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Volume 79 Edition 170 ©SS 2020 FRIDAY,DECEMBER 11, 2020 $1.00

VIRUS OUTBREAK

AMANDA GERLACH/U.S. Army Spc. Selena M. Castillo prepares to administer a flu vaccination at Fort Sill, Okla., in 2019. Bases chosen for troops to receive 1st vaccinations

BY CAITLIN M. KENNEY Stars and Stripes WASHINGTON — Military health care workers in South Ko- rea, Germany and Okinawa will be among the first in the Defense ROSE L. THAYER/Stars and Stripes Department who can choose to re- A soldier assigned to Fort Hood, Texas, spoke Tuesday to base leadership about the difficulty that she faced in reporting a sexual assault, ceive the new coronavirus vac- including that she was forced to live in the same barracks as her perpetrator. cines once they are approved, de- fense officials said Wednesday. “The department is strongly en- couraging everyone to take it,” Ar- my Lt. Gen. Ronald Place, direc- tor of the Defense Health Agency, said during a briefing at the Penta- ‘It impacts my daily life’ gon. The Defense Department on Wednesday announced its plan Fort Hood soldiers react to failings of base leaders uncovered in Army report for distributing the allocation of coronavirus vaccines. The depart- BY ROSE L. THAYER
from a victim of sexual assault. ment is one of five agencies to be Stars and Stripes Leadership issues Her chain of command did not know what to allocated its own supply of the vac- FORT HOOD, Texas — Standing in parade outlined in report could go do “because they are not getting the proper cines, along with the Department rest, an Army specialist on Tuesday told Lt. training,” she said. “We need people who care Gen. Pat White, commander of the central Tex- beyond Texas installation and not just take it with a grain of salt. It’s not a SEE BASES ON PAGE 6 as base, about being raped there by a fellow Page 4 joke. It really messes people’s lives up.” soldier in her unit, and then having to live in the The soldier was one of two women who chose RELATED same barracks building with him. next to my room. I was scared, but I couldn’t do to share emotional stories of sexual assault Behind her, nearly 2,000 other soldiers sat anything about that,” said the soldier, who is Tuesday at the stadium gathering with White, Report: 1st active-duty silent in the blue bleachers of Hood Stadium as not being identified because she was the victim who hosted the discussion following the re- soldier dies from she described her failed attempts to receive of an assault. lease of an Army report that found Fort Hood therapy and her constant fear of seeing her Eventually, she was able to speak to a major has created an environment permissive of sex- coronavirus perpetrator. who helped her living situation, but she told Page 6 “He was partying with people right there White that it shouldn’t require such efforts SEE HOOD ON PAGE 4 PAGE 2 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, December 11, 2020 BUSINESS/WEATHER

EUROPE GAS PRICES EXCHANGE RATES

Country Super E10 Super unleaded Super plus Diesel  Military rates So. Korea (Won) 1088.14 Germany $2.431 $2.842 $3.095 $2.801 Azores .. .. $2.894 .. Switzerlnd (Franc) .8855 Euro costs (Dec. 11) $1.18 Change in price +3.6 cents +2.7 cents +2.8 cents +2.4 cents Change in price .. .. +4.2 cents .. Thailand (Baht) 30.03 Dollar buys (Dec. 11) 0.8046 Turkey (NewLira) 7.8686 Netherlands .. $3.348  $3.578 $3.454 Belgium .. $2.377 $2.621 $2.423 British pound (Dec. 11) $1.31 Japanese yen (Dec. 11) 102.00 Change in price .. +8.6 cents +9.8 cents +12.4 cents Change in price .. No change No change No change (Military exchange rates are those available South Korean won (Dec. 11) 1059.00 to customers at military banking facilities in the U.K. .. $2.741 $2.994  $2.700 Turkey .. .. $2.995 $3.359* Commercial rates country of issuance for Japan, South Korea, Ger­ Change in price .. +2.7 cents +2.8 cents +2.4 cents Change in price .. .. +2.8 cents +0.5 cents many, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Bahrain(Dinar) .3770 For nonlocal currency exchange rates (i.e., pur­ Britain (Pound) .7513 chasing British pounds in Germany), check with Canada (Dollar) 1.2717 your local military banking facility. Commercial China(Yuan) 6.5432 rates are interbank rates provided for reference PACIFIC GAS PRICES Denmark (Krone) 6.1244 Egypt (Pound) 15.7113 when buying currency. All figures are foreign Country Super E10 Super unleaded Super plus Diesel  Euro .8229 currencies to one dollar, except for the British Japan .. $2.889 .. $2.589 South Korea $2.239 .. $2.899 $2.609 Hong Kong (Dollar) 7.7515 pound, which is represented in dollars­to­ pound, and the euro, which is dollars­to­euro.) Change in price .. +3.0 cents .. +2.0 cents Change in price +4.0 cents .. +3.0 cents +3.0 cents Hungary (Forint) 292.65 Israel (Shekel) 3.2507 Okinawa $2.219 .. .. $2.589 Guam $2.229 $2.639 $2.899 ..  Japan (Yen) 104.26 INTEREST RATES Kuwait(Dinar) .3051 Change in price +3.0 cents  .. .. +2.0 cents Change in price +3.0 cents +2.0 cents +3.0 cents ..  Norway (Krone) 8.7745 Prime rate 3.25 Philippines (Peso) 48.05 Interest Rates Discount rate 0.75 *DieselEFD **Midgrade Poland (Zloty) 3.64 Federal funds market rate 0.09 Saudi Arab (Riyal) 3.7513 3­month bill 0.08 For the week of Dec. 11-17 Singapore (Dollar) 1.3348 30­year bond 1.69 WEATHER OUTLOOK FRIDAY IN THE MIDDLE EAST FRIDAY IN EUROPE SATURDAY IN THE PACIFIC

Misawa 42/39

Kabul Seoul 36/33 40/26 Baghdad 65/47 Tokyo Drawsko Osan Kandahar Mildenhall/ 41/31 51/41 52/33 Pomorskie Busan Lakenheath 32/27 48/43 45/40 Iwakuni Kuwait City 53/50 Bahrain Brussels Zagan Sasebo Guam 66/55 71/66 Ramstein 35/28 54/50 45/33 33/30 84/81 Riyadh Lajes, 69/45 Doha Azores Stuttgart Pápa 64/61 37/26 72/57 Aviano/ 36/32 Vicenza 42/30

Naples 53/47 Okinawa Morón 72/69 61/58 Sigonella Rota 58/47 The weather is provided by the Djibouti 63/60 Souda Bay American Forces Network Weather Center, 84/72 60/55 2nd Weather Squadron at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb. TODAY IN STRIPES American Roundup ...... 16 Classified ...... 42 Comics ...... 44-45 Crossword ...... 44-45 Faces ...... 39 Opinion ...... 41 Sports ...... 48-56 Friday, December 11, 2020 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 3 MILITARY Biden: Austin is ‘right person’ for Pentagon BY COREY DICKSTEIN “His many strengths and his in- Austin, who is known to avoid Stars and Stripes timate knowledge of the Depart- speaking publicly, vowed to follow WASHINGTON — President- ment of Defense and of our gov- the U.S. mantra of a civilian-led elect Joe Biden implored Con- ernment are uniquely suited to the military, if confirmed. gress on Wednesday to grant his challenges and crises we face,” Bi- “When I concluded my military defense secretary nominee, re- den said. “He is the person we service four years ago, I hung up tired Army Gen. Lloyd Austin, a need in this moment. And, given my uniform for the last time and rare waiver to allow him to lead the urgent threats and challenges went from being Gen. Lloyd Aus- the Pentagon. our nation faces, he should be con- tin to Lloyd Austin,” he said. “It’s “There are good reasons for this firmed swiftly.” an important distinction, and one law that I fully understand and re- Austin, 67, retired from the Ar- that I make with utmost serious- spect,” Biden said Wednesday in a my in 2016 after leading U.S. Cen- ness and sincerity.” brief speech to introduce Austin to tral Command for about three He said his vast uniformed ex- the public as his nominee. “I years. The 41-year veteran and perience would serve him well in would not be asking for an excep- JOE GROMELSKI/Stars and Stripes graduate of the U.S. Military A- the position, but he would seek tion here if I did not believe this Then­Gen. Lloyd Austin, attends a Senate Armed Services Committee cademy at West Point, N.Y., has regular insight from advisers who moment in our history didn’t call budget hearing in Washington in March 2015. extensive combat experience, have spent more time in the civil- for it — it does call for it — and if I leading troops in Iraq and Afghan- ian world. didn’t have the faith I do have in years. A waiver of the 1947 law fense.” istan. “I come to this role now as a ci- Lloyd Austin.” had only been passed one other Duckworth was among 17 Dem- He has a history of breaking vilian leader — with military ex- Austin would require an excep- time, in 1950. ocratic senators to vote against a barriers. Austin was the first perience to be sure — but also with tion to a long-standing law that re- Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., waiver in 2017 for Jim Mattis, the Black Army general to command a deep appreciation and rever- quires career military officers to an Iraq war veteran and member former Marine general who be- a division and a corps in combat. ence for the prevailing wisdom of spend seven years out of uniform of the Senate Armed Services came President Donald Trump’s He was the first Black command- civilian control of our military,” before serving in the Pentagon’s Committee, said Wednesday that first defense secretary. Duck- er of a combat theater, the first Austin said. “I recognize that be- senior-most civilian position, in an she would vote against the waiver, worth, and 15 of the 16 others who Black Army vice chief of staff and ing a member of the president’s effort to ensure the military re- though she believed Congress voted against the waiver, later vot- the first to command U.S. Central Cabinet requires a different per- mains under civilian control. The would pass it. However, she added ed to confirm Mattis. Command. spective and unique responsibili- waiver must be approved by votes she would “support” Austin, if the Biden on Wednesday talked of If confirmed, Austin would be- ties from a career in uniform. I in- in the House and Senate. waiver does pass. his long relationship with Austin, come the 28th secretary of de- tend to keep this at the forefront of Some lawmakers expressed “I believe very strongly there especially their close work togeth- fense, and the first Black Penta- my mind, and I look forward to mixed responses this week to Aus- needs to be civilian oversight of er when, as vice president, Biden gon leader. surrounding myself with experi- tin’s nomination. The general is the military,” Duckworth said on was former President Barack Biden said a nonwhite Defense enced, capable civilian appointees well respected in Congress, sever- MSNBC. “And … I just can’t sup- Obama’s point person for Iraq. At Department leader was long over- and career civil servants who will al of them have said, but some oth- port that on principal. I will tell the time, Austin was the top Amer- due. “At a time when more than enable healthy civil-military rela- ers are uncomfortable with the you, though, that Gen. Austin is an ican general there. Biden said 40% of our active-duty forces are tions grounded in meaningful ci- idea of granting the waiver — es- excellent officer, well-tested, very Austin had not sought the position, people of color, it’s past time the vilian oversight.” pecially because it would mark capable of leading the Depart- but the president-elect reached Department [of Defense] had the second such exception for a re- ment of Defense. I think he would out to him because he was “the leadership that reflects that diver- [email protected] cently retired general in just four be an excellent secretary of de- right person” for the job. sity,” he said. Twitter: @CDicksteinDC Airmen, Marines to have quarantine leave days restored BY ERICA EARL leave number, original leave dates Stars and Stripes and the dates of quarantine. This Airmen who were charged for information should be turned in to leave while on mandatory corona- the service member’s local finan- virus quarantine may have those cial management flight. days restored, Chief Master Sgt. of Spokespeople for the Army and the Air Force JoAnne Bass said the Marines on Wednesday told Monday. Stars and Stripes via email and The Marine Corps will also re- phone calls that quarantine after imburse that time, Maj. Kenneth travel for any reason, including Kunze, a spokesperson for the 1st holiday travel, will not be charged Marine Aircraft Wing, wrote in an as leave. email to Stars and Stripes on The Army did not respond to in- Wednesday. quiries about how their reim- Since the onset of the coronavi- bursement policies would work, rus pandemic, service members but Kevin Krejcarek, a spokesper- who traveled for either mission- son for U.S. Army Japan, said no essential or personal reasons were soldiers under the command have sometimes required to isolate 14 requested reimbursement for days as a safety precaution. leave charged during quarantine. Headquarters Air Force posted The conversation around charg- an order Monday that the two ing leave for quarantine after per- weeks spent on mandatory quar- sonal travel began buzzing in Oc- antine would not count against tober, when Chief Master Sgt. leave days, according to Bass’ Rick Winegardner of U.S. Forces post, even if that travel was not Japan raised the issue during a mission essential. This waiver de- question-and-answer session with cision was backdated to Nov. 20. American Forces Network Radio. “Sharing this win in case you U.S. Air Force Winegardner at the time said hadn’t gotten word yet,” Bass said Airmen arrive in quarantine at Osan Air Base, South Korea, in March. USFJ and Indo-Pacific Command in her Facebook post Monday. were working to simplify the leave Airmen will be able to recoup all date for recovering leave, Kunze tine leave days restored will need For airmen to reclaim leave policy in time for the holidays. leave days charged for any time in said. to work with their squadron or days charged amid the pandemic, quarantine on or after Aug. 6. Service members in either unit commander to get a memo Bass said, the memo needs to in- [email protected] Marines do not have a cut-off branch wishing to have quaran- drafted. clude the member’s rank, original Twitter: @ThisEarlGirl PAGE 4 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, December 11, 2020 MILITARY Leadership failures could go past Fort Hood BY ROSE L. THAYER sonnel. derstand the root causes of the vio- uable source of information,” Stars and Stripes The report details the ways that lence, particularly because of the Swecker said. “They did show AUSTIN, Texas — A committee leaders at the central Texas Army national media attention sur- some pretty dismal results, partic- of civilians that examined the base maintained a heavy oper- rounding the disappearance and ularly with the larger units on the command climate and culture of ational tempo while ignoring the death of Spc. Vanessa Guillen. The base. What we determined was Fort Hood told House lawmakers signs that created a permissive 20-year-old Fort Hood soldier that these climate surveys were Wednesday that it found years of environment for sexual assault went missing on April 22 while not being used the way they systemic leadership failures con- and neglected to offer the appro- working in an arms room on base. should have been used.” tributed to the death of soldiers priate resources to victims. The Her remains were found June 30 The findings of the report and could exist at other Army report also documents how the alongside a river about 30 miles caused McCarthy to fire or sus- bases. problems date back to at least from the base. pend 14 leaders serving at Fort “A toxic culture was allowed to 2014. Spc. Aaron Robinson, another Hood, including a pair of two-star harden and set,” said Rep. Jackie “Despite red flags popping up soldier in Guillen’s unit, killed her generals. He also agreed to all of Speier, D-Calif. “Your comments for years, leaders ignored them,” with a hammer, then moved her the report’s nine findings and 70 suggest that this has gone on since said Speier, chairwoman of the body. He shot himself dead July 1 recommendations. 2014 or maybe before. So how do subpanel who presided over the when approached by civilian law “Are these firings sufficient to we address those leaders who more than two-hour hearing that ROSE L. THAYER//Stars and Stripes enforcement in Killeen, the town fix the issues at the base that have went on to other installations and moved between large overviews A soldier takes notes Tuesday as just outside Fort Hood. long proceeded this summer? Are bases and commands, but were of programs to specific details of Lt. Gen. Pat White and Command Swecker, who testified before we to believe that these 14 individ- part of the problem?” sexual assault cases and deaths in- Sgt. Maj. Cliff Burgoyne Jr., the House subpanel alongside fel- uals alone created and maintained Chris Swecker, the lead mem- volving individual soldiers. commander and senior low committee members Jonath- such a dangerous atmosphere at ber of the committee who com- The nearly 140-page report of- noncommissioned officer of III an Harmon, Carrie Ricci, Queta the base and now that it is safe to piled the report, said many of the fered a troubling look inside Fort Corps and Fort Hood, addressed Rodriguez and Jack White, said say that people are safe after this about 2,000 soldiers at Fort recommendations to improve Hood, which lead the House law- Wednesday that the group sought action?” Haaland asked. Hood, Texas. conditions at Fort Hood should be makers to question whether the to determine whether Fort Hood “The answer is no,” Harmon implemented across the Army. problem stretched beyond that was operating within the Army’s said. “It’s going to take a lot more However, he said the group’s one base. der-experienced and under-re- values. He told lawmakers that work, a lot more oversight. I think mandate was to look specifically “This issue affects not only Fort sourced criminal investigation of- the base’s high operational tempo as everybody recognizes, chang- at Fort Hood, which is an outlier in Hood, but overall our national se- fice that often failed to appropri- caused by nearly 20 years of war ing culture is hard. And it doesn’t the Army in some areas including curity. The service members who ately investigate sex crimes and led commanders to focus solely on come from just firing 14 people. suicide, missing soldiers, sexual participated in a culture of sexual deaths, including suicides. readiness for deployment. And our report, I think, was very assault and drug use. harassment at Fort Hood will not Nearly 30 soldiers assigned to “In their peripheral vision, they clear that the problems at Fort “We didn’t have the mandate to just stay at Fort Hood. They’ll con- Fort Hood have died this year, didn’t see this, and it was an act of Hood were not the result of one go outside of Fort Hood and do a tinue to be stationed at bases with five of those deaths being omission versus an act of commis- commander, they were not the re- deep dive,” he said. across the country and around the ruled as homicides. During a visit sion,” Swecker said. sult of one administration.” The report — written by the five world and take that culture with to Fort Hood in August, Army Sec- Commanders repeatedly ig- Prior to the congressional hear- members of the Fort Hood Inde- them,” said Rep. Deb Haaland, D- retary Ryan McCarthy said the nored command climate surveys, ing, Swecker said he briefed all pendent Review Committee — N.M. base had the highest numbers of which are meant to provide a sol- 300 of the three- and four-star gen- was released Tuesday and dis- The report also found the base the Army formation when it can to diers’ view of the unit to leaders. erals in the Army. cussed Wednesday in a hearing of lacked procedures to properly violent crimes. Those surveys revealed the deep the House Armed Services Com- identify when a missing soldier McCarthy appointed the civil- problems, he said. [email protected] mittee’s subpanel on military per- could be in danger and had an un- ian review committee to help un- “We felt like that was a very val- Twitter: @Rose_Lori Hood: Soldiers react to findings from monthslong investigation at base der-resourced. “Before we got here, I can re- phones and share his remarks on events. I’m also an intelligence FROM PAGE 1 Army Secretary Ryan McCar- member my drill sergeants were social media so his message could analyst and one of the things we ual assault. thy appointed five civilians to con- concerned for us as females com- travel farther. learned in the schoolhouse is “I think once you have an oppor- duct the investigation as part of ing here and they also said be safe. He said he’s already directed you’ve got to watch the news.” tunity to read the report, which is the Fort Hood Independent Re- They were scared for us coming the base’s SHARP program re- Halcomb said she been as- required reading for every soldier view Committee following public here,” Wright said Tuesday fol- ceives further support. It is now signed for the past year to the 1st in [III Corps], you’ll see some ex- outcry about the number of violent lowing the stadium discussion. overseen by a sergeant first class Cavalry Division, a unit with lead- tremely similar comments about crimes, deaths and sexual assaults “They told us to watch out for each and a civilian. He directed a mas- ers also impacted by the report. our program,” said White, who is and harassment at the base. other. Always have each other’s ter sergeant and lieutenant colo- Maj. Gen Jeff Broadwater and the commander of Fort Hood and Spc. Vanessa Guillen’s death back.” nel come into the program to get it Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas Ken- III Corps. “The courage you was one of five at the base to be Spc. Manuel Viveros, also of the back on track. ny, the division’s commander and showed to get up in front of every- ruled a homicide and brought na- 3rd Cavalry Regiment, said it’s White then took questions and top noncommissioned officer, body to talk about a situation that tional attention to the issue. Guil- difficult to hear a discussion of the comments from the crowd, which were suspended Tuesday, pend- you still live in today is a thread len, a 20-year-old small arms re- issues long known to soldiers in ranged from asking about living ing a new Army-directed investi- that’s in this report that’s coming pairer, was killed April 22 by a fel- his unit, particularly because it conditions in the barracks to pro- gation into the division’s com- out. We have a problem here that low soldier in an arms room on took several deaths and media at- motion criteria to requesting more mand climate and culture. “I like can be solved by all of you and I’m base during the work day. tention for leaders to take notice. morale-focused activities to build to know that they are working on going to help as much as I can.” McCarthy said the findings in Soldiers ranked private through camaraderie between soldiers. making changes. This has been The report was the result of a the report were a direct result of specialist make up about half of Many of the soldiers who at- encouraging for me. They want to three-month investigation into the the failures of leadership and 14 the 37,500 soldiers assigned to tended White’s outdoor briefing improve the way things are for sol- command climate and culture at leaders at Fort Hood were re- Fort Hood, but they often feel like came straight from their jobs and diers here,” she said. Fort Hood and it stated soldiers, lieved or suspended, including the an afterthought, he said. had not heard the news that lead- She would like to see more of particularly young women serv- command team at the helm of “It took [death] to realize that ers had been fired, nor had they these honest conversations with ing in the lower ranks, do not have Guillen’s unit, the 3rd Cavalry Re- and take the initiative to move for- seen the report. top commanders, Halcomb said. confidence in the Army’s Sexual giment. ward and try to resolve something Spc. Alyssa Halcomb said she “Yes, the chain of command is Harassment/Assault Response Pfc. Saricia Wright arrived at and have something come out of had been following the committee there, and people do use it. But and Prevention program, known Fort Hood three months ago and it,” Viveros said. closely and was eager to read all when there’s question about the as SHARP, which has led to un- works in the same regiment doing White specifically asked for a 140 pages of the Fort Hood report. chain of command, something like derreporting. For soldiers who do the same job as Guillen. She said gathering of those lower enlisted “I’m stationed here. It’s my this gives them the opportunity report, the investigation found it’s difficult to hear others de- soldiers to join him at the stadium home. It’s my job. It impacts my where they can feel brave enough they face a drawn-out process and scribe the regiment by its failings and took the opportunity to ad- daily life,” she said. “Also, it’s be- to come forward because they’ve investigators who are under-ex- and was nervous about the assign- dress the report directly. He cause I am interested in the news. got all their peers right there,” she perienced, over-assigned and un- ment. asked the soldiers to pull out their I try and pay attention to current said. Friday, December 11, 2020 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 5 MILITARY Virginia sailor Accident deaths in pleads guilty to giving info Army fall in 2020, to Russians Associated Press PORTSMOUTH, Va. — A Navy sailor stationed in Virginia plead- likely due to virus ed guilty Tuesday to giving a Rus- sian national classified informa- BY JOHN VANDIVER tive net effect on mishaps in tion. Chief Petty Officer Charles Stars and Stripes 2020,” Brig. Gen. Andrew C. T. Briggs also pleaded guilty to The Army recorded its fewest Hilmes, USACRC commanding making false official statements accidental deaths on record in general and director of Army three times, The Virginian-Pilot 2020, as coronavirus restrictions Safety, said in a statement. reported. kept more soldiers off the road There were 18 accidental deaths Briggs’ rank was reduced to E-4 and hunkered down at home. for soldiers involved in ground du- U.S. Army and he was sentenced to 18 There were 96 soldiers and Ar- ty, down from 24 in the previous The U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center this week reported 96 months, as well as an additional 13 my civilians recorded as “mishap year. Vehicle rollovers were re- soldier and Army civilian accidental deaths for fiscal year 2020, mak­ months for the second conviction. fatalities” for the fiscal year, less sponsible for eight of the deaths, ing it the safest year on record, besting the previous low of 109 acci­ The sentences will be served con- than the previous low of 109 acci- the Army said. dental deaths in 2016. secutively. dental deaths in 2016, the U.S. Ar- While Army aviators recorded Briggs was accused of acquir- my Combat Readiness Center’s fewer Class A accidents for the MC-12 and an AH-64. vice said. ing classified information while annual safety report found. Of the year — six compared to 12 in 2019 Despite coronavirus restric- Meanwhile, off-duty accidental he was stationed at Offutt Air 96 deaths, 25 happened on duty. — there were more deaths in 2020. tions, the Army’s manned aviation deaths dropped from 91 last year Force Base in Nebraska from 2018 The reduction was likely be- Class A accidents typically in- force completed 90% of planned to 71 in 2020. The Army said the to early 2019. Navy officials said cause of restrictions and possibly volve crashes of more than $2 mil- flying hours, the Army said. decline was likely caused by fewer he later passed that information curtailed training activities lion in losses, which also result in “That fewer mishaps were ac- soldiers traveling for leisure in on to a Russian national knowing it brought on by the pandemic, the at least one death. tually deadlier is a tragic remind- connection with pandemic re- would be harmful to the United report said. Seven soldiers died in the crash- er of the inherent danger in flight strictions. Fifty-three of the 71 States. “(W)e can look at trends from es compared to two in the previous operations,” Hilmes said. “We can deaths were the result of motor ve- Briggs was also accused of lying past years, especially with private year, the Army reported. Four of lose entire crews in a single hicle accidents. about his connections to the Rus- motor vehicles, and be reasonably the six Class A mishaps involved crash.” sian national and an Italian citi- confident stop-movement orders Black Hawk helicopters. The oth- Accidents cost the Army more [email protected] zen. Officials said he also lied and restricted travel had a posi- er two accidents involved an than $1 billion in losses, the ser- Twitter: @john_vandiver about a trip he made to Serbia. PAGE 6 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, December 11, 2020 VIRUS OUTBREAK US soldier dies of COVID, Germans say

BY JENNIFER H. SVAN The Army in Europe confirmed said. They revived the soldier with pathies go out to the Soldier’s fam- website reported Wednesday that AND MARCUS KLOECKNER Thursday that the soldier’s death aid from his wife until further ily at this difficult time,” the com- 13 service members had died from Stars and Stripes was not service- or training-relat- medical help arrived, Erfort said. mand said in a statement. the coronavirus, among 87,488 to- KAISERSLAUTERN, Germa- ed, but did not comment further A helicopter landed in the street Erfort said the man and his wife tal infections. ny — A 43-year-old U.S. soldier on the cause of his death. to airlift the man to the hospital, both had coronavirus and had Including dependents and con- with the coronavirus died on the The soldier had trouble breath- and firefighters and U.S. military been under quarantine for a week. tractors, the Defense Department way to a U.S. military hospital de- ing and collapsed in the passenger police came to assist as well, but USAREUR-AF did not com- has recorded 131,894 coronavirus spite a roadside rescue attempt by seat at about noon while his wife, the man died at the scene, Erfort ment on whether the soldier had cases and 143 deaths. emergency personnel, German also an American, was driving said. been in quarantine. Germany is struggling to con- police said Thursday. him to the hospital, Bernhard When asked for details, U.S. Ar- German news organization tain a second wave of coronavirus The man, who has not been Christian Erfort, a spokesman for my Europe and Africa would only SWR reported that the rescue op- infections and the government is identified, would be the first the Westpfalz police, said in a confirm that a soldier assigned to eration involved emergency per- considering imposing further re- known active-duty soldier to die statement Wednesday. the 44th Expeditionary Signal Bat- sonnel in protective suits. Erfort strictions during the holidays. from the virus, and 14th uniformed German first responders were talion of the 2nd Theater Signal Bri- said the two first responders on service member among all De- initially on the scene in Oberstau- gade in Baumholder died scene did not wear protective [email protected] fense Department services, the fenbach, a village between Baum- Wednesday. gear. [email protected] Reserve and the National Guard. holder and Kaiserslautern, Erfort “Our heartfelt and deepest sym- The Pentagon’s coronavirus Twitter: @stripesktown Bases: After FDA OKs vaccine, DOD will assess if mandatory for troops FROM PAGE 1 The locations were picked of Veterans Affairs, the State De- based on criteria including having partment, the Indian Health Ser- ultra-cold storage for the vac- vice and the Bureau of Prisons. cines, large medical and security The department expects to re- staff who can receive the initial ceive its first batch of slightly few- phase of the vaccine and also mon- er than 44,000 doses of the vac- itor the vaccination process, and cines as soon as next week. The prioritization of the location for doses will be distributed to more the services, according to Place. than a dozen locations in the Unit- Once the program proves the ed States and overseas as part of a distribution process works, the pilot program to make certain the Defense Department will begin distribution process is working, sending the vaccine to hundreds AKIFUMI ISHIKAWA/Stars and Stripes defense officials said. of other sites in the United States A sign reminds patrons to wear masks and practice social distancing at a shop in central Tokyo, on Nov.17. Locations outside the continen- and around the world, Place said. tal United States are Allgood Ar- A committee of the U.S. Food my Community Hospital, Camp and Drug Administration was to Humphreys, South Korea; Land- meet Thursday to discuss whether Tokyo’s daily count tops 600 stuhl Regional Medical Center, the agency will approve an emer- Germany; Kadena Medical Facil- gency use authorization for the BY JOSEPH DITZLER 13.5 million has reported 45,529 forces in Japan are stationed, re- ity, Kadena Air Base, Okinawa; Pfizer coronavirus vaccine, one of Stars and Stripes people with the virus and 528 ported 129 new cases this week, in- and Tripler Army Medical Center, two vaccines that are likely to re- TOKYO – Japan’s capital city deaths during the pandemic. cluding 46 on Thursday, a public Honolulu, Hawaii. ceive this approval soon. On Tues- recorded more than 600 new cases Tokyo is also off-limits to most health official told Stars and In the United States, the loca- day, the United Kingdom began of the coronavirus Thursday, the U.S. personnel. Stripes by phone. tions are Darnall Army Medical vaccinating citizens there with the most confirmed there in one day The U.S. Navy had two new cor- To the north, U.S. Forces Korea Center, Fort Hood, Texas; Will- Pfizer vaccine. during the pandemic thus far. onavirus cases Wednesday in Ja- reported all 10 of its recent cases ford Hall, Joint Base San Antonio, Once the vaccine’s emergency The Tokyo Metropolitan Gov- pan at Sasebo Naval Base on Ky- tested positive after arriving in Texas; Madigan Army Medical authorization is approved, the De- ernment said 602 people tested ushu island, according to a Face- South Korea, according to a news Center, Joint Base Lewis fense Department anticipates positive, exceeding the previous book post. One person tested posi- release. McChord, Wash.; Womack Army people will begin to be vaccinated high mark, 584, set Saturday, ac- tive after falling ill with COVID-19 Four of those patients are ser- Medical Center, Fort Bragg, N.C.; within 48 hours. However, the de- cording to public broadcaster symptoms; the second was discov- vice members who arrived at Navy Branch Health Clinic, Naval partment will not mandate that NHK and metro government data. ered during contact tracing, the Osan Air Base on Sunday and Air Station, Jacksonville, Fla.; personnel be vaccinated because Meanwhile, the U.S. military in base said on Thursday. Monday aboard the government- Base Alameda Health Services, the vaccine is under an emergen- Japan and South Korea an- U.S. Army Japan had one new chartered Patriot Express passen- U.S. Coast Guard Base, Alameda, cy authorization. nounced 14 new cases as of 6 p.m. coronavirus case on Okinawa, ac- ger service. The others arrived on Calif.; Naval Medical Center, San If the vaccine is eventually fully Thursday, 10 of them new arrivals cording to a news release Thurs- commercial flights at Incheon In- Diego, Calif.; Naval Hospital, licensed by the FDA, then the Pen- to the Korean Peninsula between day. That person had contact with ternational Airport on Nov. 26 and Camp Pendleton, Calif.; Naval tagon will look at whether to make Nov. 26 and Tuesday. someone with the virus, tested 29 and Sunday, Monday and Tues- Hospital Pensacola, Pensacola, it mandatory for service mem- South Korea is also experienc- positive on Saturday and then was day. Fla.; Armed Forces Retirement bers, he said. ing a surge and Wednesday re- quarantined. Eight tested positive on their Home, Gulfport, Miss.; Walter The department will continue to ported 682 new infections nation- Kadena Air Base, also on Okina- first test before entering the man- Reed National Military Medical follow its health protection guid- wide, according to the Central wa, reported one newly infected datory 14-day quarantine; two Center, Bethesda, Md.; Armed ance for the coronavirus pandem- Disease Control Headquarters. person on Wednesday evening. tested positive on a test required Forces Retirement Home, Wash- ic, to include hand washing and so- The nation’s largest cities, includ- That person, the fourth member of before exiting quarantine, accord- ington, D.C.; Portsmouth Naval cial distancing, while it works to ing Seoul, are mostly off-limits to a family to test positive, was al- ing to USFK. Medical Center, Portsmouth, Va.; vaccinate as many people as pos- U.S. troops and their families. ready quarantined, according to U.S. Coast Guard Base Clinic, sible in the next several months, In Tokyo, the fall coronavirus Kadena. No other close contacts Portsmouth, Va.; Indiana National McCaffrey said. surge is the most extreme of the were identified, according to a Stars and Stripes reporter Aya Ichihashi contrib- Guard, Franklin, Ind., and New uted to this report. three that have washed across the Facebook post. [email protected] York National Guard Medical [email protected] metro area this year. The city of Okinawa, where the bulk of U.S. Twitter: @JosephDitzler Command, Watervliet, N.Y. @CAITLINMKENNEY Friday, December 11, 2020 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 7 VIRUS OUTBREAK ROUNDUP California sees surge in deaths, hospitalizations

Associated Press sioner Sid Miller was among lead- LOS ANGELES — California’s ers from the right wing of the Tex- coronavirus surge has caused so as Republican Party who staged a many hospitalizations and deaths protest outside of Abbott’s home that the numbers brought usually in October. Miller, 65, was among stoic public health officers in ma- an estimated 200 people gathered jor metropolitan areas to pleas — outside the governor’s mansion to and even near to tears — as they blast Abbott’s executive orders, urged people to heed safety rules. including a continued statewide Los Angeles County, the na- mask mandate and lockdowns. tion’s largest with 10 million resi- In a statement Wednesday, dents, had a “devastating increase Miller said he’d be quarantining at in deaths” from about a dozen a his ranch. day in mid-November to an aver- “Not feeling my best, but I’ve age of 43 a day this week, the coun- survived rodeo injuries, broken ty’s health director, Barbara Fer- bones, hip, double knee and shoul- rer, said Wednesday. der surgery, West Nile virus and ROB O'NEAL, FLORIDA KEYS NEWS BUREAU / AP “Over 8,000 people who were cancer, and I’m going to beat this Mike Price, an infection prevention specialist with iP Program, walks and programs an ultraviolet beloved members of their families too,” he said in the statement. light­emitting robot at Key West International Airport Wednesday, in Key West, Fla. are not coming back,” Ferrer said in a choked voice. She called the Nevada Wednesday. The front part of the Governor’s ceived the result, Wolf said. She is deaths “an incalculable loss to RENO — The Washoe County The agency says the goal is to Mansion is a museum that is open quarantining with him at their their friends and their family and School Board has decided to ex- sample human feces in group-liv- by appointment only, and the home in Mount Wolf, near York. the community.” tend distance learning for middle ing situations to quickly identify Reeves family lives in a private Wolf is one of several governors The county reported 3,299 peo- and high schools in the Reno area coronavirus outbreaks. The re- portion in the back. Reeves com- who have tested positive for the vi- ple hospitalized with the virus as until at least Jan. 19 partly because sults may be used to more effec- pared the parties to tours that rus that causes COVID-19, includ- of Wednesday, and 23% of them of a shortage of teachers. tively deploy individual testing to have been happening during the ing the governors of Oklahoma, were in intensive care. New CO- Elementary schools will contin- pinpoint infections and halt the pandemic. No more than 10 people Missouri, Virginia, Nevada and VID-19 admissions were ap- ue to offer in-class instruction for spread. are allowed on each tour of the his- Colorado. proaching 500 a day and health of- kindergartners through fifth- Sampling will take place at fed- toric home, and masks are re- ficials estimated that could jump graders. eral, state and local jails, along quired. Oklahoma to 700 a day by next week. The board had decided last with facilities overseen by the “What I think we are doing by TULSA — Tulsa Mayor G.T. The county is part of the enor- month that secondary students state Children, Youth and Fam- offering the public the opportuni- Bynum said Wednesday he’s dis- mous Southern California region would return to a hybrid model on ilies Department. A list of individ- ty to, for instance, tour the Gover- gusted that some cities, particu- which, along with the San Joaquin Jan. 4 that combined remote ual facilities was not immediately nor’s Mansion, is to offer a sense of larly in the Tulsa area, have not Valley, contain more than 60% of teaching and classroom learning available. normalcy,” Reeves said during a mandated mask wearing to help the state’s 40 million residents. every other day. But on a 5-2 vote Environment Department spo- news conference. slow the spread of the coronavi- Last week, the two regions were Tuesday night, the board agreed keswoman Maddy Hayden said Reeves, who became governor rus. ordered to follow the strictest anti- to extend the distance learning for the initial effort comes at a cost of in January, said he canceled many Cities with mask ordinances lis- COVID-19 rules under a new state another two weeks after the win- about $300,000, utilizing federal social events for the year, includ- tened to medical professionals, stay-at-home order that aims to ter break. relief funds. Lexington, Massa- ing a 16th birthday party for his ol- Bynum said, suggesting city lead- keep hospitals from being over- Superintendent Kristen chusetts-based ERG was con- dest daughter and an open house ers in some other municipalities whelmed by restricting infectious McNeill said additional time is tracted to perform the sewage traditionally held the first Friday who opposed mask mandates took contacts. needed to put pieces in place, in- testing. of December. advice from “Facebook epide- Counties in the San Joaquin Val- cluding recruiting more substi- The southwest region was se- miologists who can cite some ley region saw their intensive care tutes and to give the health district lected for the initial phase of test- Pennsylvania sham website and claim that units reach full capacity this week, time to train more contact tracers, ing because of high positivity rates HARRISBURG — Pennsylva- makes them an expert on the val- forcing hospitals to consider alter- according to the Reno Gazette- along with limited access to test- nia Gov. Tom Wolf said Wednes- ue of mask wearing.” natives to treat patients needing Journal. ing. day he has contracted COVID-19 Many Tulsa suburbs have the most care. “This is really about resources,” and is isolating at home, revealing adopted mask ordinances, but of- In Santa Clara County in the San McNeill said. Mississippi the diagnosis after several mem- ficials in nearby Broken Arrow on Francisco Bay Area, about 50 ICU Even with only the district’s 66 JACKSON — Mississippi Gov. bers of his security detail recently Nov. 23 rejected a proposal to beds were available for a popula- elementary schools doing in-per- Tate Reeves on Wednesday de- tested positive for the coronavi- strongly encourage mask wear- tion of about 2 million. son teaching, it’s still short about fended his decision to hold Christ- rus. ing. 90 substitutes a day. mas parties at the Governor’s The second-term Democrat A spokesperson for Broken Ar- Texas Mansion, despite repeatedly said a routine test on Tuesday de- row did not return a phone call DALLAS — A Texas state offi- New Mexico warning residents to avoid social tected the virus. seeking comment Wednesday. cial who has been critical of mea- SANTA FE — New Mexico has gatherings as coronavirus cases “I have no symptoms and am The White House Coronavirus sures Republican Gov. Greg Ab- begun monitoring sewage from surge. feeling well,” Wolf said in a state- Task Force report released by bott has implemented to help slow prisons and youth rehabilitation The Republican governor said ment. “I am following CDC and state health officials on Wednes- down the coronavirus pandemic facilities to more efficiently detect he invited family, friends and Department of Health guide- day noted the fall and winter surge said Wednesday that he has tested COVID-19 outbreaks in the south- state officials to the multiple par- lines.” of the coronavirus is now spread- positive for COVID-19. west of the state, the state Envi- ties, but he expects many will Wolf’s spouse, Frances Wolf, ing wider and more rapidly than Texas Agriculture Commis- ronment Department announced choose not to attend. has been tested but has not re- since the pandemic began. PAGE 8 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, December 11, 2020 VIRUS OUTBREAK Jobless claims jump amid virus surge

