The O'Colly, Wednesday, May 17, 2023

Wednesday, May 17, 2023

Weekend review

McLean inching closer to full go; Cowboys’ path to Big 12 title is set

prevented that.

On Sunday, Holliday hoped to provide McLean late-inning reps, but once again, a run-rule win brought a halt to those plans. Holliday did make one thing apparent: the hope within the team is to have McLean closing games again in the coming weeks.

Two weeks ago, Nolan McLean wasn’t even in OSU’s lineup.

Now, he’s once again immersed into the starting roster, taking “baby steps,” as OSU coach Josh Holliday calls them, to get back to full strength. During his month-long hiatus from a leg injury suffered in Game 2 of OSU’s series against Texas on April 1, his void was felt. He made his return with an RBI-double against ETSU on May 5. But he still wasn’t full go, primarily appearing as a designated hitter or on the mound, but with minimal pressure.

On Sunday, McLean made his start in the field since April 1, in right field.

Holliday said the plan was to once again bring McLean out of the bullpen in the middle innings, but a 19-5 win on Saturday

“We talk to Nolan (McLean) every day,” Holliday said. “But simultaneously we’re trying to be mindful of how we bring him back into the fold. As a coach, you want to just fire him in there, but you’re also hoping to protect him.”

Hot at the right time

In its past 13 games, OSU holds an 11-2 record, featuring three series sweeps.

Just three weeks before the hot stretch, the Cowboys had lost five consecutive games and lost back-to-back series. Hosting a regional seemed farfetched, much less a Big 12 regular season title.

Now, with OSU recording its fourth consecutive series victory, talks of hosting a regional have resurfaced.

See Review on 2

OKC Zoo plans celebration of Endangered Species Act

“Guests will have the opportunity to learn about the Zoo’s endangered species, participate in family-friendly activities, caretaker chats, event-themed photo opportunities hosted by Bob Moore Subaru and more, all included with regular Zoo admission,” according to the OKC Zoo.

This weekend marks an important milestone for the 50 endangered species at the Oklahoma City Zoo. This Saturday, the OKC Zoo and Botanical Garden commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) with a celebration presented by Bob Moore Subaru.

Since its enactment in 1973, the ESA proved monumental for endangered species across the country. America’s national bird, the bald eagle, is one of many success stories hatched from ESA’s efforts.

“Prior to being listed under the ESA, the bald eagle was facing habitat loss and damage to eggshells due to the use of

chemical DDT, the world’s first pesticide, resulting in less than 500 individuals found across America’s lower 48 states in the 1960s,” according to the OKC Zoo.

After joining America’s list of endangered species, the bald eagle found hope through reintroduction programs and the banning of the chemical DDT. Because of ESA’s efforts, the bald eagle’s status flew from endangered to least concern with federal protections. Today, bald eagles once again inhabit the lower 48 states and Canada.

The OKC Zoo rescued two bald eagles who live in the Oklahoma Trails habitat.

See OKC Zoo on 5

Chacarra places fifth, other former OSU golfers compete at LIV Tulsa

BROKEN ARROW -- Eugenio Chacarra got a rain break and made the most of it.

On Sunday, the final round of the LIV Golf Tour event took place at Cedar Ridge Country Club where Chacarra, along with four other former OSU Cowboy golfers, competed in the new golf tour.

Heading into the final 18 holes, there was an expected threat of rain and lightning –Cedar Ridge got plenty of both.

The final round started at 12:15, but at 2:07, the horns sounded throughout the country club and thunder rolled on in.

An hour-and 43-minute delay changed the golf course and allowed golfers to putt better on the wet greens, especially Chacarra.

Chacarra finished the tournament 12-under par, placing fifth thanks to an eightbirdie Sunday.

He went into the final day 6-under and continued to make birdies and bogeys, but after the delay, he sank five birdies

nine holes.

Chase Davis

Nolan McLean made his first

and the Cowboys plan

McLean back into the lineup.

Courtesy of Chris Blanchett America’s national bird, the bald eagle, is one of many success stories hatched from ESA’s efforts.

