other young employees who has hit the entire industry and 300,000 people — left the sector A crucial lesson from the pan- workers through dedicated train- enjoyed working in the region’s could threaten the speed of the last year. There are about demic, he said, should be that ing programs may be more diffi- hospitality industry — but only continent’s economic recovery. 200,000 vacancies in the sector in hospitality businesses need to cult to implement in smaller “as long as they were single.” As Europeans embark on their Britain, where the effects of the provide employees with options hospitality businesses, however. “As soon as family comes in, as annual summer vacations, they pandemic have been compound- that advance their careers and In Austria, where more than soon as future planning comes in, are finding that some restaurants ed by Brexit. “allow them to plan their lives.” two-thirds of hotels are small you’re like: OK, is that something and hotels are still shuttered or As in the United States, labor At the Martinez in Cannes and businesses that are often family- that I want to do forever?” he operating at reduced hours, with unions in Europe are seizing the its parent company Hyatt, exec- run, industry representatives say recalled. many citing staff shortages, a moment to demand better pay utives said the pandemic has the pandemic exodus of workers One solution, he said, is for lack of customers in some re- and benefits. intensified efforts to experiment has been unprecedented in mag- family businesses to treat em- gions, and uncertainty over pan- In France, unemployment with recruitment and retention. nitude and impact. ployees as part of their extended demic restrictions. agencies are setting up “speed Hospitality businesses need to Stefan Koeb, the manager of family and to “integrate outsiders Starting in August, anyone who meeting” programs to allow be able to provide a “dynamic several hospitality businesses in to become key players.” wants to eat at a restaurant in desperate employers to introduce career and experiences,” said the mountainous Vorarlberg At the Martinez in Cannes, France is expected to need a themselves to potential workers. Michel Morauw, who is in charge region of Austria, said the sector where good workers have be- vaccination certificate, proof of A number of companies have of Hyatt’s operations in France. was used to an annual staff fluc- come as sought-after as the immunity or a negative coro- begun to offer recommend-a- During the Cannes Film Fes- tuation of about 15 to 20 percent. guests who tend to pay at least navirus test, which could keep friend bonuses for waiters and tival, the Martinez’s staffing But during the pandemic, about $1,000 a night in summer, staff- more customers away. But in other positions. levels were bolstered by 18 work- 30 percent left the sector in Aus- ers are often referred to as part many of the restaurants that have But some experts say the crisis ers from other Hyatt hotels, in- tria, he said. of an extended “family,” too. reopened in domestic tourism could prompt a deeper shift in cluding three participants from Whereas departures were most One of the first graduates of destinations, overworked staffers how businesses and governments programs for high school drop- pronounced among lower-level Hyatt’s training program for are struggling to keep up with approach staffing in the hospital- outs, disadvantaged youths and workers in the past, “this time, disadvantaged youths in France, orders. ity industry. refugees launched before the we’ve lost a lot of senior staff, 20-year-old Garaba Traoré, said American hospitality busi- “I don’t think that the salary is pandemic. too,” he said, adding that their his path from leaving school in a nesses report similar problems, the main issue,” said Andreas While the primary aim of the absence risked leaving serious Parisian suburb without a diplo- which put pressure on employers Kallmuenzer, a professor at program for disadvantaged gaps. ma to helping out with house- to raise wages and offer better France’s Excelia Business youths has been to find new ways Researcher Kallmuenzer said keeping at a luxury hotel on the benefits. Europe, though, wasn’t School. of recruitment, Morauw said it he hoped the pandemic would Côte d’Azur has puzzled some of expecting this. Expansive wage The European industry’s big- may also help with the retention prompt Europe’s family-run his friends and family members. subsidy and furlough programs gest challenges are rooted in the of older employees who come hospitality businesses to provide “Everyone is proud of me,” he were supposed to help workers nature of work, Kallmuenzer from similar backgrounds. employees with “a regular career said, before pausing for a mo- get through the pandemic and said: long hours that make it hard The program’s message to that assures them that they can ment as director Spike Lee ensure they would still be in for employees to juggle family them, said Morauw, is: “We value live a regular family life.” passed the table. “Frankly, this is place when businesses were able and job responsibilities, seasonal them for who they are.” Before becoming a researcher, an opportunity not everyone to reopen. work that forces staffers to relo- Similar approaches of moving Kallmuenzer worked as a ski gets.” France’s hospitality sector estimates that 150,000 workers have left the industry. In Germany, union experts estimate that every sixth worker ... left the sector last year. There are about 200,000 vacancies in the sector in Britain. PAGE 22 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, July 30, 2021 WEEKEND: FOOD & DINING

Swiss House im Weinrefugium Address: Schlachthausstrasse 1a, 67098 Bad Duerkheim Directions: From Kaiserslautern, drive down Mannheimer Strasse past Kleber and Panzer on B37 and on to Bad Durkheim. Or from the highway, take the A6 to Mannheim and turn right on 271 to Bad Durkheim. Prices: Main courses vary from 13 to 23 euros. Hours: Monday and Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 6 pm to 11 pm.; Saturday: 4 pm to 11 pm. Closed on Sunday and Wednes- day. Information: Phone 0175-120-0390; online: www.swiss- house.de Slobodan Lekic

The Swiss House restaurant in Bad Duerkheim, Germany, has a covered outside seating section, where the former garden used to be. Seating inside and out fills up fast, so

PHOTOS BY SLOBODAN LEKIC/Stars and Stripes it is recommended to make reservations ahead of time. The cordon bleu is an internationally known Swiss dish. In the Swiss House in Bad Duerkheim, it is made with two slices of veal with a middle layer of air­dried beef and gruyere cheese. It’s served with thick, extra crispy french fries. A rare delight Swiss House in Bad Duerkheim offers cuisine not often found in Germany

BY SLOBODAN LEKIC Stars and Stripes espite the array of restaurants in Germany featuring cuisines from all parts of the world, it’s difficult to find one from one of its next- Ddoor neighbors: Switzerland. That’s why residents in the Kaiserslautern area are fortunate to have an authentic Swiss restau- AFTER rant just 20 miles away in the spa town of Bad HOURS Duerkheim. GERMANY Although Swiss spe- cialties tend to be rela- The Swiss House restaurant is located in an old tively simple, made residential building in Bad Duerkheim, Germany. It has from ingredients such as potatoes and cheese — reflect- outside seating in an enclosed garden, in addition to the ing the country’s agricultural history — they are nonethe- Alpine­style interior rooms. less both distinct and delicious. The Swiss House im Weinrefugium does an excellent job of featuring a top- ever food you’re having. Since it’s considered a winter quality selection of that country’s different cuisines in a food, it’s not normally available before October. relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Also among our favorites are the homemade roesti The restaurant has become a favorite stopover whenev- crispy potatoes — formed like a large pancake — served er we visit Bad Durkheim, mainly for the food but also with tomato, pesto and buffalo mozzarella. They are deli- because of host Michael Feulner, who hails from Swit- ciously crispy on the outside but soft and melting on the zerland’s Schwyz canton and acts as receptionist, waiter inside. and cook. The restaurant features a wide selection of local and For starters, I would recommend the Bergfex, an Al- Swiss wines such as fendant, a dry, lively white from the pine dish of local cheese and air-dried beef, or a tomato Valais region. It is very popular among the Swiss, who and mozzarella insalata caprese. drink it with fondue, raclette and other cheese dishes. My favorite main course is the cordon bleu, the very If you prefer reds, I’d recommend a Sankt Laurent popular dish that originated in Switzerland. In its original A selection of Swiss fruit brandy at the Swiss House, from the surrounding wine country. form, it consists of two breaded veal cutlets filled in be- including the delicious plum­based Pflulmi aperitif. And if you’re in the mood for yet another Swiss special- tween with ham and gruyere cheese. In the restaurant’s ty for dessert, definitely go with the nut cake from the St. version, it’s filled with air-dried beef instead of ham. It’s herbs. Chunks of sourdough bread are skewered on long, Moritz area of southeastern Switzerland. served with the lightest and crunchiest french fries I’ve thin forks and then dipped into the pot of hot cheese set Finally, the Swiss House is almost always packed for tasted in a long time. on a tabletop burner. dinner, both in the shady garden and the inside, which is Other Swiss offerings include the cheese fondue, which Another unique cheese specialty is raclette, which furnished in typical Alpine mountain style. So be extra originated in the Alps as a hearty peasant dish. The res- dates back to the Middle Ages. The aromatic melting sure to book ahead. taurant makes it from its own special cheese mix with cheese is placed on a grill and then poured on top of what- [email protected] Friday, July 30, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 23 WEEKEND: QUICK TRIPS Wander the path of history The Roman Museum near Homburg takes you on a journey back in time

BY JENNIFER H. SVAN Stars and Stripes ur tour of the Roman Museum Homburg- Schwarzenacker started in the second half of the 18th century, with an exhibit of about 30 Opaintings from the late Baroque period. The landscape and animal portraits on the museum’s first floor weren’t what we were expecting. But after climbing some stairs, we found ancient Rome on the second floor. Relics were displayed across several small rooms, including tall terra cotta pots that appeared broken and glued back together; iron knives, rusted with holes, dated between the first and third centuries A.D.; and a collection of coins that were even older, the faces of gods and goddesses long since worn away. The artifacts are testament to the Roman Empire’s presence in western Germany — the objects were un- earthed where once-mighty settlements stood west of the Rhine River. One of those outposts was Schwarzenacker, the name given to a Roman town that flourished for about 300 years. A portion of what remains of the village comprises an open-air museum on the grounds behind the main build- ing, a farm house built in the 1800s. The site holds rem- nants of old cobblestone roads, stone foundations, cellars, gutters and wells, giving visitors a rare glimpse into Ro- man life. The town’s 2,000-some inhabitants were pushed out around 275 A.D. by Germanic tribes, according to a bro- chure in English purchased for 50 cents at the ticket PHOTOS BY JENNIFER H. SVAN/Stars and Stripes counter and gift shop. Monks from a nearby abbey dis- Ruins from an old Roman settlement dating back 2,000 years can be explored at the Roman Museum covered the ancient town in the Middle Ages, when their Homburg­Schwarzenacker. The museum is less than an hour from Kaiserslautern, Germany. plows struck the underground stone foundations and they noticed blackened soil, likely from fire when the town On the QT was invaded. Excavation of the settlement began in the 1950s. Address: Homburger Strasse 38, 66424 Homburg. The buildings have been partially reconstructed to look Directions: To reach the Roman Museum Homburg-Schwar- more like a village, but you can wander among and step zenacker from Kaiserslautern or Ramstein Air Base, take A6 west towards Saarbrucken to exit 9 near Homburg. Get off at exit 9 and over the original stone paths and foundations. Visitors can turn left. Follow B423 for about five miles. The museum, a three- also take the stairs into a cellar supported by old stone story pink building in a refurbished farmhouse, is on the right, columns and peer into sandstone “cooling chests” used to across the street from a Barbarossa bakery. Turn into the parking preserve food. We even found what looked like an ancient lot before passing the museum. Parking is free. stone toilet. Times: From April to October, the museum is open from 9 a.m. to That tangible connection to the past makes the museum 5 p.m., Monday to Friday; and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, well worth a visit. Sunday and public holidays. The opening hours list a daily lunch Information onsite is in German, but the English bro- break from 12:30 to 1 p.m., so the ticket counter may be closed chure maps out and describes 20 sites, including a few during that time. In March, hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. The places of interest in the large, manicured garden and museum is closed from November through February. Cost: Adults 6 euros; students 4 euros; children up to six years are courtyard between the museum and the settlement ruins. free. A family ticket costs 14 euros. Special passes are also avail- Follow the map and you’ll find, among other places, an able. old inn, the rooms clustered around a courtyard with Information: roemermuseum-schwarzenacker.de; call (06848) 73 sandstone tiles, and the refurbished “eye doctor’s house,” 07 77 or email: [email protected] where remains of a dog were found in the floor. The name Jennifer Svan of the building originates from a square stone prescrip- tion listing an ointment used to treat eyes and the name of the doctor: Sextus Ajacius Launus. [email protected] Twitter: @stripesktown 

An old photo on display shows a cellar excavated in the A stone latrine can be found behind a building that was 1950s. Stone foundations and partially refurbished believed to be a tavern inside a former Roman settlement buildings give a glimpse into how inhabitants of the Old Roman coins nearly 2,000 years old are on display. at the Roman Museum Homburg­Schwarzenacker. former Roman settlement lived 2,000 years ago. PAGE 24 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, July 30, 2021 WEEKEND: TRAVEL A 35-hour journey COVID tests, verification complicate trip from Argentina to Tokyo for one photographer headed to the Olympics

BY NATACHA PISARENKO Associated Press here is no easy way from Argentina to Japan. Associated Press Photographer Natacha Pisarenko’s trip was more complicated than most. T From the full-body protective suits worn by fellow travelers in Buenos Aires, to the long wait at Haneda Airport in Tokyo for results from COVID-19 testing, Pisarenko’s roughly 35- hour journey to the 2020 Summer Games was longer than most but otherwise typical for the thousands of athletes, officials and media who descended on Japan’s capital this month. Days before last week's opening ceremonies, foreigners arrived in droves despite the city’s state of emergency prompted by surg- PHOTOS BY NATACHA PISARENKO/AP ing COVID-19 cases. Visitors are under strict protective protocols Associated Press photographer Natacha Pisarenko’s documents rest on her suitcase at that begin with testing 96 hours before their flights and continue Haneda Airport in Tokyo upon arriving July 19. throughout their stays. Pisarenko’s trek began in Buenos Aires, with a stop in Frank- furt, Germany, en route to Japan. Masks were mandatory throughout, but some travelers took extra precautions. A few in Buenos Aires donned protective coveralls, gloves and plastic face shields — at least one kept the body suit on during the flight to Frankfurt. Several steps awaited at Haneda Airport, including saliva virus testing, rounds of paperwork verification and the validation of Olympic credentials. A bus took Pisarenko to a taxi, and the cab finally brought her to her hotel. The tiny room hardly fits her A sign directs passengers arriving July 19 Pisarenko’s gear and clothes sit in her clothes and gear, but out the window is a pleasant view of the city in Tokyo to get their COVID­19 tests room July 19 at the Tokyo Bay Ariake at sunset. before being allowed to enter the country. Washington Hotel.

A heath worker is about to take a sample for the first COVID­19 test July 15 in Buenos Travelers wearing full protective gear including plastic face shields wait their turn to Aires, Argentina. Another test was done upon arriving in Tokyo. enter the airport July 17 in Buenos Aires. Friday, July 30, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 25 WEEKEND: FOOD & DINING The future meets the present Dawn Avatar Robot Café in Tokyo is staffed by robots, provides jobs for people with physical limitations

BY ERICA EARL Stars and Stripes AFTER café partially staffed by robots recently HOURS opened in downtown JAPAN ATokyo, giving guests the opportunity to live out a sci-fi fantasy. It also provides jobs to Dawn Avatar Robot Cafe those with physical limitations or disabilities. Location: 3 Chome-8-3 Nihonbashi- Unlike the Robot Restaurant in honcho, Chuo City, Tokyo 103-0023 Shinjuku, the Dawn Avatar Ro- Directions: A 12-minute walk from Kanda Station. bot Café does not feature any Hours: Open daily, noon to 7 p.m. android battles or cyberpunk Prices: $22 per meal with drink, $16 shows. for seasonal dessert plates Instead, the shop and café, Dress: Casual inside the Nihonbashi Life Sci- Information: dawn2021.orylab.com ence Building in Chuo City, fea- Erica Earl tures a robot waitstaff remotely manned by people who are bed- photo of the person manning ridden, confined to wheelchairs your bot. Taller robots maneuver or otherwise disabled. around the café to serve drinks “People with disabilities need and small plates, and a non-robot a way to participate in society in waiter brings the main entrees. their own way, meet friends, and In addition to talking through the get paid,” says the café’s website. bot, employees can control their “This is a way to meet, talk, and flipper-like arms, rotate their have fun without distinguishing bodies and heads and change the PHOTOS BY ERICA EARL/Stars and Stripes between disabled and able-bod- eye color. Dawn Avatar Robot Café in Tokyo features a robot waitstaff remotely manned by people who are ied people.” While imaginative and fun, it is bedridden, confined to wheelchairs or have other physical limitations. Over the internet, employees important to remember that pilot robots built by Ory Re- behind each robot is an actual and more diverse job options is search Institute, a Japanese person who may have lived with the main draw for employees, the robotics company specializing in pain and judgments because of food at Dawn Avatar café is also accessibility. Standing between 1 their disabilities. worth the trip. and 4 feet tall, the white, sleek Marie McDonald, who is origi- The menu rotates by season, robots with illuminating eyes nally from Japan, currently lives and the summer offerings in- feature cameras, a microphone in and works remotely from clude poke bowls, salads and and a speaker to allow their oper- Melbourne, Australia. She said sandwiches. I had the power ators to remotely interact with that working at Dawn Avatar salad with tofu, which came with customers. made her realize that, sadly, a delicious, chilled soup. The The name of the restaurant people sometimes treat her bet- entire meal was refreshing in comes from the robots acting as ter as a robot than in person. Japan’s heat and humidity. avatars for their pilots, most of She also said robot-waitressing Each meal comes with a drink. whom cannot work long hours on at a café in Japan and meeting The experience of dining with their feet. The co-founder of the other Japanese people, even if robots, however, costs 2,500 yen, café, Kentaro Yoshifuji, got the through a screen, helps her feel or about $22, per meal. idea after having to spend almost less homesick while coronavirus The robots, which are so cute, three years in a hospital, accord- restrictions keep her from vis- especially the tabletop ones, ing to the website. Dawn Avatar iting. come with warnings not to pet or opened June 22. “It’s a great pleasure and in- touch them. They are not the only Robots at Dawn Avatar Robot Café will take your order and bring you Upon entering Dawn Avatar, spiration to be able to talk to atmospheric features of Dawn drinks and small plates. Meals are delivered by non­robot wait staff. guests can approach and have Japanese people from so far Avatar. conversations with miniature away,” she said. “I have three Hanging plants and neon signs completely accessible for visitors have pictures of each item. robots in the lobby before being kids, so this job is a great choice fill the restaurant, and a large and workers alike, so there are Unlike many shops in Japan, seated. They are then introduced for me to be able to have flexible bartending bot contributes to the no stairs or high-top tables that the café is completely cashless, to their table’s own small robot hours and work from home but theme park-like environment. A may be difficult for people with so credit or debit cards are a companion, who not only goes still have a social environment.” large screen in the center of the disabilities to navigate. must. Reservations for the main over the menu and takes orders, While getting your tea and restaurant rotates between na- The menu at Dawn Avatar is dining room are required and but also makes conversation and coffee served to you by robots as ture scenes and videos about the not available in English, but can easily be made online. keeps guests company. if you’re in a science fiction mo- establishment’s mission. many of the waitstaff speak En- [email protected] A screen at the table displays a vie is the main draw for visitors, The café is committed to being glish, and the electronic menus Twitter: @thisearlgirl PAGE 26 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, July 30, 2021 WEEKEND: TRAVEL

Anchors aweigh

PHOTOS BY ANDREA SACHS/The Washington Post The Celebrity Edge, left, the first megacruise to depart from a U.S. port since the pandemic hit, docks next to its neighbor in Cozumel. Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas sails from its home port in Nassau, Bahamas, which is not under the purview of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Cruises are back, though veteran cruisers may notice a few pandemic-related changes to keep everyone safe

