The O'Colly, Monday, July 24, 2023

Monday, July 24, 2023

Biden set to establish monument for civil rights icon Emmett Till

Akayla Gardner Bloomberg News

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden will fulfill a years-long effort by conservationists to establish a national monument to preserve landmarks tied to the killing of Emmett Till, a catalyst for the civil-rights movement.

Biden will sign a proclamation Tuesday to create a memorial in honor of Till and his mother, Mamie Till-Mobley, in Illinois and Mississippi. The signing will fall on the day that would have been Till’s 82nd birthday, a White House official said.

Till was lynched in Mississippi in 1955 when he was 14 years old. Photos of his deformed face were immortalized in Jet magazine after Till-Mobley insisted on having an open casket at his funeral, drawing national attention to racial violence.

The Biden campaign and the White House have blasted efforts in some states to suppress teachings about slavery and Black history in public school classrooms. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a leading candidate in the GOP presidential primary, has defended new state curriculum regulating lessons on race, which has drawn outrage from educators and civil-rights leaders.

“They want to replace history with lies,” Vice President Kamala Harris said Friday in Florida.

“Let’s be clear, I do believe this is not only about the state of Florida. There’s a national agenda.”

Black voters are a key constituency for Biden as he seeks reelection in 2024. The president will need to reenergize the bloc in places like Georgia, where he won by narrow margins in 2020.

Earlier this year, members of the Till family joined civil-rights leaders for a screening of the movie Till at the White House during Black History Month. Biden signed legislation last year to officially designate lynching as a federal hate crime, legislation Till’s family has advocated for years.

See Biden on page 6

Braden Bush Sport Editor

As OSU coach Mike Gundy says he wants to get back to focusing on the running game more, new rules in college football give more game-control advantages to rushing the football.

In April, the NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel approved a rule change that will allow the clock to run after first downs in all divisions except Division III. This is a rule that the NFL has already adopted.

At Big 12 Media Days, Gundy said many of his earlier teams put more emphasis on the run and often utilized three backs, and he added that he plans to transition back to more rushing. With the new rules, a viable rushing attack paired with fewer stoppages can lead to even better clock

control.

“Now if teams have the ability to rush the ball with a clock that continues to move on first downs, very similar to what you see in the NFL, the game is going to expire much quicker and it’ll be considerably different to what it’s been in the past,” Gundy said.

The clock will continue to stop inside the final two minutes of each half, as it has in years past, which lengthens the final minutes and allows room for a late comeback.

“That’s important,” Steve Shaw, NCAA secretary ruleseditor and officials coordinator, told ESPN, “because the beauty of the difference in our game, and it allows a team late in the game, even without timeouts, to have a chance to advance the ball and come back and that sort of thing. So we’re still going to stop it in the last two minutes.”

See Gundy on page 4

Saul Steinberg exhibit coming to OSU’s Museum of Art

Lauren King Staff Reporter

Oklahoma State University’s Museum of Art will display Romanian modernist artist Saul Steinberg through the exhibit “Line of Thought: The Work of Saul Steinberg,” featured from July 25 to Sept. 30.

Steinberg was best known for his illustration contributions to The New Yorker over a span of nearly six decades. Steinberg was skilled in areas such as sketching, painting, print, collages and sculptures.

“His drawings combine humor, satire and social commentary, resulting in designs

which are both aesthetically pleasing and intellectually engaging,” said curator Christina Elliott.

Steinberg’s life is unlike many others; his artistic journey is unique in that he suffered the weight of many foreign political and economic tensions during his lifetime.

Steinberg was born in Romania to a Russian Jewish family. It was there that he experienced antisemitism during the 1920s, which he remembered with much bitterness for the rest of his life.

Seeking refuge, Steinberg eventually moved to Milan in 1933 where he studied architecture at the University of Milan. During his

time at the university, Steinberg contributed to the Italian newspaper Bertoldo, which presented his humorous cartoons.

Seeking a way out of Italy, Steinberg began sending his illustrations to periodicals in the United States. Steinberg’s work appeared in four different popular periodicals due to the help of an illustrator’s agent in New York who was a close friend.

In 1943, Steinberg joined the U.S. Naval Reserve and became a U.S. citizen. During this time, Steinberg traveled to China, India, North Africa and Italy illustrating war propaganda for The New Yorker – a collaboration he would maintain throughout his career.