Daniel Allen Staff Reporter

Bella Casey Staff Reporter

Davis Cordova Staff Reporter

sports

Review...

Continued from 1

In D1Baseball’s latest Field of 64 Projection, Holliday’s squad was projected as the No. 15 overall seed. Following Sunday’s series win over Kansas State, OSU’s RPI jumped four spots to No. 21. With its 31st-ranked strength of schedule, a higher RPI rank will likely be needed for O’Brate Stadium to host its second regional.

A series win or sweep against Oklahoma on the road this weekend would help the Cowboys’ case.

“I’m gonna keep doing my job for the guys behind me,” said center fielder Zach Ehrhard. “We’re starting to play some really good baseball, and I think it’s only a matter of time before we get burning hot.”

Cowboys second in Big 12 title race

With just one series remaining in regular season play, the Cow-

boys are looking from the outsidein for a Big 12 title.

OSU faces OU in Norman, beginning Friday, for this year’s Bedlam baseball series. A fitting season finale in what has been a hectic and fascinating Big 12 race.

West Virginia (15-9) sits two games above OSU (13-8) in the conference standings. To attain any chance at a championship, a series win for OSU is needed at the very least.

The Cowboys and Mountaineers can share a Big 12 title should both teams match conference win totals – tiebreaking criteria isn’t utilized for the regular season title.

Should West Virginia take a game from Texas in Austin this weekend, the Cowboys would need to sweep the Sooners. Should WVU win the series, it would clinch the Big 12 title outright.

“We can only control ourselves,” Holliday said. “Play one game at a time and everything will take care of itself.”

sports.ed@ocolly.com

OSU coach Mike Boynton has bolstered his backcourt. North Florida transfer Jarius Hicklen committed to OSU, Hicklen announced on Saturday in an Instagram post. A 6-foot-3 guard, Hicklen brings needed shooting and scoring to the Cowboys. In 2022-23, he averaged 12.5 points, 3.5 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game and shot 36.1% from 3-point range on 7.3 attempts per contest. He

also posted 21 double-digit scoring games and nine 50% or better shooting nights.

In 2021-22, Hicklen finished 33rd in the nation in 3-point shooting percentage (40.1%) and 62nd in total 3-pointers made. His 40.1% from behind the arc is sixth-best in North Florida program history.

Prior to his time with the Ospreys, Hicklen flourished at Oklahoma Baptist University. In his sophomore season, he averaged 16.2 points per game and reached the double-digit scoring mark 15 times. And just like at UNF,

Hicklen was a first-class 3-point shooter, shooting 42.2%. OSU was an inferior shooting team last season, and with the loss of Avery Anderson III, Hicklen’s combination of shooting and experience could work out well this upcoming season. Hicklen becomes the Cowboys’ third portal addition, joining former East Carolina guard Javon Small and former Jacksonville big man Mike Marsh. As things stand, Mike Boynton and the Cowboys have two scholarships available.

sports.ed@ocolly.com

Wednesday:

Courtesy of Jarius Hicklen

Jarius Hicklen committed to OSU on Saturday. Hicklen shot 36.1% from 3 last season at North Florida.

Luke Tolbert

OSU is still alive in the Big 12 title hunt, but it has to take care of the Sooners and hope West Virginia loses to Texas.

North Florida basketball transfer Hicklen commits to OSU

Parker Gerl Staff Reporter

Continued from 1

Chacarra placed the highest among the five former OSU Cowboy golfers on the LIV Golf Tour. Here’s how they finished:

Eugenio Chacarra, Fireballs

GC: -12, 5th place

Charles Howell III, Crushers

GC: -10, 14th place

Peter Uihlein, 4Aces GC: -7, 25th place

Matthew Wolff, Smash GC: -6, 34th place

Talor Gooch, RangeGoats GC: -4, 36th place

The winner of the individual title

was superstar Dustin Johnson, who slipped out of the lead late on Sunday but was able to come back and win.

Johnson led for most of the second and third rounds, and he began Sunday a few strokes ahead of second place.

On Johnson’s second hole back from the rain delay, he scored a triplebogey on hole No. 10 and swung the door back open for Branden Grace, who led after the first round, and Cameron Smith, who birdied five of his last seven holes.

