The O'Colly, Wednesday, May 15, 2024

Wednesday, May 15, 2024

Oklahoma State’s undefeated season spoiled in super regionals; Tennessee wins 4-2

Gina Foster Staff Reporter

Oklahoma State entered Saturday afternoon undefeated and seemed primed to pick up its 30th win of the season.

But No. 16 Tennessee had other plans, defeating the top-ranked Cowgirls 4-2 in the Sweet 16 at the Greenwood Tennis Center. OSU ends its historic season with a 29-1 record, along

Oklahoma

with an ITA Indoor National Championship and a Big 12 regular season championship, but an NCAA title escaped the Cowgirls at the hands of the Volunteers.

“For 29 matches, we were the best team in the country. And today, we weren’t,” said coach Chris Young. “So that’s just the way it rolls.”

Young said the doubles point was necessary, and the Cowgirls made sure to secure the point.

Alana Wolfberg and Ester Adeshina defeated Ayumi Miyamoto and Raquel

State’s new wrestling coach David Taylor is embracing ‘pressure situation’

David Taylor glanced around the Boone Pickens Stadium team room, soaking in the moment and expressing its value as each second winded by.

Less than a month ago, he was clashing head-to-head with the world’s premier wrestling competition during Olympic trials. Now, he’s set to begin his tenure as the eighth wrestling coach at Oklahoma State.

On Friday morning, Taylor was introduced as the head man, replacing interim coach and associate coach

Coleman Scott as the successor to former coach John Smith, the winningest coach in program history. Taylor has big shoes to fill. He acknowledged that multiple times during his opening sentiment, paying homage to Smith, a figure widely deemed to be the greatest American wrestler of all time.

A “pressure situation,” in Taylor’s words.

“This is a tough challenge,” Taylor said. “And to be honest with you guys, it is the most uncomfortable — (one of) the most uncomfortable decisions I’ve ever made.

“But just like training, just like when I was a kid, the best results come from being uncomfortable.”

Such moments have fueled Taylor throughout his career.

See Taylor on page 3

Gonzalez 3-6 on court two, putting the Lady Vols ahead in the race for the doubles point.

Anastasiya Komar and Ange Oby Kajuru intensified the situation as the No. 3 duel won on court one 6-4 against No. 11 Sofia Cabezas and Elza Tomase.

Safiya Carrington and Kristina Novak battled back from an early deficit to secure the doubles point for the Cowgirls with a 6-4 win over Lauren Anzalotta and Catherine Aulia.

As singles began, the tennis center

was full of intense, yet excited, energy from the fans.

Just as court three had one point on the board, Lucia Peyre fell to the ground in pain. After being carried off of the court and tended to, she made it back to her place and was not giving up without a fight. With a little improvement in her mobility, she began to play the next point.

See Undefeated on page 4

Rep. Bice advises class of 2024 at 148th commencement

Courtesy of OSU News

U.S. Rep. Stephanie Bice, an Oklahoma State University alumna, returned to her alma mater as the spring 2024 commencement speaker to impart wisdom and encourage graduates Saturday in GallagherIba Arena.

OSU played a pivotal role in the fourth-generation Oklahoman’s life as it’s where she earned a Bachelor of Science in marketing in 1995, where she met her husband, Geoffrey, and where her daughters chose to attend college.

Bice took this opportunity to share with more than 3,900 undergraduate students how two small words that make one simple question — “Why not?” — profoundly impacted her personal and professional life.

The university’s 148th commencement speakers consisted of OSU President Kayse Shrum; OSU Provost Jeanette Mendez; Bice; Dr. Brandt Gardner, OSU faculty chair; Joe Hall, OSU A&M Board of Regents chair; and Ashley Peterson, Student Government Association president.

Courtesy OSU Athletics

Coach Chris Young said that until Saturday, his undefeated team was the best in the country, but OSU wasn’t in the super regionals, and “that’s just the way it rolls,” he said.

