Thursday, April 20, 2023

Thursday, April 20, 2023

Another offseason of turmoil prepared Dunn for changes to offense

quarterback, three starting receivers and two other freshmen wideouts, a starting running back and a starting offensive lineman to either the transfer portal or eligibility exhaustion, Dunn didn’t panic. He’s faced challenges in each of his three seasons as offensive coordinator, which has prepared him for his upcoming fourth.

promoted, COVID-19 shutdown not just college football, but the world. Two months later, social turmoil went throughout the country. In 2021 and ‘22, the team managed NIL and the new transfer portal, with a number of injuries to key players.

ability to continue to win in probably one of the strangest times in college football.”

Kasey Dunn has never been through a “normal” year as OSU’s offensive coordinator.

When the offense lost a starting

“I’ve sat down and talked to my wife a lot about this stuff and I was like, ‘What the hell.’ But, really it’s like, what’s new? It’s been three years,” Dunn said.

In 2020, just a month after being

and collected the Cowboys when things looked bleak early against Oklahoma. He stopped the OU run and gave his team the opportunity to relax and get back in flow in No. 24 OSU’s 19-8 win on Tuesday night in O’Brate Stadium.

Through the past three years of whirlwind, OSU is the only team in the Big 12 with a winning record in each of those seasons.

“This has been a helluva ride,” Dunn said. “I’m just thrilled to be a part of the culture that (Mike) Gundy has established here for sure and his

Through seven games in 2022, OSU’s offense averaged 45 points per game and 467 yards per game, and the Cowboys rolled to a 6-1 record. In the final six, they averaged only 14 points and won one game.

Not only did the offense struggle in the second half of the season, but it had many players to replace.

See Turmoil on 3

A dozen pitches in, things were shaky for Evan O’Toole.

He began his stand at the mound in the second inning, after starter Drew Blake gave up three runs in the first. O’Toole’s appearance didn’t start off promising, with a hit by pitch of catcher Wallace Clark, then an eight-pitch walk of designated hitter Caden Powell. Not ideal for the junior right-handed pitcher who hadn’t tossed more than three innings this season.

O’Toole, a junior college transfer from Iowa Western Community College, recovered with three-straight outs and only a sacrifice-fly run given up. Then he took it to another level.

O’Toole pitched his longest outing of the season

“What O’Toole did was probably the main chunk of the game that gave us a chance,” OSU coach Josh Holliday said. “So, his outing was excellent.”

It took O’Toole just six pitches to end the third inning. He ended the fourth in 14. O’Toole bested his season high and went four innings, allowing three hits and two runs. He also reached a season-high 60 pitches.

The Cowboys (25-13, 8-7 Big 12) had lost three midweek games in a row entering Bedlam, and pitching was a culprit in each. During that stretch, OSU pitchers gave up five runs in innings two through five against Dallas Baptist and five more in those same innings against Oral Roberts.

O’Toole didn’t let it happen again.

See Bedlam on 2

Creativity, personality on display at 2023 Stillwater Arts Festival

been a juried event for more than 40 years and will offer awards totaling $3,000 this year.

Festival attendee

Appreciate regional artists and their work with two days of live music, food trucks and a chance to create your own masterpieces.

The Prairie Arts Center is hosting the annual Stillwater Arts Festival in which it brings nearly 50national and regional artists to showcase their talents. The festival occursat the Prairie Arts Center in Stillwater on Friday from 12to 8 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Prairie Arts staff and the community have taken great measures to make sure the artists are warmly welcomed with an environment where they can feel comfortable.The festival has

Regina Bowling of Edmond has been creating her art for as long as she can remember. She attended the arts festival in Edmond last year and said how excited she is to return to the Stillwater Arts Festival. “Meeting people, talking about the paintings, talking to students about techniques, the energy was terribly exciting and fun,” she said. “It was quite successful and encouraging. I’ve always loved Stillwater and was thrilled to be accepted to have a booth for this festival.”

Besides viewing and purchasing artwork from the

featured artists that will be attending the arts festival, you can expect to experience local and traveling bands playing live music while indulging in the plentitude of food trucks. Bowling expressed her enthusiasm to be part of the energy.

“First, the energy is fantastic,” she said. “Being outdoors, enjoying the results of multiple artist’s creative work in art, music and foods with other like-minded people is simply fun.”