BY CHRISTOPHER RUGABER The latest figures coincide with lion, the government said, from who weren’t eligible in the past. posed a one-time round of $600 Associated Press a surging outbreak that appears to 5.5 million. That suggests that The second program extends job- relief checks — half the $1,200 WASHINGTON — The number be weakening the job market and some companies have sharply less aid for 13 weeks. that was provided in the spring. of people applying for unemploy- the economy and threatening to pulled back on hiring. Members of Congress and the But Mnuchin’s proposal includes ment aid jumped last week to derail any recovery. Consumers All told, more than 19 million Trump administration are fight- no funding for supplemental un- 853,000, the most since Septem- thus far haven’t spent as much people are still dependent on ing over a roughly $900 billion re- employment aid payments, draw- ber, evidence that companies are this holiday shopping season as some type of unemployment ben- lief package that could extend the ing sharp objections from Demo- cutting more jobs as new virus they have in previous years, ac- efit. And unless Congress acts programs into the spring, sparing crats in Congress. cases spiral higher. cording to credit and debit card soon, nearly half of them will lose about 9 million unemployed With a coronavirus vaccine The Labor Department said data. And in November, employ- that aid in just over two weeks. Americans from deeper financial nearing approval, many econo- Thursday that the number of ap- ers added jobs at the slowest pace That’s when two jobless aid pro- distress. mists are optimistic that the econ- plications increased from 716,000 since April. Restaurants, bars and grams that the federal govern- A bipartisan group of senators omy will rebound strongly next the previous week. Before the cor- retailers all cut jobs last month. ment created in the spring are set has proposed to extend the sup- year. But most favor another fed- onavirus paralyzed the economy The total number of people who to expire. plemental aid for four months and eral financial relief package to in March, weekly jobless claims are receiving state-provided un- The first program provides un- add $300-a-week in federal job- support state and local govern- typically numbered only about employment aid rose for the first employment benefits to the self- less aid. Treasury Secretary Ste- ments, unemployed workers and 225,000. time in three months to 5.8 mil- employed and contract workers, ven Mnuchin on Tuesday pro- small businesses until then. Tensions rising over mask orders in smaller cites

Associated Press an epic surge in U.S. deaths, hos- MISSION, Kan. — Arguments pitalizations and infections over over mask requirements and oth- the past several weeks. er restrictions have turned ugly in The U.S. topped 3,000 deaths recent days as the deadly corona- Wednesday in what is a single-day virus surge across the United record, according to the COVID States engulfs small and medium- Tracking Project. That’s sur- size cities that once seemed safely passed the level seen during last removed from the outbreak. spring’s peak in and around New In Boise, Idaho, public health York City. New cases per day officials about to vote on a four- have rocketed to more than county mask mandate abruptly 200,000 on average, and the num- ended a meeting Tuesday evening ber of patients in the hospital with because of fears for their safety COVID-19 stood at almost 105,000 amid anti-mask protests outside on Tuesday, another all-time high. the building and at some of their The grim figures led the usually homes. stoic health director of the na- One health board member tear- tion’s most populated county to fully announced she had to rush become emotional. Barbara Fer- home to be with her child because rer described “a devastating in- of the protesters, who were seen crease in deaths” in Los Angeles on video blaring air horns and si- County, with the total hitting 8,075 rens, banging on buckets and on Wednesday. blasting a sound clip of gunfire “Over 8,000 people who were from the violence-drenched mo- beloved members of their fam- DARIN OSWALD, IDAHO STATESMAN/AP vie “Scarface” outside her door. ilies are not coming back,” Ferrer Boise police were forced to create a barrier to keep anti­mask protesters from entering a meeting at the “I am sad. I am tired. I fear that, said, fighting back tears. Central District Health offices on Tuesday in Boise, Idaho. in my choosing to hold public of- Meanwhile, protesters in Mon- fice, my family has too often paid tana’s Gallatin County have gath- scourge. field Mortuary Services owner warned that the only large hospi- the price,” said the board mem- ered for two consecutive weeks In Helena, Republicans who Brian Simmons is overseeing the tal in the western half of the state ber, Ada County Commissioner outside the Bozeman home of control both chambers of the embalming and cremation of CO- is facing a crisis and patients are Diana Lachiondo. “I increasingly county health officer Matt Kelley Montana Legislature denied a re- VID-19 victims as his own 48- being flown out of the state. The don’t recognize this place. There to decry regulations, including a quest by Democratic lawmakers year-old daughter battles the vi- meetings drew hours of testimony is an ugliness and cruelty in our statewide mask mandate. They to require masks be worn inside rus. She spent the past week hos- from people who said the dangers national rhetoric that is reaching have carried signs reading, “We the Capitol during the legislative pitalized on a ventilator in one of of the virus are overblown and a fevered pitch here at home, and refuse to be your experiment” and session next month. the city’s overwhelmed hospitals. that mask requirements violate that should worry us all.” “Oxygen is essential.” In Missouri, Greene County of- “You are just helpless,” he said. their liberties. Boise police said three arrest Last week, around 80 people ficials recorded 51 COVID-19 “There is nothing you can do Dr. Stephen Neabore, who warrants were issued in connec- lined Bozeman’s Main Street to deaths in the first eight days of about it. We haven’t seen her works in the biggest hospital sys- tion with the demonstrations at support Kelley and other health December as hospitals overflow since she’s gone in.” tem in the region, said he has been board members’ homes. officials. and hundreds of health care South Dakota has suffered frustrated as he tries to persuade In South Dakota, the mayor of In Montana’s Flathead County, workers are quarantined. The ar- through the country’s worst rate people to wear masks. After work- Rapid City said City Council where officials recorded 17 coro- ea’s two major hospitals asked the of deaths per capita over the last ing in New York City and studying members were harassed and navirus-related deaths over 18 city of Springfield, the county week, but Gov. Kristi Noem has medicine in England, he said, he threatened over a proposed city- days and resistance to masks runs seat, to renew the city’s mask been ardent in her opposition to sees a distinct skepticism toward wide mask mandate that failed strong, the interim public health mandate before it expires in Janu- mask mandates or other aggres- government around him. this week even as intensive care officer is resigning when her con- ary. The county itself does not sive efforts to slow infections. “I still see people out here that units across the state filled with tract is up at year’s end, citing a have a mask mandate, nor does That hands-off approach drew will tell me that they don’t believe COVID-19 patients. lack of support from local author- the state. vocal support at Rapid City Coun- it’s any worse than a common The tensions are flaring amid ities for measures to control the As the deaths pile up, Spring- cil meetings, even as doctors cold,” he said. Friday, December 11, 2020 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 9 VIRUS OUTBREAK Government funds extended to allow more time to talk

Associated Press tions, offering a $916 billion pack- President-elect Joe Biden is WASHINGTON — Still spin- “The bipartisan group provided a age on Tuesday that would send a pressing for as much pandemic ning their wheels on COVID-19 $600 direct payment to most relief as possible, though he’s not relief, lawmakers have grabbed a good foundation kind of a place to Americans but eliminate a $300- directly involved in the talks. one-week government funding per-week employment benefit fa- McConnell says Congress will not extension that buys time for more start from. And hopefully, the vored by the bipartisan group of adjourn without providing the talks — though there is consider- Senate negotiators. long-overdue COVID-19 relief. able disagreement over who is negotiations are real negotiations The offer arrived Tuesday The pressure to deliver is intense supposed to be taking the lead came with the endorsement of the — all sides say failure isn’t an op- from there. on what can... get signed.” top House Republican and appar- tion. Amid the uncertainty, the John Thune ent backing from McConnell, who The bipartisan negotiating House easily passed a one-week had previously favored a $519 bil- group — led by Democratic Sen. government-wide funding bill R-S.D. lion GOP plan that has already Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Wednesday that sets a new Dec. 18 failed twice. But Democrats im- GOP Sens. Susan Collins of Maine deadline for Congress to wrap up McConnell to eliminate a Demo- Schumer, D-N.Y. “We need Lead- mediately blasted the plan over and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, both the COVID-19 relief measure cratic demand for a $160 billion or er McConnell to stop sabotaging the administration’s refusal to among others — is seeking to rally and a $1.4 trillion catchall spend- so aid package for state and local the talks and work with this gang back the partial restoration, to lawmakers behind a $908 billion ing bill that is also overdue. The governments. of eight, which is the most hopeful $300 per week, of bonus pandemic framework that includes a $300- 343-67 vote sent the one-week bill Top Democrats. meanwhile, and the only bipartisan group to- jobless benefits that lapsed in Au- per-week pandemic jobless bene- to the Senate, where it’s expected are placing their bets on a biparti- gether.” gust. fit and $160 billion for states and to easily pass before a deadline of san group of senators who are try- Senate Minority Whip John “I think everybody is encour- local governments. It is more gen- midnight Friday to avert a partial ing to iron out a $908 billion pack- Thune, R-S.D., however, said the aged that there is a real frame- erous than a plan assembled by government shutdown. age. The bipartisan group is get- only way to resolve the negotia- work here that everybody agrees McConnell but far smaller than a The measure would give law- ting no encouragement from tions is for McConnell, Pelosi and on and there’s a few issues that are wish list assembled by House makers more time to sort through McConnell, but members are the White House to take charge. still the sticking points,” Treasury Democrats. the hot mess they have created for claiming progress on perhaps the “The bipartisan group provided Secretary Steven Muchin told re- Details leaked Wednesday on themselves after months of futile most contentious item, a demand a good foundation kind of a place porters Wednesday. “The two big- less controversial elements of negotiations and posturing and re- by the Kentucky Republican to to start from. And hopefully, the gest issues are the money for state their plan, including a four-month cent rounds of flip-flopping. award businesses and other orga- negotiations are real negotiations and local governments and liabil- extension of jobless benefits set to Top GOP leaders said the right nizations protections against CO- on what can ultimately pass the ity protections. If we can’t resolve expire at the end of the month, people to handle endgame nego- VID-19-related lawsuits. House, the Senate, and get those, we can move forward on ev- $300 billion for “paycheck protec- tiations are the top four leaders of “We’re trying to get a bipartisan signed,” Thune said. “We need to erything else. I don’t want to tell a tion” subsidies for struggling Congress and the Trump adminis- compromise along the lines of the get under way.” bunch of small businesses that businesses, funding for vaccines tration, focused on a proposal by Gang of Eight framework,” said The Trump administration is they can’t get (paycheck protec- and testing, and a host of smaller Senate Majority Leader Mitch Senate Minority Leader Chuck back in the middle of the negotia- tion) loans.” items. PAGE 10 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, December 11, 2020 NATION Biden picks 2 US bombers McDonough to be VA fly over Mideast secretary

BY BY NIKKI WENTLING Stars and Stripes as note to Iran WASHINGTON – President- SENIOR AIRMAN KEIFER BOWES, U.S. AIR FORCE / AP elect Joe Biden has chosen Denis Associated Press and our shared commitment to re- A U.S. B­52H Stratofortress prepares to fly over Southwest Asia, in McDonough, a longtime aide of WASHINGTON — In a new gional security and stability,” May 2019. former President Barack Obama, show of military might, two Amer- Gen. Frank McKenzie, the top to be the secretary of Veterans Af- ican bomber aircraft took off from U.S. commander for the Middle main postured and committed to nicknamed the Stratofortress and fairs. the United States and flew over a East, said in a statement. respond to any contingency or in informally known as the Big Ugly The Biden transition team swath of the Middle East on The troop cuts coupled with the opposition to any aggression.” Fat Fellow, the B-52 gained lasting made the announcement in an Thursday, sending what U.S. offi- impending departure of the USS A senior military official, who fame in Vietnam as an aerial ter- email Thursday. A member of the cials said was a direct message of Nimitz aircraft carrier strike spoke to a small group of reporters ror. transition team, speaking anony- deterrence to Iran. group in the Gulf have fueled al- on the condition of anonymity to The two bombers were expect- mously, said Biden chose McDo- The flight of the two massive lies’ concerns that the U.S. is aban- provide details of the mission, said ed to fly a roughly 36-hour mis- nough because he’s a “crisis-test- B-52H Stratofortress bombers doning the region. Those worries the administration believes that sion, across the Atlantic Ocean ed public servant” with “the em- over the region, the second such are compounded by fears that the risk of an Iranian attack on and Europe, then cross the Ara- pathy, the character, the integrity mission in less than a month, was Iran may strike out at the U.S. or U.S. or allied interests in the re- bian Peninsula and fly down the and ethics, and the relentless designed to underscore America’s allies in retaliation for the assassi- gion is a bit higher than normal Persian Gulf, making a wide loop work ethic the position demands.” continuing commitment to the nation of Iranian nuclear scientist now, and the Pentagon wants to near Qatar and staying a safe dis- “McDonough helped lead the Middle East even as President Do- Mohsen Fakhrizadeh. ensure that Tehran thinks twice tance from Iran’s coastline before Obama-Biden administration’s nald Trump’s administration Iran has blamed the death on Is- before doing anything. Adding to returning home, said the military work on behalf of military fam- withdraws thousands of troops rael, which has been suspected in the concerns is the presidential official. The flight was coordinat- ilies and veterans and earned the from Iraq and Afghanistan. previous killings of Iranian nucle- transition in the U.S. following Joe ed with U.S. allies in the region, trust of the president-elect as a The long-range heavy bombers, ar scientists. Biden’s November victory over and aircraft from Saudi Arabia, first-class manager with the which are capable of carrying U.S. officials are also worried Trump. The official said Iran or Bahrain and Qatar flew with the knowledge and vision to deliver both conventional and nuclear about a possible Iranian retaliato- other adversaries often believe bombers as they traveled through results,” the official announce- weapons, are a formidable sight ry strike on the first anniversary the U.S. may be weaker or slower the airspace, according to the offi- ment said. and are flown less frequently in of the U.S. airstrike that killed to respond during a political tran- cial. McDonough is expected to ad- the Middle East than smaller com- Iran’s top general, Qassem Solei- sition, which American officials The USS Nimitz, and as many as dress the public Friday during an bat aircraft, such as American mani, and senior Iraqi militia flatly deny. three other warships in its strike event where Biden will officially fighter jets. Adversaries often leaders near Baghdad’s airport in Bomber deployments and group, had been scheduled to head introduce him as his nominee. complain about bomber flights in early January. short-term flights to the Middle home by the end of the year, but McDonough, 51, served as prin- their region, deeming them a pro- Iranian-backed militias rou- East and Europe have been used they have been held in the region cipal deputy national security ad- vocative show of force. tinely launch rockets near instal- in the past to message Iran, a few and no new timeline on the depar- viser under Obama and later took “The ability to fly strategic lations in Iraq where U.S. and Ira- times in the last two years. ture has been given. the job as Obama’s chief of staff. bombers halfway across the world qi troops are based, and officials According to officials, the bom- Officials, however, have made it McDonough began working with in a non-stop mission and to rap- worry about a larger, more deadly bers flew out of Barksdale Air clear that the ships’ return hasn’t Obama in 2007 as his senior for- idly integrate them with multiple assault. Force Base in Louisiana on been decided and the additional eign policy adviser. Before work- regional partners demonstrates “We do not seek conflict,” Wednesday and conducted the time in the Gulf area is open-end- ing for Obama, McDonough held our close working relationships McKenzie said, “but we must re- flight into Thursday. Officially ed. staff positions in the House and Senate. If confirmed, McDonough would become only the second Senate falls short in halting $23B arms deal secretary of Veterans Affairs who is not a veteran. David Shulkin, Associated Press main area — on defense policy. bya and its “complicated” rela- “once-in-a-generation opportuni- whom President Donald Trump WASHINGTON — The Senate But on Wednesday the effort to tionships with China and Russia ty” to transform the region's “stra- nominated as VA secretary at the fell short Wednesday in trying to turn back the arms sales failed to raise more questions than an- tegic landscape.” start of his presidency, was the halt the Trump administration's reach the 51-vote majority needed swers. The sale, worth up to $23.37 bil- first. proposed $23 billion arms sales to for passage. Trump was expected “I’m not here to say that we lion, includes dozens of F-35s, ad- As head of the VA, McDonough the United Arab Emirates, despite to veto the two resolutions any- shouldn’t be in the security busi- vanced armed drone systems and would be in charge of the coun- bipartisan objections to the pack- way. ness with UAE,” Murphy, a mem- a package of air-to-air and air-to- try’s second-largest federal agen- age of F-35 fighter jets and drones The showdown over the sale, ber of the Senate Foreign Rela- ground munitions. It may not be- cy, with 400,000 employees and stemming from a broader Middle alongside sweeping bipartisan tions Committee, said during the come final until next year. an annual budget that recently East peace agreement. support for the annual defense bill debate. Sen. Bob Menendez of New Jer- surpassed $200 billion. Senators argued the sale of the despite Trump's threats to veto it, But, he said, "without resolving sey, the top Democrat on the For- Some leaders in national veter- defense equipment, which Secre- is potentially a final power play those issues, is this the moment to eign Relations Committee, said a ans’ organizations were pushing tary of State Mike Pompeo formal- between the executive and legisla- be selling for the first time ever list of questions senators sent to Biden’s team to nominate a wom- ly authorized last month after the tive branch in the final weeks of F-35s, armed drones into the heart Pompeo and then-Defense Secre- an, a post-9/11 veteran or a combi- Abraham Accords normalizing Trump’s presidency. The Senate of the Middle East?” tary Mark Esper about the ar- nation of both. Since 1989, when relations with Israel, was unfold- will take up the broader defense The arms sale emerged after rangement remains unanswered. the department was created as a ing too quickly and with too many bill soon. the U.S. brokered the Abraham A classified briefing for sen- Cabinet-level agency, all of its questions. The administration has Action is halted for now, though secretaries have been men. No Accords to normalize relations be- ators did not appear to adequately billed it as a way to deter Iran, but the House, where Democrats have post-9/11 veteran has taken the tween the UAE, Bahrain and Is- answer their questions. UAE would become the first Arab control, would likely be able to helm of the agency. rael. “We must assert our congres- nation — and only the second pass them easily. “We were expecting a veteran, In notifying Congress last sional prerogative," Menendez country in the Middle East, after Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., maybe a post-9/11 veteran. Maybe month, Pompeo said the autho- said. Voting “sends a message to Israel — to possess the stealth said in a statement after the vote a woman veteran. Or maybe a vet- warplanes. he was eager to work with Presi- rization of the sale was in recogni- the executive branch." eran who knows the VA excep- “Can a lasting peace be pur- dent-elect Joe Biden's administra- tion of the “deepening relation- Israeli officials have previously tionally well,” said Joe Chenelly, chased with more weapons?” said tion “to take a closer look at each of ship” with the UAE and its need to expressed some concern about an national director of AMVETS. Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., in a speech these sales before any transfers deter threats from Iran. F-35 sale. But in October, Israeli “We are looking forward to hear- ahead of the vote. are completed.” Pompeo said the “historic Prime Minister Benjamin Neta- ing from President-Elect Biden Congress has shown a willing- Murphy said the UAE's track agreement” reached with the nyahu appeared to confirm Is- on his thinking behind this nomi- ness to confront Trump in one record in war-torn Yemen and Li- Abraham Accords offered a rael's consent. nation.” Friday, December 11, 2020 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 11 NATION US and states sue Facebook, claiming ‘predatory’ conduct Associated Press WASHINGTON — The U.S. “Our hope is to government and 48 states and dis- restructure the tricts sued Facebook Wednesday, accusing it of abusing its market social networking power in social networking to crush smaller competitors and marketplace in the seeking remedies that could in- clude a forced spinoff of the social United States, and network’s Instagram and What- sApp messaging services. right now there’s The landmark antitrust law- suits, announced by the Federal one player” ANDREW HARNIK/AP Trade Commission and New York Josh Stein President­elect Joe Biden embraces his son Hunter Biden in Wilmington, Del. Attorney General Letitia James, mark the second major govern- North Carolina attorney general ment offensive this year against Hunter Biden tax probe examining seemingly untouchable tech behe- ers and a company with a market moths. The Justice Department value of nearly $800 billion. CEO sued Google in October for abus- Mark Zuckerberg is the world’s his business dealings with China ing its dominance in online search fifth-richest individual and the and advertising — the govern- most public face of Big Tech swag- Associated Press Investigators did not reach out and said that, unlike Trump, he ment’s most significant attempt to ger. WASHINGTON — The Justice until recently because of Justice would rebuild global coalitions to buttress competition since its his- James alleged Facebook had a Department is investigating the fi- Department practice against tak- check China’s power. toric case against Microsoft two practice of opening its site to nances of President-elect Joe Bi- ing overt investigative actions in ANew Yorker profile on Hunter decades ago. Amazon and Apple third-party app developers, then den’s son, including scrutinizing the run-up to an election, one of Biden last year detailed some of also have been under investiga- abruptly cutting off developers some of his Chinese business deal- the people said. The people famil- his business work in China, in- tion in Congress and by federal au- that it saw as a threat. The lawsuit ings and other transactions, a per- iar with the investigation insisted cluding how he accompanied his thorities for alleged anticompeti- — which includes 46 states, Guam son familiar with the matter told on anonymity to discuss an ongo- father on a 2013 trip to Beijing, tive conduct. and the District of Columbia — ac- The Associated Press. ing probe. where he met with a business as- James noted at a press confer- cuses Facebook of anti-competi- The revelations put a renewed Hunter Biden has a history of sociate. He also acknowledged ence that “it’s really critically im- tive conduct and using its market spotlight on questions about Hun- international affairs and business having received a diamond from a portant that we block this preda- dominance to harvest consumer ter Biden’s financial history, dealings in a number of countries. Chinese energy tycoon interested tory acquisition of companies and data and reap a fortune in adver- which dogged his father’s success- Trump and his allies have accused in liquified natural gas projects. that we restore confidence to the tising revenues. ful White House campaign and him of profiting off his political He downplayed the idea that the market.” North Carolina Attorney Gener- were a frequent target of Presi- connections and have raised un- gift could have been intended to The FTC said Facebook has en- al Josh Stein, who was on the exec- dent Donald Trump and his allies. substantiated charges of corrup- affect his father’s policy. He told gaged in a “a systematic strategy” utive committee of attorneys gen- They also come at a politically del- tion related to his work in Ukraine the magazine he gave the diamond to eliminate its competition, in- eral conducting the investigation, icate time for the president-elect, at the time his father was vice to an associate. cluding by purchasing smaller up- said the litigation has the potential who is weighing his choice to lead president and leading the Obama “What would they be bribing and-coming rivals like Instagram to alter the communications land- an agency that is actively investi- administration’s dealings with the me for? My dad wasn’t in office,” in 2012 and WhatsApp in 2014. scape the way the breakup of gating his son. Eastern European nation. he said. James echoed that in her press AT&T’s local phone service mo- There is no indication that the Late Wednesday, Trump tweet- Hunter Biden joined the board conference, saying Facebook nopoly in the early 1980s did. investigation has anything to do ed a quote from New York Post co- of Ukrainian energy company Bu- “used its monopoly power to crush “Our hope is to restructure the with Joe Biden. lumnist Miranda Devine claim- risma in 2014, sparking concerns smaller rivals and snuff out com- social networking marketplace in The tax investigation was ing, “10% of voters would have about the perceptions of a conflict petition, all at the expense of ev- the United States, and right now launched in 2018, the year before changed their vote if they knew of interest given the elder Biden eryday users.” there’s one player,” Stein told re- the elder Biden announced his about Hunter Biden.” was deeply involved in U.S. policy The FTC fined Facebook $5 bil- porters. candidacy for president. Hunter Biden is actively assembling his toward Ukraine. An investigation lion in 2019 for privacy violations Antitrust expert Rebecca Al- Biden confirmed the existence of Cabinet, but has yet to name a by the Republican-led Senate did and instituted new oversight and lensworth, a law professor at Van- the investigation on Wednesday, nominee to lead the Justice De- not identify any policies that were restrictions on its business. The derbilt University, said it is “hard saying he learned about it for the partment. That person could ulti- directly affected by Hunter Bi- fine was the largest the agency has to win any antitrust lawsuit and first time the previous day. mately have oversight of the in- den’s work. ever levied on a tech company, al- this one is not any different.” But “I take this matter very serious- vestigation into the new presi- In the weeks before the election, though it had no visible impact on as far as antitrust cases go, she ly, but I am confident that a pro- dent’s son if it is still ongoing when Trump supporters used the exist- Facebook’s business. added, the government has a fessional and objective review of Biden is sworn in on Jan. 20. ence of a laptop they said was con- Facebook called the govern- strong one. these matters will demonstrate The transition team said in a nected to Hunter Biden — and the ment actions “revisionist history” The Justice Department’s suit that I handled my affairs legally statement, “President-elect Biden emergence of someone who main- that punishes successful business- against Google, announced just and appropriately, including with is deeply proud of his son, who has tains he had business discussions es and noted that the FTC cleared two weeks before Election Day, the benefit of professional tax ad- fought through difficult challeng- with him — to raise questions the Instagram and WhatsApp ac- brought accusations of political visors,” he said in a statement. es, including the vicious personal about Joe Biden’s knowledge of quisitions years ago. motivation from some quarters. It It is unclear which entities or attacks of recent months, only to his son’s activities in Ukraine and “The government now wants a was filed by a cabinet agency business dealings might be in the emerge stronger.” China. The president-elect said he do-over, sending a chilling warn- headed by an attorney general probe, though the person with The revelations could also add did not discuss his son’s interna- ing to American business that no seen as a close ally of President knowledge of it said at least some weight to Trump’s broad accusa- tional business dealings with him sale is ever final,” Facebook gen- Donald Trump, who has often of focus was on his work in China. tions that Biden was weak on Chi- and has denied having ever taken eral counsel Jennifer Newstead publicly criticized Google. The Federal investigators served a na. Trump took a tough line on money from a foreign country. said in a statement that echoed the FTC, by contrast, is an independ- round of subpoenas Tuesday, in- China during the campaign as he A third person familiar with the company’s response to a recent ent regulatory agency whose five cluding one for Hunter Biden, ac- tried to deflect blame for the coro- matter said the tax investigation congressional antitrust probe. commissioners currently include cording to another person familiar navirus. Biden has rejected the does not have anything to do with Facebook is the world’s biggest three Republicans and two Demo- with the investigation. characterization that he was weak the laptop. social network with 2.7 billion us- crats. PAGE 12 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, December 11, 2020 Friday, December 11, 2020 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 13 NATION Astronauts named for moon-landing program Associated Press have spaceflight experience. Two CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — are at the International Space Sta- NASA has named the 18 astro- tion right now: Kate Rubins and nauts — half of them women — Victor Glover. who will train for its Artemis The two astronauts who per- moon-landing program. formed the world’s first all-female The first woman and next man spacewalk last year made the cut: on the moon will come from this Christina Koch and Jessica Meir. elite group. It’s a fairly young group, with Vice President Mike Pence in- most in their 30s or 40s. The oldest troduced the astronauts Wednes- is 55, the youngest 32. Only two — day at the close of his final meet- Joe Acaba and Stephanie Wilson ing as chairman of the National — flew on NASA’s old space shut- Space Council. The announce- tles. ment was made at Florida’s Ken- “The history is awesome, but nedy Space Center, beneath one of we’re here to look toward the fu- only three remaining Saturn V ture,” Acaba told reporters after moon rockets from the 1960s and the announcement. 1970s Apollo program. The other experienced mem- Pence noted that the last of the bers on the list include Kjell Lind- 12 men to walk on the moon, the gren, Anne McClain and Scott late Apollo 17 commander Gene Tingle, all former space station Cernan, wanted nothing more residents. than to remove “last” from his ti- “We are dreamers, but even tle. Cernan’s final lunar footsteps more so, we’re doers,” McClain were on Dec. 14, 1972. said. “He spent the rest of his natural She wants children from all life advocating for America to go JOHN RAOUX / AP backgrounds to take note of the di- back to the moon, and we are go- Vice President Mike Pence, far left, introduces five of the astronauts that will be part of the Artemis verse lunar team: “The doors are ing to honor Gene Cernan’s mem- missions, from left, Jessica Meir, Joe Acaba, Anne McClain, Matthew Dominick, and Jessica Watkins open, come on after us.” ory,” Pence told the small crowd, during the eighth meeting of the National Space Council at the Kennedy Space Center on Wednesday. Among those yet to rocket into seated several feet apart from one space: Kayla Barron, Raja Chari, another. ing masks. NASA has 47 active astronauts. growing increasingly dim. The Matthew Dominick, Woody Ho- Five of the astronauts — the on- NASA Administrator Jim Bri- The space agency is aiming for a upcoming change in administra- burg, Jonny Kim, Nicole Mann, ly ones in attendance — walked denstine stressed there would be moon landing by 2024, although tion also adds uncertainty. Jasmin Moghbeli, Frank Rubio onto the stage, waving and wear- more astronauts joining the group. the chances of that happening are Half of the NASA astronauts and Jessica Watkins. SpaceX Starship crash-lands following its highest test flight Associated Press planned and descended in a free- CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — fall back to the southeastern tip of SpaceX launched its shiny, bullet- Texas near the Mexican border. shaped, straight-out-of-science The Raptor engines reignited for fiction Starship several miles into braking and the rocket tilted back the air from a remote corner of upright. When it touched down, Texas on Wednesday, but the 6½- however, the rocketship became minute test flight ended in an ex- engulfed in flames and ruptured, plosive fireball at touchdown. parts scattering. It was the highest and most The entire flight — as dramatic elaborate flight yet for the rocket- and flashy as it gets, even by ship that Elon Musk says could SpaceX standards — lasted six AP carry people to Mars in as little as minutes and 42 seconds. SpaceX The SpaceX Starship becomes engulfed in flames and ruptures upon touching down after a test flight six years. Despite the catastroph- broadcast the sunset demo live on Wednesday in a remote area of Texas. ic finale, he was thrilled. its website; repeated delays over “Mars, here we come!!” he the past week and a last-second founded the Blue Origin rocket creasingly higher climbs. SpaceX intends to use Starship tweeted. engine abort Tuesday heightened company, offered swift congratu- Wednesday’s test followed to put massive satellites into orbit This latest prototype — the first the excitement among space fans. lations. SpaceX’s latest space station sup- around Earth, besides delivering one equipped with a nose cone, Musk called it a “successful as- “Anybody who knows how hard ply run for NASA by three days, people and cargo to the moon and body flaps and three engines — cent” and said the body flaps pre- this stuff is is impressed by to- and the private company’s second Mars. was shooting for an altitude of up cisely guided the rocket to the day’s Starship test.” astronaut flight by less than a Earlier this year, SpaceX was to eight miles. That’s almost 100 landing point. The fuel tank pres- Two lower, shorter SpaceX test month from Florida’s Kennedy one of three prime contractors times higher than previous hops sure was low, however, when the flights earlier this year from Boca Space Center. chosen by NASA to develop lunar and skimming the stratosphere. engines reignited for touchdown, Chica, Texas — a quiet coastal vil- Starship is actually the upper landers capable of getting astro- Starship seemed to hit the mark which caused Starship to come lage before SpaceX moved in — stage of Musk’s envisioned moon- nauts on the moon by 2024. or at least come close. There was down too fast. used more rudimentary versions and Mars-ships. It will launch While accepting an award in no immediate word from SpaceX “But we got all the data we of Starship. Essentially cylindri- atop a mega booster still in devel- Berlin last week, Musk said he’s on how high it went. needed!” he tweeted. cal cans and single Raptor en- opment known as the Super “highly confident” of a human The full-scale, stainless steel Musk had kept expectations gines, these early vehicles reac- Heavy. The entire vehicle will flight to Mars in six years — “if model — 160 feet tall and 30 feet low, cautioning earlier this week hed altitudes of 490 feet. An even tower 394 feet — 31 feet taller we get lucky, maybe four years.” in diameter — soared out over the there was “probably” 1-in-3 earlier model, the short and squat than NASA’s Saturn V rocket that But Musk is the first to admit his Gulf of Mexico. After about five chance of complete success. Starhopper, made a tiny tethered hurled men to the moon a half- timelines can be overly optimis- minutes, it flipped sideways as Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, who hop in 2019, followed by two in- century ago. tic. PAGE 14 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, December 11, 2020 EUROPE ‘Not next year, but it will happen soon’ US military plane that crashed in 1946 will emerge from Alpine glacier earlier than was anticipated

BY KARIN ZEITVOGEL some of the plane parts were re- Stars and Stripes trieved, found no traces of plutoni- The fuselage of a U.S. military um. Scientists feared that radioac- plane that crash-landed on a Swiss tivity was being erased from the glacier in 1946 will emerge from ice as the glacier melted, making it the ice sooner than expected, near impossible to use it to date differ- the spot where other parts of the ent sections. plane have been retrieved, a sci- But it was still visible in up to entist who studies glaciers has 20% of the ice collected last year predicted. for Jouvet’s study, published last Guillaume Jouvet, a glaciologist month in the scientific journal The at the ETH Zurich, one of the Cryosphere. world’s leading technical univer- “There were one or two years sities, made his prediction after when the Americans and Soviets using radioactive traces to accu- really did a lot of tests,” and those rately date sections of the Gauli years — 1957 and 1962 — were Glacier in the Alps, where a U.S. “clearly visible” in the ice in the C-53 Skytrooper Dakota crash- form of higher radioactive read- landed in 1946, and with a com- ings, he said. plex model to calculate the trajec- The radioactive traces stop tory the plane would have taken shortly afterward, corresponding down the glacier over the years. with the signing of the nuclear The crew and passengers, Non-Proliferation Treaty by the which included six soldiers, four U.S. and USSR in 1963. women and a little girl, were res- A Swiss army unit that wanted PETER KLAUNZER/Foto VBS/ cued and survived, according to a to get some alpine training in col- A Swiss soldier works on an engine of a U.S. C­53 Skytrooper that emerged from the ice of the Gauli Nov. 24, 1946 story in Stars and lected ice from a roughly 1-mile Glacier in Switzerland in 2018, more than 70 years after the plane crash­landed at the top of the glacier in Stripes. stretch of the glacier and sent it to November 1946. But the president of the Swiss alab to be analyzed for radioactive Glacier Commission, ETH’s Paul traces left by the nuclear tests. Louis Mercanton, asked the The plane crashed a decade be- Americans to leave the plane fore the nuclear tests, meaning it where it was and allow it to be en- would be downstream from the ice veloped by the ice. When it ree- from the 1950s. merged, he said, it would provide The data showed that scientists valuable data about the movement had erred in their earlier calcula- of glaciers. tions of how fast the glacier was A study published last year pre- moving, and the path the plane has dicted that the fuselage would be taken down the ice. spat out by the ice no earlier than “So we recalibrated the model 2027, more than half a mile up the to get the data correct and pro- glacier from the point where sev- duced a different trajectory for eral pieces of wreckage — includ- the plane,” Jouvet said. “With the ing the propeller, and parts of the new model, we have a much more engine and wings — have been re- consistent trajectory with the re- covered in recent years. spect to the released pieces,” But the new data, which used which were found far down the radioactive deposits from atmo- ice. spheric nuclear tests conducted Jouvet said he would be “very by the U.S. and Soviet Union in the surprised if the fuselage is far 1950s and early ‘60s to date differ- away.” As for timing, he expects it ent sections of the glacier, show to emerge “in the coming years,” that the fuselage is likely to be he said. “Not next year, but it will ejected from the ice sooner and happen soon — in the time scale of will emerge close to where the a glacier.” other parts were found, Jouvet said. [email protected] Earlier sampling in 2018, when Twitter: @StripesZeit

U.S. Air Force A vintage C­53D Skytrooper with D­Day­style markings flies over the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force in May 2019. Friday, December 11, 2020 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 15 PACIFIC

U.S. Navy The guided­missile frigate USS Taylor leads Navy and Japan Maritime Self­Defense Force ships participating in a passing exercise. Japan aims to build Aegis ships after ditching ashore plan