Courtesy of OSU News

Rep. Stephanie Bice delivers keynote address during OSU’s spring commencement.

Daniel Allen Staff Reporter

sports

OSU falls out of Big 12 title contention, Josh Holliday confident in team’s potential

Daniel Allen Staff Reporter

The Big 12 regular-season title race has concluded.

On Sunday, OSU cancelled its series finale with Texas Tech due to severe weather threats, giving the outright conference championship to Oklahoma, which swept Baylor in three games over the weekend.

First pitch was scheduled for 2 p.m.; however, less than an hour prior to Saturday’s game, OSU moved Sunday’s start time in hopes of being able to close the series.

That didn’t happen.

Less than 30 minutes prior to first pitch, the game entered a weather delay. One hour later, it was cancelled.

The Cowboys (34-16, 17-9 Big 12) particularly needed Sunday’s game. OSU played like a high-caliber postseason team through Games 1 and 2 the Red Raiders (30-22, 12-17 Big 12), outscoring them 25-7 in that span. OSU already needed to win out to maintain its aspirations for a Big 12 title. And given OU’s sweep of Baylor, the Sooners (32-17, 21-6 Big 12) held a firm 3 1/2game advantage over OSU heading into Sunday. The cancellation eliminated those hopes.

With that, OU attained its first Big 12 regular season title in program history. The Red Raiders also benefited from Sunday’s cancellation, officially clinching a spot as one of 10 teams eligible for the Big 12 Tournament.

Should OSU sweep Houston on the road in its regular season finale next weekend, it would mark OSU’s seventh second-place finish in the Big 12 standings under coach Josh Holliday.

Cowboys lead Texas and West Virginia in contention for 2-seed in Big 12 Tournament

As of Sunday, OSU holds a firm grasp of second place in the conference standings heading into the final regular season weekend.

Although Houston, the Cowboys’ impending opponent, is second-tolast in the Big 12 standings, one thing should come of note to OSU fans: the Cowboys’ 1-4 record in road series this year. Their lone series win came in late March at West Virginia.

Texas and West Virginia both trail OSU by a half-game for second place. Should OSU sweep Houston, it would clinch a second-place finish in the Big 12 standings. A loss would create uncertainty. And OSU would become dependent on weekend blemishes from the Longhorns and Mountaineers.

Texas has lost only one Big 12 series – to last-place BYU at home in early April — but hasn’t swept one.

As for the Mountaineers, they will face TCU at home.

Holliday confident in what his group can do in postseason play.

A Big 12 regular-season title may no longer be in play; however, Holliday said he has seen enough resolve and resilience from his group for him to remain confident in postseason play.

Take injuries to key prospects such as slugger Nolan Schubart, third baseman Aidan Meola, Tyler Wulfert, start-

ing catcher Beau Sylvester and Sunday starting pitcher Janzen Keisel over the season as a sample size for Holliday’s claim. And yet, the Cowboys remained within striking distance of first place in the conference standings until the past weekend.

A multitude of freshmen prospects — second baseman Avery Ortiz, outfielder Donovan LaSalle, shortstop Kyler Proctor and catcher Charlie Carter of note — have been thrown into the line of fire at unideal times. Still, OSU has remained afloat, logging key series wins over the likes of TCU and Oklahoma. Not to mention, a 14-inning win over

GOD IS TRUSTWORTHY!

God is worthy of our trust! “... I am watching to see that my word is fulfilled.” “... so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” (Jer.1:12, Is.55:11 NIV)

Certainly from these verses it is clear that the Lord “means what he says.” When he speaks, or makes promises, he makes sure they are fulfilled. The life of Abraham shared with us in the first book of the Bible is telling us of a man who believed that God could be trusted. Abraham had to wait many years to see some of God’s promises fulfilled, and some for hundreds of years, and there was one he waited for thousands. God promised that all the world would be blessed through the offspring of Abraham. Jesus came through

his natural lineage. Jesus brought to all people the blessing of forgiveness and eternal life. God is trustworthy!

