The O'Colly, Wednesday, March 20, 2024

Wednesday, March 20, 2024

A beginner’s guide to hiking

With the outdoors to explore, it can be daunting to take the first step.

There’s the location, weather, travel buddies and time constraints to worry about. Not to mention nature can be unpredictable.

For the newbies, here’s five tips to prepare you for your first trip.

1. Do your research

Before picking your destination, be sure to check what other hikers have to say about the location. Account for safety, car access and how strenuous the trails are.

AllTrails, a hiking trails and equipment website, has information and reviews from many hikers on different locations across the country. Using it or a Google search can help you narrow down your hiking options.

2. Prepare mentally and physically Hiking can take a toll on anyone, especially someone new to it.

In the weeks leading up to your trip, participating in aerobic exercise can help prepare your body and mind for the trails you are planning to take on.

Depending on your location, train for hills or extreme temperatures. Get yourself outside and in the elements before you experience it for the first time.

Investigating the tipping game tussle

The restaurant industry hasn’t seen many large-scale innovations in the last few decades, but one Oklahoma State University researcher is hoping that focusing on a few key areas could change that fact in the coming years.

Dr. Cortney Norris, an assistant professor in the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, is focusing on the highly debated culture of tipping in the restaurant industry. She hopes that investigating the tipping process from multiple perspectives will lead to a better understanding and new innovations to an antiquated system.

“By and large, the research into tipping has been focused on the customer’s point of view,” Norris said. “However, I’m hoping that by applying game theory to the tipping interaction, we can better understand all sides of the exchange, and develop new strategies that propose innovations that take all sides into consideration.”

Game theory is the branch of mathematics concerned with the analysis of strategies for dealing with competitive situations where the outcome of a participant’s choice of action depends critically on the actions of other participants. Game theory has been applied to contexts in war, business and biology.

In her research article, “Is tipping just a game? Applying game

theory to restaurant tipping behavior” published in the International Journal of Hospitality Management, Norris and her co-authors D. Christopher Taylor, Scott Taylor Jr. and Michael Snipes explain that even recent studies on the tipping exchange tend to favor the customer perspective and struggle to address input from the service side of the interaction. As a former bartender and hospitality worker, Norris believes that true change can only happen when all sides are considered and the interaction between those parties plays a role in determining the actions of the other party.

“While most studies into this exchange account for the ‘normal factors,’ i.e. quality of care, timeliness, etc., I don’t think there has been an adequate amount of research that recognizes personality as a quantifiable variable in the equation,” Norris said. “Furthermore, while party size and regularity of customers was taken into account in published studies, we found that the definition of those variables has changed when investigating the service side of the exchange. Regular customers were someone that came in three to four times a month, as opposed to four to five times a year. Also, party size did play a factor in the tip size, however we found that servers didn’t see it as more or less work, but a different set of duties, more task oriented as opposed to relationship oriented.”

Courtesy of Creative Commons

Before you embark on your first hiking excursion, use these five tips for a successful trip. See Hiking on

Courtesy of OSU News

From

Kennedy

OSU rides hot streak, defeats Illinois 4-2

Baylor Bryant Staff Reporter

OSU defeated No. 11 Illinois 4-2 on Saturday after entering Big 12 play on a two-match win streak.

The No. 31 Cowboys have beaten two top-ranked opponents this season, No. 5 USC and No. 11 Illinois. With Big 12 play on the horizon, coach Dustin Taylor said that the Cowboys’ ranked matches prove they’re right there with the best in the country.

“You just want to continue to put yourself in positions to win,” Taylor said. “And there hasn’t been a match this year where we haven’t felt like there was a position at some point that we could win or that we could flip it.”

In doubles, the Fighting Illini swept the Cowboys. On Court 3, the Fighting Illini take down Francisco Pini and Goran Zgola, 6-0. On Court 2, the Fighting Illini took down Isaac Becroft and Alessio Basile, 6-4, to complete the sweep.

The Cowboys have lost four consecutive doubles points. In the last couple of matches, the Cowboys have not let the doubles point define them. Becroft said Illinois played a really good doubles point.

“I think they pride themselves on having a really good doubles point, and obviously it puts you on the backfoot,” Becroft said. “Like DT said, I felt like they thought it might be an easy day out for them after the doubles, and that’s when you can really catch teams like that.”

