Ossoff Seals Democrats' Senate Sweep

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Volume 79 Edition 188 ©SS 2021 FRIDAY,JANUARY 8, 2021 $1.00 Ossoff seals Democrats’ Senate sweep

BY SUDHIN THANAWALA Associated Press ATLANTA — As a teenager, Jon Ossoff was inspired by the pivotal role John Lewis played in J. SCOTT APPLEWHITE/AP the fight for racial equality when Vice President Mike Pence and Speaker of the House the civil rights icon was in his Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., read the final certification of early 20s. Electoral College votes cast in November’s presidential election early Thursday after working through the night. He was in awe of Lewis’ life, he told The Associated Press in De- cember, particularly how someone “so young” had achieved such a prominent position as chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordi- Chaos and nating Committee. At 33, the millennial Democrat will assume his own leadership mantle after being one of two candidates to help the party sweep Georgia’s crucial U.S. Senate runoff elections, a victory that sealed confirmation Democrats’ control of the chamber. Ossoff defeated Republican David Perdue in the runoff that was held Tuesday after neither he Biden victory is certified after nor Perdue received 50% of the vote in November. pro-Trump mob storms Capitol This is Ossoff’s first election to Associated Press public office, and he will be the youngest member of the Senate. WASHINGTON — Congress confirmed Democrat Joe But he has never let youth and in- Biden as the presidential election winner early Thursday experience be barriers to his aspi- after a violent mob loyal to President Donald Trump rations. stormed the U.S. Capitol in an attempt to overturn the In 2017, at the age of 29, he ran election, undercut America’s democracy and keep Trump in the White House. SEE OSSOFF ON PAGE 10 Lawmakers were resolved to complete the Electoral College tally in a display to the country, and the world, of the nation’s enduring commitment to uphold the will of the voters and the peaceful transfer of power. They pushed through the night with tensions high and the nation’s capital on alert. Before dawn Thursday, lawmakers finished their work, confirming Biden won the election. Vice President Mike Pence, presiding over the joint session, announced the tally, 306-232. SEE CHAOS ON PAGE 9 Woman fatally Facebook bans shot identified as Trump at least through A police officer cleans up debris and personal BRANDEN CAMP/AP belongings strewn across the floor of the Rotunda Air Force veteran Biden inauguration Jon Ossoff, whose election will in the early morning hours of Thursday. give the Democrats control of the ANDREW HARNIK/AP Page 8 Page 10 Senate, also will be the youngest member of the chamber. PAGE 2 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, January 8, 2021 BUSINESS/WEATHER

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Naples 52/47 Okinawa Morón 57/54 45/42 Sigonella Rota 63/44 The weather is provided by the Djibouti 48/44 Souda Bay American Forces Network Weather Center, 80/71 63/55 2nd Weather Squadron at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb. TODAY IN STRIPES American Roundup ..... 36 Classified ...... 37 Comics ...... 38-39 Crossword ...... 38-39 Faces ...... 35 Opinion ...... 40 Sports ...... 41-48 Friday, January 8, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 3 MILITARY Afghanistan hit with multiple attacks

BY RAHIM FAIEZ the media. provincial council. He said the ca- forces were missing and may have ty for the attack and said Taliban Associated Press Mohammad Karim Karimi, sualties included children and been taken into custody by the Ta- fighters killed around 15 security KABUL, Afghanistan — At- deputy head of the provincial women. liban during the attack. The offi- forces and arrested 11 others. tacks in Afghanistan left at least 23 council in Uruzgan, confirmed the Abdul Nabi Elham, provincial cial said reinforcements were dis- Mujahid said seven security civilians and security forces dead, attack on the military base in Tirin governor, said officials were in- patched to the area outside the forces were killed at the check- officials said Thursday, even as Kot, the provincial capital, but vestigating to determine whether provincial capital Kunduz. point and eight others from rein- Afghan negotiators were in Qatar couldn’t provide an exact death the assault was an airstrike or Two military vehicles were de- forcement units were also killed. to resume talks with the Taliban toll. He said the explosion was so some other type of attack. stroyed and weapons and ammu- An Afghan negotiating team is aimed at finding an end to decades strong it sent shock waves through No one immediately claimed re- nition from the checkpoint were in Qatar’s capital of Doha to re- of conflict. the city. sponsibility for either attack. seized by the insurgents, he add- sume talks aimed at finding an end In southern Uruzgan province, In southern Helmand province, In northern Kunduz province, ed. to decades of relentless conflict a suicide car bomber detonated a at least five civilians were killed Taliban fighters stormed a mili- Inamuddin Rahmani, spokes- even as violence has spiked across vehicle full of explosives early and five others wounded in a sus- tary checkpoint, killing at least 12 man for the provincial police chief the country. The stop-and-go talks Thursday near a military base, pected airstrike late Wednesday security personnel, said a provin- in Kunduz, confirmed the Taliban come amid growing doubt over a killing six security forces, said a on the outskirts of Lashkar Gah, cial official who was not autho- attack. U.S.-Taliban peace deal brokered provincial council member who the provincial capital, according rized to speak with the media. Zabihullah Mujahid, a Taliban by outgoing President Donald was not authorized to speak with to Attaullah Afghan, head of the He said about 10 other security spokesman, claimed responsibili- Trump. UN Command based in S. Korea supported by US bases in Japan BY SETH ROBSON port its work in South Korea, he Stars and Stripes said. Williams is a former C-17 YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan — Globemaster III and DH-C4 Cari- Apale blue United Nations banner bou pilot who has flown missions flutters alongside the American, in Iraq and Afghanistan. Japanese and POW/MIA flags “It shouldn’t be normal for a over the home of U.S. Forces Ja- French aircraft to land at a U.S. pan in western Tokyo. airbase and everything to work That banner is one of the few smoothly, but around here it is,” clues that Yokota, a key U.S. airlift he said. hub in Japan, has also been the headquarters of the United Na- Roots in Korean conflict tions Command — Rear, since At the outbreak of the Korean 2007. War, the U.N. appointed Gen. It’s a subordinate of South Ko- Douglas MacArthur, then super- rea-based U.N. Command, led by vising the post-World War II occu- the head of U.S. Forces Korea, Ar- pation of Japan, to lead the U.N.’s my Gen. Robert Abrams. defense against invading North SETH ROBSON/Stars and Stripes The command’s work in Japan Korean communists. For the du- United Nations Command – Rear commander Royal Australian Air Force Col. Adam Williams, left, and is vital to the defense of South Ko- ration of the fighting and until deputy commander Royal Canadian Air Force Maj. Leon Hachey at Yokota Air Base, Japan, in November. rea since it would help facilitate 1957 the U.N. command oversee- reinforcements that would head to ing the Korean campaign was where about 90 staff work, he said. years, our work is not well- The U.N. command’s work in the peninsula through Japanese headquartered in Japan. Numerous other personnel in known,” he said. Japan can also involve evacuating ports in an emergency. It also fa- “By 1957 it was clear that there South Korea perform missions foreign forces from bases in the cilitates the missions of warships was not going to be a rapid resolu- that range from demining to mon- Sanctions monitors path of typhoons or arranging and aircraft that monitor North tion to the political disputes, and itoring the Demilitarized Zone The U.N. command staff wear medical care for injured troops. Korea’s efforts to evade U.N. sanc- they were going to maintain the that separates the country from their national uniforms, but you For example, a U.S. sailor re- tions. command for some time … so the North Korea. won’t see blue berets or helmets, cently fell down a hatch on a vessel The organization, led by Royal U.N. command moved to Yongsan Royal Canadian Air Force Maj. which are reserved for U.N. pea- that was near a warship involved Australian Air Force Group Capt. Garrison in Seoul,” Williams said. Leon Hachey, 53, of Richards cekeepers, he said. in sanctions monitoring, Williams Adam Williams, 48, of Brisbane, The command relocated last Landing, Ontario, has been at Yo- U.S. forces are the U.N. com- said. guides the movement of troops, year to Camp Humphreys, south kota for two years as deputy command’s key mission partners in “We had a Canadian ship in the supplies and equipment for nine of Seoul. mander. A change to Canadian Air Japan, Williams said. area and brought a guy from the of 22 nations — Australia, Canada, The U.N. Command — Rear Force regulations allowed him to “We are clearly not out there U.S. ship to the HMCS Winnipeg, France, New Zealand, Philip- was established in Japan when its grow a beard that has been getting throwing ropes to the boats and re- which evacuated him by helicop- pines, Thailand, Turkey, United higher headquarters moved to Se- thicker since 2018. fueling aircraft,” he said of his ter to Sasebo,” he said. Kingdom and Italy — that have oul. It was at Camp Zama, home of Working in a multinational en- staff. Yokota is one of seven U.S. mil- sent forces to South Korea as part U.S. Army Japan in Kanagawa vironment is nothing new to Ha- A big part of the command’s itary bases in Japan where the U.N. of the U.N.’s efforts to defend the prefecture, before moving to Yo- chey, who traveled to Afghanistan work in Japan involves facilitating command has access to logistical Asian democracy from communi- kota in 2007 to be close to U.S. in 2007 as a logistics officer. ships and aircraft passing through support for nations sending troops st North Korea since 1950. Forces Japan, Williams said. The U.N. Command — Rear the country to monitor compli- to South Korea, Williams said. “You can’t fight a major engage- The U.N. command has only gets some VIP visitors such as ance with sanctions on North Ko- The other installations are Yo- ment in Korea without access five personnel working at Yokota, South Korean army brass and rea that the U.N. imposed due to kosuka and Sasebo naval bases through Japan,” Williams said although that could be increased members of the South Korean Na- the North’s nuclear weapons pro- and Camp Zama on the main is- during a recent interview at his of- significantly in an emergency, tional Assembly. But Hollywood gram, Williams said. lands of Japan as well as Kadena fice, which shares a building with Williams said. The staff includes a stars who have taken an interest in “The sending states are com- Air Base, Marine Corps Air Sta- the USFJ and the 5th Air Force. Canadian deputy commander, other U.N. missions have yet to mitted to monitoring sanctions on tion Futenma and White Beach The U.N. command has an two American soldiers and an stop by, Williams said. North Korea,” he said. “A lot of the Naval Base on Okinawa. agreement with the Japanese gov- American civilian. “Outside of a few professionals ships and aircraft that have visited ernment to allow foreign forces to That’s far fewer than the com- who work on these agreements Japan in recent years have been [email protected] pass through the country to sup- mand has at Camp Humphreys, that have been around for 65 sanctions monitoring activity.” Twitter: @SethRobson1 PAGE 4 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, January 8, 2021 MILITARY More flu vaccine arrives for Americans in Europe

BY JENNIFER H. SVAN Stars and Stripes KAISERSLAUTERN, Germa- ny — A bulk shipment of flu vaccine for Department of Defense personnel and family members has arrived in Europe and is being distributed to base medical clinics that still need the shot, U.S. health and military officials in Germany said this week. The U.S. military in Europe received about 56,000 doses of the vaccine this week, which “should be more than enough for everyone we still need to vaccinate,” said Gi- no Mattorano, spokesman for Re- gional Health Command Europe. Roughly 70,000 service members and Defense Department employees, many with dependents, live in Europe, where flu season typically begins in October. A limited supply of flu shots were available earlier in the season, but service members were given priority for jabs then and many Americans affiliated with the military in Eu- rope were not vaccinated. The delay in getting the remain- der of the flu vaccine to Europe was caused by a coronavirus out- JENNIFER H. SVAN/Stars and Stripes break and a maintenance issue at Airman 1st Class Sofia DeLeon screens airmen as they wait in line for flu shots outside the Southside Fitness Center Annex at Ramstein Air the Pentagon’s supplier, Seqirus, Base, Germany, on Dec. 8. said Patrick Mackin, a spokesman for the Defense Logistics Agency. time. jab. at Ramstein said.. vention and Control said last With the arrival of the new ship- The Centers for Disease Control Landstuhl Regional Medical The flu vaccine will be available month. In the United States, less ment, vaccination clinics are be- and Prevention recommends a Center in Germany is planning to at LRMC and Ramstein to people than 1% of nasal and throat sam- ing scheduled across Europe. At minimum of 14 days between the hold its flu inoculations jointly who typically receive shots on ples have been positive for flu, the some bases, they will be held con- two vaccinations to allow for bet- with the Air Force at Ramstein Air base, officials said. CDC said last month. The low inci- currently but separately with CO- ter tracking of adverse reactions, Base from Jan. 19 to 22, Mattorano Officials at Spangdahlem Air dence suggests measures aimed at VID-19 vaccination clinics, offi- and the European Centre for Dis- said. They will likely hold a mass Base said this week that they had slowing the spread of the coronavi- cials said. The overlap is not ex- ease Prevention and Control says vaccination clinic, with no ad- still not received additional flu rus may also be limiting the spread pected to affect the inoculation anyone who feels ill or has been in vance sign-ups required. vaccine. of influenza, the CDC said. schedule for either illness, Matto- close contact with someone infect- Flu and COVID shots will be ad- Influenza activity has been low- rano said, even though the two vac- ed with the coronavirus in the past ministered at two different loca- er than usual this season, the Eu- [email protected] cines cannot be given at the same two weeks should not have a flu tions on those days, base officials ropean Centre for Disease Pre- Twitter: @stripesktown Sweeping vets bill becomes law, impacting ‘every corner’ of community

BY NIKKI WENTLING signing this important legislation legislation finally cross the finish chological harm, the IG said. The post the number of coronavirus Stars and Stripes into law.” line, and we can now send a pow- legislative package requires cases and deaths at the homes be- WASHINGTON — President The package is more than 340 erful message to women veterans teams who specialize in military fore Feb. 4. Donald Trump signed a sweeping pages long and includes dozens of that our nation respects their ser- sexual trauma to process those The legislative package also in- legislative package Tuesday that measures — some of which have vice and will not tolerate substan- benefits claims. It also allows vet- cludes measures to aid student aims to help veterans facing a va- been in the works for nearly four dard care for them at the VA,” said erans who must be examined dur- veterans. It increases legal pro- riety of challenges, including years. It’s titled “The Johnny Isak- Jeremy Butler, CEO of Iraq and ing the claims process to choose tections for GI Bill benefits and homelessness, access to care for son and David P. Roe M.D. Veter- Afghanistan Veterans of America. the sex of the medical provider ex- places more scrutiny on schools women and Native Americans, ans Health Care and Benefits Im- In addition to improving health amining them. with a history of taking advantage toxic exposure and the coronavi- provement Act of 2020,” named services for women, the bill aims A few provisions address prob- of beneficiaries. A key provision rus. for former Republican leaders of to address a negative culture for lems created by the coronavirus requires the VA to analyze wheth- The legislation gained unani- the House and Senate veterans’ women at VA facilities. It would pandemic. One attempts to ease er schools facing legal or punitive mous approval in Congress on affairs committees. require the VA to create an anti- the federal grant process for orga- actions from the government Dec. 17 and was sent to the White Much of the bill focuses on im- harassment and anti-sexual as- nizations that aid homeless veter- should be cut off from GI Bill mon- House on Dec. 24. Tuesday was proving services for female veter- sault policy and designate some- ans. The organizations need the ey, a critical protection clause that the final day for Trump to signal ans. It creates a dedicated Office one at each facility to receive re- money to help veterans get into has been lobbied for by advocates his support for the legislation. of Women’s Health at the Depart- ports of harassment. A working housing and renovate shelters to for more than a decade. Presidents are given 10 days to ment of Veterans Affairs, pro- group will be created to help im- account for social distancing. The package also made strides sign bills before they become law vides $20 million to retrofit VA plement the policy. The bill also requires the coun- for Native American veterans by without their signatures. hospitals with women’s health The bill also aims to help veter- try’s 162 state-run veterans’ prohibiting the VA from charging “Congress passed this critical spaces and makes permanent a ans suffering from military sexual homes to regularly report to the them copayments and by creating end-of-year veterans’ package to program to provide childcare at trauma. In 2018, the VA Office of VA about their coronavirus cases an advisory committee that will enact changes and provide sup- VA facilities, among other mea- Inspector General reported that and deaths. The homes, which are advise the VA secretary about the port for every corner of our veter- sures. It also mandates that every the department wrongfully de- operated by states but overseen unique challenges facing tribal an community,” said Sen. Jerry VA hospital hire a dedicated wom- nied benefits to thousands of vet- by the VA, currently do not report veterans. Moran, R-Kan., leader of the Sen- en’s health provider. erans who filed claims for military information about their coronavi- ate Veterans’ Affairs Committee. “For nearly four years, IAVA sexual trauma — rejection that rus cases to the department. The [email protected] “I applaud President Trump for has been working hard to see this potentially caused stress and psy- VA is now required to publicly Twitter: @nikkiwentling Friday, January 8, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 5 MILITARY Family questions effort to find soldier before suicide BY ROSE L. THAYER stretch of tracks in Temple. Police the CID file as part of an ongoing the soldier spent his final days by tles of water with Fernandes’ Stars and Stripes determined Fernandes died by su- congressional investigation into reviewing phone data and inter- body. An autopsy found his system AUSTIN, Texas — Police have icide. the deaths of several soldiers this viewing a local resident who en- clear of drugs or alcohol. concluded Fort Hood Sgt. Elder “They dumped him on the side year who were assigned to Fort countered the soldier. Because Fernandes was last Fernandes was alive for up to of the road. Then he went missing Hood. Subpanels of the House From Aug. 17 to 20, Fernandes seen in Killeen, that city’s police three days between the time that and they committees on oversight and continued to turn his cellphone on department led the search efforts, he went missing and when he died didn’t do armed services are leading the in- and off multiple times to check his though Kesten questions why Fer- by suicide, leaving the soldier’s anything,” vestigation and have received messages, according to Temple nandes’ unit didn’t contact CID to family to question the Army’s ef- Kesten said. some documents and communica- police. Meanwhile, he traveled begin an investigation on Aug. 18 forts to find him. “It’s such a tions related to Fernandes “on a about 30 miles east, on foot or pos- when he missed the morning for- “What we do know is that had disservice to rolling basis,” said a senior Demo- sibly by hopping onto a train car, mation. they put out the proper alerts, a soldier, to cratic committee aide speaking on until he reached an area of rail- “You would think every bell in there was a real good opportunity any human the condition of anonymity. road tracks in Temple tucked be- the world would go off,” he said. to get him on [Aug. 19],” said Len- being.” But they have not received the tween a golf course and a butcher When Fernandes’ family began ny Kesten, an attorney hired by However, CID report or the investigation shop, according to police. calling, they were told the Army Fernandes’ family to uncover an- officials that will determine any miscon- Along the way, he purchased a wouldn’t look for him until he was Fernandes swers about the soldier’s final from Fer- duct or negligence and could im- barbecue lunch in Harker Heights missing for 30 days. days. nandes’ unit, the 1st Cavalry Divi- pact the family’s benefits, the aide and a witness saw him resting “The Army released a press re- The 23-year-old Fernandes was sion, have said they began looking said. near Interstate 14 in Nolanville, lease saying they immediately be- released from Fort Hood’s Carl R. for the soldier “within hours” — “The subcommittee is focused according to police. On Aug. 20, gan searching as soon as he didn’t Darnall Army Medical Center on on and off the base. on conducting as thorough of an police determined Fernandes ei- show up for work, which I don’t Aug. 17, a week after he had admit- The family wants to know exact- investigation as possible in order ther turned off his phone for the fi- believe for a minute. They began ted himself to the hospital for sui- ly what the Army did and when, to do right by the victims’ families nal time or its battery ran out. searching when mom got there cidal ideations. Fernandes’ super- Kesten said. He believes those de- and to ensure the investigation’s Temple police found the phone [Aug. 19],” Kesten said. visor, a staff sergeant, drove him tails are in files that the Fort Hood findings and recommendations Aug. 25 alongside his body, which Fort Hood and Killeen police from the hospital to a residence in detachment of the Criminal Inves- help to improve the future com- was hanging from a tree branch at entered Fernandes into the mis- Killeen. The soldier, who served tigation Command, known as CID, mand climate at Fort Hood and least seven feet above the ground sing persons database on Aug. 19, as a chemical, biological, radiolog- has yet to release. other installations throughout the near the railroad tracks. The last according to Temple police. It ical and nuclear specialist, was not Chris Grey, the spokesman for Army. The investigation will cer- voicemail was from his mother on wasn’t until after 9 p.m. the follow- heard from again, according to the CID, said the case file is being fi- tainly continue in the 117th Con- Aug. 17. She was concerned he ing day that the 1st Cavalry Divi- Temple Police Department’s nalized and redacted. When com- gress,” the aide said. hadn’t called her after he was re- sion released a plea to the public to death investigation report re- plete, “copies of the investigation While Fernandes’ family awaits leased from the hospital. look for the soldier. leased last week. will be made available to autho- information from Fort Hood, the Police also found more than

On Aug. 25, a railroad employee rized recipients,” he said. investigation report from Temple $450 in cash, extra clothing, sun- [email protected] found the soldier’s body near a Congress also sent a request for police provides a glimpse into how screen, potato chips and two bot- Twitter: @Rose_Lori PAGE 6 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, January 8, 2021 VIRUS OUTBREAK ROUNDUP Surge in ‘hot spot’ places focus onto Arizona’s governor

Associated Press PHOENIX — As Arizona has North Dakota experienced periodic spikes in FARGO — A man serving a life coronavirus cases since last sentence for the murders of two spring, Gov. Doug Ducey fre- U.S. marshals who were killed in a quently resisted calls to take shootout near a small North Dako- stronger measures. He has de- ta town nearly four decades ago clined to institute a statewide wants to be released from prison mask mandate, allowed school after testing positive for CO- districts to mostly make their own VID-19. choices and allowed businesses to Scott Faul, 67, has been in feder- stay open. al custody since 1983. Faul, along All of those choices by the Re- with Gordon Kahl and Kahl’s son, publican governor are now getting Yorie, were involved in a shootout renewed scrutiny as the Grand with law enforcement officers Canyon state becomes what near Medina, about 120 miles west health officials call the latest “hot of Fargo. The incident gained na- spot of the world” because of soar- tional attention in part because ing caseloads. Gordon Kahl was a leader of a C.J. Karamargin, the gover- group of tax protesters. nor’s spokesman, said the current The shootout resulted in the number of cases and deaths are deaths of U.S. Marshal Kenneth “heartbreaking” but it’s a phe- Muir and Deputy Marshal Robert nomenon happening in other Cheshire. NAM Y. HUH/AP states even with strict stay-at- People wear masks as they line up to enter the Illinois Department of Motor Vehicles in Deerfield, Ill., on home orders. North Carolina Wednesday. Illinois driver facilities are set to reopen statewide after pandemicrelated closure. At the same time, the state is RALEIGH — North Carolina working to ramp up vaccination Gov. Roy Cooper on Wednesday days until the site opens to the reg- week. press conference with Gov. Pete distribution efforts, Karamargin announced a three-week exten- ular public. Ricketts. added. More than 119,000 people sion of a 10 p.m. curfew aimed at More than 329,000 people have Massachusetts Ricketts said state officials plan in Arizona have received the vac- helping slow the spread of the cor- been vaccinated in Florida — or BOSTON — The coronavirus to keep close watch for the new cine, state health officials said onavirus as some counties experi- about 1.5% of the population — al- field hospital in Worcester has ex- strain, and that he expects to see a Wednesday. That is is less than 2% enced a bumpy rollout of vaccines most all of them either health care panded to 75 beds and has treated confirmed case in Nebraska soon of the state’s population. National- for residents over age 75. workers, residents in care homes, 275 patients since reopening last given the state’s proximity to Col- ly, as of Wednesday, more than As the state moved beyond or people over the age of 65. month, officials said Wednesday. orado. three weeks into the U.S. vaccina- health care workers and those in The state’s Department of The field hospital run by UMass tion campaign, 5.3 million people nursing homes and shifted to the Health on Wednesday said there Memorial Health Care first treat- New Jersey had gotten their first shot. new phase of vaccine distribution were 17,783 new cases of CO- ed patients last spring. TRENTON — Police officers for certain elderly members of the VID-19, bringing the state’s total All told, nearly 500 patients and firefighters in New Jersey are Texas general public, some sites quickly to just over 1.4 million people. It’s were treated at the field hospital in eligible to get the COVID-19 vac- AUSTIN — Rep. Kevin Brady ran out of supplies or experienced the highest single-day total re- 2020, UMass Memorial President cine beginning Thursday. said he has tested positive for the long lines or crowds. leased since the pandemic began. Dr. Eric Dickson said during a vir- They follow health care work- coronavirus that causes CO- Not all counties had begun the Also, 129 new deaths were an- tual town hall meeting, Masslive- ers as the second wave of profes- VID-19. new phase because key health nounced, bringing the resident .com reported. sionals eligible to get the shot. The Southeast Texas congress- care workers who regularly come death toll to more than 22,000. The average age of patients is 66 Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy man and ranking Republican into contact with COVID-19 years old and the average length made the announcement Wednes- Ways and Means Committee haven’t all had the opportunity to South Dakota of stay is four days, he said. day. member revealed his test results get their first dose of a Pfizer or SIOUX FALLS — South Dakota “We are able to open up vacci- in a tweet late Tuesday, followed Moderna vaccine. health officials on Wednesday Nebraska nation to them based on the avail- by a prepared statement Wednes- At a time when data from the confirmed six new deaths due to LINCOLN — A new, more con- able supply,” Health Commission- day. The disclosure came as a re- state Department of Health and complications from the coronavi- tagious strain of the coronavirus er Judy Persichilli said. New Jer- cord number of Texas COVID-19 Human Services shows 96 of rus, which came after two straight that has been discovered in five sey has about 400,000 shots on deaths were reported Wednesday. North Carolina’s 100 counties with days with no fatalities. states is probably in Nebraska as hand, she has said, and more than A record 326 COVID-19 deaths substantial or critical community The deaths lifted the total to well, but officials haven’t yet con- 134,000 vaccines have been ad- were reported Wednesday, shat- spread, Cooper warned residents 1,519 since the start of the pan- firmed its presence, the state’s ministered so far, up from 101,000 tering the previous record of 278 to remain vigilant. demic. That death count is the sev- chief medical officer said the previous day, she said. deaths reported on July 23, ac- enth-highest per capita in the Wednesday. Persichilli has added that health cording to statistics compiled by Florida country at about 171 deaths per Dr. Gary Anthone said the new care workers and those in long- the Texas Department of State ST. PETERSBURG — Florida 100,000 people, according to The strain is concerning because it term care homes continue to be a Health Services. That brought the began converting one of its major COVID Tracking Project. could lead to an increase in hospi- priority, and expanding vaccina- Texas death toll for the eight- testing locations into a vaccination The update showed 608 new talizations in Nebraska. Anthone tion eligibility to another group month-old outbreak to 28,545. site and Gov. Ron DeSantis said positive tests, with 144 in Minne- said the state’s public health lab is doesn’t mean that earlier catego- The state reported 19,535 new Wednesday that residents over 65 haha County, 31 in Lincoln Coun- purchasing its own equipment to ries are now closed to getting the confirmed coronavirus cases and should be soon able to receive a ty, 36 in Brown County and 35 in test for the mutated virus. The shots. 4,026 probable cases on Wednes- shot at other large-scale venues, Codington County. The state has new strain has led to a national There are about 650,000 people day, bringing to almost 1.9 million churches and even some grocery confirmed 91,875 cases overall. lockdown in England, and the vi- in the so-called 1a category, in- the number of confirmed and stores around the state. South Dakota ranks 34th in the rus has been detected in Califor- cluding health care workers, and probable cases in Texas. Of those, DeSantis spoke at the Hard country for new cases per capita nia, Florida, New York, Georgia 2.5 million essential workers, ac- 320,540 cases were active on Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, in the last two weeks, Johns Hop- and neighboring Colorado. cording to Persichilli. She said the Wednesday, the 10th consecutive and some first responders were kins University researchers said. “We can all say with some cer- state is hoping to get enough vac- record day, and a record 13,628 vaccinated. He called Wednesday One in every 302 people in South tainty that it’s most likely... here in cines to be through vaccinating were hospitalized. a “soft opening” that will last a few Dakota tested positive in the past Nebraska,” Anthone said at a those groups by April or May. Friday, January 8, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 7 VIRUS OUTBREAK US unemployment claims drop down to still-high 787K

BY CHRISTOPHER RUGABER place until mid-March. A sepa- Associated Press rate program that provides job- WASHINGTON — The num- less aid to contractors and gig ber of Americans seeking unem- workers who previously weren’t ployment aid fell slightly to eligible was also extended for 11 EUGENE HOSHIKO/AP 787,000, further evidence of a job weeks. Both benefits had briefly Pedestrians walk through the Shibuya area of Tokyo on Thursday. Tokyo is experiencing a surge in new market stumbling in the face of expired Dec. 26, temporarily cut- coronavirus cases, reporting more than 2,000 on Thursday. the coronavirus pandemic and ting off all aid for 10 million job- the damage that it has inflicted less Americans. on the economy for nearly 10 The Labor Department said months. this week that despite President Tokyo in state of emergency after Thursday’s figure from the La- Donald Trump’s delay in signing bor Department, a slight decline the relief package — he did so six one-day surge of over 2K cases from the previous week, showed days after Congress approved the that many employers are still bill — jobless benefits under the BY JOSEPH DITZLER in quarantine; the remaining indi- VID-19, according to a new re- cutting jobs as the pandemic extended programs that initially Stars and Stripes vidual was not in quarantine. lease Wednesday. The individual tightens business restrictions lapsed Dec. 26 should continue to TOKYO — A record-breaking The air station has reported 28 last visited Yongsan on Dec. 30 and leads anxious consumers to be paid out without any interrup- coronavirus surge continued new cases of coronavirus thus far and self-quarantined at his home stay home. tion. Thursday in Tokyo, which report- in January. in Seongnam. At the same time, the number The continued weakening of ed more than 2,000 new cases in Naval Air Facility Atsugi, 25 Three more civilians, a family at of people who are receiving regu- the U.S. job market coincides one day for the first time. miles southwest of Tokyo, on Yongsan that had contact with that lar state unemployment aid fell with other signs that hiring and The Tokyo Metropolitan Gov- Thursday reported that one indi- individual, also tested positive by 125,000 to 5.1 million. And economic growth are faltering ernment reported 2,447 newly in- vidual tested positive while in Wednesday, according to a USFK fewer people were on extended under the weight of the ongoing fected individuals, according to quarantine, base spokesman Sam news release. They are two DOD unemployment benefit pro- pandemic. On Wednesday, pay- public broadcaster NHK. Nearly Samuelson said. employees and their dependent; grams. roll processor ADP reported that 69,000 people in the city have con- The Marine Corps late Wednes- they last visited the installation on On Friday, the government private employers shed 123,000 tracted the virus during the pan- day reported that four individuals Tuesday. will likely issue a gloomy jobs re- jobs in December, the first such demic, and more than 650 have had tested positive at its bases on All four are now quarantined at port for December. Economists monthly decline since April. died, according to metro govern- Okinawa: three at Camp Hansen Camp Humphreys, according to expect it to show that hiring ADP’s figures generally track the ment data. and one at Camp Foster, accord- USFK. slowed for a sixth straight month government’s jobs data over Japanese Prime Minister Yosh- ing to a Facebook post by Marine All of the remaining 25 are new — and possibly that employers time, though they can diverge ihide Suga on Thursday evening Corps Installations Pacific. On arrivals to the peninsula and test- shed positions for the first time significantly from month to declared a state of emergency in Thursday, the Marines reported ed positive while still in isolation, since the job market collapsed in month. Tokyo and the three surrounding another four: two more at Camp according to a USFK news release April just after the pandemic In November, consumer prefectures that comprise the Hansen and two at Marine Corps Thursday. erupted. spending — the lifeblood of the greater metro area: Kanagawa, Air Station Futenma. Fifteen service members and Unemployed Americans economy — experienced a de- Saitama and Chiba. The declara- The Marines also reported four dependents arrived at Osan gained some urgently needed cline for the first time in seven tion would allow governors in Wednesday that two second-grade Air Base on the Patriot Express, a help late last month when a $900 months, having steadily weak- those areas to ask businesses to classrooms at Bechtel Elementary government-chartered passenger billion rescue aid package was ened since the summer. Retailers limit their hours and encourage School, a Defense Department air service from the United States, signed into law. That measure have been especially hurt by the their employees to telework, school at Camp McTureous, were on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. provided a $300-a-week federal pandemic. Purchases at retail among other measures. closed Thursday after someone Six service members arrived on jobless benefit on top of an aver- stores have dropped for two U.S. military bases in Japan re- associated with the school had commercial flights to Incheon In- age state benefit of about $320. straight months. ported 20 new coronavirus pa- tested positive for the coronavi- ternational Airport on Dec. 22, As many as half the states are During the holiday shopping tients as of 6 p.m. Thursday; U.S. rus. Saturday, Sunday, Monday and now distributing the federal ben- season, consumers pulled back Forces Korea reported 29 individ- U.S. Forces Korea reported that Tuesday. efit, according to an unofficial on spending, according to debit uals had tested positive since Dec. four individuals already in the Nineteen tested positive on tally at UnemploymentPUA.com. and credit card data tracked by 22, including four civilians this country tested positive on Tues- their first mandatory test upon ar- In states that take longer to pay JPMorgan Chase based on 30 week at Yongsan Garrison. day and Wednesday. Another 25 riving in South Korea, five tested out the $300 payments, any mis- million consumer accounts. Such Marine Corps Air Station Iwa- individuals tested positive after positive while in quarantine and sed payments can be made retro- spending was 6% lower in De- kuni, 500 miles west of Tokyo, re- arriving in South Korea between one tested positive on the test re- actively. cember compared with a year ported another 11 individuals had Dec. 22 and Wednesday. quired to exit quarantine, accord- The federal extension of bene- ago. That was worse than in Oc- contracted the virus, according to A Defense Department civilian ing to USFK. fits was lengthened to 24 weeks tober, when card spending was a Facebook post Thursday. Ten employee at Yongsan Garrison in by the congressional legislation. down just 2% from the previous were close contacts of a previously Seoul tested positive Tuesday af- [email protected] That program will remain in year. infected person and were already ter developing symptoms of CO- Twitter: @JosephDitzler PAGE 8 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, January 8, 2021 NATION NATO chief condemns violence at US Capitol BY JOHN VANDIVER ca’s democratic foundations. ing how can they extend it,” he Stars and Stripes “Our Constitution and our Re- said. STUTTGART, Germany — NA- public will overcome this stain Stoltenberg has faced questions TO’s top official has condemned and We the People will come to- for years about whether Trump the scenes of mob violence at the gether again in our never-ending was undermining alliance unity U.S. Capitol on Wednesday with effort to form a more perfect with his frequent criticism of NA- the kind of rebuke normally re- Union, while Mr. Trump will de- TO. As president, Trump bad- served for adversaries and failed servedly be left a man without a gered NATO members to spend states. country,” he said in a statement. . more on their defense, complain- “Shocking scenes in Washing- Berlin’s ambassador to the ing that the U.S. carries too much ton, D.C.,” Secretary-General United Kingdom, Andreas Mi- of the alliance's financial burden, Jens Stoltenberg said on Twitter chaelis, urged democracies and periodically threatened to as hundreds of rioters, egged on around the world to heed the les- quit the alliance, founded in the af- by an incendiary speech by Presi- sons the U.S. taught Germany in termath of World War II as a bul- dent Donald Trump, stormed the the aftermath of World War II. wark against the Soviet Union, if Capitol, where lawmakers were “After our catastrophic failure his demands weren't met. validating President-elect Joe Bi- in the 20th Century, we Germans But Stoltenberg has always de- den's win in the November presi- were taught by the US to develop murred, and even credited Trump dential vote. J. SCOTT APPLEWHITE/AP strong democratic institutions,” with putting defense spending at “The outcome of this democrat- Police with guns drawn watch as protesters try to break into the he wrote on Twitter. “We also the top of NATO’s agenda. ic election must be respected,” House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday. learnt that democracy is not just Privately, however, diplomats Stoltenberg said. about institutions. It is about polit- from member states have ex- The brief comment on Twitter negret Kramp-Karrenbauer said low themselves to be brought ical culture, too. All democratic pressed disdain for the U.S. presi- was out-of-character for the NA- in an interview with Welt-TV that down, and that’s a good sign for nations need to constantly defend dent who was seen as under- TO leader, who has made a point the unrest was the result of the the future,” she said. it.” mining the military pact because of not weighing in on the domestic “intellectual and political arson” Former U.S. Defense Secretary And James Stavridis, former of his alleged personal dislikes of politics of alliance members dur- that Trump had stoked during his James Mattis said the violence supreme allied commander of some European politicians. ing his six-year tenure. presidency. was “an effort to subjugate Amer- NATO, said the upheaval in Wash- NATO defense ministers will Diplomats and high-ranking She praised American lawmak- ican democracy by mob rule” and ington played into the hands of hold their first meeting under the military, government and NATO ers for reconvening hours after blamed Trump for fomenting it. enemies of the West. incoming Biden administration in officials also condemned the un- the assault on the Capitol, and But the retired four-star Marine “Our adversaries will be dumb- February. rest, many using more forceful working through the night to con- Corps general, who served for two founded with their good fortune language than Stoltenberg. firm Biden’s election victory. years as Trump's first defense sec- seeing this insurrection — Russia [email protected] German defense minister An- They showed “that they won’t al- retary, expressed faith in Ameri- and China will be actively think- Twitter: @john_vandiver Woman fatally shot in Capitol identified as Air Force veteran The Washington Post Babbitt, a native of San Diego, served in was “very loud and opinionated, but caring, WASHINGTON — When a group of pro- Afghanistan and Iraq in the Air Force be- sweet, thoughtful, loving.” Trump rioters stormed the Capitol and fore other deployments with the National “You would never forget meeting her,” smashed windows on Wednesday, a woman Guard to Kuwait and Qatar, ex-husband he wrote. jumped onto a pane and started through. Timothy McEntee told The Post. McEntee On social media, Babbitt recorded com- Seconds later, a gunshot rang out and the and Babbitt met in the Air Force and were bative videos about immigration policy, woman, who had a Trump flag tied around married for 14 years, before splitting in May while expressing her support for a border her waist, tipped back and fell onto the mar- 2019. wall. In early September, she tweeted a pic- ble floor as blood spilled from her shoulder. McEntee, who did not know Babbitt had ture from a Trump boat parade in San Diego “They shot a girl!” someone yelled as the traveled to D.C. for the protests, was wearing a shirt that said, “We are Q,” refer- crowd ran out of the southeast entrance. shocked by the news of her death and de- ring to QAnon, the far-right conspiracy the- She died later that day, police said. She scribed her as smart and strong-willed. ory. The tweet also included the hashtag was one of four fatalities from the violent “I feel absolutely terrible and sick to my “#WWG1WGA,” an acronym used by sup- rioting that wreaked havoc through the stomach about it,” he wrote in a text mess- porters who believe in the claims that halls of Congress on Wednesday, halting the age. “She was never afraid to speak her Trump was battling a group of “deep state” certification of President-elect Joe Biden’s mind and in a way this was her way of child abusers. electoral victory. Three others died of un- speaking her mind (going to the rally).” Babbitt also retweeted messages calling specified medical emergencies during the McEntee said Babbitt had remarried and for Vice President Pence to resign and be chaos. owned a pool supply company with her hus- charged with treason, videos of Trump ral- The woman was 35-year-old Ashli Bab- Facebook band, Aaron Babbitt. lies and photos of the president’s supporters bitt, a California native and Air Force veter- Ashli Babbitt, was identified by a San Babbitt’s mother-in-law told WTTG, who flying to D.C. for the protests. an, her former husband told The Washing- Diego TV station as the woman shot and did not identify her by name, that her son In one of her final posts, she responded to ton Post. Before her death in the Capitol, killed in the Capitol Building on Wedesday. did not accompany Babbitt to Washington. a tweet saying that many flights to D.C. she had used her social media to express “I really don’t know why she decided to were canceled because of weather. “The fervent support for President Donald identity or confirmed details about how she do this,” she said. entire world is corrupt,” the person said. Trump and echo many of the president’s was shot. The woman was shot by U.S. Capi- In an interview with San Diego station In response, Babbitt wrote: “Nothing will conspiracy theories and false claims of tol Police, Washington D.C. Police Chief KUSI, Babbitt’s husband said she was a stop us . . . they can try and try and try but mass voter fraud. Robert J. Contee III told reporters on passionate Trump supporter. McEntee the storm is here and it is descending upon Police have not yet confirmed Babbitt’s Wednesday. echoed those sentiments, adding that she DC in less than 24 hours . . . dark to light!” DC National Guard troops activated to ward off mob at US Capitol