“The just shall live by faith.” (Ro.1:17) The theme all through the Bible is the life of faith. The true faith mentioned in scripture has one object; that is God. We are to trust the faithful God! We are to look to this God who has proved himself over and over a faithful God, who keeps his promises. He is worthy of our trust. As we except Christ, God’s gift to us, there is forgiveness of sin. We will not be condemned at the final judgment. He promises to guide us, to comfort and strengthen us in this present life. He will make us fruitful in helping others; laying up treasure in heaven.. The challenge is to take him at his word. Put your life in his hands for he is trustworthy. He will do in and through you what he has promised.

formerly No. 2 Arkansas at Globe Life Field in the Kubota College Baseball Series in Week 2 of the season.

“I have honestly been bragging about this group for a long time now,” Holliday said. “I have been high on this group dating back to Globe Life. I have been very high on this group dating back to an eight-game road trip to start the season. I have been quite proud of these kids when key guys have been injured and multiple names have had to step up.”

Now comes the final weekend before conference tournament and ultimately regional play. With Schubart, Meola and

Wulfert back in OSU’s lineup, the Cowboys have displayed a hot hand down the final stretch of the regular season. Holliday hopes that continues past his team’s series against Houston and into the postseason.

“There’s still a lot in front of us right now,” Holliday said. “But it’s best – and I tell our kids this – it’s best to take the year one game at a time. Do that, and your best baseball is in front of you.”

sports.ed@ocolly.com

Philip Soliz

Oklahoma State coach Josh Holiday is confident in his team heading into the postseason.

Taylor...

Continued from page 1

Now, he plans to utilize that same mentality as a coach, instilling it in his wrestlers to set up what he hopes to be a multitude of individual and team championships in the near future. Something that OSU, which holds an NCAA-record 34 team national titles, has been deprived of in recent years.

“There should be no expectation of this program that can be too high or that is unattainable,” athletic director Chad Weiberg said. “We just had to do everything we could to find the next great leader.”

In high school, Taylor seldom competed in a tournament or showcase where he wasn’t the favorite to win. That created lofty and often excessive expectations heading in.

“My whole life, really, since I was 10 years old, everyone expected me to be the absolute best,” Taylor said. “And it’s like, ‘All right, you’re the No. 1 at this; can you do this?’ All right, you’re the No. 1 recruit; now you’re ranked

No. 1 in the country.’ And it was just like, ‘Well, can you sustain it?’ I mean, that alone was something that was difficult.”

Instead of succumbing to such pressure, Taylor thrived. He took each conjecture in stride and never looked back.

OSU wrestling, given its historical pedigree, garners lofty expectations. Recently, the program hasn’t delivered in postseason competition. But under the leadership of Taylor, the hope is for its current trajectory to change.

“That was fun,” Taylor said. “And that was the game then. This is the new game. How can I help the kids feel the same way? How can I help these kids just wrestle and just go out and (perform)? And obviously, with all the external things that are out there, just help them believe in what we are doing and believe in themselves.”

Taylor outlined his vision for the program, which centered around the recurrent theme of OSU wrestling “winning championships.”

Winning has been a recurrent theme of Taylor’s wrestling. Under the leadership of Penn State coach Cael Sanderson, from 2009-14, Taylor posted a collegiate record of 134-3, en route to

four Big 10 individual titles and two individual national titles. In addition, Taylor won the Hodge Trophy — the college wrestling equivalent of the Heisman Trophy — twice, being one of only six wrestlers all-time to do so. Shortly after came the world championships in 2018, 2022 and 2023, as well as the Olympic gold.

“I don’t want to lose,” Taylor said. “I don’t want to lose in anything that I do.”