Down to the 18th hole, Grace led by a stroke, but Smith birdied the final hole to tie with Grace to end his day.

Grace scored a par on the last hole, while Johnson sank a beautiful birdie to force a three-man playoff.

The trio played the 18th hole again. All three approach shots to the

green were within a couple feet from each other, about 10 feet from the hole.

Johnson prevailed and was the only one to make the putt, winning more than $4 million in the process.

“Everybody is around, your team, all the other guys are sitting there watching,” Johnson said. “It’s a big moment, and it’s one that we all obviously were trying to take advantage of. I was just lucky enough to roll it in.”

This was the sixth LIV event held in the U.S. this year and it broke records.

LIV Tulsa drew a record crowd on Saturday, hosting between 15,00020,000 patrons. That was announced a sellout and the largest U.S. crowd in LIV Golf’s history. Johnson said he liked the number of fans that showed up in Tulsa.

“I thought the fans were great

this week. Tons of fans out there,” Johnson said. “Obviously there were a ton of people out today, too, until the rain delay. Still a lot of fans came back right at the end there. There were some good crowds. I was really pleased with the turnout and the vibe out here this week was really good.”

Dean Burmester, one of the members of the Stingers GC LIV Tulsa team championship winners, said he wants another event in Oklahoma.

“I think the fans were awesome, and I think Oklahoma and Tulsa are starved of great golf, and I think we brought that this week,” Burmester said. “So, I’m hoping to come back, and I think we’d like to come back to the same golf course, right, so we can defend this crown.”

Photo by Charles Laberge

Peter Uihlein, Talor Gooch and Charles Howell III, all former OSU golfers, competed at the LIV Golf Tour event in Broken Arrow. It was LIV’s first event held in Oklahoma.

Braden Bush Sports Editor Notebook

A day after hitting two doubles against Kansas State as OSU’s right fielder and third batter in the lineup, Carson Benge started at the mound and threw four strikeouts.

“That’s a lot,” OSU coach Josh Holliday said at Tuesday’s press conference. “It’s a lot to be the three-hole hitter on a college baseball team. It’s a lot to be a starting pitcher. And it’s a whole lot to do both.”

After missing last year after undergoing Tommy John surgery, Benge didn’t pitch in a game until March 4, and he’s only pitched in nine games. But he’s appeared elsewhere in 48 of the Cowboys’ 50 games.

The offense has been there all season. Benge is fourth on the team in batting average (.348) and second in doubles (16). But now the redshirt freshman’s pitching is gaining steam.

In his first seven appearances at the mound, Benge averaged three innings an outing and his ERA was above 6. In his last two appearances, he has lasted at least five innings, while only giving up seven hits. Benge’s ERA has dropped to 5.23.

Holliday said he thought Benge’s last two starts –against Oral Roberts and KSU – were both good and that Benge is a guy who is getting back to normal and could make an impact in the postseason.

“I think what he’s doing has been very impressive, and I’m starting to see his pitching legs return underneath him,” Holliday said. “His skill and

feel for pitching is starting to return.”

Schubart’s gonna Schubart

Nolan Schubart hit three home runs – and two grand slams – against East Tennessee State on May 7. How’d he celebrate?

“He’s here two hours early the next day, still trying to perfect his swing,” second baseman Roc Riggio said. “So, he doesn’t get complacent.”

Across 33 games from March 10 to May 6, Schubart hit just four home runs. But in the past four games, Schubart hit five home runs and sits second on the team with 14 homers.

Schubart also sits second in hits (61) and first in RBI (60) – as a 19-year-old freshman.

“He’s only getting better,” Riggio said. “When he’s a junior here, he’ll be one of the best baseball players in the country, hands down, not even close.”

On Sunday, Schubart hit a 461-foot home run that went over the batter’s eye in center field. Riggio said it’s not surprising. They’ve seen Schubart do that since his first batting practice.

“We expect nothing less from him,” Riggio said. “… I’m like, ‘Oh, Shubart’s gonna Schubart.’”

Is the Big 12 underrated?