BY COREY DICKSTEIN the U.S. Capitol, breaking win- retary Ryan McCarthy said, as victory. It was not immediately crowd and traffic control during Stars and Stripes dows and forcing a halt to pro- Trump backers, who echoed the clear how the Guard troops would the rallies, which officials feared The entire D.C. National Guard ceedings to certify the presiden- president’s unsubstantiated be employed, as military officials could turn violent. None were sta- was activated Wednesday to help tial election results. claims of mass election fraud, en- declined to provide specific details tioned on the Capitol grounds. federal law enforcement ward off Some 1,100 D.C. National Guard tered the building as both cham- about the activations. About 340 a mob of President Donald troops were quickly mobilized bers of Congress were voting to D.C. National Guard troops had [email protected] Trump’s supporters who stormed Wednesday afternoon, Army Sec- certify President-elect Joe Biden’s been activated Monday to support Twitter: @CDicksteinDC Friday, January 8, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 9 NATION Chaos: Pence says he could not claim 'unilateral authority' to reject votes FROM PAGE 1 election and had urged his sup- Trump, who had repeatedly reporters to descend on Washington fused to concede the election, said to protest Congress’ formal ap- in a statement immediately after proval of Biden’s victory. Some the vote that there will be a smooth Republican lawmakers were in transition of power on Inaugura- the midst of raising objections to tion Day. the results on his behalf when the “Even though I totally disagree proceedings were abruptly halted with the outcome of the election, by the mob. and the facts bear me out, never- Together, the protests and the theless there will be an orderly GOP election objections amount- transition on January 20th,” ed to an almost unthinkable chal- Trump said in a statement posted lenge to American democracy and to Twitter by an aide. exposed the depths of the divisions On Thursday, Senate Demo- that have coursed through the cratic leader Chuck Schumer call- country during Trump’s four ing on Trump’s Cabinet to remove years in office. Though the efforts him from office. to block Biden from being sworn in Schumer said the attack on the on Jan. 20 were sure to fail, the sup- Capitol “was an insurrection port Trump has received for his ef- against the United States, incited forts to overturn the election re- by the president.” He added, “This sults have badly strained the na- president should not hold office tion’s democratic guardrails. one day longer.” Congress reconvened in the eve- Schumer said the vice president ning, with lawmakers decrying the and the Cabinet should invoke the protests that defaced the Capitol 25th Amendment and immediate- and vowing to finish confirming ly remove Trump from office. He the Electoral College vote for Bi- JOHN MINCHILLO/AP added, “If the vice president and den’s election, even if it took all Supporters of President Donald Trump gather outside the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, in Washington. the Cabinet refuse to stand up, night. Congress should reconvene to im- Pence reopened the Senate and sion.” peach the president.” directly addressed the demonstra- A somber President-elect Bi- Also Thursday, Transportation tors: “You did not win.” den, two weeks away from being Secretary Elaine Chao said she is Republican Senate Majority inaugurated, said American de- resigning effective Monday, be- Leader Mitch McConnell said the mocracy was “under unpreceden- coming the highest ranking mem- “failed insurrection” underscored ted assault,” a sentiment echoed ber of Trump’s administration to lawmakers’ duty to finish the by many in Congress, including resign in protest after the assault count. Democratic House Speaker some Republicans. Former Presi- on Capitol. Nancy Pelosi said Congress would dent George W. Bush said he Chao, who is married to Senate show the world “what America is watched the events in “disbelief GOP leader Mitch McConnell, made of" with the outcome. and dismay.” said the incident "has deeply trou- The president gave his support- The domed Capitol building has bled me in a way that I simply can- ers a boost into action Wednesday for centuries been the scene of pro- not set aside.” morning at a rally outside the tests and occasional violence. But The Capitol was under siege White House, where he urged Wednesday’s events were particu- Wednesday, as the nation’s elected them to march to the Capitol. He larly astounding both because representatives scrambled to spent much of the afternoon in his they unfolded at least initially with ANDREW HARNIK/AP crouch under desks and don gas private dining room off the Oval the implicit blessing of the presi- People shelter in the House gallery as protesters try to break into the masks while police futilely tried to Office watching scenes of the vio- dent and because of the underly- House Chamber at the Capitol on Wednesday. The Capitol was under barricade the building, one of the lence on television. At the urging of ing goal of overturning the results siege, as elected representatives scrambled to crouch under desks most jarring scenes ever to unfold his staff, he reluctantly issued a of a free and fair presidential elec- and don gas masks while police futilely tried to barricade the building. in a seat of American political pow- pair of tweets and a taped video tion. er. A woman was shot and killed in- telling his supporters it was time to Tensions were already running Earlier, protesters had fought lice and taken to a hospital where side the Capitol, and Washington’s “go home in peace” — yet he still high when lawmakers gathered past police and breached the she was pronounced dead. City po- mayor instituted an evening cur- said he backed their cause. early Wednesday afternoon for the building, shouting and waving lice said three other people died few in an attempt to contain the vi- Hours later, Twitter for the first constitutionally mandated count- Trump and American flags as they from medical emergencies during olence. time time locked Trump’s ac- ing of the Electoral College results, marched through the halls, many the long protest on and around the The rioters were egged on by count, demanded that he remove in which Biden defeated Trump, without masks during the CO- Capitol grounds. Trump, who has spent weeks false- tweets excusing violence and 306-232. Despite pleas from VID-19 crisis. Lawmakers were Staff members grabbed boxes of ly attacking the integrity of the threatened “permanent suspen- McConnell, more than 150 GOP told to duck under their seats for Electoral College votes as the lawmakers planned to support ob- cover and put on gas masks after evacuation took place. Otherwise, jections to some of the results, tear gas was used in the Capitol Ro- said Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., the though lacking evidence of fraud tunda. Some House lawmakers ballots likely would have been de- or wrongdoing in the election. tweeted they were sheltering in stroyed by the protesters. Trump spent the lead-up to the place in their offices. The mob’s storming of Congress proceedings publicly hectoring Rep. Scott Peters, D-Calif., told prompted outrage, mostly from Pence, who had a largely ceremo- reporters he was in the House Democrats but from Republicans nial role, to aid the effort to throw chamber when rioters began as well, as lawmakers accused out the results. He tweeted, “Do it storming it. Security officers Trump of fomenting the violence Mike, this is a time for extreme “made us all get down, you could with his relentless falsehoods courage!” see that they were fending off about election fraud. But Pence, in a statement short- some sort of assault." “Count me out,” said Trump ally ly before presiding, defied Trump, He said they had a piece of furni- Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C. saying he could not claim “unilat- ture up against the door. "And they “Enough is enough.” eral authority” to reject the electo- had guns pulled,” Peters said. Despite Trump’s repeated ral votes that make Biden presi- Glass panes to a House door were claims of voter fraud, election offi- dent. shattered. cials and his own former attorney In the aftermath of the siege, The woman who was killed was general have said there were no several Republicans announced part of a crowd that was breaking problems on a scale that would JOHN MINCHILLO/AP they would drop their objections to down the doors to a barricaded change the outcome. All the states D.C. National Guard members stand outside the Capitol on the election, including Sen. Kelly room where armed officers stood have certified their results as fair Wednesday night. Congress reconvened in the evening, with Loeffler, R-Ga., who lost her bid on the other side, police said. She and accurate, by Republican and lawmakers decrying the protests that defaced the Capitol. for election to a new term Tuesday. was shot in the chest by Capitol Po- Democratic officials alike. PAGE 10 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, January 8, 2021 NATION Ossoff: Newly elected Georgia Dem looks to John Lewis for example

FROM PAGE 1 Georgia in 2018 and challenged for Congress in Georgia in a race Ossoff in the Senate primary. closely watched as an early refer- “The reality is government endum on President Donald functions better when there are Trump. people from a wide variety of Though he lost, he shattered backgrounds who come to the ta- fundraising records and made the ble,” she said. contest in a once reliably Repub- Voter Kaitlynn Poborsky, 28, lican district competitive. For his said she chose Ossoff because she Senate campaign, he took a sharp- is looking for change and a senator er approach. His platform was un- who is passionate about address- abashedly liberal, calling for a $15 ing the coronavirus and climate minimum wage, a “public option” change. She did not have concerns government health plan, and a about his age. new voting rights act to restore “I think we need young people,” federal oversight of state election she said outside a polling site in laws. downtown Atlanta on Tuesday. He also launched a fierce attack “People who are in office are too on Perdue while shrugging off his old.” opponent’s exaggerated claim Ossoff said his first race taught BRANDEN CAMP / AP that he was pursuing a “radical so- him the importance of grassroots Jon Ossoff waves after speaking to the media at Dunbar Neighborhood Center during Georgia's Senate cialist agenda.” At a debate in Oc- campaigning and to ignore “the runoff elections, Tuesday, in Atlanta. tober, he called the 71-year-old paint by numbers, garden variety former corporate executive “a nonsense that the GOP throws at the Wind.” He wrote a letter to Le- Ossoff worked for five years on Wednesday, Ossoff said he would crook” who used the COVID-19 me.” wis, and Lewis offered him a sum- Johnson’s Washington staff. In follow the example set by Lewis. pandemic to protect his stock “I don’t pay any attention to it, mer job. 2013, after Ossoff inherited money The Georgia Democrat died last portfolio while downplaying the and I really couldn’t care less what Lewis referred him to Hank from his late grandfather, he in- year after serving in Congress for seriousness of the virus. Perdue they say,” he told the AP last Johnson, an Atlanta-area attorney vested in a small London-based more than three decades. insisted the allegations were false. month. His campaign declined an running for Congress in 2006. Os- film production company. Insight “This campaign has been about Ossoff is smart, has a “good interview request on Wednesday. soff, a Georgetown University TWI finances investigative docu- health and jobs and justice for the heart” and will put in the work to Raised in a wealthy family in At- graduate, became the fourth mentaries and sells them to broad- people of the state, for all the peo- be a good senator, said Sarah lanta, Ossoff was 16 when he read member of Johnson’s campaign casters including the BBC. Ossoff ple of the state,” he said. “And they Riggs Amico, a fellow Democrat Lewis’ memoir about the civil staff. Lewis would continue to be a is the company’s CEO. will be my guiding principles as I who ran for lieutenant governor in rights movement, “Walking With mentor. In a victory speech early serve this state in the U.S. Senate.” Facebook bans Trump through inauguration, maybe longer Associated Press precedented move, Facebook nessed the power of social media Instagram, which is owned by the situation in real time, includ- After years of treating Presi- founder Mark Zuckerberg said to spread falsehoods about elec- Facebook, will also block Trump’s ing examining activity on the dent Donald Trump’s inflamma- the risk of allowing Trump to use tion integrity and the results of the ability to post on its platform “in- ground and statements made off tory rhetoric with a light touch, the platform is too great following presidential race. Platforms like definitely and for at least the next Twitter,” the spokesman said. Facebook and Instagram are si- the president’s incitement of a Facebook have occasionally la- two weeks,” Adam Mosseri, the “We will keep the public in- lencing his social media accounts mob that touched off Wednesday’s beled or even removed some of his head of Instagram tweeted Thurs- formed, including if further esca- for the rest of his presidency. The deadly riot at the Capitol. Zucker- posts, but the overall response has day. lation in our enforcement ap- move, which many called justified berg says Trump’s account will be failed to satisfy a growing number Twitter also locked President proach is necessary.” following Wednesday’s insurrec- locked “for at least the next two of critics who say the platforms Donald Trump’s accounts for 12 Meanwhile, the platforms con- tion at the U.S. Capitol, is also a weeks” but could remain locked have enabled the spread of dan- hours after he repeatedly posted tinued to face criticism from users somber reminder of the enormous indefinitely. gerous misinformation. false accusations about the integ- who blamed them, in part, for cre- power that social-media plat- “The shocking events of the last In light of Wednesday’s riot, rity of the election. That suspen- ating an online environment that forms can exercise when they 24 hours clearly demonstrate that however, Zuckerberg said a more sion was set to expire sometime led to Wednesday’s violence. choose. President Donald Trump intends aggressive approach is needed. Thursday; the president had not “Today is the result of allowing Facebook and Instagram said to use his remaining time in office “The current context is now yet resumed tweeting as of late people with hate in their hearts to Thursday they will bar Trump to undermine the peaceful and fundamentally different, involv- Thursday morning. use platforms that should be used from posting at least until the in- lawful transition of power to his ing use of our platform to incite vi- A company spokesman said the to bring people together,” singer auguration of President-elect Joe elected successor, Joe Biden,” olent insurrection against a demo- company could take further action and actress Selena Gomez wrote Biden. Zuckerberg wrote. cratically elected government,” as well. on Twitter to her 64 million follow- In a post announcing the un- Trump has repeatedly har- he wrote. “We’re continuing to evaluate ers. Iraq issues arrest warrant for Trump over Soleimani death Associated Press Washington-directed drone strike backed groups, formed to fight the The decision to issue the war- ties, drawing the ire of Shiite polit- BAGHDAD — An arrest war- that killed Gen. Qassim Soleimani Islamic State. rant “was made after the judge re- ical lawmakers who passed a non- rant was issued Thursday for out- and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, the Soleimani headed the expedi- corded the statements of the clai- binding resolution to pressure the going President Donald Trump in court’s media office said. They tionary Quds force of Iran’s Revo- mants from the family of Abu government to oust foreign troops connection with the killing of an were killed outside the capital’s lutionary Guard Corps. Mahdi al-Muhandis,” according from the country. Iranian general and a powerful airport last January. The arrest warrant was for a to a statement from the Supreme Iran-backed groups have since Iraqi militia leader last year, Al-Muhandis was the deputy charge of premeditated murder, Judicial Council. The investiga- stepped up attacks against the Iraq’s judiciary said. leader of the state-sanctioned which carries the death penalty on tion into the killings is ongoing, the American presence in Iraq, lead- The warrant was issued by a Popular Mobilization Forces, an conviction. It is unlikely to be car- court said. ing to threats by Washington to judge in Baghdad’s investigative umbrella group composed of an ried out but symbolic in the wan- The killings sparked a diplo- shutter its Baghdad diplomatic court tasked with probing the array of militias, including Iran- ing days of Trump’s presidency. matic crisis and strained U.S.-Iraq mission. Friday, January 8, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 11

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www.tkscable.com PAGE 12 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, January 8, 2021 WORLD Kim vows to bolster North Korea’s military Associated Press fore engaging in high-stakes sum- icized his summit diplomacy with SEOUL, South Korea — North mitry with President Donald Trump. Korea leader Kim Jong Un vowed Trump in 2018. But with his ad- This year’s congress — the first to strengthen the country’s mili- vancing arsenal on the negotiating in five years — comes as Kim tary defenses in a speech at a ma- table, their diplomacy fell apart faces what appears to be the jor ruling party meeting that pro- due to wrangling over the weap- toughest moment since taking vides insights into his priorities ons and U.S.-led sanctions on power in late 2011, due to what he amid growing economic challeng- North Korea. calls “multiple crises” caused by es and a U.S. presidential transi- Kim since then has openly an economy battered by pandem- tion. pledged to expand his nuclear ca- ic-related border closings, a series Kim made clear his “will to re- pability that he says already put of natural disasters and the sanc- liably protect the security of the the American mainland within its tions. country and people and the peace- striking range. However, he has On the first day of the congress ful environment of the socialist not resumed high-profile weapons Tuesday, Kim admitted his previ- construction by placing the state tests, which some analysts say ous economic development plans defense capabilities on a much AP could completely derail diploma- failed, saying that “almost all sec- higher level, and put forth goals North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attends a ruling party congress in cy with the United States and fur- tors fell a long way short of the set for realizing it,” the Korean Cen- Pyongyang, North Korea on Wednesday. ther diminish prospects for win- objectives.” Kim on Wednesday tral News Agency said. ning sanctions relief. presented goals for developing the The state media report Thurs- missiles as a deterrent and a pre- gram, said Kim’s speech likely South Korea’s spy agency told North’s transport, construction, day on Kim’s speech to the Work- emptive strike capability to cope contained “sensitive contents” lawmakers in late November that commerce and other industries ers’ Party congress the previous with what it describes as Ameri- that can provoke the United States Kim was worried about President- and proposed ways to expand pro- day didn’t elaborate. North Korea can hostility. and South Korea. elect Joe Biden’s expected new duction in agriculture, light indus- has previously underscored its Cheong Seong-Chang, a fellow Kim halted his country’s nucle- approach on North Korea. Biden try and fishing to improve public need for nuclear weapons and at the Wilson Center’s Asia Pro- ar and long-range missile tests be- has called Kim a “thug” and crit- livelihoods, KCNA said. Indonesia’s Merapi volcano spews hot clouds, 500 evacuate

Associated Press is not more than 5 kilometers (3 YOGYAKARTA, Indonesia — miles),” chief of Yogyakarta’s Vol- Indonesia’s Mount Merapi volca- canology and Geological Hazard no spewed avalanches of hot Mitigation Center, Hanik Humai- clouds Thursday morning as hun- da, said in a statement. dreds more residents were evac- The geological authority had uated from its fertile slopes. raised the alert level of Mount Me- Authorities evacuated more rapi to the second-highest level in than 500 people living on the November after sensors picked up mountain in Magelang district on increasing activity. Tourism and Java Island. Thousands of people mining activities were halted. already have had to leave their Some evacuees had returned to homes and farmland because of the slopes after the activity sub- the dangers on Merapi, Indone- sided but had to leave again sia’s most active volcano. Thursday. Light eruptions continued dur- The 9,737-foot mountain is ing the day — one sending a co- about 18 miles from the Yogyakar- lumn of hot clouds rising 200 ta city center. About a quarter mil- yards into the air. The initial erup- lion people live within 6 miles of tion was obscured by fog, but us- the volcano, according to author- ing seismic and other data, the Ge- ities in surrounding districts. SLAMET RIYADI/AP ological Disaster Technology Re- Merapi spewed ash and hot gas Mount Merapi spews volcanic steam from its crater seen Thursday from Sleman, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. search and Development Center in a column as high as 3.7 miles in- estimated the hot clouds spread to the sky in June, but no casual- killed 347 people and caused the more than 250 million people, sits eruptions. Government seismolo- less than 0.6 miles from the crater. ties were reported. evacuation of 20,000 villagers. on the Pacific “Ring of Fire” and is gists monitor more than 120 active “Until now, the potential danger Its last major eruption in 2010 Indonesia, an archipelago of prone to earthquakes and volcanic volcanoes. Activist Wong questioned, US lawyer released in Hong Kong crackdown

Associated Press participating in an unauthorized giving the statement, which was ing part in an unofficial primary 2019. HONG KONG — Jailed Hong protest in 2019, were informed not disclosed. election last year that authorities The primaries were held by the Kong pro-democracy activist that he was arrested on suspicion Separately, John Clancey, an say was part of a plan to paralyze pro-democracy camp to deter- Joshua Wong was arrested on a of violating the national security American human rights lawyer the government and subvert state mine the best candidates to field new charge under the national se- law and was taken away to give a who works at law firm Ho Tse Wai power. as they sought to gain a majority in curity law on Thursday while an statement on the new charge, ac- & Partners, was granted bail, his The mass arrests were the Hong Kong’s legislature. American rights lawyer who was cording to a post on his Facebook associate said. He was one of 53 largest move against Hong Kong’s While most of those arrested detained in a sweeping crackdown page. activists arrested Wednesday un- democracy movement since Beij- were candidates in the primaries, was granted bail. The post also stated that Wong's der the national security law. He ing imposed the law last June to Clancey was a treasurer for politi- Friends and family of Wong, lawyer was unable to meet with did not immediately return a call quell dissent in the semi-autono- cal organization Power for De- who is serving a 13½-month pris- him, and that Wong had been seeking comment. mous territory following months mocracy, which was involved in on sentence for organizing and transferred back to prison after The activists are accused of tak- of anti-government protests in the event. Friday, January 8, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 13 Carey Mulligan WEEKEND defies expectations Movies, Page 15

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Travel & Food — 20-25 Books — 27 Music — 28-29 Health — 32 Crossword — 34 PAGE 14 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, January 8, 2021 WEEKEND: GADGETS & TECHNOLOGY Get a grip AI-powered bionic hand offers lifelike dexterity for amputees

BY DALVIN BROWN Robotics, a subsidiary of Brain- The Washington Post Co. “The innovation that gives ngineers at Brain- our users this really precise, Robotics have created lifelike control is what sets us a next-generation pros- apart.” Ethetic that’s meant to The company was born out of be more mobile and affordable Harvard’s Innovation Lab. Ini- than other robotic limbs used tially, it sought to control artifi- today. It’s a hand powered by cial limbs via brain signals but artificial intelligence that gives later found that measuring mus- amputees precise control over cle signals was far more reliable, each finger, enabling them to Newlon said. perform numerous gestures and Researchers developed the grips. device for people such as Carey The hand is undergoing FDA Duval, an Army captain who lost BrainRobotics testing, and this month the com- his right hand in Afghanistan. He Army Capt. Carey Duval tries out his BrainRobotics hand during a meal. BrainRobotics has created an AI pany is testing the technology began testing the prosthetic in prosthetic that reads minute muscle signals and responds to create a variety of hand gestures. with the people it is intended to early December, spending a few help. weeks training to use the device upper limbs. Those seeking arti- individual fingers and making device enables up to 24 hand In today’s world of brain-pow- proficiently. The robotic hand ficial hands have faced a land- hand gestures while the prosthet- movements and is undergoing ered bionic limbs, highly func- enabled him to complete activ- scape of static options offering ic is attached. Meanwhile, the FDA testing, which it expects tioning prosthetics are too expen- ities such as playing Jenga and limited functionality for years. device measures and remembers will be completed within the first sive to reach many people who opening a water bottle with rela- Meanwhile, many of the robotic what each signal looks like. It’s quarter of 2021. Its eight-channel could benefit from them, re- tive ease. limbs that have cropped up ei- ready to operate within 15 min- device with unlimited combina- searchers in the field say. The Other prosthetics without the ther have physical buttons or utes, the company says. After tions of hand movements is next BrainRobotics device seeks to be BrainRobotics algorithm or as require shaking to activate. They training, the robotic hand will in the pipeline. the answer to that, with prices many grips made those tasks provide a limited number of respond to each of the muscle Prices are expected to start at expected to start 30 percent low- difficult to achieve, he said. finger motions, allowing wearers triggers it picked up during the about $14,000, or at least 30 per- er than what’s on the market “I could flex inside the pros- to switch between predetermined exercise. So in practice, it can cent lower than what’s currently right now. thetic, and it would change from gestures. intuitively perform the users’ on the market. Comparable pros- What primarily sets Brain- a finger point to a two-finger The BrainRobotics hand pros- intended motions and gestures thetics can cost $20,000 to Robotics’ prosthetic apart from pinch, and then from a pinch to a thesis connects to a smartphone and become more lifelike over $40,0000 per unit. Other bionic those on the market is its algo- fist,” Duval said. “I could control app via Bluetooth, maintains a time. limbs that function similarly but rithm, which detects minute a computer mouse and work a charge throughout the day and BrainRobotics developed two look more like a human hand can muscle signals, converts them keyboard for the first time in a can be programmed within a few versions of the hand: A two-chan- cost up to $100,000. into hand movements and learns long time. I haven’t played a minutes, the company says. nel prosthetic with two sensors The company works with pros- over time. computer game in six years.” The hand is made using avia- attached to the wearer’s limb and thetic centers to get their tech- “The innovation is in the algo- Roughly 2 million Americans tion-level aluminum and plastic. a higher-functioning eight-chan- nology to people like Carey, who rithm. It’s in the software,” said live with the loss of a limb, half a To set it up, amputees are in- nel prosthetic with eight sensors. is medically retiring from the Max Newlon, CEO of Brain- million of which are without structed to “think” about moving The company’s two-channel Army. GADGETS A new phone deserves a protective case

BY GREGG ELLMAN The wireless charging case is designed rated and work with wireless charging. Tribune News Service for daily bumps, bangs and small drops, Pelican even allows a smartphone to I know many Apple purists like to keep which will happen. The unobtrusive grip’s float with the Marine Series Waterproof decorative smartphones natural, unpro- textured grooves, which Smartish refers to Floating Pouch ($24.99). It’s iPX68 rated tected and caseless, but the accessories as “groovier than your dad’s wedding for underwater submersion with built-in are a necessity for some. While keeping hairdo,” are comfortable and enable the air cushions. The pouch has clear win- aesthetics in mind, when choosing a case, phone to be held without it sliding out. dows enabling the smartphone’s touch- it’s best to consider what degree of protec- Online: smartish.com screen to be used while in the pouch. A tion is needed to keep it working after it’s detachable lanyard is included. inevitably dropped and banged. For the more active user, the Pelican Online: case-mate.com For everyday use, the Smartish Grip- Marine Active case ($70) with four layers Zilla armor ($19.99) is perfect with its of extreme protection is a beast. The case Lifeproof has announced the new FR hard exterior and soft rubberized interior. has two pieces that snap on and off easily case lineup for the iPhone 12. Built with Smartish, an iPhone accessory company for full protection. Even while encased, it’s the theme of taking on any line of work, known for clever, innovative products that not big and bulky; the controls are all exercise and activity, the FR case has a are useful in so many environments, accessible. Tiny flaps snap in place to modern look and durable construction. prides itself on its inexpensive, well-made cover the exposed charging port and silent They are built with 60% recycled plastic products. mode switch. (35 percent ocean-based plastic and 25 The GripZilla Armor is described on the Pelican is well-known for the top-of-the- percent recycled plastic) and are wa- box as mighty protective, with grooved line protective cases with military-spec terproof up to 2 meters for 1 hour, dirt sides and a beastly grip. After having a protection for first responders. The specs proof, snow proof and drop proof from 2 phone in the case, it’s easy to see what for the Marine Active case equipped with meters. A built-in screen cover gives them they mean; the phone holds firm, like a Micropel include drop protection up to 18 complete 360-degree protection. SMARTISH/TNS handshake. feet. They’re splash-proof, dust-proof IP54 Online: lifeproof.com; $89.99 The Smartish GripZilla armor for iPhone Friday, January 8, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 15 WEEKEND: MOVIES Mulligan takes a dark turn ‘Promising Young Woman’ aligns with actress’ desire to defy expectations

BY SONIA RAO The Washington Post t had to be Carey Mulligan. Writer-director Emerald Fennell had just seen her in “Wildlife,” Paul Dano’s directorial debut Iabout a woman trapped in an empty marriage in 1960s Montana. The performance sparked the same sense of awe Fennell felt after “An Education,” the 1960s coming-of-age drama for which Mulligan, 35, earned an Oscar nomination a decade ago. Steve McQueen and the Coen brothers directed her in between, a span of her career that also included an acclaimed supporting turn in the art-house thriller “Drive.” The English actress’ roles were diverse, but her inimi- table screen presence threaded them together. She has a certain quality to her, Fennell said in an interview with The Washington Post. No matter how quiet the character, you don’t mess with her. So when the time came for Fen- nell, also 35, to cast the lead in her own feature debut — “Promising Young Woman,” whose protagonist seeks to avenge her lifelong best friend’s sexual assault — she Focus Features knew Mulligan could strike the right tone. Carey Mulligan stars as Cassie in “Promising Young Woman,” by filmmaker Emerald Fennell. “There’s something so exciting about someone who only does the stuff they want to do, and it’s a treat to see them,” Fennell says. “She’s so interesting, Carey. ... I just “I’ve become really interested had a feeling that she would be incredible, and honestly, the fact that she said yes, I was blown away.” in the last couple of years in At first, “Promising Young Woman” may seem a surprising choice for Mulligan. Perhaps it’s the candy-col- these kinds of characters ... ored aesthetic and blaring pop music, a stark contrast with the sober hues and tone of, say, “Inside Llewyn Da- where women are allowed to vis.” People often think of her as a period actress these days, Fennell says — nodding to the streak of films that be flawed and troubled by also includes “Suffragette” and “Mudbound” — but she hasn’t always existed in that space. things and behave in ways You could argue that Fennell’s film is deceptively bubble gum, a layer of sugar coating its sour core, a taste we we don’t necessarily agree more often associate with gut-wrenching work. But that’s just the point, according to Fennell: Who’s to say all the with, even. But we still root girly stuff isn’t serious, too? “Nobody suspects the person with the multicolored for that person.” manicure to scratch their eyes out,” she adds. Fennell subverts genre conventions — par for the Carey Mulligan course with the director, who helmed the second season of BBC America’s “Killing Eve” — while Mulligan’s char- interest and, she hopes, the sweetheart to redeem his acter, Cassie, surprises those around her. Her projected gender. But the quest for vengeance doesn’t stop at the FOCUS FEATURES/AP femininity allows her to hide in plain sight. Having drop- gender divide, as Cassie also targets women she consid- Cassie, played by Mulligan, seeks to avenge her best ped out of medical school, Cassie spends her days as a ers complicit in the crime against Nina — including one friend’s assault in “Promising Young Woman.” barista and, at night, swings by bars, trolling for self- portrayed by Connie Britton. proclaimed “nice guys” — the same sort who assaulted Rather than choosing one villain, Mulligan says, the every single other person is saying, ‘Look, it’s rainbows her friend, Nina. She pretends to be blackout drunk, and film is “much more about our general approach to this and sunshine and love,’ and all of that fluff. We all, as an the men offer to take her home, only to try to take ad- kind of stuff as a society and a reaction to what we’ve audience, want her to choose that path, too. It’s about vantage of the nearly unconscious woman they just met. grown up with.” showing how hard her journey is.” Then, when they least expect it, Cassie snaps back into an “Women have played a part in that,” she continues. Mulligan was daunted at first and admits that she won- alert state. “We’ve all bought tickets and laughed at comedies that dered whether Fennell — an actress herself, most recog- Mulligan’s decision to play Cassie came down to “just have made this stuff seem really trivial and funny for so nizable to American audiences as Camilla Parker Bowles feeling like I wanted to do it,” she said in a separate in- long.” in “The Crown” — ought to play Cassie instead. Mulligan terview. She recalls getting continually “wrong-footed” Cassie’s own actions aren’t immune to criticism, Fen- tends to call cut on herself mid-take, a habit she says by the script, drawn into its humor and romance before it nell says, which is where Mulligan’s strengths as a per- Dano helped curb on “Wildlife” by encouraging her to turned dark “within half a page.” The shoot lasted just former come in. Beneath all the glitter, “Promising Young channel her self-doubt into the character’s state of mind. over 20 days, during which Mulligan threw herself into Woman” is a portrait of grief, of a woman whose revenge She returned to this advice for a scene in “Promising Cassie’s fury (but not to the extent that she took the char- plot has gone from noble to “miserable.” Cassie has spent Young Woman” in which Cassie runs into Ryan mid- acter home with her, she adds, beyond the Barbie-esque years hanging onto a ghost, continuing to torment herself scheme, faking drunkenness outside a bar with her arm nails and blonde hair extensions). almost as much as she does the men. around another man. She straightens up immediately, her “It’s a similar reason to why the Coen brothers thought Fennell and Mulligan chatted about their childhood usual confidence traded for deep shame. Mulligan was it was so funny to cast me in ‘Inside Llewyn Davis’ as a best friends to build out a backstory for Cassie and Nina, having one of those nights when “just everything feels sort of enraged woman,” Mulligan says. “I suppose people who never appears in the film. The actress declines to wrong,” she says. But then she realized that’s exactly can get to know you from a certain performance, and it expand on the imagined story, noting that the mystery is what Cassie felt. can be hard to break out of that sometimes.” “why film is so interesting — what you don’t see or hear is “In film, a lot of the opportunities that have come my Fennell set out to defy expectations with her supporting almost as important as what you do.” Nina’s physical way have been much more in a sort of serious, domestic cast as well, selecting beloved figures to play the secretly absence is just as deliberate; she is a constant presence in space,” Mulligan says. “I’ve become really interested in skeevy men. Former teen heartthrob Adam Brody (“The Cassie’s mind. the last couple of years in these kinds of characters ... O.C.”) appears at the very start, with “New Girl” favorite “What [Cassie] does is an addiction,” Fennell says. where women are allowed to be flawed and troubled by Max Greenfield popping in later on. Comedian Bo Burn- “She stays on this road that is miserable and lonely and things and behave in ways we don’t necessarily agree ham plays Cassie’s former classmate, Ryan, her love cold and dangerous. But there’s this other one, which with, even. But we still root for that person.” PAGE 16 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, January 8, 2021 WEEKEND: MOVIE REVIEWS An epic tale of courage Hanks’ Captain Kidd is doggedly heroic in ‘News of the World’