BY CAITLIN DOORNBOS The defense minister at the AND HANA KUSUMOTO time, Taro Kono, cited technical Stars and Stripes problems and cost overruns in his YOKOSUKA NAVAL BASE, decision to freeze procurement of Japan — Japanese government the ground-based systems. They officials want to build two ships were to be placed at Self-Defense equipped with Aegis missile-de- Force bases in Yamaguchi and fense systems to replace discard- Akita prefectures. ed plans for two land-based Aegis Japan had already spent or allo- systems, Chief Cabinet Secretary cated about $1.9 billion on the ash- Katsunobu Kato said Wednesday. ore systems when the plan was The plan, endorsed the same abruptly scrapped, Kyodo News day by the ruling Liberal Demo- reported in June. Local residents cratic Party, may go to the Cabi- had expressed concerns about the net as early as next week, public potential health effects from the broadcaster NHK reported ashore system’s radar, along with Wednesday. The government ex- the possibility of being targeted pects to fund the vessels for the during an armed conflict. Japan Maritime Self-Defense Prime Minister Yoshihide Su- Force next fiscal year, which ga, who took office in September, starts in April. instructed the new defense minis- The Defense Ministry is also ter, Nobuo Kishi, to come up with seeking to add the equivalent of an alternative plan by the end of about $288 million to its FY21 the year. budget, according to a report The vessels will belong to the Tuesday by Japan’s Kyodo news JMSDF, which could further bur- agency. den a service already having diffi- “I understand that these vessels culty filling its ranks. Kato said equipped with the Aegis system, the government will work on mea- along with other Aegis vessels sures to recruit and retain more that are being developed, will personnel. make it possible to create a struc- Kishi, during a meeting with ture which protects the entire na- Liberal Democratic lawmakers, tion constantly at all times and also proposed extending the can respond to any situation,” Ka- range of surface-to-ship missiles to said during a press conference. under development. He did not say when construc- Critics said this may contradict tion on the ships would start. with Japan’s Constitution, which The U.S.-manufactured Aegis allows the SDF to respond only for Ballistic Missile Defense System defensive purposes, but Kato said is the seaborne version of a sys- the extended-range standoff mis- tem designed to shoot down short- siles would allow forces to re- and intermediate-range missiles spond from beyond enemy mis- in flight. Some U.S. Navy Ticonde- sile range. roga-class cruisers and Arleigh “I understand that the purpose Burke-class destroyers — includ- is to strengthen defense capabil- ing several based in Yokosuka — ities and will not be used to strike are equipped with them. enemy territory nor being devel- Japan considered deploying oped under a new policy regard- Aegis systems on a floating plat- ing missile interception,” he said. form at sea with the U.S. govern- ment after the original plan to [email protected] Twitter: @CaitlinDoornbos build Aegis Ashore systems was [email protected] canceled in June. Twitter: @HanaKusumoto PAGE 16 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, December 11, 2020 AMERICAN ROUNDUP

Police go to break-in, find music video shoot PEMBROKE PINES — FL Police in South Florida descended on what they thought was an armed break-in at a men's clothing store after people were spotted storming in with rifles — but officers arrived to find a mu- sic video filming, all with the store owners' knowledge. The guns were not real and the men holding them were actors in a video, said Amanda Conwell, a spokeswoman for the Pembroke Pines Police Department. The music video was being film- ed inside the men's clothing and accessories store with a film crew while the larger shopping center was closed, The Miami Herald re- ported, citing a store manager. A witness saw the events un- folding, and not knowing it was staged, called police, authorities said. Gun shop burglarized for 2nd time in 2 months SSTURGIS — After SD operating without inci- dent for five years, a Sturgis gun store was burglarized for the sec- ond time in two months. Sturgis Guns was broken into last weekend, according to a po- lice news release. Authorities ar- WILFREDO LEE/AP rived to find a a broken side win- dow and learned that nine rifles, a BB gun and a scope were stolen, Ice cream (police)man the release said. City of Miami Police Chief Jorge Colina, center, prepares to hand out free ice cream to a group of children after the department unveiled their The shop was also targeted on new community ice cream truck in front of Miami Police Headquarters. The truck will be driven through various neighborhoods by officers Nov. 2, when 14 firearms were sto- assigned to the Community Relations Section and also used during police­community events to give out free ice cream. len. Tammy Bohn, who owns Stur- cials said. THE CENSUS with it, according to police. gis Guns with her husband Justin, William Petty, 49, was arrested A similar encounter was report- said she ordered metal bars after a day after the incident occurred The number of people who won the Massachusetts lottery ed less than 5 miles away, officials the first burglary, but they hadn't in DeLand, the news release said. 50 game Mass Cash at the same time, setting a record, according said. arrived yet. A16-year-old boy told investiga- to the state lottery agency. For a dollar, players choose five numbers between 1 tors that Petty loaded up two of her and 35 and mark the choice on a slip. WCVB-TV reported that 50 people chose Man accused of trying to Wings, pot thrown into dogs and drove them to a wooded the winning combination of numbers. The people who matched all five numbers bilk woman out of $40K prison in footballs area. He pulled out a revolver and will take home more than $48,000. The largest previous number of people to shot the female dog in the head. win at once was 34, Massachusetts State Lottery official Christian Teja said. WESTMINSTER — LEAKESVILLE — He then handed the teen the gun MD A Maryland sheriff's MS Corrections officials and told him to shoot the other Amick and other relatives re- Due to rising cases of the coro- office arrested a Virginia man for at a South Mississippi prison said dog, the release said. traced Osborn's usual routes but navirus, the museum said it would trying to bilk a woman out of near- they confiscated dozens of illegal The teen said he shot into the didn't find it. limit the number of people inside ly $40,000 by telling her that her cell phones and pounds of mari- ground and Petty took the gun Amick then posted a photo of the museum and all visitors would nephew had been arrested. juana and barbequed chicken back and shot the other dog. He Osborn on Facebook wearing the be required to wear masks. The Carroll County Sheriff’s wings, some of which were con- then tossed both dogs into the jacket at a Master's swimming Office said in a news release that a cealed inside footballs and thrown woods, the release said. competition in 2016 and asked for Suspects use police lights woman received a phone call tell- over a prison fence. Petty was arrested on two help finding it. in 'traffic stop' thefts ing her that her nephew had been The footballs and other packag- counts of felony cruelty to ani- Amick said she got an email arrested and that it would take es cleared South Mississippi Cor- mals, two counts of unlawful dis- from a woman who lived near her NEW ORLEANS — A $29,000 to get him out of jail, the rectional Institution's double 18- posal of a dead domestic animal, father and had found the coat in LA suspect was accused of Carroll County Times reported. A foot-high fences nd were detected child abuse and carrying a con- her yard, covered with leaves. pretending to be a New Orleans man who investigators said was by the prison's sensing technolo- cealed weapon in the commission police officer to pull a car over us- working with the caller arrived at gy, officials said in a press release. of a felony. African music museum to ing red and blue flashing lights the woman's home in Sykesville The contraband was split into open next month before stealing the driver's hand- and collected the cash. 25 packages, which included 38 Social media helps man, gun, according to authorities. The next day the woman was cellphones, cigars, 20 pounds of 92, find college jacket NASHVILLE — A new Two men pulled the car over in told she would have to get another tobacco and rolling papers, 4 TN museum in Tennessee an SUV with what appeared to be $10,000, the sheriff's office said. A pounds of marijuana and 7 WINSTON-SALEM — that focuses on African American emergency lights mounted on the bank teller questioned the with- pounds of barbequed chicken NC More than 60 years af- music will open next month, offi- dashboard, New Orleans police drawals and called police. When a wings. ter Mal Osborn earned a varsity cials said. said. man returned to the home on Sat- letter jacket from the University The National Museum of Afri- One of the suspects was wear- urday to collect the additional Deputies: Man accused of Maine as a track runner, he still can American Music will host a ing a face mask and jacket with money, he was arrested. of fatally shooting 2 dogs wore it. That is until the 92-year- socially distanced ribbon cutting New Orleans police badges when The sheriff's office filed multi- old lost it in October. Jan. 18 when it officially opens in he approached the stopped driv- ple charges against Michael Odell DELAND — A Florida Osborn, who has lived in Win- Nashville, news outlets reported. er, asked for a license then asked Anderson, 62, of Dunn, Va., in- FL man is facing animal ston-Salem since 1964, told his Members of the museum will be whether the motorist had weap- cluding theft of between $25,000 cruelty and child abuse charges daughter, Beverly Amick, that he able to take tours Jan. 23-24 and ons in the vehicle, investigators and $100,000. after killing two of his fiancee's couldn't find the treasured jacket, the facility will open to the public said. The driver handed over a dogs, Volusia County Sheriff's offi- the Bangor Daily News reported. Jan. 30. gun, and the suspects sped off From The Associated Press Friday, December 11, 2020 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 17 Demon’s Souls remake WEEKEND pairs well with PS5 Video games, Page 23 Good, clean ‘Fun’

BRENT N. CLARKE, INVISION/AP

Garth Brooks would rather be out on the road, but for now he’s content to serve up country comfort food on his new album Music, Page 32

Movies — 19-22 Travel & Food — 24-29 Books — 31 Health — 36 Crossword — 38 PAGE 18 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, December 11, 2020 WEEKEND: GADGETS & TECHNOLOGY Getting Hollywood working New technology gets TV, movie production up and running again

BY ANOUSHA SAKOUI have emerged in response to new They worked on improving Los Angeles Times safety protocols on sets. some of the existing technology to ast month, cast and The protocols presented chal- create a camera system that crew of the Amazon lenges for productions looking to could be used by celebrities and series “Goliath” gath- resume after the pandemic chief executives and operated ered to check in for a prompted shutdowns in spring. remotely by trained crew mem- day of filming at San- Although activity has not return- bers. Lta Clarita Studios in Los Angeles. ed to pre-pandemic levels since They launched the Solo Cinebot Despite the pandemic, the LA County resumed issuing per- business in July, farming out 10 fourth season of the show is back mits in June, productions are units at $6,800 a day, not includ- in action, thanks in part to tech- finding ways to get some crews ing other labor or production nology that helps track COVID-19 back to work. costs. testing for hundreds of cast and LA-based cinematographer The pandemic has also provid- crew members, including stars Aaron Grasso and producer and ed opportunities for companies such as Billy Bob Thornton. talent manager Josh Shadid also specializing in virtual produc- As people arrived on set, a found inspiration for a new com- tions. While production was shut COVID safety officer scanned pany after the pandemic hit. down, Pasadena-based Stargate color-coded IDs with embedded They created a robotic camera Studios created virtual sets for chips that could be read by por- that has been used by Netflix, actors to step into once the indus- tals stationed around the set. The Warner Bros. and other studios to try was up and running again, chips would collect and track data help film stars remotely for mar- reducing the number of people on on the movements of cast and keting campaigns for such pro- set and the need for being on crew in case any of them came jects as the upcoming “Dune” location. into contact with someone who movie, as well as for corporate One thing crews have had to tested positive for the disease. communications by chief exec- learn is how to work more slowly This system, called Safe Set, utives. and how to socially distance while was recently launched by Culver The Solo Cinebot has also been on crowded sets. That has created City, Calif.-based Greg Guzzetta, used to shoot short series, and a demand for wearable tracing a former production manager there are plans to use it on an technology that can set off alerts who spent the past decade provid- upcoming indie feature, the com- if crew members get too close to AL SEIB/TNS ing public safety technology for pany said. one another. Greg Guzzetta, CEO and founder of Safe Sets, poses with one of live music events. “During the pandemic shut- However, some filmmakers have several contract tracing portals. The devices record the tracing tech Safe Set is one of the new and down, (we) were looking to figure found these devices, similar to badge all crew allowed on set are required to wear while filming. existing technology companies out ways to get back to work safe- sports wearable devices like capitalizing on the demand for ly,” said Grasso, co-founder of Fitbit, to be too noisy on film sets, check-in points. If they have While the pandemic won’t last safe productions. These busi- Solo Cinebot Inc. “And so we Guzzetta said. complied with testing needs, they forever, Guzzetta believes the nesses, which supply everything started exploring possibilities for On the set of “Goliath,” cast and are allowed in. The software is systems will have ongoing use. from remote-operated robotic remote options — cameras, light crew members fill in health ques- linked up with laboratories to “We know one of the other cameras to tracking technology and sound that we could operate tionnaires on an app that then keep on top of the thousands of things we’re going to track next that enforces social distancing, remotely.” generates a code to be scanned at tests needed during a shoot. year is vaccinations,” he said. GADGETS Handheld gimbal eliminates video shake

BY GREGG ELLMAN cludes the camera, lens, and any other accessory Tribune News Service attached, making it ideal for most mirrorless camera No one wants to watch a shaky, unstable video setups. unless you are volunteering for a headache. An easy The 2.5-pound AK2000C gimbal is well construct- solution is FeiyuTech’s new AK2000C handheld ed with aerospace aluminum alloy, and a color-cus- gimbal for videographers from beginners to the most tomized (carbon fiber texture, navy camouflage, or seasoned pros. rosewood pattern) handle. Tripod legs attach and fold If you’re not familiar with a gimbal, this is a device out of the bottom, which, when folded in, can be used that attaches to your camera or smartphone. It offers as a monopod. extra stabilization that eliminates jerky video. In a It’s built with a three-axis motor lock and quick- nutshell, a gimbal is an anti-shake tool that will help release plate to securely attach to a camera’s bottom stabilize and smooth the video while you’re in motion. tripod thread. A 3-inch OLED touchscreen is an app- You can tilt, pan, run, walk or move in 360-degree free easy-to-use control center for switching modes circles. Whatever you choose to film, a gimbal will instantly. Inside is a rechargeable battery, good for help. Even with the built-in stabilization that many about 7 hours of use. cameras have, they can’t beat the results of a gimbal. Using it is easy. Once the camera is attached and While they aren’t new, gimbals have grown in balanced, power them both on and hold it at any an- popularity and in some cases are a necessity to gle. The camera will remain level. Use it at eye level, smooth out camera movement. hold it up high, at ground level, or turn it on yourself With the FeiyuTech AK2000C, you get a motorized for Vlog selfie filming. three-axis stabilized handheld gimbal, which is easy Idid a test run up and down my street, doing my to use for instant results and at an affordable price. best to make it miss and produce unwanted move- Do a quick Amazon search for “Gimbal stabilizer for ments and jerkiness, but it didn’t. Going from a foot DSLR camera” and you’ll find hundreds of choices, off the ground next to my dog walking and then run- including some over $5,000, making the $299 ning was quite entertaining. Even doing circles AK2000C even more appealing. around my neighbor sitting in a lawn chair was FEIYUTECH/TNS Abig feature distinguishing the differences be- smooth. FeiyuTech’s new AK2000C handheld gimbal features motorized tween gimbals is how much weight they can support. Whatever I attempted, it worked flawlessly. three­axis stabilization for shake­free video capture. The AK2000C is good for up to 5 pounds. This in- Online: feiyu-tech.com Friday, December 11, 2020 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 19 WEEKEND: MOVIES

iStock Roll up the red carpets Upcoming Hollywood awards season, including Oscars, will be done virtually: And that’s not entirely a bad thing

BY JAKE COYLE ‘wow’ factor. That’s really what burdened by the pandemic, mo- Associated Press the Oscars have kind of been vies are underwhelming on a his is the time of year built on.” small screen or because viewers when Hollywood’s Nevertheless, Oscar season is would rather just binge “The awards-season-indus- pushing ahead, despite the pan- Queen’s Gambit.” Ttrial complex usually demic, despite a year where most The whole rhythm of the sea- shifts into high gear. It’s a frothy, of the biggest releases were post- son’s calendar is also off kilter. festive run of the year’s final poned. The timetable has shifted With Oscar nominations ballots premieres and screenings — all two months: The Academy usually due in early January, part of a carefully orchestrated Awards are to be held April 25. most voters plow through screen- dance to court tastemakers and, And awards season, such as it is, ers over the holidays. AP ultimately, academy voters. has gone virtual. “It’s going to be a challenge to Tom Hanks works the red carpet at the Academy Awards on Feb. 9 in The movies’ eligibility may be Awards campaigns normally keep your movie sort of in the Los Angeles. Hollywood’s awards season has gone virtual. This time locked in, but their Oscar for- focused on doing everything they awareness all the way to April or of year would normally be flush with splashy premieres, cocktail tunes are in flux right up until can to lure guild members and to March, when voting happens,” parties and star­studded screenings. This year, Oscar campaigns are ballots are cast. And a glittering, others to see their film on the big said Tom Bernard, co-president having to make do with virtual Q&As and home­delivered gift baskets. glad-handing ecosystem of cock- screen have had to accept that of Sony Pictures Classics, whose tails and Q&As works very hard this year, films will be watched contenders this year include the “We didn’t have any block- and George C. Wolfe’s “Ma Rain- to steer the conversation. in living rooms — maybe on dementia drama “The Father,” busters this year, so how do we ey’s Black Bottom.” One of few This year, with many under laptops — potentially with a lot of with Anthony Hopkins. “It’s know what was a hit? I’m curious sure things is a posthumous nom- quarantine, theaters shuttered in pausing and probably with many going to be a very different jour- if it will skew more indie-cine- ination for Chadwick Boseman major markets and, well, some glances at their phone. ney between now and the end of phile,” says Steven Soderbergh, for his performance in “Ma Rain- more pressing concerns than “The biggest challenge is: How April.” whose Meryl Streep-led “Let ey.” who’s campaigning for best sup- are we going to get people to see It has undoubtedly reshuffled Them All Talk” is among the This year, the film academy porting actor, awards season is the movies? Are they really going the usual kinds of movies in the many films going straight to relaxed its requirement of a operating in a strange COVID-19 to watch them? What are they race. Many of the films that streaming. “The question is: Do theatrical run for nominees — a vacuum with only a whiff of the going to watch?” says Cynthia might have been among the fa- you embrace that and say: ‘That change some are already lobby- stuff it thrives on: buzz. Swartz, one of the industry’s top vorites this year — Steven Spiel- was this year,’ and not be pants- ing to make permanent. For Awards Daily founder Oscar campaign strategists. berg’s “West Side Story” or Wes on-fire about it. Just go: That was Not everyone is sorry that Sasha Stone, who has been cov- “Ninety-five percent of an acade- Anderson’s “The French Dis- this year.” awards season — an increasingly ering the Oscars since 2000, it’s my campaign is getting people to patch” — have been postponed. It’s also left the field for Netflix bloated, overlong, high-priced like nothing she’s ever seen — an see the movie, ideally on the big That’s left open leading positions to dominate. The streamer, slog from September to February awards season without glamour, screen. Now you can’t get them for smaller films — among them which has fiercely sought a best- — has been turned upside down. without red carpets, without to the big screen. Everyone’s Chloe Zhao’s open-road ode “No- picture win after close calls with Publicists used to racing from anything that feels real. She seeing it at home.” madland,” Lee Isaac Chung’s “Roma”and “The Irishman,” this event to event can do it this year compares this year’s race to the Keeping any movie not named Korean-American family drama year has at least three best-pic- with a click, while wearing debris left by a sinking ship. “Borat” in the zeitgeist has been “Minari” and Regina King’s ture candidates, including David sweatpants. Costs will be lower. “There’s no there there,” says nearly impossible this year, ei- fictional gathering of ’60s Black Fincher’s “Mank,” Aaron Sor- Stars less worn out. Maybe, some Stone. “What’s missing is the ther because people are over- icons “One Night in Miami.” kin’s “The Trial of the Chicago 7” hope, it will slim down for good. PAGE 20 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, December 11, 2020 WEEKEND: MOVIES ‘76 Days’ of COVID Director Hao Wu manages to get an inside look at the start of the outbreak in Wuhan

BY JOSH ROTTENBERG Poring through footage from young couple who have been Los Angeles Times overrun hospitals where health separated from their newborn s a documentary film- care workers heroically strug- baby and a weary nurse return- maker, Hao Wu has gled to save as many lives as they ing the cellphones of deceased focused throughout his could, and reflecting on his own patients to their grieving fam- Acareer on smaller, family back in China — including ilies. character-driven stories that a dying grandfather he was un- The LA Times spoke with Wu bridge the divide between his able to visit due to travel re- about how the film came togeth- native China, where he grew up, strictions — Wu quickly realized er, what it reveals about China’s and his adoptive home in Amer- that even this massive, globe- handling of the pandemic and the ica. In 2013’s “People’s Republic shaking story ultimately boiled messages he hopes viewers take of Desire,” for example, Wu down to the sort of intimate hu- away from it. followed three young Chinese man drama that had always fas- Los Angeles Times: Through­ people as they pursued internet cinated him. out the making of this film you fame through live-streaming, The resulting film, “76 Days,” were in the U.S. while your co­ while his 2019 Netflix film “All in offers an alternately harrowing directors were shooting footage My Family” chronicled his tradi- and inspiring look inside four in Wuhan. To this day, you’ve tion-minded parents’ road to hospitals in Wuhan during the never met them in person. How accepting his homosexuality. country’s 2 1/2-month lockdown did that collaboration work? When he was first approached as it became the world’s first Wu: I’d been following the in February about making a film COVID-19 epicenter. Co-directed news, but by mid-February, very about the growing COVID-19 by Wu and two Chinese film- little video footage had come out AP pandemic, Wu wasn’t sure how to makers — Weixi Chen and a of Wuhan. So when I started Hao Wu is a co­director of the documentary “76 Days.” The film was approach such an enormous, state-run-media reporter who is talking to reporters and film- shot in four Wuhan hospitals. Wu said at first he was reluctant to take headline-dominating subject. remaining anonymous so as not makers to see whether they on a newsy topic such as COVID, but he realized that the event boiled “Normally I tend to shy away to run afoul of the government — would share what they’d been down to the sorts of intimate human dramas that interested him. from newsy topics,” he says. “As the film premiered in September filming, my co-directors’ footage a filmmaker, I don’t know what at the Toronto International Film really jumped out at me. It was Every day after their shoot, discuss where they were at with more I could add to a topic that’s Festival and is now playing in so striking to me that they were they would back up their footage certain characters. I tried to give being well covered by the news virtual cinemas in the U.S. able to be so close to the action, onto the cloud and I was able to them some advice about charac- media already.” Dispensing with interviews to the human drama, the fear, the download it in New York. But ter focus and about coverage, but Based in New York, where he with experts and commentators, panic, as well as the patience of because of the Great Firewall in general they made most of the lives with his partner and their “76 Days” instead zeroes in on a the medical workers and their (regulating internet access in decisions on the ground them- two children, Wu began reaching handful of individuals as they efforts to comfort the sick. I talk- China), there was always a few selves because the situation was out to reporters and filmmakers navigate the crisis, including a ed to them and they were very days’ delay. Once I watched the changing really fast. Whatever on the ground in Wuhan to find health care worker comforting an gracious and started uploading rushes, I would try to talk to character we think is interesting out what they’d been seeing. old woman who is dying alone, a their rushes. them at least every other day to might be transferred the next day to a different hospital or might refuse to participate. It was very chaotic. This movie is entirely free of politics. There are no talking heads commenting on the Chi­ nese government’s handling of the crisis, just footage from the front lines. Was that a conscious decision early on? As I started editing, my view about the politics shifted. At the beginning, I think the entire country of China was angry at the government. There were a lot of questions about how much did the government know, how much did it try to cover up, why was the situation so bad in Wuhan? But as soon as the virus traveled to other countries, especially the U.S., and as the U.S. fumbled its response to the pandemic, every- one in China was shocked. Once China decided to take this super seriously, it quickly got it under control. Right now in China, their lives have gone back to normal. Movie theaters, res- taurants, bars — everything has reopened. But here, we just MTV DOCUMENTARY FILMS/AP struggle with no ending in sight. A man holds his newborn baby in a hospital during the peak of the COVID­19 outbreak in Wuhan, China, in a scene from “76 Days.” Given the constraints at the time on footage and information from Wuhan, it’s a rare window into the infancy of the pandemic. SEE WU ON PAGE 21 Friday, December 11, 2020 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 21 WEEKEND: MOVIES Wu: Happy just to be able to finish the film FROM PAGE 20 From early on, we’ve seen That made me think more about President Trump and many of my earlier intentions. his supporters blame China for We did interview some whis- this pandemic and call it the tleblower doctors who told the “China virus.” Is part of your aim public about the early cases of with the film to push back on the coronavirus. But by the time that and get viewers to see the we approached them, their sto- Chinese people in a different ries were not that fresh anymore light? and on camera, they were not Any message like that is sec- compelling. When we put them ondary because as a storyteller, next to the other footage, it was as I was putting the film together, jarring. So in the end, I removed the motivation was emotional. It’s all these other characters. I really about highlighting the found that less is more; the less I common humanities. If anything, tell about what is happening and I feel like especially in the last just let people observe, the more couple of years with the increas- emotional power the film has. ingly toxic China-U.S. relation- As someone who grew up in ship, both sides tend to view the MTV Documentary Films photos China and has lived in the U.S. other side as just a monolith. We In Wuhan, China, a doctor comforts a COVID­19 patient in a scene from the documentary “76 Days.” for many years now, do you see take away the individuality and cultural differences between the agency of the individuals. two countries that help explain When we’re talking about how differently the pandemic “China virus” and “they started has played out in each place? this,” we put that on the entire ‘76 Days’ an inside look at First of all, the reason I made population of China as a whole. the film this way is I saw more But on the ground there are so similarities than differences in many individuals making deci- many places. At least during the sions on a day-to-day basis the first outbreak of COVID Wuhan lockdown, everyone whether they want to be part of treated the virus as a common the effort to combat the virus, BY KEVIN CRUST enemy almost like in a war, and whether they can be nice to each Los Angeles Times people rise to the occasion in a other — those are tiny, tiny deci- The first minutes of the experiential COVID-19 time of war. I think that’s some- sions. So with this film I wanted documentary “76 Days” are claustrophobic and thing we’ve seen everywhere: to restore the human agency for disorienting — a feeling not unlike your first trip to how health care workers have these Chinese people who were the grocery store while wearing a mask. But it gets had so much courage to stay on trying to survive this. Otherwise better. the job, how volunteers are help- they become like statistics and In the controlled chaos of a hospital’s corridors, ing each other out, how we all news headlines. everyone is sheathed head to toe in PPE. We see a cheer our medical workers like Secondly, I just want people to woman screaming to say goodbye to her father and we did every day in New York watch this and see that COVID is having to be restrained. A crowd bangs on a door back in March and April. still really bad. I cannot believe pleading to be let in as the hospital staff reassures In terms of differences, I don’t there is still discussion going on them that they will all be admitted if they only like to try to generalize, but I’ve even after the election about remain patient. been thinking about this issue a whether COVID is a hoax or not. The date is Jan. 23, 2020, and it’s the first day of lot. I’m not a historian or a politi- ... People’s willingness to dis- Wuhan, China’s lockdown, which will stretch the cal commentator, but I feel like regard science baffles me. length of the film’s title. Wuhan has a population of An elderly woman with COVID­19, center, is the relationship in China be- There are a number of scenes 11 million — think New York City plus Chicago — escorted by two nurses after being admitted to a tween the people and the state in “76 Days,” like sick people and as the epicenter of the virus that rapidly spread hospital in Wuhan, China, in “76 Days.” has always been different. In banging on the door to be ad­ around the world, officials acted quickly and deci- Chinese Confucian history, the mitted to a hospital that is being sively to try to contain it. plaining and the days in bed crying is revealed to state has always been acting sort strained to its limits, that play The documentary, however, is largely concerned be suffering from dementia, a discovery that allows of as a patriarch, so in times of like something from a horror with the patients and frontline medical workers in the staff to better care for him. An infant nick- crisis when the state asks you to movie. With the pandemic now the four hospitals where it was shot. If Alex Gib- named “Little Penguin,” whose mother tested posi- do certain things people follow entering its most dangerous ney’s “Totally Under Control” (now on Hulu) is a tive for the virus, charms the nurses with her appe- orders. That’s not limited to Chi- phase, do you think this film may macro-report of what went wrong with the U.S. tite and sleep habits as her parents wait to be re- na; if you look at all the East feel too raw for some viewers? response to the outbreak, “76 Days” is an apolitical, united with her. A head nurse named Yang Li is Asian countries which have been The reactions so far overall microbial view of what happens to the people at its determined to return phones and death certificates under Confucian influence — have been the same: Most people point of impact. to the families of patients who did not survive. Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, would say, “I have no interest in About 30 minutes in, the initial daze begins to lift For a film that opens in a rather grim environ- Singapore, Taiwan — they’re all watching a film about COVID.” and individual stories emerge — though it’s not ment, “76 Days” is ultimately (and surprisingly) like that. Here in America, there But after they watched it, they always clear who is who due to the PPE or even uplifting as it moves through February and March is a strong belief in individual- were either shocked or incred- that we are actually in different hospitals. But the to Wuhan’s reopening in April, thanks to the emo- ism. ibly moved. connection between caregivers and their patients is tionally-driven verite approach taken by directors In World War I and World War For me, to be able to finish this powerful, even when regional dialects makes com- Hao Wu, Weixi Chen and a third credited as “Anon- II, the American government film given all the hiccups and munication challenging. There is a universal tone of ymous” (the latter two are video reporters who shot was able to mobilize the entire obstacles in making it, whatever tough love that initially seems brusque but becomes the footage while Wu edited in the U.S.). Consid- population to combat a common comes I’m happy. I feel like I more endearing the more we hear it. ering China’s lack of artistic freedom, it’s some- enemy. But this time, I feel like want to save this for posterity. Older patients are respectfully addressed as thing of a miracle the film exists. it’s both the culture and a failure This is such a great front-line, “Grandma,” “Grandpa,” “Auntie” and “Uncle,” told Like Gibney’s “Totally Under Control,” this is not of leadership at the very top. I do firsthand document about what to stay strong and encouraged to keep in touch with the ultimate COVID-19 documentary, simply one of feel like if we had a different it’s like leading to a pandemic. So their families via their omnipresent mobile phones. the first. We are likely to be watching films on this administration and that adminis- maybe more people will watch it One hospital worker tells a grandma that she can’t subject for years to come, but for it’s sheer in-the- tration was using consistent after the pandemic is over. ... I’ll be with her family but “we are your family now.” moment rawness, “76 Days” is one that will stick in messaging and reminding the be very pleased if a year or two Memorable personalities surface even though we your consciousness for some time. population we’re at war with the years or 10 years from now, peo- don’t always know their names — patients are usu- virus, maybe we would have had ple seek this film out to try to ally referred to as No. 40 or No. 98. A cranky grand- “76 Days” is unrated. Running time: 99 minutes. Available on streaming a completely different outcome. understand COVID-19. pa who spends the nights wandering the halls com- services. PAGE 22 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, December 11, 2020 WEEKEND: MOVIES Sugary sentimentality ‘The Prom’ is as sweet as you’ve heard BY PETER MARKS Who cares if the voices of almost every- The Washington Post one in the film sound as if they’ve been eople who hold musicals in low sweetened by magical elves? “The regard, please pause right here. Prom’s” love of the industry it embraces This notice will be of little use to and sends up — the theatrical arcana Pyou. No, the appraisal of the include a joke about the Drama Desk Netflix adaptation of “The Prom” — a Awards — carries an exhilarating whiff of movie that is not merely a valentine to the classic, buoyant Hollywood musical musical theater but also a sparkly gift comedy “Singin’ in the Rain.” wrapped in a Christmas, Hanukkah and That is a very good thing, and it makes Kwanzaa-appropriate bow of undying “The Prom” a very dear thing. Lovers of devotion to Tony nights and Playbill col- musicals will groove on the shamelessness “The Prom,” a campy, over­the­top musical, will feed your need for musical theater ad lections — is reserved for the die-hard of its footlights worship. The numbers by Hollywood stars. From left to right, Andrew Rannells as Trent Oliver, James Corden as keepers of the show tune flame among Chad Beguelin and Matthew Sklar — all Barry Glickman, Meryl Streep as Dee Dee Allen and Nicole Kidman as Angie Dickinson. you. filmed in hazy pink and purple lighting — Why? Because “The Prom” is a campy, and the story by Beguelin and Bob Martin clares Andrew Rannells, in a funny turn as sentimental slab of Broadway cake, with originate from the 2018 stage version that an actor between bookings who bursts in an order of jazz hands and high kicks on ran respectably on Broadway for 309 on a local PTA meeting with the rest of the the side. It comes complete with a Dance performances. hyperbolically dismissive New York con- at the Gym — and if you don’t know the That production, directed by Casey tingent. historic significance of that allusion, well, Nicholaw with a cast including Beth Leav- Nicholaw is retained as choreographer, I’m just sorry for your loss. It also fea- el, Brooks Ashmanskas and Christopher and his jet-propelled dances here corre- tures: Nicole Kidman as a leggy chorus Sieber, had a comfortably goofy comic spond to the warp speed at which his mind girl with a heart of Fosse-engraved gold; charm and an eye on identity politics: The worked on Broadway in this and other James Corden, playing a Broadway veter- show turned on the fight by a gay Indiana projects, such as “Mean Girls.” Although I an fluttering about in a silver tux with the teenager, played by Caitlin Kinnunen, who will acknowledge it stretches credulity in panache of a middle-aged Liberace; Kee- has been banned from her high school weird ways when insensitive students who gan-Michael Key, as principal of a Mid- prom. bully Emma in one scene dance like Tom- west high school and (straight) musicals The conceit remains the main plot- my Tune in the next. superfan ... and Meryl Streep in the hog- advancer of the splashier movie, with It’s also fun watching Streep and Cor- the-spotlight role of a scenery-chewing enormously appealing Jo Ellen Pellman as den ham it up; You can imagine Murphy NETFLIX PHOTOS stage star who never met a fawning ad- Emma, who wants her date to be cheer- off-camera shouting: “OK, let’s do it again, Ariana DeBose, left, and Jo Ellen Pellman mirer she didn’t desperately need. leader Alyssa (Ariana DeBose). The but bigger!” Kidman and Rannells get the are the high school couple at the center of Directed by Ryan Murphy with a “Footloose” setup casts an Indiana town as best numbers, hers a performance lesson controversy in “The Prom.” “Glee”-tastic affinity for big numbers Backwater, USA, where the homophobic in adding chemistry to technique, called staged in school corridors, “The Prom” locals stigmatize and isolate Emma. “Zazz”; his a production number in a mall, daughter over to watch with her boy- streams to your home at an ideal moment. “We’re going down where the necks are “Love Thy Neighbor.” You learn here, too, friend, because I think they’ll like it, too. I’m not talking about the holidays; I refer red, and lack of dentistry thrives,” sing the that comic actor Key can sing. Could we But I’ll try not to blubber then. instead to the nine-month-long drought in Broadway swells who arrive on the wing cast him in a musical when things return being able to sit in a theater and watch a of a scheme, to fight for Emma and earn to some semblance of normal? “The Prom” is rated PG­13 for mature thematic elements, some show in which stories unfold with actors good press for themselves. Meantime, I’ll stream “The Prom” a suggestive and sexual references and strong language. Running improbably bursting into song. “We are liberals from Broadway!” de- couple more times, maybe invite my time: 132 minutes. Available to stream on Netflix. ‘I’m Your Woman’ puts a vivid new spin on the ’70s crime thriller

BY JUSTIN CHANG smacked around, maybe killed company. And if her domestic Los Angeles Times off. frustrations are telegraphed with When we first meet Jean (Ra- One of the virtues of “I’m Your perhaps one too many shots of chel Brosnahan), she seems the Woman” is its adherence to the her struggling to fry an egg, the very picture of a mobster’s tro- present tense (emphasis on the gradual awakening of her own phy wife: beautiful, sullen, entit- “tense”) and its poker-faced maternal instincts — and her led, expendable. She’s lounging refusal to even foreshadow embrace of a child she’s still in her backyard in a leafy Penn- what’s to come. Jean knows noth- getting to know — is among the sylvania suburb, smoking, nurs- ing of her husband’s business, picture’s subtlest satisfactions. ing a drink and trying to rip off which is both a mercy and a It would be hard to imagine a the tag still clinging to the fur- liability, and her ignorance per- more dramatic departure for fringed gown she’s wearing. It’s sists even when his latest gambit Brosnahan from her Emmy- the ’70s, as you can deduce from goes terribly wrong. Soon she’s winning turn in “The Marvelous her hexagonal sunglasses, the escaping into the night with her Mrs. Maisel,” in which she gave sound of Bobbie Gentry crooning AMAZON STUDIOS/TNS baby, Harry, and an armed pro- us the 1950s New York housewife on the soundtrack and even the Rachel Brosnahan stars as a mobster’s wife in “I’m Your Woman.” tector, Cal, who is intent on keep- as blithely overconfident motor- reverse-zoom movement of the ing her one step ahead of some mouth. In “I’m Your Woman,” camera as it slowly pulls back, yellows, browns and beiges. That image is an obvious allu- unnamed pursuers. she doesn’t just vanish behind revealing — in the first of many They’ve also paid for the infant sion to the ending of “The Godfa- Warning Jean never to lower long blond tresses and those big, crucial shifts in perspective — Eddie mysteriously brings home ther.” But it marks only the be- her guard, Cal ushers her into a moody shades. She shows us a the smallness and stultifying and plops into her arms that ginning of “I’m Your Woman,” menacing world of near-death woman confronting moment-to- loneliness of Jean’s world. morning: “He’s our baby,” he Julia Hart’s beautiful, engrossing escapes and not-so-safe houses. moment terror for the first time Jean’s husband, Eddie (Bill says, and that’s that. Jean has and potently subversive new Hart can build suspense with the — and discovering, in that con- Heck), is a thief. She knows that learned not to ask too many ques- crime thriller. Rather than im- smallest of gestures, as when a frontation, a resourcefulness and much at least, and is content not tions — not now, as she accepts mersing us in the sordid details friendly/nosy neighbor comes sheer nerve that she never knew knowing much more. His dirty the child with shocked resigna- of Eddie’s racket, the story leaves a-knocking. It’s all quite the she possessed. dealings have paid for her fab- tion, and not later, when Eddie us stranded on the outside with wake-up call for Jean, who at one ulous outfits and their comfort- closes the door on her with a Jean, a character who might point finds herself alone in a way “I’m Your Woman” is rated R for violence and able house, with its ostentatious smile, retreating into the next have been quickly sidelined in a she’s never been before, with language. Running time: 120 minutes. Available on wallpaper and period-perfect room with his gangster buddies. different movie: ignored, only little Harry to keep her Amazon Prime Video.  Friday, December 11, 2020 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 23 WEEKEND: VIDEO GAMES Demon’s Souls: The ideal PS5 launch game Cutting-edge technology transforms 2009 title into a stunningly immersive experience