The Cowboys did not let the Fighting Illini get momentum after doubles. In singles, the Cowboys took the advantage, winning four of the first six sets.

On Court 5, Basile was taken down, 1-6, 4-6. On Court 1, Tyler Zink got on the board first for the Cowboys, 6-3, 6-1. On Court 4, Erik Schiessl tied it up for the Cowboys, 6-4, 6-4. On Court 6, Pini brought the Cowboys within one, 6-4, 6-3.

Becroft entered a third set with Illinois’ No. 30 Karlis Ozolins, with the Cowboys up 3-2. With the match on the line, Becroft defeated Ozolins, 6-4, 6-7 (1), 6-3, to secure the top-11 win for the cowboys.

Becroft has started the season 13-0, the best record at OSU since 2014. Becroft said that their ranked wins show that the Cowboys are up there with the best teams in the country.

“Brick by brick, we’re really building confidence together as a team,” Becroft said. “It’s really special to be a part of. Obviously, we’ve got a few, I guess ranking wise slightly nicer matches coming up in BYU and Texas Tech, and the absolute most important thing is that we need to take care of business there.”

sports.ed@ocolly.com

Madison Queen

Tyler Zink got on the board first for OSU, which led to the Cowboys’ 4-2 victory over Illinois.

OSU big man Garrison enters transfer portal

Oklahoma State’s top recruit from last year’s recruiting class is entering the transfer portal.

Freshman center Brandon Garrison has put his name in the portal after the firing of coach Mike Boynton on Thursday, first reported by Travis Branham of 247 Sports. Garrison is the first OSU player to enter the portal after its opening on Monday.

When he picked the Cowboys,

Garrison was a 2023 McDonald’s AllAmerican and a five-star recruit. He played in all 32 of OSU’s games this season and averaged 7.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.47 blocks per game, which ranked fifth in the Big 12.

A 6-foot-11 athletic big, Garrison was OSU’s most talented defensive

player. He had eight games with three or more blocks. With Garrison’s exit, the Cowboys will lose a top rim protector, an area they already needed to bolster had Garrison stayed.

sports.ed@ocolly.com

Freshman Brandon Garrison is entering the transfer portal.

Parker Gerl Staff Reporter

UCF claims series over the Cowboys, defeats OSU 4-3

Daniel Allen and Dalton Arredondo Staff Reporters Notebook

Through eight innings of Saturday’s contest, Oklahoma State appeared poised to force a rubber game. Until ninth-inning pitching woes surfaced, resulting in a 4-3 win for UCF in Game 2 of the series. On the weekend, OSU’s been outscored 17-5.

With the loss, the Cowboys dropped to 11-8 overall and 0-2 in Big 12 play for the first time since the 2017 season, when the Cowboys began conference play 0-3.

Here is a notebook from O’Colly baseball writers, Daniel Allen and Dalton Arrendondo.

Davis’ uncanny outing

Sophomore righty Gabe Davis had been more than good enough for OSU. He’s been superb on the mound heading into Saturday, pitching a 1.06 ERA. His pitch command, an issue that plagued him for most of his freshman campaign last season, had yet to surface. Until Saturday.

Davis took over for starter Brian Holiday after eight innings of dominance on the mound. On the third pitch of his first at-bat, with OSU leading 3-2, UCF’s sophomore catcher launched a moonshot over the right field wall. Three walks — one being intentional for strategic purposes — loaded the bases with one out. Then, on a 0-1 count, Davis clipped Jack Zyska on a slider to score the winning run, finalizing a 4-3 walk-off win for the Knights.

Davis’ night and day play can contrast to his freshman season, one filled with growing pains and moments of maturation.

The offense redeems itself

Despite the loss, the Cowboys woke up the bats, outhitting the Knights, for five Cowboys produced hits. After a shutout first inning, left fielder Kollin Ritchie got the hitting started in the second inning with a single, and first baseman Aidan Meola hit a solo home run in the fourth to cut the score to 2-1.

During the seventh inning, Ritchie and Avery Ortiz both walked and stole bases to set pinch-hitter Colin Breuggeman for a walk to load the bases. Crull would then get on base by an error where Ritchie and Ortiz both scored to give the Cowboys a 3-2 lead late in the inning.