BY MARK KENNEDY Associated Press om Hanks rides a horse and blasts a six-shooter in his new film, “News of the World.” Some of you might be thinking this must be his first cowboy Trole. To those, we respond: Have you forgotten about Woody so soon? All of Hanks — not just his voice — is employed in this second cowboy role, playing Capt. Jefferson Kyle Kidd in 1870, a gentle Texan whose quiet and itinerant life is interrupted by the arrival of a girl. BRUCE W. TALAMON/AP Director and co-screenwriter Paul Greengrass reunites Tom Hanks, left, and Helena Zengel set off on an epic crosscountry journey in “News of the World.” for the first time with Hanks since their 2013 outing, “Cap- tain Phillips.” This time, they’ve ditched the open water for demons to face going down this road,” he notes. “We’re all hurting. All of us,” he says. “These are difficult an ambitious adventure firmly on land, based on the novel Greengrass’ approach is more slack here — certainly times.” All around him there is filth and violence, and yet by Paulette Jiles. It’s a visually stunning film with a soulful from his work on the Jason Bourne films — but he manag- Hanks’ captain is not of it. message about forgiveness and moving past trauma. es to add tension to virtually every scene, often with just an This is the film’s big weakness. The script tries to sug- Kidd is scarred — literally — by the Civil War and has actor scanning the horizon. Cinematographer Dariusz gest that our patient captain is riddled with guilt for what found a life as a newsreader, a man who goes from town to Wolski frames things like a high-art photographer with he did as a soldier, but the Hanks we see is just too pure town reading aloud the nation’s headlines to small-town careful use of light and dark. Many of the best scenes are and noble. When someone asks him about the motives for residents or “for anyone with 10 cents and the time to hear silent, enhanced by a wonderfully wistful score by James his quest — “They paying you, or are you doing it out of the it.” Newton Howard. goodness of your heart?” — there’s just one answer. “I want He comes across a feral 10-year-old girl who is an or- This is an ugly-beautiful film. You can almost feel the to get you away from all this pain and killing, get you clear phan twice over — her settler parents are dead and the grime, hear the squelch through muddy streets and choke of it,” he tells the girl. Native Americans who raised her are also gone. She on the smoke. It practically reeks of leather and wet cattle. Hanks’ Kidd never shoots first, despite being pursued by speaks no English and frightens everyone. “She’s got kind It’s a setting where dogs bark incessantly, dust is every- murderous thugs. He tries to connect North and South by of a wild look about her, doesn’t she?” someone comments. where and socks have holes. In this naturalistic world, showing cattlemen in Texas what they have in common Says another: “Sure as I live, that child’s trouble.” Hanks sticks out, but not for the right reasons. with coal miners in Pennsylvania. Even facing off a racist The girl has distant relatives hundreds of miles away His character is a former Confederate soldier who is mob, Kidd doesn’t back down — a champion of the poor and, naturally, it falls on Kidd to be the hero. “This little dismayed by the lynching of Black men and even kindly and democracy. girl is lost. She needs to be home,” he says. So these two buries a victim of it. He notes ruefully that settlers kill Here is the film’s heavy-handed message to us in 2021: broken souls embark on an epic odyssey — like “The Native Americans for their land and that Native Amer- “The war’s over,” he says. “We have to stop fighting.” Searchers” mashed with “True Grit” — through hostile icans kill settlers for doing that, a deadly cycle that he terrain and bandits, while he teaches her English along the stands outside. He feels the frustration between Southern “News of the World” is rated PG-13 for violence, disturbing images, mature thematic way, like a cowboy Henry Higgins. “I guess we both have civilians and Union troops but hopes all sides can get along. material and some strong language. Running time: 118 minutes. This ‘Pinocchio’ is dark, more demented than you’re used to BY MICHAEL O’SULLIVAN ry anthology of fairy tales, for nightmarish way. One wonders The Washington Post anyone who saw that unsettling what a very young audience will What is it about “Pinocchio”? 2015 work. make of this uncanny valley of Italian writer Carlo Collodi’s One image from the new film talking creatures rendered by 1883 children’s book — a fable that is burned indelibly in my actors — owl, raven, tuna fish — about a wooden puppet who head: a scene in which Pinoc- some of whom (like the familiar yearns to become a human boy chio, recovering from being cricket, at whose head Pinocchio but who must first prove himself hung from a tree by the treach- hurls a mallet) are portrayed by worthy through selflessness — erous Cat and Fox (Rocco Papa- little people in costume and has been called a metaphor for leo and Massimo Ceccherini), is outlandish makeup. There is also the human condition. The story nursed back to health by the a theme of the mistreatment of has proved resonant enough to Blue Fairy (Alida Baldari Ca- children that is likely to alarm receive numerous film adapta- labria), who introduces herself sensitive viewers. tions, including Disney’s animat- GRETA DE LAZZARIS/Roadside Attractions by telling us that she’s dead. Garrone’s film, co-written by ed 1940 classic and a live-action Roberto Benigni, left, and Federico Ielapi star in “Pinocchio.” Meanwhile, a group of rabbit Ceccherini, follows Collodi’s 2002 version directed and star- undertakers — actors in bunny book more closely than Disney’s, ring the then-50-year-old Oscar- teo Garrone, the Italian film- Federico Ielapi in this English- masks that look like rejects from although it takes a few minor winner Roberto Benigni in the maker behind the excellent and dubbed, live-action version of a “Donnie Darko” production- liberties in its path toward deliv- title role. Netflix has also an- violent 2008 crime drama “Go- the Italian original, which fea- design meeting — show up with ering the worthy moral: Kids, nounced a reportedly darker morrah” — and that the new tures ingenious — and some- a child-size casket for the pro- listen to your parents, go to stop-motion version to be co- film again features Benigni. No, times creepy — makeup and tagonist. Puttering around in the school and think of others before directed by Guillermo del Toro not as Pinocchio this time, but as prosthetics instead of CGI. background is a snail-woman yourself. Fairy tales have always and Mark Gustafson (“The Fan- the woodworker Geppetto, who If the new “Pinocchio” re- (Maria Pima Tino), complete held the threat of darkness as tastic Mr. Fox”). becomes the adoptive father of sembles anything — and it cer- with shell, sticky tail and — er, punishment for misbehavior, and So it shouldn’t surprise anyone the puppet when it springs to a tainly is its own thing — it will eye stalks, I presume, sprouting this “Pinocchio” is no exception. that there’s another one. What semblance of life after he carves be reminiscent of Garrone’s from her forehead. may come as a bit of a shock is its features out of a tree trunk. “Tale of Tales,” an adaptation of It’s all so upsetting. "Pinocchio" is rated PG-13 for disturbing images. that the film is directed by Mat- The title character is played by Giambattista Basile’s 17th-centu- But also, kind of cool, in a Running time: 125 minutes. Friday, January 8, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 17 WEEKEND: MOVIE REVIEWS

Mulligan’s commitment makes ‘Promising Young Woman’ credible

BY JUSTIN CHANG Los Angeles Times assandra Thomas is a hell of an actress. (Dit- to Carey Mulligan, who Cplays her.) The first time we see her in the deviously coiled revenge thriller “Promis- ing Young Woman,” she looks about ready to pass out drunk, struggling to steady herself in a club jammed with revelers, on- lookers and predators-in-waiting. It takes commitment to appear this helpless, to stumble down a flight of stairs in heels, one pain- NETFLIX/AP photos ful step at a time, on the arm of Molly Parker, left, and Vanessa Kirby appear in a scene from “Pieces of a Woman.” The film presents a that nice guy who offered to take rare look at the somewhat taboo experience of miscarriage through the eyes of Martha (Kirby). you home. But the payoff is worth it, for us and presumably FOCUS FEATURES/AP for Cassie, who waits until just Carey Mulligan is a 30yearold the right moment — after the bent on revenge in the thriller nice guy has plied her with more “Promising Young Woman.” Unforgettably vulnerable booze and slipped off her panties — to snap to attention, fully con- bypass her natural defenses, to scious and fully sober. awaken in her feelings of affec- ‘Pieces of a Woman’ We don’t see what happens to tion and desire rather than con- the nice guy, though the angry- tempt, raises the question of goes to extremes to looking hash mark Cassie etches whether she might be ready to show personal trauma in her notebook the next morning turn a new page. But their histo- doesn’t bode well. He’s the latest ry as former classmates can’t BY LINDSEY BAHR in her book of personal con- help but draw her back into the Associated Press quests, men who see her looking past, and specifically to the tragic “Pieces of a Woman” begins hammered in public and swoop memory of her best friend, Nina, with a tragedy. Martha (Vanessa in with concerned smiles, eager who is clearly at the heart of Kirby) is expecting her first child to take her home and take ad- Cassie’s grim mission. with her partner, Sean (Shia La- vantage, only to reel back in What happened to Nina is not Beouf). For a few minutes, we see horror (or worse, indignation) hard to figure out, though the them in the final stages of prep- when they realize they’ve been steady, meticulous unwinding of aration for life with a baby: She’s played. that backstory produces its own saying farewell to her co-workers Shia LaBeouf, left, plays Kirby's partner in “Pieces of a Woman.” Cassie’s confrontational ques- shivery satisfactions. Shifting her and packing up her things; her tion aside, it’s clear enough what focus away from random men in mother is signing the papers on a regardless of whether or not the a bit as it goes on. The focus turns these men are doing, and also clubs, Carrie turns her laserlike practical minivan; they’re hang- child has survived. She’s also too often to Sean, a construction what she’s doing. Offering her- fury on the many people who ing final photos up in the well- navigating her own family’s grief, worker whose relationship with self up as live if barely conscious failed Nina, women and men stocked and tastefully neutral arguments over burials and ep- Martha, an educated professional bait, she’s making the world a alike. Running the gamut from nursery. itaphs and a legal battle against from a wealthy family, never little safer for women and a little oblivious (Connie Britton) to Then, suddenly, Martha is in the substitute midwife (Molly makes a lot of sense. His descent less comfortable for rapists, one callous (Alison Brie) to self- labor, and for almost 30 minutes Parker), which is thankfully rele- is a bundle of cliches and distracts supremely nasty shock at a time. flagellating (Alfred Molina), they the audience is given a front-row gated to the backdrop. from the uniqueness of Martha’s Who is the real Cassie? Her unwittingly illuminate a culture seat to the most realistic and Kirby, the English actor who story. He also has a moment of parents (Jennifer Coolidge and of sexual assault that routinely graphic depiction of a home birth portrayed Princess Margaret in sexual aggression with Martha Clancy Brown) have no idea, and slut-shames accusers and gives ever put on film. It’s a difficult the first seasons of “The Crown,” that is even more troublesome to they’ve been worried about her the accused the benefit of the labor — Martha is almost drunk plays Martha not as a wilting watch in light of the recent allega- since she dropped out of medical doubt. with pain — and it’s made even flower but as a kind of steely, tions against LaBeouf. school years ago and essentially In these fierce reckonings, more stressful by the fact that determined robot alternating But it doesn’t detract from put her life on hold. They don’t “Promising Young Woman” their midwife is unavailable and a between utterly detached and Kirby’s achievement here. Hers understand why their brilliant, plays hard with your empathy replacement is sent. Then it ends aggressively angry. It is fiercely is an unforgettably vulnerable beautiful daughter still lives at and your schadenfreude, as if to in death. unguarded. performance that deserves atten- home with them at 30, works at a suggest that the two reactions, It is a brutal and harrowing If the gutting discomfort feels tion and consideration this coffee shop and appears to have far from being opposed, are in start to a film that is committed to more authentic than you’re used awards season. The same also no friends apart from her sup- fact closely bound. telling the ugly truth about a loss to, it’s because the story is person- goes for Burstyn in a difficult portive boss (Laverne Cox). They Certainly they are for Cassie, a so devastating that it’s almost al for the writer and director supporting role that she com- definitely have no idea what bundle of contradictions just taboo. And it’s just one of many couple. Kata Weber wrote the mands. Cassie gets up to in the evenings, about held together by Mulli- deeply unpleasant occurrences to script based on her own experi- This movie will not be for ev- their obliviousness underscored gan’s shape-shifting, fastidiously come. Like Martha and Sean, you ence losing a child with director eryone, but it is important not by a glibly amusing shot of them controlled performance, without are left somewhat paralyzed and Kornel Mundruczo during preg- least because it continues to ad- watching “The Night of the Hun- which the story’s dark, unruly drained after the events of the nancy. And “Pieces of a Woman” vance the discourse around mis- ter.” pleasures might have veered into beginning and have no choice but goes places that many films carriages, a trauma that couples, Similarly in the dark at first is incoherence. to continue this emotionally wouldn’t dare. The first half hour but mainly women, have been Ryan (a perfectly cast Bo Burn- She pushes this determinedly wrenching and hauntingly viscer- will likely get most of the atten- expected to shoulder in secret for ham, the writer-director of unstable movie about as far as it al journey with them. tion, but there are a few other far too long. The ending won’t be “Eighth Grade”), a tall, gangly could possibly go, even if that Martha attempts to go about jaw-dropping scenes of grief and satisfying either, but that’s prob- charmer who stops by the coffee ultimately isn’t quite far enough. her life but is constantly being anger that you must see to be- ably the point. There is often no shop one morning and recognizes It doesn’t all come together, reminded of what happened, lieve, including a late-film argu- satisfying end to tragic loss, just Cassie from their med-school though there’s an undeniable whether it’s seeing children out in ment between Martha and her survival. days. thrill in seeing it come apart. the wild, running into her moth- mother, who is played by Ellen Ryan’s reappearance in Cas- er’s friend at the grocery store or Burstyn. “Pieces of a Woman” is rated R for sexual content, sie’s life pushes her in two equal- “Promising Young Woman” is rated R for strong brief drug use, language and graphic nudity. violence including sexual assault, language all the physical postpartum Aside from the revelatory mo- Running time: 126 minutes. Now available on ly fascinating directions. That throughout, some sexual material and drug use. changes that one’s body endures ments, however, the film unravels Netflix. Ryan is the first man in ages to Running time: 113 minutes. PAGE 18 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, January 8, 2021 WEEKEND: VIDEO GAMES

Sony Interactive Entertainment Horizon Forbidden West involves exploring a new frontier in a postapocalyptic world in an attempt to locate the source of a deadly infectious disease. The most anticipated games of 2021 New gaming platforms should make this year’s titles more exciting, immersive than ever The Washington Post Deathloop or its many miseries, 2020 delivered Available on: PlayStation 5, PC First-person action shooters some extremely memorable video nowadays need something differ- games. And now, with the arrival of ent — different aesthetics, different gameplay, different gim- Fthe PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, micks — to stand out in a genre there’s more reason than usual to get excited saturated by bland, same-y games. Deathloop appears to for the offerings of the year ahead. have all three. It takes place in a Here are the titles we’re most eagerly an- deliciously campy world filled with ’60s-styled music and spy ticipating. While not all release dates have show splash screens. been confirmed, we’ve included games that You play as Colt, a hired gun tasked with assassinating eight are supposed to arrive before Jan. 1, 2022. targets before midnight. The Hitman 3 problem? You’re being hunted by Julianna, an agent hired to kill Available on: PC, PlayStation 5, Colt before he hits his targets. If Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo you die, or fail to kill all eight Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, targets before midnight, the loop Stadia Microsoft repeats. The game is a Ground- Recent games in the Hitman Halo Infinite developers hope to recapture the franchise’s magic. hog Day-like scenario where you franchise have taken a games-as- slowly learn things about the loop service approach; they are sup- Halo Infinite expectations, and hopefully sur- and are doomed to repeat it until ported and expanded upon long IO Interactive pass them. you successfully kill all targets after their initial release. IO Hitman 3 has lots of replay value. Available on: PC, Xbox Series It’s also expected to boost the without dying yourself. Interactive is continuing that X/S, Xbox One already-rich fortunes of the Xbox If the concept isn’t enough to with the release of Hitman 3. hunt down foes with different The expectations for this title Game Pass subscription service, get you excited, the competitive Coming Jan. 20, players who methods each time. The polished are high. Halo Infinite will lift where it will be offered free. Pair aspect of the game should. Other already own Hitman 1 and Hit- and at times comedic gameplay the Xbox again. Halo Infinite will that with the ability to play the players can assume the role of man 2 can import their maps into offers creative situations like change online multiplayer. Halo game on the cloud via xCloud, Julianna, and hunt Colt players the third game to continue from disguising yourself in a flamingo Infinite will rescue the series and it’s clear it’s in Microsoft’s down before they kill their eight where they left off, and can ex- suit at a racetrack or finishing off from its yearslong lull. Halo best interest to make Halo Infi- targets. Add the fact that Arkane pect regular updates to the game a target by slapping them with a Infinite will, at least, be good. nite the crown jewel of its entire Lyon and Bethesda, the devel- post-launch. dead fish. For Hitman 3, fans of The game was sent back into strategy. The game should be opers of the Dishonored series, This assassination game puts the series can expect new levels incubation after a chilly, meme- social. It should be addicting. It are at the helm, and you’ve got a you in the shoes of Agent 47, a and under-the-hood improve- filled reception to a preview this should feel like a whole other game that can definitely break cipher who plans out kills like a ments, like an engine that sup- past summer. Now with the addi- world. At the very least, it should the mundane first-person action series of puzzles in large loca- ports 300 active NPCs at once, tion of Joseph Staten, the original be a good Halo title. It’s up to shooter mold. tions ripe with opportunity. At its making locations feel busy and trilogy’s writer, as creative direc- Staten and the team at 343 Stu- — Jhaan Elker best, the Hitman franchise offers lived in. tor, Halo Infinite is getting all the dios to recapture that old magic. plenty of replay value: You can — Elise Favis fixings it can to meet the above — Gene Park SEE TITLES ON PAGE 19 Friday, January 8, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 19 WEEKEND: VIIDEO GAMES Titles: Technical advances expected FROM PAGE 18 Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II in tribes to survive in a world overrun by advanced machines Far Cry 6 Available on: PC, Xbox Series (large robots in animal form). Available on: PC, PlayStation 5, X/S You play as Aloy, a critically- Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Announced at The Game adored hunter voiced by Ashly Xbox One, Stadia Awards 2019, this sequel to 2017's Burch who sets out on a journey I guess the question of whether Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice to discover more about her and “will Giancarlo Esposito be astounded the audience with an humanity’s past. Despite the good” is out the window. He evocative trailer centering on original game releasing right always seems to knock perform- protagonist Senua. The first when Legend of Zelda: Breath of ances out of the park. Really, it’s game followed her harrowing the Wild came out, Horizon Zero the legacy of Far Cry that’s at descent into hell, where she Dawn more than held its own, in stake here. The first game revo- aimed to save the soul of her encouraging players to explore lutionized the first-person shoo- dead lover. The journey was its rich, unique world. ter, while the third cemented captivating even in its most un- Horizon Forbidden West con- what’s now recognized as the comfortable moments, and pro- tinues Aloy’s story, and while Nintendo Ubisoft formula for open-world found in how it tackled mental we’ve only seen one trailer so far, Super Mario 3D World: Bowser’s Fury adds online play to the game. games. illness and psychosis, a condition we know that it involves explor- Will the sixth game finally rarely portrayed in video games. ing a new frontier in an attempt play as a young boy named Raz Five Nights at Freddy’s: upend the tower-climbing, ban- Far more than a simple hack- to locate the source of a deadly with psychic abilities, who at- Security Breach dit-camp-raiding, hunting loop and-slash action game, Hellblade infectious disease. Coincidental tends a summer camp with other that the past three titles and most was praised by critics as a work timing aside, Forbidden West children who wield similar pow- Available on: PC, PlayStation 5, Ubisoft games have adhered to? of art. looks to repeat the same magic ers. The platformer became a PlayStation 4 Ubisoft has claimed it would We don’t know much about the that captivated audiences the cult hit, and more than 15 years Indie developer Scott Caw- start reinventing some of its sequel, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade first time around. later, we’re seeing the contin- thon’s Five Nights at Freddy’s series, so there’s some hope that II, but we hope developer Ninja — Jhaan Elker uation of its story. franchise has become one of a true next-gen Far Cry might Theory will go to the same In Psychonauts 2, you once YouTube’s biggest gaming hits. finally push the developers into lengths and take the same care as again play as Raz, and the story In the series, you need to survive new waters. It remains to be seen they did in its predecessor. takes place shortly after the rampaging animatronics seem- whether developing for the last- — Elise Favis events of the first game. Instead ingly possessed by the spirits of gen consoles might hold this title of returning to summer camp, dead children that once inhabited back in the same way it did Cy- Resident Evil Village Raz will join the “psychonauts,” a Chuck E. Cheese-like pizzeria. berpunk 2077. But for the most Available on: PC, PlayStation 5, agents with full-fledged psychic Five Nights at Freddy’s was part, Ubisoft is pretty good at this Xbox Series X/S powers, at their headquarters, never about graphical fidelity, thing. Let’s see if they can be Capcom has been on a creative where he must prove himself as and it only recently ventured into better. roll that started with the inspired, an intern. true 3D space with the VR game — Gene Park first-person reinvention of Resi- EA In 2015, a successful crowd- Help Wanted. But that didn’t stop dent Evil VII. The revamped RE Mass Effect: Legendary Edition funded campaign on Fig to kick- it from featuring in Sony’s offi- God of War sequel Engine has powered some of best will contain all of the three start the game’s development cial stream alongside AAA giants Available on: PlayStation 5 (and games of recent years, including games’ downloadable content. raised $3.3 million, but the re- like Final Fantasy XVI, Call of possibly PlayStation 4; Sony has Devil May Cry 5, Resident Evil 2 lease window continued to shift Duty and Spider-Man: Miles not confirmed whether it’s a Remake and Monster Hunter Mass Effect: with every passing year. In 2019, Morales — a high mark of vali- next-gen exclusive) World. Capcom seems to realize Microsoft acquired the developer dation for an indie developer. There’s no release date yet that the survival horror genre it Legendary Edition of the game, Double Fine. We’re Not much is confirmed about (though Google says it’s 2021), helped to invent has an eager Available on: PC, PlayStation 5, hoping 2021 will be the year the story or gameplay other that nor even a confirmed title, but audience that isn’t done with Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Psychonauts 2 gets out the door. it involves an ’80s mall envi- anticipation swirls given the frights and zombies and invento- Xbox One It’s been a long time coming. ronment ripped straight out of greatness of the game’s prede- ry management. For a long time, a remaster of — Elise Favis something like TV’s “Stranger cessor. The 2018 installment of The Resident Evil series has a the original Mass Effect trilogy Super Mario 3D World: Things,” and hiding from a new the God of War franchise from weird history of becoming really felt more like rumor than reality. antagonist in a bunny suit called Santa Monica Studio injected good, and then flubbing a sub- Reports suggested the project Bowser’s Fury Vanny. protagonist Kratos into Norse sequent game by leaning a little was delayed from its targeted Available on: Nintendo Switch It will be interesting to see mythology for a rumble with too hard into successful ideas. May 2020 release, though the The best co-op game to come where this series goes, graphi- some of the gods lower down the Resident Evil 4 made way for a game hadn’t even been an- out of Nintendo’s last generation cally and gameplay-wise, with its divine pecking order from the goofier, more action-packed nounced yet. Finally, BioWare will finally be released from Wii new PlayStation cred. better-known Odin and Thor. series, while VII returns the confirmed late this year that the U purgatory. Super Mario 3D — Jhaan Elker The beautifully rendered, in- series to its roots. Village signals studio is working on the project. World: Bowser’s Fury has up- terdimensional, open-world ad- the return of hero Chris Redfield, Modernized versions of the three scaled textures and better per- Cyber Shadow venture game explored the rela- so it seems Capcom is interested games will come in the spring, formance, and on top of that, it Available on: PC, Nintendo tionship between Kratos and his in returning to the old lore of the returning fans to the Normandy will include brand new content, Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One son, Atreus, as the latter realizes games. That could be good or bad starship where they can travel to including a new world. Not much Dripping with 8-bit nostalgia, that he too is a god — one with a news, considering how nonsensi- different galaxies, fight off the is known about the new content action platformer Cyber Shadow different name than the one his cal the entire story has been. Reapers and Collectors and find other than a tantalizing shot of a is evocative of NES classics like father gave him. Still, Capcom has shown a lot of love among the stars. level featuring stormy weather Ninja Gaiden Batman. You play The final scenes of the 2018 growth in how it designs its hor- Aside from its release window, and a sphinx. as a ninja who navigates through game appeared to set the stage ror setpieces. Both remakes of little is known about Mass Effect: But the most exciting feature? the futuristic ruins of a world for what the upcoming Play- the second and third sequel were Legendary Edition. The collec- Online play. Super Mario 3D called Mekacity to rescue the Station exclusive will chronicle: practically new titles altogether, tion will include all of the games’ World was already a great couch rest of his clan. A mega-scrap with the God of ones that recontextualized the downloadable content, faster party experience that took the The game is drop-dead gor- Thunder et al, possibly tied into old games in fresh, exciting frame rates, 4K compatibility classic 2D Mario level structure geous, with big sprites, snappy the events of Ragnarok, the leg- ways. Village may yet discover and visual enhancements. Exact- and applied it to 3D environ- animations and massive, over- endary war that doomed Odin new ways to needle our anxiety. ly what tweaks are being made ments with 3D Mario games’ the-top bosses. Developed by and a number of other Norse — Gene Park beyond that are unknown. typically tight controls. It created one-man studio Mechanical deities. And given what Sony’s — Elise Favis a quasi-competitive environment Head and published by the mak- studios have been able to in- Horizon Forbidden West where you take risks for a higher ers of indie darling Shovel troduce via the haptics of the Available on: PlayStation 5, Play- Psychonauts 2 personal score at the hilarious Knight, the game looks to contin- DualSense, it’s exciting to won- Station 4 Available on: PC, Xbox Series cost of your teammates’ lives. ue the recent trend of excellent der what Kratos’ ax or the Blades The Horizon series is a new X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Taking this balance online is the retro-style titles like The Mess- of Chaos could feel like with the and exciting RPG IP that takes macOS and Linux boost the original needed to be- enger and Bloodstained: Curse of PS5’s controller. place in a post-apocalyptic world 2005’s Psychonauts is a de- come a go-to party game. the Moon. — Mike Hume where humanity is forced to live lightfully weird game, where you — Jhaan Elker — Joe Moore PAGE 20 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, January 8, 2021 WEEKEND: TRAVEL Pedaling through Amsterdam makes sense As we’ve had to postpone our wish I had a bigger periphery, as travels because of the pandemic, cars, trams, bikers and pedestri- I believe a weekly dose of travel ans seem to float by from all dreaming can be good medicine. directions in silence — their Here’s a reminder of the fun that noise lost in the white noise of awaits us in Europe at the other breezing through this dreamy end of this crisis. city on two wheels. Reaching the ightseeing is more than Red Light District, just seeing. To get the I stop to use a full experience of a classic old street- place, you need to feel, S corner urinal. It’s hear, taste and smell it. On this painted green and visit to Amsterdam, I made a designed to give point to focus on sensual travel. the user plenty of This city engages all the senses. privacy from the I always rent a bike here. The Rick neck down and a lack of hills and the first-class Steves slice-of-Amster- bike lane infrastructure makes dam view at the same time. The biking a breeze. The clerk at the pungent smells of pot smoke and rental shop must be tired of ex- someone else’s urine compete plaining why they don’t carry with the dank smell of the canal. mountain bikes in this flat land. Across the lane, an abundant When I ask, he responds — in woman in a cliché of lingerie classic Dutch directness — eyes me seductively from a win- DOMINIC ARIZONA BONUCCELLI/Ricksteves.com “Mountain bikes in the Nether- dow, framed in red. I think to Amsterdam is best seen on two wheels, a sentiment shared by locals and tourists alike. lands make no sense at all. When myself, “This is probably the a dog takes a dump, we have a most unforgettable trip to a uri- gathered. Long lines plague the Last night I enjoyed a grand of spices with white rice to mix new mountain. You pedal around nal I’ll ever have in my life.” Dutch Master-filled Rijksmu- rijsttafel (literally “rice table”), a and mingle on your plate and it ... not over. It’s no problem.” Continuing on my ride, it seum and Van Gogh Museum — ritual dish for tourists in Holland. palate. Working your way I ride off along the shiny wet strikes me that much of Am- both understandably popular. Not a true Indonesian meal, it’s a through this tasty experience, it’s cobbles, my Amsterdam experi- sterdam still looks like it did There’s rarely a wait at the Ste- Dutch innovation designed to clear why the Dutch called In- ence framed by my black bike’s three or four centuries ago, dur- delijk Museum, nicknamed “the highlight the best food of its for- donesia “The Spice Islands.” handlebars. I get pinged by passing the Dutch Golden Age, when bathtub” because of the striking mer colony — specifically to ing bikes and ping my bell to this was the world’s richest city. shape of its modern architecture. show off all the spices that in Rick Steves (online: ricksteves.com) writes pass others. When it comes to I continue on to a square called Inside are 20th-century favorites some ways originally motivated European guidebooks, hosts travel shows on bike bells, there’s no language public TV and radio and organizes European tours. Museumplein where Amster- (Dali, Picasso, Kandinsky) and the colonial age. The dinner You can email Rick at [email protected] and barrier. For my own safety, I dam’s three big art museums are crazy contemporary art. includes 20 dishes and a rainbow follow his blog on Facebook. Winter doesn’t mean the end of wandering through Europe Does the thought of strapping on skis or snowboards to Ettal, winding through the Graswang Valley and Weid- your feet and careening downhill leave you cold? That moos Nature Reserve along groomed paths to a height of need not stop you from enjoying the pristine, snow- around 3,280 feet, where views of the Kienjoch, Kreuz- draped landscapes of the season. Numer- spitze and Klammspitze rock massifs make the journey ous mountainous areas dependent on the worth the effort. The Ettaler Muehle makes a welcome winter tourist trade cater to outdoor lovers stop for refreshment and rejuvenation. If the snow cover undeterred by chilly weather with miles of is thick enough, little ones will enjoy being pulled along maintained trails that make hiking through on a sled. Be prepared to step out of the way for the odd snowy vistas a safe and comfortable expe- horse-drawn sleigh or cross-country skiers with whom rience. With the moratorium on overnight you’ll be sharing the trail. Online: tinyurl.com/ycctaofu hotel stays looking set to continue through- Although the sun sets early this time of year, nightfall Karen out much of Europe for a while yet, it may doesn’t have to spell the end to outdoor fun. The tourist Bradbury be premature to go out and book a holiday; offices of Garmisch-Partenkirchen and the Zugspitz re- meanwhile, we can dream of the day when gion offer a variety of guided hikes by torchlight through embarking upon one of these stunning strolls becomes a March. Participants may be required to have spikes, reality. poles and suitable footwear. Possible itineraries include a hike to the ice-covered Kuhflucht Waterfall, which is Austria accessed via the ski lift on the Ried in Farchant, or The five villages making up the Olympiaregion of See- through the Partnach Gorge. From the Kurhaus in Grai- feld in the Austrian state of Tyrol offer more than 100 nau, one can take a 45-minute hike through a snow-en- miles of marked and maintained winter hiking trails. In iStock crusted landscape to the Neuner Alm, where musicians in addition to taking on these trails as single-day hikes, The icecovered Kuhflucht Waterfall, which is accessed via Bavarian attire entertain. Online: tinyurl.com/y7fa2jey guests to the region can opt for a three-night, four-day the ski lift on the Ried in Farchant, makes a picturesque distance hiking experience inclusive of hotel stays and destination in the Zugspitz region of Germany. Italy arrangements for transporting your baggage from one The Alpe di Siusi, also known by its German name place to the next. The experience takes one through the When and if coronavirus regulations allow for overnight Seiser Alm, in Val Gardena of the Dolomites range, is the 10-mile Leutasch Valley, known for its reliable snow cov- stays, the self-guided package starts on Mondays only and biggest high-altitude plateau in Europe. In the winter, it’s er and plenty of winter sun. At a height of 3,600 feet is available through March 8. Its 340 euro per-person cost a mecca for snowshoers and hikers, who share some 40 above sea level, hikers get themselves from one accom- includes overnight stays, half board and visitor tax; the miles of groomed trails. Proposed hikes range from easy, modation to the next, where tasty regional fare warms single room surcharge is 72 euros. Online: tinyurl.com/ 45-minute walks to strenuous six-hour tours for which body and soul. A highlight of the trip comes on night y7gctayp snowshoes are a must. Many of the trails are loops; those three, spent at the Wettersteinhuette mountain lodge. that aren’t often end at a bus stop from which you can You’ll have to make do without your luggage on this par- Germany ride back. Several trails pass by mountain huts that oper- ticular night, and the bunk or cabin accommodation In the shadow of the Zugspitze, Germany’s highest ate through the winter, where delicious regional cuisine might prove rather rustic, but the blue gentian schnapps, peak, walking trails tempt adventurous souls of all levels awaits. Plenty of the region’s cable cars will give hikers a a homemade treat from your hosts Hans and Beate, will of ability. The “Graswangrunde” is billed as a family- lift, and numerous tobogganing slopes make for a fun way make your stay memorable for all the right reasons. friendly winter hiking trail starting off from the village of to return. Online: tinyurl.com/ybeaos67 Friday, January 8, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 21 WEEKEND: FOOD & DINING