Saul Steinberg, Untitled, 1975

Steinberg was best known for his illustration contributions to The New Yorker over a span of nearly six decades

Gundy says game clock rule change will ‘be a big factor in games’

Tracking OSU baseball’s roster movement

After another run to the NCAA Regional Tournament, OSU is retooling its roster to make another run to the postseason in 2024.

The 2023 Cowboys baseball team finished 41-20 with a postseason exit in the Stillwater Regional for the second consecutive year. Since, there’s been lots of movement on the roster. Here’s a look at who the Cowboys have lost and gained this summer.

Transferred in

Sam Garcia, LHP, High Point

Garcia made eight starts in 18 appearances in 2023 and was second on the team in strikeouts with 49. He pitched 44 innings and posted a 7.57 ERA on the year. As a sophomore in 2022, Garcia made eight starts in 16 appearances and joined the weekend rotation by late March. Across 60 1/3 innings, he led the team with a 1.94 ERA, which ranked second in the Big South Conference and earned him first-team conference accolades. Garcia threw 58 strikeouts against only 13 walks, which was the lowest in the conference, and tied an HPU record with 13 strikeouts in a game.

Robert Cranz, RHP, Wichita State

Wichita State righty

Robert Cranz, a junior with two seasons of eligibility remaining. He became a reliable bullpen option for the Shockers this season, making 19 appearances with a 3.98 ERA. He threw 53 strikeouts, fourthbest on the team, in just 31 2/3 innings.

Cranz pitched against the Cowboys three times while at Wichita State, including twice in 2023. In those two appearances, Cranz allowed two runs in 1 2/3 innings.

Bryson Hughes, RHP, McNeese State

Bryson Hudgens, a righthanded pitcher from McNeese State. Hudgens underwent Tommy John surgery in 2022 and missed the remainder of that season and didn’t make his first appearance until April 2023. He pitched 16 innings in five games with a 2.81 ERA.

Hudgens had a career 3.21 ERA with 14 starts, 19 appearances and 67 1/3 innings pitched in three seasons with McNeese State.

Lane Forsythe, IF, Mississippi State

This transfer gives OSU some national championshiplevel experience. Forsythe spent the last three seasons with the Bulldogs, where he has been the starting shortstop, including their 2021 national championship season. That year, he was also named to the College World Series All-Tournament Team. He only batted

.248 with two home runs and 14 RBI this season, but his defense is what stands out. That could be helpful for the Cowboys, who lost shortstop Marcus Brown and second baseman Roc Riggio to the MLB Draft. Aaron Weber, RHP, Oklahoma Here’s another interBedlam pitching transfer. Kale Davis left OSU for OU after last season, and Ben Abram said goodbye to the Sooners and joined the Cowboys. This time, it’s Weber, a righty from Edmond. Weber a year

Departures

at Cowley College before transferring to OU last season, where he pitched 18 innings in 19 appearances and showed moments of promise. He gave up 22 strikeouts and 13 walks, finishing with a 9.50 ERA, but he recorded a team-high seven saves. Ethan Bosacker, RHP, Xavier Bosacker was drafted by the Kansas City Royals in the 13th round of the MLB Draft, so the Cowboys are likely to miss out on a potential starting pitcher. Bosacker is a big pick-up

Juaron Watts-Brown, RHP: Third Round, Toronto Blue Jays

Nolan McLean, OF/RHP: Third Round, New York Mets

Roc Riggio, 2B: Fourth Round, New York Yankees

Marcus Brown, SS: Fifth Round, Washington Nationals

Brian Hendry, RHP: 10th Round New York Yankees

Chase Adkison, C: UDFA, St. Louis Cardinals

Bayden Root, RHP: UDFA, Milwaukee Brewers

David Mendham, 1B: Exhausted eligibility

Ben Abram, RHP: Exhausted eligibility

for the Cowboys, who could become an ace right away. The 6-2, 210-pound righty was the Friday starter for the Musketeers this season, and he went 8-3 on the year. He pitched two complete games this season, including a 104-pitch shutout against Eastern Illinois in the NCAA Regional Tournament. Bosacker started all 16 games he appeared in and threw 101 strikeouts across 98 innings, compared to just 29 walks. After missing the 2022 season with an injury, he posted a 3.49 ERA this year.

sports.ed@ocolly.com

Transferred out

Michael Benzor, LHP

Luke Fernandez, RHP

Brant Hogue, LHP

Kade Shatwell, RHP

Manning West, RHP

Brennan Holt, IF/OF

Courtesy of Chase Davis

OSU second baseman Roc Riggio was drafted in the fourth round of the MLB Draft.