Attendees will also have the option to create family-friendly crafts. Examples include tote printmaking, raku firing, henna tattoos, paper marbling as well as other activities that are to be determined.

File Photo

The Stillwater Arts Festival will also feature live music, food trucks and several other craft opportunities.

O’Toole cooled Sooners’ run, pitched season-high in OSU’s Bedlam win

Gabriel Trevino Sports Editor

Braden Bush Assistant Sports Editor

Emi Norton Staff Reporter

Bedlam...

Instead of letting the 36-minute first inning turn into a middleinning barrage from the Sooners (19-19, 4-8), O’Toole provided stability and guided the Cowboys from a three-run deficit to a four-run lead.

“I mean he’s getting the ground balls, he’s getting quick innings, he’s giving everyone a sense of calm,” Holliday said. “Then we score a few times and it widens the gap a little bit, and he keeps doing it. So, it just created that little bubble where we could go kind of pull apart just a little bit. That was huge.”

The bats also helped that run. The Cowboys put up eight runs in the first two innings and scored in every inning but the third. OSU had 14 hits and four home runs, and it was the first time OSU had fewer than five scoreless innings in the past 12 games.

Bayden Root continued O’Toole’s success, picking up a strikeout and retiring the Sooners in seven pitches in the sixth.

OU tightened the score to 11-8 in the seventh, picking up three runs off two hits and two free bases by Root before relievers Michael Benzor and Ryan Bogusz ended the inning. Isaac Stebens, a Stillwater native, closed out the final 1 1/3 innings with two strikeouts and no hits.

“(Isaac) comes in and you know the door is getting shut,” OSU catcher Chase Adkison said. “Especially when you have a one-run lead you’re feeling good; you have a four-run lead, you don’t worry about anything.”

OSU had lost six of its last eight games before Tuesday, including a pair of midweeks. But this time, O’Toole and the bullpen responded and kept the Cowboys alive and gave them their third-straight win against OU.

“Our response after giving up three was wonderful,” Holliday said. “Great job on the team to just jump right back in and kind of put the pressure on the other side.”

O’Toole was not made available to the media.

Continued from 1 sports.ed@ocolly.com

Chase Davis

Evan O’Toole, an Iowa Westerns Community College transfer, allowed two runs in a four inning outing against Oklahoma on Tuesday night.

Turmoil...

Continued from 1

“Things don’t fix themselves, right?” Gundy said. “You drive down the road, you hear something clunking in the engine in your car, you turn the radio up so you don’t have to listen to it and make you feel better, and two or three days later you’re on the side of the road. We have to figure out what that is. So, that’s really the definition I gave them. This is what

we have to do to become a better offense.” Enter eight transfers on offense; wide receivers De’Zhaun Stribling, Arland Bruce IV and Leon Johnson; quarterback Alan Bowman; running back Elijah Collins; tight ends Ian Edenfield and Josiah Johnson and offensive lineman Dalton Cooper. Players such as Cole Birmingham, Jaden Bray and Blaine Green returned from injury-riddled seasons to aid OSU’s depth.

Gundy, Dunn and the offensive staff also changed their approach in schemes and playcalling. Gundy emphasized the importance of running

the ball consistently. The team only averaged 3.4 yards per attempt last season. To improve it drastically to where OSU wants it to be, the coaching staff added more counter and power runs to the playbook, similar to modern rush-heavy offenses in the Big 12. OSU’s offense lost many key players, arising panic for many fans. But in the new age of college football, Dunn highlighted the importance of staying calm and ensuring the strives the team makes will make it better than before offseason moves.

“We lost a bunch, but everybody lost a bunch,” Dunn said.

“We’re all trying to figure this thing out. The receiver that you thought you had, or the quarterback that you thought you had, or the offensive lineman you thought you had, or the All-Big 12 tight end you thought you had, maybe he packed up and went somewhere else. I’m saying that for all teams in the country, not just for Oklahoma State. That’s everybody. So, you just have to take a deep breath every once in a while and say, ‘Hey man, do we continue to get it done?’ We’re getting it done. I’m excited to be at a place that we are.”

sports.ed@ocolly.com

Davis Cordova

OSU’s offense brought in eight transfers on offense in 2023.

sports

Wichita State hands Cowgirls loss for second time, first losing streak of season

Tessa Dorrell Staff Reporter

OSU fell into its first losing streak of the season.