Warm up with a plate of creamy Swedish meatballs BY GRETCHEN MCKAY Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Of all the dishes made with ground beef, meatballs are probably my favorite. There’s something just so comforting about the golf ball-size globes of meat, which depending on how much time you have to spare, can be fried, baked, steamed or braised in sauce. Being a family of pasta lovers, we eat plenty of Italian meatballs in red sauce. Come winter (or GRETCHEN MCKAY/TNS after any visit to IKEA), we add Roasted Swedish meatballs are Swedish meatballs to the menu. served in a rich, rouxbased gravy Typically paired with buttered made with beef broth, heavy egg noodles instead of spaghetti, cream and sour cream. or skewered on toothpicks as an appetizer, they’re flavored with Place breadcrumbs in a small nutmeg, ginger and allspice in- bowl and cover with warm milk. stead of parsley, garlic and grat- Stir to combine, then set aside. ed Parmesan cheese. Finally, Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a they are served with a creamy, large saucepan or skillet. Cook roux-based sauce made with beef onion until soft and translucent, JOHN VANDIVER/Stars and Stripes broth, heavy cream and sour about 5 minutes. The dakgalbi at C1, Stuttgart’s newest Korean restaurant, is a tasty choice for diners seeking spicy heat. cream. Transfer onion into a large While many recipes call for bowl and add ground beef, frying the meatballs before add- ground pork, eggs, allspice, gin- ing them to the sauce, I prefer ger, nutmeg and the moistened roasting them so I don’t stress breadcrumbs. Season with a over the balls falling apart in the generous pinch of salt and a Sticking to their roots pan when they are browned. couple of grinds of black pepper. Cooking the meatballs in the Mix by hand until thoroughly oven also eliminates the need for incorporated. C1 restaurant in Stuttgart is just good, old-fashioned Korean food additional oil or butter in a recipe Drizzle a little olive oil into a that already counts a fair amount 9-by-13-inch baking dish and BY JOHN VANDIVER of fat. evenly coat the entire surface. Stars and Stripes AFTER A trip to IKEA for its iconic Roll the meat mixture into ith coronavirus cases climbing fast in lingonberry jam wasn’t possible round, golf ball-size meatballs early November and a second lock- HOURS because of the pandemic, so I (about 1 ½ inches), making sure down looming in Germany, there was GERMANY served them with jellied cranber- to pack the meat firmly. Place Wno time to lose to try the newest Ko- ry sauce instead for a sweet-tart the balls in the prepared baking rean restaurant in Stuttgart. contrast. dish, being careful to line them C1, located on the city’s north side near Killesberg up snugly and in even rows verti- park, opened in the early fall, in space once occupied SWEDISH MEATBALLS cally and horizontally to form a by a fish restaurant. It’s unclear why the restaurant grid. The meatballs should be is called C1. IN CREAM SAUCE touching one another. Opening in the midst of a pandemic that has Ingredients Roast for 20 minutes, or until crushed many businesses made me wonder if C1’s For meatballs: the meatballs are firm and days were already numbered. So right before “lock- 3 slices soft white bread, torn cooked through. (Alternatively, down light” closed restaurants for a second time, we into pieces you can fry the meatballs in booked a table to test its offerings. I figured it could ½ cup whole milk, warmed batches in oil or butter until well be a first and last chance to do so. 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, browned on the outside and Luckily, we had a reservation, because every table divided cooked through.) Transfer to a was filled. And for good reason. C1, a new Korean restaurant in Stuttgart, offers ½ yellow onion, minced (about plate. The menu at C1 features only Korean staples like takeout service Tuesday to Sunday. ½ cup) Make sauce: In a large sauce- Kimchi stew, bibimbap — a rice dish with mixed Kosher salt and freshly ground pan (I used a 12-inch cast-iron veggies, beef, egg and red pepper paste — and vari- C1 black pepper skillet), melt remaining 3 tables- ous meat-based entrees flavored with Korean red 1 pound ground beef poons butter. Sprinkle in flour. pepper sauce called gochujang. Location: 217 Birkenwaldstrasse, 70191 Stuttgart 1 pound ground pork Stir with a whisk until flour That’s unlike many of the other Korean restau- Hours: Adjusted hours for takeout during lockdown: Tues- 2 eggs, slightly beaten browns, about 3 minutes, to get rants that have sprouted in Stuttgart in recent years. day-Sunday, 11:30 a.m.- 2:30 p.m.; 5 p.m.- 8 p.m. ½ teaspoon allspice rid of the raw flavor. Whisk in Prices: Main courses range between 12 and 14 euros One of the oldest ones — Eat Drink, Man Woman — ¼ teaspoon ground ginger broth and heavy cream. Then (around $13-$15). has a much bigger menu that also includes Thai and Information: To place a takeout order or reserve a table ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg season with salt and pepper. Chinese dishes, which German customers are prob- when there’s no more lockdown, call 0711 38060419. Olive oil for pan Simmer, whisking regularly, ably more familiar with. Orders can also be placed online at c1stuttgart.com/order- For sauce: until reduced to a sauce, about 5 But part of C1’s charm is that it doesn’t stray from online. 2 tablespoons flour minutes. Then stir in the sour its Korean roots. I ordered a kimchi pancake served John Vandiver 2 cups beef broth or stock cream and mustard. Taste and with soy sauce for an appetizer and dakgalbi — bite- ½ cup heavy cream adjust seasoning. sized chicken pieces in a spicy sauce, served with a what you get at C1 is basically good, old-fashioned Salt and pepper, to taste Add meatballs to sauce, and side of rice — as my main course. It was savory and homestyle cooking. But the restaurant is still worth a ¼ cup sour cream gently stir to combine. Allow brought the heat, although probably slightly less visit, given how hard it can be to find good Korean 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard meatballs to simmer in sauce than what you’d get in Seoul. food in Germany. Cooked egg noodles, for serv- until warmed through, about 5 The service was friendly, albeit slightly slower C1 also offers takeout service, which means you ing minutes. than expected. That’s probably because it’s a hus- can get your Korean food fix while the coronavirus Chopped parsley, for garnish Spoon meatballs onto cooked band-and-wife operation without extra staff. The continues to upend normal life. Cranberry sauce or jelly, for egg noodles and garnish with wife comes from South Korea, where her family ran serving chopped parsley. Serve with a restaurant, according to writeups in the local press. [email protected] Directions cranberry sauce/jelly on the side. Prices were slightly high, I found, considering that Twitter: @john_vandiver Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Serves 8. PAGE 22 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, January 8, 2021 WEEKEND: QUICK TRIPS Dark times remembered Between Blood Road and German culture stands the barbarism of Buchenwald

BY MARCUS KLOECKNER Stars and Stripes lood Road,” says the gray sign alongside the road that leads to what was once Germany’s largest concentration camp, “B Buchenwald. Just 4.5 miles from Weimar, a city known for German cultural icons like Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, philoso- pher Friedrich Nietzsche and composer Johann Sebastian Bach, and as the birthplace of German constitutional democracy in 1919, the Nazis established a camp at Bu- chenwald where cruelty and barbarism were part of daily life. On a visit in December to the site on Ettersberg hill where the camp once stood, it was hard not to be moved PHOTOS BY MARCUS KLOECKNER/Stars and Stripes by the stark contrast between the culture and history of The bell tower is part of the memorial the East German government built at the Buchenwald site. In front of it, a bronze Weimar and the monstrous crimes committed by Ger- statue by Fritz Cremer, called “Revolt of the Prisoners,” has become one of the focal points of the site. mans at Buchenwald — and by the Soviets after World War II, when the Iron Curtain fell on eastern Europe. On the QT Around four hours from Kaiserslautern, or three hours from Grafenwoehr or Vilseck, the former camp was de- Directions: To get to the memorial site, take exit 48 off the A4 serted during a recent visit in December. The visitor cen- Autobahn and head toward Weimar. Then follow signs to the ter was closed because of coronavirus restrictions, and Buchenwald Memorial, around 11 miles away. It’s about a 4-hour drive from Kaiserslautern, slightly less from bases in Bavaria. guided tours were canceled. But outdoor sites, including Budget around two hours for a visit when all facilities are open, less the former inmates’ camp, the SS area and mass graves, when you can only visit the outdoor parts. are accessible daily until sundown, the camp’s website Hours: Outdoor areas of the camp are accessible, free of charge, says. daily until sundown, but be careful not to violate German or mil- The East Germans turned part of the camp into a me- itary travel rules. The visitor center and museums will reopen to morial in 1958. “Its monumentality is intended to reflect visitors once the coronavirus restrictions have been lifted. Their the extent of the crimes, but it serves first and foremost as hours are available online at buchenwald.de/en/171 a national memorial,” focused on German Communist Food: Cafe Paul at the memorial is currently closed because of the party members who resisted the Nazis, and many of pandemic. Its non-pandemic opening hours are posted on the whom died at Buchenwald. website. There are multiple eating establishments in Weimar. More information: Parts of the memorial are not recommended for Over the years, the memorial has been expanded to young children. More information is available online in English at become the largest site in Germany commemorating One of the three mass graves at Buchenwald, the former buchenwald.de/en/69 those who died in the Nazi regime’s barbaric camps. Nazi death camp in Germany. Marcus Kloeckner After the fall of communism and the reunification of Germany, more commemorative plaques and other mark- approaching, the Nazi commander of the main camp put ers were added at the former camp to remember victims thousands of prisoners on trains or forced them to evac- other than German communists. uate on foot in one of the death marches that took place Among the additions was a stone honoring at least 169 across occupied Europe in the waning days of the war. allied airmen, nearly half of them American, who were When the 3rd Army arrived at Buchenwald on April 11, shot down over France in 1944 and interred at the camp. the Nazis had “evacuated” some 28,000 prisoners, but Two of them died, and the rest were transferred to the 21,000 others, many in a pitiful state, had been left behind Stalag Luft III prisoner of war camp in Poland. The stone to die. memorializing them was dedicated on April 13, 2004, by General Dwight D. Eisenhower, Supreme Commander survivors of Buchenwald, a little more than 59 years after of the Allied Forces in Europe, visited Ohrdruf a day after the camp was liberated by the U.S. 3rd Army. the liberation of the main camp. With him were Generals A bronze statue by Fritz Cremer, dedicated in 1958, George S. Patton and Omar Bradley. stands in front of the bell tower. Called “Revolt of the “The visual evidence and the verbal testimony of star- Prisoners,” it depicts 11 figures, one holding up clenched vation, cruelty and bestiality were so overpowering as to fists and others making gestures that could be signs of leave me a bit sick,” Eisenhower, who became President victory. after the war, said in a cable he sent to another general With the visitor center closed, there was no information after the visit. available about the statue, and looking online also shed no “I made the visit deliberately, in order to be in a position light on what Cremer intended it to depict. But it could be to give firsthand evidence of these things if ever, in the a commemoration of the group of prisoners who rose up future, there develops a tendency to charge these allega- against their Nazi guards as the U.S. 3rd Army neared the tions merely to ‘propaganda.’” camp in April 1945. The prisoners were in radio contact When then-President Barack Obama visited Buchen- with the approaching Army, and when the Americans got wald in 2009, he commented on the “irony about the beau- close enough, they attacked the guards, historical docu- ty of the landscape and the horror that took place here.” ments say. “For amidst the countless acts of cruelty that took place Ohrdruf, a subcamp of Buchenwald, was the first part of here, we know that there were many acts of courage and the sprawling site to be liberated by the Americans, when kindness as well,” he said. the 89th Infantry Division overran it on April 4, 1945. One of the 11 figures depicted in “Revolt of the Two days later, knowing that American troops were [email protected] Prisoners” defiantly clenches his fist. Friday, January 8, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 23 WEEKEND: TRAVEL Following the leader Traveling in the company of dogs

BY WALTER NICKLIN bor’s yard. Also, I remember an Special to The Washington Post underground stream uncovered he very first dog that I only because Scout’s floppy, could properly call “my fine-textured ears picked up the own” (when I was a soft sound of moving water. Tpreteen), I named During the pandemic, dogs can “Scout.” His name says it all, help us see the world differently. encapsulating the impulse that In this Time of Corona, when led me to a lifetime of travel, both you’re not supposed to leave your in the United States and around house, much less travel to exotic the world. This ever-curious locations, dogs help bring the beagle and I would explore the outside world inside. By retaining iStock planet together, with his inquis- a hint of wildness that the mod- Allowing your dog to lead the way, you can uncover new places and things about your own neighborhood. itive nose always leading the way. ern world has long buried, dogs But first, Scout and I would — these domesticated wolves — faces are hidden behind masks. than the masked neighbors hold- ways enriched my travel experi- have to make short exploratory represent a source of forgotten That was the role happily as- ing the leashes, whose names I ences. Take, for example, our expeditions in and around our knowledge. The kind of knowl- sumed by the dog my classmate always seem to forget. mongrel Mitty, whose fondness neighborhood. Wherever Scout edge you might absorb by observ- and I adopted when I spent a year Dogs can also provide a conve- for chasing sticks was obsessive. pointed the way, I followed. He ing jackals on an African safari or studying in Vienna. “Der Hund” nient excuse to get outside — a When hiking in the woods, always lived up to his name, as coyotes while camping in a na- we called him, and his affable ticket to much-needed escape searching among the countless we discovered places even my tional park. And you don’t even presence served as a bilingual from sheltering-in-place isola- other sticks littering the forest parents didn’t know existed. have to pay to travel away from tour guide facilitating our inter- tion. During the tight lockdowns floor, she never cheated and There were, for example, home for the experience. actions with natives. The lan- in some parts of Europe, dog would always drop at your foot groundhog holes hidden in the Dogs can also help us interact guage of dogs is universal. owners have been especially the very stick that you had tall grass of our next-door neigh- with other humans, even if their In pre-pandemic times, the privileged — giving them a pass thrown as far as you could. typical sidewalk parade of assort- to leave their homes without fear She could discriminate among ed furry creatures — led by their of governmental censure. In the the twigs and branches of chest- human companions clutching United States, a colleague reports nut oak, tulip poplar, white pine plastic bags of doggy poop — that only because she was looking and so forth, as I could not. But could seem a blur, hardly worth for some place to walk her dog like a wise and patient travel noticing. But once you start pay- did she discover the Rails-to- guide, she awakened my curi- ing newfound attention, each dog Trails Conservancy, whereby old osity about the wonders of trees can assume the air of an exotic railroad lines and other public and the types and textures of creature spotted traveling to a spaces “are reimagined to create their wood. Thanks to Mitty, I foreign land. safe ways for everyone to walk, began to fancy myself an ama- What are all the different bike and be active outdoors.” teur forester or dendrologist. breeds of dogs, you may wonder So on your next walk with your Another rescue dog, a beagle/ now more than ever, that you dog to escape the COVID-im- terrier mix, helped soothe the encounter on daily walks outside posed confines of your house, let ache after Mitty died. My two your home? It’s a fun game to the dog lead you — instead of the daughters, studying high school play during the pandemic, not other way around. While seeing- physics at the time, christened unlike birdwatching. As there are eye dogs are bred and trained for her “Quark.” She would dis- field guides to bird identification, visually impaired people, all dogs appear for hours to follow scents there are plenty of illustrated — if you let them — are in effect of unknown creatures. In trying encyclopedias and online re- travel guides, allowing us to see to find and follow her, I had to sources to help recognize the the world anew. The most famil- rely on my eyes (not nose), and so different breeds and learn their iar neighborhood can then be- became conversant in scats and fascinating histories. come the equivalent of a faraway tracks — an outdoor traveler’s “Excuse me, is that a Brussels vacation, since the most reward- road map. griffon?” The human on the other ing sojourns, no matter how Scientists estimate that the end of the leash, like a proud short, are all about exploration canine sense of smell is more parent, will be happy that you and discovery. than 10,000 times greater than ask. This small terrier-like dog You never really noticed the our own, giving them the ability was originally bred to be kept in beauty of that magnolia tree to pick up scents as far as 12 stables to eliminate rodents, you around the corner from your miles away. “If you make the may be told while standing six house — until your dog insists on analogy to vision, what you and I feet away. It’s a small dog, usu- stopping and lingering to sniff the can see at a third of a mile, a dog ally no more than 12 pounds, with urinous scents left by other dogs. could see more than 3,000 miles a coat typically black or tan. And It’s the canine version of reading away and still see as well,” in the soon you’ll learn this individual the morning newspaper, as my words of James Walker, former dog’s name. grandmother used to say. And director of the Sensory Research Maybe it’s Pierre. Or Jacques, when you get home, you find Institute at Florida State Uni- Thatcher, Sandy, Kenzy, River, yourself searching on the In- versity. Trixie, Buckley, Sandy, Maggie, ternet to learn all you can about Dogs become extensions of Ivy, Brinley. Those are just some the polished leaves of a magnolia, ourselves, with their acute hear- of the dogs whose names I have as if it were a first-time travel ing and especially keen noses WALTER NICKLIN/For The Washington Post come to know during my twice- destination — a tree you had expanding our field of perception The author allows his beagle mix, Angel, to lead the way during a daily walks in the neighborhood. formerly taken for granted. from the visual world to the odor- crosscountry skiing expedition. I recognize them more easily The dogs in my life have al- iferous. Talk about travel! PAGE 24 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, January 8, 2021 WEEKEND: FOOD From skeptic to advocate Learning to love the air fryer

BY CYNTHIA R. GREENLEE the basket with a minimum of planning. Special to The Washington Post But I feel like I am doing something. Lis- f I applied Marie Kondo’s simple yet tening to the automated heavy breathing polarizing question to my kitchen of my air fryer at work, I puff out my chest appliances, only my air fryer would in confidence in a task well done — what a Imake the cut. It has undeniably psychologist might call self-efficacy. sparked a particular kind of pandemic joy: Perhaps it seems odd to think of senti- the pleasures of safe experimentation, ment and appliances. But it shouldn’t in mental activity and the illusion of control. this moment when going to the grocery I had resisted buying an air fryer pre- store feels like an exhausting feat. Nor is it cisely because too many friends had surprising in the broad sweep of U.S. his- gushed about them with obnoxious enthu- tory, where identity and household tech- siasm. I’d seen the same kind of techno- nology have always merged. logical evangelism among former PC Advertisers have long tried to tell us users who converted to Macs in the late that the right appliance might make us 1990s and early 2000s, when Apple’s leg- happier. A 1970 Frigidaire advertisement endary commercials characterized its shows a svelte model wearing a minidress, competition as middle-aged, bloated, slow an astronaut’s helmet and silver pumps TOM MCCORKLE/The Washington Post and stodgy. while casually leaning on a refrigerator in Shrimp for Spicy AirFryer BaconWrapped Shrimp lay in a single layer inside the basket I groused — as author and Food Net- three fashion colors, including a hideous of an air fryer. A 4quart fryer will hold about 12 jumbo shrimp. work personality Alton Brown did on rouge and a cobalt blue. “What these Twitter in early October — that these buoyant colors can do for your kitchen, for on her website, My Forking Life, were Harris is not afraid to adapt other rules. miniature convection ovens aren’t fryers your spirits, is just short of unbelievable!” designed for an air fryer. While many manufacturers encourage at all. Instead, they surround food in an El Marketing is rarely subtle, but it is the art She wasn’t exactly a candidate for shaking the basket contents for even cook- Niño of hot air, cooking with little or no oil. of creating or channeling desire into trans- “Worst Cooks in America,” but the Ra- ing, Harris advises judiciousness when Baking and roasting, yes; frying, no. Plus, actions. leigh, N.C., mother of two now laughs cooking breaded items. Shake too hard, chances were high that any new counter- While I don’t expect my appliances to about serving a disastrous mess of a lemon too much or too early, and there goes the top appliance would soon join my junk- double as mechanized mood elevators — meringue pie to her mother-in-law and breading. Sometimes, she allows cooking cabinet graveyard of George Foreman or see myself as particularly suggestible to pasty, unseasoned chicken-breast slabs to to go undisturbed for the first half of the grills, bullet juicers, electric griddles and advertising influences — part of my affec- her now-husband during their courtship. required time. But at the halfway mark, Tupperware. tion for the air fryer comes from wanting “I’d cook, and he’d eat it, but then say, she’ll hit pause and then spray the kids’ But then a friend mentioned the magic to be a low-effort “early adopter” of new ‘Let’s go out to eat,’” she said. chicken tenders with a light coating of oil words: “egg rolls.” The last time I’d bitten technology, if only in the confines of my Now she makes spatchcocked chicken, for optimal crispiness, popping the basket into one that snapped, crackled and pop- kitchen. And pandemic-weary as I am, snackable roasted chickpeas and apple- back in for the remaining minutes. ped, I was dining at my favorite Vietname- and cooking-impatient even in the best of sauce muffins (yes, you can bake!) in her And for people trying to convert a stan- se restaurant in the Before Times. I had times, I also want to make meals without air fryers. She tests recipes on the trio of dard oven recipe, she urges lowering the tired of sad, soggy takeout egg rolls that complications or kitchen marathons. popular models that her readers are likely conventional oven temperature by at least needed broiler time to reach their full The air fryer is a modest investment to have, but she has eight air fryers and 10 to 15 percent because the food in an air crunch potential. and scant risk (no oil splatters!), the mar- won’t rule out buying more. fryer is ideally getting more direct heat Armed with my air fryer and antici- gins for error typically generous. I can pop Among her common-sense tips: Don’t go from every angle. pation, I fired up chicken wings, roasted out the basket and lay eyes on my fries, too small when buying an air fryer. Harris Harris’ advice boils down to this: Know carrots and broccoli, citrus salmon and see if they’re browning or burning. I don’t recommends 5-quart machines for fam- your fryer, and you can make more than moist banana bread. Trying to recapture worry about interrupted cooking and let- ilies and adjusting serving sizes as needed junk food in it. I hear what she’s saying on the spontaneity the pandemic has drained ting the heat out of my full-size oven. If I (as a singleton, I opted for a smaller one). that latter point, although I unabashedly from everyday life, I tossed fruit into the make a mistake, I reload and start over. She avoids batters — most air fryers can’t use mine for those egg rolls I had been air fryer. An unpeeled plantain yielded Sure, you can do that with any oven, but handle wet ingredients dropped directly in craving, mozzarella sticks and the delight- steamed — but not appropriately cara- not nearly as quickly. The trial and error the cooking chamber — and is realistic fully less-greasy-but-still-satisfying ver- melized — maduros. I rescued one of that is cooking never felt so adventurous, about what an air fryer can do. sions of restaurant appetizers I won’t get summer’s last peaches from incipient yet low-stakes. This is a risk I can take. But when Harris does try something now. mealiness with a single pat of butter and Air frying is accessible enough that battered, she breaks out cupcake foils, a I use it exactly because I miss those brown sugar. The infamous mushiness of Tanya Harris, a self-confessed former flexible silicone muffin pan, and parch- things, the sociability of collective meals, a whole Red Delicious apple became a non-cook and ex-public defender, has ment paper to lie under pizza dough. the impromptu “let’s go have a drink.” delightful no-added-sugar applesauce. become a professional food blogger and Small pans, as sometimes recommended, All I do is buy and load ingredients in recipe developer. About half the recipes just don’t do the trick. SEE AIR FRYER ON PAGE 25 Friday, January 8, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 25 WEEKEND: FOOD Air fryer: The appliance that brings back the joy of cooking

FROM PAGE 24 Air Fryer Korean-Style Chicken Wings Air-frying produces crisp-skinned chicken wings that can then be tossed in your favorite sauce. This spicy Ko- rean-style sauce is made with gochujang (Korean chile paste). The sauce is enough to lightly coat 2 pounds of chicken wings, about 20 or so pieces. It is possible to cook this recipe in a 4-quart capacity air fryer, but if using a smaller appliance, you may need to cook the wings in batches to avoid overcrowding. There is no need to spray the chicken wings with oil before air-frying because the chicken skin should produce enough oil. But if traces of cornstarch still show after cooking, you can lightly spray the pieces. Gochujang is available at international markets or well-stocked grocery stores. Leftover wings can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Unsauced leftover wings can be reheated in the air fryer for 2 minutes. Sauced wings should be reheated in a conventional oven. Ingredients For the wings: 2 pounds chicken wings (drumettes and flats) ¾ cup cornstarch 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon onion powder ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt For the sauce: PHOTOS BY TOM MCCORKLE/The Washington Post 3 tablespoons honey Crispyskinned wings can be tossed with your favorite sauce. The sauce in these Air Fryer KoreanStyle Chicken Wings 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chile paste), or your is enough to coat about 2 pounds of wings. Unsauced leftover wings will keep for 2 days in the refrigerator. favorite chile paste 2 tablespoons light or dark brown sugar Spicy Air-Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 teaspoon minced or finely grated fresh ginger Use frozen shrimp to make this easy appetizer in just 15 1 teaspoon minced or finely grated garlic minutes. Dust the peeled shrimp — it’s OK if they are still ½ teaspoon fine sea salt slightly frozen because that makes them easier to wrap Sliced scallions, for serving (optional) up — with your favorite seasoning blend, wind them in Sesame seeds, for serving (optional) bacon and slip them into a preheated air fryer for 11 minutes. If your bacon unfurls a bit, they’ll still be tasty. Directions These are spicy, so cut back on the seasoning if you want Make the wings: Set the air fryer to 390 degrees and a milder dish. preheat for about 5 minutes. If using a 4-quart air fryer, you can cook 12 jumbo Dry the wings with paper towels and place them in a shrimp at once; if it is a smaller capacity, you may have to large bowl. In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch, cook in batches. garlic powder, onion powder and salt. Leftover shrimp can be refrigerated up to 2 days; the Cover the wings with the cornstarch mixture and, using sauce for up to 3 days. Reheat in the preheated air fryer Using shrimp that is still slightly frozen will make your hands or kitchen tongs, toss, ensuring all pieces are for 2 minutes. wrapping the bacon a little easier when making Spicy coated. AirFryer BaconWrapped Shrimp. Cut back on the Ingredients Once the fryer is preheated, tap each piece of chicken seasoning for a milder dish. on the side of the bowl to remove excess starch and place For the shrimp: 12 jumbo shrimp (21-25 count), peeled with the tail it in the air fryer basket. Wings can touch each other, but While the air fryer is preheating, pat the shrimp dry shell left on, and deveined do not overcrowd them. Cook in batches if necessary. with paper towels and season with the Creole seasoning 1 tablespoon Creole seasoning Close the basket and cook chicken wings for 30 min- and pepper on both sides. Wind a quarter of a bacon strip 2 teaspoons finely ground black pepper utes, turning and rotating chicken about every 10 min- around each shrimp, doing your best to cover as much of 3 thin slices bacon, halved lengthwise and then halved utes. the shrimp as you can. across Make the sauce: While the chicken is cooking, in a Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer small saucepan, whisk together the honey, gochujang, For the sauce: basket without overlapping. Try to place the shrimp so 1 sugar, soy sauce, ginger, garlic and salt until combined. ⁄3 cup orange marmalade the ends of the bacon are under the shrimp. Cook for 11 Set the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring to a 2 tablespoons dark rum minutes. boil, stirring often. Reduce the heat to low and simmer ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, plus more to Make the sauce: While the shrimp is cooking, in a small until slightly thickened, stirring occasionally, about 5 taste bowl, stir together the marmalade, rum, pepper flakes, minutes. Remove from the heat. ½ teaspoon minced or grated garlic garlic and ginger until well combined. Taste, and season Once the chicken is done, transfer the wings to a shal- ¼ teaspoon minced or grated fresh ginger with more pepper flakes if desired. low bowl or platter, add sauce and toss to coat. Sprinkle Directions Arrange the shrimp on a platter and serve with the with the scallions and sesame seeds, if using, and serve. Make the shrimp: Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees dipping sauce on the side. Serves 4. for 5 minutes. Serves 3 (4 shrimp per serving.) PAGE 26 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, January 8, 2021 WEEKEND: LIFESTYLE Taking the fear out of technology Effectively teach a Boomer to Zoom from 3,000 miles away

BY ADAM TSCHORN Los Angeles Times Do all your chats back home to Mom these days start, “You’re on mute. The button’s lower left”? Or have you at least once in the past nine months asked Gramps if you could FaceTime the back of his TV set as a way of helping him find the strange beast known as an HDMI port? If so, you’re not alone; you’re part of an ever-growing group of people trying to help their less tech-savvy loved ones zip into Zoom, hop onto Hulu and master gadgets like robot vacuum cleaners and Wi-Fi picture frames from a greater distance than usual thanks to the global pandemic. And, chances are, you found it a tiny bit frustrating to spend something close to 14 hours talking through something that you easily could have done in 14 seconds. I say this from my own experience — twice over. Early in these quarantine times, I talked my 81-year-old mother through the basics of downloading, installing and using Zoom so she could join in a weekly coast-to-coast, fam- ilywide conversation. (In full disclosure, The Times’ own- er, Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, is an investor in Zoom.) The little bit of effort spent teaching her how to tweak the settings and toggle from grid view to speaker view paid immediate dividends; she is now an enthusiastic participant in these weekly calls — despite, for the first four months, having her cat’s name displayed on the screen instead of her own. The real challenge came with our second adventure in remote tech coaching: helping her set up an Apple TV. It’s a task that would have taken five minutes (at most) iStock if we’d been in the same room. Instead, it required a COVID19 pushed family gatherings online, leaving many Boomers in the dark. The task of teaching older generations week’s worth of lengthy phone calls across multiple time how to use the technology, such as Zoom, can be frustrating, but it doesn’t have to be. zones and, ultimately, a FaceTime encounter with the back of her TV set to accomplish. It was a surprisingly likened it to learning a foreign language — both literally Outsource it frustrating experience (for both of us, I’m sure she’d tell and figuratively; a process best done by taking it step by you) and one that highlighted the challenges of remote step. “If you think of it as a language, once [you] start What about the not-inconceivable situation in which intergenerational IT support. talking through things you’ll realize there are a lot of little you lack the requisite tech skills to be your parents’ or The good news, according to the folks who work at the things we take for granted as a common language that are grandparents’ IT department from afar? That’s where intersection of aging and technology, is that getting a not,” Cini said. “Simple things like ‘swipe left,’ ‘swipe organizations like OATS come in. Glazebrook says OATS’ Boomer on Zoom or teaching the home team to livestream right’ or ‘click on the hamburger [icon]’ that they don’t national Senior Planet hotline (open Monday through from some faraway place can not only be stress-free but even have the capacity to understand.” Friday from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Pacific, (920) 666-1959) is also life-enriching and empowering, if you take the right Glazebrook said approaching new technology like for- staffed with live bodies who offer one-on-one technology approach. To that end, here are things to keep in mind. help — completely free of charge. “If you’re struggling with a device, you can call in and Instill confidence “This is a generation that’s get help and the person on the line will spend as much “Younger generations have been taught to fudge time as it takes,” Glazebrook said, “whether you need to around [with technology] and hack,” said Lisa M. Cini, used to fixing their own cars get on your first Zoom or download your Capital One author of “Boom: The Baby Boomers Guide to Leveraging banking app because you can’t go to the branch anymore Technology, So That You Can Preserve Your Independ- and bicycles.” and you need to deposit a check.” ent Lifestyle & Thrive.” “This generation was not taught Lisa M. Cini Glazebrook said that at the beginning of the pandemic, that at all. They were taught that technology was danger- the most requested assistance had to do with connecting ous and not to mess with it. Back in their day, there were author of “Boom: The Baby Boomers Guide via video. tons of little kids that were killed by electrical outlets. ... to Leveraging Technology, So That You Can Preserve “There were a lot of requests for [help with] Zoom When you don’t comprehend it, you get scared you’ll Your Independent Lifestyle & Thrive” because people were really just trying to stay connected break it.” and Zoom kind of came out of the gate as a leader,” he Cini says the result is the fear that an errant button said. “After that it was a lot of access-to-services type push or mis-swiped finger will render the piece of tech- eign-language learning is helpful because both are about stuff, people needing access to home grocery delivery or nology at hand totally useless. That’s why it’s important, adding to a knowledge base piece by piece over time. to their financial institutions.” she says, to underscore — often — that nothing they do to “When you learn a language it builds,” he said. “You Cini pointed out that of all the tech skills to master, today’s tech gadgets will result in irreversible damage. learn nouns, you learn verbs, [you learn] conjugation and getting the Boomers to Zoom has an additional upside. That’s an approach echoed by Alex Glazebrook, direc- then sentence structure, you build complexity.” “Video chats are really important,” she said. “You can see tor of operations for Older Adults Technology Services their facial expressions; you can see if they’ve lost weight. (OATS), a 16-year-old nonprofit that helps seniors make Make a manual Most seniors have hearing issues and read lips — even if the most of the technology around them. Cini says creating an easy-to-follow guide complete they don’t know they’re reading lips — and if they can see “[Telling them] ‘You can’t break it’ is where we start with photos, pointer arrows and clear, detailed instruc- your face it’s a lot easier for them to understand you. from,” he said. “We try to really calm people’s nerves and tions (even as basic as “press the enter button”) can go a “And we know, scientifically, it’s very hard not to smile try to make them feel like they’re in control, that they can long way toward flattening the learning curve and empo- when someone else is smiling,” she added. “So we have do this. [If we build that] confidence, they’ll be success- wering people. “This is a generation that’s used to fixing the ability to increase somebody else’s happiness just by ful.” their own cars and bicycles,” she said. “And they’re used doing a [video chat] instead of a phone call.” to looking at manuals. So if you can create a good set of And with happiness such a scarce commodity these Take it step by step step-by-step instructions — with visuals — and print it out days — and the likelihood that we’ll be gathering together When it comes to helping the less tech-savvy set ex- ... they’ll be able to refer to it and not have to worry about from afar for the foreseeable future — that’s the kind of plore a new gadget or service, both Glazebrook and Cini remembering all the steps.” life hack worth taking the time to teach. Friday, January 8, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 27 WEEKEND: BOOKS What to read in 2021 Your favorite read of 2020 could inspire picking up one of these new titles

