Ruckus January 13, 2023

Rountree found community through music

be his life.

Bozeman musician Jacob Rountree was dressed in bibs when he arrived for an interview with the Chronicle on Monday. It was his 26th birthday, and Rountree had been out skiing with friends, sneaking in an interview in between the last run and a celebratory pizza party. Rountree will celebrate again on Friday with a birthday show at the Filling Station debuting a new four-piece band.

Now, Rountree skis as a pastime. His teenage self thought skiing would

Rountree grew up in Spokane. He spent winters of his youth on the slopes of nearby Mount Spokane or at Schweitzer Mountain, a couple hours away outside Sandpoint, Idaho. He gravitated toward terrain parks that allowed him to express creativity in his approach to obstacles, throwing tricks with abandon o of the jumps and rails.

Competition wins led to sponsorships and an unending supply of skis, jackets and other gear. It was everything a teenager could want. But it’s a rough sport, especially when tricks

are involved, and Rountree blew out both a knee and a shoulder in the years leading to his high school graduation.

“I got my priorities straight and realized I didn’t love ailing through the air hoping I would land as much anymore,” he said.

Competitive skiing was out. So was another possible path — college wrestling. ough he lost out on wrestling scholarships, Rountree, who had an aggressive drive to succeed, would go to college anyway.

RACHEL HERGETT for the Chronicle

PROVIDED PHOTO

Jacob Rountree and the Somethings will bring a unique brand of “hypnotic folk” to the Filling Station on Jan. 13.

Fri 1/13

Chanel Ali Live in Bozeman

@ 8pm / $20

She's been seen on Comedy Central, MTV's "Girl Code" and opened for Marc Maron! Chanel Ali is coming to Bozeman from New York City for one night only!

Rad Bikes, 512 North Broadway Avenue, Bozeman. info@ bonedrycomedy com, 325-6682248

1st Annual Big Sky Winter Market

@ 5pm

A gathering of local artisans, crafters, cottage goods, and other mountain made businesses Residence Inn by Marriott Big Sky/The Wilson Hotel, 145 Town Center Avenue, Big Sky info@ bigskytowncenter.com

Notorious BOZ with Rich Hall

Bone Dry Comedy Open Mic

@ 8pm

Bone Dry Comedy brings Open Mic night to Last Best Comedy

Our weekly open mic is a safe, friendly, supportive place to start your comedy journey Last Best Comedy, 321 East Main Street, Bozeman. info@lastbestcom edy com, 406-570-7766

///////////////////////////////////////////////////

OLLI at MSU

Friday Forum: Pedes‐trian and Bicycle Safety in Bozeman

@ 12pm / Free

OLLI at MSU will present “Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety in Bozeman” at a January 13 Friday Forum. The event will be deliv‐ered online on Zoom from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. and is free and open to the pub‐lic. Academic Technology and Outreach, 128 Barnard Hall, Bozeman. olli@montana.edu, 406994-6550

Jacob Rountree & The Somethings w/ salt and shadow

@ 8pm

Filling Station Vfw, 2005 N Rouse Ave, Bozeman

Friday Night Stand-Up with Todd Basil

@ 9pm / $20-$25

Todd Basil is a standup comedian and college calculus instructor. He can make math funny but won't make you do any math Last Best Comedy, 321 East Main Street, Bozeman. info@lastbestcom edy.com, 406-570-7766

Sat 1/14

The Gnome Roam at Story Mill Park

@ 7am

Jan 14th - Jan 29th

Meet the stewards of Story Mill Park and its wildlife, a merry and hardworking community of gnomes. This installation is a free, self-guided walking tour with au‐dio and other interactive ele‐ments Story Mill Park, 698 Bridger Drive, Bozeman. danielle @randomactsofsilliness com, 406-600-0022

@ 9pm / $15

Notorious BOZ is a long-form im‐prov show that celebrates the city of Bozeman, its history and its in‐credible citizens This week's Ar‐mando is Rich Hall! Last Best Comedy, 321 East Main Street, Bozeman. info@lastbestcom edy com, 406-570-7766