The No. 3 Cowgirls lost to the No. 23 Shockers

3-1 in eight innings at Cowgirl Stadium on Tuesday night.

The Shockers (37-8, 10-2 AAC) faced the Cowgirls earlier in the season at home and won 8-7.

OSU coach Kenny Gajewski said the Cowgirl’s offense was to blame for the second loss to WSU.

“Offensively right now we are pretty gross,” Gajewski said. “We have to figure it out. It happens during the season... in the moment it just feels even worse.”

Lexi Killfoyl recorded the loss for the Cowgirls (39-5, 8-1). Killfoyl pitched eight innings and threw 10 strikeouts but gave up six hits. Killfoyl is 12-2 and has a 1.65 ERA.

“We got Killfoyl in there to see if she could get somethings going,” Gajewski said.

“She pitched great. She had a good atbat late in the game and got on base. Had a poor at-bat when Katelynn Carwile doubled… Killfoyl hit the ball right to the only place you can’t.”

The Shockers scored first in the top of the first in-

ning. Lauren mills hit a single for an RBI that scored Sydney McKinney. From there, both teams were scoreless until the bottom of the seventh inning. Morgan Wynne hit a ground out, which brought in Kylie Naomi.

Killfoyl could not keep the Shockers away in the top of the eighth inning. Sami Hood hit a home run with two outs, which brought Mills to score. Gajewski said the lineup changing could help the Cowgirls see success offensively.

“Morgan Wynne has been hitting the bat as hot as anyone,” Gajewski said. “So, we moved her up to the four hole and she had a good day. Two hits and the tying run scored there in the seventh.”

Wichita State is the only team that the Cowgirls have lost to twice this season. Alex Aguilar stayed in the pitcher’s circle for the Shockers through the eight innings. Aguilar gave up eight hits, had one strikeout and has a 1.58 ERA.

“We can do better,” Gajewski said. “Hit and runs have got to stay out of the middle of our field, we know that. We just have to execute.”

sports.ed@ocolly.com

Chase Davis

The Cowgirl offense was cold against Wichita State on Tuesday night. Coach Kenny Gajewski called the offense “pretty gross.”

sports

Cowgirl soccer unveils schedule, BYU, Cincinnati among new opponents

Adam Engel Editor-in-Chief

A new season nears.

OSU released its 2023 women’s soccer schedule on Wednesday, and it features 11 home matches.

The Cowgirls, who finished 11-4-4 in 2022, will see new Big 12 members in the fall with Central Florida, Cincinnati and BYU. The team returns five starters who will battle nine teams who finished top 100 in the RPI.

Transfers and incoming freshman bring 10 new bodies to the squad.

“We’re excited about competing in the 2023 season – our schedule is challenging, and we have some very exciting matches both at home and on the road,” OSU coach Colin Carmichael said.

2023 Cowgirls soccer schedule

The campaign begins with a home preseason exhibi-

tion against Missouri on Aug. 12 before hosting Stephen F. Austin for the season opener on Aug. 17.

At TCU — Oct. 1, 1 p.m.

Missouri — Aug. 12 7 p.m.

(Preseason exhibition)

Stephen F. Austin — Aug. 17, 7 p.m.

At Missouri State — Aug. 20, 1 p.m.

Florida Atlantic — Aug. 24, 7 p.m.

Little Rock — Aug. 27, 1 p.m.

At Texas State — Aug. 31, 7 p.m.

Central Arkansas — Sept. 3, 1 p.m.

At Arkansas State — Sept. 7, 7 p.m.

At SMU — Sept. 10, 1 p.m.

At Iowa State — Sept. 14, 6 p.m.

Abilene Christian — Sept. 17, 1 p.m.

Kansas — Sept. 21, 7 p.m.

Kansas State — Sept. 24, 1 p.m.

Central Florida — Sept. 28, 7 p.m.

At Cincinnati — Oct. 5, 8 p.m.

At West Virginia — Oct. 8, 1 p.m.

BYU — Oct. 12, 7 p.m.

At Texas Tech — Oct. 15, 1 p.m. Oklahoma — Oct. 23, 7 p.m.