BY ANGELA HAUPT migrant who’s found success in the United States; Jea- Special to The Washington Post nette, who’s addicted to drugs and abusive men; and e’re all anxious to leave 2020 in the dust. But Gloria, who’s taken into custody by ICE, leaving her before barreling onward, take one last look young daughter behind. Their stories are a mesmerizing back to survey your favorite reads. They patchwork of determination, courage and survival. Ballantine Wmight inspire which titles you pick up in If you enjoyed “Joy at Work,” by Marie Kondo and Malibu Rising; Think Again; The Other Black Girl 2021. Here are 14 books, from a variety of genres, to con- Scott Sonenshein, read “Laundry Love,” by Patric sider based on recent favorites. Richardson (March 30):Richardson loves doing laundry If you enjoyed “Little Disasters,” by Sarah — yes, laundry. He’s made a fulfilling career out of it, to the ground; oblations performed to cattle-like angels; Vaughan, read “The Push,” by Ashley Audrain (Jan. 5): running Laundry Camp at the Mall of America to teach lost limbs that correspond to lost rights. It’s a genre-bend- What happens when a mother doesn’t love her daughter? others his techniques. In “Laundry Love,” he shares his ing sociopolitical commentary with prose that shines. Audrain’s debut is a tense, chilling dip into the dark side favorite tips and hacks for sorting your laundry, figuring If you enjoyed “Big Summer,” by Jennifer Weiner, of motherhood, narrated by Blythe, whose own upbring- out which settings to use for the best results — and read “Malibu Rising,” by Taylor Jenkins Reid (May 25): ing raises the question: Can one inherit an inability to changing your relationship with the often dry task. Add it It’s 1983 in Malibu, and the famous Riva siblings are parent? “The Push” is uncomfortable and provocative. to your laundry, ah, reading list for spring. hosting their annual end-of-summer party — a legendary If you enjoyed “Think Like a Monk,” by Jay Shetty, If you enjoyed “All Adults Here,” by Emma Straub, affair. By morning, the house is in flames, a blaze fueled read “Think Again,” by Adam Grant (Feb. 2):If there read “Early Morning Riser,” by Katherine Heiny (April by smoldering secrets and long-simmering drama. Reid hasn’t been enough room in your brain to give your own 13): When you enter a relationship with a man who has has once again crafted a fast-paced, engaging novel that thoughts any thought, we hear you. But Grant, an orga- had relations with, well, half the town, things will prob- smoothly transports readers between decades and story nizational psychologist, coaches readers on how to better ably get weird. Jane, the star of Heiny’s offbeat and funny lines. understand their unexamined — and unchallenged — new novel, falls for Duncan — who comes with an over- If you enjoyed “When No One Is Watching,” by beliefs. “Think Again” delivers smart advice on unlearn- size load of small-town baggage. The story, which spans Alyssa Cole, read “The Other Black Girl,” by Zakiya ing assumptions and opening ourselves up to curiosity 17 years, sparkles with Heiny’s trademark witticisms and Dalila Harris (June 1):Hulu has already snagged the and humility. cutting observations. rights to Harris’ bold debut, about a young editorial as- If you enjoyed “The Particulars of Peter,” by Kelly If you enjoyed “The Searcher,” by Tana French, sistant who’s the only Black employee at a New York Conaboy, read “When Harry Met Minnie,” by Martha read “What Comes After,” by JoAnne Tompkins (April publishing company — until another woman arrives. Teichner (Feb. 2):In 2016, CBS News correspondent 13): Two neighboring families in the remote Pacific Their budding friendship turns sinister as ominous notes Teichner and her bull terrier, Minnie, were introduced to Northwest are reeling over the deaths of their teenage hint at bad intentions. It’s a thrilling, edgier “Devil Wears a woman dying of liver cancer. The woman wanted to sons when a pregnant girl with a secret emerges from the Prada” that explores privilege and racism. ensure that her own bull terrier, Harry, would have a woods. As she becomes entangled in both families’ lives, If you enjoyed “You Should See Me in a Crown,” by good home when she was no longer around. The sweet — they’re forced to reckon with their shared histories. Leah Johnson, read “Blackout,” by Dhonielle Clayton, if wrenching — memoir is an ode to our dearest four- “What Comes After” is a mystery — and a gritty med- Tiffany D. Jackson, Nic Stone, Angie Thomas, Ashley legged friends, and the people they lead us to. itation on loss and redemption, drenched in stillness and Woodfolk and Nicola Yoon (June 22):Talk about star If you enjoyed “Agent Sonya: Moscow’s Most grief. power: Six YA powerhouses teamed up for this epic cele- Daring Wartime Spy,” by Ben Macintyre, read “The If you enjoyed “Sex and Vanity,” by Kevin Kwan, bration of Black joy. As New York is blanketed in heat- Princess Spy,” by Larry Loftis (Feb. 9): In 1943, Aline read “Dial A for Aunties,” by Jesse Q. Sutanto (April 27): wave-rendered darkness, six young couples are forced to Griffith, an American fashion model, was recruited by the When Meddelin Chan accidentally kills her blind date, confront their feelings. The story, which plays out over a Office of Strategic Services to hunt for Nazi supporters her mother — naturally — calls in the “meddling Asian single day, is a love letter to New York and teen romance. among Spain’s social elite. While there, she met and mar- aunties” to dispose of the body. Despite good intentions, If you enjoyed “The Night Watchman,” by Louise ried a Spanish aristocrat, making her the Countess of they problematically ship the body to the over-the-top, Erdrich, read “Brothers on Three,” by Abe Streep (Sept. Romanones. Loftis, a historian who’s written two previous very important island wedding Meddy’s company is plan- 6): In 2018, Streep wrote a piece for the New York Times nonfiction spy thrillers, delivers a rich, deeply researched ning. Netflix has signed on to adapt the delightful rom- Magazine about the Arlee Warriors, a high school basket- account of Griffith’s espionage escapades. com. ball team on Montana’s Flathead Indian Reservation. It If you enjoyed “Transcendent Kingdom,” by Yaa If you enjoyed “I Hold a Wolf by the Ears,” by Laura inspired “Brothers on Three,” in which Streep follows the Gyasi, read “Of Women and Salt,” by Gabriela Garcia van den Berg, read “The Rock Eaters,” by Brenda Warriors — and their community — as they forge their (March 30): This family saga centers on five generations Peynado (May 11):Peynado’s curious story collection way on the court and into adulthood. It’s a rich, expansive of strong Latinas: Maria, one of the only women to work blends science fiction and fantasy, drizzled with magical portrait of modern Indigenous life, set amid a suicide at a Cuban cigar factory in the 1800s; Carmen, an im- realism: levitating children who eat rocks to stay tethered crisis. ‘Ready Player Two’ blurs lines between video games, reality BY ROBERTO ONTIVEROS technology. cord and even upload real-life experi- have to be regulated like a narcotic.” The Dallas Morning News Regarding the ences. If Cline is ambivalent about the tech- Ernest Cline’s 2011 debut novel, “Ready warnings of too ONI is a highly addictive, potentially nology he writes about, he is also unsettled Player One,” a kind of Willy Wonka-meets- much social brain-damaging simulation that will about how the more dystopian aspects of his “Tron” adventure story, validated the dig- media and change the world forever. first novel (such as reality TV stars entering ital diversions of gamers and 1980s enthusi- screen time “That’s the end point in the evolution of politics and the havoc caused by a world- asts alike with its arcade in-jokes and allu- that seem sewn video games and virtual reality,” Cline wide pandemic) have become real. sions to John Hughes movies. into his sequel, says. “When it becomes indistinguishable “It was strange to see so much of the story With the release of “Ready Player Two,” Cline says: “I from reality. Then it becomes like you come true just in nine years,” Cline says. “I the Austin, Texas-based author tweaks the try to show the can’t tell the difference or feel the differ- set it 25 years in the future when it was expectations of his own brand of nostalgic good side and ence or smell or hear the difference. Then published. A lot of it, especially the virtual escapism with an Easter egg of ambivalence the bad side of it would feel the same as reality and be- reality aspects of it, came true. And a lot of regarding the addictive nature of the very technology, but come highly addictive — especially since its dystopian elements ... you know, some of internet-based obsessions that initially this one is it would be a reality that you could have them where I was being playful or suggesti- inspired him. definitely more control over.” ng that reality TV stars would be elected to “Well, yeah, you know, I am 10 years of a cautionary tale.” Cline, who admits that his own addiction public office … that was something that I older than when I wrote the first book, and In “Ready Player Two,” our hero Wade to games in his 20s inspired his first novel, just threw in there that I was not thinking 20 years older than when I started the first Watts, who has gone from living the life of is not sure how he would take to the kind of would come true, much less in less than a book,” Cline says. “I’ve matured, and my a poor gamer to winning control of the virtual reality temptations he details in his decade.” life has changed a lot.” virtual reality system OASIS, finds out new book. Regarding the uncanny way elements of Cline, who is married to poet Cristin about a technology called ONI that has “I am glad that technology does not exist the “Ready Player One” universe have lined O’Keefe Aptowicz and has two daughters, been kept from the public. This sup- yet so I don’t have to find out,” he says, up with the real world, Cline says: “I worry says he actually has a love/hate relationship pressed technology enables users to expe- adding: “Once this technology becomes a sometimes that the only thing you need to be with the internet and its corresponding rience OASIS with all five senses, to remind-altering substance, then it, too, will prescient is to be pessimistic.” PAGE 28 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, January 8, 2021 WEEKEND: MUSIC

Low-key legend

MARK HUMPHREY/AP Guitarist, songwriter and record producer Steve Cropper poses Dec. 2 in Nashville. Cropper has been in the music business for more than six decades. When he began working at Stax Records, it was common for white musicians to coopt the work of Black artists. Cropper kept a lower profile and instead chose collaboration. Steve Cropper still adding to legacy built on collaboration

BY ADRIAN SAINZ willing to keep a lower profile and collab- “It’s like thunder and lightning, the way Associated Press orate. That might explain why now, more “I listen to the other you love me is frightening. I better knock, than half a century later and still making on wood, baby.” t’s 1966, and a thunderstorm music at 79 years old, he can walk through musicians and the “When Steve and I would write a song, illuminates the night sky in an airport or a grocery store without being we jelled so good together, you couldn’t Memphis, Tenn. Two Stax recognized, while the original songs he singer. ... Once we’ve tell us we didn’t have a hit,” Floyd told the Records musicians, guitarist co-wrote — played on sound systems in AP. Steve Cropper and singer Ed- those same public spaces — remain in- presented the song, On “Knock on Wood,” and countless die Floyd, sit in a room inside stantly familiar. other songs, Cropper produces a lean, the Lorraine Motel, struggling From “In the Midnight Hour” to “(Sit- then I listen to the precise, understated-yet-signature sound. Ito fashion a song about love and super- tin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” to “Soul “In the Midnight Hour,” “Soul Man” and stition. Man,” Cropper worked alongside the likes song and the way “Time is Tight” feature irresistible intros The pair try many references to good of Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, Isaac that lure the listener. Cropper mastered and bad luck — rubbing rabbits’ feet, Hayes, Sam and Dave, Eddie Floyd and they interpret it. And the art of filling gaps with an essential lick walking under ladders, breaking mirrors many others to leave an indelible imprint or two, then stepping aside as organist — but nothing fits. Then, as the lightning on the American songbook. I play around all that Booker T. Jones, bassist Donald “Duck” flashes and the thunder roars, Cropper Missouri-born and Memphis-raised, Dunn, trumpeter Wayne Jackson, drum- asks Floyd: “What do people usually do for Cropper joined the Stax Records team as a stuff. That’s what I mer Al Jackson Jr. and others led the way. good luck?’ ” 20-year-old. Working as a songwriter, “I listen to the other musicians and the “And Eddie goes, knock, knock, knock,” producer, and guitarist in the biracial do. That’s my style.” singer,” Cropper said. “I’m not listening to Cropper told The Associated Press in house band Booker T. and the MGs, Crop- just me. I make sure I’m sounding OK November. “I said, ‘There’s our song, per laid the foundation for songs that have Steve Cropper before we start the session. Once we’ve ‘Knock on Wood.’ ” outlasted the studio that created them. On his musical philosophy presented the song, then I listen to the At a time when it was common for white “Knock on Wood” featured Cropper’s song and the way they interpret it. And I musicians to co-opt the work of Black catchy, hip-moving guitar and rousing play around all that stuff. That’s what I do. artists and make more money from their horns, setting the stage for lines still heard songs, Cropper was that rare white artist heard in TV commercials and movies: SEE LOWKEY ON PAGE 29 Friday, January 8, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 29 WEEKEND: MUSIC

Dave Alvin Kacy & Clayton and Marlon Williams From an Old Guitar (Yep Roc) Plastic Bouquet (New West) Dave Alvin established himself as a brilliantly concise Second cousins Kacy Anderson and Clayton Linthicum songwriter in the ’80s, when he championed “American emerged from rural Saskatchewan in the past decade as a music” as the guitar-slinger with the great, roots-rocking dynamic traditional folk duo who evoke the Canadian Blasters. But since 2011’s “Eleven Eleven,” he hasn’t writ- prairie, Appalachia and the Scottish Highlands. ten much, focusing instead on non-originals in collab- The musical reach extends farther — to the Southern orations with artists such as his brother and Blasters mate Hemisphere — on “Plastic Bouquet,” which features a Phil Alvin, along with Jimmie Dale Gilmore. collaboration between Kacy & Clayton and New Zealand “From an Old Guitar” collects 16 stray tracks from Al- singer-songwriter Marlon Williams. vin’s solo career, and, again, most are by other writers. It would be difficult to find another 2020 album featur- But the performances highlight his skills as an interpreter and the expressiveness of his ing three more distinctive instruments — the voices of Anderson and Williams, and smoke-cured baritone, which has grown considerably since he made the move from Linthicum’s electric guitar. The set was recorded pre-pandemic, and Anderson’s com- silent six-stringer to frontman. manding but warm alto blends beautifully with Williams’ equally formidable tenor, the Backed mostly by members of his various bands over the years, Alvin touches on enthusiasm for the partnership apparent as they harmonize and trade solo leads. “Sorry blues, country, rock ’n’ roll and jazz as he takes on numbers by contemporaries (Chris for laughing,” she says before the final song. Smither’s “Link of Chain,” Peter Case’s “On the Way Downtown”) and elders (Dylan’s Linthicum’s role as lead guitarist is more subtle but evident from the opening bars, an “Highway 61 Revisited,” Marty Robbins’ “Many Walks Among Us”). He goes way back ear-catching swirl of timeless twang, tremolo and idiosyncratic intervals. The songs are with Lil Armstrong’s “Perdido Street Blues” and Bo Carter’s “Who’s Been Here,” a short, and guitar geeks would hope Kacy & Clayton make an album someday that really raucous duet with Christy McWilson. allows him to stretch out. Linthicum also contributes saloon piano and calliope organ, as A particular delight is the tempo-shifting instrumental “Variations on Earl Hooker’s well as weepy steel guitar on “Old Fashioned Man,” a country waltz about not dancing. Guitar Rhumba.” Williams’ influence is especially evident on “Arahura,” a love song to a New Zealand “Beautiful City ’Cross the River” and “Signal Hill Blues” are tough, blues-drenched river, and “Light of Love,” which takes Kacy & Clayton into 1960s-style California pop. originals that remind you how good a storyteller Alvin is and make you wish he would Elsewhere the trio also sounds like something from the ’60s — the 1860s. The unique get back to writing more. music of Kacy & Clayton and Marlon is rooted in different times and time zones. — Nick Cristiano — Steven Wine The Philadelphia Inquirer Associated Press Low-key: Cropper has new album due in April FROM PAGE 28 er T. and the MGs, with Cropper, That’s my style.” Dunn, Al Jackson and Jones, Rolling Stones guitarist Keith became the lead house band and Richards, asked once about scored a hit with the instrumen- Cropper, said simply, “Perfect, tal “Green Onions.” When trum- man.” On a YouTube instruction- peter Wayne Jackson and saxo- al video, guitar virtuoso Joe Bo- phonist Andrew Love joined namassa says Cropper’s moves them, they called themselves the are often copied. Mar-Keys. “If you haven’t heard the name Cropper, Dunn and Wayne Steve Cropper, you’ve heard him Jackson were white. Jones, Al in song,” Bonamassa said. Jackson and Love were Black, By his early teens, Cropper defying both local and music knew he wanted to be a musician. industry custom. As a newcomer to Memphis, he “When you walked in the door fell in love with music emanating at Stax, there was absolutely no from churches, clubs and car color,” Cropper said. “We were radios. all there for the same reason — “I had never really heard gos- to get a hit record.” pel music, or rhythm and blues,” In 1962, when Johnny Jenkins said Cropper, who chuckles fre- and the Pinetoppers arrived at STAX MUSEUM OF AMERCAN SOUL MUSIC/AP quently as he talks. “When I Stax to record, a valet named Stax Records musicians are pictured at an airport during their tour of Europe in 1967. From left are Eddie turned the radio on in Memphis, Otis Redding was with them. Floyd, Sam Moore, Steve Cropper, Otis Redding, Wayne Jackson and Arthur Conley. “When you walked in there was a gospel program on. As Cropper tells it, Redding the door at Stax, there was absolutely no color,” Cropper said. “We were all there for the same reason — And I never looked back.” pestered Al Jackson to ask Crop- to get a hit record.” Cropper bought his first guitar per to hear him sing. Cropper from a Sears catalog at age 14. relented, giving Redding an im- cided the song needed something When Cropper gets recognized, crash on Sunday, Dec. 10, 1967. When buddy Charlie Freeman promptu audition. to put the listener on the dock. it’s often by fans of that movie. They were headed to a show in came home from guitar lessons, “He starts singing, ‘These Cropper went to a Memphis Cropper has lived in Nashville Madison, Wis., when their plane Cropper was waiting at Free- Arms of Mine.’ And I went ‘Holy studio known for producing jin- for more than 30 years. He still plummeted into a frigid lake. man’s house. s---,’ ” Cropper said. “My hair gles and recorded sound effects cuts guitar dubs at RCA Studio 3, Cropper and his bandmates “He would teach me what he stood up on my arms. I said, ‘Stop of sea gulls and ocean waves. and has a new album set for were in an Indianapolis airport learned that day, and then I right there.’ He said, ‘What, you Cropper sent the recording to release in April. when they heard Redding died. would play behind him rhythm don’t like it?’ I said, ‘No, I love Atlantic Records, which had a The last time he saw Redding Songwriter David Porter had guitar so he could practice what it.’ ” distribution agreement with Stax. was on a Friday at the studio called his wife, who broke the he had learned that day,” Crop- The song became Redding’s It became Redding’s biggest hit. while he was putting the fin- news to her husband. per said. “So we started a band first hit for Stax, and the begin- Cropper left Stax in September ishing touches on “Dock of the “David Porter looked like he together, and got to be pretty ning a string of hits that included 1970. He stayed with Booker T. Bay.” had the blood drained out of him. good at it.” “Try a Little Tenderness,” “Pain and the MGs but also worked on “He popped his head into the We said, ‘David are you all right? The band’s name was the Roy- in My Heart,” and “I’ve Been projects with Levon Helm, Ringo control room. At the time, I was What’s the matter?’ So, he said, al Spades. It later morphed into Loving You Too Long.” In 1967, Starr, Rod Stewart, John Prine, setting up to do the guitar licks,” his wife just told him that Otis’ the Mar-Keys, which scored a hit Cropper and Redding sat down to Peter Frampton and others. said Cropper. “Otis said, ‘I’ll see plane had gone down, and he had in 1961 with “Last Night.” write “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of Cropper and Dunn appeared in you Monday. I said, ‘Ok, I’ll see died,” said Cropper, his voice Formed by Jim Stewart and the Bay,” Redding’s song about the Blues Brothers, the 1980 film you Monday.’ That’s the last cracking. “Pretty heavy duty.” Estelle Axton, Stax Records lost time, loneliness and self- featuring John Belushi and Dan word I heard from him.’” Redding never got to hear became a soulful, gritty counter- reflection. Aykroyd as ex-convicts looking Redding, 26, and four mem- Cropper’s final version of “(Sit- point to Detroit’s Motown. Book- As they worked, Cropper de- to put their band back together. bers of his band died in a plane tin’ On) The Dock of the Bay.” PAGE 30 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, January 8, 2021 WEEKEND: TELEVISION Looking for the personality in the dance Q&A: Abdul talks about her judging ‘Masked Dancer,’

COVID-19’s effect on the show and how she spent 2020 MICHAEL BECKER/FOX

BY MAKEDA EASTER And when that happens, it’s like Ken and I to really capture key movements that that I had the ability to work during the Los Angeles Times are racehorses at the starting gate, and we were very, very particular to the charac- pandemic. Fox spared no expense of work- hen performer, choreog- can’t wait to start, because we start danc- ter that they were. ing with state and city officials to make sure rapher and veteran talent ing through the whole process. The costumes are so elaborate. It all the COVID rules are implemented. And competition judge Paula I pride myself on being a dancer, but seems like it would be challenging to on top of that, having Ken Jeong as a doctor Abdul received a call you know how yawns are very contagious? dance in something like that. who is so particular, and so full-on task from Fox asking her to be Well, this is what happens with dancing. I I was in awe of the costume designers. force, making sure everyone’s safe. I never pWart of “The Masked Dancer,” a spinoff to see peripherally to the left of me a guy They were able to do such elaborate out- felt more safe. We got tested almost every wacky competition show “The Masked who’s just doing crazy dance steps on the fits. They were lightweight and incorpo- single day. Singer,” her first reaction was laughter. upbeat as opposed to the downbeat, and rated a lot of Lycra so that these perform- We were grateful to have a virtual audi- “I’m like, ‘Oh, how brilliant is this,’” Ab- it’s contagious because then I can’t dance. ers could kick, they could do flips if neces- ence involved, and the virtual audience was dul said. “And then I thought, wait a min- I started inhabiting his dance moves. I just sary, but it never took away from the in- able to partake during our taping days so ute, this is going to be so ... hard.” learned early on, if you can’t beat ’em, just tricacy of the costuming. The costumes that they could vote on the performances. On “The Masked Singer,” based on the join ’em. were beautiful; very creative. It’s not easy Besides it being one of the most fun experi- South Korean original, celebrity contes- As someone who has coached dancing in the costume where you’re ences I’ve had, it was such a gift to be able tants perform in elaborate costumes as performers on dancing, what do you look covered in a head mask that has some to be excited during lockdown, during quar- panelists try to guess the identities behind for in a performance, or what catches weight to it. It has to be weight-distributed antine, where I could get up every day and the masks. your eye? evenly, so that you can spot for turning be excited to go to work. “The Masked Dancer” uses a similar When a dancer has a certain je ne sais and you still feel the center core of your Was it weird having a virtual audience format, but instead celebrities — some with quoi-like spirit about them or they have body. Otherwise, if it’s not weight-cali- there instead of an inperson audience? extensive training and others without — some technique, that’s wonderful. But it’s brated right, you could be top-heavy and It’s harder, I think, for the performers. perform hip-hop, tap, salsa and other dance But then, because they’re in a costume, they numbers as over-the-top characters in- don’t have that expectancy of a live audi- cluding Sloth, Moth and Ice Cube. Return- “The cool thing about this is, it’s not like ence reacting. We were whoopin’ and hol- ing panelist Ken Jeong and newcomers lerin’, but I think that it worked out pretty Brian Austin Green, Ashley Tisdale and we’re judging. It’s about celebrating the fact well. I didn’t feel a deficit at all. It was such Abdul make their guesses based almost a limited amount of crew on set, and we got solely on dance moves and clues sprinkled that — whether they have formal training through it. The crew was laughing at times throughout the show, which premiered when it requires a laugh or two, and Craig Dec. 27. or not — they are having a blast Robinson as the host was so incredible. Abdul, who has been splitting time be- He’s so incredibly talented, and he just was tween LA and Palm Springs, spoke to The on their stage.” great. Times about her experience on “The How has 2020 been for you, and what’s Masked Dancer,” which she called one of the ones who inhabit their own special fall. So with all of that and the fact that been getting you through the pandemic? her top three favorite projects. The follow- sauce, so to speak. They’ve created some- they’re doing major choreography, it’s I went from zero to 100, back to zero. I ing has been edited for clarity and length. thing that’s so unique to them. As a chore- amazing to see that they’re able to do it literally trained a year and a half of my life, Los Angeles Times: How is the judging ographer, that’s what I’ve worked on with with such limited visibility. putting my Las Vegas show together. And process on “Masked Dancer” different artists, to create their own very individu- This is a bit of a hypothetical question, then I did my residency, and I finished the from other shows you’ve worked on such alized persona. Certain stances and cer- but are there any dancers — from any era second week of January. I just finished my as “American Idol” or “So You Think You tain looks and certain angles and things — that you’d be able to pick out first part of the residency, and I knew I was Can Dance”? that become so unique to them. immediately in full costume? going to be coming back in August. So I Abdul: The cool thing about this is, it’s not That’s what’s incredible because so From the past as being a choreogra- went on a little vacation and did some ski- like we’re judging. It’s about celebrating many people love to dance, but I look for pher, I’ve worked with so many artists. I ing, and then bam, it hit. the fact that — whether they have formal the personality in the dance. That’s what think anyone would be able to tell it was I was used to performing every single training or not — they are having a blast on excites me. Technique is beautiful to Michael Jackson, if Michael was cos- week in Las Vegas and then to go from that their stage. And they have that reckless watch, but it doesn’t always reach my tumed. He’s very specific. The thing that’s to nothing, it was a hard transition. I started abandon and freedom of being in a costume heart. It has to be someone who’s extra cool is that some of the dancers that are doing what everyone did. I binge-watched and dancing, whether it’s something that unique. And that’s not always in the train- trained — dancers have gone out of their everything that was on TV. But then I start- they like as a hobby or something that ing. way to make the choreography look differ- ed getting bored, and I would go on long they’ve never even done before. For us, it’s As a legendary choreographer who has ent to try to fool us. walks with my dog. I started picking up not about judging, it’s about commenting on worked with Janet Jackson, George But I think for me, having a career as a hobbies, things that I would never normally all the wonderful things that we did see and Michael and others, did you ever find choreographer, I’m so in tune with body do. funny things or obvious things that lend yourself nitpicking the actual steps that movements. I can tell, sometimes by the I was taking cooking classes online. I was itself to a clue as to who these people are. the contestants were doing or wishing way people are even walking or little even taking tap classes online and ballroom Are there any favorite moments from the that you could choreograph any of the nuances while they’re standing there, how dancing, which is hysterical because you’re show that you can share? dances? their stance is. And some of my guesses by yourself and you’re watching your part- Sitting next to Ken Jeong is quite the I always am such a big fan of dancing, have been specifically just on that, not ner on TV. I have a group FaceTime chat experience. The whole panel got along and I’ll always be a choreographer. There even their dancing. It’s a different tool set with like 20 people; we spoke like three great. One of the fun things that I can di- were some times where I’d go, oh man, I that I have based on my years of working times a week, and that was great. rectly relate to Ken Jeong is there’s only wish I could have choreographed that part with artists. But for me, I love working, and I missed one part in the show format where the [con- — that’s inevitable; that goes with every- What’s been your experience working that. So when I got called to do “The testants’] voices are unmodulated for just thing that I do. But I was so taken by the on this show during the pandemic? What Masked Dancer,” I was really grateful that one word. The segment’s called “Word Up,” creativity, and how the choreographers were the safety precautions like? I could be around creative people and truly and the song “Word Up” plays by Cameo. that work on the show, how they were able I feel so extremely lucky and grateful work. Friday, January 8, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 31 WEEKEND: TELEVISION

NEW ON DVD “Jungleland”: The Kaminski brothers (Charlie Hunnam and Jack O’Connell) are in dire straits. Their story begins with a familiar morning routine se- quence unfolding as manager Stanley (Hunnam) prods younger brother and star boxer Walter (O’Connell) out of bed and gets him ready to hit the gym. But in a grim twist on the old adage about what happens when God closes a door, an exterior shot reveals that their home has been repos- sessed, the front entrance barred, the brothers forced to exit via the window. Walter (ring name “Lion”) shows promise in the illegal underground fighting world, but it’s not paying the bills, and the brothers need cash, fast, as they owe gangster Pepper (Jonathan Majors) more than what they have. Pepper sends them on a cross-country road trip from Massachusetts to Jungleland, a bare-knuckle fight in San Fran- AP photos cisco with a six-digit prize. The Ted Danson stars as Mayor Neil Bremer, left, and Bobby Moynihan as Jayden Kwapis in the new comedy “Mr. Mayor,” which premieres Jan. catch? They must also transport a 13 on AFNSpectrum. The cast considers the show to be anything but political. young woman, Sky (Jessica Bar- den), who has more secrets than one, to a mob boss in Reno, Nev. Also available on DVD “American Dream”: A pair of entrepreneurs (Michiel Huisman No preaching about politics and Luke Bracey) face the wrath of a Russian mobster (Nick Stahl) after refusing his money. Most political aspect about new NBC comedy ‘Mr Mayor’ is government office in its title “Average Joe”: A superhero team joins forces with a regular BY MARK KENNEDY world boundaries — face masks guy (Jason Sedillo) to take down Associated Press and shields, social distancing, an evil nemesis. here’s a government daily COVID-19 tests and van “Beyond Hell”: A woman office right there in the rides that held only one actor. (Kearsten Johansson) experi- very title of Ted Dan- “It’s all very different. They’re ences a new level of hell after Tson’s new series, but the a little bit sad, a little bit lonely trying out a drug and becoming new NBC comedy “Mr. Mayor” is because the kids don’t get to rush possessed by a murderous de- anything but political. into the playground and embrace mon. “If you consider politics the each other because we’re so hap- “Legacies: The Complete headlines in the papers and the py to be working,” Danson said. Second Season”: The CW fantasy breaking news on CNN, that ain’t “The first day or two, it’s weird. series returns after Hope (Da- us,” said Danson, who stars as Los And then all of a sudden you get nielle Rose Russell) has given up Angeles mayor Neil Bremer. “We used to the new normal,” he add- everything to save the world. point out the foibles and silliness, ed. “After years of doing this, “Lupin III: The First”: The and wonderfully lovable, pathet- when they say ‘Action!’ and animated film follows the famil- ic, lame side of humanity, but we you’ve taken the masks all off, it iar manga character as he em- don’t stop and preach. We never comes back.” barks upon a journey to decipher are preaching.” But Danson is quick to put it in the Bresson Diary. In Japanese. The show is from Emmy Holly Hunter plays the role of Ted Danson’s rival, an ultraliberal perspective. “It’s tricky as actors “Manifest: The Complete Award-winners Robert Carlock council member, in “Mr. Mayor.” to talk about sacrifices,” he said. Second Season”: The hit NBC and Tina Fey, the brains behind “We came back after nine months drama continues with the mys- “30 Rock” and “Unbreakable two months,” she warns the may- Oscar-winner for “The Piano” of the pandemic where the whole teries of Flight 828 and its trans- Kimmy Schmidt.” or. and star of the TNT drama series world saw who the heroes were, ported-to-the-future passengers. Danson plays a businessman In the first episode, the mayor, “Saving Grace.” But the two in- who the celebrities really were, “Monsoon”: A man (Henry who made a fortune on billboards hoping for a winning issue, steals stantly clicked, a pair of show biz who the people were that really, Golding) returns to Vietnam and then retired. He ran for may- the idea of a plastic drinking pros. truly put their lives on the line.” decades after fleeing during or just to impress his daughter, a straw ban from his daughter and The cast and crew have en- The time off might actually wartime. In English and Viet- sophomore in high school played it blows up in his face. Hunter’s dured a lot during the pandemic. have helped the show, giving the namese. by Kyla Kenedy from “The Walk- character offers to help — but They shot three episodes until cast time to digest the rat-a-tat “Skylines”: A captain (Lindsey ing Dead.” only if he will rename coyotes as production had to shut down for scripts, which are stocked with Morgan) and her crew race to The new mayor is not a very “mini-wolves.” There is satire, nine months. The cast kept in Carlock and Fey’s astute cultural save the human race after a virus polished political figure, prone to but nothing that might pit red contact during the hiatus, even observations and sometimes pits people against aliens. mangling Spanish and saying states against blue ones. going over scripts virtually. absurdist flights of fancy. “Spell”: After a mysterious things like “I’m very open to a “Immediately, I think the audi- “We had jam sessions Zooming “It’s practice, practice, prac- plane crash, a pilot (Omari Hard- robot police force.” ence is alerted to the fact that together, and I think in a way that tice, practice, practice, practice wick) must escape from an attic He’s got a dubious staff behind we’re not going to be dissecting created a certain feeling of tight- before you show up so that those of a sinister woman (Loretta him — the trio of comedians Bob- the Trump administration,” Hun- ness,” Hunter said. “We would words can come trippingly off Devine). by Moynihan, Vella Lovell and ter said. “This is not some new just read a new script just to hear your tongue,” Danson said. “You “The Twilight Zone: Season Mike Cabellon — and a chief rival angle on a political conversation.” it between us. You know, it have to play the music, and you Two”: The Jordan Peele-hosted in Holly Hunter, who plays an Danson — a veteran TV star of formed a different kind of bond.” have to play Tina and Robert’s reboot of the classic anthology ultra-liberal council member. such shows as “Cheers,” “Beck- When they all reunited, a TV music.” series returns. “Like underwear bought in a er” and “The Good Place” — set designed for a fast-paced, “Mr. Mayor” premieres Jan. 13 — Katie Foran-McHale/TNS drug store, you’re not going to last hadn’t worked with Hunter, the wacky comedy now had real- on AFN-Spectrum. PAGE 32 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, January 8, 2021 WEEKEND: HEALTH & FITNESS Getting to the root of gray hair