Sun 1/15

Boot Juice live at Tips Up! @ 6pm

Tips Up, 76 Town Center Ave Unit A1, Big Sky

Trio Grandioso – An Acoustic Dead Sky Performance @ 7pm

Live music while you soak! Featur‐ing the acoustic Grateful Dead tribute trio “Trio Grandioso” Bozeman Hot Springs, 81123 Gal‐latin Road, Bozeman. adam@bh springs com, 406-586-6492

Mon 1/16

Jan 16 - MOR - Tiny Nature @ 9am / Free

Banff Centre

Mountain Film Festival World Tour

@ 7pm / $20

Jan 13th - Jan 14th

The best in mountain cul‐ture �lms arrive in Boze‐man Featuring 24 awardwinning �lms over three different showings. Will‐son Auditorium, 404 West Main Street, Bozeman of �ce@bridgerskifounda tion.org, 406-587-2445

Fiber Arts at Bozeman Public Library

@ 1pm

The Bozeman Public Library is excited to bring back Fiber Crafts! Bozeman Public Library, 626 East Main Street, Bozeman. edevries@ bozeman.net, 406-582-2409

Montana State Bobcats Mens Basketball vs. Weber State Wildcats Mens Basketball

@ 4pm

Brick Breeden Fieldhouse, 1 Bob‐cat Circle, Bozeman

Museum of the Rockies, 600 W Kagy Blvd, Bozeman. 406-5820526

Wed 1/18

Fiber Arts at Bozeman Public Library @ 4pm

The Bozeman Public Library is ex‐cited to bring back Fiber Crafts! Bozeman Public Library, 626 East Main Street, Bozeman. edevries@ bozeman.net, 406-582-2409 BFS

600 West Kagy Boulevard, Boze‐man. gallatinscience@gmail com, 406-994-2251

Thu 1/19

Adult Sex Ed @ 6:30pm / $10

Sex Education is not the best in the states which leads to adults that are curious, this is your space! OhHi Collective, 115 West Kagy Boulevard, Bozeman. mac cort@gmail.com, 218-491-0352

International Folk Dancing @ 7pm

Join us for great exercise and community as we enjoy folk dances from around the world! Family friendly, no experience or partner needed Bozeman Catholic Community Center, 210 South Grand Avenue, Bozeman. amanda albrecht@bozemanfolk lore.org

Brice Ash: Bourbon @ 7pm

Bourbon, 515 W Aspen St, Boze‐man

Main Street, Bozeman. lisa@ bozeman�lmsociety.org, 406-581-2188

Science Inquiry Series: How to Keep Our Aging Skeletons Strong @ 7pm

Dr Chelsea Heveran, MSU Assis‐tant Professor of Mechanical En‐gineering, will discuss progress in strengthening bone tissue throughout aging, and how it in‐spires strategies for building ma‐terials Museum of the Rockies,

Gallatin Ghost Train

@ 7pm

An Intimate Evening of Music and Conversation with Brooklyn Rider @ 6:30pm / $45

Live music while you soak! Featur‐ing the Bozeman-based one-manrock-band “Gallatin Ghost Train” Bozeman Hot Springs, 81123 Gal‐latin Road, Bozeman adam@bh springs com, 406-586-6492

With their gripping performance style and unquenchable appetite for musical adventure, Brooklyn Rider has carved a singular space in the world of string quartets over their �fteen-year history. Next Frontier Capital Fund, 544 East Main Street, Bozeman. an gella.ahn@montana.edu

com,

Lainey Wilson

Lainey Wilson

@ 8pm

@ 7pm

The Elm, 506 S 7th Ave, Bozeman

The Elm (Bozeman), 506 N 7th Ave, Bozeman

Meg McRee @ 7pm

Fri 1/20

The Elm, 506 S 7th Ave, Bozeman

The Beast of Bozeman Auditions

@ 6:30pm

Ben Chapman @ 7pm

The Elm, 506 S 7th Ave, Bozeman

Thursday Night Out! @ 8pm / $10

Audition for your chance to com‐pete in The Beast of Bozeman, the Emerson's premiere talent con‐test! Emerson Center for the Arts & Culture, 111 South Grand Av‐enue, Bozeman. heidi@theemer son.org, 406-587-9797