BY GENE PARK graphical fidelity has led to them The Washington Post losing that chimerical quality he Valley of Defile- which came from the haunting ment. The Tower of simplicity of the PS3 polygons. Latria. Every time I But there are really only a few Trevisit a Souls game, examples that might seem dis- trepidation bubbles in my gut agreeable, all dwarfed by how before I realize I’m only worry- each of the five worlds have been Bluepoint Games photos ing about Demon’s Souls. Every lovingly reimagined. And after The new, revitalized version of Demon’s Souls for PlayStation 5, a revelation 11 years ago on the pang of fear I get when playing a all, Demon’s Souls is FromSoft- PlayStation 3, is now easily the best­looking game on any console, anywhere. Souls game stems from my first ware’s take on Western fantasy. steps through this game in 2009. It’s not a huge leap to see these your left ear, while a torch crack- Yes, Dark Souls is the game creatures reconceived by a West- les to the right of your head. It’s a that popularized the Souls-like ern developer. Souls experience like we’ve nev- genre. But it was Demon’s Souls, Bluepoint Games has created er felt, heard or seen. with its level design and atmo- what I believe is the ideal Play- Demon’s Souls now looks like sphere, that embedded itself into Station 5 launch game. First of what I imagined console games my memory. The PlayStation 3 all, it was Sony’s Japan studio might look like late in the PS5’s cult hit was nothing like I’d ever that suggested to FromSoftware generational cycle, yet here it is played before. Fellow games to conceive this game in the first for the PS5’s launch. The new critic Brad Gallaway, who rec- place. The Souls-like genre is engine adds clarity to the context ommended it to me, then called it essentially a Sony first-party of each world. The castle walls of “the fruition of a dream three creation, before FromSoftware Boletaria look more like a place generations old.” decided to branch out with Dark of recent unrest and chaos, while I was, and still am, inclined to Souls two years later. the Tower of Latria’s upper and agree. This PlayStation 5 remake PlayStation CEO Jim Ryan lower levels now make geograph- is a blessing for those of us who says that the PS5 is all about ical sense. Latria is split between traveled through Boletaria 11 sensory engagement. And De- two planes, one above the fog in years ago. And what nasty sur- mon’s Souls is a game that de- the highest floors of the tower, The “game feel” of Demon’s Souls is enhanced on the PlayStation 5 prises await everyone who mands attention to its details, its and another way below the fog, with 3D audio and the DualSense haptic feedback. skipped ahead and cut their teeth movements, how every weapon knee deep in mud and blood. My on Dark Souls and its ilk. This is feels, as well as its sights and 2009 brain never was able to where the real Souls genre be- sounds. It was one of the first make sense of the architecture gins. games that asked players to be- until now, when I’m finally able To reduce this launch title as a have as if they were actually to see the pillars and foundations mere remake of a PlayStation 3 creeping through the dark halls that hold the whole region togeth- game is to sell short this astound- of the Tower of Latria, hearing er. ing achievement by Bluepoint bells jingle down the hallway as The facial animations are an- Games. This is easily the best- some Eldritch horror awaits. other controversial addition, but looking game on any console Running through strange, unlit in my eyes, they only add to the today. More importantly, it clar- hallways would be ill advice in game’s otherworldly ghastliness. ifies that virgin voyage into this real life, and it’s a quick way to PlayStation-exclusive titles like genre in ways I never thought die in Demon’s Souls. Every level Uncharted and The Last of Us we’d experience. must be approached with caution have pioneered facial animation In 2009, the ambition of the and keen situational awareness. technology to express convincing level design here was hampered The “game feel” is enhanced emotion. Bluepoint Games seems by technology. Old-school video with 3D audio and the DualSense to flip that convention on its The settings in Demon’s Souls have the complexity of real locations. game “fog” and darkness would haptic feedback. The controller head. The faces convey emotion, obscure the darkest regions of now mimics what your charac- but not in any subtle way like up among five different regions, ware created in 2009 have the the game, most notably the afore- ter’s hands might be feeling. If we’d see in Ellie or Joel, but instead of one universal map. complexity of real places, which mentioned Valley of Defilement, your sword hits a wooden shield, mimicking Kabuki-style exagger- This gave the game a classic is why the game played so vividly which set the bog standard for your controller will vibrate softer ations that belie a deeper, un- structure, like World 1-1 in Super to fans of role-playing games. similar levels, like the infamous than against brassy, grinding spoken pain. And the new or- Mario Bros. But loading between And now Bluepoint has given Blighttown of Dark Souls. Here, I steel shields and walls. When the chestral remixes now take cues the hub and between each region Demon’s Souls all the details and can actually see what the entire sword in your right hand trem- from your action, adding rare in five seconds or less ties the polish needed to fully realize this valley looks like, far more vast bles with magical energy, so too moments of cinematic flair to game together in ways older game’s idealized concept of and cavernous than even my will the right side of your con- boss battles in an otherwise hardware simply couldn’t. Lev- “role-playing immersion.” It was imagination allowed. troller. Every squish of flesh deadly quiet journey. eling up, grinding, dying and a game of boundless creativity, On social media, there are when you turn your blade will be The biggest game-changing trying again are all the more and to have it reimagined so flashes of disagreement with heard from the controller’s feature of this console generation pleasurable and easier to do with vividly by Bluepoint Games is Bluepoint’s design decisions, speakers, all timed perfectly to is also this game’s biggest reason this friction largely removed nothing short of a minor miracle. particularly with certain enemies your on-screen action. With for celebration: fast loading from the process. Platforms: PlayStation 5 like the Fat Minister and the headphones on, it’s true that you times. Unlike later Souls-like The game itself is an all-time Online: playstation.com/en-us/ Maneater boss; the increase in can almost feel arrows whiz by titles, Demon’s Souls is divided classic. The settings FromSoft- games/demons-souls PAGE 24 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, December 11, 2020 WEEKEND: TRAVEL Seaside traditions in Portugal’s Nazaré

As we’ve had to postpone our travels most of its buildings, the town feels like a because of the pandemic, I believe a Portuguese Coney Island — humming weekly dose of travel dreaming can be with young people who flock here for the good medicine. Here’s a reminder of the beach. Off-season, it’s almost tourist free fun that awaits us in Europe at the other — the perfect time to take in the wild surf end of this crisis. and get a feel for a traditional way of life. The town’s layout is sim- ettling into a grungy fishermen’s ple: a grid of skinny streets bar in the beach town of Nazaré with sun-bleached apart- (two hours north of Lisbon), I ment blocks stretching order a plate of barnacles. Yes, S away from an expansive barnacles — called percebes here. My beach. The beach — in waiter is happy to demonstrate how to eat many places as wide as a them: dig your thumb between the shell soccer field — sweeps from and the leathery skin to rip the skin off. the new harbor in the south The meat stays attached to the shell. Bite Rick Steves to stark cliffs in the north. that off and wash it down with local beer. Nazaré (population: Fresh barnacles are expensive, as they 15,000) is famous for its traditionally clad cling to rocks in the turbulent waves along women who — at least according to local the coast and are difficult and dangerous lore — wear skirts with seven petticoats. DOMINIC ARIZONA BONUCCELLI/Ricksteves.com to harvest. Savoring my plate of barnacles Is that one for each day, or for the seven Two hours north of Lisbon, Portugal, Nazaré hugs its wide beach on the Atlantic. at sundown, I gaze out at the surf attack- colors of the rainbow, or ...? Make up your ing that stark bluff. Because I know that’s own legend. While the story you’ll hear ing colors — is completed with house Along the beach, a local folk-music where they were gathered just hours ago, may be an invention for the tourists, it slippers, a hand-embroidered apron, woo- group plays and dances. This troupe — they seem like money well spent. contains an element of truth. In the old len cape, head scarf and flamboyant jew- with petticoats twirling to the beat of a Perched on a far corner of Europe, days, women would wait on the beach for elry, including chunky gold earrings. percussion section of bongo gourds and Nazaré is one of my favorite beach towns. their fishermen to sail home. To keep People-watching here is like going to a pine cones grating against each other — It greets me with the energetic applause of warm in the face of a cold sea wind, they’d living art gallery. The beach, tasty seafood has been kicking up sand since 1934. the surf, widows with rooms to rent and wear several petticoats so they could fold and a funicular ride are the bright lights of This article was adapted from Rick’s fishermen mending nets. This layers over their heads, backs, and legs as my lazy memories. The funicular leads new book, For the Love of Europe. fishing-town-turned-tourist-retreat, set needed. Even today, older and more tradi- from the beach up to the Sítio neighbor- between cork groves, eucalyptus trees and tional women wear skirts made bulky by hood atop the cliffs. Sítio, with its own several — but maybe not seven — petti- Rick Steves (www.ricksteves.com) writes European guidebooks, the open sea, is a place to relax in the sun. church, museum, and main square, feels hosts travel shows on public TV and radio, and organizes Though many locals seem older than coats. The ensemble — with boldly clash- like a separate village. European tours. You can email Rick at [email protected]. It’s Christmas year round at these destinations

With the most eagerly antici- Numerous craft stores and Via San Gregorio Armeno and pated events of the season can- workshops can be visited year see why this narrow, cave-like celed due to COVID-19 concerns, round. The Ore Mountain Toy passageway has earned the nick- Christmas in Europe looks much Museum explores the history of name Christmas Alley. Work- different in 2020. While we’ll toys and regional shops lining the street turn out have to wait another year to stroll Christmas tradi- figures of Jesus, Mary, Joseph, past Christmas market stalls, sip tions, while the the wise men and shepherds mulled wine or glide around the Open Air Museum throughout the year. In Naples, ice rinks, there are certain places Seiffen offers 14 it’s common to see baby Jesus where the spirit of the holidays is historical build- and the wise men accompanied present year round. Once travel’s ings and work- by figures of beloved soccer shops in which a go again, consider getting your players, politicians, and other traditional wood- pent-up Christmas fix at one of Karen icons of popular culture. Naples’ turning techniques these destinations: Bradbury San Martin Charterhouse Mu- are demonstrated. seum (Certosa di San Martino) Seiffen, Germany: The Erz- Online: en.seiffen.de also offers a permanent exhibit of gebirge, or Ore Mountains of Lauscha, Germany: This city iStock Saxony in eastern Germany, are nativity scenes. in Thuringia, in the former East Kaethe Wohlfahrt's Christmas store in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, synonymous with Christmas Online: tinyurl.com/y4m6cen7 Germany, is considered home of Germany, is one of the touristy medieval town's hottest destinations. Krakow, Poland: A Szopka is a tradition. Long a center for silver the original glass Christmas tree historical and nativity scene with and tin mining, as deposits were ornaments. The glassworks es- worth saw the ornaments of a ical Christmas tree baubles, a special effect: loose replicas of depleted, local residents turned tablished in 1597 first turned out trip to Germany, he began im- nutcrackers, pyramids, smokers, Krakow’s own buildings serve as to crafts such as lace making, apothecary bottles and drinking porting them stateside. Several Advent calendars, wreaths and the inspiration for these fantastic weaving and carving. Gradually goblets, but by the mid-18th cen- companies in Lauscha produce more. The museum is an offspr- and colorful models reaching Seiffen emerged as the center of tury, the latest technology en- glass ornaments to date, among ing of Kaethe Wohlfahrt’s dimensions up to 6 feet high and the startup industry of carving abled the production of mirrored them Krebs Glas, which offers “Christmas Village,” the famous Christmas pyramids, nutcrackers 10 feet long. The szopka building glass beads that could be strung more than 5,000 different glass company specializing in Christ- and incense burners resembling tradition dates back to the 19th together to make eye-catching ornaments for sale in its factory mas decorations, also in Rothen- men smoking pipes. century. Since 1937, local author- chains. A popular story holds that outlet. Guided tours of its facil- burg. Other Kaethe Wohlfahrt In 1699, town resident Johann ities have staged an annual com- when a poor local glassblower ities are also offered. shops in Germany are located in Friedrich Hiemann took some petition for the most beautiful couldn’t afford the apples, nuts Online: krebslauscha.de Bamberg, Berlin, Heidelberg, wooden toys to the Nuremberg and original szopka. The contest and sweets that typically adorned Miltenberg, Nuremberg, Ob- market, at the time a major cen- Rothenburg ob der Tauber, takes place on the first Thursday the Christmas trees of his day, he erammergau and Ruedesheim. ter for the toy trade in Europe, turned to making hollow glass Germany: An ideally preserved, of December each year in the Online: kaethe-wohlfahrt.com where they found eager buyers. shapes to decorate it. A picture of medieval walled city makes a main market square, and the best Today, some 120 families and Queen Victoria’s Christmas tree fitting location for a museum Naples, Italy: The Presepio, or of them go on display in the His- five factories in Seiffen produce covered in glass baubles dedicated to Christmas decor and nativity scene, is a must-have for torical Museum of Krakow. this folk art reminiscent of a launched the decorating trend in traditions. The “Deutsches Weih- much of Italy’s population. For Online: krakow-info.com/szop- long-past time. England, and after F.W. Wool- nachtsmuseum” displays histor- one-stop shopping, stroll down ki.htm Friday, December 11, 2020 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 25 WEEKEND: FOOD AND DINING Not elegant, but still tasty Chateau Kefraya turning out succulent Lebanese cuisine in Wiesbaden even though fine-dining atmosphere is on hold

BY DAVID EDGE Stars and Stripes AFTER ’d love to tell you about the Chateau Kefraya’s elegant HOURS setting, and the experience GERMANY Iof sipping the wine the restaurant gets its name from while nibbling on the small-plate of their Lebanese wines by the appetizers elevated to an art glass — winemaking in the coun- PHOTOS BY DAVID EDGE/Stars and Stripes form in Lebanese cuisine. try goes back to the Phoenicians Grilled lamb with a roasted pepper, served with fried potatoes and a side salad, delivered from Chateau When coronavirus restrictions producing and trading wine thou- Kefraya, a Lebanese restaurant in Wiesbaden­Erbenheim, Germany. are over someday, I probably sands of years ago. Chateau Ke- will. But for now, this is one of fraya’s website even notes that Chateau Kefraya Wiesbaden’s better options for the biblical story of Jesus turning takeout and delivery. Its Leba- water into wine happened near Location: Berliner Strasse 252, nese food will reward those look- what is now a Lebanese village. 65205 Wiesbaden ing for something new and im- But for delivery, the only op- Hours: Monday-Friday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday press others familiar with what it tion is to buy a bottle ranging and Sunday 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.; hours should be, while sating the less from 15-25 euros, so I opted to subject to change due to coronavirus adventurous with familiar meats stick with what I had at home. restrictions. and a range of Italian food. I ordered two appetizers. The Prices: 5-18 euros. They accept credit The takeout menu lacks some first was the fatayer bi sabanegh, cards. of the enticing course meals which resembles an Indian sa- Menu: German available in house, but it still mosa. The fatayer bi sabanegh is Information: Phone, 0611-716-7300. boasts plenty of a la carte appe- a light pastry filled with spinach, Online, chateau-kefraya.de. The web- tizers and platters, with main- minced onions and lemon zest. site is in German. Delivery also avail- stays like hummus, tabbouleh When I first bit into it, the earthi- able through Lieferando.de, which has English translation. salad and flatbread. The entrees ness of the spinach and the are more limited but do include brightness of the lemon was a David Edge kabobs and lamb cutlets, along very pleasant surprise. The with some salads typical of the minced onion rounded out the The fatayer bi sabanegh from Chateau Kefraya include fillings of Kaserne and the Hainerberg region. flavors. spinach, minced onions and lemon zest. area. While many restaurants The Italian side includes pizzas I also choose baba ghanoush. have turned to delivery to sup- with an assortment of toppings The traditional roasted eggplant you off, but I enjoyed it. marks added flavor without bit- port themselves during the pan- and several types of pasta dishes, dish was mixed with tahini paste, For my main course, I ordered terness, which impressed me demic, they don’t all have their including gnocchi, tagliatelle and garlic and lemon juice, with some the grilled chicken breast with because I normally don’t like any games together the way Chateau lasagna. olive oil and pomegranate seeds fried potato rounds and a side form of charred meat. Kefraya does. Since this is primarily a Leba- on top, and served alongside salad. The chicken was fork ten- The restaurant is located in the nese restaurant, I stayed focused flatbread. The texture is very der and very juicy, seasoned Wiesbaden-Erbenheim area, [email protected] on that. I’d have liked to try some mushy, so avoid it if that turns simply with a little salt. The char making it a short drive from Clay Twitter: @DavidEd96798393 Dinner is fast with these 30-minute gingery, garlicky chicken thighs

BY ANN MALONEY garlic and ginger and then cooked in hot 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken The Washington Post coconut oil in a cast-iron skilled until nice- thighs Whenever someone shares a recipe with ly browned. That’s it. 2 tablespoons coconut oil me, I feel honored and pretty darn confi- Hassan describes these chicken thighs Directions dent that it will be good. as “incredibly simple to make” and serves In a large bowl, stir together the garlic, There is a reason a dish travels from them over rice, spooning the chicken juic- ginger and salt until combined. Add the one set of hands to another. It might be es on top. On the side, she suggests roast- chicken to the bowl and, using your hands, because it is foolproof, but often it is loved ed tomatoes or greens. The first time I rub the aromatics all over the chicken. If because it comes with a memory or a made the thighs I followed Olga’s advice you have time, cover the bowl and refrig- connection. It’s the pie someone’s mom and cooked the accompanying rice using erate for up to 24 hours. made every Christmas. It’s a casserole coconut milk and water for the liquid and When ready to cook the chicken, warm that landed on every Sunday dinner table. enjoyed them with a big green salad. a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat Or it is a reflection of a person’s heritage TOM MCCORKLE/For The Washington Post The recipes testifies to the near uni- until you can hold your hand about 5 inch- and culture. Akoho Misy Sakamalao (Chicken Thighs versal appeal of well-cooked chicken es above it for no longer than 2 seconds. It has been tested again and again and With Garlic, Ginger and Coconut Oil). thighs. I’ll make this dish again, and I’ll Add the oil and heat until it shimmers. passed those tests. recommend it to a friend or two — passing Add the chicken and cook, turning occa- That handing down of recipes is the Misy Sakamalao, which is from the chap- it on. sionally, until deeply browned and cooked premise of “In Bibi’s Kitchen” (Ten Speed ter on Madagascar, I could see how it through, about 15 to 20 minutes, adjusting Press, 2020) by Hawa Hassan, the founder would move from one home cook’s table to Akoho Misy Sakamalao the heat under the pan as necessary, if the of the sauce company Basbaas and native the next. I could imagine how the fra- Ingredients garlic and ginger start to burn. of Somalia, with co-author Julia Turshen grance of the dish could create visceral 6 garlic cloves, minced or finely grated Divide the chicken among plates and of New York. memories of the flavors to come. 2 tablespoons finely grated fresh ginger serve warm. When I took my first bite of the Akoho Chicken thighs are rubbed with salt, 1 teaspoon kosher salt Serves 4. PAGE 26 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, December 11, 2020 WEEKEND: QUICK TRIPS

On the QT Location: Asamstrasse 32, 93309 Kelheim. The monastery complex is about 1 ½ hours south of Grafenwoehr. Food: The monastery tavern restaurant and brewery is closed due to the coronavirus, but when it reopens, it will once again serve tradition- al German dishes and sweets, and the monaste- ry’s beer. Time: Every day from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Hours may vary on holidays. Cost: Free to walk around the abbey grounds and visit the church. Information: Online: kloster-weltenburg.de, phone: +49 09441 2040. Immanuel Johnson

PHOTOS BY IMMANUEL JOHNSON/Stars and Stripes The outside of the Weltenburg Abbey in Kelheim, Germany. The abbey was founded around 600 AD and has survived many misfortunes, including two world wars, making it Bavaria’s oldest monastery.

The ceiling fresco inside the church at Haven of peace, tranquility Weltenburg Abbey. The church, built in the 18th century, is considered one of Europe’s foremost examples of late Enjoy a quiet day at Weltenburg Abbey, Bavaria’s oldest monastery baroque art and architecture.

BY IMMANUEL JOHNSON dark beer brewed at the monastery — can Stars and Stripes be ordered online at 7.50 euros for a six- here are many reasons to go to pack, and is also available from beverage Weltenburg Abbey in Bavaria. outlets. One is the beer, brewed on the The beer, which the monks say has won Tmonastery grounds for centuries. more awards than any other specialty Another is the church with its magnif- brew — and monks don’t lie — is the happy icent baroque interior. union of centuries of tradition and modern A third is the peace and quiet that goes technology, the abbey says on its website. hand in hand with monastery life. “It matures in its own rock cellar for up And the fourth is if you’re considering to six weeks, which gives it an inimitable becoming a Benedictine monk — there’s a taste,” the website says. chapter on the abbey’s website that will The monastery brewery also produces a help you achieve that ambition, but the couple of lagers, wheat beer and other criteria are pretty strict and women are brews. excluded. Next, the church. The sacred building Founded in 617 by wandering monks looks fairly nondescript from the outside, from Luxeuil monastery in what is now but inside is a jewel of the late baroque Burgundy in France, Weltenburg is the period. Dramatic paintings adorn the ceil- oldest monastery in Bavaria. It has sur- ing and walls, and on the main altar, there vived everything from financial misman- stands an ornate statue of St. George, to agement to marauding Hungarians in the whom the church is dedicated. 10th century, illness brought into the en- While guided tours of the church are not closed religious community by Austrian taking place during the coronavirus pan- soldiers who were billeted there in the demic, it is possible to visit without a 1700s during the Austrian war of succes- guide. sion, secularization in the 19th century, The only other parts of the monastic The courtyard of the Weltenburg Abbey. The souvenir shop (left) and the church (middle) and a couple of world wars. complex that are open during the coro- remain open during the coronavirus pandemic, but the museum (right), restaurant, Today, it stands on the banks of the Da- navirus pandemic are the souvenir shop accommodation and brewery are closed. nube River as a haven of peace, just an and, of course, the great outdoors, includ- hour and a half’s drive away from the ing hiking trails that stretch for miles of rock, some soaring more than 200 feet must have a high school diploma or have cacophony and bustle of Grafenwoehr through the Bavarian landscape. above the river, is best viewed from a completed professional training. For the Training Area. Between the monastery and the town of riverboat in the summer — provided the first six months, they will live with the Although many of the attractions of Kelheim, the Danube Gorge — the point pandemic is behind us. other monks at Weltenburg “to get to know Weltenburg are closed because of the where, some 200,000 years ago, the Da- Lastly, the monastery offers guidance on them and their customs better,” the mon- coronavirus pandemic, including the nube cut through limestone to create the its website to those considering life in a astery says on its website. brewery, restaurant, overnight accommo- river we now know — twists and turns religious order. (kloster-weltenburg.de/ dation and guided tours of the church, it’s through the countryside. wie-wird-man-moench) Stars and Stripes reporter Karin Zeitvogel contributed to this report. still possible to sample them. The gorge, including the Weltenburg Novice monks have to be Roman Cathol- [email protected] Weltenburger Barock Dunkel — the Gap, where the river meanders past walls ic, single, male, at least 18 years old and Twitter: Manny_Stripes Friday, December 11, 2020 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 27 WEEKEND: TRAVEL

Postcards from the edge A love letter from Timbuktu? A project in Mali delivers delight — and a lifeline for tour guides in the ancient city

BY BAILEY BERG after a series of suicide bombings in 2015 and lingering Special to The Washington Post insecurity. Now the top half of Mali is all but divorced from t’s not often that Phil Paoletta receives disgruntled the southernmost half, at least for foreigners. Even if Pao- emails about his and Ali Nialy’s project, but when he letta, who has lived in Mali for a decade, wanted to go visit PHIL PAOLETTA/The Washington Post does, it’s because someone thinks their West Africa- Nialy, he’d be turned around by officials before he got to Calligrapher Boubacar Sadeck works on a Postcards Ibased company is a scam. Timbuktu. From Timbuktu order in July 2018. Customers pick the The duo started Postcards From Timbuktu in 2016 with As Nialy explained how dire the guide industry in Tim- image and dictate what they want the postcards to say. a mission to help unemployed tour guides gain an income buktu had become, the idea for their venture clicked for by sending cards from a city that’s become shorthand for a Paoletta. some try to fool others into thinking they’re actually trav- far-flung, if not imaginary, place. After a successful test run to determine whether a post- eling, and some send cryptic messages anonymously. “They think Timbuktu isn’t a real place and we’re print- card from Timbuktu would get to its destination in other Paoletta said they have even witnessed family mediations ing fake postcards and stamps to make it seem like some- countries, they assembled a team of ghostwriters and set via the team’s handwritten letters. Passive-aggressive thing’s coming from a place in a joke,” Paoletta said. up a website. The process for ordering a card written and notes, presumably, hit differently when they’ve come from It then falls to Paoletta to explain that Timbuktu is, in postmarked in Timbuktu is fairly simple: pay $10, dictate a city on the edge of the Sahara desert. fact, a real city, that the person who wrote the message is the verbiage and choose a design. Of the $10 fee for the card, the guides usually make a not a grifter a la a fictitious “Nigerian prince,” and that one Some of the images on the cards Paoletta shot himself, little more than $3 on average, though it varies depending of their friends or family members ordered a postcard for others were gifted by professional photographers, and on how much it costs to ship the card. Some of the funds them thinking they would enjoy receiving correspondence some are public-domain historical pictures of Timbuktu. also go toward printing and website fees. from Mali. Alternatively, the sender can opt to have a design colored “We have grown up in [tourism], so this alternative More often than not, though, the recipients of the post- by kids at the elementary school. There’s no telling what income is very important for us in such a way that we can cards are delighted, especially this year, when internation- will be drawn on the card, but the proceeds will help the fulfill our daily needs and help our families,” Nialy ex- al tourism has largely come to a halt. In fact, the armchair- students get new school supplies (which more recently plained. travel nature of the postcards has led to the project’s most have included hand sanitizer). When there are big orders, the guides do fairly well — at successful year yet. From there, one of the unemployed guides hand-writes least compared with other workers in Timbuktu. The aver- “We had a lot of postcards for people that were stuck in the message (usually in English, German or French, but age salary in Mali is just under $80 a month, a sum they quarantine and wished they could be traveling,” Paoletta they’ll try their best with any language or alphabet sub- can reach penning roughly two dozen postcards. While it’s said. “This way, at least, they have a postcard that traveled mitted), and off it’s sent. not as much as they were making as guides (when it was all the way from Timbuktu.” While the concept is straightforward, Paoletta said the safer for tourists to visit Timbuktu, they earned about $40 The idea for the project came the same day Paoletta, an execution in Mali often follows a more meandering path. a day during peak season), it is consistent. Without this American hotel and restaurant owner in Bamako, the On average, the cards take two or three weeks to arrive, project, the guides probably wouldn’t have any income at capital city, received mail from a friend in the United but there have been exceptions. The biggest problems all — jobs are scarce, and many have been guides since States — his first parcel in six years. He was thinking Paoletta and Nialy have encountered is an inability to they were 7 or 8 years old, so they lack formal education. about how delightful it was to receive the letter when Nialy track the postcards. Once they’ve been dropped off at the “I don’t want to say it’s a long-term solution, but it is came to visit him. post office, they have no way of knowing where in the critical for them, especially since 2015,” Paoletta said. The latter had been a guide in the UNESCO World Heri- world they are. Still, they’ve had very few complaints, Writing the cards also allows them to continue sharing tage city since elementary school and had previously made which Paoletta finds refreshing. their city with others. a comfortable living walking tourists through his home- “We’ve become so accustomed to ordering something “I have the feeling that I’m doing what I like the most, town, bringing the fabled city to life with visits to mud and being able to track it down to the meter,” Paoletta said. which is tourism, even though the context is different,” brick, earthen mosques and museums that show the histo- “But these cards go on long, unpredictable journeys. It’s Nialy said. ry of the once-important trading post. But after Islamist surprising and nice that people seem to accept this time- Paoletta echoed that sentiment, saying the guides know militant occupation and attacks in 2012, tourism went into line.” there’s a whiff of the mystical around their city, and “they a free fall. The next year, the French military intervened The wording for the myriad dispatches have spanned enjoy showing people that it’s a real place, with real peo- and conditions improved, but numbers dwindled further the substance spectrum. Some people write love letters, ple, with interesting things happening there.”

PHIL PAOLETTA/The Washington Post Above and top: collection of postcards dispatched by Postcards From Timbuktu. The West African business began as a way to employ out­of­work tour guides in the ancient city. PAGE 28 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, December 11, 2020 WEEKEND: TRAVEL Where deer roam Visitors to Nara Park in Japan are encouraged to feed the animals

BY ERICA EARL also a little intense to have more than a Stars and Stripes dozen deer licking me, crawling around f you have ever fantasized about my feet and chomping at me in competi- having a woodland princess moment tion with one another to get fed. A small- straight out of a fairy tale, a visit to ish deer even took a bite at my backside. INara Park in the south-central por- One of the deer snack stalls had a pam- tion of Japan’s main island may be in phlet suggesting that a dip in tourism due order. to the coronavirus pandemic contributed The park is home to more than 1,000 to the deer being exceptionally eager to free-roaming deer, considered to be mess- nibble. engers of the gods in Japanese culture. Prices vary from stall to stall, but on Locals have considered Nara Park sacred average a small packet costs $1 and a CHRISTINA YATES/Stars and Stripes since its establishment in 1880. larger packet costs about $3. Both go very Nearly 1,000 deer roam freely at Nara Park in Nara, Japan. The park is considered In a gorgeous setting of shrines and fast as the deer do not patiently wait for sacred, and deer are thought to be messengers of the gods in Japanese culture. temples, guests can purchase rice crack- you to break and scatter the treats and will ers at the park to hand-feed the deer. It’s a nab the entire stack right out of your hand the world’s largest wooden building. It On the QT sweet moment that makes for great photos if you aren’t careful. features a beautiful bronze Buddha statue, and videos. In addition to hand-feeding the deer like but the most memorable feature is Budd- DIRECTIONS Be warned, the deer get quite ravenous. Snow White, at your own risk, there is ha’s Nostril. About six hours by car or three hours by bullet When I went, the deer started following more to Nara Park that makes it a worthy The “nostril” isn’t actually in the statu- train from central Tokyo. Google Plus code: MRPV+26 Nara me in hordes as soon as I bought the destination, such as the Todai-ji Temple. e’s nose, but a hole in one of the temple’s TIMES crackers. While that was adorable, it was Until 1998, the massive structure was large wooden pillars. It is said that guests The public park is open 24/7, although daylight who crawl through the pillar will be grant- hours are the best time to see the deer. Todai-ji is ed enlightenment and atonement in their open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. next life. COSTS Nara Park is a public park, and admis- Admission to the park is free. Rice crackers for sion is free, although there is no free park- the deer cost $1-$3, depending on size. Entrance ing on the property so guests will need to to Todai-ji is about $5. Entrance to the Nara find a paid lot. Entrance to the temple is National Museum is about $7 for adults and free about $5. for high school students and below. FOOD The park offers snacks inside some of its gift [email protected] shops, and immediately outside the park is a row Twitter: @ThisEarlGirl of cafes. Erica Earl

NANCY HUANG One of the more notable attractions at ERICA EARL/Stars and Stripes Nara Park is Buddha’s Nostril, a narrow ERICA EARL/Stars and Stripes Built in 1880, Nara Park is is home to a host of temples and shrines. passage in one of the pillars at the Deer get up close and personal at Nara Todai­ji. Park in Nara, Japan. Friday, December 11, 2020 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 29 WEEKEND: FOOD A delicious holiday tradition reimagined Turn your annual cookie swap into a virtual party

BY ANN MALONEY and select a shipping date with enough lag The Washington Post time — at least five to seven days — be- e might have to do without fore the mutually agreed-upon virtual some of our favorite tradi- swap-party date. Also, this person should tions in this 2020 holiday check in with folks periodically with re- Wseason, but there was one minders to make sure everything is pro- that I was determined to experience: a gressing smoothly. holiday cookie swap with friends. With social distancing, the swap Keep it simple couldn’t involve inviting a big group of It’s hard to leave anyone out, but we pals to the house to lay their trays of coo- wanted to keep the group to just five peo- kies out on the dining room table. Instead, ple to keep it manageable. This is the time a small group of us selected a batch of for a sweet exchange, so no competition sturdy sweets and agreed to ship them on for a best cookie prize and no require- a certain date. Then, we gathered for a ments to send along recipes. virtual cookie swap on Zoom. We did our swap in late October as a Safety first test run so that we could share our tips Coronavirus transmission by food is with you as the height of holiday cookie unlikely, experts say, but always remem- season approaches. Our group was scat- ber to thoroughly wash your hands before, tered across the United States, so we got a during and after cooking. You may wish to good sense of how long cookies take to wear a mask or food-safe gloves as an arrive. extra layer of protection. If, however, you We wanted to keep this loose and fun, so are sick, do not make food for others. each person picked a cookie with the only criterion that it could survive bouncing its Think sturdy cookies way across the country and that we would This is not the time for cream-filled TOM MCCORKLE/For The Washington Post end up with varied flavors and ingre- confections or treats with delicate, soft To make sure the cookies are received intact, pick sturdy transportable cookies and dients. frosting. Think dense bar cookies, biscotti ship them in reusable containers. Decorative tins are a nice choice for the holidays. We shipped the cookies on Oct. 19 and or drop-style cookies, such as chocolate set the Zoom call for seven days later, just chip or oatmeal. Also, pick cookies that a lot of cookies, remember most unfrosted other filler insulation. to be sure the cookies would arrive on you know or think will taste good even cookies will freeze well for about six time. All went well. The only thing that when they’re several days old. And be months. (And, just FYI: Most raw dough Wait for the cookies to arrive dampened our experience: Postage cost. sure the selected cookies are different can be frozen for six months as well.) For most of us, the waiting was the eas- Each of us spent a total of $50 to $60 ship- enough from one another to provide varie- iest part, but Hope Boos of South St. Paul, ping four packages of a dozen cookies ty. Imagine them together on a platter. Ship in reusable containers Minn., said it was tough for her kids to see each to four friends. Pack cookies in airtight, durable, un- cookie after cookie arrive in the mail and “I was surprised how expensive it was Decide how many cookies crushable containers, such as common not dig in. So your group should decide if to ship,” said Adriana Garcia of New Or- We each shipped a dozen cookies to food storage containers or decorative tins. it is OK to open the cookies as they arrive leans, a sentiment echoed by everyone. each participant, so that meant everyone Make sure the cookies fit snugly, using or ask everyone to open all at once for the If that extra expense isn’t a dealbreaker had to make at least four dozen. That also parchment or wax paper to cushion them big reveal. Garcia opened hers as they for you and you want to host your own meant each of us ended up with four doz- so that they don’t jostle and get crushed in arrived and shared her daughter’s cookie swap, here’s what we learned: en (in addition any extras we made for shipping. If your container isn’t airtight, “reviews” via Facebook messenger. In ourselves to keep) — Good for those of us consider placing the cookies inside zip-top either case, when the time is right, gather Pick a ringleader with bigger households; kind of a lot for bags first. Secure your container with your cookies, pour a glass of milk (or a You need a swap coordinator, who can couples. If your households are smaller, colorful ribbons or tape, if necessary. cocktail) and join your friends on a Zoom help the group pick a reasonable deadline consider having folks ship just a half- Place the containers inside a larger ship- or FaceTime — or whatever service you for choosing each cookie, collect addresses dozen cookies each. Or, if you end up with ping box lined with crumpled paper or use — to nibble, ooh and aah and catch up. PAGE 30 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, December 11, 2020 WEEKEND: LIFESTYLE No Christmas without lights These tips will help you safely, festively and economically illuminate your home for the holidays

BY LAURA DAILY Onstott recommends using stakes to keep Special to The Washington Post ISTOCK plugs above the ground. He also wraps any electrical connections in plastic bags se- hat’s Christmas without holi- cured by a rubber band. day lights? For starters ... no And Skinner says you shouldn’t use a worries that a hot bulb will staple gun to hang lights. “You risk nicking Wmelt your favorite plastic or ripping off the wire coating, causing a Snoopy ornament, or fears that adding one potential electrical short.” Instead, use more string of lights will plunge your den inexpensive clips to attach lights to your into darkness. And maybe your heart won’t roof or gutters. As a timesaver, in lieu of skip a beat when you receive your Decem- clips, Mushaney rims his house and win- ber utility bill. dows with small screw-in hooks and leaves Yes, they have a reputation for being a them up year-round. hassle. But holiday lights have changed. Take the easy route. Sure, you could Thanks to LED technology, the nightmares invest the time, money and effort in hand- of Christmases past have largely been wrapping lights around the trunks of out- resolved. Even Clark Griswold would ap- door trees or artfully decorating bushes, prove of the more reliable, energy-efficient but you don’t have to. Manufacturers have options available these days. developed reasonably priced trunk-wrap As a consumer expert, I know how to lights (essentially lights woven into netting find a great deal, but I haven’t untangled a with loop clasps) that expand and stretch string of lights in years — since I moved to around a tree trunk. Net lights can be eas- the city from a larger home in the moun- ily draped over bushes and hedges. So he tains. So I asked several experts for their doesn’t have to run out nightly, Mushaney advice on light features, safety, storage and uses a solar switch on a timer. At sunset, more. Here are our illuminating tips. his outdoor lights automatically turn on, Make a plan. It doesn’t have to be elab- then turn off a few hours later. orate. Mike and Jenn Onstott, whose spec- Store lights properly. Everyone has their tacularly lit Commerce City, Colo., home own preferred method for keeping their attracts thousands of spectators annually, lights organized when they aren’t in use. suggest asking yourself: Do I want lights Skinner says to simply wrap lights in a everywhere, or in a few select spots? A circular pattern or roll them into a ball. classic look, or more modern? Showy, or Then store them in a box. The Onstotts subdued? Take some measurements. Re- suggest looping them, but instead of using member: A 10-foot rail might need 16 feet the “palm and elbow” technique commonly of lights if you plan to wrap it tightly so the used to store extension cords, start by lights are close together. Choose a theme or dangling the strand and make decent-size color scheme. loops, as if you were spooling a cord onto a Frank Skinner, director of marketing for vacuum cleaner without a hook at the bot- online retailer Christmas Lights, Etc, says: tom. Use Velcro or zip ties to keep cords “If you know you like Christmas and will together. Sort lights into plastic bins, and be decorating for years to come, build up a label either by location or specific tree. collection. Initially, you might buy clear into one outlet. And although most LED consider erecting and decorating some Mushaney hangs outdoor lights over chairs lights and then add colors in subsequent light manufacturers say they will last up sort of barricade around your lit tree. to dry, then puts lights in plastic grocery years. You aren’t locked in, because you to five seasons, Skinner says test sets lit Incandescent lights do get hot to the bags — one strand per bag — with the plug can mix and match and rearrange strings.” 24/7 at his company offices are still burn- touch, and pets that chew might find light hanging out. Bags go into storage tubs Choose your bulb. With their soft, warm ing bright after seven years. strings tempting. The Onstotts use a baby labeled “inside” or “outside.” glow, traditional incandescent lights evoke Buy with confidence. Take note if gate. Mushaney, who has two Great Take advantage of post-Christmas sales. cozy memories for many. But the more lights are rated “indoor” or “indoor/out- Danes, built a small picket fence. Although retailers run sales in November vibrant LEDs have come a long way. LEDs door.” The latter are usually more dura- Know your power. I’ve said it before, and December, to get the best deals, shop use far less electricity, stay cool to the ble. Depending on your local climate, you but it bears repeating: The biggest differ- right after Christmas. You can often find touch, last longer and come in a wide varie- might want to buy commercial-grade ence between LED and incandescent lights and other decorations discounted by ty of shapes, sizes, lens styles, colors and lights that hold up to extreme heat or lights is the amount of electricity used. as much as 75% to 90% . Mushaney says he finishes. cold. If you are especially picky, check a For example, Mike Onstott redid a rein- sets the following year’s theme based on Over the past six years, the Onstotts have sample light string if the lights are on deer display at his home. The original, what he scores at a discount. converted 90% of their 27,000 lights to display in the store. Major brands, such with 300 incandescent lights, used 122 Get online help. You’ll find all sorts of LED, mostly to save on electricity, reserv- as Wintergreen or Kringle Traditions, watts; the new version, with 360 LED guides for holiday lighting on topics in- ing the remaining incandescent lights for that supply detailed specifications (such lights, uses three watts. cluding artfully wrapping tree trunks, special displays. as wire style, color or plug) to manu- “When you’re not pulling as much safely hanging lights on gutters or calculat- Whether you opt for incandescent or facturers will stamp their name on the power, you can put up more lights with- ing wattage. Christmas Lights, Etc has a LED, experts agree it’s best not to mix the tube near the plug. That’s a clue that the out short-circuiting your home,” Jenn collection of lighting and decorating re- two in one display. Not only will the lights product is of a higher quality. Onstott says. sources on its website, christmaslight- visually clash, but you may also experience Try outside-the-box tricks. Substitute You need to determine not only what setc.com. Serious decorators should check power issues. icicle lights (normally used outside) for outlets are available, but also what else in out the Planet Christmas Forum (plane- Decide how much you want to spend. traditional strings if you want a well-lit your home — lamps, electronics, ap- tchristmas.com) or search for fellow holi- Would you rather save money now, or over indoor tree, suggests Albie Mushaney, pliances — is being powered by that cir- day light enthusiasts in Facebook groups. time? A box of 50 mini-incandescent lights host of the HGTV holiday special “You’ll cuit. A kilowatt meter ($20 to $30) easily Make memories. No matter the design, can cost as little as $3 in a big-box store, be Home for Christmas.” Instead of monitors an outlet’s power usage, so you Christmas lights brighten the holidays, and whereas a 50-count string of LED lights wrapping your tree 20 times, you may don’t overload it and trip the breaker. they may spread joy far beyond your front may start at $10. Outdoor-specific or com- only need two strands and three to four Minimize hazards. Remember: Water yard. “I grew up poor, and my family had mercial-grade lights will cost more. Al- wraps to achieve the same amount of and electricity do not mix. For outdoor to find ways to entertain us kids, so we though incandescent lights are less expen- coverage and light. displays, buy lights with a “sealed con- drove around looking at holiday lights on sive, they use significantly more electricity Jenn Onstott says to look for lights with nection.” That means the base of each houses,” Mushaney says. “That created and typically last one to three seasons. faceted bulbs and add reflective orna- bulb has an acrylic seal to permanently wonderful memories I’ll always remember. Though pricier, LED lights are energy- ments to your tree, so you don’t need as affix it to the wire, keeping moisture out. Now, maybe my house will be one that efficient, allowing you to plug more lights many lights. If you have children or pets, To avoid standing water (or snow), Mike families drive by and build memories, too.” Friday, December 11, 2020 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 31 WEEKEND: BOOKS Eight band man Byrds’ Hillman writes memoir of musical passion and redemption