Taylor hasn’t previously held a coaching role; though he held a prominent role within Penn State’s wrestling club in the past, the situation was a nuance for him.

But his discourse shared on Friday touched the hearts of many of the OSU faithful present. Perhaps most importantly, Smith.

“His message today was strong, really strong,” Smith said. “I think we all, after listening to the press conference, we’re all going, ‘Hey, this is in good hands.’ And that’s what you want after 33 years. I want him to be a better coach than I was.”

“Just listening to him talk, he gets it. He knows the challenge ahead. And he’s not afraid to (take action). He said some things that were powerful. And

so, I look forward to just sitting back and watching it and enjoying Oklahoma State wrestling.”

Taylor said the next step is assembling a staff. Already, he has brought in his brother-in-law and former Penn State assistant coach Jimmy Kennedy to hold the same role at OSU. In addition, he reeled in former Iowa standout wrestler Thomas Gilman. Former OSU star Daton Fix was announced as the head of the Cowboy RTC, which Taylor described as an “easy choice.” Other roles remain to be filled; however, Taylor expressed satisfaction with the staff he has thus far.

Afterward comes the buy-in of OSU wrestlers. Taylor said if all goes well, the transition into Year 1 will be easier than initially expected.

“Oklahoma State is the place to wrestle,” Taylor said. “And I’m excited to be part of that. I’m excited and thankful for the people that have made this happen. And I’m excited for the student-athletes that are part of this program right now. And I am excited for the student-athletes that choose to wrestle here in the future. And we’re gonna build something special here.”

On Friday, David Taylor was introduced as Oklahoma State’s eighth wrestling coach.

Undefeated...

Continued from page 1

However, her injury hindered her from completing the match, and she was assisted inside the facilities for a more thorough examination of her left knee. Wolfberg received the point.

“Her first reaction is that it’s her fault that we lost, and it’s not at all, so you have to make sure you support a kid like that,” Young said. “She’s a kid that brings so much passionate energy to our team, and we thrive off of her energy in match day, and it’s hard to replicate when you don’t have everybody in their role.

“She was so ready to play today and prepared for it.”

Kajuru worked quickly to win court two against Tomase with sets of 6-2 and 6-3 to add another point for the Cowgirls.

Carrington lost to Aulia on court four with sets of 4-6 and 1-6 to tie things up once again.

Tennessee took the lead as Novak lost her first match of her last season as a Cowgirl against Adeshina, 4-6 and 3-6.

Komar won her first set 6-2 but fell in the second 1-6 to Cabezas. The third set concluded with a 6-8 tiebreaker loss for the 6-7 final.

Miyamoto was fighting back from a 6-7 loss in the first set, but did not finish the second set against Anzalotta.

The Cowgirls’ season comes to an end with a 29-1 record, but Young said he is nothing but proud of all his team has accomplished.

“I’m just proud of them,” Young said. “It took a lot to go wrong today to beat us and a good effort from Tennessee, but it doesn’t take away how proud I am of this team. It’s easy when you’re winning to support people and everything’s going good, so now’s a chance for us to wrap our arms around these kids and really show them what it means to be a part of this program.”

Komar, Kajuru and Peyre are still set to compete in the NCAA Individual Championships from May 20-26 at the Greenwood Tennis Center.

sports.ed@ocolly.com

Oklahoma State softball earns No. 5 seed, will host regionals and super regionals

Ashton Slaughter Sports Editor

Two rounds of the NCAA Tournament will go through Stillwater. The NCAA Softball Tournament bracket was announced on Sunday evening, and Oklahoma State, which entered the selection show with a 44-10 record (21-6 Big 12), earned the No. 5 seed, meaning the Cowgirls will host a four-team, double-elimination regional round on May 17-19 with Northern Colorado, Michigan and Kentucky in town, and (assuming OSU makes it out of the regionals) will host the following weekend since they earned

SELECT THURSDAYS IN MAY

a top-eight seed. That following weekend, assuming OSU wins its regional round, it would host the winner of the Fayetteville Regional, which includes Arkansas, Southeast Missouri State, Villanova and Arizona.