At Big 12 Championship — Oct. 28-4

NCAA Soccer Championship First Round — Nov. 10-12

NCAA Soccer Championship Second and Third rounds — Nov. 17-19

NCAA Soccer Championship Quarterfinals — Nov. 24-26

At NCAA Women’s College Cup — Dec. 1, Dec.4

The Cowgirls nonconference slate features a home match against Florida Atlantic along with trips to Texas State and SMU. FAU tied OSU, 0-0, in September.

Big 12 competition begins at Iowa State on Sept. 22. The Cowgirls also visit TCU, Cincinnati, West Virginia and Texas Tech.

The Cowgirls seek their first NCAA Tournament appearance since the 2020 season “We are really looking forward to the competition in the new look Big 12,” Carmichael said. “Our conference slate is loaded with top-ranked opponents and programs consistently rated among the top teams in the nation.”

sports.ed@ocolly.com

Designers Wanted

File Photo

Colin Carmichael and the Cowgirls soccer team released its 2023 schedule on Wednesday.

Creativity...

Continued from 1

Opportunities for aspiring and seasonal artists to get inspired and creative is one of the main goals that the Stillwater Arts Festival is making sure of this year.

Newcoming festival attendee

Kayann Ausherman of central Kansas took her creativity and inspirations and brought them to life when she established herself in her own busi-

ness, Victory Road. Through her life experiences, she has developed her own style of art in which she hopes to connect with her audience on an emotional level.

“Rather than focus on realistic replication of subject matter, I prefer a more whimsical, and intriguing representation,” Ausherman said. “I feel the creative process is about experimentation and exploration of new ways to express the familiar, hopefully evoking an emotional connection.”

Ausherman expresses her talents through sustainability and taking advantage of reusable materials.

“I often use repurposed and

unusual materials in her artwork like wrappers, envelopes, postage stamps and ‘found’ papers’,” Ausherman said.

Ausherman’s drive to help create a personal connection between the art and an audience is the same drive that the “I Made Art” exhibit, which showcases artwork from students from Stillwater elementary schools, is working to create. Conceptual artist On Kawara’s decade long postcard series, “I GOT UP,” inspires the students. You can view Stillwater’s grade school students’ artwork and appreciate each of their personal relationships with art making.

You can support small business-

es and connect with artists from far and wide, even having the chance to share personal input which is appreciated at the Stillwater Arts Festival.

“By attending the festival, people are showing support for the arts monetarily of course, but also with their presence and their interest,” Ausherman said. “Not only that, it isa great way to feel the pulse of the art being created, add your own input and ideas (us artists do listen!), and train the next generation to appreciate art which is a vital part of what makes us human.”

For more information visit the Prairie Arts Center website.

The Stillwater Arts Festival began more than 40 years ago and attracts about 50 regional and national artists to town each year.

Judge dismisses First Amendment lawsuit against OSU

Brylee Smith Staff Reporter

A free speech organization is not entitled to sue Oklahoma State University for First Amendment violations because it failed to name the student members on whose behalf it was suing, a federal trial judge ruled recently.

In dismissing Speech First’s lawsuit on April 10, District Judge Bernard M. Jones did not address the constitutionality of the OSU policies that the Washington, D.C.-based organization was challenging.

In a statement, OSU said it’s pleased with Jones’ ruling.

“Freedom of expression and exchange of ideas are the bedrock of what we believe at OSU,” the university said.

In a court filing, OSU said its bias response team “has received only

29 reports of alleged bias, a majority of those relating to ‘perceived offensive speech.’”

“No speech-related incident or any other incident for that matter reported to the [bias response team] has ever ‘resulted in the initiation of disciplinary proceedings or sanctions’ against a student,” the university said.

Speech First Executive Director Cherise Trump said in an email Wednesday the organization has appealed the Oklahoma City judge’s ruling to the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

Three other federal circuits have ruled in the organization’s favor. Six universities – the University of Central Florida, University of Houston, University of Michigan, University of Texas, University of Illinois and Iowa State University – settled lawsuits filed by Speech First.

Jones emphasized that he is not bound by those circuit decisions and

that the 10th Circuit has not addressed the issue of whether an association such as Speech First has standing to sue when it uses anonymous members in the lawsuit.