terms, even in relatively young presidents. Scientists investigating It’s known as the “Marie Antoinette Syn- drome,” after the 18th-century French why some go gray sooner, queen whose hair allegedly turned white overnight before she went to the guillotine and if it can be reversed and her death at age 38 during the French Revolution. BY MARLENE CIMONS “With the aging process, we gradually Special to The Washington Post lose melanocyte stem cells one by one over arco Kaltofen was 11 when he a very long period of time,” Hsu says. noticed his first white hairs. “What we found in our research was that As his hair grew whiter, his the stress can accelerate that process.” Mmiddle-school friends started Hsu and her colleagues found that stress calling him “the professor.” By his stimulates the same nerves that trigger the mid-30s, it was completely white, as it had “fight-or-flight’’ response, which in turn been for three of his grandparents. His causes permanent damage to the pigment- parents went white in their 40s, “so I had producing cells in hair follicles. The fight no chance of avoiding this,” Kaltofen says. or flight response “is thought to be a good Now 61, he is a civil engineer who lives in thing in stressful situations because it can Boston. He wears his white hair in a pony- drive us and other organisms to respond to tail. danger rapidly,” Hsu says. This activation “White hair is part of my identity, and I “causes a spike in the neurotransmitter am completely at peace with it,” he says. norepinephrine.” Then there is Joe Rees, 75, a retired But norepinephrine also tells melan- customs attache who lives in Washington. ocyte stem cells to pump up their activity He is balding, but the hair that remains — and proliferate, “and too much norepine- on the sides and in the back — is the same KATRINA GOLDSAITO/For The Washington Post phrine, in this case triggered by stress, dark brown it always has been. He jokingly Marco Kaltofen, 61, says he first started noticing white hairs at 11. His hair was causes the melanocyte stem cells to burst attributes this to “clean living and a pure completely white by the time he reached his 30s like that of three of his grandparents. into so much activity it leads to rapid deple- heart,” although, like Kaltofen, it probably tion of the stem cell reservoir,” she says. “If is genetic. His mother’s black hair didn’t pigment, remains, experts say. Hair that A 2018 mouse study by “Team Hair-Us” all the stem cells are depleted, no more start to go gray until she was in her 70s, and has lost all its color typically appears white. (Harris’ nickname for her lab colleagues) pigment-producing cells can be produced was “50/50” when she died at 88, he says. Studies have identified a number of found a connection between MITF (mi- anymore, and the hair turns gray.” Still, “I’d rather be gray than bald,” he factors that also may speed up gray hair, crophthalmia), a transcription factor (a Other stress hormones — ACTH (adre- says. “That way, I wouldn’t have to worry including smoking, diet, stress and genet- protein involved in gene expression) im- nocorticotropic hormone) for example — about wearing a hat all the time.” ics. portant in managing pigment production, can cause melanocyte stem cells to migrate To be sure, Rees and Kaltofen are excep- “Our hair color depends on a set of spe- and the innate immune system, suggesting away from the hair follicle before they can tions, since most people start graying in cialized stem cells called melanocyte stem that some people’s hair may turn gray in produce the melanocytes needed for hair their 50s and 60s. Nevertheless, their expe- cells, and every time a new hair grows, response to serious illness or chronic and skin color, according to research. riences are among the many mysteries of these melanocyte stem cells have to divide stress. They discovered a relationship “Such hormones are known to increase gray, white or silver-looking hair that sci- in two and make a new melanocyte, [or] between genes involved in hair color and in the body after stress, and may have the entists are exploring to learn more about potential to promote the loss of these cells, aging. They want to know why some people regardless of age,” says study author May- turn gray early and others late — or not at Hair color comes from melanin, a pigment produced umi Ito, associate professor in the depart- all — and what this might signal about their by cells in the hair follicles. Over time, these cells ments of cell biology and dermatology at health. They also want to understand the the New York University Grossman School factors that hasten graying, and even suffer damage and become depleted, losing their of Medicine. whether gray hair is reversible — which Ito also found that certain cell-signaling could be a boon to those allergic to hair dye, ability to make melanin. This results in new hair proteins called endothelins (substances or who hate spending money to keep the without pigment — meaning, no color. known to constrict blood vessels and raise gray away. blood pressure) bind to melanocyte stem Most important, studying gray hair could cells and, in doing so, keep them healthy. point to new approaches in promoting pigment cells,” explains Melissa Harris, those that trigger an immune response to a Interrupting the process causes cell loss healthier aging, says Candace Kerr, health assistant professor of biology at the Uni- viral infection, suggesting this interaction and early graying in mice. They are study- scientist administrator in the National versity of Alabama at Birmingham. “These could increase the chances of developing ing whether the same happens in human Institute on Aging’s Division of Aging Biol- pigment cells stay in the base of your hair gray hair. hair follicles, hoping to find ways to pre- ogy. and their job is to produce pigment. These “MITF, in a sense, shields melanocyte serve or regenerate the key stem cells that “While graying is one of the markers of melanocytes reach out skinny arms, called stem cells from our own immune system,” give hair its color. aging — aging is the ultimate risk factor for dendritic processes, that shuttle the pig- she says. “Normally our immune system All of this raises the intriguing possibility why hair goes gray — it highlights the need ment to the hair shaft as it grows. So if all protects our bodies from infection. But for that scientists could discover ways to pre- for better understanding of the mecha- your melanocyte stem cells disappear, so melanocyte stem cells, too much immune vent or reverse gray hair. nisms that drive aging and age-related do your melanocytes and so does your hair response is bad for their health, and this “Team Hair-Us” recently published a diseases,” she says. “To be able to target pigment. Thus — gray hair.” leads to their loss and to gray hair. Why paper describing a topical drug combina- these pathways will be critically important Because stem cells directly influence melanocyte stem cells are so sensitive to tion that increased melanocyte stem cells for our aging population to live longer and hair color, studying gray hair can provide our own natural means for protection, we in gray mice, ridding them of their gray happier lives.” insights about why stem cells age and ulti- still don’t know.” and restoring their original fur color — Hair that looks gray, white or silver mately fail, offering important clues about “There is still much to learn about what perhaps for good. Because the treatment — actually is colorless. Hair color comes from the workings of other stem cells in the body regulates these stem cells and what may originally developed to regrow hair — melanin, a pigment produced by cells in — for example, those found in muscles, contribute to their loss,” says Ya-Chieh replenished pigment-producing stem cells, the hair follicles. Over time, these cells bones and organs. In turn, these ultimately Hsu, associate professor of stem cell and the effects could be long-lasting, Harris suffer damage and become depleted, losing could point to whether gray hair could be a regenerative biology at Harvard Universi- says. their ability to make melanin. This results marker for disease, or the opposite, a long- ty and principal faculty member of the “We didn’t keep the mice forever, so we in new hair without pigment — meaning, er life. Previous studies have not shown a Harvard Stem Cell Institute. don’t know,” says Harris, who plans more no color. relationship between life span and gray Among other things, Hsu studies the studies. “This has made us very interested People use “gray,” “white” and “silver” hair, including whether late onset of gray effect of stress on graying. Most of us are in whether gray hair really is permanent, interchangeably to describe hair that is hair predicts longevity. Some research, familiar with those “before-and-after” and if we can do something about it. We turning or has turned. Its appearance — however, indicates that gray or white hair photographs of U.S. presidents — most really want to know — and so does every- whether it looks, gray, white or silver — can be a sign of early heart disease, regard- recently Barack Obama — showing a strik- one else we talk to — is whether and when depends on how much natural color, or less of age. ing increase in gray hair during their we can bring this to humans.” Friday, January 8, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 33 WEEKEND: FAMILY

The same 10 pounds never gone for long

Like many Americans, I resolve to lose weight every New Year. The semantics of my annual pledges may vary — “get fit,” “eat healthy,” “fit into my jeans and still be able to breathe” — and my success rate has been highly unstable. But my motivation is always the same: Rid myself of that stubborn 10 pounds of flab that has haunted me since my mid-20s. Over the past three decades, I’ve tried almost every diet in one form or another, which, arguably, renders me an expert on the subject. iStock In my attempts to succeed, I’ve found that most diet plans Teaching kids about the risks and rewards of using credit cards can help them make better decisions as adults. fall into one of four general categories: 1. Low-fat diets, otherwise known as “Self-induced agony”; 2. Low-carb diets, otherwise known as “A good excuse to eat bacon”; 3. Subscription diets, otherwise known as “Weight loss for suckers;” and Priming kids on plastic 4. Fad diets, otherwise known as “Yeah, right, and the Cleveland Browns will win the Super Bowl.” Exercise was always incorporated into my New Year at- Modern children need lessons on credit, not pennies for their piggy banks tempts to drop pounds. In my 20s, I was a “runner,” which is somewhat of a misnomer considering that my movement BY SARA RATHNER ment — you don’t need to stick to — not to judge his decision, but to would more accurately be defined as a “shuffle.” On my Nerdwallet.com coin counting for long. teach him the importance of mon- two-mile jaunts, I was red-faced, blotchy and swerving. Pas- any older millennials “I think kids are very smart itoring his account for suspicious sers-by thought I’d either escaped from long-term captivity may have learned to these days, and they can learn that activity. or was suffering a major cardiac event. manage money much a quarter equals 0.25 in like five Share your habits, errors After having babies in the ’90s, I bought VHS tapes allow- like our parents did: minutes,” he says. ing me to exercise at home during nap time. There were M Since cash is out and cards are Credit cards can be a much- waiting for statements to arrive in videos by Kathy Smith, Jane Fonda, Denise Austin, and one in, there’s little reason to avoid feared financial product because of the mail, balancing checkbooks and the risk of getting into high-interest MTV’s “The Grind” hip-hop dance tape. paying in cash. But if you’re plan- introducing credit and debit les- When our VCR died, I went to the local YMCA, finally sons as soon as possible. Swap debt, but they can be a useful tool, ning to impart the same lessons to too. Sharing your credit triumphs investing in presentable workout clothes for step, kickbox- your own children, ask yourself a checkbook lessons for monitoring ing, spinning, Pilates, boot camp, body pump and Zumba, bank and credit accounts online. and errors with your kids can help few questions first. them make confident decisions as during which I achieved new levels of personal humiliation. Is this still how you deal with Show your kids what a credit card For me, the problem wasn’t exercise. It was the can of statement looks like. Talk about adults. your finances? How often do you Agado and her husband don’t Pringles I’d eat later that afternoon. No matter how many carry cash anymore? Do you even building credit history by showing miles I shuffled or Y classes I took, I always knew that my them your credit report. want credit to be a mystery to their know where your checkbook is? If kids. They discuss topics like credit weight-loss goals would fail without a proper diet plan. the respective answers are “no,” Help kids track finances card rewards, which card to use for An old favorite was “The Cleveland Clinic” diet, which had “rarely” and “maybe in that box I which purchase and what happens nothing to do with the famed hospital, and was also slander- never unpacked since moving six Rosanna Agado, who recently if you take on debt or miss a credit ously called “the three-day Army diet,” “the American Heart months ago,” then the money les- moved from the Seattle area to card payment. Association diet” and “the hot dog and ice cream diet.” I sons of the ’90s aren’t going to cut it Glasgow, Scotland, maintains a “One of the main driving forces usually achieved success, losing 10 pounds in three days. The for the next generation. spreadsheet for her three kids. was the fact that my husband and I problem? When normal eating resumed, I’d gain it all back. The way we handle money had Rather than give them their weekly both destroyed our credit when we I invested in Weight Watchers, a healthy subscription plan already been changing dramat- allowance in the form of cash, Aga- were younger,” she says. involving a points system, nifty daily journals, recipe cards ically, but the pandemic accelerat- do and her husband act like a bank and weekly meetings. I lost a few pounds; however, I found ed those changes. One example: A account and lender combined. Hover less, trust more the strict privacy of the weigh-ins to be a disappointment. September 2020 American Express When one of their children de- Money talks are important, but What’s more motivating than a bit of public fat shaming? study found that since the CO- cides to buy something, the parents kids learn even more when they Eventually, I discovered Sugar Busters, Atkins, Dukan and VID-19 outbreak began, 70% of pay and deduct the total from that apply those lessons to real-life their ilk, which began a long odyssey of low-carb self-denial, merchants had customers request kid’s savings. The kids are allowed purchasing decisions. Let your kids during which I believed in strict adherence to an eating plan contactless payment options, and to go into debt and aren’t charged choose what to buy, within reason, that looked like “Cool Hand Luke” at a Brazilian meat festiv- 73% of merchants prefer customers interest, but they must skip howev- even if you think they’re making a al. At first, the notion of unlimited butter, bacon, cheese and to pay with a card or app instead of er many weeks of allowance are frivolous choice that will blow chicken skin was liberating. But I developed unfamiliar cash. needed until the debt is repaid. through a month’s worth of their feelings like cravings for vegetables and worried that I might So trade in those old-school mon- Their eldest son, who is 14, now allowance. Much as you learned grow carnivorous fangs. ey lectures for a primer on plastic has a bank account with a debit from your own regrettable deci- This New Year, I might give the Fast Metabolism Diet a go and digital payments. By the time card, and while Agado doesn’t sions, your children can do the because it involves a healthy rotation of low-fat, high-carb, your kids become financially inde- monitor his purchases, she does same. Better a $10 mistake at 13 low-carb, and balanced days every week. However, it also pendent, they may thank you for it. check the balance daily. than a $10,000 mistake at 33, after requires buying the book, meticulous record keeping, strict “Having that freedom of having all. adherence to three different allowed food lists, and, there- Teach about credit early the card to spend on his own, it’s “I think it’s a big mistake for fore, CPA certification and a Ph.D. in nutrition. Because cash is tactile, it pro- like credit card lite,” she says. “He parents to helicopter their kids too In a month or two, stay tuned for my next review, which vides a natural way to introduce knows there’s a limit on what he much when it comes to money,” will likely be titled “Elastic Waistband Fashion,” or “Wear- younger kids to money. But accord- can spend.” Murset says. “I would much rather ing Maternity Clothing Post-pregnancy.” ing to Gregg Murset — founder and If something seems unusual, kids buy something with their mon-

CEO of the BusyKid app, which Agado discusses the purchase with ey and have the heartburn that Read more at themeatandpotatoesoflife.com, and in Lisa’s book, The Meat and Potatoes of teaches kids about money manage- her son to verify that it’s accurate comes with remorse.” Life: My True Lit Com. Email: [email protected] PAGE 34 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, January 8, 2021 WEEKEND: CROSSWORD AND COMICS NEW YORK TIMES CROSSWORD

PARTNERSHIPS 12345 678910 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 BY DANIEL GRINBERG / EDITED BY WILL SHORTZ 91 02 12 22 Daniel Grinberg, of Philadelphia, is a researcher and designer in the field of user experience. In 2018, he earned a Ph.D. in film and media studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara. When the pandemic started, Danny had the idea of 32 42 52 62 constructing 30 crosswords in 30 days as a way of coping with lockdown anxiety. He didn’t quite make it — more like 28 puzzles in 60 days. That’s still quite productive. He thought of this puzzle’s theme while brushing his teeth one night (which is 72 82 92 03 not a hint). It’s his second appearance in The Times and his first Sunday. — W.S. 13 23 33 43 53 ACROSS 48 Spaceman Spiff and 100 How Phileas Fogg 16 Cocktail with rum, 1 Venomous snake Stupendous Man, traveled curaçao and fruit 63 73 83 93 04 14 for Calvin in ‘‘Calvin juice 6 ‘‘To be honest . . .” 101 Money in coins and Hobbes’’ rather than bills 17 Like monarch 24 34 44 12 ‘‘My goodness!’’ 54 Red ____ butterflies 104 Earnest request 54 64 74 84 94 05 15 25 35 16 Extinct flightless bird 55 Who ‘‘can get in the 108 Like some 18 Debut album for Etta that once grew up to way of what I feel vinaigrette James 45 55 65 75 12 feet for you,’’ in a 2007 24 Apollo’s half brother No. 1 Alicia Keys hit 110 Domestic partners 85 95 06 16 26 36 26 Fool 19 Like the water in a 56 Business suits? 112 Sponge off of 29 Sweet red dessert whistling teakettle 113 Calendar row 46 56 66 76 86 57 Famous bed-in wine 20 Puzzled remark participant 114 Magazine bestowing 32 Representatives’ term 96 07 17 Best of Beauty 21 A student may pass it 58 Nest noise lengths awards 27 37 47 57 67 77 87 22 Kid’s refrigerator 60 For example 34 A thing in poker? 115 Not a big studio film display 63 Salmon and sturgeon 36 Unfortunate events, 97 08 18 28 38 48 delicacies 116 Take possession of 23 Law partners old-style 64 Partners in crime 117 Makes a typo, say 37 C.I.A. whistle-blower 58 68 78 88 25 Booty call? 69 Modern meeting 118 Gave a boost Philip 98 09 19 29 39 49 59 27 How-to manual method 119 S-shaped moldings 38 Encountered by component 70 Some U.S. space chance 69 79 89 launch rockets 28 ____ learning DOWN 39 Subject of a Magritte 71 ‘‘See ya’’ work (or not?) 99 001 301201101 701601501401 29 Richard of ‘‘Chicago’’ 1 Officers above capts. 72 Requests at security 40 Simple palindromic 2 What San Diego and 801 901 011 111 30 Mount ____, lines reply to ‘‘Madam, workplace of the Tijuana do 73 Chicago mayor I’m Adam’’ 211 311 411 511 Cyclopes in Greek Lightfoot 3 Airplane ____ myth 41 Fiscal year div. 74 Gave up 4 ‘‘Notorious’’ rap 43 Ryder ride 611 711 811 911 31 Having a very high nickname 76 First dynasty of 46 Dweeb body mass index imperial China, 221- 5 It may be blond, brown or ginger 47 Rihanna or Mariah 33 Singer with the 2020 206 B.C. Carey 63 Setting for 73 Big game changer? 83 Cheer for Real Madrid 98 Close call 6 Of the utmost quality Hitchcock’s album ‘‘A Holly Dolly 79 Flier trier? 49 Have a preference 74 This is what it sounds 84 Drinking game that 102 Sport with saddles Christmas’’ 82 Business partners 7 Snapchatter’s request ‘‘Notorious,’’ like when doves cry 50 Deep-fried tortilla informally requires aim 103 Bevy : quails :: mob 85 Commotion 8 1981 Stephen King 35 Problems with dish 64 Portend 75 P.D. or F.D. worker 87 Winter setting in : ____ streaming thriller 86 Fervent believer 51 Group of heavies 65 Emperor who ruled 77 Kindergarten N.Y.C. 105 Fill with freight 88 Walker’s need 9 Certain bolt holder for more than 13 comeback 36 Puller of strings? 52 Universal donor’s 89 Deceptive talk 106 Lake largely fed by 10 Being fixed, as a car years, dying at age 89 Romantic partners blood type, in brief 78 Indefinite degrees 90 Perturbation 39 Silent partners at a garage 30 the Detroit River 94 Tight-fitting suits 53 Brand of pads 80 Sweetness and 42 Noticeably amazed 66 More eye-catching 91 Small hole-drilling 107 Lemon or lime 96 Apartment, in real 11 Vegan milk source 59 Sewing 101 sourness 67 Anthony ____, 1950s tool drinks, informally 43 Leigh who played estate talk 12 Still being debugged assignment 81 Canoodling in a Scarlett British P.M. 92 Obstinate sort 109 Wonder 97 Core principles 13 Turn against 60 Didn’t go anywhere crowd, for short 68 Villain with the 93 Talents 44 Train ticket info, for 98 Bake, as an egg 14 Event organizer’s 61 Spanish article ‘‘real’’ name Edward 82 Prominent feature 110 Piano tune short 99 Evil Kermit or count 62 Investment options, Nigma of the Who’s ‘‘My 94 Really stood out 111 Words accompanying 45 Writing partners Grumpy Cat 15 ____ to come for short 69 Teen’s woe Generation’’ 95 Patchy in color a headshot, in brief

GUNSTON STREET RESULTS FOR ABOVE PUZZLE

S E E G O D E S O O G S R R E T E G

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D R A O B D N A M O O R C I M A S L A B

A E L P E I C E P S R A F A E M E M

R R I H S S T E N E T T I N U

S O D E E P S S E S S I K D N A S G U H

H S A E L T O L A E Z O D A

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O N O S O E C E N O O N A E S

S O G E R E T L A R E P A P D N A N E P

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“Gunston Street” is drawn by Basil Zaviski. Email him at [email protected], and online at gunstonstreet.com. T E I U Q D N A E C A E P T S I P R A H

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T R A E T O N O N N U D I L I O B A A O M Y A S I S I T C A F A B M A M Friday, January 8, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 35 FACES She’s your woman Marsha Stephanie Blake examines stellar career

BY JEN YAMATO phanie Blake, with whom she had starred in Los Angeles Times “Othello” in 2016 at the New York Theatre arsha Stephanie Blake logs on- Workshop. to the Zoom call looking like a Before that taped audition she had to get to, million bucks. It’s noon on a the Jamaica-born and Jamaica, Queens- Mweekday in December and the raised Blake, also seen this year in “The Pho- “I’m Your Woman” actress is calling from tograph” and “An American Pickle,” looked New York, where among other things this back on her “I’m Your Woman” role and her year she’s celebrated virtual movie pre- stage and screen career. mieres, attended protests, sewed masks for Los Angeles Times: We haven’t seen a lot essential workers, campaigned to get out the of women like Teri in the movies. She’s vote and filmed a Netflix show inside her fierce and capable, she has a tender side, home with her family during the pandemic. and she carries such a quiet power. In such an unprecedented year, multitask- Blake: I loved the character of Teri for so ing has been a big part of Blake’s life. “I was many reasons, and a big part of it was that I of- getting all dressed up because I have to tape ten have played women in the middle of a an audition,” she explains with a laugh. traumatic event. And a lot of what I’m going Among the year’s stellar supporting turns, through are very intense, emotive, emotion- Blake’s performance as Teri in Amazon’s al, quite heartbreaking things. And what I 1970s-set crime thriller “I’m Your Woman” loved about Teri was that we were meeting stands tall. In her nearly two-decade career, her after that trauma, and she was now help- the last few years in particular have seen the ing someone else navigate that. character actress flourishing on film and TV There are several temperature shifts in screens in indelible roles such as Rosemary her dynamic with Jean, and while it’s called in 2019’s “Luce”; opposite Viola Davis on “I’m Your Woman,” inspired by a line “How to Get Away With Murder”; and as Lin- Tuesday Weld says to James Caan in da McCray, the devoted mother of wrongful- “Thief,” arguably the most important ly accused Antron McCray in “When They relationship in this film is actually between STEVEN FERDMAN/TNS See Us,” for which she was Emmy-nominat- these two women. Marsha Stephanie Blake attends the premiere of “The Photograph” Feb. 11 in New ed. What’s also lovely about Teri is she’s a re- York City. Blake stars in “I’m Your Woman,” streaming on Amazon. With director Julia Hart’s “I’m Your luctant helper. She’s coming in like, “I know Woman,” Blake embraced a character who’d the ropes and I’ll try to show you,” but she’s ter, and as soon as I got to her she immediate- In recent years you’ve given incredible already been through the ringer and come doing it reluctantly. Because [Rachel and I] ly said, “I pitched you for this film!” And I performances in projects such as “When out stronger for it by the time she enters the already had a relationship outside of the film, was like, “Oh, great! Hi!” They See Us” and “Luce,” to name a few. picture. The film begins with characters the I had to remind myself how I actually felt You’ve worked extensively in film and TV, Have these characters felt particularly mea genre often sidelines: suburban housewife about Jean. A lot of the inner work was re- but beyond leading to film roles like “I’m ningful to you? Jean (“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel’s” Ra- membering that Teri is a woman who is now Your Woman,” why has your stage work also I love the difference between [Rosemary chel Brosnahan) is sent off into the night with at a point in her life where she doesn’t let peo- been an important foundation in your in] “Luce” and Linda McCray [in “When a bag of cash and an infant son after her hus- ple in easily. There’s a wall, and there’s a rea- career? They See Us”] because while I have all of band’s criminal shenanigans go awry. With son there’s a wall — it’s for protection, it’s for What I love about the theater are the rela- them in me, they are not me. Maybe a bit of the help of his associate Cal (Arinze Kene), her family, and it’s for survival. tionships you build. The reason I became Linda McCray, that mama bear, is more who Jean learns to take the wheel of her own des- Rachel Brosnahan, who plays Jean and is friends with Rachel, and which led to us do- I am. Maybe a little bit of Teri. But Rosem- tiny for the first time in her life. a producer on the film, was instrumental in ing the film together, was because we’d done ary? I don’t feel like that’s me. However, But it’s her budding friendship with Cal’s bringing you into this project. You had acteda theater piece off-Broadway together, this there but for the grace of God, right? Because guarded wife, Teri (Blake), who grudgingly together onstage in “Othello.” How did she tiny little theater where we were arm’s it could just take an incident for that to be- takes the naive Jean under her wing, that first bring it up? length from each other in the dressing room. come me. An incident, a break, a physical or fuels their shared journey and anchors the The first time she ever mentioned it, we And you learn a lot watching other people emotional trauma, anything. So I always recentering of the female experience. Cast- were out. We’d be each other’s dates for plays work. You’re there in rehearsal sometimes think that as much as I feel like those charac- ing for the perfect Teri, star and producer every once in a while. I remember I was run- for hours, watching other people rehearse. ters are different from who I am, they are a Brosnahan pitched one name: Marsha Ste- ning across the street, it’s the middle of win- That is the best education an actor can get. part of me. They are me. Rescheduled Grammys create conflict Kardashian, West are headed for divorce Kardashian, 40, has been debating the move since the summer, Peo- BY GLENN WHIPP ple reported. West, 43, reportedly considers the separation “inevitable.” Los Angeles Times The power couple have spent little time together in recent months, The SAG Awards announced in July that it would according to E! News. West lives in Wyoming, while Kardashian lives in be moving its ceremony to March 14, 2021, shifting its California with their four children. event back by nearly two months as the COVID-19 Kardashian and West married in 2014. Silencing doubters, the couple pandemic disrupted every date on the awards season remained strong for more than six years, but a divorce first appeared calendar. possible in July 2020 when West tweeted about getting one. He later Apparently the Recording Academy didn’t circle backtracked, and Kardashian stood by him. the date on its calendar. When the music organization decided Tuesday to Def Leppard drummer staging virtual concert postpone the 63rd annual Grammy Awards from Jan. Def Leppard drummer Rick Allen is teaming with a parade of artists, 31 because of concerns over the spread of COVID-19, including Billy Idol, Tommy Shaw of Styx and Wynonna Judd, for a vir- it moved to March 14 as well, setting up a conflict that tual concert to provide assistance to musicians and industry workers in could have SAG-AFTRA scrambling for another LOS ANGELES TIMES/TNS financial distress due to COVID-19. date. “Parasite” director Bong Joon Ho cheers his cast’s Along with singer-songwriter wife Lauren Monroe, Allen has estab- Rescheduling could be somewhat problematic, win Jan. 19, the first time a foreignlanguage film lished the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund and on Jan. 23 will host the “Big though, as every other guild and awards group locked has won the SAG Award for best ensemble. Love Benefit Concert” and fundraiser set for 9 p.m. EST via nugs.tv. For in dates last year when the Academy of Motion Pic- more information and to purchase tickets to the “Big Love Benefit Con- ture Arts and Sciences pushed back the 93rd Oscars basketball tournament’s Selection Sunday, when the cert,” go to bit.ly/3s2zQPh. to April 25. March Madness brackets will be revealed. CBS airs The March 14 date also coincides with the NCAA both the Grammys and the NCAA tournament. Compiled from wire services PAGE 36 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, January 8, 2021 AMERICAN ROUNDUP

Airline passenger fights after kids kick her seat PORTLAND — A OR woman is facing charges after attacking another woman on a Spirit Airlines flight at Portland International Airport on Sunday because the woman’s kids had kicked the back of her seat. Daydrena Jaslin Walker-Wil- liams pulled her luggage from an overhead bin and then punched passenger Nataly Hernandez several times, leaving Hernandez with a bleeding lip and lumps on her head, a probable-cause affida- vit states. Walker-Williams said she hit Hernandez “2 to 3 times in the face with her fist,” according to the complaint. She told police she was upset Hernandez’s children kicked the back of her seat, and said she told Hernandez "to tell her kids to stop it," The Oregonian/ OregonLive reported. She said Hernandez ignored her and later “hit her on the shoulder. Man accused of setting fire outside hospital FARGO — A man ac- ND cused of setting a fire outside a Fargo hospital early Wednesday has been arrested, ac- DAVID ZALUBOWSKI/AP cording to police. Officers and firefighters responded to Essentia Hospital Fun for young and old about 2:30 a.m. where smoke had A mother pushes a child in a stroller past a mastodon sculpture outside the Denver Museum of Nature & Science on Tuesday. filled the lobby. According to authorities, the fire was burning in a Cory McGilloway made his first THE CENSUS Laudano, 31, was charged with garbage container near the en- court appearance Tuesday after second-degree larceny, second- trance to the emergency depart- he was arrested last October for The number of years an Iowa woman could have spent in pris- degree reckless endangerment ment. Firefighters quickly extin- the theft of Maki the lemur, the 25 on for defrauding charities by pretending to have cancer. In- and risk of injury to a child. Dime- guished the fire and ventilated the San Francisco Chronicle report- stead, Jennifer Hope Mikesell, 44, of Northwood, received a suspended sen- glio, 38, was charged with second- lobby. ed. tence and was ordered to pay restitution and continue to seek treatment from a degree larceny and second-de- Police said they arrested a 39- The 21-year-old male lemur was mental health professional, the Globe Gazette reported. She pleaded guilty in gree reckless endangerment. Po- year-old man who witnesses saw discovered missing in October. In- November to a felony charge of ongoing criminal conduct. Mikesell was arrest- lice officials did not explain the starting the fire. vestigators found evidence of a ed in December 2019 after being accused of pretending to have cancer and charges. reaching out to local charities and individuals for donations of money, goods forced entry to the lemur enclo- and services. She purportedly forged doctors’ notes from providers at Mayo Police: Man used slur, sure. A day later Maki was spotted Clinic, where she claimed to be receiving care, according to court documents. Officials: Cattle deaths threatened worker in Daly City, a few miles south of caused by chemical in hay San Francisco. The animal was in HICKORY — A North good health and transported back estimated to run 9 to 12 mph. multiple unknown injuries. Both COLORADO NC Carolina man used a to the zoo. Anchisaurus polyzelus, which were hospitalized. The two were CO SPRINGS — About 30 racial slur and threatened to shoot means “much sought after near found conscious and alert, respon- cattle died in Colorado last month a juvenile employee at a fast-food Lawmaker wants an lizard” was discovered in 1855 in ders at the scene said. after ingesting high levels of ni- restaurant, police said Tuesday. official state dinosaur Springfield. They were more than trates on a rancher's property near The Hickory Police Depart- 6 feet long and about 60 to 75 2 officers arrested over Schriever Air Force Base, a veter- ment says in a news release on BOSTON — A Massa- pounds. apparent hotel room tryst inarian said. Tuesday that Jimmy Mott, 53, of MA chusetts state law- Dr. John Heikkila of Choice Newton, called the management maker is asking for the public's 2 rescued from crashed NORWALK — Two Veterinary Service examined the at the local Zaxby's to complain af- help to select an official state dino- vehicle after 2 days CT Connecticut police offi- animals and said on Monday that ter leaving the drive-through, us- saur. cers are facing criminal charges elevated levels of nitrates were ing the slur and threatening to State Rep. Jack Lewis tweeted SOUTH BEND — Two after they were found together in a found in at least one bale of hay shoot the worker he had dealt with Monday that he plans on filing the IN people were rescued hotel room while they were sup- eaten by the cattle, The Gazette as he ordered food on Sunday. The legislation on Jan. 15, adding that Tuesday morning after being posed to be on patrol. reported. The rancher, who was news release didn't reveal the ju- the effort is a good way for chil- trapped inside a crashed motor Norwalk officers Michael Di- not identified, fed the cattle the venile worker's identity or his age. dren to learn about the legislative vehicle in a northern Indiana meglio and Sara Laudano turned same hay for two weeks without Mott turned himself into police, process. But first, the Framing- ditch for two days, authorities themselves in at police headquar- incident before their deaths on who charged him with ethnic in- ham Democrat is asking residents said. ters on Tuesday and were arrest- Dec. 22, Heikkila said. timidation. to select from one of two dinosaur Hunters discovered the crash ed on charges stemming from the Nitrates can be found in some species discovered in Massachu- around 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, the St. Oct. 10 hotel incident, the depart- livestock feeds and are common in Lemur theft suspect told setts. Joseph County Sheriff’s Depart- ment announced on Facebook. fertilizers and explosives. At high to stay away from zoo Podokesaurus holyokensis, ment said in a news release. The The two officers were found at the levels, they can lower the oxygen- which means “swift-footed lizard vehicle was found along a farm Even Hotel shortly before 1 a.m. carrying capacity of animal blood, SAN FRANCISCO — A of Holyoke,” was first discovered lane, and the occupants said they after Laudano did not respond to resulting in death, he said. CA 31-year-old man ac- near Mount Holyoke in 1910 by had been there for two days, the calls over the police radio or her Heikkila said a hay broker who cused of stealing a lemur from the Mignon Talbot, the first woman to release said. cellphone, police officials said. sold the feed to the rancher is test- San Francisco Zoo last year has name and describe a dinosaur, ac- The female driver suffered They were arrested Tuesday af- ing additional bales for high levels been ordered released from custo- cording to Lewis. The species was from several injuries, including a ter an investigation determined of nitrates. dy, but told to stay away from the 3 to 6 feet in length, weighed ap- possible broken foot, it said. The that criminal charges were war- zoo. proximately 90 pounds, and was male passenger suffered from ranted, the officials said. From wire services Friday, January 8, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 37 PAGE 38 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, January 8, 2021 Eugene Sheffer Crossword Frazz Dilbert

ACROSS DOWN 30 Trail the pack 1 Lucy of “Kill Bill” 1 Succotash 31 Unpaid 4 Mas’ mates beans TV ad 7 Welsh pooch 2 Mirror’s 32 100 percent 12 Online chats, offering 33 Formerly Pearls Before Swine Pearls Before briefly 3 Theater known as 13 J.D. holder worker 36 “Amen!” 14 Two-tone cookies 4 Treaty 37 “No One” 15 — -jongg 5 Acropolis singer Keys 16 Coat-storage locale 40 Rose parts area in a 6 Boat’s back 42 Bulletproof restaurant 7 Pepsi rival apparel 18 Census stat 8 Hockey’s 43 Perrier 19 — Haute Bobby rival 20 Lowly worker 9 Old Olds 44 Yule tune

Non Sequitur 22 Compass dir. 10 Sticky stuff 45 Some 23 Young whale 11 Belief HDTVs 27 UFO crew 17 Manitoba tribe 46 Fine 29 Ran off to wed 21 UPS rival 48 Apt. divisions 31 Bamboo eater 23 Winter quaff 49 Feedbag 34 Thespian 24 Likely tidbit 35 Somnolent 25 Zodiac cat 50 — tear 37 Previously 26 Dime portrait (raging) 38 “Roots” author 28 Spigot 51 Russian jet Haley Answer to Previous Puzzle

Candorville 39 Immigrant’s subj. 41 Opposite of “sans” 45 Proportion 47 Ms. Longoria 48 Hotel security measure 52 — Lancelot 53 Craze 54 Soccer’s Hamm 55 Eastern path Carpe Diem 56 Antlered animals 57 Utter 58 NBC weekend show Beetle Bailey Bizarro Friday, January 8, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 39 Eugene Sheffer Crossword Frazz Dilbert

ACROSS 52 “— Lang Syne” 26 “— a Wonderful 1 Impose 53 Blue hue Life” 4 Zilch 27 Short do 8 Mama — Elliot DOWN 28 “Xanadu” band

Pearls Before Swine Pearls Before 12 Fire sign? 1 Glazier’s sheet 29 The “G” of 13 Slanted type 2 Secondhand LGBTQ (Abbr.) 3 Popular Asian 31 Former German 14 Queue after Q cuisine kingdom 15 PBS funder 4 Kidman of 32 Bloke 16 Young cow “The Hours” 34 “Thar — blows!” 17 Wine label 5 Arcade pioneer 35 Unlocked datum 6 Painter Salvador 36 Form 18 Newspaper 7 Farm crop 37 Cybermessages section 8 Burial chamber 38 Probability Non Sequitur 21 Frazier foe 9 Cruising 39 Director Ephron 22 Allow 10 Male deer 40 Jog 23 Once and again 11 Foolproof 41 Rights 26 Conditions 19 Diplomacy advocacy org. 42 Tosses in 27 Plead 20 French article 43 Nerd’s kin 30 Part of Q.E.D. 23 Afternoon social 44 Online 31 Bake sale org. 24 Sardonic auction site 32 Pop choice 25 Author Fleming Answer to Previous Puzzle 33 Novelist Rand Candorville 34 Soon-to-be grads 35 “Yippee!” 36 Moo — pork 37 Ecol. watchdog 38 In agreement 45 TV explorer 46 Read quickly 47 Cotillion celeb 48 Let fall