Braden Bush

Sports Editor

Iowa State leans on defense as it begins climb back to top of Big 12

Calif Poncy Staff Reporter

Over the next few weeks, The O’Colly sports staff will release its Big 12 preseason rankings in the form of team previews. This time, it’s the Iowa State Cyclones, which our writers picked to finish 12th.

After enjoying one of the most successful stretches in program history, the Iowa State Cyclones took a step back last season.

The losses of players such as quarterback Brock Purdy and running back Breece Hall proved costly for the Cyclones, who posted a 4-8 record despite boasting one of the best defenses in the Big 12. Still, ISU was competitive in almost every game, with six of its eight losses coming by seven points or less.

Looking to 2023-24, the Cyclones could be plagued by many of the same issues on offense, but there are reasons for optimism.

2022-23 leading rusher Jihrel

Brock returns to the top of the offensive pecking order as he looks to build upon what was shaping up to be a solid season before he suffered an ankle injury against Kansas in Week 5.

ISU also made a move to improve itself in the trenches, bringing in Ryan Clanton as its new offensive line coach. Clanton is experienced in the state of Iowa, spending the past five seasons as the offensive coordinator and offensive line coach at Northern Iowa.

“Coach Clanton has got a great history of being a great developer,” said ISU coach Matt Campbell. “I think you look at his own collegiate career and his growth process and the success he had as a player to certainly what he’s been able to do at Northern Iowa and the success that he’s had at developing great offensive lines and great offensive linemen.”

The Cyclones are hopeful Clanton will improve a unit that struggled in both run and pass protection last season, leading to a Cyclone offense that was ranked 122nd

in yards per rush and 105th in yards per pass.

Hunter Dekkers returns at quarterback after showing flashes of promise last year. He completed 66% of his passes and contributed 3,044 yards and 19 touchdowns, while throwing 14 interceptions in 12 starts.

Dekkers has plenty of arm talent, and with improved offensive line play, he could take a significant jump. The rest of the quarterback room consists of inexperienced Rocco Brecht and true freshman JJ Kohl. On defense, the Cyclones lost their all-time sack leader in edge rusher/linebacker Will McDonald IV and a staple of its defensive backfield in Anthony Johnson. TJ Tampa is one of the Big 12’s elite defensive players and should fill in nicely for Johnson as ISU’s defensive leader in the cornerback room. O’Rien Vance, 24, also returns, and after being third on the team in tackles last season, the veteran is expected to take another step forward this season.

Much like last year, Iowa State

could rely heavily on its defense.

“We’re going to have to win in the margins,” Campbell said. “When we’re playing at our best, our detail and precision is as good as anybody in college football, and that’s what it’s going to take for us to have great success.”

In a Big 12 that has looked different each year and is full of parity, the Cyclones’ high-level defense gives them a calling card. The importance of a reliable unit can’t be overstated in a conference that is filled with question marks after portal movement and the addition of four new teams.

“Our ability to have success at Iowa State is probably different than a lot of places. We’ve got to go up the rough side of the mountain,” Campbell said. “There’s no easy fix, and we’ve got to win as a team. We’re not going to have just human erasers just running all over the film. Our team has to play together to win football games.”

sports.ed@ocolly.com

Chase Davis

Gundy...

Continued from page 1

Leading up to the final minutes, though, game times will be shortened by the new rule. Shaw told

ESPN that the rule change will shorten the game, on overage, by seven or eight minutes and cut out about eight plays a game.

“It’ll be a big factor in the games in my opinion,” Gundy said. “I think we’ll see teams that had leads with six to seven minutes in college football over the last 15 years or so, meant zero, unprotected.”

Two other rule changes were made in February, also to reduce stoppages and speed up the game.