Jaxson Crull’s presumed clutch moment

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

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

Davis Cordova

Jaxson Crull’s RBI in the top of the seventh wasn’t enough for the Cowboys to overcome UCF, who clinched the series over OSU on Saturday.

One of the most overlooked roles in baseball is that of a quality bench piece — a role senior Jaxson Crull has played during his OSU career. He’s logged more starts than normal this season due to various injuries within the lineup and is making the most

of his opportunities. He’s delivered clutch base hits throughout the season and appears to have earned himself a spot in the lineup.

In the top of the seventh, he delivered again. With two outs and the bases loaded for OSU, trailing 2-1, Crull ground-

ed a ball in between the 5-6 gap in the infield. UCF shortstop Mikey Klusky made a backhand stop. However, instead of holding onto the ball and allowing the tying run to score, Kluska made an errant throw to second base, allowing the go-ahead run to score for the Cowboys.

Crull’s ball placement and speed likely factored into it. It didn’t end up being the winning play for the Cowboys. Still, Crull continues to show why he is a feasible replacement within the lineup until the Cowboys gain full strength.

sports.ed@ocolly.com

OSU Medicine to provide staff for McAlester Regional emergency department

Board-certified emergency medicine physicians from Oklahoma State University Medicine will now be working in the emergency department at McAlester Regional Health Center.

The staffing agreement between OSU Medicine and McAlester Regional Health Center went into effect March 14, so now OSU Medicine emergency medicine physicians will staff the emergency department during every shift, every day of the year.

“I am excited to begin a new

partnership with OSU Medicine and their Department of Emergency Medicine. Their group of board-certified emergency physicians set the example in compassion, quality care and teamwork. I welcome that commitment to our community,” said MRHC President and CEO Shawn Howard.

Five years ago, the McAlester Regional Health Center expanded its emergency department from a 3,400 square feet facility serving about 27,000 emergency visits a year to a 20,000 square feet facility with the capacity to serve 60,000 visits a year.

MRHC serves not only patients in Pittsburg County, but also the surrounding seven counties — Atoka, Coal,

Haskell, Hughes, Latimer, McIntosh and Pushmataha. In fact, the majority of patients served at MRHC live outside Pittsburg County.

OSU’s Department of Emergency Medicine includes 46 board-certified emergency physicians, three board-certified pediatric emergency physicians and a board-certified clinical pharmacist bringing high quality medical care to nine locations across Oklahoma.

“We are proud to partner with the McAlester Regional Health Center to provide those living in and around McAlester with compassionate, consistent care from our board-certified physicians who live and work in Oklahoma and care about the communities they

serve,” said Dr. Dennis Blankenship, dean of the OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine and emergency medicine physician with OSU Medicine.

OSU-COM was founded more than 50 years ago with the mission to educate and train physicians to meet the health care needs of rural and underserved communities in Oklahoma.

OSU Medicine and its network of clinics and physicians are meeting that mission through virtual health care programs and staffing agreements like the one with McAlester Regional Health Center.

news.ed@ocolly.com

Courtesy of OSU News

Aerial photo of the emergency department at McAlester Regional Health Center in McAlester, OK. COURTESY

AllTrails,

trails and equipment website, has information and reviews from many hikers on different locations across the country.

Hiking . . .

Continued from 1

3. Be the sunscreen kid

Although no one wanted to be the kid slathered in sun block, they won’t have to worry about skin cancer. Don’t be afraid of preventative measures. Check the UV levels at your

location, and apply sunscreen accordingly. To play it safe, apply sunscreen every hour. Bug spray, drinking water, hats, sunglasses and full-coverage clothing are also ways you can protects yourself from the harsher elements.

4. Get on the same level as your travel buddies When inviting friends to travel with you, make sure you will feel comfortable with the group.

O’Colly Media Sales Manager Needed

The O’Colly Media Group is now accepting applications for a full time summer Account Manager, Media Sales. This position is responsible for contacting and selling local, University and Oklahoma businesses OMG advertising opportunities. Specifically print, online and mobile and video streaming service.

Job duties include developing sales, marketing and promotional strategies and create materials to support this effort and propose additional special issues and revenue streams and implement said issues and revenue streams.

