The O'Colly, Wednesday, November 15, 2023. by The O'Colly

Wednesday, November 15, 2023

AJR’s new album shares growth, mastery Hayden Alexander Staff Reporter ONE! TWO! PANdaMOnIUm! AJR’s album “THE MAYBE MAN” is out, and it’s a musical medley of emotions. AJR started in 2005 when the three brothers, Adam, Jack, and Ryan Met, began performing on the streets of New York City. The indie pop trio’s first album, “Living Room,” hit the music scene in 2015. AJR’s music continuously tops the charts and brings in more fans by the minute. Their 2021 album “OK Orchestra” set the stage for bigger things. AJR is gearing up for its first arena tour with over 40 show dates. From the streets of New York to the big stage, “The Maybe Man” is set to be AJR’s most significant album yet. “The Maybe Man” is sitting at the top of Spotify’s alternatives chart, so let’s listen to the music propelling AJR to the arenas. AJR’s music is fluid. It matures as the band matures. Their hearts and souls come through in every chord and phrase. The album continues mashing

Courtesy of Creative Commons AJR started in 2005 when the three brothers, Adam, Jack, and Ryan Met, began performing on the streets of New York City.

emotionally raw lyrics with different stylistic sounds to pick up what the songs can’t say. The album opener, “Maybe Man,” sets up the album with lyrics that are reinforced by each song as the they cas-

cade through the album. It expresses the wants and hopes of the narrator as they long to belong somewhere. Their brutally honest song, “God is Really Real,” acts as a tribute to the brother’s father, who passed away last

July. The piece explores the struggle with religion that many feel in their own lives. Multiple songs on the album focus on the trials and tribulations of growing up or turning out. See AJR on 8

‘Fourth Wing’ offers dragons, fantasy, intrigue Hayden Alexander Staff Reporter

to facing off with hundreds of cadets who aren’t afraid to kill. If the idea of competing in multiple deadly trials wasn’t enough, Violet has to face the task of bonding with a dragon. Dragons This article contains spoil- don’t bond with weak humans, ers. and Violet is physically weak. “Fourth Wing” is the novel Her body is fragile, and her bones that took “BookTok” by storm. bruise and break easily. Six months later, author But it doesn’t stop there. Rebecca Yarros is gearing up for a The son of rebellion leader second book release. Fen Riorson, “The Great BetrayThe sequel, “Iron Flame,” er,” Xaden Riorson, is a third-year is set to pick up right after the dragon rider and wing leader of “Fourth Wing” events and expand the Fourth Wing. Also, a small on the cliffhanger ending. thing: he wants Violet dead. Naturally, this makes him a Synopsis love interest. All of this time a looming Violet Sorrengail is set to threat is growing outside Naventer the scribe quadrant and vare’s borders, but its extent is spend her days buried in history. hidden in political jargon and However, her mom, the General, mystery. decides that Violet will enter the A synopsis can’t do the dragon quadrant at Basagith War novel justice. It’s a novel worth a College. few rainy afternoons, and I’ll tell No big deal, it just switches you why… her whole life plan from reading See Fantasy on 7

File Photo Joe Goodkin performed his 35-minute musical composition based on the popular story, “The Odyssey.”

Mythical music

‘Joe’s Odyssey’ brings ancient tale to life Lauren King Staff Reporter Armed with a guitar and the voice of a bard, Joe Goodkin sang the ancient story of the Odyssey back to life. Goodkin, who created a 35-minute musical composition based on the popular story, “The Odyssey,” performed on Wednesday at

Old Central. Goodkin said this performance was monumental. “Epic heroes don’t believe in coincidences… and this is the 366th performance of this piece… in place called Stillwater,” Goodkin said. “Which, you know, you think about the hardships and Odysseus’ struggles with water, this piece could not [rest in a] better way.” Goodkin has traveled all over the country with the

folk opera piece. His Stillwater performance marked the 50th state he has performed the piece in. “It was developed not long after I graduated and decided to try to adapt ‘The Odyssey; into sort of a song form, the original form we think in which it was created,” Goodkin said. “And what I came up with was this 24 Song interpretation that I’ve now been doing for over 20 years.” See Music on 6

File Photo Rebecca Yarros’ first book in the series, “Fourth Wing,” has set her up for her next book release, “Iron Flame.”

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O’Colly

sports

Previewing Houston, Jimbo fisher buyout and more from Mike Gundy’s press conference Daniel Allen Staff Reporter Mike Gundy strolled into the Boone Pickens Stadium on Monday for his press conference, two unexpected visitors tagged along. Kenzie and Ginger – both dogs the Gundy’s adopted – meandered through the room, garnering attention. For a moment, they were the center of attention, but shortly after, it was all business. OSU (7-3, 5-2 Big 12) is coming off a 45-3 road loss, and Gundy didn’t shy away from it. “They coached better than we did,” he said. “Their concepts were better than what ours were.” Last season, after OSU’s 48-0 blowout loss to Kansas State, Gundy said the same thing, and the Cowboys sputtered to a 1-4 finish after a promising 6-1 start. As last year showed, such a calamitous loss can take a significant mental toll on a team. Still, Gundy remained optimistic during his weekly press conference. The Cowboys still have a conference championship game berth at stake. And attaining it isn’t far-fetched. OSU’s final regularseason opponents – Houston and BYU – are a combined 4-10 in Big 12 play. Neither have attained bowl eligibility in their first season of Power Five competition. Gundy said the team’s response in contrast to last year’s against K-State was a polar opposite. “I was thrilled with the way the team stayed together. They did a really good job of rallying together,” Gundy said. “At halftime (of the UCF game), they were awesome, and we get out and drove right down the field. We stall out at the 9 (yard line), we get a turnover, we throw an interception. What if we get two touchdowns right there? “They were really good. They were great.” Gundy weighs in on Jimbo Fisher’s firing Texas A&M coach Jimbo Fisher’s firing sent shockwaves through the college football world Sunday morning. Not because of the decision to fire Fisher but because of the $77 million buyout. The total marks the highest buyout in college football history, surpassing the previous high of $21.7 million when Auburn fired current UCF coach Gus Malzahn in 2020. In the modern era of college football, NIL and booster money is more prevalent than ever. And yet, seldom do school boosters decide to write a coach a check exceeding $75 million to simply go away. And Gundy noted, SEC money is a different money. Texas A&M, which checked in at No. 7 in a study conducted by The USA Today ranking college