Teams can no longer call consecutive timeouts –goodbye, icing kickers multiple times before an attempt – and penalties at the end of the first and third quarters will be enforced the following quarter. This means the first and third quarters will no longer be extended for an untimed down after a penalty. “So, it’s a minimal change, and I think a good change directionally for the game,” Shaw said. sports.ed@ocolly.com

Mackenzie Janish

16th annual Enid Community Challenge

Blood Drive asks for blood donations

calories.

be held at Stride Bank Center from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday.

Jul. 22—One blood donation can save three lives.

Cancer patients, newborns and trauma victims across the country require life saving blood transfusions every day.

But Oklahoma is struggling to fill the demand of 1,200 daily blood donations.

A local opportunity to give to the cause is approaching. The 16th Annual Enid Community Challenge Blood Drive, sponsored by Our Blood Institute (OBI) will

Monday - Wednesday: 10:00am - 10:00pm

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

128 N Main St. Stillwater, OK 74075

The blood drive challenges local civic organizations to compete for the most blood donations.

Junior Welfare League, Enid AM Too AMBUCS, Enid Noon AMBUCS, Enid AM AMBUCS and North Enid Lions Club are participating in the challenge. The event’s goal is for 100 people to sign in and for 80 people to donate. Those 80 donations can aid 240 patients.

Oklahoma is currently on red alert, meaning the blood types in highest demand are in low supply.

“We are under, I’d say, the day supply is four days right now,” Jillian Tebow, of OBI, said. “When we go into red alert we like to have like a four -to five-day supply constantly. So, we’re under a four-day supply.”

O negative and O positive are the two most common blood types, placing them at the top of the demand list for donations.

Anyone under the age of 18 must weigh 125 pounds to donate blood, and those over 18 must weigh at least 110 pounds. Tebow recommended those who plan on donating eat a full meal before donation, as donating costs each person 650

Food trucks will be on site and each donator will receive a free voucher for Chick-fil-A.

Tebow described the process of giving blood as simple. The process begins with a screening of one’s blood, which ensures a patient is healthy enough to donate blood. The screening takes approximately 25 minutes, and phlebotomy takes no more than 15 minutes.

The average adult has 10 pints of blood, and one pint of blood is usually taken during a donation.

Appointments, which are recommended but not

required, can be made through Monday by midnight by calling OBI at (877) 3408777, scanning the QR code attached in the flier or by going to https://www.obi.org/ and clicking on “Donate” in the upper righthand corner for an event search by ZIP code. Walk-ins are welcome.

Each donor will receive a vintage Life is Better T-shirt and their choice of free entry to Science Museum Oklahoma, Frontier City or Hurricane Harbor. The top three civic organizations will receive cash prizes.

File Photo

Bella Casey Enid News & Eagle, Okla.

sports

Exhibit...

Continued from page 1

His first major solo show in 1952 kickstarted a lifetime of success. Steinberg exhibited his work in over 80 solo shows in galleries and museums across the U.S., Europe and South America.

In this most recent exhibition, selections were pulled from a generous gift of Steinberg’s artwork given by the Saul Steinberg Foundation to the museum in 2021. The donation includes drawings, textiles, wallpaper samples, paintings and prints.

“Steinberg’s lines depict forms that look effortless but show clever deliberation,” Elliott said. “He’s playful but tactical, which allows him to explore serious themes with humor and visual intrigue.”

“Line of Thought: The Work of Saul Steinberg” delves into Steinberg’s long-lived career, imaginative artistic talents and sense of humor. news.ed@ocolly.com

Biden...

Continued from page 1

The Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument will be the fourth monument greenlighted under the Biden administration, according to the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

The monument spans three locations including the Roberts Temple Church of God in Christ in Chicago, where Till’s funeral was held. It also includes the Mississippi site where his body was believed to have been discovered from the Tallahatchie River and the courthouse where his murderers were acquitted by an all-White jury. news.ed@ocolly.com

Saul Steinburg, View of the World from 9th Avenue, 1976 See Steinburg’s art featured at OSU’s Museum of Art from July 25 to Sept. 30.

Courtesy of Scott Olson

A plaque marks the gravesite of Emmett Till at Burr Oak Cemetery May 4, 2005, in Aslip, Illinois. (Scott Olson/Getty Images/TNS)

Review: ‘Oppenheimer’ is Christopher Nolan’s Explosive Magnum Opus

history to its devastating consequences. “Oppenheimer” easily could have been an overstuffed and bloated film with too much to say, or tone deaf and borderline propaganda.