After OSU’s 7-2 loss to BYU in the quarterfinals of the Big 12 Softball Tournament in Oklahoma City, coach Kenny Gajewski made his thoughts clear: he believed his team should be in the top eight. Sometimes you get what you wish for.

“At the end of the day, we’re a topeight seed,” Gajewski said. “I mean, that’s what it is. We’re a top-five seed, I think that. I wouldn’t be shocked if we’re not… If (the loss to BYU) knocks us out, we’ve earned that, and we’ll take it. But I don’t think it does. I think we’re pretty firm.”

Gajewski has a fair case, as the Cowgirls’ resume is highlighted by series victories over one-seeded Texas and two-seeded Oklahoma, along with wins against high-caliber UCLA,

NCAA Softball Tournament schedule:

Regionals (in Stillwater): May 17-19

Super regionals (in Stillwater): May 23-25 or 24-26

Women’s College World Series (in OKC): May 30-June 6/7

Florida and Washington teams. Now, as his program hopes to compete in its fifth-straight Women’s College World Series, the first two rounds will be at Cowgirl Stadium, a place where the Cowgirls are 19-1 this season. The last time they didn’t host two rounds was in spring 2019, so this is comfortable territory for Gajewski and Co.

sports.ed@ocolly.com

Bryson Thadhani

Bice...

Continued from page 1

Bice’s father insisted she attend college to open doors of opportunity. Likewise, Bice knew her ultimate goal was to receive a college degree, so she enrolled at OSU. At the end of her sophomore year, Bice was told her father couldn’t pay for college anymore, prompting her to ask, “Why not?”

Determined to finish what she started, Bice returned to OSU for her junior year.

“I marched myself into the financial aid office, and I applied for student loans,” Bice said. “Then, I headed to the Student Union to look at job boards to try to figure out what I was qualified for. My junior and senior years here were challenging. I worked 20 hours a week, took 15 to 18 hours a semester to try to finish in four years. But I look back and realize that it took perseverance to make it happen.”

Bice began her public service career in 2014 when she was elected to the Oklahoma State Senate.

Prior to that, she had never thought of running for public office, but when she saw Oklahoma ranked No. 49 in the number of female legislators, Bice knew that statistic had to change.

So, one afternoon when she picked up her daughters from school, Bice told them she was considering running for office and that it would require months of campaigning and possibly being gone some nights.

“My smart, thoughtful and somewhat reserved 12-year-old daughter looked over at me from the passenger seat and said one simple question, ‘Why not?’ I was proud that my daughter thought nothing of the fact that I was putting myself out there and taking a huge leap of faith for something I’d never really thought about doing,” Bice said. “So, I put my name on the ballot, and I won a runoff election in 2014 to represent Senate District 22.”

For a third time, those same words — “Why not?”— popped in her head when she was asked to run for Congress. In 2020, she was elected to represent Oklahoma’s 5th Congressional District.

“The point I really want you to take away is that life can be difficult, but don’t shy away from those ‘Why not?’ moments,” Bice said. “Once you leave these halls, the world can seem challenging. Every day, we face adversity,

Monday - Wednesday: 10:00am - 10:00pm Thursday - Saturday: 10:00am - 11:00pm

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apprehension, uncertainty. Whether it’s changing careers, relocating to a new city, accepting your first full-time job, professional career decisions can be daunting, but those decisions are not permanent.

“Take the leap of faith. Don’t be afraid to go after something even if you aren’t sure it’ll work out. You never know where the road will lead to next. Don’t box yourself in, instead think about this. Sometimes, the answer to

your question is as small and easy as two small words and one simple question. Why not?”

OSU News

Rep. Bice is returning to her alma mater for OSU’s spring commencement.