In its lawsuit filed on Jan. 10, Speech First identified its members only as Student A, Student B and Student C.

Speech First challenged the constitutionality of OSU’s Code of Conduct and Harassment Policy, Computer Appropriate Use Policy and Bias-Related Incidents Policy.

“Oklahoma State and its officials have created a series of rules and regulations that deter, suppress and punish speech about the political and social issues of the day,” the lawsuit alleged. “These restrictions disregard decades of precedent.”

The lawsuit contended the policies include vague language and could “chill” student speech. For example, Speech First said, the harassment

policy “gives students no details about what the University considers ‘abusive’ or ‘intimidating’ and covers a wide swath of protected speech.”

In February 2021, Speech First challenged the constitutionality of the University of Central Florida’s harassment policy, computer use policy and Just Knights Response Team. In September, the university agreed to discontinue the Just Knights Response Team. It also paid $35,000 to Speech First.

In February 2022, Speech First launched a case against the University of Houston. It argued the school’s harassment policy created an environment in which students were scared to voice their beliefs. The university settled the lawsuit in June by dropping “creat[ing] an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational environment” from its definition of harassment. It also paid $30,000 to Speech First.

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Learn the facts and protect those you love.

File Photo

OSU said “Freedom of expression and exchange of ideas are the bedrock of what we believe at OSU.”

‘The Mandalorian’ Season 3 Review Lifestyle

I understand the point of episodes three, five, and six were to allude to and build the reasoning behind the First Order’s rise to power, but it didn’t work for me. Episode three could have worked if it ran with the Mandalorian storyline.

SPOILER ALERT

I can now confidently say that “Star Wars: The Mandalorian” is not following the armor-clad Mandalorian’s favorite mantra, “This is the way.”

Season three, like the Mando himself, Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal), fell from the way before a quick recovery in the final two episodes.

Season three began with a promising start with the introduction to a more Mandalorian focus, finally peering into the culture and lore of Mandalore.

Din Djarin and Grogu explore the ruins of Mandalore to redeem Djarin for removing his helmet in the previous season. Bo-Katan Kryze (Katee Sackhoff), the fallen Mandalorian leader, joins them. Fighting the horrors of the ruined Mandalore, bathing in the Living Waters, and seeing a Mythosur, the symbol of Mandalorians everywhere, alive and well. Sounds fun and it was.

For five minutes.

Episode three of “The Mandalorian” took a sharp turn from the main storyline creating an unnecessary disruption. Instead of following Djarin, Grogu and Kryze as they established themselves as the subject in the opening sequence, the episode did a fu1l 180. Instead, the audience followed Penn Pershing (Omid Abtahi) from season one, episode one, for 40 minutes as he navigated being a New Republic refugee.

It didn’t work. I love the concept of bridging the gap between the New Republic and the beginnings of the First Order, but it could have been handled better. A more interwoven, evenly-paced storyline that balances the Mandalorian and First Order subplot would have worked better.

There is still hope because director and producer Dave Filoni is helming a new movie to close out “The Mandalorian” and bring all the story threads covering the rise of the First Order within the galaxy. Filoni is no stranger to filling in the Star Wars timeline with excellent production and storytelling. Filoni’s animated series “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” is among the highest-rated “Star Wars” series.

The most glaring example of poor pacing is Djarin, Grogu’s, and Kryze’s adventure on Plazir-15, starring Lizzo and Jack Black as the Duchess and Captain Bombardier. I have nothing against these talented individuals, but they don’t fit the tone of “The Mandalorian.” Both could have worked better in different “Star Wars” products, but this was too silly. “The Mandalorian” has always toed the line of goofiness with Grogu, but this is too much.

The whole point of the episode was to untie the Mandalorians, and they spent little to no time doing that. In fact, when challenged on the possession of the Dark Saber, Djarin hands it over to Kryze because of a loophole. Luckily, this sad excuse for a claim

on the Dark Saber was rectified when Kryze dueled Moff Gideon in the final episode.

A few more glaring issues was the brief throwaway line about the entire mini-season in “The Book of Boba Fett,” where Djarin takes Grogu back from Luke Skywalker. This season didn’t even feel like their story because the audience spent more time with Kryze than the main characters. The Dark Saber was also effectively destroyed, completely negating the meaning the weapon has been assigned for several shows.