Every week, Holliday sits down for 20 minutes and votes on the coaches poll, with his criteria being, “Who would be the toughest three-game series you could possibly find?”

Holliday said after the top few teams, everyone else runs together. But a look at the rankings reveals only two Big 12 teams. His Cowboys sit 22nd in the coaches poll, and West Virginia sits seventh. The Southeastern Conference owns half of the spots in the top 10.

“Like always, underappreciated, poorly portrayed,” Holliday said of the conference’s depth. “You can lose a series in this league, and everybody acts like it’s the end of

sports

the world, (but) you get swept in other leagues and people say it’s a tough weekend.”

Holliday said when he converses with umpires who call games in both the SEC and Big 12, they say the conferences are similar.

“The perception and the difference in each league, I think it’s incredibly minimal,” Holliday said. “There’s a ton

of parity. There’s a ton of good teams. I think the gap between the three or four most elite teams and the rest of the teams is a smaller line than maybe it’s ever been before.”

Between a shortened MLB Draft, the transfer portal and extra years of eligibility because of COVID, Holliday said rosters are older and talent is more well-distributed.

Because of that, he said the gap between teams in the Big 12 and other conferences isn’t as big as people think.

“I think there’s a ton of parity, a lot of good teams, and the Big 12 teams fit right in there, side by side with all the other teams in that discussion,” Holliday said.

sports.ed@ocolly.com

Chase Davis

OSU coach Josh Holliday said the Big 12’s depth is ‘underrated, poorly portrayed.’

Holliday says Benge’s pitching ‘starting to return’; Big 12 depth is ‘poorly portrayed’

OKC Zoo...

Continued from 1

The zoo is also a member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), which aims to protect wildlife and wild places through programs developed to monitor the population management of select species within AZA sanctioned zoos and aquariums. The OKC Zoo is home to many members of the AZA SAFE: Saving Animals From Extinction program. Red panda populations are decreasing due to deforestation, poaching and the illegal pet trade. The OKC Zoo shows its support for the red panda through AZA’s Not a Pet campaign, which educates visitors about what animals make acceptable pets. African painted dogs, another species that calls the OKC Zoo home, are also supported by AZA SAFE. he OKC Zoo houses multiple conservation success stories besides the bald eagle. In the 1940s, the whooping crane population dipped below 24 birds. Intensive conservation programs and research efforts have helped whooping

crane populations survive and grow.

The Indian rhino population was once made up of 200 individuals. Now, the Indian rhino population is over 4,000. Visitors can feed the OKC Zoo’s Indian rhinos in the daily behind-the-scenes encounters hosted by the rhino’s caretakers. Other animals such as Galapagos tortoises, bears, Komodo dragons, bison and Asian elephants are available for behind-the-scenes encounters.

From 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., admission for the Zoo’s Endangered Species Carousel will cost $1 per person, and all money will be used to support the Zoo’s RoundUp for Conservation program.

The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily with the last entry at 4 p.m. Regular admission is $16 for adults and $13 for children ages 3-11 and seniors ages 65 and over. Children under 2 are admitted for free. Tickets can be purchased online or at the zoo.

Proceeds from the zoowide celebration will support the endangered species that inhabit the OKC Zoo.

“Catch a Dream” cat show coming to Stillwater

ingstick Kit Kat, the No. 1 American Shorthair neuter in the U.S., Europe and Japan, to compete in the show.

“You’re real proud as an owner,” Walkingstick said.

Stephanie Landaverde News Editor

On Saturday May 20, the Oklahoma City Cat Club will host the “Catch a Dream” cat show at the Payne County Expo Center. The event will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is expected to bring in more than 100 cats. The cat show is open to the public and the cost to attend is: $5 for adults, $4 for veterans and seniors (65 and up), $3 for children ages 5-12 and children under the age of five get in for free.

Janis Walkingstick, the show manager, has been attending cat shows since 1965 and will be bringing Walk-

Unlike dog shows, the cats do not perform tricks. Each cat will compete six times, and the six judges will judge each cat on the standards of perfection for its breed, also known as the standards of conformation.