BY JOHN ROGERS Associated Press om Petty once de- LORI STOLL/AP scribed him as one of Chris Hillman, shown Dec. 3, is a founding member of the Byrds and Flying Burrito Brothers, and one of the architects of country­rock and rock music’s most well- folk­rock. His memoir is called “Time Between: My Life as a Byrd, Burrito Brother, and Beyond.” Tkept secrets, and Chris Hillman is fine with that. redirected at age 15 when his somebody with a drug habit or Angeles and, soon after, how she eight. He said, ‘That’s unbeliev- Fifty-one years after he picked mother, having given into his finding them passed out or dy- had enough faith in her teenage able.’ up his first guitar, Hillman says repeated pleas, bought him a $10 ing,” he says, adding he warned son to allow his return back so he “I guess I kept all the insane music was never about becoming guitar with the promise that if he his publisher not to expect that. could join the Scottsboro Squirrel people sane. That was my job in rich and famous, something he actually learned to play the thing, “I’m not going to hand you a Barkers, San Diego’s hottest the band,” he says, laughing mocked in the whimsical 1967 hit she’d eventually help him get a rock and roll salacious book bluegrass band at the time. heartily before quickly adding, “So You Want to Be a Rock and better one. because I didn’t really live my By this point he’d become “No, just kidding.” Roll Star” that he co-wrote with Not that he didn’t face and life like that,” he says he told skilled on both guitar and man- Staying close to home with his fellow bandmate Roger McGuinn overcome them. dolin and he played the latter wife, Connie, these days because for the Byrds. plenty of One could make the case that with the Squirrel Barkers, whose of the pandemic, he recently It was never about getting into dark mo- enough others already have, members also included Eagles performed a concert from his the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, ments over which is one of the things he says cofounder Bernie Leadon at one office with his old Desert Rose either, although Hillman, the suc- inspired him to begin his own time. Band mates Herb Pederson and McGuinn and their fellow Byrds ceeding book. After moving on to another John Jorgenson, at which he also are there, too. half-centu- “A lot of people would write bluegrass ensemble, he returned offered signed books for sale. That’s thanks in large part to ry, begin- things who were not even around to Los Angeles, where he’d pick He also did a livestreamed the group having laid the ground- ning with or alive at that point in time,” he up the bass guitar this time and show sponsored by the Grammy work for the musical subgenres the first says. “One book out, the guy join the Byrds. Soon they were Museum Dec. 9, but he’s anxious folk-rock and country-rock in the and prob- never even talked to me.” making country-rock and folk- to get back in front of live audi- late 1960s with songs like Hill- ably dar- Initially, he thought his would rock history with songs like ences. man’s “Between Time” that put a kest, his be something to set the record “Eight Miles High” and “I’ll Feel He recently took part in a “car driving, rock-based melody to a beloved father’s suicide when straight for his children and a Whole Lot Better.” concert” at the Ventura County country heartbreak ballad, and Hillman was just 16. grandchildren. But as he pro- Over the years, he would play Fairgrounds, but says that just the band’s interpretation of songs In the following years he’d see gressed, he began to see it as a in eight different bands alongside wasn’t the same. like Bob Dylan’s “Mr. Tambou- numerous friends fall victim to story of redemption that might a veritable Who’s Who of LA “I’m singing and all I hear are rine Man” that famously featured what he calls the hedonistic life- have broader appeal. musicians of the time, including car horns. That was their ap- McGuinn’s jangling, 12-string style that lured so many musi- It tells how his mother held the David Crosby, Stephen Stills and plause,” he says, laughing again. electric guitar. cians of his generation. family together after his father’s Richie Furay. “They’re going beep, beep, None of it was deliberate, but Most prominent of them was death, moving them from the “Roger asked me six months beep and I’m going, ‘Oh God, I organic, Hillman says now, ex- likely Gram Parsons, who played bucolic San Diego-area beach ago, ‘How many bands were you hope that’s not my last live per- plaining how he went through a with Hillman in both the Byrds town of Rancho Santa Fe to Los in?’ he says of McGuinn. “I said formance.’ ” half-century of performance and the Flying Burrito Brothers simply pursuing the music that and died in a hotel room of a he loved, from bluegrass to folk drug overdose at age 26. to country to rock. A few years before, Parsons “I just had such a passion for and Hillman had written the song the music,” he said by phone “Sin City,” a searing indictment recently from his sun-dappled of the Los Angeles music scene’s hillside home overlooking the dark side of money, drugs and Pacific Ocean in Ventura, Calif.. fame in those years with the “I never thought I would get words, “On the 31st floor, a gold- paid,” added Hillman, a friendly, plated door, won’t keep out the modest man of 76. “I was just Lord’s burning rain.” having so much fun.” Hillman, who credits his Chris- That passion is revealed in his tian faith with steering him past just-published memoir “Time much of that tumult, doesn’t go Between: My Life as a Byrd, into great detail about those Burrito Brother, and Beyond.” It moments in the book other than recounts how a carefree surfer to observe that Parsons and oth- kid from a small California beach ers made bad choices. town had his idyllic 1950s life “I didn’t want to write about PAGE 32 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, December 11, 2020 WEEKEND: MUSIC

COVID, country and comfort

BRENT N. CLARKE, INVISION/AP Garth Brooks performs during the 2020 Gershwin Prize Honoree’s Tribute Concert at the DAR Constitution Hall on March 4 in Washington. Brooks is the youngest recipient of the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song, an honor that has been bestowed upon Smokey Robinson, Carole King and Paul Simon. Garth Brooks promoting ‘Fun’ although he’s been having none

BY JON BREAM “Ain’t nobody on this planet around for about a decade. Star Tribune (Minneapolis) who misses it more than me. “ ... the thread “I can’t imagine not having e’s been per- That’s your gas,” he said with this song,” Brooks said. “It’s like forming with- the kind of Garth-gantuan hy- through all of us one of your kids — as part of the out live audi- perbole that juices his outsized Garth Brooks catalog 100 years ences, appear- personality onstage. “When I is love, and I’m from now. I love that message.” ing on all retired to be home with the girls The album-closing “(Some- kinds of TV (his three school-age daughters not talking about times You’ve Got to Die to) Live Hprograms and promoting his for nearly 10 years in 2001) or Again” is a signature Brooks new album, “Fun,” which drop- taking a year off so your band hugging one power ballad with a different ped Nov. 20. But Garth Brooks and crew need to get fueled twist: He uncorks a striking isn’t having any fun himself. back up, those are things you another.” falsetto, previously heard on his It was apparent in his voice can live with. But when you Garth Brooks 1999 project as alter-ego rocker over the telephone. were on a roll and someone else Chris Gaines. He didn’t blame “I understand these football throws the red light up on you music can play in crisis. cowboy song, an island tune, a the high voice on tight jeans, games can go on without the like COVID has, that’s hard to “We sometimes seek for an- New Orleans romp, message though. crowd, and you hear the sim- take. But at the same time, I swers in music,” said the singer- music and a cover of a pop hit. “My jeans can’t get any tight- ulated audience and you forget. can’t (expletive) about it be- songwriter, 58, who is prone to But one selection stands out — er,” he said picking up on the It just doesn’t work that way for cause people are suffering real- deep thoughts and sincere pro- the topical “Where the Cross straight line. “Especially in the concerts, man,” he said. “Noth- ly, really bad.” nouncements when the spot- Don’t Burn,” featuring country pandemic with as much weight ing replaces getting to play for He knows firsthand. His lights are off. “I know we seek legend Charley Pride. as I’ve gained.” people in the same room. That’s youngest daughter has reco- for comfort.” It’s a true story about song- “Fun” also features a duet the fun about entertaining.” vered from COVID, although With “Fun,” he’s serving up a writer Troy Jones, a white Mis- with his wife, country star and The country megastar insists he’s concerned about any sub- smorgasbord of Garth Brooks sissippian’s friendship with a cookbook author Trisha Year- that he misses concerts more sequent repercussions. comfort food — honky-tonk Black kid from the other side of than his millions of fans do. Brooks understands the role stomps, sentimental ballads, a the tracks. The song has been SEE BROOKS ON PAGE 33 Friday, December 11, 2020 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 33 WEEKEND: MUSIC Mendes returns with an amorous, gooey new album

MARK KENNEDY Associated Press On his 14-track fourth album, Shawn Mendes is airy, grand, intense and rapturous. It is the sound of a man totally and hopelessly in love. Adoration is baked into “Won- der,” from the almost religious- sounding title track as Mendes sings “I wonder what it’s like to be loved by you,” to the last song, where, with a voice shak- ing with emotion, he sings over derson .Paak on drums) and acoustic guitar: “I can’t imagine “305” (the area code to Cabel- what a world would be without lo’s Miami) is a candy-colored you.” The album’s cover cap- piece of ’60s doo-wop in which tures Mendes ecstatic, floating Mendes sings to his lover, “If in waves. there’s a door to heaven, baby ABC/AP Though she is mentioned only you’re the key.” The lovers are Shawn Mendes performs at the American Music Awards at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on Nov. once — in the liner notes, finding a new home to share in 22. Mendes’ new album, “Wonder” (inset), is a hopelessley romantic set of songs seemingly inspired by thanked right after his family — “24 Hours” — “It’s a little soon his romantic and quarantine partner, singer Camila Cabello. it’s not hard to find the source but I wanna come home to you,” of this ardor: Mendes’ longtime he sings. soaring and triumphant. This is with you, sung by a rising heart- Mendes has shown before — no romantic and quarantine part- Mendes’ falsetto soars with music you’d hear in a mall in throb singer-songwriter and an “There’s Nothing Holdin’ Me ner, singer Camila Cabello. pure glee atop a pillow of heaven. established one. Back” or “In My Blood” — and Whatever happens to this couple strings on the standout “Look The only tune that veers out In-demand producer Kid Har- “Wonder” is sometimes hard to in the future, she has inspired a Up at the Stars” (where Mendes of the love zone is Mendes’ duet poon, who took Harry Stiles to take during extended plays — hopelessly romantic set. sings “the universe is ours” in a with Justin Bieber, “Monster,” new heights on “Fine Line,” is especially its pointless intro — “Teach Me How to Love” Coldplay “Yellow” way) and an outstanding moody banger all over this gooey album. but to find fault with it is to find flirts with ’80s disco (with An- “Always Been You” is both about how early fame messes There’s little of the urgency fault with love itself, Brooks: Singer says country fans are more than stereotype FROM PAGE 32 up-driving, flag-waving, red- with the name “Sanders” and entire life. We’re all learning. wood, on “Shallow,” the smash voting conservatives. the number 20. Social media We’re all growing. If there can made famous by Lady Gaga and “We’re probably divided 50/50 pundits thought he was endors- be a blessing in the curse, reach Bradley Cooper in the 2018 like everybody else. But because ing Sen. Bernie Sanders for for it. Find it.” movie “A Star Is Born.” Year- it’s country music and they president. No, he was acknowl- He’s been to Minneapolis, wood’s stunningly soaring voice think it’s 90/10, it’s not. It’s just edging his fellow Oklahoma playing to more than 500,000 reminds how few women artists voices,” he said. “That’s why State University alum Barry people during his last three are being heard on country everyone pushed so hard for the Sanders, the Hall of Fame run- engagements here. He thinks he radio these days. vote. The only way you’re going ning back of the Detroit Lions. knows Minnesotans. Brooks said country program- to break stereotypes is let your “In ‘Forrest Gump,’ Tom “That community is a commu- mers think that female listeners, voice be heard within the ster- Hanks says, ‘Stupid is as stupid nity we should all try to be like,” the format’s dominant demo- eotype. I was raised where I does.’ Music can’t fix stupid. I’m he continued. “Things aren’t graphic, want to mostly hear On “Fun,” Garth Brooks and his speak for myself. That’s all I can sorry. The whole Sanders thing ever always going to be roses. male singers. He disagrees. wife, Trisha Yearwood, cover do. My message forever is toler- was nothing other than just So you got to face these things “What I’ve always enjoyed as “Shallow,” the smash hit sung by ance. And don’t vote party, vote ignorance and just silliness. and hopefully you become better a country music fan is the dif- Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper in person.” You’re in Detroit wearing a people for them. If not, then we ferent opinions from the differ- the 2018 film “A Star Is Born.” Then Brooks stayed on his Barry Sanders jersey. The whole live and die for nothing. ent voices. I find that women soapbox for a moment. thing that made it fun for me “And the pandemic has not sing about a lot more poignant King and Paul Simon. “Is it in our nature to divide? was here comes a tweet from helped. The election has not things than men do,” he said. “It should have been James Are you Democrat or Repub- Barry Sanders saying: ‘I’m run- helped. But my thing is bet on “They’ve picked those harder Taylor or somebody else stand- lican? Are you Black or white? ning for office; won’t you us. Bet on the human race. Find subjects to listen to, and I think ing up there,” said Brooks, put- Are you Ford or Chevy? I think (Brooks) be my vice president?’ your purpose. And what you’re we become better people by ting on his familiar Mr. Humble it’s in our nature to build a wall And that put everything in its going to find is the thread hearing it. Country music is a hat. “What I loved about it was between us. We set up cliques. place. It was very funny.” through all of us is love, and I’m family, and it takes all kinds in to look out and not be able to We should be focusing on in- Brooks is well aware of what not talking about hugging one this family.” tell the Democrats and Repub- clusion. We immediately set up the Twin Cities — his biggest another. I’m talking about for- During 2020, Brooks has been licans from each other in D.C. walls to not like people instead concert market — has gone giveness. I’m talking about em- collecting prestigious hardware because they were all just danc- of finding reasons to bring them through this year with the kill- pathy. Those big words that — Billboard’s Icon Award and ing together. It just made me in like family.” ing of George Floyd at the hands mean so much. To walk in each the Gershwin Prize for Popular feel like music might be the Brooks got into a little politi- of police. His message? other’s shoes, to feel each oth- Song, the youngest recipient of voice of hope or reason.” cal hot water when he was pho- “Try to remember that one er’s color, to feel each other’s an honor bestowed on the likes He knows the stereotype of tographed in February wearing day doesn’t paint an entire exist- culture. And listen. Those are of Smokey Robinson, Carole country fans, that they’re pick- a football jersey emblazoned ence. One act doesn’t paint an big, big things to do right now.” PAGE 34 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, December 11, 2020 WEEKEND: TELEVISION Beating the odds Talk show host Tamron Hall’s career going strong as daytime talk series secures third year with Disney

BY HELENA ANDREWS-DYER name: “Tamra! Tamra! I can’t wait to see The Washington Post you back on.” They all knew her from efore they started dating, Tam- somewhere, if not the same place. And they ron Hall’s future husband had all wanted her back. one cheesy (but effective) pickup “Let me pull in all of these different and Bline on repeat. real sides of me — the reporter for many Over the course of a year, Hall and mu- years in Chicago, the reporter for many sic executive Steven Greener, who knew years in Dallas, the anchor — you know, all one another in that “oh hey, it’s you” sort of of that, and make it one show,” Hall said. way, would have random run-ins at parties, That was it. That was the pitch. And the on planes and, once, poolside in Los An- first question out of every executive’s geles. Each time, Greener would shoulder mouth? Why you? Much more “famous” up to the veteran TV anchor and ask, people have crashed and burned under the “What are the odds?” bright lights of the daytime landscape. Call That same question is probably looping them one- (or two-) season wonders. Queen through the minds of every network exec- Latifah, Wayne Brady, Tony Danza, Harry utive, station manager and talent scout who Connick Jr., Meredith Vieira, Megyn Kelly counted Hall out after her abrupt, possibly — the list goes on. How was Hall going to career-ending exit from NBC three years do any better? ago. “I said, I don’t know if I can, but here’s What are the odds? Pretty good, it turns my theory of why or how I can,” Hall re- out. called. She started by pulling together the In the handful of years since her head- different parts of her own personal and line-making departure, Hall has married, professional journey, in hopes of gathering had a baby and debuted a hit show in a the viewers who’d watched her on chan- notoriously tough time slot. nels scattered across the TV spectrum. Since its debut in September 2019, the She was the little girl from Luling, Texas. veteran journalist’s nationally syndicated The granddaughter of a sharecropper who daytime talker, “The Tamron Hall Show,” never learned to read; Hall read for a liv- has gobbled up ratings and big-name gets. ing. She was the daughter of a single mom. A month after its Season 2 premiere, Dis- The woman who found her soul mate at 47. ney announced in October that Hall would The “late-in-life mother” who had a baby at be renewed, marking the first time a new 48. The sibling whose older sister, Renate, daytime talk series secured a third-year was murdered in 2004, a victim of domes- run since “The Steve Harvey” show did it tic violence. The journalist who hadn’t six years ago. stopped shining a light on that story since. Don’t call it a comeback. Hall has been An anchor, a host, a producer. betting on herself — and winning. “She’s lived a lot of life,” said Candi “I don’t want this platform to be seen as Carter, who joined “The Tamron Hall the ‘Ha-ha, look, they got it wrong.’ That’s Show” as executive producer and showrun- not what I want,” Hall said of her name- ner in the midst of the pandemic. sake show and its out-the-gate success. The A veteran of “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” better story is what she got right. Carter described Hall as a “multilayered In 2017, Hall left NBC after she lost her human” whose authenticity is her biggest dream job as the first Black woman to asset. Cliche? Yes. True? Also yes. co-host an hour of “Today” in its then-62- Too often, daytime is considered an easy year history. The network decided to take a A, the genre anyone with a following can right turn with Megyn Kelly as host of the conquer. But it’s much tougher than it third hour and, consequently, Hall’s long- looks, especially if the show’s headliner held roles on both the behemoth morning can’t manage to connect with the folks on show and cable news outlet MSNBC would the other side of the screen. be significantly diminished. Hall walked. “That host has to be willing to share their

“It was very scary at the time,” said JEFF NEIRA/Walt Disney Television life authentically because people see Jennifer Llamas, Hall’s good friend and through it,” Carter said. “They call bulls—, former executive producer at “MSNBC made to plead her case, asking for “per- 1-year-old son, Moses. and they turn the channel.” Live with Tamron Hall.” Llamas was on mission to stay.” The secret sauce to her success? “I Hall’s show — and its virality — is proof the phone with Hall as the broadcaster “At some point you learn that this is all channeled my inner Liam Neeson,” Hall that her many sides and many fans could walked out the doors of 30 Rockefeller so subjective. Sometimes the list of things explained. “I have a particular set of come together. Plaza for the final time. you can bring in simply don’t matter if skills.” There was the hard-hitting journalist hat “That was such a big moment,” Llamas that’s not what the other person is in- For a few years, you could flip through she put on to interview Andrew Gillum, the added. “While she believed in herself, she terested in. And I was okay with that — the channels and catch Hall lightly roast- Florida politician who, after narrowly mis- didn’t know what was coming.” by Day 3,” Hall joked. ing a politician on MSNBC, cooking on a sing the opportunity to become the state’s Hall was 47, and jobless for the first time Soon came more beginnings, and end- pretaped “Today” segment and investi- governor, was photographed naked and since she was 14. Unsurprisingly, the news ings. She landed a talk show development gating a murder on “Deadline: Crime intoxicated in a Miami hotel room. When junkie was left wondering whether it was deal with Harvey Weinstein’s company. with Tamron Hall.” Hall knew she still she welcomed reality star Tamar Braxton all over, her three decades in the business Then the #MeToo movement happened. had a place in the industry, especially if to her studio in October, months after it reduced to bullet points on a dusty résumé. But again, Hall tucked and rolled. She her following was to be believed. had been reported that the reality star The calls that were coming in mentioned signed with Disney, and her show — a There was the “lovely little old white attempted suicide, Hall began with: “How words she hadn’t heard in years: “side- mix of celebrity, confessionals, hard lady” in Three Rivers, Mich., who rolled are you?” For the intro to the show’s “Fresh kick” and “fill-in.” This couldn’t be it. news, sit-downs and even silliness — up to Hall during a blizzard to ask the Prince of Bel-Air” reunion segment, Hall “I knew my value, and I knew that that premiered in the fall of last year. Six journalist what she was doing next. In dressed in a neon yellow ’90s get-up and wasn’t matching my value,” said Hall, who months later, a global pandemic shut New York, Hall would run into Black rapped the famous theme song. made a promise to herself in those mo- down production. The show recalibrated women on the streets of Manhattan who’d “I feel more comfortable than ever. I feel ments — after some prerequisite pity- again and came back from Hall’s kitchen shout, “Girl, you got to go get it. You got more like myself. I feel, oddly enough, partying. She wouldn’t let anyone else in Harlem in late March with two laptops to go show them!” In the airport in Ar- choose her ending. She’d never again be and a baby monitor to keep track of her kansas, she learned to listen for a familiar SEE HALL ON PAGE 35 Friday, December 11, 2020 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 35 WEEKEND: TELEVISION Hall: Host stays true to herself, fans

FROM PAGE 34 liberated,” she said. “I looked at the tree and I look at the branch- es and there are many, and I am not being untrue to any part of myself.” That includes the newly mint- ed businesswoman who’s now responsible for an entire staff and crew. Hall approaches the show like running a small busi- ness, and there have been bumps in the road. This summer, as Season 1 wrapped, there were reports that Hall had fired and not paid 20 staffers in the midst of the pandemic. Not true, she NETFLIX/TNS said. Hall and Carter made Writer and comedian Ayo Edebiri takes over as the voice of Missy Foreman­Greenwald on “Big Mouth.” The show airs on Netflix. changes to the show staff ahead of Season 2, but everyone was paid through their original con- tract plus a 20-day extension. Those rumors got to her. “We know every company Reinventing ‘Big Mouth’ that’s run by a man, that’s run by a white man, would not be ques- tioned for trying to make the Comedian Ayo Edebiri joins the show as both a writer and the new voice of Missy company better. That’s what I was stunned by,” Hall said. Too BY TRACY BROWN Missy I had to reckon with discovering my- their voice and what they have to say. I think often, women are not expected to Los Angeles Times self in that context. part of the recasting, not just came from be business-minded and strate- ne thing that is abundantly clear What was your reaction to hearing that the Jenny but also from having Black writers and gic, she added, and fall into the on “Big Mouth” is that experi- show was going to start exploring Missy’s other writers of color in the room who said, “likability trap.” “I just thought, encing change is just a part of race and that aspect of her identity more? “This needs to happen.” Making sure that Wow, are we still there? We’re Ogrowing up. They discuss identity a lot on that show in a you’re actually listening to those voices and still at a point where a woman And character Missy Foreman-Green- lot of different ways, so I think it makes uplifting them and promoting them and not can’t say, ‘Let’s do better’?” wald’s journey in the fourth season of Net- sense. It’s a show where things are discussed, just having them on camera or in front of the More recently, BuzzFeed pub- flix’s animated series, now streaming on the so why not give this the same airtime and camera or the vocal talent or whatever, but lished an article about crew site, includes becoming more aware about have it treated right? But also it was like, having them in positions of influence. members’ concerns that the show her racial identity and figuring out what “How do you discuss this when Jenny is “Big Mouth” really takes me back to what was becoming a coronavirus being Black means to her. white? What do you do about it?” I remember about my own awkward middle­ hotspot as several staffers tested It’s in this context that writer and comedi- There are characters who are characters of school years. What is it like to have to dig positive. Unnamed sources an Ayo Edebiri makes her debut as the voice color, but they were voiced by white people, into that regularly for work? placed the blame on Hall and of Missy. Edebiri, who also joined the “Big so they didn’t have those conversations, when Oh, man. Both very fun and very excruciat- questioned the fact that those Mouth” writers room for the fifth season, maybe they could have if the actors were ing. Like, my interview for the job, I remem- closest to her were being tested takes over the role from Jenny Slate, who had Black. Or maybe they wouldn’t have. Maybe ber we just strictly talked about puberty, more frequently than others. voiced the character since the series pre- the stories wouldn’t have to be about race and which was such a horrible time for me. I left Hall called the report heart- miered. could just be about character. That’s what I the interview feeling so bad, because I just breaking, but maintained that the “I’ve always found Missy funny and weird, think is exciting about this. Like, I’m Black. talked about all that stuff. And I (thought) I show’s COVID-19 protocols were and it was cool to get to be a writer for a sea- And sometimes I talk about it; sometimes I was not funny. And I was just talking about in line with Disney’s standards. son where we were uncovering her as a char- don’t. That’s the reality of race — sometimes me at, like, 13, being a freak. This is not good. “When you have your name on acter even more and giving her a lot of fun you talk about it; sometimes you don’t. And my manager was like, “OK, please calm the show, you are responsible. things to do,” Edebiri said. “(Season) Four is What are your thoughts on how we ap­ down. It’ll be fine.” And I was like, “I ruined My name matters. It matters if a really great start, I think, to the beginning proach issues around race in an authentic it!” it’s associated with something I of what Missy’s journey is going to be like, way in entertainment? But they were like, “No, you got the job. We don’t have control over or not,” discovering not just her Blackness but her- We’re living through figuring that out. And know you’re funny. We read your script, and Hall said. self.” I think expecting to have the right answers is we’ve seen your stand-up. We just wanted to Control is something Hall has In her conversation with The Los Angeles part of the problem. Because we don’t have make sure you had stuff to draw from. That’s learned to let go of — when she Times, Edebiri discussed why it’s important them. This could even end up being wrong. I why we were asking you questions about can. She had no control over not only to have diverse voices in the room know there are people who are half-Black puberty and the bad stuff.” NBC’s decision three years ago, but also to listen to them, and how she drew and half-white who are like, “Well, why What has been the most exciting thing or the fact that some executives on her awkward middle-school years for her didn’t they cast somebody who was exactly creatively, working on a show like “Big passed on her show idea because work on “Big Mouth.” half-Black and half-Jewish then?” Mouth”? they didn’t get what she was The following has been edited for clarity We’re figuring it out. But I think that part It’s a show that’s always made me laugh. trying to do, or how a global and condensed: of doing that means having conversations. Getting the writing job felt like a dream come pandemic would send the media Los Angeles Times: What are your Sometimes, maybe, they’ll be funny. Some- true on its own. Being given the opportunity world scrambling. thoughts on Missy as a character? What times they’ll be serious. Sometimes, they’ll be to voice a character on the show has only “Sometimes we have to just be about her do you find the most relatable? nice. And sometimes they’ll be uncomfort- heightened that feeling. And while it’s defi- OK with not having that control Edebiri: I’ve always appreciated and relat- able and not completely concrete, or you nitely a bit nerve-racking, we’re very much and accepting the moment,” she ed to Missy. I don’t think I was a bucktoothed might not be getting the answer that you in the middle of these conversations about said. kid who wrote joint fan fiction with my want or need. But I think having those con- diversity and inclusion and equity. So I don’t Right now, the moment is hers: friends and took Latin for fun, so I think you versations is a big part of it. know if excited is the right word, but I’m “The underdogs, the kids that the can draw whatever parallels you want to I think another big part is having people in grateful that as a show we know the impor- industry didn’t bet on and per- from that. There was also a period of my the room and actually listening to them. Not tance of that while also remembering that the haps some still wouldn’t? We’re education where I went to (predominantly just hiring people because they check off a show itself is funny and fun, and we get to still here.” white institutions), and I think similarly to box. Like, hiring them because you value deliver that. PAGE 36 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, December 11, 2020 WEEKEND: HEALTH & FITNESS

BY SAMANTHA SCHMIDT The Washington Post t took a global pandemic and a badly timed breakup for Manny Argueta to realize just how far he had grown Iapart from his guy friends. iStock photos In the spring, after the 35-year-old had left the home he shared with his former girl-friend and moved into a studio in sub- urban Falls Church, Va., on his own, he would go an entire week without saying a word. There were no more game days with the guys, no more Friday nights in down- town bars, and Argueta was starved for social interaction. He returned to his Play- Station 4, jumping on the microphone with a stranger while playing “Overwatch” just to hear someone’s voice. He discovered the messaging app Discord and started chat- ting with his old gamer friends and watch- ing them play “Mortal Kombat 11” — even when he didn’t have the game set up him- self. He started recognizing how dependent his friendships had become on those Sun- day football games and nights at 14th Street lounges, on venting about Repub- licans or why the Washington Capitals didn’t make the playoffs. They hardly ever talked about relationships or family, or just serious topics. The group of four men, who how they were doing. He had never met met on their freshman floor at the Uni- many of their family members. versity of Virginia and are now in their 30s, For more than a decade, psychologists BONDING have been groomsmen in each other’s have written about the “friendship crisis” weddings. They have gone on international facing many men. A 2006 analysis publish- trips together. They consider the other ed in the American Sociological Review men in the group their closest friends. found that while Americans in general So why don’t they ever actually talk have fewer friends outside the family than BEYOND THE BAR about their feelings? they used to, young, white, educated men “I’ve always thought it’s funny that we have lost more friends than other groups. talk about things that are completely in- Male friendships are often rooted in The pandemic is forcing some men consequential 80 to 90% of the time,” said “shoulder-to-shoulder” interactions, such his friend, Alex Hyde, 32, over a recent as watching a football game or playing to realize they need deeper friendships joint Zoom call. video games, while women’s interactions When the friends get together in person, are more face-to-face, such as grabbing a for a beer or dinner, the deeper details coffee or getting together for a glass of Argueta was used to avoiding talking Way said, many men may be forced to “sneak in by accident,” Hyde said. Now wine, said Geoffrey Greif, a professor at about personal details in his conversations change the way they think about their that they can’t, the more serious topics the University of Maryland School of So- with male friends. But after struggling friendships and to connect in new, deeper don’t come as naturally over text. cial Work who wrote a book about male with his mental health and going through ways: “I think they’re being forced to for It feels more raw, Hyde said. “In general friendship. When Greif surveyed hundreds therapy this year, he said, he wants to start survival.” with other guys, there’s a certain amount of of men about how they most often social- finding ways to tell his friends what’s ac- A few years ago, Stephen Davis, 33, a tax harassment that goes with anything you ized with friends, 80% of men said “sports” tually going on. manager in suburban Alexandria, Va., say... you got to be ready for that.” — either watching or participating in them Niobe Way, a professor of developmental joined a group text with one of his best It feels impossible not to revert to mak- together. psychology who interviewed hundreds of friends and some other guys he vaguely ing fun of one another, Gordon said. “We Because of this, many men have prob- boys for her 2013 book “Deep Secrets: knew from college. The conversation was, have no self restraint ...I can’t not crack up. ably had a harder time than women figur- Boys’ Friendships and the Crisis of Con- at first, solely focused on the world of pro- We set each other off,” he said. “In an ideal ing out how to adapt their friendships in a nection,” argues the lack of vulnerability in fessional wrestling. They called it “Five world, we wouldn’t do that.” pandemic that is keeping them apart. male friendships is rooted in a misogy- MB,” short for Five Man Band. These are the kinds of conversations “The rules for guys pursuing other guys nistic, homophobic culture that discourag- But recently, the group has evolved into Argueta, in Falls Church, had come to for friendships are not clear,” Greif said. es emotional intimacy between men. But a space to vent about so much more. It’s expect from his friendships with men. “Guys don’t want to seem too needy.” it’s also part of a culture that does not value gotten them through multiple job changes, When a couple of friends came over to But the pandemic might be forcing this adult friendship in general. home moves and the births of four of their help him set up his PC, Argueta expected dynamic to change. “The goal of adulthood is to find a part- children — including two during the pan- them to roast him for looking like a “broke In emails and interviews with The Wash- ner, not to find a best friend,” Way said. demic. When Davis was struggling with college student” in his new studio, where ington Post, dozens of men shared stories “There’s nothing in our definition of suc- ideas for how to keep his son occupied he has barely put anything on the walls and about Zoom poker games, backyard cigar cess or maturity ... that includes friend- when playgrounds were closed, one of the he has cords all over his desk. Instead, the nights, neighborhood-dad WhatsApp ships.” other dads in the group suggested an obsta- two friends asked him to talk about what chains, Dungeons & Dragons groups and But research shows that close friend- cle course of pillows for his son to run led up to his breakup, and how he was Fantasy Football leagues where casual ships and social networks are essential. A through. When Davis’ wife’s water broke, handling the past few months. Argueta chats about sports and politics have sud- Brigham Young University study found he texted the Five Man Band before any- opened up to them — about his past rela- denly led to deep conversations — about that social connections — with friends, one else — even before his parents. tionship, the move, the pandemic, every- the struggles of virtual schooling, family family, neighbors or colleagues — improve The group has become closer than ever thing. He was more personal with them illness, breakups, births, wedding post- a person’s odds of survival by 50%. during the pandemic. They now send near- than he had ever been before. ponements and job losses. In 2018, the suicide rate among men was ly 100 text messages a day, a constant One of his friends reminded him he The moment feels heavier and so do the 3.7 times higher than among women, ac- stream of consciousness about what’s could call the group on Discord anytime. conversations. Some men said their friend- cording to statistics from the National going on in their lives. The conversations “Just talk, just say anything,” the friend ships have begun to look more like those of Institute of Mental Health. But some sur- feel more vulnerable, more honest than said. “Somebody’s going to answer.” their wives and girl-friends. For the first veys show men are less likely than women others Davis has ever had with friends in Argueta planned to send them a group time in their lives, they’re going on walks to admit they are lonely, while other re- the past. They’re the kind of conversations text message soon, thanking his friends for with male friends just to catch up. They’re search suggests men derive more of their he would have never been able to have coming over and for “bailing me out in FaceTiming old college friends and check- emotional intimacy from the women in while sitting at a bar and watching a game. more ways than you think.” He wanted to ing in on neighbors — not only to talk about their lives. In one study, married men were “There’s always too much noise to get to keep being honest about what he was going the NBA draft picks or their children’s more likely than married women to list that next level,” he said. through. soccer schedule, but to ask how they’re their spouse as their best friend. Jonathan Gordon sometimes wishes his “I’m going to be real,” he said. He won- doing. In this time of unprecedented isolation, college buddies would talk about more dered if they would do the same. Friday, December 11, 2020 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 37 WEEKEND: FAMILY/BOOKS Literature and laughs Will it be the rack, Military author crafts hilarious or the rocking chair? narrative out of family columns “My lower back started hurting again,” I told my new BY KATE MAISEL primary care doctor at the base clinic, who appeared to be Stars and Stripes about 12 years old. My last PCM was also female, but a little closer to my age. The one before that was a nurse practitio- houghtful, entertaining gifts can be hard to ner, and the three before that were middle-aged men. find at the best of times. As the window clos- Each time the Navy assigns me a new PCM, which hap- es on holiday shopping, it can seem all but pens frequently, I have to explain myself all over again. Timpossible to find that special item that says Once, my PCM changed a week before my pap smear ap- “I thought of you, even if I bought this close to the last pointment, and I didn’t know it until I was sitting in the ex- minute.” If this sounds all too familiar, we have a liter- amining room in a paper gown. He walked in, told me to put ary suggestion — and you might want to pick up one my feet in the stirrups and to “scootch down to the end of the for yourself as well. table.” Humor columnist Lisa Molinari has compiled her Anna Molinari Military dependents get used to these cringe-worthy mo- weekly missives into a book, “The Meat and Potatoes Military spouse Lisa Molinari mined her family’s ments in our health care. Due to our mobile lifestyles, we of Life: My True Lit Com.” The chapters are grouped humorous stories over the decades for “The Meat and become accustomed to changing everything from hairstylists into seasons of the Molinari family’s life, taking read- Potatoes of Life: My True Lit Com.” to churches to pizza joints to schools to dentists to mechan- ers all the way from wedding to empty nest, with plen- ics. Why would our experience with medical doctors be any ty of mayhem involving three kids, one dog and many Can you explain the title? different? moves in between. I named my column “The Meat and Potatoes of “My back started hurting a few years ago,” I explained to The bite-sized chap- Life” because to me, it was all about weeding out the the young PCM I’d been assigned, “and Dr. … what was her ters make the book nonsense to see the nuggets of truth. The humor comes name? She sent me for physical therapy. It worked. Well, easy to enjoy a few in because it’s fun to laugh at all the meaningless stuff until now.” minutes at a time, but we get caught up in today. I was elected class clown in After giving me a blank stare which seemed to say, “Cry it’s certainly entertain- high school, so I’ve always seen humor as a virtue. It’s me a river,” my new PCM sent me for a fresh X-ray. ing enough to hold a common bond between my husband and I, and we “Mild to moderate degenerative arthritis,” she told me, but readers’ attention for have taught our kids to develop keen senses of humor, all I heard was, “Go find a rocking chair and some tapioca longer. With chapter too. pudding, because you’re officially ancient.” I was referred headings such as What does your family think of your columns? Do for another round of physical therapy sessions. “Does This Baby they ever object to the way they’re portrayed? Although I knew the PT would help to alleviate my back Make My Husband’s This is the most common question I get asked. Ev- pain, memories of my last round of physical therapy con- Butt Look Big?”, “Lord eryone wants to know, “Does Francis get mad at you vinced me that it could wait until after the holidays. of the Houseflies” and over what you’ve written about him?” Believe it or not, “Now, pull your right knee up to your left ear,” my previ- “Fifty Shades of Mat- no! Not only does my husband never get mad at me for ous physical therapist had told me in all seriousness three tress Shopping,” Moli- writing stories about him, he frequently suggests that I years ago. I had to look out the window to see if any pigs nari excels in finding write about him. My husband grew up in a big family were flying by. humor in relatable where every kid fought for attention. He is our “love- I had envisioned myself being gently guided through ther- circumstances. able narcissist” because everyone in our family knows apeutic motions intended to heal my stiffened spine, but no Like so many things in 2020, Molinari’s book pub- that Francis’ favorite topic is, hands down, himself. one bothered to tell me that I would have to break a sweat, lishing journey began with high hopes. She has experi- Anytime I write about him — the good, the bad, and not to mention turn myself into a human pretzel. enced a lot of uncertainty since May 1, when “My True even the ugly — he’s happy to bask in the limelight. Every PT session followed the same general routine: Be- Lit Com” hit the market. Though a book at first seems The kids on the other hand, show very little interest in fore I had the chance to get into a good People Magazine like a pandemic-proof endeavor, publicity has been a anything I write. It’s just something that Mom has article in the waiting area, I was greeted by one of the ther- challenge with in-person events at a standstill. Molina- done for 10 years. I’ve read my columns to them over apists and brought into the cheerful PT suite with its colorful ri says she would especially like her collection of sto- the years, and so far, none of the kids have objected to workout equipment, entertaining background music, happy ries to reach military families, as they will be able to how I portrayed them, but then again, they probably houseplants and padded tables. relate like no other to her experiences. weren’t listening. If they ever manage to read my Although I would have preferred to nod off on a padded Molinari’s column runs weekly in Stars and Stripes. book, it will likely be because they will find it many table while enjoying the music, I was always asked to warm We chatted with her via email about bathroom reads, years from now, while they are cleaning out my house up on a treadmill, followed by rolling my under-stretched the biggest compliment she’s received and what her after I’ve died. In all seriousness, our whole family thighs repeatedly over a foam cylinder on the floor. Piece of family thinks about their foibles being leveraged for thinks it’s pretty cool that our life is memorialized in cake, or so I thought. Who knew that the harmless limbering laughs in print. print, and that both military and civilian families re- exercise would elicit visions of being strapped to “the rack” Stars and Stripes: What prompted you to write a late to the stories of chaos, joy, disappointment, pride, by Medieval King Longshanks? book? frustration and love contained in the book. I was then allowed to lounge on one of the padded tables, Molinari: When you write a humor column, you have What are your hopes for this book? which would have been lovely, if it were not for the dog leash to dredge up all kinds of stories to tell. After years of My hopes for this book have always been pretty I had use to pull my extremities into positions that made me telling these stories in my columns, I began to see a simple. Back when I told my writer’s group about my look like a Cirque du Soleil reject. pattern, an overarching tale about a military spouse plans to write a manuscript in the style of a readable While the therapist cleaned the table, I had to endure a and her family, coming of age. In 2013, I joined a writ- sitcom, one member asked incredulously, “You don’t final melange of strengthening exercises. Isometric lunges, er’s group where we were stationed in Newport, R.I., want to write a bathroom book, do you?” I thought step ups, wall squats and something affectionately referred and began rewriting, organizing and reading what I’d about it a minute, and told her, “It’d be okay with me if to as “monster walks” — pacing back and forth across the written to the group. I made one curmudgeon in the people enjoyed my book in the bathroom.” She was room in front of everyone, legs splayed out in a semi-squat group laugh a lot, and he told me, “Your stories read flabbergasted. What she didn’t understand is that I just with a giant rubber band around my thighs. like episodes of ‘The Middle’ or ‘The Wonder Years.’ ” wanted to write something that would make readers Despite the painful memories of my last PT sessions, I am This got me thinking about a book — not a compilation laugh, smile, or even tear up a little. The biggest com- fully confident that my next physical therapist will teach me of my columns, but a real book — with plot, scenes and pliment to me is that I’ve written a “feel-good” story, to touch my knee to my ear again, and that my back will feel dialogue, written like a readable sitcom. For the next because that’s exactly what so many of us need right better for it. six years, I developed the manuscript draft that be- now. No need to buy that rocking chair just yet. came “The Meat and Potatoes of Life: My True Lit Read more at themeatandpotatoesoflife.com, and in Lisa’s book, The Meat and Potatoes of Com.” “The Meat and Potatoes of Life: My True Lit Com” is available on Amazon. Life: My True Lit Com. Email: [email protected] PAGE 38 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, December 11, 2020 WEEKEND: CROSSWORD AND COMICS NEW YORK TIMES CROSSWORD