Media, voter fatigue hitting home

Kennedy Thomason Editor-in-Chief

Column

There are 175 days until the presidential election.

Yet, it feels as if it is much longer until voters will have to stand in line to cast their ballots.

Election coverage has topped front pages for months, falling second only to breaking news and coverage of the war in Gaza. For voters who were already apprehensive about the candidates, the constant headlines have become common.

Recently, former President Donald Trump’s trial in New York has voters captivated. As week five of the trial begins, onlookers are following as new witnesses are brought to the stand, from Stormy Daniels to Trump’s former lawyer Michael Cohen.

President Joe Biden has continued to try to highlight the positive accomplishments during his term amidst facing backlash from the U.S.’s stance on the war in Gaza.

Students of universities across the country have held pro-Palestinian protests, drawing more media attention to the war. In some instances,

the protests have resulted in police force and arrests, seen on Columbia University’s campus and George Washington University in Washington, D.C. A pro-Palestinian protest held on OSU’s campus two weeks ago did not engage police force, but did captivate many onlookers.

The media has highlighted negatives from both presidential candidates, continuing a negative trend of coverage. For some voters, this narrative has become exhausting.

As a college student, I can tell you lots of my peers get their news from social media, allowing it to concisely deliver snippets of information between posts from friends. It’s part of the fatigue younger voters are facing. No one wants to spend time reading the news because it ends with the same negative outcome. It’s unfortunate, but the media is unlikely to change its cycle of news before the election. Voters are stuck with similar coverage, and it has left voters unenthused.

COPPER CREEK

‘Star Wars: Tales of the Empire’ explores revenge, redemption

Hayden Alexander Staff Reporter

Review

Note: This article contains spoilers.

“Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi” streamed on Disney+ last year on May 4, also known as “Star Wars Day,” with six episodes following Count Dooku’s (Corey Burton) fall to the dark side and revealing moments of Ahsoka Tano’s (Ashley Ekstien, animated) childhood to her eventual role in the Rebellion.

One year later, “Star Wars: Tales of the Empire” follows the same story structure but focuses on more villainous stories. This time, the two characters in the spotlight are Morgan Elsbeth (Diana Lee Inosanto) and Barris Offee (Meredith Salenger).

Elsbeth is Grand Admiral Thrawn’s (Lars Mikkelsen) right-hand woman and foe to Tano (Rosario Dawson, live-action). Barris Offee is a former Jedi who turned against the Jedi. She betrayed Ahsoka, framing her and subsequently causing Ahsoka’s departure from the Jedi Order.

“Star Wars: Tales of the Empire” proves that though the live-action shows might not be hitting the mark for fans, the animated content is only improving.

I praise director Dave Filoni, but he has a direction and focus regarding “Star Wars.” His stories are impactful and emotional and add to the galaxy far, far away.

The two stories start similarly and diverge as each character chooses their path. We learn more about the Empire’s mindset and what a thirst for power can bring. Both women can change their fate, and their decisions shape their futures.

Of the two stories, there is a clear winner in storytelling, not that they are competing. While Elsbeth’s rise to power is interesting, I think her lack of long-term status within the established canon hurts her.

She is new, so fans are less invested in her story. However, they should pay attention to it. Her three-episode arc starts with a young Elsbeth escaping

the clutches of General Grievous and his droids. After witnessing the death of her mother, Elsbeth seeks revenge, ultimately leading to the death of her rescuers and setting her down a path of darkness.

If there is an award for honorary Sith, she wins. Grand Admiral Thrawn recruits Elsbeth, and her arc ends on Corvus, where she will later battle the Mandalorian and Tano.

Offee’s arc is pure “Star Wars.” It encompasses the classic struggle of dark and light and redemption. The former Jedi fallen from grace finds herself and the light, leaving behind the Sith and Jedi.