“For the household pets there are no set standards,” Walkingstick said. “They should be healthy and they should look clean. It’s just kind of up to the judges who they pick for household pet winners.”

The judges will each pick their top 10 finalists in four categories: championship, premiership, kittens and household pets. The winners will receive rosettes, ribbons and points toward end-of-theyear wins.

“The owners are just ecstatic,” Walkingstick said. “The cats don’t care.” There are more awards for household cats than pedigree cats. These awards include categories such as “best spots”, “best solid color cat” and “prettiest eyes.” Cats will have 60 opportunities to win awards.

The Cat Fanciers Association, the largest cat registration association in the world, sanctions the event. In addition to the show, the Oklahoma Humane Society will bring adoptable pets, plus there will be vendors with petrelated items and a food truck.

“So that’s fun, but the people who keep doing it are the ones that really love the cats,” Walkingstick said. “You can’t really get hung up on winning the rosettes and the ribbons. It’s because you love the cats, you love to see the cats, (and) you love your cat.”

news.ed@ocolly.com

Courtesy of the Oklahoma City Zoo

The OKC Zoo will host an Endangered Species Day to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act; proceeds will support the endangered species living at the zoo.

Courtesy of Judy Pristash

The “Catch a Dream” cat show is expected to display over 100 cats.

The governor’s graduation veto News

posted the decision on social media. She said it was a huge disappointment to see the governor, a member of the Cherokee Nation, vetoed the bill.

Native students gave their insight on the governor’s veto of SB No. 429, which would’ve protected Oklahoma students’ right to wear tribal regalia at graduation.

On the first day of a month famous for graduations, Gov. Kevin Stitt vetoed a bill that would’ve allowed indigenous students to wear tribal regalia to graduation. Enrolled Senate Bill No. 429 would’ve guaranteed students at public school districts, public charter schools, technology centers and institutions in Oklahoma the right to wear tribal regalia during an official graduation ceremony.

“Should this bill become law, the proverbial Pandora’s box will be opened for other groups to go over the heads of local superintendents and demand special favors to wear whatever they please at a formal ceremony,” Stitt said in his official veto message. “Simply put, this decision rests with local school districts, not the state government.”

The bill passed almost unanimously; it passed unanimously in the Senate and in the House only one representative voted against it.

Hadley Hume, an arts administration senior and a former president of the Native American Student Association, said she thinks the governor’s reasoning is ridiculous. Hume had known about the bill and thought it would easily pass into law, but she found out that was not the case when her tribe, the Cherokee Nation,

“It just kind of seems hateful almost, the fact that he vetoed something that would help even his own tribe,” Hume said. “But to me, it feels like he just claims the tribe so that he can claim he’s native and say, ‘Well, because I am, I have this say’. It just kind of irks me that he would do that.”

Caleb Garcia, an economics junior and the 2023 Mr. American Indian, said Stitt has a long-standing track record of not being an ally toward tribal nations.

“My personal feelings toward (the veto) are not the best because he ran on a basis that he was tribally affiliated, and it’s not his first attack on tribal sovereignty,” Garcia said.

Garcia referenced an instance in 2019 when Stitt tried to increase the fees Oklahoma tribal casinos pay. Tribal leaders said what casinos pay to the state are just a portion of the contributions, not including the millions invested in Oklahoma health care, education and infrastructure, according to a 2019 Associated Press article.

“A lot of times we either do beadwork on our caps, or we put an eagle on our tassel,” Garcia said. “Those are two very important things inside our culture.”

Garcia said because beadwork is time-consuming, it’s an acknowledgment of importance, of what matters to the individual who took the time to make it. Eagle feathers are a symbol of importance and were given to warriors who had been through battle in the past, Garcia said.

“Nowadays, being a tribal advocate/warrior is getting your education, or just doing anything like that, so I think

it’s really important that we can continue these practices,” Garcia said. Stitt said there is nothing preventing public schools from allowing students to wear tribal regalia at graduation. Oklahoma State University allows its students to wear tribal regalia at graduation, but this is not the case at every public institution. Stillwater High School is among them.