SIX-PACK 12345 678910 11 12 13 14 15 16 BY ERIC BERLIN / EDITED BY WILL SHORTZ 71 81 91 Eric Berlin, of Milford, Conn., is the assistant publisher of Penny Publications, a puzzle-magazine company, and the creator of the website Puzzlesnacks. He is the author of ‘‘The Puzzling World of Winston Breen’’ (Penguin) and two sequels. When he 02 12 22 started constructing, Eric says, ‘‘my goal was to sell exactly one puzzle to The New York Times, just to say I did it.’’ That was almost 20 years and more than 40 Times crosswords ago. — W.S 32 42 52 62 72

ACROSS 43 Suffix with towel 93 Magnificent plan of 9 Actor Wallach 82 92 03 13 1 Its logo has a blue, red, 44 NoDoz, for one action 10 Friends you may 23 33 43 53 63 orange, yellow and 46 Help with the dishes 95 Bone in the leg never have met green ‘‘M’’ 48 Fragment 96 Key to get out 11 Salon job named after 73 83 93 04 14 24 a comic book hero 6 Win every game 50 Look back fondly 97 Maya Angelou’s ‘‘And Still ____’’ 12 Danson of ‘‘The Good 34 44 54 64 74 11 Blitzed 52 Disney-owned cable 98 Nev. neighbor Place’’ channel 84 94 05 15 25 35 45 55 17 Beethoven’s Third 13 Building girder 56 Ask to be handed a 100 Cloth used in theater 18 Snoopy sort? hand? backdrops 14 Actress Lyonne 65 75 85 95 06 104 ____ Defense 15 Compulsive thieves, 19 You can scratch 57 Vereen who won (classic chess informally 16 26 36 46 56 66 76 with it a 1973 Tony for ‘‘Pippin’’ opening) 16 ‘‘An apple a day keeps 20 Materials from 86 96 07 17 27 37 47 58 Prefix akin to mal- 106 Cozy home the doctor away,’’ mollusk shells for one 59 Haphazardly 107 Dance celebrating 57 67 77 87 97 08 21 Tried to respond, organized 2010 legislation 17 Hydrocarbon suffixes 18 28 38 48 58 68 as a ‘‘Jeopardy!’’ 61 Having four sharps, 109 Glad ____ (good 18 The thought is there contestant musically news) 19 Serving of tea, to 78 88 98 09 19 29 22 Gave the latest news 62 ____ Regal, big name 111 Turn up Brits in Scotch 113 One of 17 in 24 River near Rotterdam 39 49 59 23 Very short-lived Monopoly gemstones 65 ‘‘And so on and so 26 Some lawn 69 79 89 99 001 301201101 forth’’ 114 Manages, barely maintenance tools 25 Nicolas ____, standout 67 Expected 115 Bibliophile 30 Who wrote 401 501 601 701 801 player in soccer’s ‘‘Undeniable: Premier League 68 General Motors 116 Tightfisted sorts Evolution and the 901 011 111 211 311 division until 2010 117 Back up again 27 Drake’s output Science of Creation’’ 70 Resident: Suffix 118 Hip-hop’s ____, the 411 511 611 33 Recipient of special 28 Thinly veiled 72 One-named singer Creator treatment, in brief 711 811 911 criticism, in modern with the 2019 Song 119 First name in 34 Very cold slang of the Year nominee cosmetics ‘‘Hard Place’’ 35 Klingons, e.g., for 29 Blow off steam, say 73 Some ‘‘Babe’’ short 53 Supporting musician 69 SpongeBob 85 One sharing a bunk 99 Dancer with glow DOWN 30 Possible fallout characters 36 What Hypnos is the in a jazz band SquarePants and bed, briefly sticks, often of a controversy, 1 Plot lines? 75 Designer Gucci Greek god of others 87 Animosity 101 Actress Zellweger informally 2 Coffee variety named 54 Guest’s guest 76 Beat box? 37 ____ Plaines, Ill. 71 Opposition for a Mideast city 55 Family tree word 88 Places to play Skee- 102 Get accustomed (to) 31 RR stop 38 Liquor component 74 Entertainment host 79 A brother of 32-Across 3 Emergency situation Ball 103 Fannie ____ (some 39 Over 57 Chin-up target, Ryan, that smart 32 Name shouted in 81 Zing caused by a terrier 90 Turn off and on again, securities) ‘‘The Chipmunk informally aleck! 83 ‘‘Concentration’’ 4 Pre-snowstorm 40 Outdoor say Song’’ 105 Charging option puzzles purchase 41 Part of a glass ... or 60 Leaders of the pack? 77 To wit 92 With regard to 107 Said aloud 34 TV quiz program 86 Reasonable glasses 78 Belt in judo 5 Hit with a beam, 61 Bitter brew, for short 93 Get worse through about an epic poem 87 ‘‘The Divine Comedy’’ maybe 45 Before: Abbr. 80 Mustachioed 108 Showed up 63 Pounding on a pie neglect 37 Handed a hand poet 6 Makes watertight 47 More dangerous to Springfield resident 110 Cyber Monday mo., topping 94 ‘‘Give it ____!’’ usually 40 Bully’s threat 89 Brand of cologne with 7 Mascara applicators drive on, in a way 82 Baseball’s Mel 64 Cloud ____ 95 Need in Boggle 42 World view you might a literary name 8 Dozens of them are 49 Metric prefix 84 One of the Schuyler 112 Daisy Ridley’s ‘‘Star open up to? 91 Jazzed (up) sold 51 Natural bridge 66 Followers of bees sisters in ‘‘Hamilton’’ 98 Withstand Wars’’ role

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 S R P D A B S S I H E D A H S

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L L A B E U C E L G A E B A C I O R E O K N I T S P E E W S L I A M G Friday, December 11, 2020 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 39 FACES

Soderbergh Benefit concert has star power at helm for Associated Press Taylor Swift, Cher, Billie Eilish, 2021 Oscars LL Cool J and Dolly Parton are adding their voices to Cyndi Laup- BY JOSH ROTTENBERG er’s annual concert to combat Los Angeles Times youth homelessness, an issue the Amid a global pandemic that has “True Colors” singer says has only upended the usual business of Hol- gotten worse during the pandem- lywood’s awards season, the Acad- ic. emy of Motion Picture Arts and “You can say ‘Stay home; pro- Sciences announced Tuesday that tect yourself.’ What do you do if filmmaker Steven Soderbergh and you’ve got no home?” Lauper told producers Jesse Collins and Sta- The Associated Press. “I think it’s cey Sher will team up to produce time that we make sure all young the 93rd Academy Awards. people have access to lifesaving In June, facing a summer surge services without fear of violence in COVID-19 cases and an uncer- or discrimination.” tain path ahead, the academy de- Her Home for the Holidays ben- cided to postpone the Oscars tele- efit concert will premiere Friday cast from Feb. 28 to April 25. Now, on Lauper’s TikTok channel at 8 as the nation enters the most dan- p.m. EST, with an additional gerous phase of the pandemic yet, SONY PICTURES CLASSICS/AP stream Sunday at 8 p.m. EST on much is still to be determined Ziyi Zhang, left, and Chen Chang in a scene from “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.” Wednesday marks Lauper’s YouTube and Facebook about how the Oscars will be held, the 20th anniversary of the release of Ang Lee’s movie, filmed in China and shot in Mandarin. handles. This year’s concert will including whether it will be an in- be free to watch, with donations person event or a virtual ceremo- encouraged. ny. The lineup also includes Adam In handing the reins to Soder- Martial arts masterwork Lambert, Amanda Shires & Jason bergh, Collins and Sher — all of Isbell, Bette Midler, Billy Porter, whom have deep résumés in Hol- Boy George, Brandi Carlile, Brit- lywood, but none of whom has ever tany Howard, Carson Kressley, produced the Oscars before — A- Harvey Fierstein, Henry Rollins, cademy leaders are banking that Ang Lee on ‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon’ 20 years later Jackson Browne, Judy Gold, Kim they will be able to adapt a show Petras, King Princess, Meg that is deeply rooted in nearly a BY JAKE COYLE er. An international co-production The film is a fusion of East and Myers, Phoebe Bridgers, Sharon century of tradition. Associated Press filmed in China and shot in Manda- West, of Asian film history and Osbourne, Shea Diamond and “The upcoming Oscars is the t’s physically impossible to rin, it still ranks, easily, as the most Hollywood, of action movie and art Whoopi Goldberg. perfect occasion for innovation get to the forest fight scene successful non-English language house. Lee and writer-producer Franklin among Women’s and for re-envisioning the possi- that hovers atop slender film ever in the U.S. The $17 mil- James Schamus — who together bilities for the awards show. This is Ibamboo trees in “Crouching lion movie grossed $128.1 million adapted Jane Austen in 1995 — Hall of Fame honorees a dream team who will respond di- Tiger, Hidden Dragon” and not in North America. took to referring to it as “ ‘Sense “Queen of Soul” Aretha Fran- rectly to these times,” academy say out loud, “Whoa.” Arguably more than any other and Sensibility’ with martial arts.” klin and Nobel laureate and “Be- President David Rubin and acade- Twenty years later, the exhila- film, “Crouching Tiger Hidden Over five months of prep and a loved” author Toni Morrison will my Chief Executive Dawn Hudson rating grace of Ang Lee’s martial- Dragon” exposed mainstream five-month shoot across China, be inducted into the National said in a joint statement. “The A- arts masterwork is just as breath- American moviegoers not just to a Lee agonized over the delicate bal- Women’s Hall of Fame Thursday cademy is excited to work with taking. The way figures glide new genre known predominantly ance of “Crouching Tiger.” as part of a posthumous class of them to deliver an event that re- across the water. The extraordin- in Asia — the wuxia tradition — but “Halfway through our difficul- Black honorees that also includes flects the worldwide love of mo- ary lightness of it. Its craft and cho- to subtitled films in general. It set ties, I remember thinking this is a Henrietta Lacks, whose cells were vies and how they connect us and reography are only further evi- another record with 10 Academy B-movie, supposedly. I’m fighting widely used in biomedical re- entertain us when we need them dence of a mantra uttered in the Awards nominations, a mark since the genre, trying to make a great search; Barbara Hillary, the first the most.” film: “A sword by itself rules noth- equaled by “Roma” and “Para- movie,” Lee says. “I didn’t have ex- Black woman to travel to both the “We’re thrilled and terrified in ing. It only comes alive in skilled site.” “Crouching Tiger” took perience in martial arts. It’s a very North and South Poles; and civil equal measure. Because of the ex- hands.” home four Oscars. special skill and cinematic sense, rights activists Barbara Rose, traordinary situation we’re all in, Take that scene, where Chow Did Lee feel that when Bong which I learned from the Hong Johns Powell and Mary Church there’s an opportunity to focus on Yun-fat and Zhang Ziyi clash in a Joon Ho’s “Parasite” became the Kong crew — the choreographer Terrell. the movies and the people who dance across bamboo stalks. first non-English language best- Yuen Wo-ping and the cinematog- The evening ceremony will be make them in a new way, and we Asked what he remembers about picture winner in February that he rapher Peter Pau. I learned so the first in a series of planned vir- hope to create a show that really shooting it, Lee doesn’t hesitate: had helped pave the way? much about moviemaking. Not tual inductions meant to correct a FEELS like the movies we all The sweating. Not from heat, but “Yeah, I did,” says Lee, laugh- just about action, but about the es- lack of diversity among honorees, love,” Collins, Sher and Soder- from the stress of suspending a few ing. “I wouldn’t say it happened sence of the medium.” hall officials said in a news re- bergh said in their own joint state- of Asia’s biggest movie stars high because of me. But as people Every project tends to become lease. ment. in the air, held aloft by cranes over paved the way for me, I paved the all-consuming for Lee, the protean “In order to openly acknowl- A prolific and unpredictable a valley. way for that movie. And that movie director of “Life of Pi,” “Broke- edge and amend the disparities filmmaker, Soderbergh has di- “You use very heavy ways to im- paved the way for future movie- back Mountain” and “The Ice within the nomination pool, the rected more than 30 movies since itate lightness,” said Lee, speaking makers and goers. We’re a com- Storm.” “Sometimes it feels like virtual induction series will recog- breaking out in 1989 with his fea- by phone from Taiwan during a re- munity. We’re all part of a history.” every movie is a lifetime,” he says, nize and induct other marginal- ture debut, “sex, lies and video- cent trip from his home in New “Crouching Tiger” is poised be- chuckling. But he considers ized women of achievement in- tape,” including “Contagion,” York. “Each actor hanging up tween worlds. Its elegantly chore- “Crouching Tiger” his most diffi- cluding those from the Latinx, “Out of Sight,” “Magic Mike” and there, you need 30 people down on ographed action scenes have the cult film. Not just for the technical Asian, Native American, “Ocean’s Eleven” and its two se- the ground mimicking how the meter of poetry. Its conflicts be- challenges but because of the pres- LGBTQ+ sisterhoods, as well as quels. bamboo swings in the wind. I prob- tween duty and freedom, master sure he put on himself to capture additional Black women,” it said. He won a directing Oscar in ably did about a third of what I and disciple take on soulful dimen- the cinema of his youth. Franklin had dozens of hits over 2000 for the drama “Traffic” and wanted to do. The way you dream sions — particularly in scenes with That’s also what Lee ascribes a half-century and her signature earned a nomination for directing about a movie, it’s very difficult to the film’s antagonist: the rebel- the film’s success to: its sense of song, “Respect,” has stood as a “Erin Brockovich” that same year make real.” lious Jen Yu (Zhang), a command- childlike wonderment. cultural icon. She won 18 Grammy and earlier earned a screenplay Tuesday marked the 20th anni- ing figure of feminist fury and em- “What I think people respond to awards and, in 1987, became the nod for “sex, lies, and videotape.” versary of the release of “Crouch- powerment who at the time drew is the innocence,” Lee says. “Put- first woman inducted into the He’s also has produced a wide ing Tiger Hidden Dragon,” an oc- comparisons to Buffy the Vampire ting yourself in an unknown situa- Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. range of projects, including “Bill & casion being celebrated with a new Slayer. Twenty years later, she tion, somehow you have a better Franklin died of pancreatic can- Ted Face the Music,” “Citizen- limited-edition 4K UHD Blu-ray. still feels like a brilliant outlier in a chance to find that innocence. It’s cer at her home in Detroit in 2018. four” and “Michael Clayton.” It remains a movie unlike any oth- male-dominated genre. the reason we go to the theater.” She was 76. PAGE 40 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, December 11, 2020 Friday, December 11, 2020 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 41 OPINION

Max D. Lederer Jr., Publisher Lt. Col. Marci Hoffman, Europe commander Lt. Col. Richard McClintic, Pacific commander DOD needs an agent of change Caroline E. Miller, Europe Business Operations MAX BOOT drone in Afghanistan in 2001 — but it is now feed compared with the cost of building new Special To The Washington Post. struggling to transform its armed forces to aircraft carriers that could become target EDITORIAL f we want things to stay as they are, incorporate advances in fields such as ro- practice for Chinese missiles. The new Ger- things will have to change. — “The botics, artificial intelligence, hypersonics, ald R. Ford, still not complete, cost $13 bil- Terry Leonard, Editor Leopard” by Giuseppe Tomasi di directed energy and quantum computing. lion, and the Navy is building two more in its [email protected] ILampedusa We need a defense secretary who can drive class. In 2018, then-Defense Secretary Jim Robert H. Reid, Senior Managing Editor Small wars can sometimes send a big innovation in ways that a recently retired Mattis proposed that the Harry S. Truman [email protected] message. During the Italo-Turkish War in general such as Lloyd Austin — President- be retired halfway through its service life. 1911, an Italian pilot in Libya carried out the elect Joe Biden’s reported choice — is un- But President Donald Trump overruled Tina Croley, Managing Editor for Content world’s first bombing raid just eight years likely to do. him. The Navy will need to spend $20 billion [email protected] after the Wright Brothers’ first flight. Dur- The Defense Department, to be sure, has to keep this flat-top, already a quarter-cen- Sean Moores, Managing Editor for Presentation ing the Spanish Civil War of 1936-1939, Ger- made a major commitment to unmanned tury old, at sea for another 25 years. [email protected] man forces pioneered the blitzkrieg tactics platforms ranging from tiny surveillance The one military service that is taking real Joe Gromelski, Managing Editor for Digital they would use in World War II. During the drones to major combat systems such as the risks to retool is the Marine Corps. It has got- [email protected] Israel-Syria war in 1982, Israeli forces oblit- Air Force’s XQ-58A Valkyrie, an unmanned ten rid of all of its tanks and is reducing the erated Syrian air defenses, offering a pre- fighter, and the Navy’s Orca, an unmanned number of cannons, infantry and helicop- BUREAU STAFF view of the technology and tactics that U.S. submarine. But the military services re- ters, to focus on a new island-hopping strate- forces would use eight years later in the Gulf main heavily invested in “legacy” systems gy of using missiles and unmanned aircraft Europe/Mideast War. such as tanks and aircraft carriers that are to fight China. The other services are trying Erik Slavin, Europe & Mideast Bureau Chief Now add this fall’s Nagorno-Karabakh increasingly vulnerable. (China’s “carrier- to maintain their existing forces while add- [email protected] war to the list. In six weeks of fighting, the killer” missiles reportedly hit a moving ship ing unmanned systems as an adjunct. But +49(0)631.3615.9350; DSN (314)583.9350 oil-rich nation of Azerbaijan defeated Rus- in a test in August.) there won’t be enough money in the future to Pacific sia’s ally Armenia to reclaim territory it had “We are not moving nearly fast enough to do everything. In an era of urgent domestic Aaron Kidd, Pacific Bureau Chief lost in the early 1990s. A key to Azerbaijan’s cheaper, more attributable aircraft,” for- priorities, the defense budget (currently [email protected] +81.42.552.2511 ext. 88380; DSN (315)227.7380 triumph was its use of killer drones such as mer undersecretary of defense Eric Edel- $741 billion) is likely to shrink. Hard choices Turkey’s Bayraktar TB2, which is armed man told me, referring to unmanned air- will need to be made. Washington with antitank missiles and is similar to the craft whose “attrition” in combat would not And that brings me to the possible nomi- Joseph Cacchioli, Washington Bureau Chief [email protected] U.S. Reaper, and Israel’s “kamikaze be as catastrophic as the loss of manned air- nation of Austin as secretary of defense. He (+1)(202)886-0033 drones,” which home in on radar emissions. craft. “We have an inertia towards manned is an experienced soldier and a minority Brian Bowers, Assistant Managing Editor, News [email protected] Armenia’s outdated, Russian-made air platforms, whether at sea, land, air,” Singer trailblazer, but there is nothing in his record defenses could not stop the onslaught, and agreed, adding there is also a predisposition to indicate that he is a bold or unconvention- CIRCULATION its ground forces suffered heavy losses. for a small number of costly weapons sys- al thinker. After 41 years in the Army, he is P.W. Singer of the New America think tank tems over a larger number of cheaper ones. unlikely to shake things up at a time when Mideast provided me with data, based on open- That inertia is reinforced by the “iron tri- technological advances are transforming Robert Reismann, Mideast Circulation Manager source reporting, that indicates that 47% of angle” of defense contractors, members of the battlefield. We need a smart civilian [email protected] [email protected] Armenia’s combat vehicles were damaged Congress and the Pentagon bureaucracy. running the Pentagon who is more likely to DSN (314)583-9111 or destroyed, along with 93% of its artillery. The new defense authorization bill set to be grapple with the paradox at the heart of di Europe This one-sided outcome, which follows passed by the House on Tuesday authorizes Lampedusa’s novel. If we want to maintain Karen Lewis, Community Engagement Manager the success of Turkish drones in the past 93 F-35 fighters — 14 more than the Penta- U.S. military dominance, the U.S. military [email protected] year in Syria and Libya, shows that the gon requested — and an extra Virginia-class must change in ways that will make a lot of [email protected] transformation of warfare by unmanned submarine that the Pentagon did not ask for. entrenched interests very uncomfortable. +49(0)631.3615.9090; DSN (314)583.9090 technology is accelerating and spreading A Virginia-class submarine costs about $3 Pacific around the world. The United States was a billion, and an F-35 at least $80 million. Boot is the Jeane J. Kirkpatrick senior fellow for national Mari Mori, [email protected] pioneer in this field — it first used an armed That’s a lot of money — but it’s chicken security studies at the Council on Foreign Relations. +81-3 6385.3171; DSN (315)227.7333 CONTACT US Washington COVID violators not American heroes tel: (+1)202.886.0003 633 3rd St. NW, Suite 116, Washington, DC 20001-3050 Baltimore Sun Editorial Board cies statewide that have been enforcing as I say, not as I do” in public office. But is Reader letters uring World War II, did Amer- those COVID-19 restrictions from limited selective “gotcha” the biggest story around, [email protected] icans cheer for those who re- indoor seating in houses of worship to shut- when more than 2,000 Americans are dying fused to use ration cards for tered playgrounds. The numbers loom from the virus daily? And as far as restau- Additional contacts their meat and butter? Did we large: 42,166 compliance checks, 4,688 calls rant and bar owners and others hit hard by stripes.com/contactus D pour into the streets to support keeping for service and 132 charges filed or arrests restrictions, we hear them. And, yes, in OMBUDSMAN public pools open during the worst of the made. In theory, police should never have some cases, there are inconsistencies in re- polio outbreak? Did news outlets give space to be called to enforce rules during a pan- strictions and enforcement (in part be- Ernie Gates to anti-science misfits who denied any link demic that has already killed more than cause there’s also a lot of denial going The Stars and Stripes ombudsman protects the free flow between open city sewers and the spread of 280,000 Americans, but human nature be- around). But ultimately, these restrictions of news and information, reporting any attempts by the deadly cholera? No doubt there are exam- ing human nature, there are inevitably peo- have a purpose — to slow the spread of the military or other authorities to undermine the newspaper’s independence. The ombudsman also responds to concerns ples of all three, but in each instance, the ple who are indifferent, unthinking, un- virus until vaccinations can be adminis- and questions from readers, and monitors coverage for vast majority of the nation sucked it up and aware or some combination of all three. tered. For most people, that reprieve is still fairness, accuracy, timeliness and balance. The ombudsman welcomes comments from readers, and can be contacted by did the right thing, often making consider- The same could likely be said of some dur- months away. We can’t lose sight of that. email at [email protected], or by phone at 202.886.0003. able sacrifices for the greater good and for ing World War II, but back then, we didn’t We are in a war of sorts with a brutal, the welfare of future generations. hold them up as heroes in some form of cul- unyielding enemy. Some sacrifices must be Stars and Stripes (USPS 0417900) is published week- That proud history comes to mind as the ture war. made, whether it means restricting holiday days (except Dec. 25 and Jan. 1) for 50 cents Monday nation hurtles toward the next phase of the And there’s a lot of that going on. Just celebrations to Zoom or a local bar closing through Thursday and for $1 on Friday by Pacific Stars and Stripes, Unit 45002, APO AP 96301-5002. Periodicals COVID-19 pandemic, which might aptly be tune into Fox News or One America News at 9 p.m. or perhaps not opening at all for a postage paid at San Francisco, CA, Postmaster: Send titled the “winter of our discontent.” If the Network. Want to get some adulation from time. In turn, there should be help extend- address changes to Pacific Stars and Stripes, Unit 45002, APO AP 96301-5002. This newspaper is authorized by the first 10 months of the outbreak seemed the right-wing? Charge an elected official ed to those from whom we have asked so Department of Defense for members of the military services overseas. However, the contents of Stars and Stripes are painful, the next several may prove excru- who approved COVID-19 restrictions with much. A return to Paycheck Protection unofficial, and are not to be considered as the official views ciating. Not simply because the numbers hypocrisy for eating a meal out, preferably Program direct aid, for example, or mailing of, or endorsed by, the U.S. government. As a DOD newspa- per, Stars and Stripes may be distributed through official are moving in the wrong direction with the a pricey one. Or make a video explaining out another round of federal stimulus channels and use appropriated funds for distribution to U.S. now recording its most coronavirus- why restrictions hurting your business checks to individuals or simply encourag- remote locations where overseas DOD personnel are located. The appearance of advertising in this publication does related deaths in a week (exceeding the aren’t fair because there’s another business ing families to order takeout from their fa- not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense or worst of April), but because people are hit- (it need not be comparable or even espe- vorite local eatery. It would be nice to think Stars and Stripes of the products or services advertised. Products or services advertised shall be made available for ting a wall. They are frustrated and angry, cially nearby, apparently) that is not as that Americans come together in our “fin- purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical not just at the virus but by government-or- heavily restricted. In either case, you will est hours” when times are tough just as handicap, political affiliation or any other nonmerit factor of dered restrictions and their adverse eco- get around-the-clock coverage and sympa- they did 80 years ago fighting the Axis pow- the purchaser, user or patron. nomic consequences. thetic news readers pleading your case. ers. The reality is probably never quite that © Stars and Stripes 2020 On Monday, Maryland State Police an- Make no mistake, nothing about the pan- simplistic or tidy, but surely it should be stripes.com nounced the running tally for police agen- demic is fair. And you can always find “do our proud, patriotic aspiration. PAGE 42 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, December 11, 2020 Friday, December 11, 2020 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 43 PAGE 44 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, December 11, 2020

Eugene Sheffer Crossword Frazz Dilbert

ACROSS 56 Summoned 23 January, to 1 Little lie with a beeper Juana 4 Shell game item 57 Pink Floyd’s 24 Genetic stuff 7 Fragrant trees Barrett 25 Tire filler

Pearls Before Swine Pearls Before 12 “Exodus” hero 58 $ dispenser 26 AOL rival 13 Flight stat 28 Ostrich’s kin 14 Tends texts DOWN 30 Storm center 15 — Tin Tin 1 Rural spreads 31 300, to Cato 16 Daily delivery, 2 From Dublin 32 Plato’s P at times 3 “That’s it!” 33 Comics cry 18 Flavor enhancer, 4 Skillets 36 Nitwit for short 5 Votes for 37 Expensive 19 Painting of 6 Fighting 40 Russian range a scene 7 Muppet prawn 42 — nova Non Sequitur 20 “Scram!” 8 Actress Lupino 43 Not moving 22 Capote 9 Wee bite 44 Coffee break hr. nickname 10 Summer on 45 Pitt of “Troy” 23 Dutch cheese the Seine 46 Lose traction 27 “For — a jolly 11 Old map 48 Mom’s mate good ...” letters 49 In the style of 29 Hopper of 17 Tater 50 Pot-bellied pet Hollywood 21 Chicago airport 51 First lady? 31 Coffee add-in Answer to Previous Puzzle 34 Long Candorville 35 Little angel 37 Part of MPH 38 Pepsi rival 39 “— Town” 41 Last writes? 45 Tennis star Becker 47 Single 48 Bookstore buy

Carpe Diem 52 Capitol Hill VIP 53 Baseball’s Tony 54 Island garland 55 Madrid Mrs. Beetle Bailey Bizarro Friday, December 11, 2020 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 45

Eugene Sheffer Crossword Frazz Dilbert

ACROSS 49 Arrive 23 Spasm 1 Boom times 50 — -la-la 24 Spanish gold 4 Recedes 51 Wood strip 25 Republicans 8 “Downton 52 Espy 26 Use a shovel

Pearls Before Swine Pearls Before Abbey” countess 53 Melancholy 27 Corpulent 12 Menlo Park 28 Picnic crasher monogram DOWN 29 Hobbyist’s abbr. 13 Talk up 1 Six-sided state 31 Park outings 14 Some deer 2 — Alto, Calif. 32 Castro’s land 15 In the style of 3 Barking mammal 34 Classic car 16 Celestial bear 4 Chopin pieces 35 Answer to “Are 17 Actor Omar 5 Sacha Baron we there?” 18 Late November Cohen role 36 Intimidate, through January, 6 Booked solid with “out” Non Sequitur in general 7 Squirrels (away) 37 Vodka cocktail 21 Dog doc 8 Coffee add-in 38 Go yachting 22 That fellow 9 “I’m a klutz!” 39 Witty Bombeck 23 Roman robes 10 Seized vehicle 40 Latin 101 word 26 Lair 11 Org. 41 Sporty car roof 27 Passing craze 19 Tennis great 42 Pvt.’s superiors 43 Skater Lipinski 30 Golf bag item Lendl 44 “Zounds!” 31 Math ratios 20 Aachen article 32 Kid’s plea Answer to Previous Puzzle

Candorville 33 “Blue Bloods” extra 34 Predetermine 35 Peculiar 36 Chest muscle 37 Male swan 38 Customizable recipe direction 45 General assembly?