Thursday night Out is a perfect time to check our hilarious improv shows, this month including Now with Annie & Levin and our house teams! Last Best Comedy, 321 East Main Street, Bozeman info@ lastbestcomedy com, 406-5707766

Tango Dance @ 7pm

Join us for a free, casual, social Argentine Tango dance hosted by Bozeman Tango, with one-on-one lessons available upon request. Steep Mountain Teahouse, 402 East Main Street, Bozeman man ager@steepmtntea.com, 406-5772740

Friday Night Stand-Up with Logan Guntzelman

@ 7pm / $20-$25

n Guntzelman is a Los Angelesbased comedian/writer recently selected as a New Face at the Just For Laughs Comedy Festival in Montreal Shows at 7 and 9pm Tickets are $20 online and $25 at the door! Last Best Comedy, 321 East Main Street, Bozeman. info@ lastbestcomedy com, 406-5707766

Montana Chamber Music Society presents Brooklyn Rider in concert

@ 7:30pm / $30

With their gripping performance style and unquenchable appetite for musical adventure, Brooklyn Rider has carved a singular space in the world of string quartets over their �fteen-year history. The ELM, 506 North 7th Avenue, Bozeman angella.ahn@montana.edu

Brooklyn Rider @ 7:30pm

The Elm (Bozeman), 506 N 7th Av B Br

powered by

What’s Available NOW On

“Movie: Riotsville, U.S.A.”

From director Sierra Pettengill (“The Reagan Show,” “Town Hall”) comes this 2022 documentary that recalls a point in American history when the nation’s leaders were faced with the civil disorder of the late 1960s and did everything possible to win the war in the streets using police and military.

“Movie: The Drop”

From co-writer/director Sarah Adina Smith (“Buster’s Mal Heart,” “The Midnight Swim”) comes this cringe comedy about a couple whose marriage is put to the test when the wife drops a friend’s baby during a tropical destination wedding. Anna Konkle, Jermaine Fowler, Utkarsh Ambudkar and Jillian Bell head the cast. (ORIGINAL)

“Movie: Paris, 13th District”

Based on short stories by Adrian Tomine, this 2021 French comedy follows the lives of four friends — three girls and a guy — who are also sometimes lovers. Lucie Zhang, Makita Samba, Noemie Merlant and Jehnny Beth head the cast for director Jacques Audiard (“The Sisters Brothers,” “Rust and Bone”).

“Movie: One Way”

Director Andrew Baird’s (“Zone 414”) 2022 actioner tells the story of Freddy (Colson Baker, “Captive State”), a petty criminal with who doesn’t have time on his side. He’s on the run with a bag of cash and coke but he’s also wounded badly with a bullet in his gut. Kevin Bacon, Drea De Matteo and Travis Fimmel also star.

The identity of the celebrity is found within the answers in the puzzle. In order to take the TV Challenge, un-scramble the letters noted with asterisks in the puzzle.

“Zip-__-__-Doo-Dah”

Actor on “Station 19” (2)

“American __”

Actress Blanchett

Allen __ of “The Wonder Years” DOWN

Wiped away errors

Johnny & Rosanne

Sheldon” actor (2)

BY JAY BOBBIN

Erika Christensen

OF ‘WILL TRENT’ ON ABC

What drew you to the role of police detective Angie Polaski on “Will Trent”?

I’ve known Ramon (title star Rodriguez) for 15 years, and I texted him after I read the pilot and said, “Hey, this thing you’ve got going on seems really cool and interesting. I love these characters.” And now, I’m one of them!

Do you feel that having known your co-star helps your characters’ onscreen relationship?