“My mother has argued with the school board of Stillwater Schools for years about allowing graduates to wear their traditional regalia,” said Jacob Law, a senior graduating from Stillwater High School.

“It’s honestly just a losing battle for Natives; it’s always been this way for 300 years.”

Graduates at the high school are allowed to wear eagle feathers and beading

around the edge of the mortar board, but any other regalia is prohibited, according to an informational notice sent out to the graduating students. Students attempting to wear any other regalia will not be permitted to walk.

“Since Stitt is Cherokee, I think the decision to veto is betrayal against his own people who he now brings dishonor to,” Law said.

Stephanie Landaverde

Oklahoma State University allows students to wear tribal regalia at graduation.

Stephanie Landaverde News Editor

Fool’s Paradise review

show.

Charlie Day is a treasured actor, writer and producer in today’s industry. On May 12, his directorial debut “Fool’s Paradise” hit theaters across the nation.

His first film is a comedy satire that follows Latte Pronto (Day), a mental health patient who has lost the ability to speak. When the government

won’t pay for his care, he is kicked out onto the streets to fend for himself in an unlikely manner. When a producer (Ray Liotta) discovers Pronto, who happens to be the doppelganger of a misbehaving movie star on the producer’s set, he quickly becomes a celebrity when he is thrown into the chaotic Hollywood scene. Learning the ropes of his new career, eccentric and unlucky publicist Lenny (Ken Jeong), quickly notices Latte is unrepresented and the two form a dependent bond. Filmed in 2018, this is credited as one of Ray Liotta’s last films before he died in 2022.

As the satirical comedy progressed, there was a major lack of storytelling. The plot became confusing,

scenes were choppy or out of place and the transitions were just bad. Honestly, it was bland and the humor was not something the audience could relate to or even understand.

Day is well known for his work with his co-creators Glenn Howerton and Rob McElhenny on “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” (2005), which is the longest sitcom running on television to date. He has also starred in popular films such as “Horrible Bosses” (2011) alongside Jason Sudeikis and Jason Bateman, who also appeared in Day’s first film. Many cameos were made by characters on “It’s Always Sunny,” including Howerton and Mary Elizabeth Ellis, making it specifically enjoyable for fans of the long-running

The cast list and cinematography made up for a lot of the film’s downfalls, but it still falls short on many key aspects that make a film good. “Fool’s Paradise” has a current rating of 14% on Rotten Tomatoes, which is a shame considering the work that has been put into the film, but it can be justified. Performances from the entire cast is arguably one of the better parts of the film.

For someone who is a fan of Charlie Day, “Fool’s Paradise” is a comedic letdown but still an impressive start for Day’s directing experience.

entertainment.ed@ocolly.com

Courtesy of Apple TV+

Filmed in 2018, “Fool’s Paradise” is credited as one of Ray Liotta’s last films before he died in 2022.

Jaycee Hampton Staff Reporter

The perfect swan song Lifestyle

Guardians of the Galaxy

Michael Clark Staff Reporter Review

As the Marvel Cinematic Universe slowly fizzles out and collapses in on itself, it’s easy to forget about what made these films so great to begin with. There hasn’t been a Marvel movie with real heart and soul since “Avengers: Endgame”, which was nearly half a decade ago.

Thankfully, James Gunn’s “Guardians of the Galaxy: Volume 3” has reminded me of what I used to love about Marvel. It isn’t just the best Marvel movie since Phase Three; it might just be the best Marvel film ever made.

“Guardians of the Galaxy 3” has the titular Guardians going on one last ride to save a friend from certain death. The entire movie plays with themes of mortality and handles the concept of death with the tenderness and emotion that the MCU has long been missing. The banter is funny, the characters are lovable and the film is full of emotional moments.

James Gunn did not pull a single punch with this one, for better or worse. It’s a very violent and dark film in that regard. With that darkness comes a unique tone and atmosphere that the MCU has been too scared to capture for many years. There is genuine dread and intensity here. The movie left me on the edge of my seat through its entire runtime, not just because of how depressing it can get, but also because I

truly love these characters.