Carpe Diem 49 “Would — to you?” 50 Narc’s org. 51 Fill fully Beetle Bailey Bizarro PAGE 40 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, January 8, 2021 OPINION

Max D. Lederer Jr., Publisher Lt. Col. Marci Hoffman, Europe commander Lt. Col. Richard McClintic, Pacific commander Trump chose a riot as his farewell Caroline E. Miller, Europe Business Operations BY DAVID VON DREHLE portunists who use Trump to sell fake ste- he said, after neo-Nazis marched with torch- The Washington Post roids and body armor and erectile dysfunc- es through Charlottesville, Va., that there EDITORIAL et the photograph of officers with tion medicine — were happy to chime in. were “good people on both sides.” He was “a Terry Leonard, Editor weapons drawn, defending the Truth? Who needs it? “In this day and age, performance artist” when he accused a for- [email protected] chamber of the House of Repre- people want something that tends to affirm mer congressman of murdering a staff mem- sentatives against a window- their views and opinions,” chirped the veter- ber. He was pulling our legs when he sug- Robert H. Reid, Senior Managing Editor L smashing mob, be seared into the memory of an propagandist Christopher Ruddy, pro- gested that drinking disinfectant might cure [email protected] every American, today and for generations prietor of Newsmax. A small army of self- COVID-19. Tina Croley, Managing Editor for Content to come. That is the legacy of Donald Trump. promoting lawyers were happy to file bogus Perhaps I’ve contributed in some way over [email protected] That’s the note on which he chose to leave lawsuits. Invited by a judge in Wisconsin to the years, by occasionally putting his incen- us. Some presidents give a farewell address, present evidence, Trump’s team called pre- diary attention-seeking into the context of a Sean Moores, Managing Editor for Presentation [email protected] and a few of those have been quite good. cisely zero witnesses. Asked by a court in life spent shilling — though my intention was Trump chose a farewell riot. Pennsylvania to support charges of election to help people defend themselves against a Joe Gromelski, Managing Editor for Digital He summoned an angry crowd to Wash- fraud, Trump’s team revised its brief to re- profoundly reckless and insincere man. [email protected] ington using his damnable Twitter account. move the unsupportable claims. In a dis- The idea that the presidency could be an He stoked them to believe that his loyal vice graceful phone call to Georgia’s secretary of inside joke, an extended troll — “make liber- BUREAU STAFF president had the power and the will to re- state, Trump himself promised “certified” als cry again,” hardy-har-har — has been verse the election results. And when Vice evidence at his next rally. But the rally came founded on a presumption that the infras- Europe/Mideast President Mike Pence at last found the fron- and went, and Trump produced nothing. tructure of American liberty and law is so sol- Erik Slavin, Europe & Mideast Bureau Chief [email protected] tier of his conscience — the line beyond Inevitably, some people believed it. They id it can withstand anything. It doesn’t matter +49(0)631.3615.9350; DSN (314)583.9350 which even his ambition and his debasement traveled to Washington, they cheered their what elected leaders do or say. If the presi- Pacific would not let him go — there stood America’s president’s call to battle, and they marched dent tweets incendiary lies, well, that’s just Aaron Kidd, Pacific Bureau Chief self-proclaimed law-and-order president, down Pennsylvania Avenue to attack Con- Trump. If some grasping senators want to [email protected] inciting the crowd to march on the Capitol to gress and the vice president of the United stage a fake protest of the election, if they +81.42.552.2511 ext. 88380; DSN (315)227.7380 stop Pence from doing his constitutionally States. want to make speeches and raise money with Washington mandated duty. There will be a lot of second-guessing of unfounded claims of fraud — no problem! Joseph Cacchioli, Washington Bureau Chief All that ensued Wednesday — the reported the Capitol Police and of public safety offi- That’s just politics. Their colleagues will bail [email protected] (+1)(202)886-0033 death of one woman, the injuries, the tear gas, cials generally in the District of Columbia. them out by voting them down. Brian Bowers, Assistant Managing Editor, News the property damage, the fear, the outrage of How could they let this happen? Let’s be The Trump Riot is strong medicine for [email protected] elected officials forced to cover their heads clear: Such questions are completely off- such disordered thinking. No cloak of invul- and flee to safety — was triggered then and base. No official should be blamed for failing nerability protects the American republic. CIRCULATION there. It was Trump’s Riot, and characteristi- to anticipate that the president of the United Things can get worse here, just like every- Mideast cally, having stirred things up, Trump re- States would incite a mob to overwhelm the where else on Earth. Robert Reismann, Mideast Circulation Manager tired to the safety of his self-centered bubble Capitol. We cannot accommodate ourselves The thin line between liberty and anarchy [email protected] to let others deal with the consequences. to the idea that this should be foreseeable; is that frontier of conscience that Pence final- [email protected] Trump lit the fuse on Wednesday morning, that we should plan against it; that law en- ly discovered, that Senate Majority Leader DSN (314)583-9111 pouty over his repudiation by Georgia vot- forcement in Washington must go to battle Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., finally discovered, Europe ers. But he had been priming the explosion stations in anticipation of an attack by one that Donald Trump has never glimpsed. Karen Lewis, Community Engagement Manager for months. He knew he was likely to lose in branch of government against another. [email protected] [email protected] November, so he began feeding his support- Now, maybe they’ll say he was just joking. +49(0)631.3615.9090; DSN (314)583.9090 Washington Post columnist David Von Drehle is the author ers the fantasy that the election might be sto- For Trump’s apologists, that’s always the of “Rise to Greatness: Abraham Lincoln and America’s Most Pacific len. His media supporters — grifters and op- last-ditch defense. He was just joking when Perilous Year.” Mari Mori, [email protected] +81-3 6385.3171; DSN (315)227.7333 CONTACT US Trump’s incomprehensible indifference to mayhem Washington BY HUGH HEWITT tel: (+1)202.886.0003 looting and lawlessness to go unpunished. Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., Sen. Ted Cruz, R- 633 3rd St. NW, Suite 116, Washington, DC 20001-3050 Special to The Washington Post At other times, the police themselves have Texas, and others were set to object to the Reader letters braham Lincoln took office in been the targets of attack, some physical certification of some Electoral College votes [email protected] 1861 as genuine war clouds and much verbal. and air the grievances he alleges. Before loomed, a far, far worse situation When Trump supporters gathered in the they could make their case, the mob struck. Additional contacts than the storming of the Capitol District of Columbia this week to “Stop the The country is shamed. The criminals stripes.com/contactus A by lawless rioters Wednesday. Lincoln had Steal,” it is hard to imagine that more than a should be prosecuted. Trespassing at the OMBUDSMAN arrived in the nation’s city from Illinois by a tiny fraction intended violence. But some Capitol and menacing elected representa- roundabout route for fear of assassination surely did, and they chose their moment tives are crimes. Examples must be made so Ernie Gates along the way. He closed his first inaugura- with fierce intent. Congress had gathered to it cannot happen again. The Stars and Stripes ombudsman protects the free flow tion this way. “We are not enemies, but certify the election of President-elect Joe Still, we must be friends, not enemies. Ev- of news and information, reporting any attempts by the friends,” he said. “We must not be ene- Biden, a ceremonial process that has in re- ery terrorist who has menaced public offi- military or other authorities to undermine the newspaper’s independence. The ombudsman also responds to concerns mies.” cent cycles on occasion developed a coun- cials in public places and every thug who and questions from readers, and monitors coverage for Lincoln was not naive. He understood the terpoint ritual of objection and debate. threatens a journalist or a peaceful protes- fairness, accuracy, timeliness and balance. The ombudsman welcomes comments from readers, and can be contacted by deep divides in the still-young United States But the objectors in 2004 or 2016 did not ter is of a piece and that piece is anti-Amer- email at [email protected], or by phone at 202.886.0003. but implored everyone to step back from the object on behalf of a contender so indiffer- ican. Our leaders are supposed to be exam- brink of violence. “Though passion may ent to the facts of vote counts, court deci- ples, not provocateurs. They must calm, not Stars and Stripes (USPS 0417900) is published week- have strained, it must not break our bonds of sions and public opinion as Trump. inflame. days (except Dec. 25 and Jan. 1) for 50 cents Monday affection,” he said. “The mystic chords of I do not believe the president intended Networks addicted to cringe-inducing through Thursday and for $1 on Friday by Pacific Stars and Stripes, Unit 45002, APO AP 96301-5002. Periodicals memory, stretching from every battlefield, Wednesday’s riot. It has done him, and his shout-fests between Trump-Derangement- postage paid at San Francisco, CA, Postmaster: Send and patriot grave, to every living heart and hopes for a future political comeback, great Syndrome-suffering pundits and blind-to- address changes to Pacific Stars and Stripes, Unit 45002, APO AP 96301-5002. This newspaper is authorized by the hearthstone, all over this broad land, will yet damage. If he did not foresee what the peo- his-faults Trump apologists are culpable too Department of Defense for members of the military services overseas. However, the contents of Stars and Stripes are swell the chorus of the Union, when again ple in the outer fringes of his support were for the atmosphere of mutual contempt. unofficial, and are not to be considered as the official views touched, as surely they will be, by the better capable of, he ought to have seen it. As it un- Shame on everyone who breached the of, or endorsed by, the U.S. government. As a DOD newspaper, Stars and Stripes may be distributed through official angels of our nature.” folded, he ought to have been quick to con- peace. And shame on those who malign channels and use appropriated funds for distribution to Those moderating forces, which proved demn it. And he should have done so without those who did nothing of the sort. If we are to remote locations where overseas DOD personnel are located. The appearance of advertising in this publication does impossible to summon in Lincoln’s day, any sort of mention of his own grievances. be friends, it has to begin with careful dis- not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense or have been largely missing from our country His subsequent evening tweet (since tak- crimination between those on the fringe Stars and Stripes of the products or services advertised. Products or services advertised shall be made available for for four years, since the shock of the election en down by Twitter) bordered on incompre- who embrace violence and the 99% of Amer- purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical of President Donald Trump. Hyperparti- hensible indifference to the mayhem of the icans who reject it. handicap, political affiliation or any other nonmerit factor of sans have waged virtual campaigns against day and the death that is a consequence of the purchaser, user or patron. one another, and sometimes the virtual vio- the violence. He ought to be filled with re- Hugh Hewitt, a Washington Post contributing columnist, hosts a © Stars and Stripes 2021 nationally syndicated radio show on the Salem Network. He is lence turned real. Often the police and other morse. also a political analyst for NBC and a professor of law at stripes.com authorities have hung back and allowed The president stoked emotions even as Chapman University Law School. Friday, January 8, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 41 SCOREBOARD

PRO FOOTBALL COLLEGE BASKETBALL COLLEGE BASKETBALL ROUNDUP NFL playoffs Wednesday’s men’s scores FAR WEST Boise St. 78, Air Force 59 Utah St. 77, New Mexico 45 Wild-card Playoff EAST Saturday’s games Pittsburgh 63, Syracuse 60 Wednesday’s women’s scores Indianapolis at Buffalo St. Bonaventure 83, Saint Joseph’s 57 Los Angeles Rams at Seattle EAST Tampa Bay at Washington SOUTH No. 21 Duke beats Sunday, Jan. 10 Villanova 78, Seton Hall 71 Baltimore at Tennessee Chattanooga 73, Samford 68 Chicago at New Orleans Duke 83, Boston College 82 SOUTH Incarnate Word 75, Northwestern St. 67 Cleveland at Pittsburgh South Florida 66, Wichita St. 48 Divisional Playoffs LSU 94, Georgia 92, OT Louisville 73, Virginia Tech 71 Temple 66, East Carolina 57 Saturday, Jan. 16 and Sunday, Jan. 17 W. Carolina 74, Piedmont 54 Lowest seed remaining at Green Bay Mississippi 72, Auburn 61 Nicholls 76, Lamar 69 Boston College Lowest seed remaining at Kansas City MIDWEST TBD vs. TBD Richmond 80, Rhode Island 73 TBD vs. TBD Sam Houston St. 70, SE Louisiana 52 Ball St. 93, Toledo 78 Conference Championships South Carolina 78, Texas A&M 54 Bowling Green 73, W. Michigan 48 Sunday, Jan. 24 Tennessee 79, Arkansas 74 Buffalo 73, E. Michigan 68 AFC Tulsa 61, South Florida 51 Cent. Michigan 83, Akron 58 TBD UNCGreensboro 84, Wofford 75 Iowa 92, Minnesota 79 NFC VCU 66, George Mason 61 Northwestern 80, Wisconsin 55 Virginia 70, Wake Forest 61 Ohio 72, Miami (Ohio) 63 without Coach K TBD Super Bowl Tulsa 62, Cincinnati 57 Sunday, Feb. 7 MIDWEST Associated Press No. 9 Tennessee 79, Arkansas At Tampa, Fla. Butler 63, Georgetown 55 SOUTHWEST TBD Creighton 89, Seton Hall 53 Lamar 66, Nicholls 40 74: Josiah-Jordan James and Michigan 82, Minnesota 57 Oklahoma 75, Texas Tech 74 Xavier 69, St. John’s 61 Oklahoma St. 78, TCU 53 DURHAM, N.C. — Wendell Victor Bailey scored 17 points NFL Injury report SE Louisiana 71, Sam Houston St. 67 Moore Jr. scored a season-high 25 apiece and the host Vols hit eight SOUTHWEST Stephen F. Austin 100, Texas A&MCC 41 NEW YORK — The National Football Abilene Christian 66, Houston Baptist 63 Tulane 76, Houston 62 points to help No. 21 Duke hold off free throws in the final minute to League injury report, as provided by the Baylor 76, Oklahoma 61 Boston College 83-82 on Wednes- defeat the Razorbacks. league (DNP: did not practice; LIMITED: Cent. Arkansas 83, New Orleans 79 FAR WEST limited participation; FULL: Full participa Houston 70, Wichita St. 63 Air Force 76, Boise St. 52 day night while Hall of Fame John Fulkerson scored 12 of his tion): SATURDAY coach Mike Krzyzewski was side- 16 points in the second half and INDIANAPOLIS COLTS at BUFFALO BILLS DEALS — COLTS: DNP: DT DeForest Buckner (an lined due to COVID-19 protocols. freshman Keon Johnson added 14 kle), T Will Holden (ankle), CB Rock YaSin Wednesday’s transactions Chunn to a reserve/futures contract. The sophomore had been off to a for Tennessee (2-1, 8-1). (concussion). LIMITED: RB Jonathan Tay PHILADELPHIA EAGLES — Waived DB Ke lor (shoulder). FULL: CB T.J. Carrie (ankle, BASEBALL von Seymour from injured reserve. rough start to the season but had a No. 10 Michigan 82, No. 16 shoulder), QB Philip Rivers (toe), S Khari Major League Baseball PITTSBURGH STEELERS — Designated OL Willis (concussion). BILLS: WR Cole Beas American League Matt Feiler and LB Robert Spillane to re huge performance for the Blue Minnesota 57: Freshman Hunter ley (knee), WR Stefon Diggs (oblique). LIM DETROIT TIGERS — Announced C Eric turn from injured reserve. Signed DB Tre Devils (4-2, 2-0 Atlantic Coast Dickinson scored a season-high 28 ITED: QB Jake Fromm (not injury related), Hasse has been sent outright to Toledo vor Williams to the practice squad. Re WR Isaiah McKenzie (ankle). FULL: G Jon (IL). leased LB/LS Christian Kuntz. Conference), who had to rally points as the host Wolverines re- Feliciano (knee), TE Reggie Gilliam (knee, TEXAS RANGERS — Named Dan Hessling SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS — Activated WR hamstring). vice president/ticket sales, Nick Richard from 16 down before halftime in mained unbeaten. Michigan (10-0, LOS ANGELES RAMS at SEATTLE SEA- Trent Taylor from the reserve/COVID19 son vice president/ticket retention and list. Signed TE Chase Harrell and DB Jared their first game in three weeks. 5-0 Big Ten) had a 19-point edge in HAWKS — RAMS: No Data Reported. SEA- business development, Katie Morgan vice HAWKS: No Data Reported. Mayde to reserve/future contracts for the Krzyzewski has said he and his the second half . TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS at WASHING- president/business analytics and ticket 2021 season. Waived LS Colin Holba. TON FOOTBALL TEAM — BUCCANEERS: strategy and Jared Schrom vice presi SEATTLE SEAHAWKS — Activated S Da wife are following quarantine pro- No. 11 Houston 70, Wichita DNP: WR Mike Evans (knee), DT Jeremiah dent/events. Traded RHP Art Warren to marious Randall from the reserve/CO Ledbetter (calf), LB Jason PierrePaul Cincinnati for cash. VID19list. Signed CB Jordan Miller to the tocols after a family member test- State 63: Quentin Grimes scored (knee). LIMITED: CB Carlton Davis (groin). FOOTBALL practice squad. Promoted TE Luke Wilson FULL: RB Ronald Jones (finger, quadricep), National Football League to the acive roster. Placed CB Jayson Stan ed positive for COVID-19. Krzy- 20 of his 22 points in the second RB LeSean McCoy (not injury related). ATLANTA FALCONS — Activated DE Aus ley on injured reserve. zewski said both tested negative half as the host Cougars rallied for WASHINGTON: DNP: LB Thomas Davis tin Edwards from the reserve/COVID19 TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS — Activated (knee). LIMITED: CB Kendall Fuller (knee), list. OL Shaquil Barrett from the reserve/CO as recently as Monday. a win. RB Antonio Gibson (toe), WR Terry McLau ARIZONA CARDINALS — Signed OLs VID19 list. Signed LB Deone Bucannon to rin (ankle), LB Kevin PierreLouis (ankle), G Shaq Calhoun and Sean Harlow, WR Rico the practice squad. Released G Nick Lev No. 2 Baylor 76, Oklahoma 61: Louisville 73, No. 19 Virginia Brandon Scherff (shoulder), QB Alex Smith Gafford, LB Shareef Miller and DL David erett. MaCio Teague scored 17 points, Tech 71:David Johnson scored 17 (calf). FULL: DT Jonathan Allen (not injury Perry to reserve/future contracts for the TENNESSEE TITANS — Signed WR Mar related). 2021 season. cus Johnson to the practice squad. Matthew Mayer had 16 and the points, including a crucial free SUNDAY BUFFALO BILLS — Activated RB T.J. Yel Waived WR Rashard Davis. Designated host Bears improved to 10-0 for throw with five seconds left, and BALTIMORE RAVENS at TENNESSEE TI- don from the reserve/COVID19 list. OLB Tuzar Skipper from injured reserve. TANS — RAVENS: DNP: DT Calais Campbell CLEVELAND BROWNS — Signed C Antho WASHINGTON FOOTBALL TEAM — only the fifth time in team history. the host Cardinals withstood a (not injury related), G D.J. Fluker (knee), CB ny Fabiano. Activated LB B.J. Goodson and Signed RB Javon Leake to the practice Marlon Humphrey (shoulder), WR Willie LB Elijah Benton from the reserve/CO squad. The team’s season-opening, 10- missed three-point try at the buzz- Snead (ankle). LIMITED: C Patrick Mekari VID19 list and practice squad/COVID19 HOCKEY game winning streak, all by at er in a matchup of unbeaten Atlan- (back), DE Yannick Ngakoue (thigh), CB list. National Hockey League Jimmy Smith (ribs, shoulder). TITANS: Signed WR Gary INDIANAPOLIS COLTS — COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS — Agreed to least 11 points, includes its first tic Coast Conference teams. DNP: C Aaron Brewer (not injury related), S Jennings and RB Benny LeMay to reserve/ terms with RW Oliver Bjorkstrand for a Kevin Byard (not injury related), T Dennis future contracts for the 2021 season. fiveyear contract extension. three Big 12 games. It is its third No. 22 Virginia 70, Wake For Kelly (knee), G Rodger Saffold (ankle). KANSAS CITY CHIEFS — Signed TE Ricky LIMITED: LB Daren Bates (hip), WR A.J. SealsJones to the practice squad. Placed NASHVILLE PREDATORS — Resigned C 10-0 start in 10 seasons (2011-12, est 61: Sam Hauser scored 11 of Luke Kunin to a twoyear contract. Brown (knee, hand), RB Darrynton Evans DE Michael Danna on the reserve/CO 2016-17) after the previous two his 16 points during a 28-10 run to (shoulder), CB Adoree' Jackson (knee), C VID19 list. OTTAWA SENATORS — Signed C Joe La Ben Jones (hamstring), TE Geoff Swaim LAS VEGAS RAIDERS — Signed LS Liam Bate to a minorleague contract with Bel came in 1911-12 and 2000-01. open the second half and the host (wrist). FULL: LB Derick Roberson (hamstr McCullough to a reserve/futures contract. leville (AHL). ing). LOS ANGELES RAMS — Activated WR VANCOUVER CANUCKS — Signed C Car No. 7 Creighton 89, Seton Hall Cavaliers returned from a corona- CHICAGO BEARS at NEW ORLEANS Cooper Kupp from the reserve/COVID19 son Focht to a threeyear entry level con 53: Damien Jefferson scored 16 virus pause to beat the Demon SAINTS — BEARS: DNP: WR Darnell Moo list. tract. ney (ankle), WR Cordarrelle Patterson MIAMI DOLPHINS — Announced offen SOCCER of his season-high 19 points in the Deacons. (not injury related), CB Buster Skrine (con sive coordinator Chan Gailey resigned. Major League Soccer cussion), LB Roquan Smith (elbow). LIMIT Signed WR Kisk Merritt to a reserve/fu AUSTIN FC — Acquired D Matt Besler first half and the host Bluejays Boise State 78, Air Force 59: ED: CB Jaylon Johnson (shoulder). FULL: G tures contract. from Sporting KC. used a fast start to beat the Pirates. Derrick Alston Jr. had 16 points Alex Bars (shoulder), S Deon Bush (foot), S NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS — Signed LB COLUMBUS CREW SC — Resigned D Tashaun Gipson (neck), TE Jimmy Graham Michel Pinckney to a reserve/future con Waylon Francis for the 2021 season. Creighton (9-2, 5-1 Big East) and seven rebounds as the host (not injury related), DT Akiem Hicks (not tract. DC UNITED — Acquired F Adrien Perez. injury related), S Eddie Jackson (wrist), TE NEW ORLEANS SAINTS — Placed G Nick National Women’s Soccer League won its fifth straight game, with its Broncos extended their win Cole Kmet (shoulder), T Charles Leno SKY BLUE FC — Announced MF Carli (toe), LB Khalil Mack (shoulder), WR Allen Easton on injured reserve. Designated biggest conference victory since streak to nine games. A.J. Walker WRs Michael Thomas and Deonte Harris Lloyd and D Margaret Purce named to U.S. Robinson (hamstring), CB Duke Shelley Women’s National Team January training (knee), LB Danny Trevathan (not injury re from injured reserve. Activated RBs Lata beating St. John’s 100-59 in Febru- had 16 points for the Falcons (3-6, vius Murray and Dwayne Washington and camp roster. lated), CB Kindle Vildor (ankle), LB Josh COLLEGE ary 2016. 1-4). Woods (toe). SAINTS: DNP: G Nick Easton practice squad FB Michael Burton and DB (concussion). LIMITED: S J.T. Gray (shoul Keith Washington from the reserve/CO ST. JOHN’S UNIVERSITY — Announced der), DE Trey Hendrickson (neck), QB Tay VID19 list. that F David Caraher has taken a leave of som Hill (concussion), S Marcus Williams NEW YORK GIANTS — Signed RB Jordan absence due to the COVID19 pandemic. (ankle). CLEVELAND BROWNS at PITTSBURGH STEELERS — BROWNS: DNP: WR Donovan PRO BASEBALL PeoplesJones (concussion). LIMITED: T Jack Conklin (knee), DT Sheldon Richard son (neck), CB M.J. Stewart (calf), G Wyatt Free agent signings signed Drew Smyly, lhp, San Francisco, to Teller (ankle), C J.C. Tretter (knee). FULL: an $11 million, oneyear contract; signed DE Myles Garrett (shoulder), T Kendall NEW YORK — The 17 free agents who Charlie Morton, rhp, Tampa Bay, to a $15 Lamm (illness), WR Jarvis Landry (hip), CB have signed, with name, position, former million, oneyer contract. Tavierre Thomas (abdomen). STEELERS: club if different, and contract. The con LOS ANGELES (1) — Resigned Blake DNP: DE Tyson Alualu (ankle), LB Vince tract information was obtained by The As Williams (quadricep). LIMITED: K Chris Treinen, rhp, to a $17.5 million, twoyear Boswell (right groin), CB Steven Nelson sociated Press from player and manage contract. ment sources. NEW YORK (3) — Marcus Stroman, rhp, (knee). FULL: S Terrell Edmunds (shoul AMERICAN LEAGUE der). accepted $18.9 million qualifying offer; CHICAGO (1) — Signed Adam Eaton, of, signed Trevor May, rhp, Minnesota, to a Washington, to an $8 million, oneyear $15.5 million, twoyear contract; signed contract. James McCann, c, Chicago White Sox, to a AP SPORTLIGHT DETROIT (1) — Signed Robbie Grossman, $40.6 million, fouryear contract. of, Oakland, to a $10 million, twoyear con SAN FRANCISCO (2) — Kevin Gausman, Jan. 8 tract. rhp, accepted $18.9 million qualifying of KANSAS CITY (3) — Signed Mike Minor, fer; signed Anthony DeSclafani, rhp, Cin 1972 — The NCAA announces freshmen lhp, Oakland, to an $18 million, twoyear cinnati, to a $6 million, oneyear contract, will be eligible to play on varsity football contract; signed Carlos Santana, 1b, Cle and basketball teams starting in the fall. veland, to a $17.5 million, twoyear con MLB calendar 1984 — The Executive Committee of the tract; resigned Greg Holland, rhp, to a Jan. 15 — Salary arbitration figures ex NCAA expands the championship basket $2.75 million, oneyear contract. changed. International amateur signing ball field to 64 teams starting in 1985. TAMPA BAY (2) — Resigned Mike Zuni period opens. 2009 — Tim Tebow wins the matchup of no, c, to a $3 million, oneyear contract; Feb. 1-19 — Salary arbitration hearings. Heisman winners as No. 1 Florida beats signed Michael Wacha, rhp, New York Feb. 17 — Voluntary reporting date for No. 2 Oklahoma and this year’s Heisman Mets, to a $3 million, oneyear contract. pitchers, catchers and injured players. winner Sam Bradford, 2414, in the BCS Na TORONTO (1) — Resigned Robbie Ray, Feb. 22 — Voluntary reporting date for tional Championship Bowl. lhp, to an $8 million, oneyear contract. other players. DARIN OSWALD/AP 2018 — Alabama beats Georgia 2623 in NATIONAL LEAGUE Feb. 27 — Mandatory reporting date. overtime to win its fifth national cham ATLANTA (3) — Resigned Josh Tomlin, March 15 — Last day to place a player on Boise State forward Mladen Armus, front, fights for a rebound with pionship since 2009 under Nick Saban. rhp, to $1.25 million, oneyear contract; waivers for 30 days termination pay. . Air Force forward Nikc Jackson during Boise State’s 7859 win. PAGE 42 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, January 8, 2021 NBA ROUNDUP

Scoreboard

Beal scores 60 in loss to 76ers Eastern Conference

Atlantic Division Associated Press WLPct GB PHILADELPHIA — Joel Embi- Philadelphia 7 1 .875 — id scored 38 points and the NBA- Boston 6 3 .667 1½ New York 5 3 .625 2 leading Philadelphia 76ers over- Brooklyn 4 4 .500 3 came a Washington record-tying Toronto 1 6 .143 5½ 60-point performance by Bradley Southeast Division Beal in a 141-136 win over the Wiz- WLPct GB ards on Wednesday night. Orlando 6 2 .750 — The Sixers are an NBA-best 7-1 Atlanta 4 4 .500 2 in coach Doc Rivers’ first season in Miami 3 4 .429 2½ Philadelphia Charlotte 3 5 .375 3 Beal was stuffed on a layup and Washington 2 6 .250 4 missed a three-pointer inside the fi- Central Division nal minute. But the dynamic guard, WLPct GB who once scored 53 and 55 points in Indiana 6 2 .750 — consecutive games, sank a free Milwaukee 5 3 .625 1 Cleveland 4 4 .500 2 throw with 4.4 seconds left to reach Chicago 4 5 .444 2½ 60. He went 20-for-25 from the Detroit 1 7 .125 5 floor, 7-for-10 on three-pointers Western Conference and was 13-for-15 from the line to match Gilbert Arenas for the fran- Southwest Division chise mark. WLPct GB Magic 105, Cavaliers 94: For- New Orleans 4 4 .500 — mer top overall draft pick Markelle Dallas 3 4 .429 ½ Fultz suffered a season-ending tear San Antonio 3 4 .429 ½ of the anterior cruciate ligament in Houston 2 4 .333 1 Memphis 2 5 .286 1½ his left knee during the first quarter of Orlando’s win over visiting Cle- Northwest Division WLPct GB veland. CHRIS SZAGOLA / AP Fultz, off to the best start of his Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal, left, shoots against Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid. Beal Utah 4 4 .500 — career, was driving to the basket had 60 points in a 141136 loss at Philadelphia to tie the Wizards’ team record, held by Gilbert Arenas. Denver 3 4 .429 ½ Portland 3 4 .429 ½ less than five minutes into the game Oklahoma City 3 4 .429 ½ when he was cut off by Isaac Okoro the Pistons. Minnesota 2 5 .286 1½ and his left knee buckled without Hornets 102, Hawks 94: Gor- Pacific Division contact. The Magic point guard don Hayward scored a career-high WLPct GB writhed in pain on the floor for sev- 44 points and Charlotte recovered Phoenix 6 2 .750 — eral minutes before he was helped to win at Atlanta after trailing for L.A. Lakers 6 2 .750 — into a wheelchair. the first time in the fourth quarter. L.A. Clippers 6 3 .667 ½ Fultz signed a three-year, $50 The Hornets led by double fig- Golden State 4 4 .500 2 Sacramento 4 4 .500 2 million extension last month and ures most of the game before the was finally showing the promise Hawks claimed their first lead, 86- Wednesday’s games that made him the No. 1 pick in the 85, on John Collins’ three-point Orlando 105, Cleveland 94 Indiana 114, Houston 107 2017 draft as he led Orlando to a play with 5:22 remaining. Hay- Philadelphia 141, Washington 136 quick start this season. He came in ward answered with a jumper and New York 112, Utah 100 Charlotte 102, Atlanta 94 averaging a career-best 14.3 points his own three-point play, and Char- Boston 107, Miami 105 Oklahoma City 111, New Orleans 110 in seven games. lotte never trailed again. Milwaukee 130, Detroit 115 Phoenix 123, Toronto 115 Fultz was drafted by the Phila- Collins led Atlanta with 23 points Sacramento 128, Chicago 124 delphia 76ers as part of their leng- JOHN RAOUX / AP and 11 rebounds. L.A. Clippers 108, Golden State 101 thy rebuild but struggled for years Orlando Magic guard Markelle Fultz suffered a likely seasonending Clippers 108, Warriors 101: Thursday’s games Philadelphia at Brooklyn with a tough-to-diagnose shoulder knee injury in a 10594 defeat of the Cleveland Cavaliers. Kawhi Leonard had 21 points, in- Cleveland at Memphis injury that ruined his jump shot. He cluding the tying and go-ahead bas- Dallas at Denver Minnesota at Portland was traded to the Magic in Febru- time in six games. It was tied at 96 ahead three-pointer with 2:22 to go, kets midway through the fourth San Antonio at L.A. Lakers ary 2019. with under five minutes to play be- leading host Indiana past Houston. quarter, and Los Angeles won at Friday’s games Terrence Ross scored 20 points fore Rivers made four three-point- Justin Holiday added a season- Golden State in the first of two con- Phoenix at Detroit Charlotte at New Orleans and hit five three-pointers to lead ers in the final 4:17. best 20 points for the Pacers. secutive matchups between the Oklahoma City at New York Washington at Boston Orlando, which beat the Cavaliers Elfrid Payton scored 22 points Suns 123, Raptors115: Devin Pacific Division rivals. Brooklyn at Memphis Orlando at Houston for a second time in three nights. for New York. Booker scored 24 points, Jae Paul George returned from a Utah at Milwaukee Celtics 107, Heat 105: Rookie Thunder 111, Pelicans 110: Crowder added 21 and host Phoe- one-game absence with a sore right Chicago at L.A. Lakers L.A. Clippers at Golden State guard Payton Pritchard’s putback Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 21 nix made 21 three-pointers against ankle to add 21 points and 12 re- Toronto at Sacramento with 0.2 seconds left capped a wild points, George Hill hit the go-ahead Toronto. bounds in the Clippers’ fourth Saturday’s games finish, and Boston won at Miami in free throws with 12 seconds left, The Suns hit at least 20 threes for straight win against Golden State, Denver at Philadelphia Atlanta at Charlotte their first matchup since last year’s and Oklahoma City won at New Or- the fourth time in franchise history. which got just 13 points from Ste- Miami at Washington Phoenix at Indiana Eastern Conference finals. leans. Crowder led the way with six and phen Curry on a cold shooting night Cleveland at Milwaukee Jayson Tatum scored 27 points The Pelicans had the final pos- Cameron Johnson added four as for the two-time MVP. San Antonio at Minnesota Orlando at Dallas and Jaylen Brown had 21 for the session of the game, and top scorers the Suns finished 21 of 40 (52.5%) Kings 128, Bulls 124: Buddy Portland at Sacramento Celtics, who wasted an early 17- Brandon Ingram and Zion Wil- from three-point range. Hield converted a four-point play point lead and a 10-point lead in the liamson both touched the ball. But Bucks 130, Pistons 115: Gian- with 38 seconds left to make up for a NBA leaders final minute before winning. it was second-year reserve guard nis Antetokounmpo scored 25 horrible shooting night, and Sacra- Through Jan. 6 Jimmy Butler had 26 points for Nickeil Alexander-Walker who points and Khris Middleton added mento held off visiting Chicago. Scoring Miami. took the last shot from three-point 23 as host Milwaukee rolled past Hield missed 12 of his first 14 GFG FT PTS AVG Beal, WAS 8 93 70 274 34.3 Knicks 112, Jazz 100: Austin range and it rimmed out. Detroit for its third straight victory. shots and was 1-for-8 on three- Curry, GS 8 74 57 237 29.6 Harden, HOU 5 42 44 147 29.4 Rivers scored 23 points, including Darius Bazley had 20 points and The Bucks (5-3) also beat the Pis- pointers before hitting one from Durant, BKN 6 54 46 169 28.2 McCollum, POR 7 70 20 194 27.7 Irving, BKN 7 71 22 190 27.1 14 straight for host New York down 12 rebounds for the Thunder, who tons (1-7) on Monday night in Mil- the top of the arc and getting fouled Tatum, BOS 9 87 31 237 26.3 Brown, BOS 9 94 27 236 26.2 the stretch, and Julius Randle had avenged a home loss to New Or- waukee and have won their last by former Kings teammate Garrett Antetokounmpo, MIL 8 73 53 209 26.1 Lillard, POR 7 55 46 182 26.0 30 points, 16 rebounds and seven leans last week while winning for nine regular-season meetings with Temple. Hield sank the free throw Young, ATL 8 58 77 207 25.9 Doncic, DAL 6 53 41 155 25.8 assists in a defeat of Utah. just the second time in six games. Detroit. The Bucks were ahead 82- and finished with 10 points. Embiid, PHI 7 56 56 177 25.3 Sexton, CLE 8 78 29 201 25.1 Ingram, NO 8 69 44 199 24.9 The Knicks trailed by 18 in the Pacers 114, Rockets 107:Mal- 56 at halftime and led by 34 in the First-round draft pick Tyrese LaVine, CHI 9 78 44 222 24.7 George, LAC 8 65 35 197 24.6 first half but outplayed the Jazz in colm Brogdon scored a career- third quarter. Haliburton scored 15 of his season- Jokic, DEN 7 62 37 169 24.1 Grant, DET 8 67 37 192 24.0 the second and won for the fifth high 35 points and made the go- Jerami Grant had 31 points for high 17 points in the fourth quarter. James, LAL 8 71 31 191 23.9 Friday, January 8, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 43 COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF NFL prospects abound in title game BY RALPH D. RUSSO star running back Najee Harris State has faced, starting with SEC Associated Press and tackle Alex Leatherwood defensive player of the year Pa- Former LSU linebacker Pa- have also been invited. trick Surtain II. The junior will trick Queen is a good example of For Ohio State, center Josh probably be the first cornerback how a huge performance in a na- Myers, running back Trey Ser- drafted if he declares. tional championship game can mon, linebackers Tuf Borland Plus, Fields will be tested by help a player boost his NFL draft and Barron Browning, and defen- Alabama schematically. stock. sive end Jonathon Cooper plan to “Give (Tide coach) Nick Saban Queen was a rising prospect take part in the Senior Bowl, Nagy 10 days to figure you out and to throughout last season and said. Invitations have also been find your weaknesses, that’s terri- capped it by being the defensive extended to defensive tackle Has- fying,” said Matt Miller of NFL MVP of the College Football Play- kell Garrett and linebacker Pete Draft Scout. off championship victory against Werner. Alabama quarterback Mac Clemson. About three and half There are perhaps 20 players Jones is among the second tier of months later, Queen was selected who could potentially be drafted quarterbacks in the upcoming in the first round by the Baltimore in April after playing for the draft that includes Florida’s Kyle Ravens at No. 28 overall. Crimson Tide and Buckeyes. Trask and maybe SMU’s Shane No. 1 Alabama and No. 3 Ohio Buechele. State head into the national title Quarterbacks Jones has been superb, but he MICHAEL AINSWORTH / AP game Monday night with a slew of Ohio State’s Justin Fields was doesn’t have athletic traits com- Alabama linebacker Christian Harris, left, and defensive back Patrick future NFL players. The match- amazing against Clemson, throw- parable to Fields and Lawrence. Surtain II celebrate during a College Football Playoff semifinal. The ups will not only determine who ing six touchdown passes and Jones is surrounded by top-end pair is part of the best defense Ohio State will face this season. wins a championship, but could showing off accuracy and arm talent, and offensive coordinator also influence where some of strength all over the field. He also Steve Sarkisian has done a good season has been spotty at best and seem like a realistic possibility.” their stars are drafted. displayed poise and toughness, job of scheming receivers open indicative of Ohio State’s corner- “You do want to look into a playing most of the game after and creating mismatches. back play in general. Now, he gets In the trenches player’s ability to play in the taking a nasty hit to his side. “He’s a very, very difficult to face Smith, a sure first-round- Alabama defensive tackle clutch and in the big moments be- That came after an inconsistent evaluation because how do you er, and the gemstone of Alaba- Christian Barmore is a third-team cause obviously when you’re put- and truncated season that has separate him from just an elite sit- ma’s prolific passing game. All-American and a third-year ting together a football team, an called into question Fields’ status uation,” Brugler said of Jones. “If I’m Alabama and Steve Sar- sophomore, so he is no sure thing NFL roster, your goal is to be as the best available QB behind Especially on the heels of for- kisian, I’m getting DeVonta Smith to enter the draft. playing in the playoffs,” said Jim Trevor Lawrence. mer Alabama star Tua Tagovai- on (Wade’s) side of the field as The 310-pounder has not Nagy, Senior Bowl executive di- “There’s a lot of buzz around loa’s rookie NFL season, which much as humanly possible be- played at a consistently high level rector and a former NFL scout. the league about (BYU’s) Zach was solid but far from spectacu- cause no one has been able to stop that would make him a lock first- “So you want to look at the conse- Wilson being the No. 2 pick in the lar. him,” Miller said. rounder. Still, Brugler said the quential games. The games that draft behind Lawrence,” said Brugler said Wade’s future defensive line class is thin at the really matter.” Dane Brugler, a draft analyst for Wade’s world might still lie at safety. top of this draft and Barmore has Alabama center Landon Dick- The Athletic. “Fields, with what Ohio State cornerback Shaun “At the same time, if he goes a chance to be best of the bunch. erson, who is out with a knee in- he did, it changed that a little bit. Wade made the All-America out there and performs at a high Barmore will face a good test in jury, and guard Deonte Brown He’s making teams kind of go team, but that was a generous level against Smith, then all of a Ohio State’s interior line. All- have already accepted invitations back and reconsider.” evaluation based on reputation sudden that’s a different conver- America guard Wyatt Davis and to the Senior Bowl on Jan. 30, Na- The Alabama defense has had and last year’s play when he was a sation,” Brugler said. “But based Meyers are likely Day 2 draft gy said. Heisman Trophy-win- some bumpy moments, but it is nickelback and slot corner. on what we’ve seen from Shaun picks with bottom of the first- ning receiver DeVonta Smith, still the most talented group Ohio His move to the outside this Wade this year, it just doesn’t round potential.