It really does. From the viewpoint of an actor, you don’t need to have known someone to play having known them your whole life, but it is really nice. I felt that right away, even though there is a very clear line of demarcation between Ramon and Will, and between me and Angie. We’re definitely having a good time.

What’s Available NOW On

“Movie: Jurassic World Dominion”

“Jurassic World” director Colin Trevorrow’s 2022 actioner picks up four years after the events of “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom” in a world where humans and dinosaurs have grown accustomed to one another and where Owen and Claire (Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard) are trying to protect Maisie (Isabella Sermon) from Biosyn Genetics. Campbell Scott, Jeff Goldblum, Laura Dern and Sam Neill also star.

“Movie: Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark”

In the snake-riddled 1981 movie that started the “Indiana Jones” saga, Harrison Ford plays the romancing, swashbuckling hero who fights the Nazis in an attempt to procure the most important archaeological find in all of history: the Ark of the Covenant. Karen Allen co-stars as the alcohol-swilling love interest.

“Movie: Vengeance”

B.J. Novak (“The Office”) is writer, director, executive producer and star of this 2022 comedy mystery in which he plays Ben, a writer from New York City who travels down South to investigate the murder of a woman with whom he had a one-night stand. Boyd Holbrook, Issa Rae, Ashton Kutcher and J. SmithCameron are also in the solid cast.

“The Legend of Vox Machina”

The 12 episode second season of this animated fantasy-adventure series for adults picks up with Vox Machina once again faced with saving the world — this time, from a sinister group of dragons known as the Chroma Conclave. Henry Winkler, Alanna Ubach and Cheech Marin are guest voices this season; Laura Bailey, Taliesin Jaffe and Ashley Johnson are among returnees. (ORIGINAL)

V ino per Tutti’s Member ship is Bozeman’s best way to experience new, exciting and unique wines. With no member ship fee you’re free to explore the wor ld of wine on your own ter ms...star t or stop at any time. It’s fun and easy, just like wine should be!

Abby (Stone)

Dan (Fielding)

Olivia Neil Gurgs

tasty tv

(Words in parentheses not in puzzle)

(Melissa) Rauch (John) Larroquette (India) de Beaufort (Kapil) Talwalkar Lacretta

Solution on page 12

Manhattan Arraignment (Court) Idealistic Justice Oddballs

BY GEORGE DICKIE

It’s the college of foodie knowledge weekends on Food Network

Whether you’re looking for new ideas or a novel approach to an old favorite, weekend mornings and afternoons on Food Network have gained a reputation as the place to go for culinary knowledge from pros in the know.

Yes, Saturdays and Sundays offer up a treasure trove of recipes, tricks, tips and conversation aimed at upping viewers’ kitchen game and enabling them to impress family and friends. In the industry, they’re know as “stand and stirs” and they’re in plentiful supply on the cablenet. The following are a few of the more noteworthy entries on the coming week’s schedule.

Sunday, Jan. 15, on “Girl Meets Farm,” Molly Yeh feeds a hungry crew of beet farmers with a hearty meal of pulled pork sandwiches with charred broccoli slaw and a side of beet chips with French onion yogurt. And for a sweet treat, comes up with her thick frosted speculoos cookie bars and S’mores puppy chow. Hope the dog doesn’t mind.

Mary Berg is a big fan of cooking smarter, not harder, and in Sunday’s edition of “Mary Makes It

Easy,” she takes store-bought items and jazzes them up into a whole other meal. So a rotisserie chicken becomes coq au vin; frozen butternut squash, frozen chopped kale and day-old bakery bread becomes French toast; and bagged coleslaw becomes Japanese pancakes. Truly outside-the-box (or bag) cooking. There are fewer greater foods than cheese and in the Saturday, Jan. 21, episode of “The Kitchen,” the chefs show off its ooey-gooey versatility as Katie Lee Biegel prepares baked brie topped with savory granola and fruit, Jeff Mauro creates his chiles rellenos and Geoffrey Zakarian presents a dessert of ginger lemon basque cheesecake with lemon curd topping. Simply irresistible.