Qualified applicant should be able to work with and train students, develop advertising and agency expense budgets, create and monitor daily revenue goals, determine credits and adjustments for advertising errors, serve as liaison between O’Colly and local retail community, university advertisers and other college newspapers. Serve as part of a long term strategic planning to further determine marketing strategies and additional revenue opportunities. Build relationships with prospective clients by attending local Chamber of Commerce meetings and making non sales calls.

Send resume to Lori@ocolly.com for consideration.

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.” (Jn.14:1 NIV)

Jesus had just told his disciples of his betrayal. He also told to them of his leaving and they could not go with him. I am sure that it seemed to the disciples that everything was “caving in, falling apart.” The future seemed so uncertain. Then Jesus speaks these words; DON’T BE TROUBLED; TRUST ME!

Jesus tells them that he is going to the Father (God) and in his house there is plenty of room. He tells them that he is going to make a place for them all and he will return to take them there. As we look around us there is much uncertainty about this planet that we live on; safety is a premium, and what about when death comes? What is going to happen to you and me? Many are betting on losing consciousness and never

awakening. They live on that assumption. However, Jesus tells us all are going to experience a resurrection from the dead; some to everlasting life and others to be condemned . (Jn.5:28-29, Dan.12:2)

Again, the Lord Jesus makes things clear to his followers: “I am going to my Father’s house to prepare a place for you. I will return to get you and take you to be with me.” when asked about the way to this wonderful place, Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (Jn.14:6) No wonder he declares plainly; don’t be troubled. Trust in God, trust also in me. Jesus has prepared a place and is the way to God’s wonderful place. Let’s trust and follow him, and lay up treasure there. It is a sure place promised by the Lord Jesus himself. He will not fail us; so shall we ever

They should be at the same skill level or willing to slow down to stay together. No one wants to be the last one on the mountain. It can also be dangerous to leave friends alone. The basic rule of travel is that no one is left behind. It keeps everyone safe and accountable. Plus, it means you get to spend more time with friends.

5. Have the roadtrip playlist ready

Music can make or break a road trip.

It establishes the vibes of the car from the start. If the music does not match the energy of the car, or if your travel buddies don’t mesh with the playlist, it can make for an awkward ride.

Once you’re on the road, you won’t have the time to craft a list of jams. Do yourself a favor and have the playlist locked and loaded before you start.

news.ed@ocolly.com

TRUST THE LORD! (Part #1)

Cristina Gottardi/ Unsplash

a hiking

Crowns . . .

Samson, an applied exercise science sophomore with a minor in dance from Harrah, Oklahoma, described conquering her nerves as the most difficult part of the competition.

“Immediately after, I felt this weird rush, like, ‘This isn’t real. This actually happened,’” Samson said.

Imerbthama’s platform is focused on supporting small businesses to bring people together and bolster the local population.

“Especially in Stillwater, a small town, we all like to go out and support our community,” Imerbthama said.

His plans include hosting workshops on consumer behavior and business engagement. He highlighted local businesses like the recently opened Churro Bar and The Curty Shack.

Samson’s platform focuses on combating the stigma surrounding mental health within the Asian American community.

“I want to be able to get the knowledge out there that it’s okay to have mental health issues, and there are options to get help for those wondering,” Samson said. “My main goal is to get people to feel better about themselves.”

One of the things she’s looking forward to in her reign is bringing in University Counseling Services to give a workshop about the importance of caring for mental health.

Outside of the pageant life, Imerbthama has various interests, including creating his own YouTube videos and creative writing.

Imerbthama credits several people as role models, including his parents, grandparents and a close friend, Evan Baker, who passed away.

“He was always unapologetically himself and had a beautiful outlook on life,” Imerbthama said. “He wanted people to be themselves, and I’ve tried to bring that to the table daily.”

Samson has a deep passion for dance, which she showed in her talent portion of the competition. As a dancer since she was 3, her interest has gone beyond pageant life.

“I do different master classes in OKC,” Samson said. “Then I teach dance, and I’ll be coaching some competition teams next year. Seeing them grow is such an amazing feeling because I taught them that.”

Imerbthama concluded by encouraging others to participate in pageants.

“It’s a great way to be involved in your community and make new friends,” he said. “It’s also a great team-building experience.”

Continued from 1 news.ed@ocolly.com

Courtesy of OSU Luan Nuam (right) and James Lee, winners of the 2023 Mr. and Miss Asian OSU pageant.