BY ANDREA SACHS Celebrity Edge was the first vessel to Royal Caribbean International cruise from Southampton, England, in mid-Au- The Washington Post receive the agency’s approval to sail from lines.) gust instead of mid-July. omeday is here,” a towering the States under the vaccination proviso, In this early stage, every cruise matters. “This cruise is a big deal because it’s the sign at Port Everglades in which requires that at least 95% of pas- Each successful voyage will push cruising first,” said Richard Fain, chief executive Fort Lauderdale, Fla., de- sengers and crew members be fully in- closer to its goal of resuming normal oper- of Royal Caribbean Group, who was “S clared. oculated. Ships that wish to accept non- ations. (In 2019, nearly 30 million people aboard the Celebrity Edge. “The next one “Vaccinated and ready to cruise,” a vaccinated travelers must conduct a sim- cruised globally, according to the Cruise will be a big deal because it’s the second. couple’s T-shirts proclaimed. ulated cruise, so the crew can practice the Lines International Association.) Of The third will be ho-hum because it’s now “Welcome back!” three crew members the third. By the sixth it will just be, ‘Oh on the gangway cheered in unison. yeah, of course, that’s what they do.’” The messages appearing on walls, cloth- “This cruise is a big deal because it’s the first. Celebrity outlines its health and safety ing and lips were triumphant: After 15 protocols on its website, but the informa- months of idle seas, cruising was revving The next one will be a big deal because it’s the tion applies to cruising in general, not to back up. Before June 26, no megaship had specific itineraries. For my western Carib- departed from a U.S. port. Then one final- second. The third will be ho-hum because it’s bean voyage, I downloaded the free app, ly did. now the third. By the sixth it will just be, ‘Oh which helped answer some questions. For “This is a history-making voyage,” cap- the rest, I called the cruise line with tain Kate McCue said over Celebrity Edg- yeah, of course, that’s what they do.’” speed-dial frequency. e’s loudspeaker on the momentous day. During these conversations, I learned “We want the world to know that cruising Richard Fain about the specialized restaurants, the shore excursions and the Magic Carpet, a is back in a big way.” chief executive of Royal Caribbean Group, who was aboard During the pandemic, hotels and planes cantilevered bar that yo-yos between kept a few lights on, but not cruises. The the Celebrity Edge for its first cruise in 15 months decks. I hung up knowing where I wanted to dine (Le Petit Chef, Eden) but unsure of industry went dark March 13, a day before whether I needed to present a negative the Centers for Disease Control and Pre- CDC’s safety procedures in a controlled course, any slip-up could stall the indus- coronavirus test result or vax card at vention issued a No Sail Order. Cruise environment. On June 22, Royal Carib- try’s progress. For example, Royal Carib- check-in. ships have been sailing in Europe and bean International’s Freedom of the Seas bean’s Odyssey of the Seas had to delay its Closer to departure, I received some Asia since 2020, but the rebound in North became the first ship to complete a test return from July 3 to 31 after eight crew clarifications. A man named Alfonso America has been slower. In June, a few run. Less than two weeks later, it set off members tested positive for the coro- called me one morning to remind me to ships kicked off the summer season from from Miami with real passengers, not navirus in June. Cunard’s Queen Eliza- bring my vaccination card. I mentioned ports in the Caribbean and the Bahamas, volunteers — another first. (Royal Carib- beth suffered a similar fate this month. which are outside the CDC’s purview. bean Group owns both the Celebrity and The ocean liner plans to resume services SEE BON VOYAGE ON PAGE 27 Friday, July 30, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 27 WEEKEND: TRAVEL Bon voyage: Strict protocols curb unvaccinated passengers’ freedoms FROM PAGE 26 the Florida law that bans businesses from requiring such proof. (The week before the ship sailed, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis won his lawsuit against the CDC.) He amended his answer to say that the cruise line “strongly encouraged” it, but would not deny me boarding if I showed up emp- ty-handed. However, I would have to fol- low strict rules that, he hinted, could curb my freedoms on land and sea. The day before the cruise, I received an email detailing these restrictions: Un- vaccinated passengers age 16 and older (or age 12 as of Aug. 1) must wear masks except when eating or drinking; pay for several antigen tests during the trip, at $178 per person; and sit in designated areas in public spaces including the dining room, casino and theater — the pandemic version of the smoking section. Our ports of call in Mexico and the Bahamas could also prohibit this contingent from coming ashore. (Midway through the voyage, Celebrity’s parent company announced that unvaccinated travelers on Royal Ca- ribbean ships must carry travel medical insurance in the event they test positive for COVID-19.) Veteran cruisers will notice a few changes to the check-in process. First, they must schedule an arrival time — no more swooping in sometime before the final boarding call. They must also under- go a “wellness check,” a painless exercise that involves handing over your vax card Celebrity Edge reduced passenger capacity for the cruise industry’s first departure from a U.S. port in more than a year. With fewer and confirming that you have completed people onboard, guests didn’t have to fight for one of the ship’s highly coveted pool loungers. the health questionnaire. To my right, an employee asked medical questions to a couple who had not filled out the form in “This is a advance. Behind me, a staff member es- corted a family with a young daughter to a history-making testing site in a separate building. With the exception of about two dozen voyage. We want the children, all the passengers on Celebrity world to know that Edge were vaccinated. We almost had a pair of unvaccinated guests, but they de- cruising is back in a cided to reschedule their cruise for when they were fully inoculated. The ship was big way.” carrying less than 40% of its capacity: 1,777 cruisers and 944 crew members out Kate McCue of a possible 2,900 and 1,110, respectively. Celebrity Edge captain The low occupancy rate meant that I could secure an in-pool lounger during tongs. I stopped torturing her after three peak sunbathing hours, eat breakfast at an pieces. There was one holdover from pre- ocean-view table (six mornings in a row, a pandemic times: the beverage station. We record) and twirl around the nightclub were allowed to pour ourselves tea, coffee, without banging into anyone. At a tribute water and juice, though a sign reminded to Aretha Franklin, the theater felt like an us to refrain from refilling our cups with echo chamber. From my balcony perch, I ice — a rule created to curb another virus, could see two men wearing masks with an the norovirus. empty seat between them. Before the ship left Florida, I learned On the seven-day cruise, we had three that I could go ashore in Mexico only if I Junkanoo Beach, which is within walking distance of the cruise terminal in Nassau, days at sea and three days on land. Every signed up for a “curated tour” arranged by Bahamas, was empty during the ship’s port of call. evening I received in my stateroom a the cruise line. I had hoped this rule would schedule of activities and a gift, such as a change before Day 4, when we landed in minded us to wear our masks at all times, terminal, I saw only one bare face. box of doughnuts or an etched wine glass. Costa Maya. It didn’t. (We could roam free except when eating salsa, drinking mar- During the voyage, I wondered how I Most of the onboard diversions involved in Nassau, on Day 6.) garitas and breathing through a snorkel. would determine whether the cruise had booze, trivia, anti-aging consultations or After eliminating excursions that were They assigned us seating on the bus and been a success. Clearly the passengers live music. I spent an inordinate amount of too short or motionless, I chose the three- frequently squirted sanitizer on our hands. were overjoyed to be sailing again, as time at the Oceanview Cafe, where the hour Salsa Cooking and Dancing with Though I had more freedom in Nassau, I were the crew members. The locals in ship’s safety measures were on display. In Beach Break in Costa Maya and the five- still had to mind my measures. Mexico and the Bahamas were grateful to addition to a Purell stand and a hand- hour Jeep Adventure to Punta Sur nation- “You can’t come in here without a have visitors on their tours and in their washing sink by the entrance, all of the al park in Cozumel, which included snor- mask,” a guard informed me at Sa public shops and restaurants. To my knowledge, buffet’s self-serve implements had been keling, a Mayan ruin, a climb up a light- bathroom near the fish fry stands. I told no one had tested positive for COVID. removed. Nothing makes you more self- house and a crocodile sighting. After the him I had seen several people wearing The telltale sign appeared on my final conscious of your portion sizes than hav- tours, we could shop and eat in the cruis- blue shirts emblazoned with “Covid En- morning. At 7:30, I heard a knock on the ing to ask a server for a spoonful of fried ers-only “villages,” though not all of the forcement Unit.” door. The room attendant wanted to know rice, and another, and another. At the stores and restaurants were open. He explained that they were in charge when I was going to vacate my cabin. He cheese-and-dried-fruit counter, a crew The tour guides were strict about the of enforcing the mask rule, adding that needed to strip the bed before the next member struggled to pluck apricots from protocols. They took our temperatures, offenders could incur a $250 fine and/or a group of cruisers arrived later that after- the front of the case with a pair of tiny asked us if were feeling feverish and re- month in jail. On the walk back to the noon. PAGE 28 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, July 30, 2021 WEEKEND: MUSIC

ESSAY

Fiona Apple performs in New York in 2006. Ten years earlier, Apple released “Tidal,” an album that fell somewhere between the bracing bluntness of Alanis Morissette and the ethereal poetry of Tori Amos. Her debut also contained Apple’s only smash hit, “Criminal.” AP A ‘Tidal’ wave she barely rode 25 years ago, Fiona Apple’s debut almost instantly brought stardom along with scorn

BY ALLISON STEWART “I really like when true sette’s bracing bluntness and the ethereal poetry of Tori Special to the Washington Post things sound pretty,” she Amos. Nobody else in the ’90s addressed the actual emo- hen Fiona Apple’s debut album “Tidal” was recently told the Guardian, tional lives of teenage girls like Apple did, in a way that released, 25 years ago, she was 18 years old and “Tidal,” mostly an al- offered them both validation and permission. and somehow seemed simultaneously older bum of ballads, is her pret- It wasn’t just teenage girls. Without “Tidal,” there is no Wand younger. When Apple entered the stu- tiest. Its most harrowing Billie Eilish or St. Vincent or maybe not even Kanye dio to make it, she had been writing songs since she was 8 songs are often its loveliest: West, who once told Apple she was the inspiration for his but had never played a show and had never even been on Opening track “Sleep to classic album “Late Registration.” West chose co-pro- a stage. She felt insecure next to the hired studio musi- Dream” alternates between ducer Jon Brion, who worked with Apple on “Tidal,” “so I cians and would worry they were mad at her, she once melodrama and restraint could be like the rap version of you,” he told the singer told a Rolling Stone writer. Halfway through recording, The cover of Apple’s (“This mind this body and when she interviewed him for a 2005 magazine piece, a Apple, who had struggled with disordered eating, went “Tidal,” an album that this voice cannot be stifled conversation every bit as awkward as you’d imagine. back into therapy. also paved the way for by your deviant ways / So It’s impossible to separate “Tidal” the album from the Upon its release, “Tidal” made Apple a star almost artists such as Billie don’t forget what I told you “Tidal”-induced misery that followed it. Much of it was instantly. Within a year, she was one of the most famous Eilish, St. Vincent and don’t come around / I got my spurred by the infamous music video for “Criminal,” in women in pop music — and one of the most reviled. Kanye West. own hell to raise”). “Sullen which a lingerie-clad Apple frolicked among half-naked Though “Tidal” is the album her fans are most likely to Girl,” stirring and mournful, teenagers in a wood-paneled basement from history’s have grown up with, it might be their least favorite; it’s appears to reference the sexual assault she endured at 12 creepiest CK commercial. The look on her face said: I both the most popular record she has ever made and the (“They don’t know I used to sail the deep and tranquil sea have made a terrible mistake. most underrated. / But he washed me ashore / And he took my pearl / And Things worsened when Apple won the 1997 MTV VMA “Tidal” doesn’t feel tied together by a singular artistic left an empty / Shell of me”). The orchestral goodbye award for Best New Artist, beating out beloved pop trio vision like Apple’s later, more experimental albums do. ballad “Never Is a Promise” is a work of furious beauty. Hanson, which seemed to be some kind of affront to the Produced by her manager, Andy Slater, it’s the only al- “Shadowboxer” still seems improbable all these years natural order of things. Everyone knows what happened bum of hers that feels like it was made by reasonable later; that a teenager conceived such a lushly textured next. In her acceptance speech, she referenced Maya grown-ups who were worried about hitting sales targets, Nina Simone throwback, that someone let her do it. Angelou, urged fans to be themselves and said the four instead of gifted kids let loose in a studio after hours, For all its novelty, “Tidal” was also a decidedly mid- words that might still be the ones most associated with armed with marimbas and glockenspiels. It’s a disparate ’90s Angry Sad Girl pop album, one of a bumper crop that her: “This world is bulls—-.” collection of comparatively conventional songs, influen- followed the release of Alanis Morissette’s “Jagged Little After that, Apple became a universal figure of scorn, ced by hip-hop and jazz, housing her only smash hit, Pill” the previous year. When Apple joined the Lilith Fair even though the men of grunge had been making the “Criminal.” Apple told interviewers she wrote the song in tour in 1997, it felt inevitable, as strange as it may seem 45 minutes because her label wanted a single. now. Back then, “Tidal” lived somewhere between Moris- SEE TIDAL ON PAGE 29 Friday, July 30, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 29 WEEKEND: MUSIC REVIEWS

David Crosby For Free (BMG) David Crosby gets by with a little help from his friends, including Donald Fagen of Steely Dan and former Doobie Brother Michael McDonald, on “For Free,” a deeply felt and expertly conceived album that dropped just shy of Croz’s 80th birthday. Crosby’s son, James Raymond, produced the album and also penned the touching final track “I Won’t Stay for Long.” “I’m facing the squall line / Of a thousand-year storm,” Crosby sings. “I don’t know if I’m dying / Or about to be born but / I’d like to be with you today.” His voice sounds as strong as ever on the slickly produced record Miles Davis that sounds both current and at times like a 1970s time capsule. Merci Miles! Live at Vienne (Warner Records/Rhino) That’s most true on the Fagen-written “Rodriguez For a Night,” which could easily have found a home on a Steely Dan album. McDo- nald, the grandfather of the smooth, light-rock sound known as yacht sound and shape of contemporary music several rock, lends his backing vocals to “River Rise,” the soaring album times during his storied career, which saw him opener, which he also co-wrote. do his first recording sessions in 1945 while still On the beautiful title track, “For Free,” Crosby returns to the 1970 a teenager. Joni Mitchell song that he also sang as a member of The Byrds in Davis pioneered an array of jazz styles, in- 1973. This time he’s joined by singer-songwriter Sarah Jarosz on a cluding cool, hard bop, modal and fusion. He pared-down version that’s more faithful to the original. also nurtured an array of budding young talents It’s a highlight on a solid effort that finds Crosby hitting emotional who became legends in their own right, from highs in the twilight of his storied career. John Coltrane, Bill Evans and Wayne Shorter to — Scott Bauer Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea and Keith Jarrett. Associated Press No one in the band Davis led in 1991 has risen to the level of his famed previous collaborators. But the well-drilled quintet featured on “Merci Miles” is notable, if more for its turn-on-a-dime Tidal: Early success shaped ensemble work than as a vehicle for transcend- ent solos. Listening as intently as it played, the band was Apple’s attitude toward fame very well attuned to its leader’s finely calibrated shifts in tone, intensity and direction. Their pin- FROM PAGE 28 things like this back then, and it point dynamic control is showcased throughout same point for years: Winning an was fine. The way we now talk this nearly 80-minute recording, on which the award makes you one of the about almost everything — men- TNS presence of the already ailing Davis is felt as popular kids. It turns you into the tal illness, sexual assault, the Miles Davis performs on July 6, 1991, in Paris. much as heard. While his periodic visual cues to shiny thing you hated. And so it male gaze — is so seismically his fellow musicians can’t be seen here, the was open season, a case study in different, even if it’s still not group’s flexibility and cohesion as a unit is un- how not to treat somebody. A different enough. In the ’90s, mistakable. 1997 Spin cover story, arch but nobody had to endure the pecu- 1991 concert Witness the 18-minute version of Michael not unsympathetic, traumatized liar combination of condescen- Jackson’s Top 10 1983 hit, “Human Nature.” Apple for years. “Fiona Apple is sion, contempt and she-looks-so- Davis, playing muted trumpet, quickly dispenses a pop star trapped in the body of thin-I-just-hope-she’s-OK con- reveals Davis’ with the silky melodic theme of the original. The a pretty teenage girl,” it ex- cern trolling that Apple did. Not song is then transformed into a fervent, rhyth- plained, as if, then as now, being even Courtney Love. mically propulsive work — enhanced by Moor- both those things at once wasn’t “Tidal,” rocket-boosted by flaws, genius ish and Eastern African flavors — that all but mandatory. Apple told the writer these controversies, went triple boils over. Davis’ exquisitely subtle trumpet solo she planned to release another platinum. Its follow-up, “When BY GEORGE VARGA on “Human Nature” at times evokes the richly album and then die, a quote that the Pawn ...” was incrementally The San Diego Union-Tribune melancholic textures of his 1960 classic, would trail her for years. Terry happier, but that wasn’t saying a n aura of mystery and intrigue, on “Sketches of Spain.” Richardson took the accompany- lot. Apple retreated to her Ven- stage and off, were constants through- Davis plays extemporaneously for three-and- ing photos. ice, Calif., home and rarely out the extraordinary career of Miles a-half minutes at the start of his remake of Cyndi For Apple, fame seemed — emerged. She has released only ADavis. Lauper’s 1983 chart-topper, “Time After Time,” seems — baffling and mortifying. two albums since the mid-period The legendary trumpeter, composer and ban- before breaking into the first verse and chorus. “I’m impressed with myself for “Extraordinary Machine,” giving dleader created transcendent music that in- Clocking in at nearly 10 minutes, “Time After getting here,” she told the Spin her five in 25 years. The latest, spired countless jazz artists, along with everyone Time” features Davis from start to finish. His writer, “but I’m not so impressed the spartan, percussion-centric from Joni Mitchell, Prince and Radiohead to whisper-soft trumpet work is a master class in with here.” At a party celebrating “Fetch the Bolt Cutters,” was Mos Def, John Legend and John Mayer. nuance and restraint. So is his impeccable use of the story that humiliated her, released during the early days of Davis thrived by repeatedly defying expecta- space and the silences between notes, a musical Apple, a trapped animal, tried to the pandemic, to near universal tions — and by pushing himself and the mem- trademark throughout his career. hide from guests behind a cur- acclaim. The Times called her bers of his various bands to explore, take risks Davis often cedes the spotlight to saxophonist tain. “I am making all of my “the patron saint of not leaving and reach for new heights. Kenny Garrett, keyboardist Derron Johnson, mistakes in public,” she told a the house.” Apple was finally Except, that is, when he didn’t, which was the drummer Ricky Wellman and dual bassists notably unsympathetic New York made for these times. Apple has general rap against him for much of the final Richard Patterson and Joseph “Foley” McCre- Times reporter. “I’m just hoping gotten better as her work has decade of his career. His embrace of contempo- ary Jr. But at the time of his final tour in 1991, that if I can be raw about my grown less accessible; she now rary funk and R&B in the 1980s did not sit well the trumpeter knew his health was declining, emotions and not hide anything, I appears to have settled into her with some longtime fans. Neither did his new- and — with it — his stamina. can show people my age and Latent Tom Waits phase. found penchant for recording with drum ma- Happily, when Davis does play here he does younger it’s OK.” She recently told an interview- chines and synthesizers, which gave his music a so resolutely and with palpable passion. Like an The partygoers seemed to be er she didn’t want to be nomi- slick, sleek, pop-friendly sonic sheen. aging prize fighter, he skillfully times his musi- waiting in anticipation for Apple nated for an Album of the Year With “Merci Miles! Live at Vienne 1991,” lis- cal punches, imbuing each sonic move and ges- to break down and appeared Grammy alongside Taylor Swift teners can judge for themselves. The set is by ture with unmistakable purpose. pleased when she did: “She because she was afraid Swifties turns fascinating and flawed, sometimes concur- What results is not the artistic swan song that crumpled into a chair, tears would bully her. She wasn’t be- rently, for precisely the same reasons. Davis 1991 live album with Quincy Jones, “Miles streaming down her mascara- ing awards show-averse, just “Merci Miles!” was recorded at a festival in & Quincy: Live at Montreux” — recorded a week smeared face, an MTV Ophelia,” reasonable. She didn’t get an France on July 1, 1991, less than three months after this Vienne performance — represents. But Phoebe Hoban wrote in the New Album of the Year nomination, before Davis died in Los Angeles from a combi- as a welcome documentation of a graying icon York Times. “‘We’re in crisis but she won two Grammys any- nation of respiratory failure, pneumonia and a steadfastly looking forward, not back, “Merci! mode now,’” a satisfied guest way — and slept through the stroke. At 65, he had irrevocably changed the Miles” is as welcome as it is well-titled. said, because people could say ceremony. PAGE 30 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, July 30, 2021 WEEKEND: BOOKS ‘Seek You’ explores need for human attachment and terror of its absence