Also that morning on “Trisha’s Southern Kitchen,” Trisha Yearwood invites in Reba McEntire for a tour of her exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame, then both get down to business by making a dinner of bacon-wrapped turkey meatloaf, Brussels sprouts with dried cranberries and almonds, and for dessert a lemon pound cake with Reba’s royal glaze.

A down-home meal from down-home folks.

O V W H E B W O E V A L W A L K A R R A H C O A U E F E A G H X P Y I W L H

Q L A R R O Q U E T T E I N R I R O A E T E S Y I G V L A M R S F D W U Q L D Z I A K L A Q U E J O H W E L A C Q K I N A B E C Q V A D W R

C U G A H E U K U Z L L K E E B N F Q A B B Y X I S U T S F M W R U T O F E S Q M T Z D E R B F E T N R T H I A V D N I T O N W A G I C W N

D J T G U R G S F N C R A R

A C O Q E T W A R O D D E G

“Night Court” on NBC

What’s Available NOW On

“The Walking Dead”

The 11th and final season of this postapocalyptic horror series offers up an emotional coda as it wraps up individual storylines and focuses on the Coalition’s encounter with the Commonwealth as well as its confrontation with the Reapers. Norman Reedus, Melissa McBride, Lauren Cohan, Christian Serratos and Jeffrey Dean Morgan star.

“The Lying Life of Adults”

From Italy comes this drama series set in 1990s Naples, where a brash and bold Aunt Vittoria (Valeria Golino, “Portrait of a Lady on Fire”) helps her sheltered niece Giovanna (newcomer Giordana Marengo) experience a different side of the city, upsetting the teen’s strict parents. Alessandro Preziosi, Pina Turco and Azzurra Mennella also star. (ORIGINAL)

“That ’90s Show”

From “That ’70s Show” co-creators Bonnie and Terry Turner comes this new comedy that picks up in 1995 with Kitty and Red Forman (Debra Jo Rupp, Kurtwood Smith) now grandparents surrounded by a new generation of teens, including granddaughter Leia (Callie Haverda). Ashley Aufderheide, Mace Coronel and Maxwell Donovan also star; original cast Mila Kunis, Topher Grace and Ashton Kutcher make guest appearances. (ORIGINAL)

“Bake Squad”

Christina Tosi returns to host the second season of this competition series, which brings in a fresh batch of seasoned pastry chefs — Ashley Holt, Christophe Rull, Gonzo Jimenez and Maya-Camlle Broussard — to battle it out to see whose dessert will be chosen for a client’s extra special big day. (ORIGINAL)

What’s Available NOW On

“Secret Life of Predators”

(Jan. 18)

From National Geographic comes the first season of this documentary series that gives a detailed insight into the extraordinary skills of predatory animals that helps them track and hunt down their prey while also focusing on their ability to survive in the wild. Boone Smith hosts and narrates.

“Night Stalkers” (Jan. 18)

This documentary series from National Geographic follows filmmaker Martin Dohrn and an expert team of night-filming specialists into the jungles of Costa Rica to capture Central America’s notoriously camera-shy big cats — pumas, ocelots and jaguar — using state of the art night-vision photography equipment.

“My

Ghost Story” (Available now)

Each episode of this unscripted paranormal series that originally aired on the Biography Channel from 2010 to 2016 is narrated by people who tell their own unique ghost stories and personal experiences of alleged paranormal activity and supposed encounters with the unexplained in a particular location.

“Evil Genius” (Available now)

For centuries, humankind’s brilliant minds have changed and shaped the world. But when they’re used for evil, as is detailed in this unscripted History Channel series, the result can be some of the most twisted, outrageous and inventive crimes in the history of the world. Tim Friedlander narrates.