Offee finds herself a member of the Inquisitors, a sect of Sith that serves Darth Vader and hunts down Jedi. On a mission, she witnesses the Empire’s brutality as the Fourth Sister, formerly Lyn Rakish (Rya Kihlstedt), slaughters villagers. She saves a Jedi and disappears.

Offee’s story mirrors Tano’s, her former best friend, as they leave the order but allow the force alone to become their ally. The ending is poetic, and so is Offee’s story. In the final episode, years after she left the Empire, Offee is a healer. When a family seeks her out, she helps them and their force-sensitive child escape into the distant caves as the Fourth Sister approaches.

A battle between Offee and the Fourth Sister ensues. Offee shows her mastery of the force, avoiding Rakish’s blows without raising her weapon. Offee warns Rakish not to follow the escaping family through the cave system. Raksih refuses to listen, getting lost in the never-ending tunnels.

Offee goes to show her the way out, figuratively and literally. Rakish accidentally strikes Offee, and in her final moments, Offee tells Rakish that she can leave the Empire. She dies in Rakish’s arms, finding her peace and leading Rakish to hers. Rakish carries Offee out of the cave, leaving her saber behind.

I did not expect Offee’s story to move me, but I couldn’t help it. Her redemption and death is a common theme in “Star Wars.” She, like many, finds the light and trusts the force falling gracefully into peace.

It’s a fitting end and some welldeserved closure to Offee’s arc.

The episodes themselves expose a few things. First, I often forget that

many of these characters are children.

Elsbeth witnessed the genocide of her people and Offee, a war that ravaged the galaxy. This is one of the darker undertones of “Star Wars” and applies to multiple characters.

Second, animation is growing as an art form. There is a shot in episode four of Vader that looks almost real. Thankfully, because of films like “Spiderman: Across the Spiderverse” animation is gaining critical acclaim.

Third, there is a potential to go darker. There are some cruel moments of violence within these episodes. For the first time, I can remember characters drawing blood and experiencing searing burns from lightsabers and explosives.

These acts are a window into what could happen if “Star Wars” is al-

toe the line of the edge of darkness. I don’t think it will happen because they are balancing older and younger fans, but it could open the door for actors like Hayden Christensen to reprise his role as Darth Vader, something he has voiced interest in.

This show is a great representation of how loss can affect people, with the two competing ideas of revenge and acceptance. Both stories are powerful in their own right.

Overall, these short anthologies are working, and I’d like to see them continue. They offer character development and a stage for stories that might not get told otherwise.

Courtesy of Creative Commons

“Star Wars: Tales of the Empire” shows character development from unexpected players.

Classifieds

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The best selection of beer, wine and liquor that Stillwater has to offer! Perfect for all your game day needs, come to Brown’s Bottle Shop located on 128 N. Main

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FOR RELEASE MAY 15,

Los Angeles Times Daily Crossword Puzzle

Edited by Patti Varol

Cowboy Calendar

Wednesday, May 15

Kids’ Night @ 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.

Location: Louie’s Grill & Bar

https://www.facebook.com/LouiesStillwater

Live Trivia Night @ 7 - 9 p.m.

Location: Iron Monk Brewing Company

https://www.ironmonkbeer.com

Louie’s Bingo Night @ 8 p.m.

Location: Louie’s Grill & Bar

https://www.facebook.com/LouiesStillwater

Wednesday Bingo Night @ 9:30 a.m.

Location: The Union Beverage Co.

https://linktr.ee/theunionstilly

Singo Wednesdays @ 7 - 9:30 p.m.

Location: Em Curators of Craft

https://curatorsofcraft.co/pages/weekly-events

Open Mic Night 2024 Competition @ 7 - 9 p.m.

Location: Bad Brad’s Bar-B-Q https://badbrads.com

Stillwater Summer Farmers Market @ 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.

https://www.stillwaterfarmersmarket.com/

Beginning acrylic painting w/ Mark Crow: 4 week course @ 6 p.m.