BY CHRIS BARSANTI This,” was a wistful and wispy graphic mem- Star Tribune oir whose well researched “This American n Jim Shepard’s recent bio-noir “Phase Life”-esque lyrical solipsism rears its head in Six,” a character mockingly defines this work, as well. loneliness as “solitude with self-pity Some of the more personal moments in Ithrown in.” That line’s chilly dismis- “Seek You” feel only tenuously connected. siveness would not play well in Kristen But most help to illustrate the wider and Radtke’s immersive, novelistic and intensely richer geography of disconnection that she humanistic book-length graphic essay on the explores in a work whose aching, keening subject. sense of humanity is almost as powerful as its Taking its title from the term “CQ,” a ham evocative artwork. radio operator’s general call seeking contact, There is so much empathy in Radtke’s Powerful tale “Seek You” is ostensibly an investigation of approach, she can even muster up sympathy loneliness in an ever-more-fractured Amer- for Harry Harlow. A scientist who most of 2 relatives ica. In that hunt, Radtke does pull in at some would call a monster, Harlow spent years at of the expected stops, like the studies finding the University of Wisconsin torturing mon- decades apart that isolation is a deadly public health crisis keys in diabolical ways, including depriving or Robert Putnam’s writing on the collapse of them of a mother’s contact, to study the ef- BY KEVIN CANFIELD American community (“Bowling Alone”). fects of isolation. Despite her harrowing Star Tribune But she pivots from seeking easy finger- depictions of Harlow’s work — which will be Sunjeev Sahota’s “China Room” wagging answers (”technology is an easy difficult for some readers to stomach — is an intelligent, earnest novel and scapegoat”) in favor of a bolder argument: “It Radtke finds room not only to note his mental although one of its storylines is seems to me quite possible that we have al- illness (“perhaps he replicated in these ani- weaker than the other, it’s consis- ways been a very lonely people.” mals what he held within himself”) but to tently absorbing, a sweeping dual Broken up into enigmatically titled chap- illuminated by bright rectangular windows suggest that the findings of his sadistic re- portrait of a woman forced into an ters like “Watch,” the book curls through framing people in solitude. search helped American parents finally adolescent marriage and the trou- autobiographical episodes ranging from her Knitting those moments together are a break away from the belief that too much bled descendant she’ll never meet. Wisconsin suburban childhood to New York skein of historical, cultural and psychological affection stunted babies. The book’s main thread — set in adulthood in which Radtke illustrates both reflections on the nature of loneliness, in In her attempt to understand even the likes 1929, in an India increasingly re- the loneliness of physical solitude and of which Radtke connects everything from the of Harlow, Radtke’s approach here purpose- sistant to British rule — focuses on crowds. These make up some of the book’s history of the sitcom laugh track to how the fully mirrors that of those ham radio oper- an unwillingly engaged 15-year-old. lovelier sections with Radtke’s enigmatic text advent of the modern “cuddle industry” in- ators sending CQ signals out into the void, not Mehar’s impoverished parents contrasting with her richly precise, Chris dicates the primal need for human touch. necessarily with anything to say but just have agreed that she’ll marry the Ware-ian illustrations of darkened buildings Radtke’s debut, “Imagine Wanting Only wanting to connect. son of a domineering, relatively wealthy widow named Mai. Add- ing insult to matrimony, Mehar hasn’t met her husband-to-be. The wedding day won’t provide any An insightful sendup of startup clarity. Her future mother-in-law has arranged for Mehar and two wom- culture and the modern marriage en — Gurleen and Harbans — to wed her three sons in a single BY JENNY BHATT her create a revolutionary, one-of- dation of what we know about ceremony. Mai’s interpretation of Star Tribune a-kind app, WAI (We Are Infi- startup bro culture. the family’s Sikh faith requires that A Bangladeshi American wom- nite), with her husband and his The real story unfolding here is the men wear “curtain[s] of white an drops out of her MIT doctoral best friend. that of Asha’s feminist awakening. marigolds,” obscuring their faces. program to become a coding wiz The app adds meaning to the Her evolving epiphanies are Eager to set a dictatorial tone, Mai and then writes an algorithm lives of those who don’t want orga- served up in an engagingly sarcas- won’t tell the brides who’s marry- powering an innovative new social nized religion but who do value tic and ironic voice with sharply ing whom. networking app. An encycloped- rituals. Answer a few questions observed details. Realizing that Mehar eventually finds love, but ically brilliant white man becomes about what’s most important to her idealized, boundary-less world not with her husband, Jeet. She the charismatic savior-guide wor- you and it suggests a customized is a diminished one compared and Suraj, Gurleen’s husband, shiped by millions of the app’s ritual for whatever event you want with that of her privileged white appear to be soul mates. With users. The couple have the kind of to commemorate. male counterparts, she stands up brutal colonial rule threatening to rare work-life marriage that is WAI takes off at blazing speed for herself. Coming to terms with plunge family and country into both perfect and enviable. Until and makes the co-founders over- her own complicity in her condi- chaos, the lovers hatch a dramatic it’s not. night paper millionaires. Venture tion, she decides she will no longer ny, where Asha concludes that, escape plan. “The Startup Wife,” Tahmima capitalists eventually want to be “Cyrused” by her husband. while Cyrus “displayed some The Mehar plot is intertwined Anam’s latest, is a satirical and honor it with generous funds. As empowering and welcome as epically bad judgment … I gave with a slighter tale. Seventy years insightful sendup of startup cul- Users become evangelists. Em- this non-victimhood narrative him power over me. I gave him all later, her great-grandson flees his ture and is entirely different from ployees happily sacrifice their sounds, there are some off-key the privilege in the world so he home in England and isolates her acclaimed trilogy about Ban- waking hours to it. notes. While the supporting char- could turn around and mess me himself in Mehar’s now-abandoned gladesh’s struggle for independ- When things go wrong, it’s be- acters, from Asha’s Bangladeshi up,” minimizes the longstanding house. Eighteen-year-old S—, as ence. While the latter drew on her cause of reasons familiar to those American family members to her complex gender, race and class he’s known, is trying to kick a parents’ personal histories, this who know this milieu. Women, utopian family members, are toxicities that plague the tech destructive heroin habit when he one draws on her own experiences especially of color like Asha, are effective foils during each mile- world. falls for an older woman. as a board member with her hus- marginalized. Men, especially stone of Asha’s journey, the latter That said, within the still-evolv- Sahota, a Booker Prize finalist in band’s startup. white men like Cyrus, are cele- sometimes succumb to well worn ing South Asian diasporic literary 2015, is a talented prose stylist. He Our fictional startup wife, Asha brated for barely any accomplish- stereotypes. Thankfully, with the traditions, this novel is a much- relates Mehar’s story in moving Ray, has a blessed life: a support- ments. Moral and ethical consid- former, Anam doesn’t dwell on needed addition because it gives detail, and while the S— saga is ive family; a gorgeous high school erations are sidelined for personal tired South Asian family tropes us the experiences of cultures and comparatively underwhelming, his crush, Cyrus Jones, who marries power and financial gain. When other than to skillfully poke fun at communities here and now in linking of the plot lines is never her two months after coming back the climactic and inevitable disas- them. ways that don’t erase or exoticize jarring. It’s a flawed novel but into her life; and brains that help ter arrives, it’s a satisfying vali- And the most important epipha- but celebrate them. often a powerful one. Friday, July 30, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 31 WEEKEND: TELEVISION

REVIEW

Playing the mental game

Netflix “Naomi Osaka” offers an intimate look at the tough decisions and ecstatic triumphs that shape the player as both an elite global superstar and young woman navigating a pressure­filled world. The artfully directed series, streaming on Netflix, is three episodes with a total running time of 111 minutes. Netflix docuseries gives the feeling of intimately knowing the tennis player known for her honesty and vulnerability

BY ROBERT LLOYD standard for streaming docuseries, when were spying or at least staying helpfully out the cameras, Osaka might act up and act Los Angeles Times anything less than four hours can seem like of the way. This audiovisual eavesdropping out, stomp her feet and hold her breath f you don’t follow sports, you an insult both to the subject and the viewer. makes events seem intimate, even when until she turns blue and abuse her team or might have become aware of But it is as long as it needs to be, and divid- they’re happening far off. Osaka herself lash out at clerks and waiters. Coaches and Naomi Osaka as I did, not for her ing what is essentially a feature film into contributes some self-shot video diaries. In trainers do come and go mysteriously, but playing but for her not playing. three episodes makes it television and gives one, she walks a city after a loss, “headed nothing on camera would lead one to be- In late May, the 23-year-old, it a structure — three acts in which she towards no direction,” narrating her pro- lieve her a diva or such a deft actress that who’s currently ranked No. 2 in wins, doesn’t win and wins again — that is gress as if she were leaving a record the she could so successfully misrepresent Iwomen’s tennis, withdrew from the French helpful, given an otherwise free-associating police might need in the morning: “It’s herself. If anything, Osaka seems extraordi- Open because she did not want to participa- narrative that also takes in Osaka’s adven- either walk or don’t sleep and lose my narily available — she answers reporters’ te in news conferences. Osaka then pulled tures in fashion and activism. mind, ’cause it’s for sure I’m not going to questions thoughtfully and seriously, can- out of Wimbledon to take “some personal Tennis notwithstanding, its pace is un- sleep.” did about what she perceives as her imper- time with friends and family” in advance of usually meditative for a sports documen- Osaka may be a highly developed tennis fections. It is just this underlining of self- the Tokyo Olympics, where she’s repre- tary. Osaka is famously shy and so soft- player, but like most people her age, she is doubt, reportedly, that made her want to senting Japan. (Osaka was upset in the spoken that it is sometimes hard to hear also a work in progress, off and on the avoid news conferences at the French third round by Marketa Vondrousova of the her. (This is at times the fault, in the version court, and it’s this that makes “Naomi Osa- Open. Czech Republic.) Last year, she announced I saw, of mixing the score too high.) But her ka” worth watching. Nowadays, when a Osaka doesn’t need anyone to judge her. that she wouldn’t compete in the semifinals message gets across, nevertheless, and public figure grants access to a filmmaker, She takes care of that herself quite capably. of the Western & Southern Open after the She worries about letting down her parents, police shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, her coach, Kobe Bryant (a friend who gave Wis., which basically stopped tennis for a her “real life advice”). She reflects on “this day. Osaka may be a highly developed tennis buildup of things I want to say but I’m su- If anything, these decisions have only per scared,” though she will ultimately take strengthened her brand: Her fans under- player, but like most people her age, she is part in Black Lives Matter protests and stand that she is superhuman only on the come to the 2020 U.S. Open with face masks court; her sponsors, who have stuck by her, also a work in progress, off and on the court, bearing the names of Black victims of po- understand that her fans understand this. lice violence. She is so concerned for 15- Earlier this month, she was named best and it’s this that makes ‘Naomi Osaka’ year-old Coco Gauff that after beating her athlete in women’s sports at the ESPYS, in the third round of the 2019 U.S. Open, she and she is on the Olympic-themed July 19 worth watching. invites her to do the courtside postmortem cover of Time magazine, over the quote together. And Osaka, who was born in Ja- “It’s O.K. to Not Be O.K.” A limited-edition Bradley does a good job of massaging a it is most often in the service of a promo- pan to a Japanese mother and a Haitian Osaka “Role Model” Barbie, released July variety of bad and better audiovisual sourc- tional strategy, rather than a collaborative father and grew up in the U.S., worries that 12, sold out in two days. es into an aesthetic whole, with a soft, pastel attempt to arrive at some sort of truth. I she’s not adequately representing “half “Naomi Osaka” is the pointedly simple palette, that gives the film something of the suppose, in that Osaka comes across as a Black, half Japanese kids.” title of a disarming, compact docuseries on aspect of an art object, a vessel that con- sympathetic character, “Naomi Osaka” “For so long, I’ve tied winning to my Netflix. Directed by Garrett Bradley (the tains Naomi Osaka. (More than once she might be regarded as a kind of advertise- worth as a person,” Osaka says. “What am I Oscar-nominated “Time”) across 2019 and describes herself as a vessel — indeed, it’s ment. (It certainly made me like her.) But if if not a good tennis player?” She wonders 2020, the docuseries could be called a por- the first thing we hear her say — for tennis honesty and vulnerability are the heart of about the normal life she might have mis- trait, its approach less informational than and “everyone’s hard work.”) your brand, even more than the power of sed — “I’m not aware of the timeline, but I artistic. At the same time, out of its artfully The frame is sometimes canted, as if the your serve, you are by definition going to think that people my age are in college quilted bits and pieces, its searching close- photographer were shooting surreptitiously get some interesting results, and Osaka now?” — but says, “I feel like I’m too far ups and surrounding details, it leaves you — this may well have been the case, in seems to want to surrender to, rather than down this path to wonder what could have feeling that you have come to know its certain instances — or for what seems like control, the process. (She is not listed been.” subject, rather than merely know about her. not strictly necessary visual excitement. among the series’ executive producers, Those are the last words she speaks in At something like 111 minutes, split over Much of it is shot with long lenses, through although LeBron James is.) the series, as the camera settles on her face, three episodes, it is short by the current doors and over shoulders, as if the camera Obviously, it’s possible that away from far from a tennis court, on a boat at sea. PAGE 32 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, July 30, 2021 WEEKEND: HEALTH & FITNESS Helping with mental health Experts advise how to support someone going through difficulty

BY ALLYSON CHIU The Washington Post hortly after news broke that had unexpectedly withdrawn from the women’s gym- nastics team final at the Olympics because, as she Slater put it to reporters, she felt she wasn’t in “the right head space” to continue competing, reactions to the stunning decision poured forth. While many people were supportive as they praised Biles, 24, for taking care of her well-being, others ap- peared to be far less understanding — reflecting what experts say is a longstanding and problematic view of mental health challenges, particularly among elite ath- letes and other public figures. “Being an Olympian doesn’t mean that she gets to de- stroy her body and her mind for America,” said Theresa Nguyen, a licensed clinical social worker and chief pro- gram officer of Mental Health America. “The words from comments that people make online are exponentially damaging. We as American people have the ability to make a choice about whether or not to post something GREGORY BULL/AP hateful and unsupportive, or encouraging and loving.” American gymnast Simone Biles talks with her coach, Cecile Canqueteau­Landi, after performing on the during Now, Nguyen emphasized, “is not the time to be a jerk.” the women’s gymnastics team final at the 2020 Summer Olympics on Tuesday in Tokyo. “We all know this feeling when we’re in a tough spot and someone beats you down even further; it does not If the person asks you for space, respect their wishes, well-meaning, it often feels devaluing of what the per- make you feel encouraged,” she said. “It just makes you said Akua K. Boateng, a licensed psychotherapist in Phi- son’s struggle is,” Bufka said. feel more broken and smaller.” ladelphia. Even though you may be reaching out with Additionally, toxic positivity may encourage a person to Biles’ very public decision offers an opportunity to good intent to offer support, Boateng said, “if they’re not stay in a situation that they’ve already determined isn’t learn about the right and wrong ways to support someone asking for that, that’s not helpful.” healthy for them, Nguyen said. “You’re using positive — whether they’re an Olympian or not — who is going Do: Validate and affirm decisions words, but you’re still pushing someone to do something through a difficult time mentally or emotionally. Here are they don’t want to do.” When someone is going through a tough time, it helps some do’s and don’ts from mental health experts. to know that others understand and accept their struggle. Do: Respect privacy Acknowledge and validate their feelings, experts said, Do: Offer a safe space to talk and listen and if they have made a decision about their next move — You may be asked by others why someone is taking “The first step is providing the space and providing the to take a step back from a challenging situation, for exam- time to care for their mental health. Be sure to ask that invitation for the person to explore what’s going on,” said ple — you should affirm that choice. person how much information about their situation they Mark Aoyagi, co-director of sports and performance “Sometimes people feel alone in making strong deci- would feel comfortable with you sharing, Bufka said. psychology at the University of Denver. sions,” Boateng said. To counter that, she suggested rein- If you don’t have permission, “it’s best to assume you If the person takes you up on your invitation, ask them forcing that you’re going to be there for that person to shouldn’t be sharing anything private about other peo- how they are doing. You don’t have to shy away from listen and support them. ple’s lives,” Nguyen noted. potentially sensitive subjects, Aoyagi said: “A lot of times If someone has made up their mind, try to avoid asking But if you are asked, it’s important to be honest without nobody else in their life has ever invited that conversa- questions such as “Are you sure?” Nguyen said, which disclosing information, Bufka said. Some possible re- tion, and so sometimes it’s just opening that door for them can put people in a position of defensiveness. sponses include, “It was a very personal / difficult deci- to have a trusted person that they can communicate with Instead of second-guessing someone’s decision, she and sion / situation,” or “They could use support right now,” about that.” other experts recommended shifting your focus to how she said. It’s also important to figure out where a person is in you can help the person navigate next steps. Do: Offer to help their decision-making process about how to handle their Do: Ask how you can support them mental health issue, Nguyen said, which can then guide You can help someone establish perspective and en- how you provide support. If, for instance, a person is still Keep in mind that people’s needs are different. While courage them to give themselves permission to make a trying to make sense of what their next step is, you may one person may want reassurance and affirmation that change, Aoyagi said. be able to help them think it through. they made the right decision, that approach may not be And similar to how you would support someone who is But above all, experts said, you need to prioritize listen- helpful for someone else, Boateng said. grieving, experts recommend offering help beyond emo- ing. It’s important to ask someone how you can be most tional support. Ask if you can provide meals or run er- “When we’re in moments of suffering, what we want is helpful to them, experts said, which will then help you rands, or simply be a presence in the person’s life by empathy and listening,” Nguyen said. “We all know what know the right things to say and do. Try to be positive scheduling walks or going over to spend time with them. it feels like to talk to somebody in that moment of crisis without “bypassing or overlooking the pain and suffering” If someone decides they want professional support, and get advice or see that someone is not listening be- someone is experiencing, Boateng said. Bufka recommended helping them get them connected. cause they’re already crafting in their minds what they’re Don’t: Engage in toxic positivity going to do next.” Oftentimes not knowing what to say can turn into being Don’t: Take on more than you can handle overly positive, which may do more harm than good. “We don’t have to be perfect in our answers,” Boateng Don’t: Be pushy about talking, giving advice “Toxic positivity,” or the tendency to cope with a bad said. “Just doing your best sometimes may not be the Many people have a tendency to want to immediately situation by putting a positive spin on it and ignoring the complete support that they need. That’s why it really fix what’s wrong. Fight that urge, experts said. negative, can be “disguised as genuine support,” Boateng takes a community, not just one person.” “The more you’re able to listen and the less providing said. “They’re thinking they’re saying the best thing.” As you’re providing support, it’s important to realize advice — unless you’re explicitly asked to provide advice Toxic positivity can sound like “push through,” “every- your own limits and know when it might be time to in- — the better,” said Lynn Bufka, a senior director at the thing is going to be fine” or “there’s always next time.” volve a mental health professional, Bufka said. American Psychological Association.“You want to have “You almost assuredly have not walked in that person’s A family member or friend, she said, should “be a will- the opportunity for the person to tell you what’s going on shoes and experienced the things that that person has, so ing companion on the journey as opposed to the person in the most nonjudgmental way possible.” trying to tell the person, ‘Oh, it’s going to be okay,’ while leading the journey.” Friday, July 30, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 33 WEEKEND: FAMILY

‘I get to be the What I didn’t know epic hero of about our teenagers I always believed that, despite my various flaws, I’ve been a terrific mom. But now that my three children are in their 20s and flying the coop, I’m looking back and wondering, my own life’ iStock “Maybe I wasn’t so great after all?” Before anyone gets the wrong idea, let me report that all three of our children are doing very well with work, school, Experts offer advice on how to increase a child’s self-esteem, confidence independence and friendships. Our children have compas- sion, character, ambition, moral values and best of all, great BY HEIDI LYNN BORST carefully, he followed the steps, slow and purposeful in senses of humor. My Navy veteran husband and I couldn’t be Special to the Washington Post this second attempt. His hard work paid off, and the more proud as their parents. ays of pride beamed from my 7-year-old’s result was an effort he was proud of. But as I reflect on their childhoods, I see that our kids cherubic face as he held his drawing up for Let kids problem-solve on their own. Parents should struggled during their teen years. Our son was in his second my assessment. give kids the freedom to figure things out for them- high school as a junior when we informed him we were mov- R “Ten out of ten?” he asked. Though I selves, serving as gentle guides rather than running ing again. He yelled, “I won’t go!” Soon after, we noticed that wanted to be honest (this artwork was far from his best the show. he had started lying, ignoring classwork and stuttering. Our attempt), my fear of triggering his harsh inner critic “It’s a fool’s errand to think that we can protect our middle child experienced nausea when she was stressed, and took over, and I nodded in approval. children from the world,” says Ned Johnson, president was diagnosed with anxiety in her teens. As a teen, our hap- When providing feedback that might bruise my and founder of test-preparation and tutoring company py-go-lucky youngest daughter developed depression. son’s self-esteem, I’m ultra careful. A borderline per- Prep Matters and co-author of “The Self-Driven Child: Our children have overcome their issues with our help, but fectionist, he’s hard on himself and extremely sensi- The Science and Sense of Giving Your Kids More looking back, I wish I had known more BEFORE their men- tive to criticism. Still, I worried whether praising my Control Over Their Lives.” “If your kid has the sense tal health issues surfaced. There were things about teenag- son for a subpar effort was the right move. It felt good that if something bad happens, Mom is going to fall out ers I probably didn’t understand, red flags I might have in the moment, but experts say that loading kids with of the ceiling like Tom Cruise in ‘Mission: Impossible’ missed, conversations I wish I’d initiated. validation, a common parenting perspective in the and extricate them, that’s [problematic]. What we “Hindsight is 20-20,” they say — whoever “they” are — ’90s, does more harm than good in the long run. want to do is teach them the skills to be able to protect but they also say, “Knowledge is power.” In retrospect, I see Kids with low self-esteem constantly worry ‘Am I themselves, and if they’re not able to protect them- that I was a loving, attentive mother, but I didn’t know good enough?’, but parents who regularly check in and selves, how do they look for help?” enough about teenage mental health. show affection help buffer against the negative out- Real competence results from repeated experience Recently, I “Zoomed” (I’m pretty sure that’s a verb nowa- comes of low self-esteem, says Amy Brausch, a profes- coping with tolerable stressors and uncomfortable days) into the Military Child Education Coalition’s National sor of psychology at Western Kentucky University. A feelings on our own, Johnson says. Training Seminar, a virtual conference, July 19-21, offering 2014 study Brausch co-authored found that close pa- “You can have a wall full of trophies from ‘Most informative sessions for educators, professionals and parents rental relationships help moderate worrisome risk Improved’ to ‘Trier,’ but real self-esteem has an in- about educating military children. On the third day, I found factors such as anxiety, depression and suicidal idea- ternal locus of control, not an external one,” he says. “I myself drawn into one particular lecture titled, “Mental tion. don’t have to be saved by superheroes. I get to be the Health Challenges — Resources for Parents” taught by As parents, it’s painful to watch our children strug- epic hero of my own life. Kids cannot have real self- MCEC’s Melanie Douglas, Happy Garner and Louise Webb, gle. At the first sign of trouble, we want to jump in and esteem without feeling like they are capable and able along with The Barry Robinson Center’s Lisa Howard. fix things. But experts say we should fight that urge. to handle things on their own.” I gobbled the information as fast as the lecturers could Instead, parents should promote their child’s self- Before lending a hand, consider whether your child present it. I learned: efficacy, defined as the ability to complete a task or is capable of accomplishing some or all of a task solo, ■ why activity and academic schedules can rob adoles- challenge using the appropriate strategies on one’s says Giacomo Bono, associate professor of psychology cent brains of the extra sleep they need for proper growth own. Actively bolstering kids’ competence is much at California State University, Dominguez Hills, and and maturity; more beneficial than swooping in to save the day. Sug- co-author of “Making Grateful Kids: The Science of ■ why all normal teens exhibit independence-seeking arcoated feedback like I gave my son might protect a Building Character.” “Help them only enough so they behaviors, such as placing less importance on family bonds child’s feelings, but it won’t help them improve. can get it done, but not more than that,” he suggests, and more importance on social or peer bonds; So what can parents do to increase their children’s adding: “Don’t attempt something so challenging that ■ what factors contribute to mental health issues in teens, self-efficacy? I spoke with experts to get their advice: you can’t help them achieve it, because it could back- such as family history, childhood experiences, surroundings Identify specific improvements. It’s not enough to fire, and maybe they’ll give up on the sport or the hob- and inherited conditions; simply tell kids to try harder. by or whatever it is.” ■ how to identify “red flags” and why they depend upon “If kids are learning to draw, they need to learn Express unconditional love. True self-esteem is context; perspective. If they’re learning to play , they rooted in unconditional love, not undeserved praise, ■ why military teen dependents are at greater risk of need to learn the correct way to hold the bat,” says Johnson says: “There’s a difference between thinking developing mental health issues, due to stressors such as Eileen Kennedy-Moore, a Princeton, N.J., clinical that every picture you make is a masterpiece, or every relocations, separations, reintegrations, family dynamics, psychologist and author of “Kid Confidence: Help note you play on the piano is inspired genius, as op- changing schools, worries about money and the effect of Your Child Make Friends, Build Resilience, and De- posed to innately knowing, I’m loved.” military culture on a teen’s sense of belonging; velop Real Self-Esteem.” Unconditional regard fills our kids with the confi- ■ how to use the “Wheel of Emotions” and other re- “Lavish praise doesn’t help, because if I’m already dence to believe in their ability to succeed on their sources to increase a child’s emotional intelligence; wonderful, why would I try hard or practice? Compe- own, bolstering their self-esteem, Bono adds. ■ where to find the many mental health support resources tence means not only developing skills, but also em- “When you have conditions, it exerts control on the available to military families. bracing the learning process.” child,” he says. “It is important for a child to believe As I learned in the lecture, mental health problems are the She advises parents to give specific suggestions that you value them no matter what. No matter what most common disability for teenagers today, and military about what kids can do to achieve a goal in attainable happens now, if you fail, that doesn’t determine how I children are at a significantly increased risk. Adolescent steps: “Effort without strategy is demoralizing. When a value you, and I believe you have something important development and teenage mental health is an incredibly kid has had many experiences of failure, why in the to contribute.” complex and important issue. Parents need to arm them- world would they believe that if they struggle now, it The next time my son says, “Isn’t this drawing the selves with information and avail themselves of resources to will pay off?” best?” I’ll be sure to tell him how much I love his pas- negotiate this tricky stage of child development. Based on this approach, I reassessed my son’s draw- sion for art, offering feedback if I see room for im- I want today’s military parents of teens to be armed with ing. Noticing he’d rushed through the areas of God- provement along with ideas for making it better. I the knowledge and resources that I was missing. zilla’s body that required more attention to detail, I believe in him, no matter what, but I want him to learn Read more at themeatandpotatoesoflife.com, and in Lisa’s book, The Meat and Potatoes of found an online tutorial for him to watch. Observing to believe in himself, too. Life: My True Lit Com. Email: [email protected] PAGE 34 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, July 30, 2021 WEEKEND: CROSSWORD AND COMICS