Courtesy of OSU News Dr. Cortney Norris, an assistant professor in the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, is focusing on the highly debated culture of tipping in the restaurant industry.

Tussle . . .

Continued from 1

Norris believes that it is these kinds of discrepancies that need to be further studied in order to better under-

stand the interaction between customer and server, and thus develop ideas that can change the payment/tip system for the betterment of all parties involved.

While recent proposals aimed at changing the payment/tipping system have been met with divided reactions, Norris believes that the resultant investigation into contributing factors and

variables will eventually lead to change that will hopefully benefit all parties. “There are many factors that contribute to the shortcomings of the restaurant industry,” Norris said. “The current tipping system may not be perceived as the largest issue, but it’s one that could have far-reaching effects throughout the industry if it were to

change.

“It’s hard to predict what area of the industry will see the first significant change. However, the fact that we are having these discussions shows that there are catalysts for change and they are beginning to be noticed.”

news.ed@ocolly.com

Classifieds

Business Squares

Come check out the wide variety of elegant clothing at Formal Fantasy!

Located on 121 E. 9th Ave, Downtown Stillwater

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

“The Original Hideaway, located on the corner of Knoblock and University. Serving quality pizza and more since 1957.”

Murphy’s Department Store

815 S Main, Downtown Open 10-6

Monday thru Saturday

Houses for rent

O’Colly Media Sales Manager Needed

The O’Colly Media Group is now accepting applications for a full time summer Account Manager, Media Sales. This position is responsible for contacting and selling local, University and Oklahoma businesses OMG advertising opportunities. Specifically print, online and mobile and video streaming service.

Job duties include developing sales, marketing and promotional strategies and create materials to support this effort and propose additional special issues and revenue streams and implement said issues and revenue streams.

Qualified applicant should be able to work with and train students, develop advertising and agency expense budgets, create and monitor daily revenue goals, determine credits and adjustments for advertising errors, serve as liaison between O’Colly and local retail community, university advertisers and other college newspapers. Serve as part of a long term strategic planning to further determine marketing strategies and additional revenue opportunities. Build relationships with prospective clients by attending local Chamber of Commerce meetings and making non sales calls.

Send resume to Lori@ocolly.com for consideration.

Cowboy Calendar

Wednesday, March 20

1 Day Spring Break Camp: Making a Mini Tray @ 9:30 a.m. - 12 p.m,

Location: AR Workshop Stillwater

Admission: $55

https://www.arworkshop.com

1 Day Spring Break Camp: Wood Game Board @ 1:30 - 4 p.m.

Location: AR Workshop Stillwater

Admission: $55

https://www.arworkshop.com

Kids’ Night @ 11a.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

Salsa Savvy @ 1 - 2:30 p.m.

Location: Stillwater Public Library

Admission: Free but you must register at Stillwaterok.gov/LibraryHealthLit

http://stillwaterok.gov/LibraryHealthLit?fbclid=IwAR 3mjnCcw6-rKZXjU6PQL-JgUj8QSNtRk4B1BfYdKIWgwK1ztEzezaT8mqM

Spring Break @ 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Location: Lost Creek Safari

Admission:

Admission: Adults $11 & Kids $8 All-Inclusive Pack (3+) $22 All-Inclusive Pack (2 & Under) $14 AFTER HOUR EXTRAS: Produce Feedings $15, Special Feeding Encounter $20 Optional Experiences: Feed Cup $5, Parakeet Stick $1, Reptile Barn Experience $6, Baby Goat Encounter $2, Baby Kangaroo Encounter $2 https://lostcreeksafari.com

Spring Break Camp @ 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Location: StillyArts

Admission: Single day: $40; Week: $189 https://stillyarts.com/springbreakcamp

Wednesday Bingo Night @ 9:30 a.m.