Picture this: it’s opening night for “Oppenheimer” and you’re finally watching the fateful scene where the bomb goes off, this has been hyped up for months! As the scene plays out, the theater is dead quiet, so silent you would have to hold your breath to not ruin the moment. Despite that silence, the energy in the air is more electric than any opening night has been since “Avengers: Endgame.” This is because today, cinematic history was made.

“Oppenheimer” is an absolute masterpiece.

Let’s be honest, a biopic about Robert J. Oppenheimer, the father of the atomic bomb, could have been a disaster. There is an impossible amount of weight towards the subject of nuclear weapons, from its complicated

Miraculously, Christopher Nolan managed to convey this story and all of its complicated details perfectly. How he did this is completely beyond me, but “Oppenheimer” manages to stick every possible landing and avoid every pitfall you can imagine. The biggest flaw here is a lengthy, yet deserved runtime. While the film is tiring in its length and density, requiring your utmost attention, there isn’t a scene out of place. Every part of the film is necessary to the greater picture.

Another fantastic win for this film is the absolutely stacked cast. Every single actor brings their A-game here. From Cillian Murphey to Robert Downey Jr, each line of dialogue is delivered perfectly. Cillian Murphey in particular knocks it out of the park

HIMALAYAN GROCERY STORE

with a delightfully nuanced portrayal of Robert J. Oppenheimer. The complexity and nuance is the real secret ingredient to “Oppenheimer’s” success. In hindsight, this is a movie only Christopher Nolan could make. The esteemed director takes everything he’s learned across his filmography and combines every ounce into something truly special. He utilizes his signature non-linear storytelling to make the plot equal parts compelling and mysterious, with a sense of dread permeating across every second of the film. His tense, tight direction is in full display here.

There is a firm understanding that the nuclear bomb and its creation was a devastating blow to mankind, while still acknowledging the wonder of witnessing its creation. Despite us all knowing how this story ends, Nolan still manages to bring a natural and tense buildup. The second half of “Oppenheimer” is a shockwave

of emotions. Oppenheimer is fully humanized while still acknowledging the consequences of his deeds. There is no bias, his portrayal is perfectly balanced. With scenes that are reenacted word for word from how they went down in real life, there is no dramatization or exaggeration. It’s an accurate, honest biopic, which is rare to come by.

With all of that to unpack, it is safe to say that “Oppenheimer” is an absolute cinematic masterpiece. With a brilliantly paced story and some of the best performances in recent memory, the only reason I couldn’t recommend this film is if a 3-hour long biopic doesn’t sound enticing to you. However, if you’re a fan of movies or history in general, “Oppenheimer” is an easy pick for movie night and solidifies Christopher Nolan in his rank as one of the greatest directors of our generation. entertainment.ed@ocolly.com

entertainment.ed@ocolly.com

Courtesy of Universal Pictures

Florence Pugh is Jean Tatlock and Cillian Murphy is J. Robert Oppenheimer in “Oppenheimer,” written, produced, and directed by Christopher Nolan. (Universal Pictures/TNS)

Michael Clark Staff Reporter

Expanding the legacy: ‘Barbie’ review

Assistant News & Lifestyle Editor

Imagine a world where women ran everything. For Barbieland, this is the reality.

Most young girls grew up playing with baby dolls and other feminine figurines, but what happens when a doll can be a doctor, a lawyer or even the president? It inspires.

On July 21, Greta Gerwig released her third solo directorial film “Barbie,” and the expectations were high from all media sources. The box office for the film’s opening weekend speaks for itself.

“Barbie” follows the stereotypical Barbie (Margot Robbie) as she begins experiencing strange behavior in Barbieland. By the advice of “weird”

Barbie (Kate McKinnon), Barbie ventures into the real world with her

companion, Ken (Ryan Gosling). Expecting things to return to normal after their separate adventures, both Barbie and Ken bring back a new way of life in Barbieland.

Every part of “Barbie” exceeded my expectations. From stunning visuals and stellar performances all around, “Barbie” will be one of the biggest films of the year, possibly this decade.

Gerwig had one of the most tasteful representations of misogyny I have seen in film. Without giving away crucial details, as I believe it would be a disservice to the audience, it displayed an accurate difference in how women view men and how men view women.