Despite this, the sheer intensity of some of these scenes make it a bit hard to rewatch. Especially if you’re an animal lover. Chukwudi Iwuji plays the High Evolutionary, and he acts every line perfectly, making for a truly intimidating and terrifying presence. Iwuji delivers easily one of the best performances the MCU has ever had.

Unfortunately, the tone is also very inconsistent. For example, there is a scene

where a character is on the floor seizing violently, and the very next scene has characters bantering casually as if nothing happened. It makes for a tonal whiplash that doesn’t bring the film down too much, but is noticeable. What this film falls short of in consistent tone, it makes up for in every other department. The story is brilliantly written and sends off each and every character perfectly. The ending is downright cathartic and I’ve been thinking about it

nonstop since I left the theater on opening night. The movie feels like it really is directed by a person, unlike most Marvel movies with bland cinematography. There are clever shots, interesting uses of color and space, creative action sequences, and visual spectacles. It takes risks with its characters and challenges the audience in ways we have never seen in the MCU. It is a breath of fresh air to every extent. All in all, what truly

makes “Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3” so meaningful is how much heart it has. The movie loves its characters just as much as you do. It’s a satisfying, emotional, and hilarious send off to one of the best trilogies in recent memory. Sadly enough, it might just be the last big hit the MCU ever has. But if this is the end, at least we went out with a bang.

entertainment.ed@ocolly.com

Lethal fentanyl poisoning is real.

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Learn the facts and protect those you love.

Courtesy of HO

Chris Pratt stars as Peter Quill/Star-Lord in the movie “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.

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

Spacious 1100 sq. ft

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floors, nice yard. 2214 E. 6th Ave., Scarlett Bus Route. 405-372-7107.

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 (05/17/23). You’re a shining star this year. Consistent collaboration builds amazing results. Creativity blossoms in peaceful privacy this spring. Share sup port with summer partnership challenges, before autumn energizes your work, fitness and health. Reinvent yourself for new possibilities next winter. Illuminate beauty, goodness and truth.

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

Aries (March 21-April 19) — Today is a 7 — Previous plans could go out the win dow. Focus words and action on income generation. Monitor expenses carefully to leave a cushion for the unexpected.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Today is a 7 — Connect and communicate to broaden your reach around a barrier. Anticipate resistance. Wait for better conditions to advance. Focus on here and now.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Today is a 6 — Savor a private retreat. Take a temporary escape from screens. Recharge with a good book, film or story. Care for yourself before helping others.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Today is a 7 — Discuss crazy dreams and possibilities. Teamwork can move mountains, one bucket at a time. Reinforce bonds with friends and allies. Connect for shared support.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Today is an 8 — Reconnect with the part of your job that you love. Discover and develop interesting professional opportunities. Let go of preconceptions or assumptions. Consider potential.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Today is an 8 — Do the homework for a strong case. Study and learn valuable tricks. Don’t worry about the future. Take action for the results you want.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — Today is an 8 — Direct the flow and manage shared accounts and initiatives. Keep communication channels open. File documents before the deadline. Discover a brilliant and unusual solution.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — Today is a 7 — Collaborate for common cause. Keep your sense of humor and patience when things get tense. Taking action remedies concerns. Don’t get caught in a loop.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — Today is a 6 — Find creative ways to get into action, despite complications. What you’re learning energizes your work and health. Restore it with good food and rest.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Today is an 8 — Make new connections. Enjoy family and friends. Discuss potential and possibilities with someone you love. Express what’s in your heart. Your positive attitude is contagious.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) — Today is a 6 — Family comes first. Discuss potential impacts and outcomes before committing to a domestic project. Consider what’s ahead before spending on something you don’t need.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Today is a 7 — Things are starting to make sense. Develop creative ideas to the next level. Solving an intellectual puzzle is delicious. Keep communications simple and clear.

FOR RELEASE MAY 17, 2023

Los Angeles Times Daily Crossword Puzzle

Edited by Patti Varol and Joyce Lewis

ACROSS

1 Numbered work

5

14

Margaret Hurley & Barbara Lin

Solution to Tuesday’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 © 2023 The Mepham Group. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency. All rights reserved.