Location: The Union Beverage Co. https://linktr.ee/theunionstilly

Thursday, March 21

1 Day Spring Break Camp: Paint & String Art @ 9:30 a.m. - 12 p.m,

Location: AR Workshop Stillwater

Admission: $55

https://www.arworkshop.com

19 Sequel to Puzo’s “The Last Don”

21 “Mean Girls” writer Fey

22 Underwater plant with gas-filled bladders

24 Wayward

26 Time out?

27 Playground retort

29 Quirky habit

31 Cliche

33 French noble

35 Comprehend

39 Eurythmics lead singer Lennox

40 Go from 4x6 to 8x10, say: Abbr.

41 Totaled

42 Busy restaurant’s notification device

43 JFK predecessor

44 Like some purchases

45 “The __ is calm tonight”: “Dover Beach” opening

47 Mouths off to

49 Amtrak stop: Abbr.

52 Silky

54 Guidelines: Abbr.

57 Ultimate

59 Creative works

61 Goal

62 Are cast members of

64 Yukon neighbor

66 Prop for a rock singer

67 Watering hole in TV’s “M*A*S*H”

68 Unnerve 69 1984 mermaid movie

Daily Horoscope

Nancy Black Tribune Content Agency

Linda Black Horoscopes

By Michèle Govier 3/20/24

DOWN

1 Hit it off

2 Zellweger of “Judy”

3 Developing 4 CARE, e.g.

5 Sister of Erato

6 Knight cap

7 Ruling faction after a coup

8 Baby

9 Contract that may prevent bad PR

10 Crux

11 Ancestor of the romance languages

12 Justice Kagan

14 Audiophile’s setup, and an apt description of the perimeter of this puzzle

15 Button alternative

20 Ate away

23 Feels sorry for

25 Fertile Crescent river

28 Some combines

30 Origami birds

31 Stout spout

32 Messenger molecule

Today’s Birthday (03/20/24). Discover fresh markets and rising prosperity this year. Consistently practice private meditation, exercise and reflection. Raise collaboration to new springtime heights, inspiring personal restyling this summer. Autumn possibilities blossom into plans, inspiring solutions for winter challenges with your partner. Reap an abundant harvest.

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 — Listen to your heart. Navigate an obstacle with romance, family or creativity. Avoid impetuosity or impulsiveness. Withhold judgment. Take it easy. Rest and relax.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Today is a 7 — Clean a mess at home. Rearrange something that’s not working. Domestic projects provide satisfying results. Dig in the garden. Share something delicious with family.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Today is a 7 — Monitor the news. Changes may require adaptation. Guard against fears or impetuous action. Discuss options for potential solutions. Get creative. Share your views.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Today is a 7 — Adjust budgets around recent changes. Seek and find lucrative opportunities. Have patience with traffic or delays. Maintain momentum. Wait when necessary. Patiently persist.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Today is an 8 — Wear your power suit. Energy surges are predicted. Don’t take misfortune personally. Nurture yourself with kindness and hot water. Advocate for goodness, truth and beauty.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Today is a 6 — Stay close to home. Avoid overstimulation. You’re especially productive behind closed doors. Slow to consider options and revise plans around changes. Relax into peacefulness.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — Today is an 8 — Remember the common goal. Tempers could spark with a team effort. Do your part. Keep bargains and agreements. Prioritize planning over action. Pull together.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — Today is a 7 — Stay cool in a chaotic professional situation. Ignore distractions. Anticipate upcoming changes. Forge ahead patiently. Sidestep obstacles. Defuse tense encounters with a smile.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — Today is a 7 — Explore and adventure. Engage in a fascinating investigation. Monitor conditions carefully. Obstacles and challenges could block the road. Find alternate routes and options.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Today is a 7 — You can adapt to a financial challenge. Plan and strategize, rather than making big decisions or moves. Consider impacts to investments and long-term goals.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) — Today is a 7 — Keep a sense of humor with your partner. Compromise to adapt with changes. Slow to avoid accidents or errors. Patiently clarify communications. Share support.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Today is an 8 — Slow for tricky sections. Gentle pressure and finesse work better than brute force. Nurture your health, work and fitness. Exercise energizes you. Move thoughtfully.

Tuesday’s Puzzle Solved 3/20/24

©2024 Tribune Content Agency, LLC

34 Soccer equipment

36 Youngest daughter of Nicholas II

37 Valvoline rival

38 Dad

46 Unscrupulous

48 Woolgathers?

49 Poetry event

50 Piglike rhino kin

51 Pet re-homing org.

53 Provide a view

55 Sea walls

56 Huge success

58 Assessment that may end with “Pencils down”

60 Unappealing food

63 NFL passing stat

65 Communication syst. with hand motions

Level 1 2 3

Solution to Tuesday’s puzzle

3/20/24

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