NEW YORK TIMES CROSSWORD

DIG IN 12345 6789 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 BY JESSE GOLDBERG / EDITED BY WILL SHORTZ 22120291 Jesse Goldberg is a software engineer in San Francisco. Last year, finding himself between jobs, he tackled a big project he’d been thinking about for 30 years — creating an app to assist in designing and filling crossword grids. The result, Crosserville, 62524232 is available online (free for now). Jesse isn’t the first person to build a crossword-construction app, but his is a highly versatile one. This is Jesse’s second puzzle for The Times. — W.S. 928272 ACROSS 60 Filmmaker with a 115 Born with a silver 17 Page who became the 1 Certain music royalties distinctive style spoon in one’s mouth first openly trans 33231303 collector, for short man to appear on 62 Affixes, as a cloth 117 Cause of a 73635343 6 Viva ____ (aloud) patch smartphone ding, the cover of Time perhaps magazine (2021) 10 Dirty look 64 Something that’s gone 74645444342414049383 bad if it floats when 119 Chef quoted in this 18 L.A. neighborhood 15 Even once placed in a bowl of puzzle’s italicized referenced in Tom 45352515059484 Petty’s ‘‘Free Fallin’ ’’ 19 Part of R.I. water clues 120 Guitar part 24 Coolers 9585756555 20 Big exporter of 65 ‘‘If you’re alone in the saffron kitchen and you drop 121 Member of la 26 Comedian Minhaj the lamb, you can famiglia 28 How some bonds are 4636261606 21 Sci-fi intro to always just pick it 122 Letters on an F-22 sold ‘‘forming’’ 079686766656 up. ____?’’ Raptor 32 Himalayan legends 71 Word mistakenly 22 Foul 123 One given 33 Fetch 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 heard at a onboarding 23 ‘‘Enjoy the food!’’ Springsteen concert 35 Provided tunes for a 124 1975 Wimbledon party, in brief 6858483828180897 25 Sportscaster who 74 Under way champ memorably asked, 38 Backbone of Indian 75 Beethoven’s Third 1909988878 ‘‘Do you believe in 125 Like voile and classical music miracles?’’ 79 Reverse chiffon 39 Earth tone 59493929 81 Tons 126 What may make the 27 Crush 40 Body sci. 82 Seriously hurt grade 00199897969 28 Emmy-winning FX 41 Toon first introduced 86 Move quickly, 127 Direct in the 1945 short series created by informally 211111011901801701601501401301201101 Donald Glover ‘‘Odor-able Kitty’’ 87 ____ o’clock (when DOWN 42 Neighbor of Oman: 29 ‘‘Curses!’’ 611511411311 happy hour begins) 1 Shady spot Abbr. 30 Challenger astronaut 88 Host’s offer at a 2 Less-than-subtle 43 Japanese honorific Judith 911811711 housewarming basketball foul 44 Florida attraction 31 ‘‘With enough butter, 89 Spongelike 3 Temporary road with 11 themed 321221121021 ____’’ 91 Focal points markers pavilions 34 Commanded 92 ‘‘I enjoy cooking with 4 ‘‘I don’t give ____!’’ 45 ‘‘His wife could ____ 721621521421 lean’’ 36 Fuel-economy wine. Sometimes I 5 Pharmaceutical picker- authority, for short ____’’ upper 46 Family name in 96 ‘‘Same here’’ 6 Penthouse perk Steinbeck’s ‘‘East of 37 Main artery 67 Any set of elements 78 Saharan 94 Rank for a rear 104 Krispy ____ 99 Word with noodle or 7 ‘‘Coffee ____?’’ Eden’’ in a column on the 80 Snacks that admiral 105 Crooner Mel 38 ‘‘A party without cake nap 47 ‘‘That’s it for me’’ periodic table sometimes come in 95 What the Unsullied is ____’’ 8 Stone memorial 106 Handy 100 ____ lepton 9 Suffix with exist 52 Exist 68 Japanese port near sleeves warriors are on 107 Caffeine-rich nuts 48 Retin-A target (elementary Sapporo ‘‘Game of Thrones’’ 10 Actor Jason who was 53 Outfit 82 Words to live by particle) 69 War zone danger, for 109 Still alive, in dodge 49 Healthful property of once on Britain’s 54 Drink garnished with 83 The Cardinals, on 96 She turned Arachne ball 101 ‘‘The only time to short into a spider after a beach town national diving team nutmeg scoreboards 110 Laissez-____ eat diet food is while 70 ‘‘A Room of One’s losing a weaving 50 Chicken or veal dish, 11 Four-stringed 56 Quizzical responses 84 Large Hadron you’re waiting for Own’’ novelist contest 111 N.J. city on the in brief instruments Collider bit ____’’ 58 Part of NGO: Abbr. 71 Mac 97 Wags a finger at Hudson 51 Merit 12 Financial adviser 85 Many a rescue dog 108 Stamps (out) 61 Change from portrait 72 Gastric acid, on the 98 Separate 112 Meal at which 55 Boardroom plot? Suze parsley is dipped in to landscape, say pH scale 89 It’s not the whole 102 Tough period of the 113 One of Abraham 13 Dry with a twist salt water 57 Hangout rooms Lincoln’s is in the 62 Neither red nor blue: 73 Tribute in verse thing school year 116 Serious divide 58 Pair of quads Smithsonian 14 Milk: Prefix Abbr. 76 Classic Langston 90 Mount ____, 103 Bayt ____ California volcano 118 Candy-aisle name 59 The Powerpuff Girls, 114 ‘‘Welcome to the 15 NASA spacewalk 63 Benchmark Hughes poem (destination for a e.g. Jungle’’ rocker 16 Try to win 66 Locks-up shop? 77 First name in fashion 93 Critical Muslim pilgrim) 119 Protrude

GUNSTON STREET RESULTS FOR ABOVE PUZZLE

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

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E L I V A R R E T N A R I E D O H R R E V E L W O C S E C O V P A C S A Friday, July 30, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 35 FACES A depth of character Jennifer Coolidge shows she’s more than a comedic actress in ‘The White Lotus’

BY ROBERT LLOYD Cage’s drinking, drugging step- Los Angeles Times mother in Werner Herzog’s 2009 In “The White Lotus,” Mike “Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New White’s HBO series about the en- Orleans,” but rarely. In the titled rich in hell in paradise, Jen- “American Pie” movies, in which nifer Coolidge plays Tanya McQu- she portrays a sort of nontoxic oid, who has come to the show’s Mrs. Robinson to Eddie Kaye Tho- eponymous tropical resort to scat- mas’ Paul/Ben, she plays her ter her mother’s ashes in the scenes straight, amused but not HBO/TNS ocean. She is not an easy person, necessarily amusing, a fantasy Jennifer Coolidge plays Tanya McQuoid, a guest at a tropical resort, and Murray Bartlett the concierge in but she is also the most sympathet- rendered in flesh and blood. the HBO series “The White Lotus.” Coolidge shows she’s more than a comedic actress in the series. ic of the series’ moneyed charac- Whether appearing as herself ters. Her self-centeredness is of a or in character, Coolidge radiates characters but in how she inhabits the part of Tanya was created, is Mother Mother Mother! My different stripe, being shaped by glamour, though the nature of that them. She is a house full of secret often funny in it. But it’s delicate mother told me I would never be a pain. glamour changes with the part: It passages, passages she seems to work to ensure that Tanya is not ballerina — and that was when I It’s the kind of part sometimes may be casual, aspirational, over- be stumbling on herself from mo- laughable, that leaves her her dig- was skinny. My poor mother. She referred to as a breakthrough role, done, off-kilter. (She is not afraid ment to moment and line to line. nity even when things get tempo- just couldn’t handle her jealousy. one that awakens the world to a to look bad.) When she forgoes Her statements can sound like rarily undignified. She had to take me down. What’s talent it might have been slow to makeup, as when Paulette fa- questions and her questions like “My poor mother, she died in weird is I miss my mother, even recognize, missed, misunder- mously goes to demand her dog statements. For a Jennifer Coo- June, and she loved the ocean; just though she was a big jerk!” stood, forgotten or thought capa- back from an abusive ex in “Legal- lidge character, the world is a con- loved it.” In Sunday’s third epi- “Big jerk” invites a laugh, but it ble of only one thing — and which ly Blonde,” it is clearly a choice, a tinual revelation, so delightful, so sode (of six), Tanya begins her eu- is also the voice of a hurt child, a might open a new chapter in a ca- deviation from the baseline. One frightful! Her eyes, which turn to logy dreamily. She has gone out on person who has never really reer, or at least collect an award or looks back in time to find her like slits when she smiles or frowns, a boat to scatter her ashes, on grown up. Coolidge speaks these two. Coolidge might not be a — Joan Blondell, maybe, or Mae widen; her voice builds from which unhappy honeymooners lines as if the words are being household name, but she is a sig- West crossed with Gracie Allen, a breathy to full-bodied. Shane (Jake Lacy) and Rachel ripped from her chest. Finally at- nificant presence in two exceed- less fragile Monroe, a less French Other “B” words come to mind: (Alexandra Daddario) have coin- tempting to scatter her mother’s ingly successful screen franchis- Bardot. She can come on like brimming, bursting, bouncy, cidentally, unknowingly booked ashes, and finding herself un- es, famous as “Stifler’s mom” in gangbusters, but even when she bountiful, big. If you were going to for a romantic dinner. She has ready, she lets out an agonized cry, the “American Pie” series, and as creeps in on cat feet, you notice abstract her, iconographically, been drinking. It’s a long speech discomfiting her fellow passen- the manicurist Paulette in the “Le- her; she fills a room. At her most you’d draw waves of cascading by television terms; I have no idea gers and the crew and, undoubted- gally Blonde” movies, a character outlandish, you take her seriously; hair, two horizontal lines for eyes, how close it is to the script as writ- ly, more than a few viewers at she put on again, in 2018, for Ar- at her most eccentric, you sense a pair of pillowy lips and a vertical ten — there is a lot of information home. iana Grande’s “Thank U, Next” the sincerity. line denoting cleavage, which is in it, crucial to our understanding Only half of the series’ episodes music video. Watching her, you feel like any- almost a theme in her body of of Tanya — but however it came have been released. Coolidge has “The White Lotus” reminds us thing could happen. There is work. Like some goddess of the about, it’s a remarkable scene, other sorts of scenes left to play, that Coolidge is an actress, not just something just a little dangerous spring or harvest, she embodies possibly the rawest passage in the some just as devastating, if not as a “comic actress,” a phrase that in the friendliest of her perform- abundance, generosity. whole series, a shard of Greek nakedly; some full of light. really just means nobody thinks to ances, even in a conventional Strictly speaking, “The White tragedy driven into a comedy of There might yet be hope for Ta- cast her in drama. It has hap- three-camera sitcom — some- Lotus” is a comedy, if a somewhat (bad) manners. nya. But for Jennifer Coolidge, pened, as in her turn as Nicolas thing that resides not just in her bitter one, and Coolidge, for whom “l, and. ... I just ... oh, Mother good things seem certain.

Bob Odenkirk in stable condition ney Saul Goodman, is in production on its ZZ Top’s Dusty Hill dies at 72 after ‘heart-related incident’ sixth and final season. Associated Press “Better Call Saul” star Bob Odenkirk is in Spanish judge recommends ZZ Top’s Dusty Hill, the long-bearded stable condition and recuperating after his Shakira face tax fraud trial bassist for the million-selling Texas blues collapse Tuesday on the New Mexico set of A Spanish judge investigating alleged tax rock trio known for such hits as “Legs” and the “Breaking Bad” spinoff, a spokesperson “Gimme All Your Lovin’,” has died at age for the actor said Wednesday. fraud by Colombian musician Shakira rec- 72. The representative said Odenkirk had ommended on Thursday that the case go to In a Facebook post Wednesday, guitarist suffered a “heart-related incident.” trial after concluding there is evidence that Billy Gibbons and drummer Frank Beard Odenkirk “and his family would like to the pop star could have avoided her fiscal said Hill died in his sleep. They didn’t give a express gratitude for the incredible doctors obligations to the state. cause of death, but a July 21 post on the and nurses looking after him, as well as his Judge Marco Juberías wrote that his band’s website said Hill was “on a short de- cast, crew and producers who have stayed three-year probe found there existed “suffi- tour back to Texas, to address a hip issue.” KIICHIRO SATO/AP by his side,” the statement continued. “The cient evidence of criminality” for the case to Born Joe Michael Hill in , he, Gib- Dusty Hill, of ZZ Top, performs in June Odenkirks would also like to thank every- go to a trial judge. bons and Beard formed ZZ Top in Houston 2010 in Chicago. one for the outpouring of well wishes and Prosecutors charged the singer in De- in 1969, naming themselves in part after ask for their privacy at this time as Bob cember 2019 with not paying 14.5 million blues singer Z.Z. Hill and influenced by the “Shake Your Hips” that paid tribute to the works on his recovery.” euros ($16.4 million) in taxes in Spain be- British power trio Cream. Their debut re- Chicken Ranch, a notorious brothel outside Odenkirk’s son, Nate Odenkirk, was more tween 2012 and 2014, when she lived mostly lease, “ZZ Top’s First Album,” came out in of the Texas town of La Grange. succinct in posting the news to Twitter: in the country despite having an official res- 1970. Three years later, they broke through ZZ Top was inducted into the Rock and “He’s going to be okay.” idence in Panama. commercially with “La Grange,” a funky Roll Hall of Fame in 2004, introduced by “Better Call Saul,” a prequel to “Breaking blues song in the style of Slim Harpo’s Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards. Bad” that features Odenkirk as shady attor- The Associated Press PAGE 36 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, July 30, 2021 OPINION

Max D. Lederer Jr., Publisher Lt. Col. Marci Hoffman, Europe commander Lt. Col. Michael Kerschbaum, Pacific commander Space exploration returns to center stage Michael Ryan, Pacific chief of staff BY ARTHUR I. CYR President Dwight D. Eisenhower initiated turn him safely to Earth, Kennedy was always Special to Stars and Stripes the satellite communications effort. Predict- careful to include. The great media attention he Eagle has landed.” ably, he emphasized established communica- devoted to the brief edge-of-space flights of EDITORIAL Astronaut Neil Armstrong tions corporations. This reflected his funda- Messrs. Bezos and Branson reflects, among Terry Leonard, Editor transmitted that striking mental faith in business executives, along other things, the appreciation by these two of [email protected] “T statement back to Earth on with Republican Party preferences, philo- showmanship as a component of entrepre- July 20, 1969, from the surface of the moon. sophical and practical. neurship, at least as they practice that art. Robert H. Reid, Senior Managing Editor Armstrong and fellow Apollo astronauts Ed- The Kennedy administration largely con- They also with high drama demonstrated [email protected] win “Buzz” Aldrin and Michael Collins tinued that course. The new proposed COM- the possibility of commercial passenger trav- Tina Croley, Managing Editor for Content achieved President John F. Kennedy’s dra- SAT (Communications Satellite) Corp. was el as well as commercial investment in space. [email protected] matic commitment to reach the moon before privately chartered, not a government agen- Such activities would be literally far-out as the end of the decade. cy. well as extremely high-tech. Sean Moores, Managing Editor for Presentation [email protected] Now, mega-entrepreneurs Jeff Bezos and Intense controversy followed, with angry Branson relentlessly promotes low-cost air Richard Branson have just taken dramatic if protests within the president’s Democratic travel. Musk pursues revolutionary innova- Joe Gromelski, Managing Editor for Digital brief flights to the edge of outer space. They Party about handouts and welfare for big tions in transportation. Bezos has built mas- [email protected] have confirmed their dedication to taking business. Reflecting party dynamics of that sive e-commerce to stratospheric heights. All risks, this time physically and not just finan- time, conservative but populist Southern plus three succeed through extraordinary, imagi- BUREAU STAFF cially. The pair also personify the commercial Western Democrats were among the most native innovation. potential of space exploration. Tourism is one outraged. Nonetheless, Congress overwhelm- Beyond personalities, the sustained devel- Europe/Mideast obvious course to pursue, but there are many ingly approved legislation creating COMSAT. opment of our nation’s space exploration re- Erik Slavin, Europe & Mideast Bureau Chief [email protected] others. This in turn facilitated rapidly growing collab- flects our history of business-government +49(0)631.3615.9350; DSN (314)583.9350 Meanwhile, with considerably less fanfare, oration among major communications corpo- partnerships. Give JFK credit for appreciat- Pacific that other prominent business personality rations and a vast array of other firms in cre- ing that in launching us into space — success- Aaron Kidd, Pacific Bureau Chief Elon Musk has made a major space deal. In ating the pervasive global satellite systems of fully. [email protected] mid-April, NASA signed a contract with today. A fundamental question involves our mili- +81.42.552.2511 ext. 88380; DSN (315)227.7380 Musk’s SpaceX Corp. to construct the vehicle As one example, in 1973 a consortium of tary. Eisenhower in 1959 achieved a major Washington to land astronauts on the moon for the first major commercial banks agreed to transfer treaty restricting Antarctica to peaceful activ- Joseph Cacchioli, Washington Bureau Chief time since the last Apollo mission in 1972. funds electronically, opening the door to to- ities, and expressed the hope that outer space [email protected] Kennedy was crucial in creating the strong day’s enormous fast-moving global banking would be treated similarly. President Lyndon (+1)(202)886-0033 Brian Bowers, Assistant Managing Editor, News foundation of business-government partner- system. The initial SWIFT (Society for World- Johnson achieved a 1967 treaty on peaceful [email protected] ship in space exploration through the 1962 leg- wide Interbank Financial Telecommunica- uses of space, but recently President Donald islation on communication satellites. We auto- tion) system, initiated in 1973, has operated Trump committed the nation to a military CIRCULATION matically recognize JFK’s role in launching since 1977. Over the decades, satellite along Space Force. Mideast the mammoth moon project. Collectively, we with land-based systems have become inte- Learn more: Walter McDougall, “The Robert Reismann, Mideast Circulation Manager almost universally ignore his leadership in gral to vast voice and data communications of Heavens and the Earth.” [email protected] creating the global satellite-based communi- all kinds. [email protected] cations network that is vital to how we live, Great drama was inherent in the Apollo DSN (314)583-9111 Arthur I. Cyr is Clausen Distinguished Professor at Carthage work and communicate today. program to land a man on the moon — and re- College and author of “After the Cold War.” Europe Karen Lewis, Community Engagement Manager [email protected] [email protected] +49(0)631.3615.9090; DSN (314)583.9090 Capitol Police officer did his new country proud