The final two episodes of the show were standout episodes. However, they were at the end. I would be writing a much more positive review had

the audience received episodes of the same caliber. As an avid Star Wars fan, there were a lot of things that I loved about this season. The cinematography was off the charts, and the music from Joseph Shirely carried the show as usual. Mando’s familiar motif never failed to excite.

Episodes seven and eight opened with a 10 minute meeting between Moff Gideon and the remnants of the Empire, namedropped Admiral Thrawn, introduced the audience to General Hux’s father, and confirmed project necromancer. Multiple easter eggs for fans and then ended with what every “Star Wars” fan has always wanted, an all out, live-action, Mandalori-

ans flying into battle united. Grogu, revealed more of his power and Gideon (Giacarlo Esposito) was defeated. It was an epic way to close the season and single-handedly saved it overall.

In the end, Kryze relit the forges of Mandalore, and Djarn adopted Grogu. The show closes on Grogu and the Mandalorian working as private contractors for the New Republic, perhaps the start of the Resistance.

“The Mandalorian” started well, lost in the middle, but saved itself in the final stretch. A tighter storyline and better pacing will be the key to a better season four. As always, may the Force be with you.

entertainment.ed@ocolly.com

Courtesy of Tribune News Service

Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) holding Grogu (aka Baby Yoda) in “The Mandalorian” season three.

Hayden Alexander

Staff Reporter

Los Angeles Times Daily Crossword Puzzle

Edited by Patti Varol and Joyce Lewis

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 li quor 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

Business Squares Business Squares Company Coming?

Check out “Cowboy Cabin”

550 steps east of Boone Pickens Stadium

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Daily Horoscope

Nancy Black

Tribune Content Agency

Linda Black Horoscopes

Today’s Birthday (04/20/23). Insight and epiphanies highlight this year. Share reliable support and teamwork. Springtime reflection and ritual illuminates possibilities. Changes affect a partnership this summer, leading to an autumn phase of renewed health and vitality. Patiently navigate a winter personal challenge. Nurture your body, mind and spirit.

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 a 9 — This month has profit potential under the Taurus Sun. Find creative ways to increase income. Don’t fund a flimsy scheme. Avoid risk or speculation.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Today is a 9 — You’re in your own element, with the Sun in your sign. Enjoy a natural advantage. Use your power and confidence for good. Shine on.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Today is a 7 — Savor a private retreat month to catch up, plan and organize. Reconnect with your fertile imagination. Complete old business. Enjoy your favorite rituals.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Today is an 8 — Teamwork gets results, especially over the next month under the Taurus Sun. Get social! Enjoy parties, gatherings and events. Have fun with friends.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Today is an 8 — Career matters move to the front burner. Advance your professional agenda for the next month, with the Sun in Taurus. Go for what you want.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Today is a 9 — The Taurus Sun encourages exploration, investigation and research. Travel and adventure beckons over the next four weeks. Dig for clues. Expand your own boundaries.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — Today is an 8 — Connect with your partner at a deeper level. Collaborate to manage shared accounts, with the Sun in Taurus for a month. Strategize for growth.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — Today is a 9 — Collaboration flowers over the next month, with the Sun in Taurus. Share support and resources. Lend your hand, ear and heart. Entwine your endeavors.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — Today is an 8 — Practice your moves. You’re growing physically stronger over the next month, with the Taurus Sun. Put your heart into your work and it flourishes.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Today is an 8 — Creativity abounds. Love, beauty and inspiration recharge you. Romance flowers, with the Sun in Taurus for a month. Share your heart with someone special.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) — Today is an 8 — Invest time, energy and creativity into home and family this month. The Taurus Sun favors domestic harmony. Make upgrades for lasting value. Enjoy your nest.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Today is an 8 — An intriguing story draws you in. Dig into a fascinating puzzle this month under the Taurus Sun. Edit carefully before publishing. Generate a buzz.

ACROSS

1 Book that presents world views?

6 Plus-one, say

11 Mo. town

14 Finned predator

15 Spicy Korean cabbage

16 “I’ve got it!”

17 Double bond?

20 Shady, in gamer lingo

21 Novelist Deighton

22

By Dan Schwartz & Shannon Rapp

Sudoku By The Mepham Group

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.