NOTEBOOK Waddle practicing, status for game unclear BY JOHN ZENOR on Tuesday. That would put the Neither player offered an opinion CFP officials with concerns about West Coast exports Associated Press onus on the Buckeyes to defend on whether Waddle would play. player availability when the Buck- Alabama star receiver Jaylen that formidable pair. “It’d be really cool,” Jones said. eyes face No. 1 Alabama on Mon- The West Coast will be well rep- Waddle has returned to practice. “I think you absolutely have to “Jaylen has worked really hard to day night in Miami Gardens, Fla. resented in the national cham- Now the question is will he be able prepare as if he's going to play,” get back on the field and I know he A person with knowledge of the pionship game among the players. to play in the title game Monday Ohio State defensive coordinator wants nothing more than to play, situation confirmed those discus- Alabama All-America tailback night against Ohio State? Kerry Coombs said. “He's an ex- but I think they’re just going to sions to the AP, but Smith and CFP Najee Harris, Ohio State wide re- Crimson Tide offensive coordi- traordinary athlete, extraordin- make that decision downstairs. Executive Director Bill Hancock ceiver Chris Olave and Buckeyes nator Steve Sarkisian says Waddle ary receiver.” “But it’s his choice, and I feel both released statements saying All-America guard Wyatt Davis practiced on Tuesday, but he de- Waddle had 557 yards and four like in watching him, he looks real- there was no change to the sched- are all from California. ferred questions on his status to touchdowns in the Tide's first four ly good out there. So we’ll see what ule. Harris, for one, misses the Cali- coach Nick Saban, who did not ad- games, while opponents mostly happens.” Smith declined to provide any fornia sunshine, but he has no re- dress the media on Wednesday. kicked away from him. details about what virus-related grets about his trading the West “We’ll see where it goes from Waddle has made three of the ‘Good day’ For Buckeyes problems Ohio State might be fac- Coast for the Southern humidity here,” Sarkisian said. “Clearly program’s five longest scoring A day after a report raised the ing, but he did say the team prac- — and football. we’ve got about a week or so until catches. His career average of 19.1 possibility of the College Football ticed Wednesday. “They say a lot of West Coast the game.” yards per catch ranks second Playoff championship being de- “We’re in good shape. Ready to guys can’t play in I guess confer- Waddle hasn’t played since among Tide players with at least layed because of COVID-19 issues roll,” Smith said. ences like this, the SEC,” said breaking his right ankle while re- 100 receptions. He also has return- at Ohio State, Buckeyes athletic Ohio State President Kristina Harris, who was fifth in the Heis- turning the opening kickoff ed two punts and a kick for touch- director Gene Smith told The As- M. Johnson posted photos on Twit- man Trophy voting. "So I wanted against Tennessee on Oct. 4. One downs in his career. sociated Press he anticipated the ter showing her visiting with to like kill that hype, I guess, in a of the nation’s most dangerous re- “I think he’s getting back into game will go on as scheduled. coach Ryan Day and the team in way and show that we can play, turn men, he had surgery after the it,” Smith said. “Of course he’s go- “In the COVID world it’s day- the indoor practice facility. that West Coast people can play. game. ing to take some time just for him by-day,” Smith said Wednesday. “I can’t wait to join Buckeyes “We have a lot more guys from In his absence, DeVonta Smith to get back comfortable with ev- “Today was a good day.” around the world on Jan. 11 in the West Coast playing in the SEC went on to put up big enough num- erything, but he looks good to me.” AL.com first reported Tuesday cheering on this very special than before, so it’s good to see a lot bers to win the Heisman Trophy Quarterback Mac Jones agreed. that Ohio State had reached out to team,” Johnson wrote. of guys travel across.” PAGE 44 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, January 8, 2021 NFL Defenders Adams, Dunlap found fit with Seahawks

BY TIM BOOTH Associated Press

RENTON, Wash. — When Jamal Adams and Carlos Dunlap II each made it clear to their former employers they wanted out, part of the reason was so they could experience the postseason. For Adams, he wanted to get there for the first time. For Dunlap, he wanted another chance at a playoff run in the latter stages of his career. Both got their wish, leaving behind the Jets and Bengals respectively, and helped the Seattle Seahawks claim their first division title in four years going 12-4 this season. And now comes part of their reward: Saturday’s wild-card round playoff matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. For Adams, it will be the first playoff game of his career, assuming he’s able to play. Adams suffered a left shoulder injury in the second half of last Sunday’s win over San Francisco. Seattle coach Pete Carroll said Tuesday he was hopeful Adams would be able to play, but his status wouldn’t be determined until later in the week. For Dunlap, it will be his first playoff game since 2015 with Cincinnati. But in his five career playoff games, Dunlap has yet to experience a victory. “It’s been five years. So it’s been a long time coming,” Dunlap said. “But these guys here have been there many times before, so they know what to do when they get here. So I’m just wanting to play my part and con- STEPHEN BRASHEAR/AP tribute to what they asked me to do.” Seahawks defensive back Jamal Adams (33) and defensive end Carlos Dunlap II came to Seattle in the offseason in search of the Dunlap and Adams both left behind los- opportunity to play in the postseason. After helping the Seahawks claim their first division title in four years, the standout defensive ing situations when they were traded from players will get their wish when they meet the Los Angeles Rams in Saturday’s wildcard playoff round matchup. New York and Cincinnati to Seattle. They’ve each proven to be major contrib- Seattle, but his presence seemed to bring le- citement. tions this week, but the message to the utors to a defense that has made a complete gitimacy to the Seahawks defensive front. “I don’t want to be too happy because I whole group is the same: Don’t make the turn from earlier in the season. Over the fi- “The fact he comes into the building, we don’t want people to say he’s dramatic or he event too big. nal eight games of the season, no team al- get credibility,” Seattle defensive coordina- hasn’t been here before,” Adams said after “It doesn’t mean it’s always just the young lowed fewer points than the Seahawks. tor Ken Norton Jr. said. “He comes off the the win over the Rams. guys. It can be the guys that have never had Adams set an NFL record for the most ball, now he makes everybody else across Even though both players are veterans, it before, and now they’ve been dreaming sacks by a defensive back with 9½ in the the board better on the (defensive) line.” Seattle coach Pete Carroll said he views his about it, and now it’s this monstrous oppor- regular season, although sacks have only Adams seems to be especially enjoying more experienced players going to the post- tunity and ordeal and they don’t play like been an official stat since 1982. Dunlap’s ar- his first trip to the postseason, although the season for the first time with the Seahawks they’re capable because they make it into rival seemed to help ignite Seattle’s pass sore shoulder and question of if he’ll be able through the same prism as rookies. something it isn’t,” Carroll said. “It’s just rush. He has 4½ sacks in eight games with to play may be tempering some of the ex- He may not have individual conversa- football.” Comfort: Home-field advantage not apparent without fans FROM PAGE 48 ly noticeable. Packers quarter- tory. regular season — the first winning back Aaron Rodgers was able to “It is one of the most unique mark since the AFL-NFL merger lure Vikings linebacker Anthony years when it comes to strategy, in 1970. Road teams were narrow- Barr offside on third-and-5 late in when it comes to trying to trick ly outscored 6,353-6,339, a mere the third quarter of the opener at people," Steelers quarterback Ben two-touchdown gap. Minnesota, which had enjoyed Roethlisberger said. "Sometimes In 2019, though the visitors one of the NFL’s most daunting you even are trying to do dummy managed an anomaly of a plus-36 environments for visiting teams. signals and saying dummy things scoring margin, home teams still The no-risk throw by Rodgers just to make things happen or to went 132-123-1 for a .518 winning after the yellow flag flew went for trick other teams.” percentage. In 2018, according to a 39-yard completion to Marquez The Vikings lost 33-27 at home Sportradar, the advantage for the Valdes-Scantling to set up a score to Chicago on Dec. 20, a defeat that hosts was far more clear: a .602 and put the game away. The Vik- ultimately gave the final wild card winning percentage and a 564- ings, after matching the best home spot in the NFC to the Bears. Min- point edge. record in the NFC over their first nesota had played the week before Over the previous 10 years, four years at U.S. Bank Stadium, at Tampa Bay, one of the few sta- home teams collected 342 more went 3-5 there in 2020. Their diums where state COVID-19 wins than the visitors and scored young and struggling defense had rules allowed up to 25% capacity. an average of an additional 2.19 no help from a crowd on those crit- “You don’t realize how much points per game. Over the 50 sea- JEFF CHIU/AP ical third downs, making Sunday the fans are important to you until sons prior to this unprecedented Empty seats are seen at the San Francisco 49ers’ Levi’s Stadium in afternoons that much easier for they’re gone,” running back Dal- 2020 scene of largely empty stadi- Santa Clara, Calif. The eight teams hosting NFL playoff games this the opposing offense. vin Cook said. “I think that’s with a ums, the home team winning per- month are more than happy to be staying home with all of comfort it Even in road games, the defense lot of stuff in life, but us on the centage was .575. brings, but the actual advantage of playing there all but disappeared was more exposed in the highest- field, we notice it. We miss the fans The difference was immediate- during this pandemic season of mostly empty stadiums. scoring regular season in NFL his- so much.” Friday, January 8, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 45 NFL Wilson knows the problems, headaches Rams can present

BY TIM BOOTH Associated Press 8-10 RENTON, Wash. — Patience can be difficult when at times ear- Russell Wilson’s career record against lier this season racking up yards the Rams, the only team he has a and scoring points came so easily losing record against. His passer rating for Russell Wilson and the Seattle of 94.5 against the team is his sec- Seahawks. ond-lowest against any team he has But no team has tested Wilson’s faced four or more times. patience during his careermore Source: Associated Press than the Los Angeles Rams. Or has thrown the Seahawks quar- The big plays, the easy touch- terback for more sacks or given downs that defined the first half of him more headaches. the season for the Seahawks and In other words, don’t expect put Wilson in the MVP conversa- easy yards or easy points for Seat- tion have mostly dried up over the PHOTOS BY ADRIAN KRAUS / AP tle on Saturday when the Sea- final month of the year. Seattle’s Above: Buffalo Bills wide receiver John Brown (15) celebrates his touchdown with wide receiver Stefon hawks host the Rams in the NFC offense hasn’t been as much ex- Diggs (14) in a 5626 defeat of the Miami Dolphins on Jan. 3. Below: Bills wide receiver Isaiah McKenzie playoffs. plosive as it’s been just efficient hauls in a touchdown catch against the Dolphins. “I mean, they do everything enough. After topping 30 points in well,” Wilson said. seven of the first eight games, the Just two weeks ago, the Sea- Seahawks have done that just hawks struggled through a 20-9 once during the second half of the victory over Los Angeles. After an season. Bills’ wealth of depth at ugly first half, Seattle got a couple “The thing I think that we’re of big plays early in the second pleased with is the last couple of half and pieced together just weeks, going up against some enough offense to clinch the NFC good defenses, it took us a little West title. while to get started, but we made receiver makes foes pay Wilson threw for 225 yards and some adjustments, we did some a touchdown and ran for another things,” Seattle offensive coordi- in that victory. But he was also nator Brian Schottenheimer said. BY JOHN WAWROW zie, who scored five times on just sacked five times after being “There was never any panic, our Associated Press 30 catches. sacked six times when the teams guys were poised. They knew that ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — The And don’t forget John Brown. A met in November, a Seattle loss. we would sort through the is- Bills have such a wealth of depth year after leading Buffalo with 72 Throughout his career, no team sues.” at receiver, Stefon Diggs found catches for 1,060 yards, the out- has troubled Wilson like the In his last six games, Wilson himself playing the role of traffic side speedster has been limited to Rams. He’s 8-10 against them, the topped 250 yards passing only controller for quarterback Josh just nine games because of ankle only team he has a losing record once, a mark he achieved in seven Allen last weekend. and knee injuries and a stint on against. His passer rating of 94.5 of the first eight games to start the With Diggs double-covered the reserve-COVID-19 list. against Los Angeles — while still season. But during that six-game running a route to the left of the On Sunday, Brown returned af- excellent comparatively — is the stretch, Wilson threw only three end zone, he pointed to the other ter missing five games to show second-lowest of any team he’s interceptions. side, where Isaiah McKenzie was he’s ready to reestablish his pres- faced more than four times. It might be boring and at times wide-open for a 14-yard touch- ence with four catches for 72 He’s also been sacked 72 times infuriating for fans. But it’s how down catch in Buffalo’s season- yards and a touchdown in just one in 18 games by the Rams, an aver- Seattle views its best chances for ending 56-26 romp over the Mia- half of work. age of four per game. success, especially with a defense mi Dolphins. “That was something I needed “They’ve got a great defensive playing markedly better. “It’s not like Josh needs me to to be able to test the water and get line. They’ve got really good line- “We’re going to mix our game, point at him to tell him where to a good feeling and get my own backers that can run side by side. do the things that we like doing, throw the ball. I’m pretty sure he confidence back up,” Brown said The DBs can really play,” Wilson and see if we can find a way to get saw it,” Diggs said with a chuckle are also nicked up. of making his first catch, a 7-yar- said. “They’re coached extremely enough points to win the game. on Wednesday. “But it’s just a Diggs, who did not practice der over the middle, on the Bills’ well. It’s going to be a great Whatever it is, it is,” Seattle coach natural reaction when you see a Wednesday, said he’s fine. Coach second snap from scrimmage. matchup.” Pete Carroll said. guy open like, ‘Hey, hey.’ ” Sean McDermott did not provide Colts coach Frank Reich is fully It’s been that way for a pass- updates on McKenzie or Beasley, aware of the challenges Buffalo happy offense for much of the who has not practiced since get- presents his defense, which has season in which the Bills set a sin- ting hurt in a 38-9 win at New En- been better against the run than gle-season franchise record with gland on Dec. 28. the pass this season. 501 points and matched the NFL Though missing Beasley would “They are hot, and they de- single-season record with 13 play- be a concern, after he finished serve the respect that we are giv- ers scoring a TD receiving, in- second on the team with 82 catching them,” said Reich, a former cluding one by Allen. es and 967 yards, both career NFL quarterback who spent nine That depth could come in highs, it’s somewhat mitigated by seasons with the Bills, where he handy Saturday when the AFC how Allen has spread the ball to served as Hall of Famer Jim Kel- East champions (13-3) host their whomever is on the field. ly’s backup. first playoff game in 24 years by In a season Diggs became the “But I also know, every team, facing the seventh-seeded Indi- team’s first player to lead the no matter how good they are, us anapolis Colts (11-5). NFL in catches (127) and yards included, you can disrupt every Injuries are suddenly catching receiving (1,535), the Bills had offense,” he added, by noting the up to Buffalo, with slot receiver others making significant contri- Kelly-led Bills had their let- Cole Beasley in jeopardy of mis- butions. downs, too. “They are a very good sing his second consecutive game Rookie Gabriel Davis ranked team, just like the teams we were, ELAINE THOMPSON / AP with a knee injury, while Diggs second on the team with seven but we weren’t flawless. Nobody’s Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) tries to fend off a (oblique) and McKenzie (ankle) touchdowns, followed by McKen- flawless.” sack by Los Angeles Rams defensive lineman Aaron Donald (99). PAGE 46 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, January 8, 2021 NFL Time running out for Steelers’ vets BY WILL GRAVES ing coming for the Steelers. Pitts- Associated Press burgh is already $21 million over PITTSBURGH — The opportu- the 2021 salary cap, and that’s with nities are dwindling. just 35 players under contract for Ben Roethlisberger knows it. next season. Cam Heyward and David DeCas- Wide receiver JuJu Smith- tro too. Schuster and running back James It’s been a decade since the Conner will hit the open market in Pittsburgh Steelers have reached the spring. Outside linebacker T.J. the Super Bowl and a dozen years Watt will enter the final year of his since they’ve won it. In most plac- rookie deal, and there’s a strong es, that’s hardly a drought. Not in a desire to lock up the Defensive place where players, coaches and Player of the Year candidate long- front office members walk past six term, which won’t be cheap. Lombardi Trophies each day Cornerback Joe Haden, who when they get to work. will sit out on Sunday because of The chances Roethlisberger COVID-19 protocols, has a cap hit thought would pop up repeatedly of more than $15 million. Roethlis- following that stinging defeat to berger’s is $41.25 million. Though Green Bay in 2011 during his third restructuring could ease some of Super Bowl appearance in six sea- the pain, it can’t stem all of it. sons have not materialized. The looming changes to a fran- Now 38, playing with a surgical- chise that prides itself on its con- ly repaired right elbow and four sistency have brought an added years removed from his team’s urgency to a season that’s seen the AARON DOSTER/AP most recent playoff victory, Steelers look like both a Super Ravens running back J.K. Dobbins powers through Bengals free safety Jessie Bates, right, and strong Roethlisberger is well aware of Bowl contender and an also-ran, safety Vonn Bell, left, on Sunday in Cincinnati. how small the window has become sometimes in the same game. for the AFC North champions “You don’t want to be saying (12-4) heading into Sunday’s first- ‘What if?’ and there’s countless op- round visit from Cleveland (11-5). portunities I’ve missed,” Hey- Ravens RB Dobbins achieving “When I was a young guy, peo- ward said. “And I don’t want this ple tried to explain to me that take to be an opportunity I missed.” advantage of this, that and the oth- Heyward made an attempt to er,” Roethlisberger said Wednes- drive it across during a meeting star status after slow start day. “You’re thinking ‘I am young; when he outlined the bonus mon- I’ll get back.’ It’s not guaranteed.” ey for winning each round of the BY DAVID GINSBURG “I’m going to find a way to get on this field and He’s not being dramatic. While playoffs, a figure that runs into the Associated Press Roethlisberger is under contract low six figures. Oh, and the chance J.K. Dobbins knew his spectac- help this team win as many games as possible for 2021, he says he won’t make a to become the first franchise to ular career at Ohio State provided – get us to a Super Bowl, if that’s possible.” firm decision until sometime in win seven Super Bowls. no guarantee that he would imme- the offseason. “I know it can feel overwhelm- diately become an NFL star. J.K. Dobbins Left tackle Alejandro Villaneu- ing but let your work take care of Dobbins was the first Buckeyes va is in the final days of a deal that it,” Heyward said. running back to rush for 1,000 Baltimore Ravens rookie running back will expire in March. During their Heyward missed Pittsburgh’s yards as a freshman, sophomore car rides into practice each day, run to the 2016 AFC championship and junior. He finished with 4,459 always been able to work so hard touchdown run against the Ben- Villanueva and DeCastro trade game because of a pectoral injury. yards on the ground — second and be able to play right away,” gals. barbs, debate ideas and try to ap- He was on the field, however, for a most in school history — and Dobbins said. Dobbins is so slick that he’s preciate what little time remains divisional-round loss to Jackson- scored 43 touchdowns for the Big The rookie stayed the course, even impressed Ravens quarter- in this chapter of their lives. ville in 2017 when the Jaguars Ten powerhouse before leaving and his diligence and patience back Lamar Jackson, an elusive “Kind of surreal thinking this came to Heinz Field as seven- with one year of eligibility left. have paid off. Dobbins has scored runner with his own impressive might be the last year today be- point underdogs and stunned the Drafted in the second round last in each of his past six games, and set of moves. cause of the business side of it,” AFC’s second seed by racing to a April by the Baltimore Ravens, on Sunday he rambled for 160 “Being honest, he’s just explo- DeCastro said. three-touchdown lead and then Dobbins arrived at training camp yards and two touchdowns in Cin- sive,” Jackson said. “I’ll be on the And there is a financial reckon- holding on. fourth on the depth chart behind cinnati. field (watching him) and I’m like, Mark Ingram, Gus Edwards and He is now the featured running ‘Bro, you are unbelievable with Justice Hill. back for the playoff-bound Rav- the ball.’ Then I’m like, ‘He might “My expectation was to come in ens, who open on the road Sunday get hit right there,’ and then he’ll and play,” Dobbins said. “I’m not against AFC South champion Ten- just do something crazy. That’s going to pull the rookie card and nessee. For Dobbins, everything why he’s out there. He’s just doing say, ‘Oh, I’m a rookie. I’m just go- turned out exactly as planned. amazing things.” ing to wait this out and be patient.’ “As soon as they drafted me, my Despite the slow start and mis- That’s not me.’ ” thought process was, ‘Let’s go in sing a game in December while on So, he worked hard and did his here, let’s get better, and I’m going the reserve/COVID-19 list, Dob- best whenever he got the chance to find a way to get on this field and bins finished his first NFL season to carry the football — which help this team win as many games with 805 yards rushing, averaging wasn’t often during the first six as possible — get us to a Super arobust 6 yards per carry. He set a weeks of the season. At that point, Bowl, if that’s possible,’ ” Dobbins Ravens rookie record for touch- he had 25 attempts for 154 yards, said. “And that’s just what I’ve downs with nine, and his six which pretty much amounted to a been doing.” straight games with at least 50 typical Saturday afternoon for At 5-foot-10 and 212 pounds, yards on the ground and a rushing Dobbins at Ohio State. Dobbins has the ability to squeeze TD is tied for the longest streak by Dobbins never got down on through a tiny hole and the a rookie since the 1970 merger. himself, even when he had just strength to bust a tackle or two if “He’s been working for his op- one carry (for 34 yards) in an Oc- met at the line. He also has the portunity and growing and learn- GENE J. PUSKAR/AP tober game against Cincinnati. speed to whisk past pursuers in ing,” Baltimore coach John Har- Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger warms up before “That was one of the growing the open field, a feature he put on baugh said. “He’s done a great job a game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, in Pittsburgh. points of my career, because I’ve full display during a 72-yard and he’s got a great attitude.” Friday, January 8, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 47 NFL Mr. Smith goes to Washington, helps team find playoffs

BY STEPHEN WHYNO Associated Press “He’s always If the Alex Smith story becomes a movie, Alex Smith doesn’t want been a to see it. “Heck no,” he said, “I wouldn’t quarterback that watch it.” Smith is living it and already has a really high documented the long journey back from breaking his right leg football IQ.” and needing 17 surgeries to rehab. As inspiring as it is to teammates Zac Taylor and coaches, his story on the field Cincinnati head coach, on Alex Smith this season has little to do with the 2018 injury that looked career- tainly have to look at,” but the Buc- threatening at the time and is caneers are zeroing in on Smith. more about Smith leading Wash- “When Alex Smith plays quar- MICHAEL CONROY / AP ington from 2-7 to NFC East cham- terback, they’re a heck of a foot- Indianapolis Colts’ Darius Leonard, left, causes a fumble by Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Mike Glen pion as a veteran quarterback who ball team,” Tampa Bay coach non. The Colts are among the top teams in the league in forcing turnovers. has been there before. Bruce Arians said. “They’re an ex- “Once you are out there and the tremely well-coached team, a ton whistle blows, this is a result-ori- of talent on that defensive front, ented game and you really have to but Alex Smith is really the key to be accountable to your team- everything.” The Reich stuff: Coach says mates, to the coaches, to everybo- Arians gives Smith credit for dy in this building that’s depend- throwing the ball so quickly he ing on you,” Smith said. “At the avoids sacks. Philadelphia coach end of the day, once you step on Doug Pederson, who was Kansas Colts are built for playoffs that field, you better be able to City’s offensive coordinator for hold up your end.” three years with Smith, points to BY MICHAEL MAROT Smith has done that and more, decision-making. Cincinnati’s Zac Associated Press proving coach Ron Rivera right Taylor praises Smith’s efficiency. INDIANAPOLIS 90.5 that the offense worked better “He finds a way to move the rom the start of training with an experienced hand at the team down the field,” Taylor said. Rushing yards allowed per game by camp, Frank Reich kept the Colts, the second-toughest average wheel. Five touchdowns and five “He’s always been a quarterback insisting the Indianapo- in the NFL. interceptions in six starts don’t that has a really high football IQ.” lis Colts were a legiti- stand out as glimmering numbers, It’s night and day for Washing- F Source: Associated Press mate playoff team — and a real but the 5-1 record has everything ton’s offense from Haskins. Roo- Super Bowl contender. to do with the 36-year-old manag- kie running back Antonio Gibson He didn’t waver when the run- needed to win playoff games. ing the offense in a way 2019 first- said, “Having a vet at the quarter- ning game got bogged down early He has an experienced quarter- round pick Dwayne Haskins nev- back position changes dramatical- in the season or when injuries took back in Philip Rivers, who has er could. ly” because Smith’s presence re- down one key contributor after played his most efficient football Haskins lost five of his six starts laxes everyone else in the huddle. another. He continued to believe during the second half of the sea- and has since been released, Kyle “It’s a different feeling when even after the Colts blew a 17- son. He sees the running game Allen won one of his before getting he’s back there,” receiver Steven point third-quarter lead at Pitts- surging at the right time, and a hurt and now this is Smith’s team Sims said. “Everything about him burgh, putting Indy on the precip- run defense that allows 90.5 — even if the limitations from a is professional. It’s everything you ice of missing the postseason. And yards, the second-stingiest aver- strained right calf in his surgically want in a quarterback.” Reich remained hopeful his for- age in the league. MICHAEL CONROY / AP repaired leg force Rivera to rotate He also wins. Smith is just the mer team, the Buffalo Bills, could Will it be enough when the Colts Indianapolis Colts head coach backup Taylor Heinicke in at fifth quarterback in NFL history come through and help out Indi- (11-5) visit the AFC East cham- Frank Reich said he’s encour times Saturday night against the to lead three different teams to the anapolis on Sunday afternoon. pion Bills (13-3) on Saturday? aged by his team’s confidence. Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Rivera playoffs after doing so for San They did. And now, Reich in- Perhaps. But Reich believes said, “it’s something we most cer- Francisco and Kansas City. sists Indy is ready to shake things there’s one more key ingredient in they’re up to 848 yards. That’s an up in the AFC. Indy’s locker room. average of 169.3, in their last five “We should be loose, we should “It starts with what we believe, outings. be aggressive, we should be able we have the team to win it all,” he to play our best football game of said. “We’ve got the right players, What needs help the year because no one’s going to the right coaches and the belief Takeaways. While the Colts give us a chance,” he said Mon- and confidence in each other to have been among the league’s day, less than 24 hours after secu- win it all. I can tell you on a per- best at forcing turnovers, the pace ring the No. 7 seed with a 28-14 sonal note, in my 26 years in the has slowed considerably over the victory over Jacksonville. “It’s the NFL, I’ve been on teams that have last three weeks. Indy has only us- against-the-world mentality. If won 11 games eight times. Six of three takeaways and no intercep- you were around the team like I those eight went to the Super tions during that stretch. am day in and day out, you’d un- Bowl.” derstand where I get the confi- Stock up dence to think we can beat anyone What’s working Taylor. As other rookies strug- in this tournament.” The ground game. Even before gled late in the season, Taylor It’s a refrain Reich has repeated Jonathan Taylor rushed for 253 seemed to crank it up. Over the frequently this season. As one of yards Sunday, the Colts’ runners last six games, he’s averaging 86.3 those who played on all four of were churning out yards at a pret- yards rushing, 4.4 yards per car- DERIK HAMILTON / AP Buffalo’s Super Bowl teams, he ty good clip. They had 575 yards in ry, and has scored eight TDs while The Washington Football Team is 51 this season with veteran has some semblance of what is the previous four weeks and now becoming Indy’s workhorse. quarterback Alex Smith starting. PAGE 48 • STARS AND STRIPES • Friday, January 8, 2021 No K? No problem SPORTS No. 21 Duke beats Boston College with coach sidelined ›› College hoops, Page 41

NFL PLAYOFFS Cold comfort

MIKE ROEMER/AP A lonely fan watches in Lambeau Field during a game between the Packers and the Tennessee Titans in Green Bay, Wis., on Dec. 27. Home-field advantage not what it used to be as fans vanished from stadiums in year of pandemic

BY DAVE CAMPBELL Associated Press or the eight NFL teams guaranteed to 128-127-1 host at least one game in the playoffs this Visiting teams' record for the 2020 regular season — month, the comfort of familiar surround- the first winning mark since the AFL-NFL merger in ings sure can’t hurt their quest to reach 1970. Road teams were narrowly outscored the Super Bowl. 6,353-6,339, a mere two-touchdown gap. FStaying in the same time zone and avoiding air- SOURCE: Associated Press planes and hotels ought to help players stay fresh. For the far-north teams, namely Green Bay and Buffalo, the cold, wind and potential snow could provide a roll, whose team normally has a leg up as much as any timely boost against an opponent from a warmer- host with the partial roof cantilevered over the seats weather city. that helps amplify the noise at what is now called Lu- Make no mistake, though: The home-field advan- men Field. “It’s just evened everything out.” tage that has long been part of the story of profession- With the win on Sunday night over a Philadelphia team offering little resistance, Washington took the al football all but vanished during the year of the vi- BRUCE KLUCKHOHN/AP rus. Largely empty stadiums cut off crowd noise as NFC East title. The victory was dually decisive, giving visitors a collective 128-127-1 record for the 2020 Cutouts of Vikings fans are shown in the stands of US Bank Stadium an energy source and strategic asset. during a game in Minneapolis in October. The eight teams hosting “It doesn’t feel any different playing at home or playoff games this month are happy to have the comforts of home, but playing away right now, said Seattle coach Pete Car- SEE COMFORT ON PAGE 44 the actual advantage of playing there all but disappeared this season.

Beal’s 60 not enough for Wiz against 76ers ›› Page 42