Carpe Diem 46 Teeny 47 Joke 48 Computer debut of 1998 Beetle Bailey Bizarro PAGE 46 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, December 11, 2020 Friday, December 11, 2020 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 47 PAGE 48 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, December 11, 2020 SCOREBOARD

COLLEGE FOOTBALL DEALS

Schedule SOUTH Cent. Michigan (3-2) at Toledo (3-2) Wednesday's transactions INDIANAPOLIS COLTS — Placed T Le'Ra- Wisconsin (2-2) at Iowa (5-2) ven Clark on injured reserve. Wake Forest (4-3) at Louisville (3-7) BASEBALL Friday’s games Houston (3-3) at Memphis (6-3) Texas (6-3) at Kansas (0-9) LOS ANGELES CHARGERS — Signed WR Purdue (2-4) at Indiana (6-1) Major League Baseball Manasseh Bailey to the practice squad. SOUTH Troy (5-5) at South Alabama (4-7), ppd. Texas A&M (7-1) at Tennessee (2-6), SOUTHWEST American League Released P Lachlan Edwards and K J.J. W. Carolina (0-3) at North Carolina (7-3), ppd. Alabama (9-0) at Arkansas (3-6) BOSTON RED SOX — Announced the in- Molson. Designated RB Justin Jackson to ppd. Coastal Carolina (10-0) at Troy (5-5) Louisiana-Monroe (0-10) at Arkansas St. vitation of Worcester Red Sox (Triple A), return from injured reserve. SOUTHWEST North Carolina (7-3) at Miami (8-1) (4-7), ppd. Portland Sea Dogs (Double A), Greenville LOS ANGELES RAMS — Signed LS Colin Duke (2-8) at Florida St. (2-6) Drive (High A) and Salem Red Sox (Low A) Holba to the practice squad. North Texas (3-5) at UTEP (3-4) UAB (4-3) at Rice (2-2) Tennessee (2-6) at Vanderbilt (0-8) Incarnate Word at Arkansas St. (4-7) to become affiliates of their player devel- MIAMI DOLPHINS — Placed CB Jamal FAR WEST Appalachian St. (7-3) at Georgia South- Oklahoma St. (6-3) at Baylor (2-6) opment structure. Perry on the reserve/COVID-19 list. Pro- Arizona St. (0-2) at Arizona (0-4) ern (7-4) Louisiana Tech (5-3) at TCU (5-4) MINNESOTA TWINS — Announced the in- moted S Nate Holley to the active roster as Utah (1-2) at Colorado (4-0) LSU (3-5) at Florida (8-1) Mississippi (4-4) at Texas A&M (7-1), vitation of St. Paul Saints (Triple A - who a COVID-19 replacement. Nevada (6-1) at San Jose St. (5-0) Auburn (5-4) at Mississippi St. (2-6) ppd. officially accepted the offer), Wichita NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS — Waived LB Virginia (5-4) at Virginia Tech (4-6) Saturday’s games FAR WEST Wind Surge (Double A), Cedar Rapids Ker- Jack Cichy. Signed DB Dayon Lake and WR MIDWEST nels (High A) and Fort Meyers Mighty Mus- Devin Smith to the practice squad. EAST Washington (3-1) at Oregon (3-2) Georgia (6-2) at Missouri (5-3) Boise St. (4-1) at Wyoming (2-3) sels (Lower A) to become affiliates of their NEW ORLEANS SAINTS — Activated OT Rutgers (2-5) at Maryland (2-2) N. Illinois (0-5) at E. Michigan (1-4) Southern Cal (4-0) at UCLA (3-2) player development structure. Terron Armstead, G Dennis Kelly and prac- Oklahoma (7-2) at West Virginia (5-4) Minnesota (2-3) at Nebraska (2-4) Utah St. (1-5) at Colorado St. (1-3) TEXAS RANGERS — Announced the invi- tice squad WR Lil'Jordan Humphrey from Louisville (3-7) at Boston College (6-5), Miami (Ohio) (2-1) at Bowling Green San Diego St. (4-3) at BYU (9-1) tation of Round Rock Express (Triple A), the reserve/COVID-19 lists. Designated DB ppd. (0-5) California (1-3) at Washington St. (1-2) Frisco RoughRiders (Double A), Hickory Justin Hardee to return from injured re- Akron (1-4) at Buffalo (4-0) Illinois (2-4) at Northwestern (5-1) Fresno St. (3-2) at New Mexico (1-5) Crawdads (High A) and Down East Wood serve. Navy (3-6) at Army (7-2) W. Michigan (4-1) at Ball St. (4-1) Stanford (2-2) at Oregon St. (2-3) Ducks to become affiliates of their player NEW YORK JETS — Designated CB Bless Michigan St. (2-4) at Penn St. (2-5) Vanderbilt (0-8) at Missouri (5-3), ppd. UNLV (0-5) at Hawaii (3-4) development structure. Austin and TE Trevan Wesco to return National League from injured reserve. PRO FOOTBALL SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS — Signed C PHILADELPHIA EAGLES — Placed LB Da- Chadwick Tromp. Signed RHPs Silvino Bra- vion Taylor on injured reserve. Promoted cho and Dominic Leone to minor league DT Raequan Williams to the active roster. NFL Saturday, Dec. 19 jury related), T Anthony Castonzo (knee), contracts. PITTSBURGH STEELERS — Activated RB Buffalo at Denver DE Justin Houston (not injury related), DT WASHINGTON NATIONALS — An- James Conner from the reserve/COVID-19 AMERICAN CONFERENCE Carolina at Green Bay Tyquan Lewis (hip), QB Philip Rivers (toe), nounced the invitation of Rochester Red P Rigoberto Sanchez (illness), S Khari Wil- list. Signed DE Cassius Marsh to the active Wings (Triple A), Harrisburg Senators roster from the practice squad. Designat- East Sunday, Dec. 20 lis (back, quadricep). LIMITED: LB Bobby Okereke (ankle), T Braden Smith (groin), (Double A, Wilmington Blue Rocks (High A) ed LB Ulysees Gilbert III to return from in- Chicago at Minnesota and Fredericksburg Nationals (Low A) to jured reserve. WLTPct PF PA DE Kemoko Turay (ankle), LB Anthony Detroit at Tennessee Walker (ribs). RAIDERS: No Data Reported. become affiliates of their player develop- SAN DIEGO CHARGERS — Designated RB Buffalo 9 3 0 .750 333 306 Houston at Indianapolis KANSAS CITY CHIEFS at MIAMI DOL- ment structure. Justin Jackson to return from injured re- Jacksonville at Baltimore PHINS — CHIEFS: DNP: T Yasir Durant (ill- BASKETBALL serve. Activated LB Kyzir White from the Miami 8 4 0 .667 303 212 New England at Miami ness), WR Tyreek Hill (illness), LB Damien National Basketball Association reserve/COVID-19 list. Activated DT T.J. New England 6 6 0 .500 274 255 San Francisco at Dallas Wilson (knee). LIMITED: CB Bashaud Bree- CHICAGO BULLS — Named Tim Sinclair Smith from the practice squad injured re- Seattle at Washington N.Y. Jets 0 12 0 .000 180 353 land (shoulder), RB Clyde Edwards-He- public address announcer for all home serve. Signed WR Manasseh Bailey to the Tampa Bay at Atlanta laire (illness), LB Willie Gay (groin), CB An- games. practice squad. South N.Y. Jets at L.A. Rams tonio Hamilton (ankle), DE Tanoh Kpas- OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER — Agreed to SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS — Promoted OL Philadelphia at Arizona sagnon (hip), DT Derrick Nnadi (ankle), T terms with G Theo Maledon and F Aleksej Tony Bergstrom to the active roster. WLTPct PF PA Kansas City at New Orleans Martinas Rankin (knee), C Austin Reiter Pokusevski. Signed F Josh Hall and C Mos- Signed CB Briean Boddy-Calhoun and TE Cleveland at N.Y. Giants (knee), T Mike Remmers (neck, rib). DOL- es Brown to two-way contracts. Daniel Helm to the practice squad. Indianapolis 8 4 0 .667 328 273 PHINS: DNP: RB Salvon Ahmed (shoulder), FOOTBALL Monday, Dec. 21 SEATTLE SEAHAWKS — Designate RB Tennessee 8 4 0 .667 359 326 G Ereck Flowers (ankle), LB Elandon Ro- National Football League Rashaad Penny and CB Quinton Dunbar to berts (chest), LB Kyle Van Noy (hip). LIMIT- Houston 4 8 0 .333 288 323 Pittsburgh at Cincinnati NFL — Suspended Denver CB A.J. Bouye return from injured reserve. Signed QB ED: S Kavon Frazier (shoulder, ankle), RB six games for violating the NFL policy on Alex McGough to the practice squad. Jacksonville 1 11 0 .083 251 352 Myles Gaskin (knee), WR Jakeem Grant performance-enhancing substances. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS — Signed WR NFL injury report (back), CB Xavien Howard (shoulder), G North ARIZONA CARDINALS — Designated DL Jaydon Mickens to the practice squad. NEW YORK — The National Football Solomon Kindley (foot), RB Malcolm Perry Jordan Phillips to return from injured re- TENNESSEE TITANS — Placed OL Isaiah League injury report, as provided by the (chest), TE Adam Shaheen (foot), QB Tua serve. Wilson on reserve/NFI list. Designated CB WLTPct PF PA Tagovailoa (left thumb), LB Andrew Van league (DNP: did not practice; LIMITED: ATLANTA FALCONS — Signed CB Chris Kareem Orr to return from injured reserve. limited participation; FULL: Full participa- Ginkel (wrist, ankle), RB DeAndre Wash- Pittsburgh 11 1 0 .917 334 211 ington (hamstring). FULL: DE Shaq Lawson Williamson to the practice squad. WASHINGTON FOOTBALL TEAM — Pro- tion): BALTIMORE RAVENS — Activated OLB moted TE Marcus Baugh to the active ros- Cleveland 9 3 0 .750 306 321 SUNDAY (shoulder). Matthew Judon, TE Mark Andrews and ter. Placed TE Temarrick Hemingway on Baltimore 7 5 0 .583 316 231 ARIZONA CARDINALS at NEW YORK GI- MINNESOTA VIKINGS at TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS — VIKINGS: DNP: LB Eric Ken- practice squad OL Will Holden from the re- injured reserve. Signed RB Michael War- Cincinnati 2 9 1 .208 237 308 ANTS — CARDINALS: DNP: LB De’Vondre serve/COVID-19 lists. ren to the practice squad. Campbell (ankle), WR DeAndre Hopkins dricks (calf), RB Alexander Mattison (ill- ness), TE Kyle Rudolph (foot), TE Irv Smith CAROLINA PANTHERS — Activated OT HOCKEY West (not injury related), CB Johnathan Joseph National Hockey League (neck), DT Domata Peko (knee), S Jalen (back). LIMITED: C Garrett Bradbury (ab- Greg Little from the reserve/COVID-19 list. WLTPct PF PA Thompson (ankle), S Charles Washington domen), G Ezra Cleveland (ankle), CB Jeff Designated LB Adarius Taylor to return NASHVILLE PREDATORS — Signed D (groin). LIMITED: DT Leki Fotu (hip, ankle), Gladney (calf), T Riley Reiff (ankle), DE D.J. from injured reserve. Signed K Lirim Haj- Luke Prokop to a three-year, entry-level x-Kansas City 11 1 0 .917 370 254 DT Rashard Lawrence (calf). GIANTS: DNP: Wonnum (ankle, back). FULL: C Brett Jones rullahu to the practice squad. contract. (neck). BUCCANEERS: DNP: LB Lavonte Da- CHICAGO BEARS — Re-signed LB De- SOCCER Las Vegas 7 5 0 .583 323 347 CB Madre Harper (knee), LB Blake Marti- nez (back), T Matt Peart (ankle). LIMITED: vid (not injury related), CB Jamel Dean vante Bond to the practice squad. Major League Soccer Denver 4 8 0 .333 225 320 CB Darnay Holmes (knee), QB Daniel Jones (groin), WR Chris Godwin (finger), DT CINCINNATI BENGALS — Placed OT Jo- INTER MIAMI CF — Announced Paul L.A. Chargers 3 9 0 .250 277 345 (hamstring). Steve McLendon (elbow). LIMITED: WR nah Williams on injured reserve. Activated McDonough stepping down as chief oper- ATLANTA FALCONS at LOS ANGELES Mike Evans (hamstring), LB Jason Pierre- CB Darius Phillips from injured reserve. ating officer. Paul (knee), T Donovan Smith (ankle). DENVER BRONCOS — Placed CB Essang SPORTING KANSAS CITY — Exercised NATIONAL CONFERENCE CHARGERS — FALCONS: DNP: CB Ricardo Allen (concussion), G James Carpenter NEW ORLEANS SAINTS at PHILADELPHIA Bassey on injured reserve. Designated 2021 contract options on D Amadou Dia, EAGLES — SAINTS: DNP: DT Malcom Brown East (groin), P Sterling Hofrichter (right OLB Derrek Tuszka to return from injured Ms Felipe Hernandez and Gadi Kinda, F hamstring), WR Julio Jones (hamstring). (shoulder), CB Patrick Robinson (hamstr- reserve. Placed CB A.J. Bouye on the re- Johnny Russell and D Graham Smith. De- ing). LIMITED: WR Deonte Harris (neck), CB WLTPct PF PA LIMITED: DE Dante Fowler (hamstring), RB serve/suspended list. clined the 2021 contract options on G Eric Todd Gurley (knee), TE Hayden Hurst (an- Janoris Jenkins (knee), T Ryan Ramczyk DETROIT LIONS — Signed TE Jerell Dick, M Wan Kusain, D Winston Reid and G N.Y. Giants 5 7 0 .417 231 265 kle), DT Grady Jarrett (groin), S Keanu Neal (elbow), WR Michael Thomas (ankle), DT Adams to the practice squad. Richard Sanchez. Annouced D Matt Besler (ankle), LB Foyesade Oluokun (neck), RB Shy Tuttle (wrist). FULL: DE Marcus Daven- is out of contract for 2021 season. Washington 5 7 0 .417 264 260 port (concussion), RB Ty Montgomery GREEN BAY PACKERS — Activated G Si- Ito Smith (neck), DE Jacob Tuioti-Mariner mon Stepaniak from the reserve/NFI list. SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES — Announced Philadelphia 3 8 1 .292 253 307 (neck). CHARGERS: No Data Reported. (hamstring). EAGLES: DNP: DT Fletcher Cox (neck), LB T.J. Edwards (hamstring), S Placed RB Tyler Ervin, S Raven Greene and a renewed loan of D Oswaldo Alanis from Dallas 3 9 0 .250 268 393 DALLAS COWBOYS at CINCINNATI BEN- DL Billy Winn on injured reserve. Mexico's Chivas de Guadalajara for 2021 GALS — COWBOYS: DNP: T Cameron Erving Rudy Ford (hamstring), CB Michael Jac- quet (hamstring). LIMITED: WR Alshon Jef- HOUSTON TEXANS — Activated OLB season. South (knee), S Donovan Wilson (groin). LIMIT- Brennan Scarlett to return from reserve/ National Women's Soccer League ED: CB Anthony Brown (ribs), RB Ezekiel El- fery (calf), T Jason Peters (toe), CB Darius COVID-19 list. Signed C/G Beau Benzscha- WASHINGTON SPIRIT — Re-signed D Na- WLTPct PF PA liott (calf). BENGALS: DNP: DT Geno Atkins Slay (knee). (not injury related), DT Mike Daniels (not NEW YORK JETS at SEATTLE SEAHAWKS wel to the practice squad. talie Jacobs to a two-year contract. x-New Orleans 10 2 0 .833 347 241 injury related), WR A.J. Green (not injury — JETS: DNP: S Ashtyn Davis (foot), S Ben- nett Jackson (hamstring), LB Jordan Jen- PRO SOCCER COLLEGE HOCKEY Tampa Bay 7 5 0 .583 344 280 related), LS Clark Harris (groin), DT Xavier Williams (back), S Brandon Wilson kins (shoulder), WR Denzel Mims (not in- Atlanta 4 8 0 .333 311 302 (hamstring). LIMITED: WR Tee Higgins jury related), G Greg Van Roten (toe). LIM- MLS playoffs Wednesday’s scores Carolina 4 8 0 .333 280 300 (hamstring), G Alex Redmond (concus- ITED: G Pat Elflein (shoulder, ankle), T Ge- sion). FULL: QB Brandon Allen (chest). orge Fant (knee), RB Frank Gore First Round Wednesday, Dec. 9 North DENVER BRONCOS at CAROLINA PAN- (concussion), S Marcus Maye (rib), C Con- Eastern Conference EAST THERS — BRONCOS: No Data Reported. nor McGovern (back, hamstring), WR Saturday, Nov. 21 Niagara 4, Clarkson 1 WLTPct PF PA PANTHERS: DNP: G Dennis Daley (concus- Breshad Perriman (shoulder). FULL: RB Orlando City 1, New York City FC 1, Orlan- Holy Cross 4, Bentley 3, OT sion), CB Rasul Douglas (not injury relat- Josh Adams (calf), P Braden Mann (left do advanced 6-5 on penalty kicks MIDWEST Green Bay 9 3 0 .750 379 299 ed), DE Marquis Haynes (illness). LIMITED: foot). SEAHAWKS: No Data Reported. Columbus 3, New York 2 Western Michigan 1, St. Cloud St. 0 Minnesota 6 6 0 .500 319 329 S Sam Franklin (ankle), CB Donte Jackson PITTSBURGH STEELERS at BUFFALO Minnesota 4, Michigan 0 BILLS — STEELERS: DNP: K Chris Boswell Tuesday, Nov. 24 Chicago 5 7 0 .417 246 284 (toe), RB Christian McCaffrey (shoulder, Omaha 6, Colorado College 1 thigh). FULL: DE Efe Obada (knee). (right hip), G David DeCastro (not injury re- Nashville 1, Toronto 0, OT Detroit 5 7 0 .417 286 358 GREEN BAY PACKERS at DETROIT LIONS lated), CB Joe Haden (concussion), QB Ben New England 2, Philadelphia 0 AP SPORTLIGHT Roethlisberger (not injury related), LB West — PACKERS: DNP: WR Equanimeous St. Western Conference Brown (knee, concussion), TE Jace Stern- Robert Spillane (knee), T Alejandro Villa- nueva (not injury related), DE Chris Worm- Sunday, Nov. 22 Dec. 11 WLTPct PF PA berger (concussion). LIMITED: LB Krys Barnes (calf), CB Kevin King (Achilles, ley (illness). FULL: CB Steven Nelson Sporting Kansas City 3, San Jose 3, 1938 — New York Giants beats the Green Sporting KC advanced 3-0 on penalty kicks L.A. Rams 8 4 0 .667 301 243 groin), WR Allen Lazard (core), TE Mar- (knee). BILLS: DNP: DT Quinton Jefferson Bay Packers 23-17 to win the NFL cham- cedes Lewis (knee), G Lucas Patrick (toe), (hip), S Jaquan Johnson (ankle). LIMITED: Minnesota United 3, Colorado 0 pionship. A record crowd of 48,120 is in at- Seattle 8 4 0 .667 353 321 P J.K. Scott (right quadricep), S Vernon QB Jake Fromm (not injury related), WR Portland 3, Dallas 3, Dallas advanced 8-7 tendance at the Polo Grounds in New York. Arizona 6 6 0 .500 332 296 Scott (quadricep), G Simon Stepaniak Andre Roberts (Achilles). FULL: QB Josh Al- on penalty kicks 1946 — The Chicago Stags and Cleveland len (knee, ankle), G Jon Feliciano (knee, San Francisco 5 7 0 .417 285 288 (knee), T Rick Wagner (knee). FULL: CB Tuesday, Nov. 24 Rebels play an experimental game featur- Jaire Alexander (knee, hand), LB Za’Darius foot). ing 15-minute quarters, instead of the usu- TENNESSEE TITANS at JACKSONVILLE Seattle 3, Los Angeles FC 1 x-clinched playoff spot Smith (ankle). LIONS: DNP: T Tyrell Crosby al 12-minute quarters. The Stags beat the (ankle), WR Kenny Golladay (hip), S C.J. JAGUARS — TITANS: DNP: CB Breon Bor- Conference Semifinals Rebels 88-70. Moore (ankle), CB Jeff Okudah (groin). ders (hip), WR A.J. Brown (ankle), T Dennis Eastern Conference 1949 — Johnny Lujack of the Chicago Thursday’s game LIMITED: DE Austin Bryant (thigh), DE Kelly (knee). LIMITED: CB Adoree’ Jackson Bears passes for 468 yards and six touch- (knee), C Ben Jones (knee), G Rodger Saf- Sunday, Nov. 29 New England at L.A. Rams Da’Shawn Hand (groin), RB Kerryon John- New England 3, Orlando City 1 downs in a 52-21 rout of the Chicago Cardi- son (knee), QB Matthew Stafford (right fold (ankle), TE Jonnu Smith (knee). FULL: nals. Sunday’s games thumb), RB D’Andre Swift (illness). RB Darrynton Evans (hamstring). JAG- Columbus 2, Nashville 0 1960 — Los Angeles holds the Baltimore Arizona at N.Y. Giants HOUSTON TEXANS at CHICAGO BEARS — UARS: DNP: TE Tyler Eifert (not injury relat- Western Conference Colts to three points, snapping Johnny Dallas at Cincinnati TEXANS: DNP: TE Pharaoh Brown (concus- ed, shoulder), C Brandon Linder (ankle). Tuesday, Dec. 1 Unitas’ NFL record streak of 47 consecu- sion), CB Keion Crossen (foot), CB Phillip LIMITED: LB Dakota Allen (hamstring), LB tive games with a TD pass. The Rams win Denver at Carolina Seattle 1, Dallas 0 Houston at Chicago Gaines (knee, shoulder), CB John Reid Kamalei Correa (hamstring), RB Nathan 10-3 loss. Kansas City at Miami (neck). LIMITED: WR Brandin Cooks (foot, Cottrell (knee), CB Sidney Jones (Achilles), Thursday, Dec. 3 1971 — The Los Angeles Lakers set an Minnesota at Tampa Bay neck), WR Keke Coutee (knee), RB C.J. CB Greg Mabin (hamstring), RB James Minnesota United 3 Sporting Kansas NBA record with 21 straight wins by beat- Robinson (knee), WR Laviska Shenault Tennessee at Jacksonville Prosise (illness). BEARS: DNP: TE Jimmy City 0 ing the Atlanta Hawks 104-95, breaking the Indianapolis at Las Vegas Graham (not injury related), DT Akiem (thumb). record of 20 set by the Milwaukee Bucks N.Y. Jets at Seattle Hicks (not injury related), LB Khalil Mack WASHINGTON FOOTBALL TEAM at SAN Conference Championships the previous year. Atlanta at L.A. Chargers (shoulder), WR Darnell Mooney (not injury FRANCISCO 49ERS — WASHINGTON: DNP: Sunday, Dec. 6 1972 — Joe Namath of the New York Jets Green Bay at Detroit related), CB Buster Skrine (concussion), RB Antonio Gibson (toe), T Morgan Moses Eastern Conference passes for 403 yards and Don Maynard (groin), G Brandon Scherff (calf), T David New Orleans at Philadelphia LB Danny Trevathan (not injury related), Columbus 1, New England 0 sets an NFL record for career receptions in Washington at San Francisco LB James Vaughters (knee). LIMITED: TE Sharpe (knee). LIMITED: WR Terry McLau- a 24-16 loss to the Oakland Raiders. May- Pittsburgh at Buffalo J.P. Holtz (shoulder, knee), T Charles Leno rin (ankle). FULL: DE Ryan Anderson Monday, Dec. 7 nard, with seven catches, breaks Ray- (toe), WR Allen Robinson (knee). FULL: G Western Conference mond Berry’s record of 631 by one catch. Monday’s game (knee). 49ERS: No data reported. Alex Bars (finger), DT Brent Urban Seattle 3, Minnesota 2 1977 — Philadelphia’s Tom Bladon Baltimore at Cleveland (thumb). MONDAY scores four goals and collects four assists INDIANAPOLIS COLTS at LAS VEGAS BALTIMORE RAVENS at CLEVELAND MLS Cup to set a record for defensemen with eight Thursday, Dec. 17 RAIDERS — COLTS: DNP: DT Denico Autry BROWNS — RAVENS: No Data Reported. Saturday, Dec. 12 points in the Flyers’ 11-1 victory over the L.A. Chargers at Las Vegas (not injury related), TE Trey Burton (not in- BROWNS: No Data Reported. Seattle at Columbus Cleveland Barons. Friday, December 11, 2020 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 49 NBA Ranking the teams by substance, style BY BEN GOLLIVER has more help this year. Bojan The Washington Post Bogdanovic is back from injury Opening night is now just a few and Derrick Favors return. weeks away, so here’s how the 30 13. New Orleans Pelicans: NBA teams stack up by entertain- There are a lot of lineup fit ques- ment value. From “must-see” to tions. Even so, Zion Williamson is “please clap,” this list considers irrepressible, Stan Van Gundy is a both substance and style. Fresh treat and lowered expectations faces, intriguing offseason addi- should help. tions and novel philosophies earn 14. Toronto Raptors: Losing bonus points. Serge Ibaka and Marc Gasol 1. Dallas Mavericks:Luka Don- makes them small and spunky. cic — skilled, fearless and joyful Pascal Siakam, Fred VanVleet — will soon be the NBA’s top and OG Anunoby are a formidable showman. The 2020-21 MVP can- rising core, but they need an A-lis- didate’s competitive drive is ter. worth watching every night. 15. Philadelphia 76ers: Here 2. Brooklyn Nets: Kevin Du- comes the referendum on the Ben rant’s return will be aided by the Simmons and Joel Embiid part- TAMI CHAPPELL / AP gutsy hiring of Steve Nash and a nership. Daryl Morey got them Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young, center, and his high­scoring sidekick John Collins are entering a new deep rotation. Expect a freewheel- shooters so there are no more ex- season with a strong surge of new help as they adjust to the additions of Danilo Gallinari, Bogdan ing style and title talk, but Kyrie cuses. Bogdanovic, Kris Dunn and Rajon Rando. The offseason moves have made Atlanta a playoff contender. Irving could bring it all down. 16. Memphis Grizzlies: Elec- 3. Los Angeles Lakers:LeBron tric guard Ja Morant deserved James, Anthony Davis and com- more than three national televi- pany are favorites to repeat after sion appearances. welcoming Dennis Schroder and 17. Atlanta Hawks: Their in- Hawks’ prospects soar as Montrezl Harrell. competent defense remains a lim- 4. Portland Trail Blazers: Da- iting factor. mian Lillard should finally have a 18. Minnesota Timberwolves: nine-man rotation to support him Karl-Anthony Towns and D’Ange- newcomers give Young help once Zach Collins is back from in- lo Russell will finally get to put jury. Portland will be in the mix their friendship to work on the for the NBA’s top offense. court. BY CHARLES ODOM when he was acquired from Hous- 5. Denver Nuggets: If Jamal 19. Washington Wizards: Rus- Associated Press 35.5% ton last season. Murray brings his Disney World sell Westbrook guarantees a roll- ATLANTA — Trae Young said This year’s first-round draft magic back to the Mile High City, er-coaster ride, but the All-Star it’s going to take some time to ad- pick, former Southern Cal center this ranking might be too low. It’s guard won’t shore up an atrocious Percentage of the Atlanta Hawks' just to the Atlanta Hawks’ new mix scoring done last year by Trae Young Onyeka Okongwu, should add too bad Jerami Grant, who left for defense. following the additions of such vet- and John Collins. Young averaged more defense while he is expected Detroit, couldn’t see the vision. 20. Indiana Pacers:Victor Ola- erans as Danilo Gallinari, Bogdan 29.6 points per game and Collins to play behind Capela and Collins. 6. Milwaukee Bucks: A reshuf- dipo’s future presents questions, Bogdanovic, Kris Dunn and Rajon averaged 21.6 No other player on the The wealth of depth is a new lux- fled rotation around Giannis Ante- but there’s a strong, if uninspiring, Rando. team averaged more than 16 points a ury for the Hawks. tokounmpo won’t alter their strat- starting lineup. “It’s not something that just hap- game. “You look at all the positives and egies and aesthetics much. Com- 21. Sacramento Kings: New pens overnight,” Young said Tues- Source: NBA.com your mind just starts to race,” Col- ing off a dream regular season, re- season, same faint hope that a day. lins said. gression is possible. De’Aaron Fox All-Star break- “We’ve added a lot of new guys Suddenly, there will be a more 7. Los Angeles Clippers: Let’s through and good health from with different talents who bring a the first time since 2017. Bogda- intense competition for starting hope this group didn’t blow its best Marvin Bagley III can squeak out lot of different things to the game. novic, Gallinari and others provide spots and playing time. shot at a title in 2020. A resurrec- a playoff spot. It’s going to be fun learning and fi- needed help for an offense that re- “I think we’re all interested to tion starts with Kawhi Leonard 22. Charlotte Hornets: LaMelo guring out where they like the ball lied too heavily on Young and for- see how that’s all going to mesh to- and Paul George clicking more ef- Ball represents the ultimate curi- the best and things like that.” ward John Collins. gether,” Collins said, adding the fectively together. osity factor. There’s not much time to find the Young averaged 29.6 points and depth “also creates a competitive 8. Boston Celtics:What Boston 23. Chicago Bulls: The best new mix. The NBA season opens on 9.3 assists last season. Collins aver- edge and gives guys that mindset lacks in dramatic personalities, it reason to watch is to see which Dec. 22. The Hawks’ preseason aged 21.6 points and 10.1 rebounds. that every possession counts and if makes up for with smart, disci- young players enjoy break- opener is Dec. 11. The returning core also includes I do mess up or whatever there’s plined and unselfish play. Jayson throughs now that Jim Boylen is Just don’t suggest to Young that former first-round picks De’Andre another guy on the bench who can Tatum is poised to enter the MVP gone. it’ll be an adjustment for him to Hunter, Kevin Huerter and Cam take my spot.” conversation. 24. Houston Rockets: A peren- share the ball with established Reddish. The Hawks won only 20 games 9. Miami Heat: The East’s nial West power came unglued, shooters in Atlanta’s lineup. Young Seeking to improve the Hawks’ before the coronavirus pandemic reigning champs have established losing Morey, Mike D’Antoni and was fourth in the league in scoring three-point shooting, defense and left them in the bottom eight and stars and a rising cult hero in Tyl- Westbrook. and shots from the field last season, depth, Schlenk also traded for To- excluded from the NBA bubble in er Herro. Will a team known for its 25. Cleveland Cavaliers: It will but he’s quick to note he also was ny Snell and signed free agent Solo- Orlando. tireless work ethic still be ex- be another dismal campaign un- second in assists. mon Hill. “Obviously it hurt to not be hausted from its bubble run? less Darius Garland and Collin “Passing is nothing new for me,” The Hawks had free-agent funds there,” Collins said. 10. Phoenix Suns: While Chris Sexton make major strides. Young said. “I love getting my available and they found veteran The Hawks have missed the Paul is an ideal fit, he must stay 26. San Antonio Spurs: A frus- teammates involved and when my players eager to join the rebuilding playoffs while finishing with fewer healthy or the whole plan falls trating roster remains stuck be- teammates are open I’m going to effort. than 30 wins for three consecutive apart. Paul, Devin Booker and tween identities. find them and I’m going to put my “This is the new free-agent desti- seasons. The busy offseason creat- Deandre Ayton could all catch All- 27. Orlando Magic: Inactivity teammates in the best position to nation,” Hawks coach Lloyd Pierce ed a buzz that has been missing in Star buzz. reigns for the Magic. succeed. That’s just my job as a said Tuesday. “Everybody wants Atlanta. 11. Golden State Warriors: Ste- 28. Oklahoma City Thunder: point guard and as a leader of this to come to Atlanta and that’s how “It’s good to have people talking phen Curry is back but the loss of Headed for an ugly tank and shot team, to help my teammates be in we want to keep it. ... They know we about Atlanta basketball right Klay Thompson ravaged a weak at drafting Oklahoma State’s Cade the best position.” can do something special here and now,” Young said. “I want it to stay supporting cast. There’s a thin line Cunningham. The offseason additions by gen- they’re excited to be a part of it.” this way. The city deserves it, this here between “exhilarating” and 29. Detroit Pistons: Check eral manager Travis Schlenk make Another player poised for his At- organization deserves it. We have a “terrible.” back in 2023. Atlanta a contender to return to the lanta debut is center Clint Capela, lot of exciting pieces, a lot of excit- 12. Utah Jazz:Donovan Mitch- 30. New York Knicks: Still the Eastern Conference playoffs for who was recovering from an injury ing players.” ell made a leap in the bubble and Knicks. PAGE 50 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, December 11, 2020 NFL

Weekly statistics

AFC individual leaders NFC individual leaders

Week 13 Week 13

Quarterbacks Quarterbacks Att Com Yds TD Int Att Com Yds TD Int Mahomes, KC 463 316 3815 31 2 Wilson, Sea 436 305 3479 32 11 Watson, Hou 401 276 3542 24 6 Ryan, Atl 466 296 3436 18 8 Allen, Buf 428 299 3403 26 8 Rodgers, GB 415 286 3395 36 4 Rivers, Ind 426 290 3263 18 9 Goff, LAR 450 308 3372 17 10 Herbert, LAC 455 295 3224 23 9 Brady, TB 474 307 3300 28 11 Roethlisberger, Pit 484 324 3105 27 7 Stafford, Det 428 271 3278 21 9 Carr, Las 395 269 3027 22 5 Cousins, Min 363 246 3073 26 12 Tannehill, Ten 379 246 2997 26 5 K.Murray, Ari 426 285 2987 22 10 Burrow, Cin 404 264 2688 13 5 Bridgewater, Car 366 257 2819 14 8 Mayfield, Cle 327 205 2442 21 7 Wentz, Phi 437 251 2620 16 15

Rushers Rushers Att Yds Avg LG TD Att Yds Avg LG TD Henry, Ten 271 1317 4.9 94t 12 Cook, Min 251 1250 5.0 70t 13 J.Robinson, Jac 212 968 4.6 39 7 Jones, TB 162 820 5.1 98t 5 Chubb, Cle 133 799 6.0 59 7 Elliott, Dal 199 784 3.9 24 5 Jacobs, Las 206 782 3.8 24 9 Drake, Ari 178 768 4.3 69t 8 Hunt, Cle 171 739 4.3 33 4 Jones, GB 145 754 5.2 77t 7 Edwards-Helaire, KC 151 692 4.6 31 4 Kamara, NO 143 673 4.7 49 9 Gordon, Den 149 685 4.6 65 6 K.Murray, Ari 102 665 6.5 48 10 Jackson, Bal 116 669 5.8 50t 4 Gibson, Was 141 659 4.7 40 11 Conner, Pit 145 645 4.4 59 5 Montgomery, Chi 159 647 4.1 57 3 Harris, NE 126 641 5.1 41 2 Sanders, Phi 118 631 5.3 74t 3 BRUCE KLUCKHOHN / AP

Receivers Receivers Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook looks for an opening during overtime of Sunday's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Minneapolis. The Vikings won 27­24. No Yds Avg LG TD No Yds Avg LG TD Kelce, KC 82 1114 13.6 45 8 Metcalf, Sea 63 1119 17.8 62 9 Hill, KC 74 1079 14.6 75t 13 Jefferson, Min 61 1039 17.0 71t 7 INSIDE THE NUMBERS Diggs, Buf 90 1037 11.5 49 4 D.Adams, GB 84 1029 12.3 49 13 Allen, LAC 90 923 10.3 28 7 Hopkins, Ari 85 1019 12.0 60 5 Fuller, Hou 53 879 16.6 77t 8 McLaurin, Was 71 977 13.8 68t 3 C.Davis, Ten 53 801 15.1 50 4 Moore, Car 50 924 18.5 74t 4 Beasley, Buf 66 797 12.1 35 4 Anderson, Car 75 912 12.2 75t 2 Boyd, Cin 73 797 10.9 72t 4 Ridley, Atl 59 905 15.3 63 7 Giants, Vikings shed slow Cooks, Hou 57 784 13.8 57t 3 Robinson, Chi 77 904 11.7 42 5 Waller, Las 77 742 9.6 38t 7 Cooper, Dal 76 891 11.7 58 4

Punters Punters No Yds Lg Avg No Yds Lg Avg Bailey, NE 34 1641 65 48.3 Fox, Det 45 2244 67 49.9 starts, join playoff chase Martin, Den 48 2280 69 47.5 Dickson, Sea 45 2233 67 49.6 Cooke, Jac 45 2135 67 47.4 Johnston, Phi 55 2654 66 48.3 BY JOSH DUBOW two TD catches in a game. Huber, Cin 54 2562 70 47.4 Way, Was 52 2509 61 48.3 Associated Press Remarkable rookies: Minneso- Sanchez, Ind 31 1464 60 47.2 Wishnowsky, SF 43 2074 60 48.2 0 Long, LAC 46 2167 63 47.1 Hekker, LAR 49 2281 63 46.6 The New York Giants and Min- ta’s Justin Jefferson and Jackson- nesota Vikings are in position to ville’s James Robinson had far dif- Anger, Hou 43 2016 67 46.9 O'Donnell, Chi 54 2495 64 46.2 Of the 110 teams that started a season Berry, Pit 34 1560 62 45.9 Colquitt, Min 43 1956 59 45.5 pull off remarkable turnarounds. 0-5 in the Super Bowl era before this ferent paths to the NFL but both Townsend, KC 36 1651 67 45.9 Pinion, TB 44 1994 62 45.3 The Giants have bounced back are having special seasons. Mann, NYJ 60 2707 60 45.1 J.Scott, GB 36 1629 62 45.3 year, none made the playoffs. The from an 0-5 start to the season and New York Giants can be the first by Jefferson, a first-round pick, Punt returners Punt returners are now tied for first place with doing it this year. had nine catches for 121 yards last No Yds Avg Long TD No Yds Avg Long TD Washington in the NFC East after week to reach 1,039 yards receiv- SOURCE: Associated Press Grant, Mia 27 327 12.1 88t 1 Harris, NO 17 207 12.2 42 0 winning five of the past seven ing on the season. Jefferson is the McCloud, Pit 22 263 12.0 57 0 Lamb, Dal 18 152 8.4 27 0 games. The Giants swept the sea- It took some work to get there fifth rookie with at least 1,000 yards Roberts, Buf 20 239 12.0 38 0 Ward, Phi 15 107 7.1 22 0 son series from Washington so with the Jets allowing a 46-yard TD receiving in his first 12 career Renfrow, Las 15 156 10.4 27 0 Mickens, TB 15 99 6.6 14 0 Erickson, Cin 18 182 10.1 29 0 S.Sims, Was 17 105 6.2 19 0 they have the inside track at the di- pass from Derek Carr to Henry games in the Super Bowl era, join- Raymond, Ten 21 195 9.3 40 0 Webster, LAR 19 102 5.4 15 0 vision title if they can maintain this Ruggs III against an all-out blitz ing Odell Beckham Jr. (2014), Mar- Kickoff returners Kickoff returners level of play down the stretch. with 5 seconds left in a 31-28 loss to ques Colston (2006) Anquan Bol- Of the 110 teams that started a the Las Vegas Raiders. It was just din (2003) and Randy Moss (1998). No Yds Avg LG TD No Yds Avg LG TD season 0-5 in the Super Bowl era the fifth time since 2000 that a team Robinson, who was undrafted, Duvernay, Bal 16 468 29.3 93t 1 Patterson, Chi 29 873 30.1 104t 1 Rodgers, Ind 21 614 29.2 101t 1 Harris, NO 16 436 27.3 75 0 before this year, none made the that was trailing threw a game- had 108 yards from scrimmage in Roberts, Buf 25 717 28.7 60 0 Agnew, Det 18 432 24.0 35 0 playoffs so the Giants would be winning TD pass of at least 40 the same game, his seventh game B.Wilson, Cin 21 571 27.2 103t 1 Cooper, Car 18 430 23.9 38 0 quite the outlier. yards in the final 15 seconds. with at least 100 yards from scrim- McCloud, Pit 19 447 23.5 49 0 Pollard, Dal 26 608 23.4 67 0 There is at least some precedent Tremendous tight ends:Kansas mage this season. Robinson has Olszewski, NE 17 397 23.4 33 0 Edmonds, Ari 17 395 23.2 54 0 for what the Vikings (6-6) are try- City’s Travis Kelce is having an- 1,278 yards from scrimmage this Peoples-Jones, Cle 17 368 21.6 33 0 Johnson, Was 22 487 22.1 46 0 ing to do. Minnesota has won five of other prolific season. He has 82 season, tied with Philip Lindsay Scoring Scoring six following a 1-5 start and is cur- catches for 1,114 yards, trailing (2018) for the second most by an Touchdowns Touchdowns rently tied with Arizona for the sev- Seattle’s DK Metcalf by 5 yards for undrafted rookie in the common TDRush Rec Ret Pts TDRush Rec Ret Pts enth and final playoff spot in the the NFL lead. Kelce could become draft era, trailing only Dominic Hill, KC 14 1 13 0 84 Cook, Min 14 13 1 0 84 NFC. the first tight end ever to lead the Rhodes’ 1,328 for Indianapolis in Henry, Ten 12 12 0 0 72 D.Adams, GB 13 0 13 0 78 Of the 183 teams that started 1-5 league in yards receiving. 2001. Newton, NE 11 11 0 0 66 Kamara, NO 13 9 4 0 78 in the Super Bowl era, only the 1970 Kelce needs to average 66 yards Running Cam: Cam Newton ran Claypool, Pit 10 2 8 0 60 Thielen, Min 12 0 12 0 72 Bengals, 2015 Chiefs and 2018 receiving in the final four games to for two more TDs last week for A.Brown, Ten 9 0 8 1 54 Evans, TB 11 0 11 0 66 Jacobs, Las 9 9 0 0 54 Gibson, Was 11 11 0 0 66 Colts made the playoffs. break the single-season record for New England, setting an NFL re- J.Robinson, Jac 9 7 2 0 54 K.Murray, Ari 10 10 0 0 60 One of the other teams that start- atight end set by George Kittle two cord for quarterbacks with his ed 0-5 this season shares a stadium years ago. Kelce already has be- fourth game this season with at last Kicking Kicking with the Giants but hasn’t pulled come the first tight end with five two TD runs. PAT FG LG Pts PAT FG LG Pts off an in-season turnaround. The straight 1,000-yard seasons. Newton also has the most two- Sanders, Mia 27-27 28-29 56 111 Koo, Atl 23-26 32-33 54 119 Jets fell to 0-12 after an inexplica- Kelce isn’t the only AFC West touchdown run games in a career Carlson, Las 35-36 24-26 54 107 Succop, TB 36-38 22-24 50 102 Bass, Buf 36-37 23-29 58 105 Lutz, NO 41-41 20-23 53 101 ble last-second collapse against tight end putting up big numbers. for a quarterback with 10. With 11 Blankenship, Ind 30-32 24-27 44 102 Slye, Car 26-28 24-31 56 98 the Raiders. The Jets are the 12th Las Vegas’ Darren Waller had 13 TD runs this season, Newton has Butker, KC 36-42 22-24 58 102 Gano, NYG 17-18 26-27 55 95 team to lose their first 12 games, catches for 200 yards and two TDs reached double digits in three sea- Tucker, Bal 35-35 21-23 55 98 Myers, Sea 39-41 16-16 61 87 with three of them ending up win- last week against the Jets, joining sons (14 in 2011 and 10 in 2015). Fairbairn, Hou 28-30 20-24 54 88 Gonzalez, Ari 38-39 16-22 56 86 Bullock, Cin 24-25 21-26 55 87 Zuerlein, Dal 20-23 22-28 59 86 less: the 0-16 2008 Lions and 2017 Jackie Smith, Rich Caster and Newton also leads the NFL with 69 Folk, NE 26-28 20-22 51 86 Crosby, GB 43-46 14-14 53 85 Browns, and the 0-14 expansion Shannon Sharpe as the only tight TD runs since entering the league Boswell, Pit 31-35 18-19 59 85 Prater, Det 30-31 18-25 59 84 1976 Buccaneers. ends with at least 200 yards and in 2011. Friday, December 11, 2020 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 51 NFL Jags RB Robinson looks like ‘real deal’