The film dove deep into Mattel’s history with all things Barbie. From the pregnant Barbie, Midge, to Ken’s buddy, Allan, there were plenty of surprises included for any fan of Barbie. Even decades worth of fashion was displayed in commercial like sequences. Gerwig and other crew

members truly thought of everything when cultivating their practically perfect film.

Michael Cera (Allan) is one of the main pinnacles of humor; his role was important in the instance of helping the Barbies get away from patriarchal brainwashing and comedic relief. Mattel employee and mother, Gloria (America Ferrera) was able to articulate the women’s experience and portray someone who was inspired by the beauty of Barbie. Will Ferrel, who portrayed the Mattel CEO, brought an eccentric look into a villainous corporate figure.

Although certain monologues felt service level of what women have to go through on a daily basis, it still hit where it needed to. It was surprisingly thought-provoking, and considering the amount of promotion and work the crew has put into this, the female-fueled film is well deserving of its success.

“Barbie” had a production budget of 145 million USD. In America, the

box office made 155 million on its opening weekend. Other countries accumulated 182 million for a global total of 337 million. Gerwig claimed the largest opening weekend of 2023, and the biggest debut for a female director, which feels fitting for the theme behind the film.

Gerwig’s “Barbie” also surpassed Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer,” which was released on the same day and also had an extravagant amount of media attention.

The film only expands Barbie’s legacy; for years to come it will continue to inspire women, and hopefully men, everywhere. One of the biggest things I have taken away from the almost two-hour-long ode to womanhood is that having emotions on top of logistics does not limit powers; it expands them.

This stands tall because Barbie can be anything. Women can be anything.

Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

Margot Robbie stars in “Barbie.” (Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures/TNS)

Jaycee Hampton

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Daily Horoscope

Nancy Black

Tribune Content Agency

Linda Black Horoscopes

Today’s Birthday (07/24/23). This year favors rising professional status and influence. Financial growth comes with disciplined collaboration. Adjust with summer changes at home, before autumn creativity, communications and connections spark exciting professional opportunities. Resolve story challenges next spring, before fun and fascinating research revelations. Your career flowers.

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 — Improvements in communication could energize your intentions. Invent possibilities and inspiration. Collaborate on something fun. Partnership elevates you both.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Today is an 8 — Get your heart pumping. Demand for your work is high. What you’re learning energizes you. Discuss tricks, techniques and logistics. Find hidden efficiencies.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Today is an 8 — Relax and enjoy familiar company. Get creative with diversions, artistry and passions. Beauty inspires your spirit. Heed wisdom from youth. Play and have fun.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Today is an 8 — Family holds your attention. Provide open ears, eyes and heart. Adapt your spaces to nurture mind, body and spirit. Get creative with color and flavor.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Today is a 9 — Immerse yourself in a writing project. You’re especially brilliant and creative. Express your heart and ideas. Apply persuasive charms for a good cause.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Today is a 9 — Find a lucrative market niche. Extra profits are available. Energize your lucrative actions. Haul in an abundant harvest with help from your team.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — Today is a 9 — Accomplish personal goals, step by step. Your passion grows as you practice. Keep fulfilling your word. Make promises that challenge you to grow.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — Today is a 6 — Keep a low profile. Peaceful privacy leads to productivity. Consider current circumstances from a higher perspective. Imaginative ideas inspire plans. Write your thoughts.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — Today is an 8 — Connect with friends. There’s plenty to catch up on. Listening is your superpower. Help propel a community effort for powerful benefit. Enthusiasm is contagious.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Today is an 8 — Imagine exciting career possibilities. Put your creativity, talents and passion to work. Discuss opportunities with trusted allies and advisors. A project has lucrative potential.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) — Today is an 8 — Imagine a dreamy adventure. Discover hidden beauty, either in your own backyard or far away. Make a delightful long-distance connection. Reach out and touch someone.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Today is a 9 — Keep communication channels open. Collaborate with your partner to generate resources. A coordinated push now can gain valuable momentum. Contribute to grow family finances.

ACROSS

1 Double-deckers in checkers

6 RPM gauge

10 Brand name on some blue jeans

13 Be very fond of

14 Bit of fish tank gunk

15 “I hope you saved __ for dessert!”

17 Any “Breaking Bad”

Edited by Patti Varol and Joyce Lewis

By MaryEllen Uthlaut

Solution to Saturday’s puzzle

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