Pacific BY JAMES HOHMANN Three key witnesses during Trump’s first because he was injured, but he was en route to Mari Mori, [email protected] The Washington Post +81-3 6385.3171; DSN (315)227.7333 impeachment were immigrants. Marie Yova- the Capitol by 8 a.m. He worked 15 consecu- arbarians who ransacked the U.S. novitch was born in Canada to parents who tive days, through the inauguration, disre- CONTACT US Capitol on Jan. 6 called Aquilino fled the . Alexander Vindman’s garding a doctor’s pleas. Gonell a “traitor” and told him he’s father brought him and his twin brother to “My sense of duty for the country, for the Washington “not even an American.” Those Brooklyn from Ukraine, which was then be- Constitution, at that time was bigger than even tel: (+1)202.886.0003 B slanderous words wounded the Capitol Police hind the Iron Curtain. Fiona Hill is a coal min- my love for my wife and my son,” he said. 633 3rd St. NW, Suite 116, Washington, DC 20001-3050 sergeant, an immigrant from the Dominican er’s daughter who grew up in northern En- Gonell only stopped working when his right Reader letters Republic, as badly as the pole someone at- gland and caught a lucky break that put her on foot swelled so much that it wouldn’t fit in his [email protected] tacked him and fellow officers with, which a path to Harvard. All three have discussed shoe and his limp became so painful he could Additional contacts was flying a U.S. flag. But Gonell is a bigger pa- how these backgrounds shaped their grati- hardly stand. Surgeons fused fractured bones stripes.com/contactus triot than Donald Trump and all the insurrec- tude for the United States, allowing them to in his foot. He recently learned he’ll need sur- tionists incited by the then-president — com- clearly see how un-American it was for gery on his left shoulder. He also suffered in- OMBUDSMAN bined. He is the one who truly understands — Trump to shake down the Ukrainian govern- juries to both hands and his left calf. Now, he’s Ernie Gates and embodies — what makes America great. ment to advance his personal interests. They back on duty, but to his chagrin, deskbound Gonell and his mother arrived at JFK Inter- testified before Congress when other material until he can complete more physical therapy. The Stars and Stripes ombudsman protects the free flow of news and information, reporting any attempts by the national Airport in New York from their Ca- witnesses declined to do so. Immigrants have always been a key ingre- military or other authorities to undermine the newspaper’s ribbean homeland in 1992. He swore oaths to On Tuesday, Gonell joined their impressive dient in America’s secret sauce, even as independence. The ombudsman also responds to concerns and questions from readers, and monitors coverage for protect and defend the Constitution when he ranks. He described experiencing hand-to- whether to welcome them has remained a per- fairness, accuracy, timeliness and balance. The ombudsman signed up for the Army, became a U.S. citizen hand combat like “something from a medieval sistent dividing line in our politics. welcomes comments from readers, and can be contacted by email at [email protected], or by phone at and joined the Capitol Police. The 43-year-old battle,” scarier than any of the 545 days he Relatives from the 202.886.0003. proved six months ago that he made these served in Iraq. The invaders, chanting started frantically calling and texting Gonell promises without reservation. “Trump sent us,” used hammers, knives, ba- around 2 p.m. on Jan. 6 because they saw the Stars and Stripes (USPS 0417900) is published week- days (except Dec. 25 and Jan. 1) for 50 cents Monday The sergeant was the first of four front-line tons and shields. Gonell was punched, pushed, Capitol turmoil on television. “It was not until through Thursday and for $1 on Friday by Pacific Stars and law enforcement officers to appear Tuesday kicked, shoved and bear-sprayed. around 4:26 p.m., after giving CPR to one of the Stripes, Unit 45002, APO AP 96301-5002. Periodicals postage paid at San Francisco, CA, Postmaster: Send during the opening hearing of the House select The immigrant policeman was willing to die rioters who breached the Capitol in an effort to address changes to Pacific Stars and Stripes, Unit 45002, committee to investigate the events of Jan. 6. to defend the West Terrace of the Capitol. At save her life, that I finally had a chance to let APO AP 96301-5002. This newspaper is authorized by the Department of Defense for members of the military services His testimony felt like an antidote to xenopho- one point that afternoon, as rioters crushed my own family know that I was alive,” he re- overseas. However, the contents of Stars and Stripes are bia, Narcan for nativism. Anyone who fears him, he thought he would. “I could feel myself counted. unofficial, and are not to be considered as the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. government. As a DOD newspa- the newest wave of immigrants would be reas- losing oxygen and recall thinking to myself, Gonell called what happened that day an at- per, Stars and Stripes may be distributed through official channels and use appropriated funds for distribution to sured — even inspired — just by watching Go- ‘This is how I’m going to die,’ ” Gonell testified. tempted coup. “And if it had been in another remote locations where overseas DOD personnel are located. nell’s testimony. With the presidential electors finally certi- country, the U.S. would have sent help,” he The appearance of advertising in this publication does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense or As Americans by choice, many immigrants fied, and the citadel of our democracy se- said. Stars and Stripes of the products or services advertised. have a deeper sense of duty than the native- cured, Gonell drove home around 4 a.m. on What went without saying is that America Products or services advertised shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, born. Ever since Alexis de Tocqueville so Jan. 7 to his wife, 9-year-old son and dog. His cannot count on other countries to send help religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical sagely observed our national character, out- wife tried to hug him, but he kept her away be- when our own democracy is in peril. We’re go- handicap, political affiliation or any other nonmerit factor of the purchaser, user or patron. siders and newcomers have often seen Amer- cause his uniform was covered in chemicals. ing to have to figure this one out on our own. © Stars and Stripes 2021 ica’s strengths and weaknesses with the great- Showering reactivated those chemicals, burn- est clarity. ing his skin. She told him not to go back to work James Hohmann is a Washington Post opinion columnist. stripes.com Friday, July 30, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 37 PAGE 38 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, July 30, 2021 Eugene Sheffer Crossword Frazz Dilbert

ACROSS 55 Corn spike 24 — de mer 1 Removes 56 Nanny’s 26 Depart via jet 6 Abysmal charge 28 Big name in 9 Cacophony 57 Road twists California wine 12 Florida city 30 Arcing tennis Pearls Before Swine Pearls Before 13 Punk-rock DOWN shot subgenre 1 “— good deed” 32 Sea measures 14 Disney deer 2 Calendar abbr. 33 Flamenco cheer 15 Perfume 3 Tiredness 34 Actor Harrison ingredient 4 Dieter’s target 36 Papa Hemingway 16 Ninny 5 Ganges 38 Type of checking 18 Nile birds garments 39 Actress De 20 Hotel chain 6 Happened to La Garza 21 Fuel stat 7 You love (Lat.) 40 Ulan — 23 NBC weekend 8 Speck 42 Power glitch Non Sequitur show 9 Considers 45 Architect 24 Daydreaming 10 Foolish Saarinen type 11 Bottom 46 Sticky 25 Egg (Fr.) 17 Every 60 minutes substances 27 “Enigma 19 Golf great 48 Squealer Variations” Sam 50 Golf prop composer 21 Clear the deck? 51 Fourth-yr. 29 Spanish dish 22 Pod veggie students 31 Totally in favor of Answer to Previous Puzzle 35 Mountain air? Candorville 37 Harvard rival 38 Bigwig 41 “Kidnapped” monogram 43 Singer Ritter 44 “Frozen” snowman 45 “Stop already!” 47 Like skim milk 49 Alex Haley book Carpe Diem 52 Rock’s Brian 53 MGM motto start 54 Pyle from Mayberry Beetle Bailey Bizarro Friday, July 30, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 39 Eugene Sheffer Crossword Frazz Dilbert

ACROSS 53 Red-tag events 25 Mauna — 1 Police raids 54 Litigants 27 Allen or Daly 6 Vodka cocktail 29 Apollo’s sister 11 Department DOWN 31 Top picks,

Pearls Before Swine Pearls Before 12 Secret matters 1 Lab burner for short 14 Early archbishop 2 Bearish 32 Alphas’ of Canterbury 3 Observe opposites 15 Like marble 4 Body powder 33 Jackson family 16 Hit CBS series 5 Poison — member 17 Star’s bit part 6 Primitive 34 Prof’s helpers 36 Person who 19 Three, on a paintings, e.g. won’t commit sundial 7 Sandwich treat 37 Chirps 20 Superman’s alias 8 Biol. or chem. 22 “Homeland” org. 38 Diarist Nin Non Sequitur 9 Fanatic 23 Tropical tree 41 Autumn pears 10 “Anna Christie” 24 Furtive type 44 Tennis great playwright 26 Newspaper Arthur 11 Supports piece 45 Andean land 13 Stop on — 28 Salonga of 48 Oahu or Maui 18 Ms. Farrow “Miss Saigon” (Abbr.) 21 Orates 30 Can metal 50 Wish undone 31 Works by 23 Fragrant trees Answer to Previous Puzzle Grandma Candorville Moses, e.g. 35 Maestro Zubin — 39 You love (Lat.) 40 Bar bill 42 Stitched 43 Dog doc 44 Man of morals? 46 “Traffic” org. 47 Selfishness

Carpe Diem 49 Composer Prokofiev 51 Greets 52 Vinegar bottles Beetle Bailey Bizarro PAGE 40 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, July 30, 2021 SCOREBOARD/NHL

SOCCER DEALS TENNIS MLS Atlanta Open Wednesday’s transactions ball injury list. Activated WR Javon McKin- Teams make ley from the PUP list. Wednesday EASTERN CONFERENCE BASEBALL GREEN BAY PACKERS — Placed TE Do- At Atlanta Station minique Dafney on the PUP list. Traded an WLTPts GF GA Atlanta undisclosed draft pick to Houston for WR Purse: $555,995 — Recalled C Connor Randall Cobb. Surface: Hardcourt outdoor New England 10 3 3 33 30 19 INDIANAPOLIS COLTS — Placed DE Al- big hauls in Wong from Worcester (Triple-A East). Nashville 6 1 8 26 24 14 Quadin Muhammad and CBs T.J. Carrie Men’s Singles CLEVELAND INDIANS — Optioned RHP Round of 16 Orlando City 7 4 4 25 23 19 Cam Hill to Columbus (Triple-A East). and Xavier Rhodes on the reserve/CO- HOUSTON ASTROS — Placed RHP Rafael VID-19 list. Signed DT Braden Smith to a Taylor Fritz (5), United States, def. Steve Philadelphia 6 4 6 24 20 16 Montero on the active roster. Designated contract extension. Signed DE Damontre Johnson, United States, 6-7 (5), 6-4, 6-1. Columbus 6 3 6 24 16 12 RHP Austin Pruitt for assignment. Moore. Jordan Thompson, Australia, def. Peter free agency JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS — Placed WR Gojowczyk, Germany, 7-6 (6), 6-4. NYCFC 7 5 2 23 26 15 LOS ANGELES ANGELS — Placed 1B Jared Walsh on the 10-day IL, retroactive to July Jamal Agnew, DT Taven Bryan and K Al- Brandon Nakashima, United States, def. CF Montréal 6 5 4 22 20 18 27. Optioned RHP Andrew Wantz to Salt drick Rosas on the non-football injury list. Milos Raonic (1), Canada, 5-7, 6-3, 7-6 (4). BY LARRY LAGE D.C. United 6 7 2 20 21 18 Lake (Triple-A West). Recalled C Matt Activated DB Luq Barcoo from the re- Reilly Opelka (4), United States, def. Associated Press serve/COVID-19 list. Bjorn Fratangelo, United States, 7-6 (3), 7-6 New York 5 6 3 18 18 17 Thaiss from Salt Lake. Selected the con- tract of RHP Austin Warren from Salt Lake. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS — Placed RB Dar- (4). NHL teams combined for a se- Atlanta 2 5 8 14 14 18 — Recalled RHP Al- win Thompson on the reserve/COVID-19 Men’s Doubles Round of 16 Toronto FC 3 8 4 13 20 32 bert Abreau and CF Estevan Florial from list. ries of splashes in free agency, ma- Scranton/Wilkes-Barre (Triple-A East). LAS VEGAS RAIDERS — Placed RBs Jalen and Alexei Popyrin, Australia, Cincinnati 3 7 4 13 17 29 Traded LHP and RHP Luis Richard and Theo Riddick on the reserve/ def. Frederik Nielsen, Denmark, and Andre naging to make major moves de- Chicago 3 9 3 12 17 27 Cessa to Cincinnati for a player to be COVID-19 list. Goransson, Sweden, 7-6 (4), 2-6, 11-9. — Placed RB Cam spite the salary cap staying flat for a Inter Miami CF 2 8 3 9 10 23 named later. Ken Skupski and Luke Bambridge (1), SEATTLE MARINERS — Designated RF Akers on the non-football injury list. Britain, def. Nicholas Monroe, United third straight year. — Signed G Tyler Marz. States, and Lloyd Glasspool, Britain, 6-3, WESTERN CONFERENCE Jake Hager for assignment. — Agreed to terms with Placed OL D.J. Fluker, WRs DeVante Parker 6-7 (6), 10-6. Over the first 12 hours of the and Preston Williams and LB Elandon Ro- WLTPts GF GA RHP Jack Leiter on a minor league con- Benoit Paire, France, and Treat Conrad signing period Wednesday, teams tract. berts on the PUP list. Placed T Larnel Cole- Huey, Philippines, def. Harri Heliovaara man on the reserve/COVID-19 list. Seattle 9 2 5 32 25 12 TORONTO BLUE JAYS — Recalled RHP Pa- and Emil Ruusuvuori, Finland, 7-6 (2), 7-6 in the league signed 160-plus play- trick Murphy from Buffalo (Triple-A East). — Claimed QB (2). Sporting KC 9 3 3 30 28 17 Sent LF Corey Dickerson to Buffalo on a re- Jake Dolegala off waivers from Green Bay. Matthew Ebden and John-Patrick Smith ers to contracts worth more than LA Galaxy 8 6 1 25 23 26 hab assignment. Activated OT Trent Brown and LB Kyle Van (4), Australia, def. Cameron Norrie, Britain, Noy from the PUP list. $783 million. Colorado 7 4 3 24 21 16 National League and Taylor Fritz, United States, 6-2, 7-6 (1). ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS — Traded 2B NEW ORLEANS SAINTS — Signed WR Five players were given con- LAFC 6 5 5 23 22 19 Eduardo Escobar to Milwaukee for OF Chris Hogan. Charleston 125 Minnesota 6 5 4 22 17 19 Cooper Hummel and 2B Alberto Ciprian. — Activated RB tracts for six or seven years and an- Sandro Platzgummer from the reserve/ Wednesday Real Salt Lake 5 4 5 20 24 16 CHICAGO CUBS — Sent RHP Rowan Wick non-football injury list. Placed LB Reggie to Iowa (Triple-A West) on a rehab assign- At Family Circle Tennis Center other dozen unrestricted free Portland 6 7 1 19 18 22 Ragland on the non-football injury list. Charleston, S.C. ment. Placed TE Rysen John on the reserve/CO- agents landed deals that were four Houston 3 4 8 17 17 20 — Designated RHPs Purse: $115,000 VID-19 list. Released TE Kelvin Benjamin. Surface: Red clay FC Dallas 3 7 5 14 18 23 Ashton Goudeau, Josh Osich and Edgar PHILADELPHIA EAGLES — Placed S An- or five years long. Garcia for assignment. Sent 1B Alex Blan- Women’s Singles San Jose 3 7 5 14 17 25 drew Adams, DE Matt Leo and LB Alex Sin- Here's a look at some of the big- dino to Louisville (Triple-A East) on a re- gleton on the reserve/COVID-19 list. Round of 16 Vancouver 3 7 5 14 16 25 hab assignment. Activated RHP Luis Ces- Placed T Le’ Clark and S Rodney Emma Navarro, United States, def. Alexa gest deals on Day 1: sa and LHP Justin Wilson.y Austin FC 3 7 4 13 10 15 McLeod on the PUP list. Placed OL Landon Glatch, United States, 6-3, 6-3. — Acquired RHPs Dickerson on the non-football injury list. En Shuo Liang, Taiwan, def. Kiick, Philipp Grubauer: The expansion Note: Three points for victory, one point Noah Davis and Case Williams from Cin- Signed CB Steven Nelson. United States, 4-6, 6-0, 6-2. Seattle Kraken pulled off the biggest sur- for tie. cinnati in exchange for RHP Mychal Giv- SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS — Signed QB Trey Lauren Davis (2), United States, def. Re- ens. Recalled RHP Antonio Santos from Al- Wednesday’s game Lance. Placed WR Jauan Jennings and S Ja- becca Marino, Canada, 6-4, 6-2. prise, signing Grubauer to $35.4 million, burqueque (Triple-A West). Selected the quiski Tartt on the reserve/COVID-19 list. Hanna Chang, United States, def. Han Minnesota 2, Los Angeles FC 2, tie contract of RHP Jesus Tinoco from Albur- SEATTLE SEAHAWKS — Placed WR Na-lae, South Korea, 6-4, 6-3. six-year deal. The 29-year-old Grubauer queque. Activated RHP Jhoulys Chacin Friday’s games D’Wayne Eskridge and RB Travis Homer on Varvara Lepchenko (4), United States, from the reserve/COVID-19 list. Placed the PUP list. Placed G Pier-Olivier Lestage def. Tori Kinard, United States, 6-2, 6-3. had an NHL-high seven shutouts last Columbus at New York City FC RHP on reserve/CO- on the non-football injury list. Jamie Loeb, United States, def. Katrina season for the Presidents' Trophy-win- Atlanta at Orlando City VID-19 list. Optioned RHP Justin Lawrence TENNESSEE TITANS — Signed CB Briean Scott, United States, 6-1, 4-6, 6-3. Portland at LA Galaxy to Alburqueque. Boddy-Calhoun. Placed CB Chris Jones on ning Colorado Avalanche. He was 30- — Traded CF Starling Saturday’s games the reserve/COVID-19 list. Generali Open Marte to Oakland in exchange for LHP Je- WASHINGTON FOOTBALL TEAM — 9-1 last season with a 1.95 goals-against San Jose at Seattle sus Luzardo. Acquired OF Bryan De La Cruz Placed DE Jalen Jelks on injured reserve. Wednesday average and a .922 save percentage. New England at New York and RHP Austin Pruitt from Houston in ex- Signed DE Bunmi Rotini. At Tennis Stadium Kitzbuhel D.C. United at Cincinnati change for RHP Yimi Garcia. Selected the HOCKEY Kitzbuhel, Austria Dougie Hamilton: Desperate to CF Montréal at Miami contracts of RHP Preston Cuilmet and LF National Hockey League Purse: Euro 419,470 FC Dallas at Sporting Kansas City Corey Bird from Jacksonville (Triple-A ARIZONA COYOTES — Acquired a 2024 Surface: Red clay make the playoffs for the second time in a East). Transferred RF Garrett Cooper from Real Salt Lake at Houston fourth-round draft choice from San Jose in Men’s Singles decade, the New Jersey Devils made a Colorado at Austin FC the 10-day IL to the 60-day IL. exchange for F Lane Pederson. Signed Fs Round of 16 — Selected the con- Minnesota at Vancouver Dmitrij Jaskin and Ryan Dzingel and G Car- Jozef Kovalik, Slovakia, def. Jiri Vesely, big investment to shoot for a turnaround. tract of RHP Akeem Bostick from Syracuse ter Hutton to one-year contracts. Signed F Sunday’s games (Triple-A East). Designated RHP Jerad Czech Republic, 2-6, 6-2, 6-4. Liam Kirk to a three-year contract. Signed Filip Krajinovic (3), , def. Carlos Hamilton made the most of his opportu- Chicago at Philadelphia Eickoff for assignment. F Liam O’Brien to a one-year contract. Ac- Nashville at Toronto FC — Traded LHP Tyl- Taberner, Spain, 6-3, 2-6, 6-4. nity as one of the best players available by quired a 2022 first-round draft choice, a , France, def. Holger er Anderson to Seattle in exchange for C conditional 2024 third-round draft choice Wednesday, Aug. 4 Carter Bins and RHP Joaquin Tejada. Re- Vitus Nodskov Rune, Denmark, 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 signing a $63 million, seven-year deal. and D Conor Timmins from Colorado in ex- (4). Nashville at New England called RHP Max Kranick from Indianapolis change for G Darcy Kuemper. The 28-year-old defenseman had 42 Atlanta at CF Montréal (Triple-A East). Gianluca Mager, Italy, def. Albert Ra- DALLAS STARS — Signed D Ryan Suter to mos-Vinolas (4), Spain, 7-6 (3), 1-6, 7-5. D.C. United at Columbus FOOTBALL a four-year contract. Signed G Braden points in 55 games with Carolina last Toronto FC at Philadelphia Pedro Martinez, Spain, def. Roberto Bau- Holtby and Ds Andreas Borgman and Alex- tista Agut (2), Spain, 6-4, 6-7 (5), 7-5. Miami at Orlando City — Placed DE J.J. ander Petrovic to one-year contracts. season and has 341 career points with New York City FC at Chicago Watt on the active/physically unable to , Germany, def. Marco Signed F Luke Glendening to a two-year Cecchinato, Italy, 6-4, 6-4. Boston, Calgary and the Hurricanes. Cincinnati at New York perform (PUP) list. Placed WR Rico Gafford contract. Houston at Austin FC and G Deion Calhoun on the reserve/CO- Mikael Ymer, Sweden, def. Alexander Er- NASHVILLE PREDATORS — Signed F An- ler, Austria, 6-2, 6-3. Brayden Point:The salary cap pre- FC Dallas at Seattle VID-19 list. thony Richard to a one-year, two-way con- Sporting Kansas City at Los Angeles FC — Placed DE Dante Casper Ruud (1), Norway, def. Mario Vi- vented Tampa Bay from keeping its team tract. Signed Fs Michael McCarron and An- lella Martinez, Spain, 7-5, 5-7, 6-4. Real Salt Lake at LA Galaxy Fowler on the reserve/COVID-19 list. thony Ridhard and D Matt Tennyson to San Jose at Portland Placed OTs and Kaleb McGary Men’s Doubles together this summer, but the two-time two-year, two-way contracts. Signed G Round of 16 Saturday, Aug. 7 and DT on the PUP list. David Rittich to a one-year contract. defending Stanley Cup champions se- BALTIMORE RAVENS — Placed QB Lamar Signed F Mikael Granlund to a four-year Lucas Miedler and , Aus- Atlanta at Columbus Jackson on the reserve/COVID-19 list. contract. Signed F Zachary L’Heureux to a tria, def. Pablo Cuevas, Uruguay, and Thia- cured a key player for the rest of the dec- Orlando City at Cincinnati Placed DB Anthony Averett on the non- three-year contract. Signed F Matt Luff to go Seyboth Wild, , 7-6 (4), 6-3. Houston at Minnesota football list. Re-signed QB Kenji Babar. a one-year, two-way contract. Men’s Doubles ade. Point, the Lightning's top center, New York City FC at Toronto FC BUFFALO BILLS — Placed LT Dion Daw- NEW JERSEY DEVILS — Signed G Jonath- Quarterfinals signed a $76 million, eight-year exten- Austin FC at FC Dallas kins and OL Ike Boettger on the reserve/ an Bernier to a two-year contract. Signed Matwe Middelkoop, Netherlands, and Sporting Kansas City at Colorado COVID-19 list. Placed DE Jerry Hughes on D Dougie Hamilton to a seven-year con- Roman Jebavy (3), Czech Republic, def. sion that keeps him under contract Real Salt Lake at Portland the non-football list. tract. Igor Zelenay, Slovakia, and Andre Bege- mann, Germany, 6-7 (4), 6-3, 11-9. through 2030. Sunday, Aug. 8 CAROLINA PANTHERS — Signed WR NEW YORK RANGERS — Signed D Patrik Krishawn Hogan. Placed S Lano Hill and TE Nemeth to a three-year contract. Signed D Nikola Cacic, Serbia, and Tomislav Brkic Phillip Danault: The Los Angeles New York at Chicago Stephen Sullivan on the reserve/COVID-19 Jarred Tinordi and F Dryden Hunt to two- (1), Bosnia-Herzegovina, def. Andrei Vasi- Philadelphia at New England list. Placed DT Phil Hoskins on the PUP list. year contracts. Signed F Gregg McKegg to levski, Belarus, and Rafael Matos, Brazil, Kings signed Danault to a a $33 million, Nashville at Miami CHICAGO BEARS — Placed S Eddie Jack- a one-year contract. 7-6 (6), 2-6, 10-8. Los Angeles FC at San Jose son on the non-football injury list. Placed COLLEGE six-year deal. The two-way forward CF Montréal at D.C. United OL Germain Ifedi on the PUP list. Placed TE LA SALLE — Named Martu Loncarica Belgrade 125 Vancouver at LA Galaxy Jake Butt on the reserve/retired list. head field hockey coach. should help a franchise that has made Signed WRs Justin Hardy and Jon’Vea NICHOLS — Announced head women's Wednesday the playoffs just twice since winning the NWSL Johnson. Waived DB Rojesterman Farris basketball coach MaryLynn Skarzenski At Novak Tennis Center and WR Khalil McClain. has resigned. Belgrade Stanley Cup in 2014, failing to advance WLTPts GF GA CINCINNATI BENGALS — Placed DT Larry OKLAHOMA CHRISTIAN — Named Tere- Purse: $115,000 Ogunjobi on the PUP list. sa DeBoard athletic director for student- Surface: Red clay both times. Portland 7 3 1 22 17 7 DETROIT LIONS — Placed LB Jalen athlete well-being, James Hayes director Women’s Singles Jaden Schwartz: Seattle chose to Reeves-Maybin on the reserve/COVID-19 of club sports and David Scott director for Gotham FC 5 1 4 19 12 6 Round of 16 list. Placed G Evan Brown on the non-foot- gameday operations. Kristyna Pliskova, Czech Republic, def. make subtle moves in the expansion Washington 5 3 3 18 14 11 Varvara Gracheva (3), , 7-6 (5), 6-4. draft, adding role players instead of Chicago 5 5 2 17 12 17 GOLF Rebecca Sramkova, Slovakia, def. Ja- North Carolina 5 4 2 17 15 8 queline Adina Cristian, Romania, 6-3, 3-6, spending a lot of money on bigger names. 19. Sei Young Kim 13 $579,182 6-4. Houston 5 5 1 16 13 12 LPGA Tour money leaders 20. Austin Ernst 15 $562,444 (1), Russia, def. Susan The expansion franchise spent a chunk of Orlando 4 4 4 16 14 15 21. In Gee Chun 15 $548,324 Bandecchi, Switzerland, 6-4, 7-6 (3). its cap space by signing Grubauer, but Reign FC 4 6 1 13 10 13 Through July 25 22. Ally Ewing 15 $533,961 Anna-Karolina Schmiedlova, Slovakia, Trn Money def. Jule Niemeier, Germany, 6-4, 5-7, 7-6 had money left to improve up front and on Louisville 3 5 2 11 7 15 23. Shanshan Feng 8 $520,964 1. Nelly Korda 13 $1,856,649 (5). Kansas City 0 7 4 4 5 15 24. Yealimi Noh 15 $520,153 Tara Wurth, , def. Irina Bara (7), the back end with a pair of five-year con- 2. Yuka Saso 3 $1,160,376 25. Matilda Castren 10 $507,854 Romania, 6-3, 6-1. Note: Three points for victory, one point 3. Lydia Ko 14 $1,073,133 tracts. Schwartz signed for $27.5 million for tie. 26. Amy Yang 14 $505,087 Martina Trevisan (5), Italy, def. Ulrikke 4. Patty Tavatanakit 11 $1,009,172 27. Megan Khang 15 $483,510 Eikeri, Norway, 6-1, 6-1. and the Kraken are banking on him scor- Saturday’s games 5. Nasa Hataoka 14 $990,493 28. So Yeon Ryu 13 $479,403 Andrea Petkovic (4), Germany, def. Jes- sika Ponchet, France, 7-5, 6-2. ing 20-plus goals as he has four times in Orlando at North Carolina 6. Ariya Jutanugarn 14 $955,991 29. Hannah Green 11 $473,441 Louisville at Reign FC Arantxa Rus (2), Netherlands, def. Olga 7. Minjee Lee 12 $940,894 30. Angel Yin 14 $454,477 Danilovic, Serbia, 6-2, 6-4. his career. Sunday’s games 8. Inbee Park 13 $938,159 31. Brittany Altomare 16 $394,631 Women’s Doubles Alexander Wennberg:With an av- Kansas City at Portland 9. Lexi Thompson 13 $867,069 32. Celine Boutier 15 $393,079 Round of 16 Washington at Chicago 10. Hyo Joo Kim 12 $815,312 33. Xiyu Lin 13 $392,502 Ekaterina Yashina and , erage value of $4.5 million, Seattle Gotham FC at Houston 11. Jin Young Ko 12 $803,185 34. Jennifer Kupcho 15 $383,632 Russia, def. Elena Milovanovic and Lola Radivojevic, Serbia, 7-5, 6-3. seems to believe his career-high 17 goals Saturday, Aug. 7 12. Jeongeun Lee6 15 $726,475 35. Amy Olson 15 $380,275 Quarterfinals last season with Florida was more indica- North Carolina at Gotham FC 13. Lizette Salas 15 $694,564 36. Hall 14 $361,350 Olga Govortsova and Portland at Washington 14. Leona Maguire 13 $687,909 37. Lauren Stephenson 15 $347,925 (2), Belarus, def. Isabella Shinikova, Bulga- tive of his potential. Wennberg had six Houston at Reign FC 15. Danielle Kang 14 $680,545 38. Mina Harigae 13 $338,936 ria, and Susan Bandecchi, Switzerland, 6-4, 6-3. underwhelming seasons of production Sunday, Aug. 8 16. Brooke M. Henderson 16 $666,968 39. Wei-Ling Hsu 15 $337,353 17. Moriya Jutanugarn 14 $657,726 Tereza Mrdeza and Tena Lukas, Croatia, previously with the Columbus Blue Jack- Kansas City at Louisville 40. Pajaree Anannarukarn 15 $322,780 def. , Norway, and Panna Ud- Orlando at Chicago 18. Jessica Korda 13 $630,480 41. Giulia Molinaro 13 $318,767 vardy (3), Hungary, 4-6, 7-6 (1), 10-4. ets. Friday, July 30, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 41 NFL/ ESPN attempting to ‘destabilize’ Big 12, commissioner says