BY JAY BOBBIN

‘Rocky’ goes the distance again

With EPIX morphing into MGM+, the channel is going particularly heavy on familiar titles from the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer-owned movie library ... including “Rocky,” the Oscar-winning 1976 success that launched both a franchise and Sylvester Stallone’s stardom. Famously also written by Stallone, the film appears Sunday, Jan. 15, and Saturday, Jan. 21. (It’s also on MGM+ Marquee on Tuesday, Jan. 17, and MGM+ Drive-In on Wednesday, Jan. 18, and Thursday, Jan. 19.)

As most people know, “Rocky” is the saga of a scrappy Philadelphia boxer who’s given a onein-a-million shot against reigning heavyweight champ Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers). The scene of the hero scaling the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, backed by the Bill Conti-composed “Gonna Fly Now,” is one of the screen’s most iconic scenes; co-stars Talia Shire, Burgess Meredith and Burt Young also became members of the ongoing “Rocky” family.

Sylvester Stallone in “Rocky“

Needing a change of scenery, he chose Bozeman for its proximity to the mountains and its engineering school.

“My whole vision of what I thought I was doing in life was changing,” he said.

Rountree’s 12-month recovery from knee surgery also laid the groundwork for a different future. Unable to hike, swim, ski or any of the outdoor adventures he gravitated toward, Rountree turned to the guitar he picked up in the fourth grade, after forgoing piano lessons from an overly competitive teacher. He also started songwriting, taking some lyrical inspiration from a poetry elective.

“I kind of hit that pivotal point where I actually made time to practice and wanted to practice,” Rountree said. “It became a routine and a therapeutic session for me.”

At Montana State University, Rountree did well in his classes. But when he closed the books, he would bike downtown with his guitar to play open mics at Zocalo, a Main Street coffee shop.

“I felt like I lived at Zocalo for the first couple years of being here,” Rountreee said. “I found for the first time ever a community that I really related to.”

By the time he graduated, Rountree found he was splitting his time 50/50 between engineering and musical pursuits.

“I wasn’t neglecting school at all, I was just realizing my passions,” Rountree said.

The budding musician geared his engineering expertise toward vibrational analysis and landed a job at Gibson. With chaos amid the company’s bankruptcy filing, the job wasn’t a fit for Rountree. He handed in his notice and decided to pursue music full time.

“I was more broke than ever

and more happy than ever,” he said. “That was a huge sign to me. That was the first time in my life I was really making decisions for myself.”

Bozeman has proven a boon to Rountree’s success as a musician, with touring groups

and professional musicians standing as examples that making a living with music is possible.

“I found stability,” he said. “I have a clear career growth that I want to pursue. It’s much more logical. It’s much less

IF YOU GO

merch case are actually selling.

Rountree’s music is a folkbased blend. His elevator pitch likens it to a Lumineers-Pink Floyd hybrid, taking folk sounds and adding in atmospheric production, or “hypnotic folk.” Some of the sounds are created through a massive board of guitar pedals, including three that add reverb or echos.

Friday’s show will be the first with his new four-piece band. Dean Wakerlin, who has drummed with local bands from The Dirty Shame to The Vibe Quartet, will take over the drum kit, freeing up Cole Thorne, frontwoman of Cole and the Thornes, to take on the djembe and cue electronic sounds. Guitar builder Andrew Olivo will round out the band on bass. Rountree hopes to loop the band into his songwriting process once they’re comfortable together.

“It’s taking my ego out of it and really doing what’s best for the song,” he said.

Friday, January 13, 8 p.m.

The Filling Station, Bozeman $8 at www.sellout.io/events/ jacob-rountree-the-somethings-at-the-filling-station and at the door

threatening, less unstable.”

He hasn’t completely given up engineering, and helped found a tech company amid COVID19 lockdowns, but Rountree is now focused on the music first.

Rountree was voted as both best local solo musician and best local folk musician in Bozeman Magazine’s Bozeman’s Choice Readers’ Poll this month. His 2022 album, “As I See It,” was in the top three local albums. He has made new contacts through festival bookings, allowing him to expand his tours as new friends offer venues — or couches.