Location: Prairie Arts Center

Admission: $70

https://artscenter.okstate.edu/adult-classes/drawing-and-painting/1326-beginning-acrylic-paintingwith-mark-crow-wednesdays1

OSU Career Services 10th Annual Employer Workshop @ 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Location: OSU Student Union

Admission: $150 Registration fee, includes parking, breakfast, hot buffet lunch, refreshments & programming Special Olympics Summer Games @ 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

https://www.sook.org/resources/calendar/

Thursday, May 16

Kids’ Night @ 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.

Location: Louie’s Grill & Bar

https://www.facebook.com/LouiesStillwater Kids Night @ 5 - 9 p.m.

Location: Eskimo Joe’s

Admission: $1 w/ Buffy meals

KiKi’s Karaoke @ 7 - 9 p.m.

Location: EM Curators of Craft

https://curatorsofcraft.co/pages/weekly-events College Night @ 8 p.m

Location: Tumbleweed DanceHall & Concert Arena

Admission: $8.00 Cover Charge and free entry for 21+ https://www.calffry.com

Prefix with -syncrasy

“Not so fast”

By Rena Cohen

with good taste, hopefully

Party game also known as “Werewolf”

Icy moon of Jupiter

Swiftie or Belieber

Feline friend

Unusual instrument in the “1812 Overture”

College tour giveaways

On a ferry, perhaps

Daily Horoscope

Nancy Black Tribune Content Agency

Linda Black Horoscopes

Today’s Birthday (05/15/24). Win personal victories this year. Realize bold visions in collaboration. Include backups and options into summer plans, before delightful autumn social collaborations flower. Slow to navigate physical challenges this winter, before springtime romantic and family connections. Stay true to your word, values and self.

To get the advantage, check the day’s rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the most challenging.

Aries (March 21-April 19) — Today is an 8 — Enjoy a financially savvy phase over the next three weeks, with Mercury in Taurus. Profitable ideas arise in conversation. Steadily build and grow.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Today is a 9 — Express yourself. You’re especially practical and clever, with Mercury in your sign for three weeks. Talk about your ideas. Your creativity seems boundless.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Today is a 7 — Listen to your inner voice, with Mercury in Taurus. Notice dreams, visions and crazy ideas. Write, organize and plan. Consider form and structure. Express gratitude.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Today is an 8 — Foster teamwork. Communication and collaboration come naturally, with Mercury in Taurus. Connect with friends. Hold meetings, parties and gatherings. Amazing possibilities spark in conversation.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Today is a 9 — Discuss professional opportunities with collaborators. Connect, strategize and coordinate, with Mercury in Taurus for three weeks. Talk about what you want to achieve.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Today is an 8 — Indulge an obsession with a fascinating subject, with Mercury in Taurus. Develop long-distance connections over three weeks. Make travel plans. Write your discoveries.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — Today is a 9 — Discuss financial priorities. Communication gets profitable over three weeks, with Mercury in Taurus. Plug financial leaks. Manage accounts for growth. Save for something exciting.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — Today is an 8 — Compromise and pull together. Communication with your partner flows easily, with Mercury in Taurus. Support each other. Listen, discuss and share. Generate teamwork.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — Today is an 8 — Coordinate for maximum physical performance. Learn from experts, doctors and coaches, with Mercury in Taurus. Discuss treatments and techniques. Build strength and endurance. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Today is a 7 — Investigate new possibilities. Have fun with someone charming. Exchange witty banter. Creative expression flowers, with Mercury in Taurus for three weeks. Share your heart. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) — Today is a 9 — Communication starts at home. Over the next three weeks, with Mercury in Taurus, discuss domestic possibilities. Resolve a family matter. Share support and ideas.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Today is a 9 — Collaborate. Creative communication projects flower, with Mercury in Taurus. Concentration and focus come easier for three weeks. Write your story. Share the news.

Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit, 1 to 9. For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, visit sudoku.org.uk