BY RALPH D. RUSSO year, $1 billion deal in 2019 with Associated Press ESPN. Big 12 Commissioner Bob “The claims in the letter have no Bowlsby accused ESPN of encou- merit,” ESPN said in a statement. raging other conferences to pick Texas and Oklahoma informed apart the league so Texas and Ok- the Big 12 this week they would not lahoma can move to the Southeast- be renewing an agreement that ern Conference more quickly and binds them to the league and its without paying a massive buyout. eight other members until 2025. “I have absolute certainty that The grant of media rights runs they (ESPN) have been involved in concurrently with the Big 12’s bil- manipulating other conferences to lion-dollar television contracts go after our members,” Big 12 with ESPN and Fox. Commissioner Bowlsby told The On Tuesday, Texas and Oklaho- JUSTIN REX/AP Associated Press on Wednesday ma submitted a request to the SEC Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson, who has asked for a trade and is facing sexual assault and after sending a cease-and-desist to join that league in 2025. To join harassment lawsuits, did not speak to the media following the Texans’ first practice Wednesday. letter to the network. the conference earlier than that The letter addressed to ESPN could cost the schools tens of mil- executive Burke Magnus, Presi- lions of dollars — unless the Big 12 dent of Programming and Content, were to fall apart because some of said the Big 12 had become aware the other members left as well. the network had taken actions “to “ESPN is incentivizing other QBs dominate discussion not only harm the Big 12 Confer- conferences to destabilize the Big ence but to result in financial bene- 12,” Bowlsby added. fits for ESPN.” In addition to the SEC and AAC, ESPN, which owns the SEC Net- ESPN owns the rights to all Atlan- work, signed a $3 billion deal with tic Coast Conference athletics and as league’s camps open the SEC last year that will give the shares the rights to the Big Ten and network the broadcast rights to all -12 with Fox. the conference’s football games Bowlsby told AP that Texas and BY DENNIS WASZAK JR. starting in 2024. Oklahoma have been working on a Associated Press The network also has a contract move to the SEC for months, doing Aaron Rodgers and Deshaun Watson appeared on the with the Big 12, though it shares so while taking part in Big 12 strat- field at their teams’ first training camp practices. Lamar those rights with Fox. Those deals egy meetings where proprietary Jackson was absent from his after testing positive for expire in 2025. information was shared. COVID-19. Zach Wilson is still away and without a con- In the letter, Bowlsby said that Bowlsby said he suspects ESPN tract. ESPN has “actively engaged in was involved behind the scenes It was all about the quarterbacks in the NFL on discussions with at least one other when Texas and Oklahoma were Wednesday — those present and the few who weren’t. conference regarding that confer- in discussions with the SEC, but he In Green Bay, Rodgers worked out with the Packers ence inducing additional Mem- has no proof of that. and then detailed some of the unresolved issues that bers of the Big 12 Conference to “This whole thing has been a caused friction between him and the franchise. leave the Big 12 Conference.” complete articulation of decep- The reigning league MVP, who previously skipped Bowlsby declined to name the tion,” he said. organized team activities and mandatory minicamp, conference in an interview with SEC university presidents and said during a nearly six-minute long response that he MATT LUDTKE/AP AP, but a person with knowledge of chancellors are scheduled to meet wanted to have a voice in the team’s decision-making Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers the situation said the commission- tomorrow, but it is unclear if they process and believed the organization didn’t treat de- said he wants a greater voice in the team’s decision­ er was referring to the American will vote on extending invitations parting high-character veterans with enough respect. making process. Athletic Conference. The person to Oklahoma and Texas. Eleven of He also was hoping for a commitment from Green Bay spoke on condition of anonymity the 14 members would need to vote beyond this year, but didn’t receive that. ens after his positive test for the coronavirus. That because the Big 12 didn’t authorize in favor of inviting a new member, “I felt like if you can’t commit to me past 2021 and I’m comes after he also missed a game last season because the release of that information. and it appears that won’t be a prob- not part of your recruiting process in free agency, if I’m he tested positive. The American agreed to a 12- lem. not a part of the future,” the 37-year-old Rodgers said, In Florham Park, N.J., the Jets were still waiting to get “then instead of letting me be a lame-duck quarterback, their rookie quarterback under contract. if you want to make a change and move forward, then go Wilson, the No. 2 overall draft pick in April, is the only ahead and do it.” first-round draft pick to not have a deal done after San Both the three-time NFL MVP and Packers general Francisco signed quarterback Trey Lance earlier in the manager Brian Gutekunst insisted they’re solely fo- day. cused on this season. Wilson’s contract is slotted to be worth $35.15 million “I’m just going to enjoy this year,” Rodgers said, “and over four years and includes a $22.9 million signing bo- then revisit that conversation at the end of the season.” nus. But it appears the sides — the Jets and general man- In Houston, the Texans face similar uncertainty at the ager Joe Douglas and Wilson’s agents — are working quarterback spot, but for much different reasons. out offset language, a sticking point in the negotiations. Watson was on the field despite having asked for a In Oxnard, Calif., Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott trade in January before 22 women filed lawsuits alleg- left practice with soreness in his right arm and is day to ing that he sexually assaulted or harassed them in day because of a shoulder strain. March. Houston police and the NFL are investigating “I really just decided not to push things too far,” said the allegations, but no charges have been filed. Prescott, who was examined on the sideline by head ath- The trade request still stands for Watson, who report- letic trainer Jim Maurer during practice before going ed for camp solely to avoid being fined $50,000 a day. into the locker room and having an MRI. “Better to be The quarterback chatted with teammates and coaches cautious and smart about it.” during breaks in the action, but declined an interview LM OTERO/AP request through a team spokesman. Big 12 commissioner Bob Bowlsby is shown on the giant screen as he AP pro football writers Arnie Stapleton and Barry Wilner, and AP sports “It’s a day-to-day endeavor,” GM Nick Caserio said. writers Steve Megargee, Steve Reed, Kristie Rieken and Noah Trister, and AP speaks during Big 12 media days on July 14 in Arlington, Texas. In Owings Mills, Md., Jackson was absent for the Rav- freelance writer Ben Ross contributed to this report. Bowlsby says ESPN has been working to “destabilize” the Big 12. PAGE 42 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, July 30, 2021 OLYMPICS/MLB

Scoreboard Escobar, American League Gallo lead East Division WLPct GB big names Boston 63 40 .612 _ Tampa Bay 60 42 .588 2½ New York 53 47 .530 8½ getting dealt Toronto 50 48 .510 10½ Baltimore 35 65 .350 26½ Associated Press Central Division The trade deadline is Friday and WLPct GB several teams are making last-min- Chicago 60 42 .588 _ ute moves. Cleveland 50 49 .505 8½ All-Star slugger is Detroit 49 55 .471 12 Kansas City 44 56 .440 15 headed to the Bronx to give the Minnesota 43 60 .417 17½ New York Yankees some much- West Division needed punch from the left side. WLPct GB Third baseman Eduardo Escobar, Houston 63 40 .612 _ a first-time All-Star this year, was Oakland 57 46 .553 6 obtained by the Milwaukee Brew- Seattle 55 48 .534 8 ers, who lead the National League Los Angeles 51 50 .505 11 Central. Texas 36 66 .353 26½ Miami is buried in last place in National League the NL East, but after trading two of East Division its top players, will make an impact WLPct GB on the AL East. New York 54 46 .540 _ The Yankees reached a deal to AARON GASH/AP Philadelphia 50 50 .500 4 get Gallo from the Texas Rangers, Atlanta 50 52 .490 5 a person familiar with the trade Milwaukee Bucks guard Jrue Holiday, right, is fouled by guard Devin Booker during Game 6Washington 46 54 .460 8 of the NBA Finals. Now, they are on the same side for Team USA. Miami 44 58 .431 11 told The Associated Press. The per- Central Division son spoke on condition of anonym- WLPct GB ity Wednesday night because the move had not yet been announced Milwaukee 60 42 .588 _ Cincinnati 53 49 .520 7 and was subject to approval of US trio puts NBA Finals St. Louis 51 51 .500 9 medical records of the players in- Chicago 50 53 .485 10½ volved. Pittsburgh 38 63 .376 21½ “Wow, a guy that can hit it out of West Division any ballpark. I don’t think he gets WLPct GB enough credit for the type of de- behind, focuses on gold San Francisco 63 38 .624 _ fense that he plays,” Los Angeles 62 41 .602 2 said after the Yankees won 3-1 in 10 San Diego 59 45 .567 5½ innings at Tampa Bay. Booker, Middleton and Holiday go Colorado 44 58 .431 19½ Arizona 32 71 .311 32 Gallo, 27, should provide a pow- from foes to teammates in Olympics Wednesday’s games erful boost for the heavily right- Cleveland 7, St. Louis 2 handed Yankees. With switch-hit- Toronto 4, Boston 1, 7 innings, 1st game BY BRIAN MAHONEY Boston 4, Toronto 1, 7 innings, 2nd game ting center fielder Associated Press Detroit 17, Minnesota 14 Oakland 10, San Diego 4 hurt, second baseman Rougned SAITAMA, Japan — There was plenty of time to talk Houston 11, Seattle 4 Odor and N.Y. Yankees 3, Tampa Bay 1, 10 innings about it, had they wanted to. Baltimore 8, Miami 7 have been the only left-handed hit- Arizona 3, Texas 2 Devin Booker, Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton Kansas City 3, Chicago White Sox 2, 10 in­ ters to see substantial playing time. were together on a plane to Tokyo, just days after they nings Gallo is hitting .223 with 25 L.A. Angels 8, Colorado 7 had played in the hard-fought NBA Finals. Milwaukee 7, Pittsburgh 3 homers, 55 RBIs and a major N.Y. Mets 2, Atlanta 1 They had roughly nine hours in the air to relive de- Cincinnati 8, Chicago Cubs 2 league-leading 74 walks. The 6- tails of that series, to revisit some of their memorable L.A. Dodgers 8, San Francisco 0 foot-5 slugger has also been a Gold Washington at Philadelphia, ppd. moments. Thursday’s games Glove right fielder for Texas, but Booker and Middleton both had 40-point games in N.Y. Yankees at Tampa Bay presumably would play left for the Chicago White Sox at Kansas City the series. Holiday provided a highlight that will be re- Baltimore at Detroit Yankees, who have Judge as their played in Milwaukee for years to come. Toronto at Boston regular right fielder. Oakland at L.A. Angels So, with all that time to kill on the way to the Olym- Washington at Philadelphia, 2  The Brewers acquired Escobar Atlanta at N.Y. Mets pics, how much talk was about the NBA Finals? CHARLIE NEIBERGALL/AP Cincinnati at Chicago Cubs from the Arizona Diamondbacks L.A. Dodgers at San Francisco “There was actually none,” Middleton said. “We all Milwuakee Bucks forward Khris Middleton, righ, Milwaukee at Pittsburgh on Wednesday for two prospects. respect each other. helps give Team USA an outside shooting threat. Colorado at San Diego The 32-year-old Escobar is bat- “It was all about moving on and figuring out a way to Friday’s games ting .246 with 22 homers. The Kansas City (TBD) at Toronto (Stripling get this job done here. To sit there and talk about the you’re competing at the highest level, it doesn’t always 3­6) switch-hitter should be a valuable Baltimore (Harvey 5­10) at Detroit (Sku­ Finals was not something that was on anybody’s go your way,” Booker said. “But I’m a forward thinker bal 6­9) and versatile piece for the first- mind.” and move onto the next thing and be able to take my ‘L’ Boston (Pérez 7­6) at Tampa Bay (Flem­ place Brewers, who are trying to ing 7­5) The series ended last Tuesday, when the Bucks won and move on.” N.Y. Yankees (Taillon 6­4) at Miami lock down the NL Central. (Thompson 2­3) Game 6 to close out Booker’s Phoenix Suns. Middleton That’s not always easy when players have to quickly Seattle (Gilbert 4­2) at Texas (Allard 2­8) The Marlins sent right-handed and Holiday took part in Milwaukee’s championship go from foes to friends. Cleveland (Mejía 1­6) at Chicago White reliever Yimi García to the Hous- Sox (Lynn 10­3) parade on Thursday, then flew the next day to Seattle, When Kevin Durant made his Olympic debut in Minnesota (Berríos 7­5) at St. Louis (Le­ ton Astros, and traded outfielder Blanc 0­2) where they met up with Booker. 2012, he acknowledged the difficulty in seeing LeBron Oakland (Bassitt 10­3) at L.A. Angels Starling Marte to the Oakland Ath- It was a whirlwind few days after a draining two- James every day so soon after Miami beat Oklahoma (Sandoval 3­4) letics. Houston (Valdez 6­2) at San Francisco week series. And with the U.S. Olympic opener tipping City in those NBA Finals. Kobe Bryant said then he (Gausman 9­4) The Astros sent outfielder Bryan Chicago Cubs (Williams 4­2) at Wash­ off less than 24 hours after they landed in Japan, the didn’t know if he could’ve handled that, figuring if he ington (Scherzer 7­4) De La Cruz and right-hander Aus- flight was about the only rest the trio was going to get. was Durant he’d have needed to go at James in prac- Philadelphia (Nola 7­6) at Pittsburgh tin Pruitt to Miami. First-place (Crowe 2­5) “I feel like me, Book and K-Midd just slept,” Holiday tice to help get over it. Cincinnati (Gray 2­6) at N.Y. Mets (Car­ Houston began Thursday with a rasco 0­0) said. Booker hasn’t forgotten his disappointment, but he’s Milwaukee (Burnes 6­4) at Atlanta six-game lead over Oakland in the (Toussaint 1­1) Booker couldn’t be blamed if he didn’t want to talk to not holding it against his new teammates — even after L.A. Dodgers (Gonsolin 2­1) at Arizona AL West. two guys who had been responsible for ruining his Holiday stole the ball from him and threw an alley-oop (Gallen 1­5) Oakland gave up left-hander Je- Colorado (Gray 6­6) at San Diego NBA championship dreams. But he reiterated that he pass to Giannis Antetokounmpo in the final moments (Weathers 4­2) sús Luzardo for Marte. The Mar- could work with them, just as he could have had the of Game 5 to swing the series Milwaukee’s way. Calendar lins will cover nearly all of Marte’s Suns won. “We lost and that’s it, and I’m man enough to accept Aug. 12 — New York Yankees vs. Chicago remaining contract for 2021, and he “I said it during the series when we had this ques- that and move on,” Booker said. “So, there’s no hate to- White Sox at Dyersville, Iowa. can become a free agent after this Aug. 22 — Los Angeles Angels vs. Cleve­ tion. I have a lot of respect for those guys and when wards Jrue or K-Midd.” land at Williamsport, Pa. season. Friday, July 30, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 43 OLYMPICS SCOREBOARD