He’s making plans to tour the midwest with soul-folk band Satsang. And CDs from his

When possible, Spokanebased pedal steel player Lane King will join on tour. Rountree said the instrument’s “clean glassy highs” will be a nice counterpoint to the bass frequencies to bring in some of the sustained atmosphere (recorded on a cello on “As I See It”) to live performance.

His music isn’t flashy, with gentle melodies and introspective lyrics. And Rountree insists that it be hopeful. He is no stranger to the dark, appreciating the lyrics of Tom Waits and poetry of Charles Bukowski. Rountree, however, insists he has seen too much loss from a young age to spread any more misery.

“I always want to maintain a sense of community, a sense of relatability, a sense of opening up conversation,” he said.

For more information, visit www.jacobrountree.com.

PrOVidEd PHOTOa

Jacob rountree and the Somethings will bring a unique brand of “hypnotic folk” to the Filling Station on Jan. 13.

Jacob rountree and the Somethings with Salt and Shadow

Questions:

1) What Pro Football Hall of Famer once shaved his legs and donned pantyhose for an ad?

2) This strikeout king once pitched a pain reliever. Name him.

3) An electric grill is what this former heavyweight champion has endorsed. Who is he?

4) What Hall of Fame catcher encouraged viewers to dial in to a long-distance phone service?

5) This NFL great, and former convict, ran through airports to a car-rental agency. Can you name him?

6) Which NFL tough guy has endorsed the products of an electronics-store chain?

7) These home run-hitting teammates took a nickname, “The M&M Boys,” based on a candy they endorsed. Name them.

8) What Olympic skier once pitched lip balm?

9) Beer was the subject of an ad that saw this baseball owner “fire” this manager. Who were they?

10) This Yankee great once endorsed several brands of cigarettes. Name him.

Solution on page 12

BY GEORGE DICKIE

Answers:

Chaffee

Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris

Howie Long

Mike Piazza

George Foreman

Nolan Ryan

BY GEORGE DICKIE

The Joker returns to Melbourne after a year absence

After missing last year’s Australian Open, Novak Djokovic will be back in Melbourne this week to continue his assault on the ATP record books. Indeed, the 35-year-old Serb comes into the tennis year’s first Grand Slam event as the heavy favorite, even after he was forced to withdraw from the tournament in 2022 after authorities revoked his visa due to his COVID-19 vaccination status. That ban was overturned in the fall and the visa reinstated, and now the nine-time tourney champ is overjoyed to be back.

Though ranked No. 5 by the ATP at this writing, there is little doubt he is still the world’s best men’s player. In addition to going after his record 10th singles title at Melbourne Park, he’ll also be looking to add to his Slam trophy case with his 22nd championship, tying him with Rafael Nadal for tops in that category.

And he’ll also be looking to prove that at an age when most pro players are hanging up their tennis whites, he’s still not only relevant but dominant. He looked every bit the champ in his last appearance in the Aussie in 2021, taking less than two hours to dispatch Russia’s Daniil Medvedev in the final 7-5, 6-2, 6-2.

He’ll be ready to do battle with a field including Medvedev, Casper Ruud, Stefanos Tsitsipas, World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz and defending tourney champ Nadal when the 2023 Australian Open gets going Sunday, Jan. 15, and airs for the next two weeks on ESPN2 and ESPN.

NAME: Novak Djokovic

BIRTH DATE: May 22, 1987

BIRTHPLACE: Belgrade, Serbia

HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 6 feet 2 inches/170 pounds

RESIDENCE: Monte Carlo, Belgrade

FAMILY TIES: He and wife Jelena have a son and a daughter CAREER SINGLES RECORD: 1031–206 HONORS AND ACHIEVEMENTS: Nine-time Australian Open champion (2008, 2011-13, 2015, 2016, 2019-21); two-time

French Open champion (2016, 2021); seven-time Wimbledon champion (2011, 2014, 2015, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022); three-time U.S. Open champion (2011, 2015, 2018); six-time Tour Finals champion (2008, 2012-15, 2022); Olympic gold medal (2008)