BY MARK LONG and Tampa Bay’s LeGarrette Associated Press Blount (1,007 in 2010). JACKSONVILLE, Fla.— Jack- Only Lindsay made the Pro sonville’s next regime won’t have Bowl, and none of the three were to start from scratch. The Jaguars named NFL Offensive Rookie of have a surprising number of build- the Year. ing blocks in place, none more im- Robinson has an outside shot at pressive this season than running both. back James Robinson. “He’s almost not human the way The undrafted rookie from Illi- he, week in and week out, is able to nois State has been the team’s top perform and keep his body newcomer and most consistent healthy,” Jaguars receiver and fel- player, and it’s not even close. low rookie Collin Johnson said. Robinson had 968 yards rushing “It’s just impressive and motiva- through 12 games, the third-most ting, too, seeing an undrafted guy in the NFL behind Tennessee’s come in here and put up the num- Derrick Henry and Minnesota’s bers he’s doing and being such a Dalvin Cook. good teammate. Robinson and Henry, who will “It’s motivating. He’s a great guy be on opposite sidelines Sunday for our locker room and just a when the Jaguars (1-11) host the Ti- beast.” tans (8-4), are two of three players Pass rusher Josh Allen, line- to top 100 yards from scrimmage in backer Myles Jack, safety Daniel NOAH K. MURRAY / AP at least seven games this season. Thomas, receivers DJ Chark, Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller, left, gets past the Jets' Marcus Maye for a touchdown during “James is the real deal,” Jaguars Johnson and Laviska Shenault, the first half on Sunday, when Waller had 13 catches for 200 yards and two touchdowns. quarterback Mike Glennon said. and defensive tackles DaVon Ha- “He’s a legit starting running back milton and Doug Costin are part of in the NFL. The thing I love about a young nucleus that gives the James is he never has lost yards. team hope moving forward. He’s always falling forward. He Robinson might be atop the list. turns what could be second- He has six consecutive games and-10s into second-and-6s, and with more than 90 yards from Waller gives Raiders those add up over time. scrimmage, the longest active “He keeps the game in manage- streak in the NFL. able situations, and he’s a special “I’m not worried about him talent. How he fell to out of the slowing down,” said coach Doug draft, I have no clue. We are lucky Marrone, who also raved about to have him because he’s one of the Robinson’s work ethic and demea- cheat code vs. blitz better backs in the League.” nor. "I’ve had players where I knew The ultra-quiet Robinson leads when they came into the building, I BY JOSH DUBOW closing seconds for the game-win- been games where the numbers all rookies in rushing and yards knew what type of day it was going Associated Press ning 46-yard TD pass to Henry weren’t what people may have ex- from scrimmage (1,278), and he to be, meaning, ‘This guy’s ready to When the New York Jets kept Ruggs III. pected. Every week my mindset is ranks second in total touchdowns go, he’s focused. (Or), oh, shoot, I’m sending blitzes at Derek Carr, the “The dude is unbelievable,” whether I have 20 yards or 200, I (nine). He needs 32 yards against going to have to kick him in the butt Las Vegas quarterback kept look- Carr said. “He gets the credit be- still come to work the next week the Titans to become the first un- and get him going.’ ing Darren Waller's way. cause the fantasy stat people love with the same mindset each day drafted rookie in NFL history to re- “With James, you know what For good reason. him, but especially on stuff like and stay on top of my habits and ach 1,000 yards rushing through you’re getting every day. You’re The athletic tight end has pro- that, he doesn’t get nearly enough let the results take care of them- the first 14 weeks of a season. going to get everything he has ev- ven to be one of the most difficult credit for what he can do in the selves.” Only three previous undrafted ery day. I think, as a coach, for my- matchups in the NFL, with the run and pass game protection- Waller has been Carr’s security rookies have surpassed 1,000 self, that’s greatly appreciated. … speed to get loose from bigger li- wise. He’s the complete package. blanket this season, getting 27.9% yards rushing: Indianapolis’ Do- He’s focused. It’s a little bit unique. nebackers and safeties, and the I think he’s the best in the of the quarterback’s targets, the minic Rhodes (1,104 in 2001), Den- It’s unique and it’s greatly appre- size to outmaneuver smaller cor- league.” highest mark of any tight end and ver's Phillip Lindsay (1,037 in 2018) ciated.” nerbacks. Waller’s journey to stardom has fifth-highest in the league. “Whenever you know you have been an inspiring one. After near- While many of those passes a guy that it’s man-to-man cover- ly squandering his career in Balti- have been of the short variety, age and you know he can win, you more because of a drug addiction, contributing to Waller’s rather can confidently, against any blitz, he has developed into one of the pedestrian 8.5 yards per catch take your drop, step up and throw most dependable pieces on the over the first 12 weeks, he was him the ball,” Carr said Wednes- Raiders. able to deliver some big plays day. “The knowledge that before Waller was suspended four against the Jets. you take that snap, you know you games in 2016 and all of 2017 be- Six of his catches went for at have a guy that can win like that, cause of drug violations. He spent least 15 yards, including a 38-yard it makes all the difference in the most of 2018 on the Ravens’ prac- touchdown. The only other Raid- world. You can play more confi- tice squad before the Raiders ers player with that many catches dently at the position.” plucked him away late that sea- for at least 15 yards in a single Waller had 13 catches for 200 son. game in the past 30 years was Tim yards and two touchdowns Sun- He blossomed into one of the Brown, who did it three times in day against the Jets, becoming top tight ends in the league last the 1990s. the fourth tight end with at least season with 90 catches for 1,145 “We’re looking to get Waller the 200 yards receiving and two TDs yards, which helped him earn a ball as many times as possible be- in a single game. long-term deal with the Raiders. cause he’s a great player,” coach Waller racked up 10 of those He has built on that this year, Jon Gruden said. “The opportuni- catches for 115 yards when new ranking second among all tight ty presented itself. They blitzed York blitzed. But he even made ends with 77 catches for 742 yards 40 times and a lot of those blitz contributions when he wasn’t get- to go along with seven TDs. coverages involve man-to-man JIM MONE / AP ting open for receptions. Waller “I feel like this season I’ve im- coverage, so you try to go to your Jaguars rookie running back James Robinson, right, is third in the stayed in to block to give Carr proved as a player and a person,” top dog and that’s what we did on league in rushing with 968 yards. He also has 310 receiving yards. time to beat an all-out blitz in the Waller said. “Of course, there’s several of those occasions.” PAGE 52 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, December 11, 2020 NFL AFC contenders nip at the heels of Chiefs, Steelers Bills, Browns, Titans, Dolphins and Colts lurk closely BY DENNIS WASZAK JR. well in line for its first division title Associated Press since 1995. Patrick Mahomes and the Kan- But the Dolphins are still swim- sas City Chiefs are already in. No ming right there with the Bills. surprise for the defending Super Miami and rookie quarterback Bowl champions. Tua Tagovailoa are just a game Ben Roethlisberger and the behind Buffalo in the race for the Pittsburgh Steelers are undefeat- division, but host the Chiefs on ed no more, but they’re also on the Sunday. Still, there’s a chance the verge of clinching an AFC playoff regular-season finale at Buffalo spot. on Jan. 3 could decide who finish- After that, well, there are plenty es on top. of other contenders who might The Patriots have been that CHARLIE RIEDEL / AP have something to say about the team for 11 straight years — with Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes has led the defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs into a guar­ conference being just a top-heavy Tom Brady at quarterback, of anteed playoff spot and they can clinch the AFC West title with a win or tie at Miami on Sunday. twosome. course — but that streak appears Buffalo and Cleveland are 9-3, in serious jeopardy. Belichick’s ners of three of their last four, with with Tennessee, Miami and Indi- bunch has this going, though: Af- the only loss during that stretch anapolis all 8-4. They’d all be in ter a road game Thursday night coming at home against the Titans the playoffs right now with this against the Rams, New England’s two weeks ago. Philip Rivers’ season’s expanded, seven-team final three opponents are all in the squad will be at Las Vegas (7-5), format. division — at Miami, home vs. home vs. Houston, at Pittsburgh Baltimore and Las Vegas are Buffalo and home against the cur- and home vs. Jacksonville to wrap still in the mix at 7-5. And it’s nev- rently 0-12 New York Jets. things up. The Texans have been er smart to count out a Bill Belich- competitive under interim coach ick-coached team, especially with AFC North Romeo Crennel, going 4-4 after an New England surging with four The Steelers were just cruising 0-4 start with Bill O’Brien. They’re wins in its last five games to get to along, giving those undefeated ’72 probably too far back to contend, .500 at 6-6. Dolphins something to think about but could make things interesting A division-by-division look at when — whoa! — the Washington down the stretch with games the AFC playoff race going into Football Team dashed any against Indy and Tennessee. the final quarter of the season: dreams of perfection in Pitts- burgh with a stunning 23-17 upset AFC West AFC East Monday night. The Chiefs earned a playoff Josh Allen and the Bills could Now, winning the division is far berth last week and would have al- make a massive statement when from a certainty, especially with ready clinched their fifth straight they take on the Steelers at home Baker Mayfield and the Browns division title if not for since-fired Sunday night. The third-year on a four-game winning streak Jets defensive coordinator Gregg quarterback has played his way and looking like the scary squad Williams’ bizarre play call that al- into the MVP conversation and many have been expecting. Pitts- lowed the Raiders to pull off a another impressive performance burgh still has a two-game lead stunning 31-28 victory at New — and a win — would justify that and could clinch with a win and a York last Sunday. buzz. It would also put Buffalo Browns loss to Baltimore, but the Kansas City can take care of business itself by winning (or ty- ing) Sunday at Miami — in the sta- KEITH SRAKOCIC / AP dium where the Chiefs won their Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has led his team first Super Bowl in 50 years in to a 10­1 record, but winning the AFC North means holding off the February. A loss (or tie) by the Cleveland Browns, who have won four in a row. Raiders at home against Indiana- polis would also give coach Andy division could come down to these Reid and his Chiefs the division. two playing in what will likely be AFC South Las Vegas has been up and chilly Cleveland in the the regu- Tennessee and Indianapolis down all season and was 5 seconds lar-season finale. split their two regular-season from staring at a three-game skid, Oh, and don’t forget about Balti- meetings and fittingly sit tied atop capped by an embarrassing loss to more, which might be out of the di- the division with four games left. the lowly Jets. But fate — and Wil- vision race, but got Lamar Jack- Ryan Tannehill and the Titans liams’ Zero Blitz call — inter- son back from a one-game CO- would seem to have the easier vened. Jon Gruden hopes to have VID-19 absence and snapped a path to winning the South — which running back Josh Jacobs back three-game skid with a 34-17 win would be their first division title soon from a sprained ankle and since 2008 — with only one team over Dallas on Tuesday night. The safety Johnathan Abram from a with a winning record (Green Bay Ravens host the Browns next, but knee injury, and the Raiders will at 9-3) remaining on their sched- then finish with three straight op- probably need them to stay in the ule. They also have: at Jackson- hunt. The Broncos (4-8) and Char- ponents currently with losing re- ville, home vs. Detroit (5-7) and gers (3-9) could be looking at ROSS D. FRANKLIN / AP cords: home vs. Jacksonville (1-11) wrap up the regular season at coaching changes after the sea- and the New York Giants (5-7), Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen has played his way into MVP Houston (4-8). son, but both could have an impact consideration and a win over the Steelers at home Sunday puts the and at Cincinnati (2-9-1). Meanwhile, the Colts are win- in the AFC playoff hunt. Bills in line for their first AFC East title since 1995. Friday, December 11, 2020 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 53 COLLEGE BASKETBALL/MLB

TOP 25 ROUNDUP Scoreboard

Wednesday’s men’s scores EAST Fairleigh Dickinson 79, CCSU 71 Hofstra 72, Stony Brook 67 No. 2 Bears roll in first home game St. Francis (NY) 93, Bryant 91 SOUTH Associated Press Campbell 79, New Orleans 70 WACO, Texas — Davion Mitch- Clemson 67, Maryland 51 Florida St. 69, Indiana 67 ell and No. 2 Baylor came into this Jacksonville 78, Florida National 69 Lamar 63, Louisiana-Monroe 60 most unusual season ready for un- Lipscomb 80, SE Missouri 74 Louisiana Tech 78, SE Louisiana 69 expected changes. The unbeaten Marshall 84, Coll. of Charleston 72 Bears have responded well when Morehead St. 77, Transylvania 55 Radford 98, Mars Hill 50 they actually get a chance to play. Richmond 78, N. Iowa 68 The Citadel 102, Carver 51 Adam Flagler scored 11 of his 14 Tulane 58, Southern Miss. 38 points before halftime as Baylor UAB 89, Tuskegee 64 UNC-Wilmington 116, St. Andrews 66 took control early on the way to an VCU 95, NC A&T 59 83-52 win Wednesday night over MIDWEST Stephen F. Austin. It was the Chattanooga 77, Bellarmine 68 Chicago 88, Chicago St. 51 home opener for the Bears — a Cincinnati 78, Furman 73 Drake 90, McKendree 66 day later than scheduled and E. Michigan 95, Adrian 35 against a different opponent than Evansville 68, E. Illinois 65 Georgia Tech 75, Nebraska 64 planned. Miami (Ohio) 67, W. Illinois 57 Michigan 91, Toledo 71 “We’re just blessed to have this Missouri 69, Liberty 60 Pittsburgh 71, Northwestern 70 opportunity. I mean, we kind of Valparaiso 80, SIU-Edwardsville 58 knew how this season was going to Wisconsin 73, Rhode Island 62 Xavier 99, Oklahoma 77 go,” said Mitchell, who had 11 Youngstown St. 72, Point Park 52 points, seven assists and four SOUTHWEST steals. Ark.-Pine Bluff 75, Arkansas St. 74 Arkansas 79, Southern U. 44 It was the first game for the Baylor 83, Stephen F. Austin 52 Providence 79, TCU 70 Bears (4-0) since a much-antici- Tarleton St. 84, Arlington Baptist 43 pated showdown against No. 1 Texas 74, Texas St. 53 Texas Tech 51, Abilene Christian 44 TONY GUTIERREZ / AP Gonzaga was called off only 90 FAR WEST minutes before tipoff Saturday, Baylor guard MaCio Teague shoots over Stephen F. Austin's Nana Antwi­Boasiako, left front, David Arizona 85, CS Bakersfield 60 and after expected home-opening Kachelrie, left rear, and DeAndre Heckard, right, during the Bears' 83­52 win Wednesday in Waco, Texas. Boise St. 74, BYU 70 N. Colorado 87, Colorado Christian 62 opponent Nicholls State had virus Oregon 87, Florida A&M 66 Pepperdine 74, California 62 issues like the Bulldogs did. “Coming off finals, I was obvi- buzzer-beating tip-in of a missed having a difficult time getting S. Utah 81, Utah Valley St. 71 “Well, I think they laugh every ously worried about the players’ free throw Friday. open looks and missing many of San Jose St. 87, Fresno Pacific 79 Santa Clara 76, Cal Poly 69 time I give them updates. Like, energy and rhythm with not prac- Jeremy Sheppard had 13 points the ones they did get. UCLA 83, San Diego 56 Washington 73, Seattle 41 what do we got now?” coach Scott ticing as much,” Drew said. “But I for the Rams (3-3). Coryon Mason scored 14 points Washington St. 61, Idaho 58 Drew said. “When you know it’s thought they did a great job. That No. 13 Texas 74, Texas State for Abilene Christian (5-1), a Wyoming 83, Denver 61 game day and the ball is going to run at the end of the first half and 53: Freshman Greg Brown Southland Conference team that Wednesday's women’s scores get tipped, you’ve got to make the the beginning of the second half scored 18 points and the host made the move from Division II EAST most of it, because I can tell you was really the difference.” Longhorns’ won their final non- less than 10 years ago. Bryant 78, St. Francis Brooklyn 61 they’d much rather be playing The Lumberjacks had 17 turn- conference tuneup before the No. 19 Richmond 78, Northern St. Francis (Pa.) 67, Kent St. 64 Villanova 78, La Salle 52 games right now than practicing.” overs by halftime and finished start of Big 12 play. Iowa 68: Tyler Burton had 21 SOUTH Five players scored in double with 35 that led to 40 Baylor Texas (5-1) had nine dunks on points and 13 rebounds and the Davidson 85, Charleston Southern 56 figures as Baylor played for the points. Mitchell drew several 12 baskets in the first half. Jericho host Spiders used a 21-6 run in the East Carolina 58, VCU 55 Florida 70, UNC-Asheville 48 first time since an 82-69 win over charges on the defensive end. Sims started the scoring with a second half to pull away. Georgia 68, Jacksonville St. 47 Georgia Tech 86, Boston College 68 then-No. 5 Illinois at the Jimmy V No. 13 Wisconsin 73, Rhode slam and the floodgates opened Grant Golden added 17 points High Point 108, NC Wesleyan 71 Classic in Indianapolis a week Island 62: Brad Davison scored from there. and 11 rebounds for Richmond James Madison 79, George Washington 69 earlier. That was the only one of 23 points and the host Badgers Mason Harrell scored 14 points (4-0). Blake Francis scored 16 Kentucky 79, Marshall 45 Liberty 67, Hampton 45 the first six games on their initial won a nonconference game with for the Bobcats (3-2) . points and Jacob Gilyard had 12 Louisiana-Lafayette 80, McNeese St. 48 No. 17 Texas Tech 51, Abilene Louisville 73, Duke 49 schedule that the Bears have the Rams that was added to the points and 11 assists. NC State 76, Elon 47 played. schedule two days ago. Christian 44: Kyler Edwards Tywhon Pickford scored 16 Troy 95, Chattanooga 74 Tulane 81, Middle Tennessee 78 Cameron Johnson had 11 points Wisconsin (4-1) originally was scored 19 points and the host Red points for the Panthers (1-4), Aus- W. Carolina 63, Newberry 44 for the Lumberjacks (3-1), the de- slated to host No. 25 Louisville on Raiders avoided a major upset in tin Phyfe had 15, and Trae Berhow MIDWEST fending Southland Conference Wednesday as part of the Big Ten/ a defensive struggle. 13. Cent. Michigan 82, W. Michigan 71 Iowa 82, Iowa St. 80 champions who had their 18-game ACC Challenge, but the Cardinals Texas Tech (5-1) trailed with No. 20 Florida State 69, Indi­ Michigan 93, Butler 54 Michigan St. 81, Minnesota 68 winning streak snapped. Gavin canceled their second consecutive seven minutes remaining before ana 67 (OT): Scottie Barnes Purdue 82, Buffalo 70 Kensmil added 10 points. game following a positive CO- Edwards made one of two free banked in a runner with with two SIU-Edwardsville 63, St. Louis College of Pharmacy 44 Flagler’s three-pointer in the VID-19 test within the program. throws to get even. Nimari Bur- seconds left in overtime to lift the SOUTHWEST closing seconds of the first half Rhode Island was added as a re- nett, who scored 10 points, made a Seminoles past the Hoosiers in the Arkansas 79, SMU 47 was the Bears’ third three in a row placement Monday. pair to put the Red Raiders up for ACC/Big Ten Challenge for their TCU 79, Lamar 53 Texas 73, Idaho 48 — LJ Crayer and Matthew Mayer Micah Potter had 13 points and good at 38-36. 25th straight home victory. Texas Tech 87, Angelo State 42 had the others — as part of a half- Aleem Ford scored 11 for the The Wildcats’ reputation for The freshman had nine points, FAR WEST ending 11-2 run that put them up Badgers, who bounced back from strong defense held up well, with five assists, four rebounds and Grand Canyon 66, N. Arizona 58 S. Utah 74, William Jessup 46 38-22. a 67-65 loss to Marquette on a Texas Tech shooting 28% while four steals for Florida State. UCLA 102, UC Santa Barbara 45 Freeman among trio of Braves on All-MLB first team BY MIKE FITZPATRICK Ronald Acuña Jr. was chosen for Darvish and New York Mets ace of the Washington Nationals. The ans third baseman José Ramírez. Associated Press the second team. Jacob deGrom rounded out the relievers were Tampa Bay’s Nick Acuña was joined in the outfield NEW YORK — National League San Diego had two players on five starters. Anderson and Oakland’s Liam by Michael Conforto of the Mets MVP Freddie Freeman was one of the top team: shortstop Fernando The rest of the first team fea- Hendriks. and Mike Yastrzemski of the San three Atlanta Braves selected to Tatis Jr. and third baseman Man- tured Kansas City catcher Salva- AL MVP José Abreu of the Chi- Francisco Giants. the All-MLB first team on ny Machado. dor Perez, New York Yankees sec- cago White Sox was the first base- The starting pitchers were Ger- Wednesday night. Cy Young Award winners Tre- ond baseman DJ LeMahieu, and man on the second team, which al- rit Cole of the Yankees, Clayton The slugging first baseman was vor Bauer of the Cincinnati Reds outfielders Mookie Betts from the so included Philadelphia catcher Kershaw of the Dodgers, Dinelson joined by Braves designated hitter and Shane Bieber of the Cleveland World Series champion Los An- J.T. Realmuto, Rays second base- Lamet of the Padres, Kenta Mae- Marcell Ozuna and starting pitch- Indians also made the first team. geles Dodgers, Mike Trout of the man Brandon Lowe, Dodgers da of the Twins and Hyun-Jin Ryu er Max Fried. Atlanta outfielder Chicago Cubs right-hander Yu Los Angeles Angels and Juan Soto shortstop Corey Seager and Indi- of the Toronto Blue Jays. PAGE 54 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, December 11, 2020 COLLEGE FOOTBALL Tunnel vision Buffaloes focusing on Utah, not on Pac-12 title game scenarios

BY PAT GRAHAM media poll. Associated Press But they’ve climbed into the Colorado linebacker Carson Top 25 this week for the first time Wells prefers to treat football since 2018 behind a new coach, a games much like rounding up quarterback who was all set to 600-pound cattle on his family's leave town and a running back ranch — one at a time. who missed last season with a Easier that way. knee injury. That’s why he’s not even think- It’s been quite a start for coach ing about a possible spot in the Karl Dorrell, whose team is bowl Pac-12 Conference title game, be- eligible for the first time since cause a few scenarios would have 2016 despite no spring practice or to transpire in order for the No. 21 much of a summer workout plan Buffaloes (4-0, 3-0 Pac-12) to due to the pandemic. even have that chance. “I've been very impressed how It all starts with this: Beating resilient the team has been,” Dor- DAVID ZALUBOWSKI / AP Utah (1-2, 1-2) at Folsom Field on rell said. Colorado running back Jarek Broussard is second in the nation in yards per game with 183.3. Friday night. Colorado was scheduled to play Then, it moves on to this: Need- at USC in a game that could’ve rell said. back Jarek Broussard, who ond nationally behind Jaret Pat- ing UCLA (3-2, 3-2) to knock off gone a long way in determining And that's why their focus re- rushed for 301 yards in a win at terson’s 230-yard average for No. 16 Southern California (4-0, the South champion. But the con- mains only on Utah, which is the Arizona over the weekend to earn Buffalo. 4-0), which currently owns a tie- test was canceled on Thanksgiv- defending Pac-12 South champ. Pac-12 offensive player of the Then there’s Sam Noyer, a breaker over Colorado, courtesy ing Day due to virus concerns “All of that will be for naught if week honors for a second time quarterback converted to safety of the Trojans having one more with the Trojans (the Buffs in- we don’t play well this week,” this season. By Dorrell’s estima- who was planning to leave town victory within the division. stead picked up — and beat — said Dorrell, who was hired in tion, Broussard's not even 100% after last season before being “We’ve got to control what we San Diego State as a replace- February after Mel Tucker left yet. He's wearing a brace to pro- recruited back by the new coach- can control and that's go 1-0 each ment). The first tiebreaker in de- for Michigan State. “We know tect a left knee that’s been injured ing staff to play QB again. He's week. We’ve done that so far and termining a Pac-12 division win- that’s going to be a tough task.” twice, including an injury in Sep- provided another spark. have to do that this week,” said ner is the head-to-head result, Colorado started fast in 2018, tember 2019 that sidelined him Ditto for a revamped defense Wells, whose team had its Nov. 28 which in this case is negated. going 5-0 before losing the final for the season. led by Wells and fellow lineback- Pac-12 South showdown at USC The next one is record in seven to miss out on a bowl game Broussard has gained 733 er/roommate Nate Landman. canceled due to COVID-19 issues games played within the division. and leading to a coaching change. yards rushing in four games, “We’re still trying to prove to within the Trojans program. “Our But Colorado had its game It’s a feeling Wells knows well. which is six more than Rashaan each other what type of program goal this season was to win a against Arizona State canceled “I was a part of being 5-0 and Salaam had in his first four we are," Dorrell said. “We can Pac-12 championship.” due to COVID-19 issues within we just need to keep playing,” games when he won the Heisman control how well we play and we Entering the season, not many the Sun Devils program. said Wells, who has helped his fa- in 1994. can control if we’re prepared and outside the program shared that Now, the best the Buffs can fin- ther raise cattle in Florida. “We “It means a lot to be in that whether we’re playing with the sort of vision. The Buffaloes were ish within the division is 3-0, can’t get complacent." kind of company with that sort of right mindset. Those are the picked to finish fifth in the Pac-12 while the Trojans can go 4-0. One of the surprises this season player,” said Broussard, whose things I’m continually preach- South during the preseason “Anything can happen,” Dor- has been the emergence of tail- 183.3 yards per game ranks sec- ing.” Figueroa sparks USC’s defense with determination BY DAN GREENSPAN multiple Pac-12 schools and the likes of Associated Press Tennessee, Indiana and North Carolina. He LOS ANGELES — The recruitment of de- signed with the Trojans on Dec. 19, 2018, fensive end Nick Figueroa came down to and had 10 tackles, a sack and recovered a Southern California and UCLA. fumble as a backup last season. “But I’ve always been a USC kid,” he said. Roster turnover and the arrival of a new Nearly two years after making that deci- defensive coaching staff, including coordi- sion, Figueroa has emerged as an unlikely nator Todd Orlando and defensive line star for the No. 16 Trojans and can show the coach Vic So’oto, created an opening in the Bruins just what they missed out on when starting lineup that Figueroa has capital- the cross-town rivals play Saturday. ized on. It culminated with a breakout per- Figueroa has 3 ½ sacks and six tackles for formance in the 38-13 win over Washington loss for USC (4-0, No. 15 CFP), leading the State on Sunday when he had three sacks, team in both categories ahead of defensive one shy of the school single-game record. tackle Marlon Tuipulotu and outside line- Figueroa showed quickness on his first backer Drake Jackson, two of the most sack, darting past left guard Jarrett King- sought-after high school recruits in the ston to pull down Cougars quarterback Jay- country in their respective classes. den de Laura. He also has the requisite size There was little interest in Figueroa, who at 6-foot-5 and 260 pounds. had been focused on baseball and only But what really allows Figueroa to thrive played football in his senior season at Cajon is his work ethic, Orlando said. High School in San Bernardino. He ended ALEX GALLARDO / AP “Well, smart and tough can get you a long up at Cal Poly and was on the scout team Southern California defensive lineman Nick Figueroa, center, sacks Washington State way in life,” Orlando said. “It’s no surprise during a redshirt season in 2017, when the quarterback Gunner Cruz, left, during the second half of Sunday's game in Los Angeles. to me that he’s thriving in this package, but Mustangs won one game. that’s the person. He’s got talent, but a lot of However, Figueroa had higher aspira- ing out of high school I had a few teammates kind of people that they were and thought I people have got talent. It’s the internal tal- tions, which prompted a transfer home to that, like, went to major Division I pro- had a shot to compete at that level.” ent that to me measures a person, how attend Riverside City College. grams,” Figueroa said. “I kind of saw how Interest from those programs soon fol- much success they’re going to have, and he “A lot of it had to do with the fact that com- they worked in practice and, like, saw the lowed, with Figueroa being recruited by has that in bunches.” Friday, December 11, 2020 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 55 COLLEGE FOOTBALL Late: Rhattigan leads Knights with 67 tackles

FROM PAGE 56 Growing up with two older, ath- letic brothers — brother Joe was a dy. Rhattigan leads the Black star tailback at Princeton — Knights in tackles with 67, eight of taught Rhattigan valuable lessons them for losses, and he’s tied for that have served him well at West the team lead with two intercep- Point. tions, one that he returned for a “If there’s one thing that Jon is touchdown. On Monday he was really good at, it’s enduring those named one of 18 semifinalists for kinds of things,” said Rhattigan’s the Bednarik Award, presented father, T.J. “He was in the shadow annually to the nation’s top defen- of both of his older brothers most sive player, a nice start to the week of his life. He’s a survivor. He per- as Army (7-2) prepared to play severes. He just will not quit. I’m Navy (3-6) at Michie Stadium on sure it was difficult for him. He Saturday. wouldn’t say anything.” “I think he made up his mind in Rhattigan, at 6-foot-1 and 245 the offseason that he was going to pounds, had several offers from be a leader for us,” Woody said. both the Ivy League and Mid- “He stepped up and took on a role American Conference and some that we desperately needed. I interest from Big Ten schools be- PHOTOS BY JOHN RAOUX / AP can’t tell you how tremendous of fore suffering a torn knee liga- Florida quarterback Kyle Trask has arguably the deepest receiving corps in the country. an asset he’s been.” ment early in his junior year in Rhattigan simply had to wait his high school. He rebounded with a turn. He was behind two-year cap- solid senior year and chose West tain Cole Christiansen on the Point during a trip east to visit sev- depth chart, and Christiansen is eral schools. now in the NFL with the Chargers. After a stop at Brown of the Ivy Gators perfectly happy “I guess it just happens,” Army League, it was on to West Point to coach Jeff Monken said. “You the surprise of his father, whose don’t always find yourself at the attempt to dissuade him failed. top of the depth chart right away. “I said, ‘What are you doing? We knew he was a good player, but You’re not going to go to West being one-dimensional I felt like we had some good play- Point. You don’t know what you’re ers there that were playing, too.” getting yourself into,’ ” T.J. Rhat- BY MARK LONG Rhattigan’s high school coach tigan recalled. ” And he said, ‘We Associated Press said his former star understood have to go. This coach, when ev- GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Florida coach Dan Mullen and never once griped. erybody else gave up on me (be- doesn’t even really bother trying to run the ball any- “It’s tough when you’re not cause of the injury, long-time Ar- more. playing, but I never heard him my assistant) Tucker Waugh kept Sure, the sixth-ranked Gators hand it off here and once get down on himself or the calling.’ ” there, mostly when they’re leading and/or trying to team or anything like that,” Na- When former Army tight end run out the clock. But they’re as one-dimensional as perville coach Bill Ellinghaus Kelvin White, a family friend, was any Florida team in nearly two decades. And no one is said. “He knew that he was behind there waiting at West Point to be a complaining. a really, really unique player and tour guide, that pretty much Not Mullen. Not quarterback and Heisman Trophy he was willing to put the work in to sealed the deal. front-runner Kyle Trask. And surely not any of be as good as he could be when the “I loved what coach Monken Trask’s receivers, a group widely considered the best time was right. When I talked to was doing with the program,” in the country. him last summer, he said, ‘You Rhattigan said. “I saw a lot of po- The pass-happy Gators are simply happy passing. know what? I think it’s my time.’ ” tential. I was very intrigued.” Florida (8-1) enters Saturday’s regular-season fi- nale against reigning national champion LSU (3-5) with the nation’s 103rd-ranked ground game. The Ga- No. 6 Florida doesn't really even try to run the ball LSU self-imposes bowl ban tors are averaging 126.2 yards rushing, the program’s anymore, and that's fine with coach Dan Mullen. least-productive ground attack since coach Steve Associated Press tion of LSU's football program Spurrier’s final season in Gainesville in 2001. waii’s Colt Brennan (39 in 2006) had more at this BATON ROUGE, La. — LSU is predates the promotion Ed Orge- That was Spurrier’s best passing team in his 26 point in a season. Trask has put up his numbers self-imposing a one-year ban on ron to head coach during the 2016 years as a head coach, spanning Duke, Florida and against an SEC-only schedule — few, if any, cup- postseason play for this season as season and hiring of current ath- South Carolina. With Rex Grossman at the helm, the cakes. part an effort to cooperate with an letic director Scott Woodward in Gators led the nation by averaging 405.2 yards The Gators also boast star tight end Kyle Pitts, dy- NCAA probe into rules violations. 2019. through the air. namic playmaker Kadarius Toney and fellow receiv- “LSU leadership made this de- “I respect the university’s deci- Trask and the Gators aren’t quite there, but they ers Trevon Grimes, Jacob Copeland and Justin cision after care- sion to proactively address NCAA aren't far behind. And the ground game has been a Shorter. And Mullen has freshmen receivers Trent ful deliberation issues from the past,” Orgeron victim of their own passing prowess. Whittemore, Xzavier Henderson and Ja’Quavion and review of the said. “I share the disappointment “If I want to go put our energy into it, I’m sure we Fraziars waiting their turn. NCAA rules vio- of our student-athletes who will can figure it out,” Mullen said. All that talent comes after Florida lost four receiv- lations that have not be able to compete this season Mullen even threatened to open in the wishbone ers — Van Jefferson, Tyrie Cleveland, Freddie Swain been discovered in a bowl game. I am especially against the Tigers, just to prove to naysayers that and Josh Hammond — to the NFL. in the universi- proud of our players’ dedication Florida can run the ball if it wants. “It’s good to be able to run the ball; it's never a bad ty’s cooperative to the program during these un- No one is criticizing the Gators for being so pass- thing," Trask said. "But at the end of the day, we’re investigation precedented times in our coun- heavy, especially after pedestrian offenses becoming going to do what we have to do.” Orgeron with the NCAA” try.” close to a pastime in Gainesville under former coach- The general belief is Florida will need to be more and Independent Accountability Some of the more serious alle- es Will Muschamp and Jim McElwain. balanced against top-ranked Alabama in the South- Resolution Process, the athletic gations involved LSU booster Florida fans are enjoying the air show. Trask's eastern Conference championship game next week department said in a statement. John Paul Funes, who is a former 376.7 yards passing per game lead the Football Bowl in Atlanta. The Crimson Tide have won six in a row “This decision reflects LSU’s chief executive for a Baton Rouge Subdivision. He also tops the nation with 38 touch- against Florida, which has averaged 13.5 points dur- commitment to compliance with hospital foundation. He has been down passes, eight more than his closest competitor ing the skid. NCAA regulations and mainte- accused of paying a player’s fa- and the third-highest total through nine games in “We know we can run the ball when we need to,” nance of institutional control.” ther $180,000 for a “no-show job” FBS history. left tackle Stone Forsythe said. “Maybe that game is Much of the NCAA's investiga- between 2012 and 2017. Only Houston’s Andre Ware (40 in 1989) and Ha- coming down the road. But we can do it.” PAGE 56 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, December 11, 2020 On the verge SPORTS Giants, Vikings close in on playoff berths after slow starts ›› NFL, Page 50

COLLEGE FOOTBALL Better late than never Army’s Rhattigan wasn’t starter until final season

BY JOHN KEKIS “Toughness and humility. That Associated Press was the first three years,” Rhatti- rmy linebacker Jon gan said. “It was a grind, as college Rhattigan is right football should be. I think this pro- where he always gram, especially, is built on tough- wanted to be as the ness and h umility, and I think biggest game of his that’s a great way for me to de- Alife looms. It just took a little long- scribe the first three years. I was er than he imagined. fine in my role on the team and do- A football captain in high school ing the best I could each year. in Naperville, Ill., Rhattigan’s first Thankfully, that role has three years with the Black changed.” Knights went like this: no varsity Has it ever. action in 2017; played in one game This year, Rhattigan has been a in 2018, the season finale in the key as a starter on a defense Armed Forces Bowl; appeared in ranked fourth nationally (289.3 all 13 games last year and regis- yards allowed per game) under tered six tackles while playing on first-year coordinator Nate Woo- special teams. Not an easy row to hoe. SEE LATE ON PAGE 55

DUSTIN SATLOFF, ABOVE, AND JIM COWSERT, LEFT / AP Army senior linebacker Jon Rhattigan, above, leads the Black Knights in tackles and is one of 18 semifinalists nationally for the Bednarik Award, given to the nation’s outstanding defensive player. Head coach Jeff Monken, left, says Rhattigan found himself way down on the depth chart his first two years because the Black Knights had a glut of talented players ahead of him the last three years.

No. 2 Baylor cruises in home opener ›› College basketball, Page 53