Medals table ROWING Men’s basketball Women’s volleyball Boxing Men’s Pair Thursday, July 29 Group A Group A 28 of 28 events GOLD—Croatia (Martin Sinkovic, Valent Thursday 196 of 196 total events Sinkovic) Country WLPts Country WLPts Men SILVER—Romania (Marius Cozmiuc, Ci­ Middle (69-75kg) Nation GSBTot prian Tudosa) France 2 0 4 Serbia 3 0 9 Round of 16 BRONZE—Denmark (Frederic Vystavel, Czech Republic 1 1 2 Brazil 3 0 8 Oleksandr Khyzhniak, Ukraine, def. Yui­ United States 14 14 10 38 Joachim Sutton) United States 1 1 2 South Korea 2 1 5 to Moriwaki, Japan, 5­0. China 15 7 9 31 Euri Cedeno Martinez, Dominican Re­ Lightweight Men’s Double Sculls Iran 0 2 0 Japan 1 2 3 ROC 8 11 9 28 public, def. Francisco Daniel Veron, Argen­ GOLD—Ireland (Fintan Mc Carthy, Paul Dominican Republic 0 3 2 tina, 3­2. Group B Japan 15 4 6 25 O’Donovan) Kenya 0 3 0 Arman Darchinyan, Armenia, def. Andrej SILVER—Germany (Jonathan Rommel­ Australia 8 2 10 20 Country WLPts Csemez, Slovakia, 5­0. mann, Jason Osborne) Group B Eumir Marcial, Philippines, def. Younes Italy 2 7 10 19 BRONZE—Italy (Stefano Oppo, Pietro Australia 2 0 4 Nemouchi, , stopped by referee for Britain 5 7 6 18 Ruta) Country WLPts injury. Germany 1 1 2 Germany 3 3 7 13 Women’s Pair Hebert Sousa, Brazil, def. Tuoheta Er­ Italy 1 1 2 Italy 3 0 9 bieke, China, 3­2. Netherlands 2 7 4 13 GOLD—New Zealand (Grace Prender­ Nigeria 0 2 0 United States 3 0 8 Abilkhan Amankul, Kazakhstan, def. Fa­ South Korea 4 3 5 12 gast, Kerri Gowler) nat Kakhramonov, Uzbekistan, 5­0. SILVER—ROC (Vasilisa Stepanova, Elena ROC 2 1 5 France 3 5 3 11 Group C Darrelle Valsaint Jr, Haiti, def. David Oriabinskaia) Turkey 1 2 4 Tshama Mwenekabwe, Congo, 4­1. Canada 2 3 5 10 BRONZE—Canada (Caileigh Filmer, Hill­ Country WLPts China 0 3 1 Gleb Bakshi, ROC, def. Troy Isley, United ary Janssens) Brazil 1 3 3 7 Argentina 0 3 0 States, 3­2. Switzerland 1 3 2 6 Lightweight Women’s Double Sculls Slovenia 2 0 4 Sunday’s matches Super Heavy (+91kg) Taiwan 1 2 3 6 GOLD—Italy (Valentina Rodini, Federica Spain 2 0 4 Round of 16 Cesarini) Argentina 0 2 0 Italy 3, ROC 0 (25­23, 25­19, 25­14) Hungary 2 1 2 5 United States 3, Argentina 0 (25­20, 25­ Bakhodir Jalolov, Uzbekistan, def. Ma­ SILVER—France (Laura Tarantola, Claire Japan 0 2 0 hammad Abdullayev, Azerbaijan, 5­0. Slovenia 2 1 1 4 Bove) 19, 25­20) Serbia 3, Dominican Republic 0 (25­18, Satish Kumar, India, def. Ricardo Brown, Romania 1 3 0 4 BRONZE—Netherlands (Marieke Keijser, Sunday’s games Jamaica, 4­1. Ilse Paulis) 25­12, 25­20) Czech Republic 1 2 1 4 Czech Republic 84, Iran 78 Turkey 3, China 0 (25­21, 25­14, 25­14) Frazer Clarke, Britain, def. Tsotne Roga­ va, Ukraine, 4­1. New Zealand 1 2 1 4 SHOOTING Italy 92, Germany 82 Japan 3, Kenya 0 (25­15, 25­11, 25­23) Trap Men Australia 84, Nigeria 67 Brazil 3, South Korea 0 (25­10, 25­22, 25­ Mourad Aliev, France, def. Siyovush Serbia 1 1 2 4 Zukhurov, Tajikistan, 5­0. GOLD—Jiri Liptak, Czech Republic France 83, United States 76 19) Ukraine 0 0 4 4 Richard Torrez Jr, United States, def. SILVER—David Kostelecky, Czech Re­ Monday’s games Tuesday’s matches Chouaib Bouloudinats, Algeria, 5­0. public Croatia 2 0 1 3 Slovenia 118, Argentina 100 ROC 3, Argentina 0 (25­19, 25­15, 25­13) Dainier Pero, , def. Cristian Camilo Georgia 1 2 0 3 BRONZE—Matthew John Coward Holley, United States 3, China 0 (29­27, 25­22, 25­ Salcedo Codazi, Colombia, 5­0. Britain Spain 88, Japan 77 Austria 1 1 1 3 21) Ivan Veriasov, ROC, def. Maxime Yeg­ Trap Women Wednesday’s games Serbia 3, Japan 0 (25­23, 25­16, 26­24) nong Njieyo, Cameroon, 5­0. Spain 0 2 1 3 Italy 3, Turkey 1 (25­22, 23­25, 25­20, 25­ Kamshybek Kunkabayev, Kazakhstan, GOLD—Zuzana Rehak Stefecekova, Slo­ Germany 99, Nigeria 92 Indonesia 0 1 2 3 United States 120, Iran 66 15) def. Yousry Rezk Mostafa Hafez, Egypt, vakia Brazil 3, Dominican Republic 2 (25­22, 17­ 5­0. Mongolia 0 1 2 3 SILVER—Kayle Browning, United States Australia 86, Italy 83 France 97, Czech Republic 77 25, 13­25, 25­23, 12­15) Kazakhstan 0 0 3 3 BRONZE—Alessandra Perilli, San Marino South Korea 3, Kenya 0 (25­14, 25­22, 26­ Women Thursday’s games Fly (48-51kg) Kosovo 2 0 0 2 SWIMMING 24) Men’s 100m Freestyle Slovenia 116, Japan 81 Thursday’s matches Round of 16 Spain 81, Argentina 71 Thursday’s medalists GOLD—Caeleb Dressel, United States Italy 3, Argentina 0 (25­21, 25­16, 25­15) Buse Naz Cakiroglu, Turkey, def. Tursu­ SILVER—Kyle Chalmers, Australia Saturday’s games South Korea 3, Dominican Republic 2 (25­ noy Rakhimova, Uzbekistan, 3­2. CANOE SLALOM Jutamas Jitpong, Thailand, def. Irish BRONZE—Kliment Kolesnikov, ROC Iran vs France 20, 17­25, 25­18, 15­25, 15­12) Women’s Canoe Serbia 3, Kenya 0 (25­21, 25­11, 25­20) Magno, Philippines, 5­0. Men’s 200m Breaststroke Italy vs Nigeria Nina Radovanovic, Serbia, def. Ornella GOLD—Jessica Fox, Australia Australia vs Germany ROC 3, China 2 (25­17, 23­25, 20­25, 27­25, GOLD—Izaac Stubblety­Cook, Australia 15­12) Havyarimana, Burundi, 5­0. SILVER—Mallory Franklin, Britain United States vs Czech Republic Huang Hsiao­Wen, Taiwan, def. Giorda­ BRONZE—Andrea Herzog, Germany SILVER—Arno Kamminga, Netherlands Brazil 3, Japan 0 (25­16, 25­18, 26­24) BRONZE—Matti Mattsson, Finland Sunday, August 1 United States 3, Turkey 2 (25­19, 25­20, na Sorrentino, Italy, 5­0. 17­25, 20­25, 15­12) Ingrit Lorena Valencia Victoria, Colom­ Women’s Team Men’s 800m Freestyle Argentina vs Japan bia, def. Chungneijang Mery Kom Spain vs Slovenia Saturday’s matches GOLD—ROC (, Adelina GOLD—Robert Finke, United States Hmangte, India, 3­2. SILVER—Gregorio Paltrinieri, Italy Tuesday, August 3 Dominican Republic vs Kenya Tsukimi Namiki, Japan, def. Graziele Zagidullina, Larisa Korobeynikova, Marta United States vs ROC Martyanova) BRONZE—Mykhailo Romanchuk, Ukraine Sousa, Brazil, 5­0. Quarterfinals Argentina vs Turkey Stoyka Zhelyazkova Krasteva, Bulgaria, SILVER—France (Anita Blaze, Astrid Women’s 200m Butterfly Serbia vs Brazil Guyart, Pauline Ranvier, Ysaora Thibus) Thursday, August 5 def. Virginia Fuchs, United States, 5­0. GOLD—Yufei Zhang, China Japan vs South Korea Chang Yuan, China, def. Charley­Sian BRONZE—Italy (Erica Cipressa, Arianna Semifinals China vs Italy Errigo, Martina Batini, ) SILVER—Regan Smith, United States Davison, Britain, 5­0. BRONZE—Hali Flickinger, United States Saturday, August 7 Monday, August 2 GYMNASTICS Gold Medal Women’s All-Around Women’s 4 x 200m Freestyle Relay Serbia vs South Korea Bronze Medal United States vs Italy Beach volleyball scores GOLD—Sunisa Lee, United States GOLD—China (Muhan Tang, Yifan ROC vs Turkey SILVER—Rebeca , Brazil Zhang, Jie Dong, Bingjie Li, Junxuan Yang, China vs Argentina Thursday BRONZE—, ROC Yufei Zhang) Women’s field hockey Japan vs Dominican Republic Men SILVER—United States (Arabella Sims, Brazil vs Kenya Pool D JUDO Paige Madden, Kathryn Mc Laughlin, Men -100 kg Group A Wednesday, August 4 United States (Philip Dalhausser; Nicho­ Brooke Forde, Allison Schmitt, Kathleen las Lucena), def. Argentina (Julian Amado Ledecky) Quarterfinals GOLD—Aaron Wolf, Japan Country WLTPts GF GA Azaad; Nicolas Capogrosso), 21­19, 18­21, SILVER—Guham Cho, South Korea BRONZE—Australia (Mollie O’Callaghan, 15­6. Meg Harris, Brianna Throssell, Tamsin Men’s water polo BRONZE—Jorge Fonseca, Portugal Netherlands 4 0 0 8 15 1 BRONZE—Niiaz Iliasov, ROC Cook, Ariarne Titmus, Emma McKeon, Ma­ Group A Pool B dison Wilson, Leah Neale) Germany 3 0 0 6 8 3 Women -78 kg Country WLTPts GF GA Czech Republic (Ondrej Perusic; David TABLE TENNIS Britain 2 2 0 4 9 5 Schweiner), def. Mexico (Josue Gaston GOLD—Shori Hamada, Japan Women’s Singles Ireland 1 2 0 2 4 8 Greece 2 0 1 5 26 24 Gaxiola Leyva; Jose Luis Rubio Camargo), SILVER—Madeleine Malonga, France 17­21, 21­16, 16­14. BRONZE—Anna­Maria Wagner, Germa­ GOLD—Meng Chen, China India 0 3 0 0 2 11 Italy 2 0 1 5 39 19 Latvia (Martins Plavins; Edgars Tocs), ny SILVER—Yingsha Sun, China South Africa 0 3 0 0 1 11 Hungary 2 1 0 4 48 22 def. ROC (Viacheslav Krasilnikov; Oleg BRONZE—Mayra Aguiar, Brazil BRONZE—Mima Ito, Japan Stoyanovskiy), 13­21, 21­19, 15­11. Group B United States 2 1 0 4 46 28 Japan 0 3 0 0 33 41 Women Country WLTPts GF GA South Africa 0 3 0 0 6 64 Pool D United States (Kelly Claes; Sarah Spon­ Tennis Women’s rugby Australia 4 0 0 8 11 1 Group B cil), def. Kenya (Brackcides Khadambi; Argentina 3 1 0 6 8 6 Country WLTPts GF GA Gaudencia Makokha), 21­8, 21­6. Thursday Group A New Zealand 2 2 0 4 6 4 Men’s Singles Pool A Spain 2 2 0 4 5 7 Spain 3 0 0 6 37 22 Quarterfinals Country WLTPts Canada (Melissa Humana­Paredes; Sa­ Croatia 2 1 0 4 44 26 Karen Khachanov (12), ROC, def. Ugo China 1 3 0 2 6 14 rah Pavan), def. Switzerland (Joana Hei­ Humbert (14), France, 7­6 (4), 4­6, 6­3. New Zealand 2 0 0 4 Japan 0 4 0 0 5 9 Serbia 2 1 0 4 45 26 drich; Anouk Verge­Depre), 21­13, 24­22. Netherlands (Raisa Schoon; Katja Novak Djokovic (1), Serbia, def. Kei Nish­ Britain 1 1 0 2 Australia 1 2 0 2 29 37 ikori, Japan, 6­2, 6­0. Saturday, July 24 Stam), def. Germany (Karla Borger; Julia ROC 1 1 0 2 Montenegro 1 2 0 2 29 31 Sude), 24­22, 21­16. Pablo Carreno Busta (6), Spain, def. Da­ Netherlands 5, India 1 niil Medvedev (2), ROC, 6­2, 7­6 (5). Kenya 0 2 0 0 Ireland 2, South Africa 0 Kazakhstan 0 3 0 0 16 58 Pool C Alexander Zverev (4), Germany, def. Jer­ emy Chardy, France, 6­4, 6­1. Group B Sunday’s games Sunday’s games China (Xia Xinyi; Wang Fan), def. Argen­ tina (Ana Gallay; Fernanda Pereyra), 21­ Women’s Singles Germany 2, Britain 1 Country WLTPts Italy 21, South Africa 2 14, 21­13. Semifinals Australia 3, Spain 1 Greece 10, Hungary 9 Brazil (Agatha Bednarczuk; Eduarda China 4, Japan 3 Belinda Bencic (9), Switzerland, def. Ele­ France 2 0 0 4 United States 15, Japan 13 Santos Lisboa), def. Canada (Heather Ban­ New Zealand 3, Argentina 0 Montenegro 15, Australia 10 sley; Brandie Wilkerson), 21­18, 21­18. na Rybakina (15), Kazakhstan, 7­6 (2), 4­6, Canada 1 1 0 2 6­3. Monday’s games Spain 13, Serbia 12 Fiji 1 1 0 2 Croatia 23, Kazakhstan 7 Marketa Vondrousova, Czech Republic, Netherlands 4, Ireland 0 def. (4), Ukraine, 6­3, 6­1. Brazil 0 2 0 0 Australia 6, China 0 Tuesday’s games Baseball Men’s Doubles Britain 4, South Africa 1 Semifinals Group C Argentina 3, Spain 0 United States 20, South Africa 3 Spain 8, Montenegro 6 Group A Marin Cilic and Ivan Dodig, Croatia, def. New Zealand 2, Japan 1 Country WLTPts Germany 2, India 0 Serbia 19, Kazakhstan 5 Michael Venus and Marcus Daniell, New Italy 6, Greece 6 Country WLPct Zealand, 6­2, 6­2. Australia 2 0 0 4 Wednesday's games Hungary 16, Japan 11 Nikola Mektic and Mate Pavic (1), Croa­ Japan 1 0 1.000 United States 2 0 0 4 Netherlands 5, South Africa 0 Australia 11, Croatia 8 tia, def. Austin Krajicek and Tennys Sand­ Mexico 0 0 .000 gren, United States, 6­4, 6­4. China 0 2 0 0 Britain 4, India 1 Thursday’s games Spain 2, New Zealand 1 Dominican Republic 0 1 .000 Women’s Doubles Japan 0 2 0 0 Germany 4, Ireland 2 Hungary 23, South Africa 1 Semifinals Australia 1, Japan 0 Spain 16, Kazakhstan 4 Group B Barbora Krejcikova and Katerina Sinia­ Thursday’s matches Argentina 3, China 2 Italy 12, United States 11 kova (1), Czech Republic, def. Elena Vesni­ France 12, Fiji 5 Thursday’s games Croatia 13, Montenegro 8 Country WLPct na and , ROC, 6­3, Canada 33, Brazil 0 Greece 10, Japan 9 3­6, 10­6. United States 28, China 14 Spain 2, China 0 Serbia 14, Australia 8 South Korea 1 0 1.000 Viktorija Golubic and Belinda Bencic, Australia 48, Japan 0 Netherlands 1, Britain 0 Saturday’s games United States 0 0 .000 Switzerland, def. and Luisa Britain 14, ROC 12 Argentina 2, Japan 1 Stefani, Brazil, 7­5, 6­3. Australia 1, New Zealand 0 Montenegro vs Kazakhstan Israel 0 1 .000 New Zealand 29, Kenya 7 Australia vs Spain Mixed Doubles Fiji 26, Canada 12 Friday’s games United States vs Hungary Wednesday’s game Quarterfinals France 40, Brazil 5 Croatia vs Serbia South Africa vs Germany Japan 4, Dominican Republic 3 and Andrey Australia 26, China 10 Ireland vs India Italy vs Japan Rublev, ROC, def. Ben Mclachlan and Ena United States 17, Japan 7 South Africa vs Greece Thursday’s game Shibahara, Japan, 7­5, 6­7 (0), 10­8. New Zealand 26, Britain 21 Saturday’s games Monday, August 2 ROC 35, Kenya 12 South Korea 6, Israel 5 (10 Innings) Ashleigh Barty and John Peers, Austra­ China vs New Zealand Hungary vs Italy lia, def. Maria Sakkari and Stefanos Tsitsi­ Friday’s matches Japan vs Spain Greece vs United States Friday’s games pas, Greece, 6­4, 4­6, 10­6. Argentina vs Australia Serbia vs Montenegro Elena Vesnina and Aslan Karatsev, ROC, Fiji vs Brazil India vs South Africa Mexico vs Dominican Republic Spain vs Croatia United States vs Israel def. Lukasz Kubot and Iga Swiatek, Po­ Canada vs France Germany vs Netherlands Japan vs South Africa land, 6­4, 6­4. China vs Japan Ireland vs Britain Australia vs Kazakhstan Novak Djokovic and Nina Stojanovic, Australia vs United States Saturday’s games Serbia, def. and Laura Sie­ Britain vs Kenya Monday, August 2 Wednesday, August 4 Japan vs Mexico gemund, Germany, 6­1, 6­2. New Zealand vs ROC Quarterfinals Quarterfinals South Korea vs United States PAGE 44 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, July 30, 2021 OLYMPICS US beach volleyball squads win in spite of partial isolation

BY JIMMY GOLEN there’s some things I just can’t get Associated Press to,” said Dalhausser, a four-time TOKYO — After beating Ar- Olympian who won the gold med- gentina to extend his stay at the al in 2008. “And that’s been the Olympics, American beach vol- most challenging part.” leyball player Nick Lucena had Some of it doesn’t make sense to big plans: Treatment, a shower, Dalhausser, who spent the week “maybe get my nails done, all that after his arrival in the relative stuff.” freedom of the athletes village be- “Jerk,” his partner, Phil Dal- fore being whisked away to isola- hausser, muttered under his tion housing. breath. “It’s confusing,” Claes said af- While Lucena has the run of the ter she and Sarah Sponcil im- Olympics — at least as much as proved to 2-0 with a win over Ke- anyone does with a state of emer- nya on Thursday. “They told us gency in Tokyo — Dalhausser is eight days after we’ve been in the stuck in a modified quarantine be- village, and Sarah and I had been CHARLIE RIEDEL/AP cause he sat on a plane near Tay- in the same room for eight days. I JuVaughn Harrison competes during the finals of the men’s high jump at the U.S. Olympic track and field lor Crabb, a fellow beach volley- don’t understand. I’m just doing trials on June 27 in Eugene, Ore. Harrison will compete in the high jump and long jump in the Olympics. ball player who tested positive for what I’m told to play.” COVID-19 after arriving in Japan. With the win, Dalhausser and That means as the teammates Lucena improved to 2-1 in Tokyo were preparing for the Tokyo and almost certainly clinched a Games they couldn’t practice to- spot in the medal round. Claes and Leap year: Harrison chases gether for five days; even now, Sponcil improved to 2-0, dispatch- they can only practice during des- ing Kenya in just 25 minutes — ignated late-night hours after ev- the fastest women’s match since eryone else has left the facility. the Olympics adopted rally scor- rare long, high jump double They still can’t work out with oth- ing and the best-of-three sets for- er teams. mat in 2002. When Dalhausser uses equip- The U.S. pair beat Brackcides BY PAT GRAHAM each. ment, an Olympic worker follows Khadambi and Gaudencia Ma- Associated Press “One measures how high the hu- behind to disinfect it. That’s if he kokha 21-8, 21-6 and also likely TOKYO — JuVaughn Harrison’s man body can jump and the latter has access to equipment at all: He clinched a spot in the playoffs. nickname couldn’t be any more fit- how far a human can jump,” ex- can’t shower at the venue after a They have one match remaining, ting: Mr. Jumps. plained the 65-year-old Banks, the match, and the only opportunity to against Brazil on Saturday. His assignment at the Tokyo silver medalist in the triple jump at lift weights is a box of bottled wa- In other men’s matches, Ondrej Games couldn’t be any more rare: the 1983 world championships. ter in his hotel room, piled high Perusic and David Schweiner of Go horizontal (high jump) and then “Usually, it takes two different peo- with books. the Czech Republic, who forfeited vertical (long jump). ple to indicate the best of the best.” All this because he was deemed their first match after Perusic Not since the days of Jim Thorpe Consider: The feat has been at- a close contact of Crabb. Two oth- tested positive for COVID-19 and (circa: 1912) has an American man tempted on 48 occasions at the er U.S. players, Jake Gibb and went into quarantine, needed a made the team in those two events at Olympics, 37 times by men and 11 by Kelly Claes, are also in isolation third set to beat Mexico. one Olympics. It’s akin to running women, according to Olympic histo- after sitting near Crabb on a In the final matches for the the 100 meters and the 400. Or, as rian Bill Mallon. Most of those at- plane. women’s Pool A, Melissa Huma- decorated triple jumper/high jump- tempts were from way back in the “I’m 41 years old, and I’m not na-Paredes and Sarah Pavan of er Willie Banks remarked: “A race day, though. allowed to get treatment, so I’m Canada beat Switzerland (2-1) in horse trying to do dressage like a Li- The only athlete to win gold in trying to figure it out,” Dalhausser straight sets to finish the round- pizzaner stallion.” both events at the same Olympics, said on Thursday after the 21-19, robin with a 3-0 record. The From leaping into the sand to THOMAS BOYD /AP Mallon noted, was Ellery Clark in 18-21, 15-6 victory over Julian Dutch (1-2) beat the German team back-flipping over a bar, the 22- Harrison wins the men’s long 1896 at the very first modern Games Azaad and Nicolas Capogrosso. of Karla Borger and Julia Sude year-old Louisiana State standout jump final for LSU during the in Athens. The last to attempt it were “I’m pretty self-sufficient, but (0-3). (he just recently turned pro) brings NCAA Division I Outdoor Track Abdullah Mohamed Al-Sheib of Qa- his own style to the two events that and Field Championships on June tar and Danny Beauchamp of the are both about jumping — but have 9 in Eugene, Ore. Seychelles at the 1992 Barcelona almost nothing in common after Games. takeoff. stitious about that sandwich, too. “Amazing,” U.S. long jump team- Harrison is already the U.S. and Luckily for him, there’s a Subway mate Marquis Dendy said of Harri- NCAA champion in both events, sandwich shop a short distance son’s quest. “All kinds of crazy.” thanks to four straight victories in a from the Olympic Stadium. In Tokyo, his schedule is just as pair of meets in Eugene, Ore., last “If it works, stick with it,” said his jam-packed, but not stacked on the month. coach, Todd Lane. same days. His possible schedule Next up, the biggest meet of all. Lane has a carefully constructed includes high jump qualifying Fri- “If he’s able to pull off double workout plan for Harrison: One day day, long jump qualifying Saturday, gold, that would be insane,” said with a high-jump focus. Another high jump final Sunday, and long Mike Powell, who’s been the world- day with a long-jump focus. The rest jump final Monday. record holder in the long jump since of the time revolves around training “They would never go back-to- 1991. “To do that at 22? Oh, man, I’d and technique for the two varied back-to-back-to-back with the be amazed. I’m rooting for him. I’m forms of jumping. There’s plenty of events if it was a common double,” definitely rooting for him. I want to opportunity for recovery, too, be- Lane said. see him do well.” cause it “takes a toll on the body,” Harrison says he’s simply grate- For good luck, Harrison will be Lane emphasized. ful he doesn’t have to do both on the PETROS GIANNAKOURIS/AP wearing a chain his mom gave him. Count Banks as impressed, espe- same day. The United States’ Nicholas Lucena, right, returns a shot as teammate As part of his pre-meet routine, he cially given Harrison’s age and the “I can just wake up,” Harrison Philip Dalhausser looks on during during their beach volleyball match will eat a sub sandwich. He’s super- different skill sets required for said, “and focus on one.” Tuesday against Brazil at the Olympics in Tokyo. Friday, July 30, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 45 OLYMPICS US looks to extend dynasty in women’s 8 BY JIM VERTUNO gold with the U.S. eight boat in 2012 Associated Press and 2016 and is one of only two mem- TOKYO — For more than a dec- bers of the current crew in Tokyo ade and across three Olympics, with any Olympic experience. “I there was no greater force in wom- definitely think we are ready for the en’s rowing than the American eight final.” boat. The Americans sent an early Three consecutive Olympic gold message they may be ready to re- medals. Eleven years undefeated at claim their dominance by cruising major international meets. through their opening heat and But all dynasties eventually end. straight into the final. With another Once upon a time, East Germany victory on Friday, the U.S. would be- dominated the event. Then it was the come the first country to win four Romanians cruising the waters be- consecutive gold medals in the fore the Americans took over. women’s eight. And while the U.S. crew that lines “It was the first time in two years up in Friday’s Tokyo Olympics final that many teams have lined up inter- still ranks among the medal favor- nationally and gone head to head,” ites, its swagger and reputation as Musnicki said. “I think the message unbeatable were wobbled and bro- we sent was the same message ev- FERNANDO VERGARA/AP ken since its Olympic title in 2016, as ery other boat in the event sent: United States midfielder Samantha Mewis goes for the ball during a soccer match against Australia on other countries started winning. We’re here to race. Let’s go.” Tuesday in Kashima, Japan. The U.S. plays the Netherlands on Friday in a quarterfinal. Romania won the world cham- Assume reigning world cham- pionship in 2017, a particularly gall- pion champion New Zealand has ing defeat as the Americans didn’t been warned and is ready. even medal. New Zealand stormed The Kiwis’ boat rallied from third to the title in 2019. to first in the final stretch to win its Hello again: US, Netherlands “Yes, we were dominant for many opening heat and advance to the fi- years, but everyone forgets that nal. Despite the tougher-than-ex- each year is largely a new squad, pected finish, New Zealand was and with that comes unknowns,” more than a second faster than the ready for quarterfinals clash said Meghan Musnicki, who won U.S. that day. Teams faced each other in the 2019 World Cup final in France BY ANNE. M. PETERSON we get there, winning is the most phant in that one for the team’s Associated Press important thing. So, yes, fans and second straight Olympic bronze On to the rematch. outsiders looking in are probably medal, spoiling Brazil’s shot to The United States plays the like, ‘Oh, this is so different.’ medal on home soil. Netherlands on Friday in the You’ve never seen the U.S. do There are many of the same quarterfinals of the Olympic this,” defender Crystal Dunn said. faces in Japan. On Canada’s side, women’s soccer tournament — “But at the same time, it’s about there’s Christine Sinclair, soccer’s bringing together the two teams executing a game plan, moving on all-time international scorer that played in the World Cup final from one round to another. And among men and women. Brazil two years ago in France. whatever tactics, plans that we has Marta, the six-time FIFA The U.S. women won that one have that we’re given, it’s our job Player of the Year. 2-0 and afterward the crowd as players to trust and believe in Britain vs. Australia, Kashima: chanted “Equal Pay!” in support ourselves and each other and live The Australians advanced to the of the team’s legal fight for equity to fight another day.” knockout round as one of the top with the men’s national team. Instead, it’s the Netherlands third-place teams after the group This time, there won’t be any that has become a high-scoring stage. This is the Matildas’ fifth CHARLIE RIEDEL/AP crowds and the case is before the juggernaut. The Dutch scored 21 trip to the Olympics and third time U.S. vaulter Sam Kendricks is out of the Games after a positive test Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals goals in the group stage — smash- they’ve made it through to the and Australia is quarantining athletes he came in contact with. back home in the United States, ing the previous record of 16 set by quarterfinals. with no ruling expected in the the United States in 2012. Britain finished atop Group E. near future. And obviously there’s Dutch striker Vivianne Miede- In a quirky rule, Britain’s Olympic US pole vaulter test sends greater weight on a World Cup fi- ma has an Olympic-record eight teams must include Scotland, nal than an Olympic quarterfinal. goals, and that’s only from the Wales, England and Northern Ire- But the game in Yokohama has group stage. land, and all four teams must be in Australians into isolation taken on significance because the Miedema, who plays profes- agreement to participate. For that BY EDDIE PELLS on the training track this week, normally indomitable Americans sionally for Arsenal, is just 25 and reason, the only other Olympics Associated Press and Australia announced it had showed vulnerabilities in the already the all-time scoring leader that has included a Team GB is TOKYO — The fragile nature of put its entire 54-person team (41 group stage: Notably a 3-0 loss to for the Netherlands with 81 goals 2012. an Olympics during the pandemic athletes and 13 officials) in isola- Sweden in the Olympic opener. in 99 appearances. She is also the Sweden vs. Japan, Saitama: came into sharp focus Thursday tion and subjected it to testing af- After a 6-1 rebound win over top career scorer in the Women’s The Swedes won all three of their when the entire Australian track ter three athletes reported having New Zealand, the U.S. played to a Super League in England. games in Group G to advance, in- team spent time in a brief quaran- casual contact with Kendricks. scoreless draw against Australia, The United States has played cluding that 3-0 victory over the tine after American pole vaulter Hours after that, the Australian which, while uncharacteristic for the Netherlands since the World Americans in their opener. Swe- Sam Kendricks pulled out of the Olympic Committee announced the offensively dominant Ameri- Cup final, winning by an identical den famously knocked the United Tokyo Games because of a posi- the trio had tested negative and all cans, got the team through to the 2-0 scoreline in Breda last Novem- States out of the 2016 Games in the tive COVID-19 test. but those three had been cleared. knockout stage. ber. The Americans were unde- quarterfinals. The team went on to The news about Kendricks — a The three athletes remained in The United States hadn’t been feated in 44 straight matches be- the final, but lost the gold medal to two-time world champion and the isolation, allowed to resume prac- shut out since 2017 before this fore the loss to Sweden. Germany. American record holder — de- tice under strict distancing proto- Olympics, and now the team has In the other quarterfinal match- Japan, as host, made the quar- prived the meet of one of its high- cols. Australia said everyone was been blanked twice in less than es on Friday: terfinals as one of the top third- profile athletes, then rippled expected to be able to compete. two weeks. Canada vs. Brazil, Rifu: Anoth- place finishers. The Nadeshiko across the sport, which was sched- “Once again, abundant caution “I think a lot of people under- er rematch, but this time of the won the silver medal at the Lon- uled to open less than 24 hours af- and our strict protocols continue stand that we’re here to compete third-place game at the Rio de Ja- don Games, but did not make the ter the announcement. to keep the team safe,” Australian and win a gold medal and however neiro Games. Canada was trium- field in 2016. He was one of dozens of athletes team leader Ian Chesterman said. PAGE 46 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, July 30, 2021 OLYMPICS Golden: Lee just holds off Andrade

FROM PAGE 48 Lee admitted she was getting “in her ceived a 13.666 instead. Not that she partic- Everything was on the table. Gold includ- head” a little bit while prepping for her bar ularly cared. She wasn’t even sure she ed. Lee took it with a brilliant set on uneven routine, the one that’s currently the hardest would make it to Tokyo until she won the all- bars, a nervy performance on beam and a in the world. She didn’t exactly look nerv- around at the Pan American Champion- floor exercise that made up for in execution ous. The 15.300 the judges rewarded her for ships two months ago. She was in tears as what it might have lacked in aggression. a series of intricate connections and releas- she watched her country’s flag raised dur- Her total of 57.433 points was just enough es tied Andrade’s near-perfect Cheng vault ing an Olympic gymnastics ceremony for to top Andrade, who earned the first gym- for the highest score of the night. the first time. nastics all-around medal by a Latin Amer- Yet it wasn’t Lee’s brilliance that made “This medal represents all Brazil,” she ican athlete but missed out on gold when the difference but her guts. She nearly said. she stepped out of bounds twice during her came off the while executing The gold, however, remains in possession floor routine. a wolf turn — basically a seated spin — of the Americans. Lee’s victory marked the Russian gymnast Angelina Melnikova needing to suction cup her toes to the 4-inch fifth straight by a U.S. woman, with the past added bronze to the gold she won in the slab of wood to stay on. Her score of 13.833 three all being women of color. team final. American , who moved her in front of Andrade heading into Biles and 2012 gold medalist Gabby Dou- joined the competition after Biles pulled the floor exercise. glas are Black. Lee’s parents are Hmong, an out, finished eighth. Going first, Lee opted for a routine with ethnic group who have historically lived in Biles’ decision to sit out led to the jarring three tumbling passes instead of four, hop- the mountains of Southeast Asia. Lee’s par- sight of the gymnast considered the great- ing better execution would override any po- ents emigrated from Laos to Minnesota, est of all time cheering on Lee and the rest of tential tenths she surrendered by not doing which has the largest concentration of the 24-woman field from the stands with the a fourth pass. Her 13.700 was steady, but it Hmong in the U.S. A large group of friends gold that’s been hers for so long now in play left an opening for Andrade. and family gathered in Minneapolis to for everyone else. The 21-year-old Brazilian, two years re- watch her make history. She hopes the im- Still, Lee did her best to not think about moved from a third surgery to repair a torn age of a Hmong standing in front of the the stakes. She FaceTimed with her father ACL in her knee, had the best floor score of world and on top of her sport resonates in a John — who was paralyzed from the chest the contenders during qualifying. Yet she community she sometimes feels can be too down during a freak accident in Minnesota bounded out of bounds with both feet at the restrictive. GREGORY BULL / AP just days before the 2019 national cham- end of her first tumbling pass. And her right “I want people to know that you can reach The United States’ Sunisa Lee performs pionships — before the meet, just like al- foot stepped off the white mat and onto the your dreams and you can just do what you on the during the women’s ways. He told her to relax. So she did. Or at surrounding blue carpet. want to do,” she said. “Because you never all­around gymnastics final Thursday at the least, she tried. Needing a 13.802 to win, Andrade re- know what’s going to happen in the end.” Summer Olympics in Tokyo. Friday, July 30, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 47 OLYMPICS Dressel swims to first individual gold Finke rallies to surprising win in 800 free; Ledecky anchors relay past Aussies to silver BY PAUL NEWBERRY done with now.” Associated Press The bronze was claimed by Rus- TOKYO — Caeleb Dressel sian swimmer Kliment Kolesni- climbed atop the lane rope, a look kov (47.44), who added to his silver of wonder in his eyes. He gazed all in the 100 backstroke. around the Tokyo Aquatics Cen- The first three gold medals of tre, eager to soak up every last mo- Dressel’s career were all in the re- ment of something he’s never done lays — two in Rio, another in the before. 4x100 free relay at the Tokyo Win an individual gold medal at Games. the Olympics. Now, he’s got one of his own. The most dominant swimmer of “It is a lot different. I guess I the post-Michael Phelps era filled thought it would be, I just didn’t in the last hole on his resume, win- want to admit to it,” he said. “It’s a ning a gold all by himself with two lot tougher. You have to rely on furious laps of the pool Thursday. yourself, there’s no one to bail you Dressel, whose three previous out.” golds were all on relays, lived up to After Phelps retired, Dressel the hype at an Olympics where emerged as the world’s dominant several U.S. stars have faltered. swimmer. He turned in staggering “I knew that weight was on my performances at the last two world shoulders,” he said after a nail-bit- championships, earning seven ing victory in the 100-meter frees- gold medals at in 2017, tyle over defending champion followed by a six-gold, two-silver Kyle Chalmers of Australia. performance at Gwangju in 2019. Katie Ledecky got another shot As important as those meets MATTHIAS SCHRADER/AP at Ariarne Titmus, but this time were, they’re not the Olympics. Caeleb Dressel of the United States celebrates winning the men’s 100­meter freestyle final at the neither won gold. China knocked Dressel knew he needed an indi- Olympics on Thursday. Dressel had won three Olympic gold medals in relays. off the Americans and the Austra- vidual gold to solidify his legacy. lians with a world-record per- From his perch on the lane rope, Stubblety-Cook rallied on the final formance in the 4x200-meter he cherished the significance of “It is a lot different. You have to lap to pass Arno Kamminga of the freestyle relay. his victory. Netherlands, who went out fast but All three teams went faster than “These moments are a lot differ- rely on yourself, there’s no one to couldn’t quite hang on. the previous mark, but it was Chi- ent than worlds,” Dressel conced- The winning time was an Olym- na that earned the second world ed. bail you out.” pic-record 2:06.38, giving the team record of the Tokyo Games despite Dressel’s gold was the second of Caeleb Dressel from Down Under its fifth gold of a blistering anchor leg from Le- the morning for the Americans, Gold medal winner in the 100-meter freestyle the swimming competition — and decky. who got a surprise victory from its first men’s breaststroke gold “I wasn’t as nervous maybe and Bobby Finke in the Olympic debut of 7:41.50 set by Australia at the both the 200 and 400 free individu- since Ian O’Brien at the 1964 To- knew I was going to let it go and go of the men’s 800 free. 2019 world championships. al titles, the Terminator led off for kyo Games. for it each lap of that race,” said Also winning golds: Australia’s Ledecky took the final leg for the Australia but was a bit sluggish; Stubblety-Cook was surprised Ledecky, who went faster than Izaac Stubblety-Cook in the men’s Americans, diving into the water she was more than a second slower as anyone to be standing on the top anyone but couldn’t quite catch 200 breaststroke and China’s in third place — nearly 2 seconds than her gold medal performance step of podium. the Chinese, winding up with her Zhang Yufei in the women’s 200 behind Li and also trailing Austra- in the 200. “I was happy enough just to be second silver of the Games. butterfly. lia’s Leah Neale. She quickly Ledecky had finished second to here,” he said. “Honestly, I’m just Dressel was golden. As is his Zhang returned to swim a leg on zipped by Neale and closed the gap Titmus in the 400 and didn’t even pretty lost for words at the mo- style, the 24-year-old Floridian the 4x200 free relay, joining Yang significantly on Li, but couldn’t win a medal in the 200, finally ment. It’s still all sinking in.” dived into the pool and popped out Junxuan, Tang Muhan and closer quite catch her at the end. claiming her first Tokyo gold in Kamminga was under world-re- of the water with the lead. He was Li Bingjie for a winning time of China’s surprising win denied the debut of the women’s 1,500 cord pace through the first 150 me- still ahead at the lone flip, and grit- 7:40.33. both Ledecky and Ariarne Titmus free. ters, but he faded to the silver in tily turned away Chalmers’ bid for That broke the previous record another gold medal. After winning She got another silver in the re- 2:07.01. The bronze went to Fin- a second straight gold. lay, but certainly had nothing to be land’s Matti Mattsson in 2:07.24. Dressel’s winning time was an ashamed of. Her split time of Dressel’s victory pulled the Olympic record of 47.02 seconds 1:53.76 was the fastest of the race. Americans ahead of the Aussies — a mere six-hundredths ahead of She simply ran out of time to catch with six golds in Tokyo. They also Chalmers, who had to settle for a Li as the Americans finished in lead the overall medal tally with silver this time. 7:40.73. Australia took the bronze 21, nine ahead of their rivals. “I wasn’t worried about any- in 7:41.29. Zhang had a remarkable ses- thing,” Dressel said. “During the Finke pulled out his victory with sion. race there’s only so much you can a dazzling burst on the final lap. She turned in a dominating per- do. Whatever’s going to happen is Making the final turn in fourth, formance to win China’s first going to happen. I stuck to my race he turned on the speed at the end of swimming gold of the Tokyo plan so if it got me first, OK, if it got the 16-lap race, passing all three Games in the 200 butterfly. Her me second, OK.” swimmers ahead of him to take the Olympic-record time of 2:03.86 The two have developed quite a gold. Finke’s final 50 was 26.39 — put her more than a body length rivalry. Chalmers won at the 2016 nearly 2 seconds faster than any- ahead of the pair of Americans, Games, where one else. Regan Smith and Hali Flickinger. Dressel was sixth, but the Ameri- “I had no idea I was going to do The U.S. swimmers dueled back can won the last two world cham- that,” said Finke, whose winning and forth for the silver, with Smith pionships, with Chalmers finish- time of 7:41.87 was just 0.24 ahead pulling ahead at the end to touch in ing second in 2019. of Italy’s Gregorio Paltrinieri, 2:05.30. Flickinger earned the “We do enjoy racing against MATTHIAS SCHRADER/AP with Mykhailo Romanchuk of Uk- bronze in 2:05.65. each other and we do bring the Regan Smith of the United States celebrates her second­place finish raine (7:42.33) taking the bronze. About an hour later, Zhang re- best out of each other,” Chalmers in the 200­meter butterfly final on Thursday. Smith rallied past Mirroring Finke’s finish, albeit turned to the pool to win another said. “It’s almost a relief to get it teammate Hali Flickinger, who took third. over a much shorter distance, gold in the freestyle relay. PAGE 48 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, July 30, 2021 Questions linger SPORTS Camps open with status of Watson, Rodgers unresolved ›› NFL, Page 41

United States gymnast Sunisa Lee performs on OLYMPICS the floor exercise Thursday during the women’s all­around final at the Summer Olympics in Tokyo.

GREGORY BULL/AP

America’s new golden girl With Biles watching from stands, Lee takes top all-around gymnast

BY WILL GRAVES Associated Press TOKYO — Sunisa Lee wanted Inside: to quit during quarantine. US has a big day in the pool, Page 47 It all had become too much. The lingering pain from a broken foot. The deaths of two family mem- ner” echoed across Ariake Gym- — she arrived in Japan figuring bers from COVID-19. Her father’s nastics Centre. Gold medal her best shot was at a silver medal. slow recovery from an accident around her neck. A watch party Sure, she’d beaten good friend and that left him paralyzed. back home among the Hmong- reigning Olympic champion Si- The urge eventually passed. It American community in her na- mone Biles during the final day of always does. Still, less than two tive Minnesota raging. A victory the U.S. Olympic Trials last months ago the 18-year-old gym- she never envisioned not yet sink- month, but that was an anomaly, nast hobbled around the podium ing in. right? at the U.S. championships, getting “It’s crazy,” Lee said after win- Then Biles opted out of the all- by more on grit than anything else. ning the Olympic all-around title around competition to focus on Tokyo seemed far away. The top following a tight duel with Brazil’s her mental health following an of the Olympic podium, even fur- Rebeca Andrade. “It doesn’t seem eight-year run atop the sport. ther. like real life.” Then suddenly, there she was Even though the pain in Lee’s GREGORY BULL/AP on Thursday night as a tinny ver- foot eased — funny how it seemed All­around champion Lee shows off her gold medal. sion of “The Star-Spangled Ban- to get better the more she trained SEE GOLDEN ON PAGE 46

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