Ethan Scott Mike Gundy said the Cowboys were outcoached against UCF, but he liked the way his team responded as it heads to Houston.

athletic departments based off total revenue earned, showed why it is the posterchild in spending money to compete in college football. But recruiting success only goes so far. When it doesn’t translate to the gridiron, problems ensue. Sometimes, not even a record buyout will stop an athletic program from seeking a fresh start. “Money causes problems everywhere,” Gundy said. “The people who have a difficult job now is these (athletic directors). Because it’s hard to tell what’s gonna happen with the transfer portal and NIL. Because it’s not

so clear-cut like it used to be.” Gundy tabs Houston as potential conference sleeping giant In 2019, then-SMU coach Sonny Dykes set a standard for a modern usage of the transfer portal. Dykes and Co. reeled in a record 16 prospects from the portal, and 13 of them were Texas natives. And 11 of those 13 were natives of the DallasFort Worth Metroplex. SMU then had its first 10-win season since the 1980s right after a 5-7 season in 2018. Dykes proved the portal could be a tool to bring an in-

stant impact instead of waiting three or four years to develop a prospect. In Dykes’ first season at TCU, the Horned Frog staff used that same ideology, reeled in 14 transfers and led TCU to its first ever national championship game appearance. That too came one year removed from a 5-7 campaign. A 4-6 start hasn’t been ideal in the Cougars’ inaugural Big 12 season. Still, adjustment to Power Five play is necessary. Gundy said Houston, another hotbed for Texas high school football, could be on the verge of a similar surge to the likes of

he t t ou k c e Ch

way! a e d i al H n i g i Or

SMU and TCU, especially with the Big-12 logo now on the field of TDECU Stadium. “I would think within a four-hour drive of that school, they could have 200 offers, that’s just a guess,” Gundy said. “I do think they have a lucrative future from a recruiting standpoint. And I think they have NIL advantages. “The studies that we take ow are showing that there’s a high percentage of kids that go (into the) portal that go closer to home.” sports.ed@ocolly.com

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O’Colly

Wednesday, November 15, 2023 Page 3

sports

BIG 12

6 West Virginia

WEEK 11

POWER RANKINGS: Tessa Dorrell Staff Reporter

The Mountaineers got mangled by the Sooners. West Virginia lost 59-20 in Norman on Saturday. West Virginia’s offense couldn’t keep up with OU quarterback Dillon Gabriel. West Virginia had just 330 yards of offense, but the two turnovers did not help the Mountaineers in their trek coming back from a deficit.

Kansas

The O’Colly is releasing its Big 12 power rankings each week, and here’s where everyone stacks up after Week 11.

1 TEXAS The ‘Horns squeaked by in Fort Worth, taking down TCU 29-26 on Saturday. Texas won both games in which Maalik Murphy has been the starting quarterback, but Quinn Ewers took back the reins on Saturday. He went 22 of 33 passing for 317 yards and one touchdown with an interception.

2 Oklahoma State The Cowboys crumbled in Orlando, getting crushed 45-3 to UCF on Saturday. Oklahoma State’s dug an unescapable hole right out of the game. The Cowboys had a fumble and an interception in the first quarter. With heavy rain, the Cowboys continued to slip further into a deficit. The offense couldn’t spread the Knight defense that stops the rush so well. Even with a loss, OSU still has a shot at playing for the Big 12 title.

3 Oklahoma The Sooners made a splash in Norman, beating West Virginia 59-20 on Saturday. Oklahoma collected 644 yards of total offense, and Dillon Gabriel went 23 of 36 for 423 yards along with five touchdowns. Although the Sooners won, a Bedlam loss keeps the Sooners below the Cowboys.

4 KANSAS S TATE

Kansas couldn’t get back on track, losing 16-13 to the Red Raiders at home on Saturday. The Jayhawks lost quarterback Jason Bean in the first half, and Kansas couldn’t find its offensive power without Bean. KU can kiss a conference championship goodbye with the loss.

Texas Tech The Red Raiders outlasted the Jayhawks in Lawrence on Saturday, 16-13. Gino Garcia was the star for Texas Tech. Garcia hit the game-winning 30-yard field goal with three seconds left. The Red Raiders run game put Kansas in a bind in the first half. It was all that was necessary for the win.

TCU The Horned Frogs fell to the Longhorns 29-26 to Texas in Fort Worth on Saturday. The season has been quite the turnaround (not in a good way) from TCU’s College Football Playoff appearance last year. The Frogs need to win their last two games against Baylor and Oklahoma to become bowl eligible.

10 UCF UCF is losing underdog status. The Knights beat Oklahoma State 45-3 in Orlando on Saturday. This is UCF’s highest-ranked regular season win since 2009. The Knights outgained OSU 133-29 in the second quarter, putting them up 24-0 at halftime.

11 BYU

The Wildcats won big in Manhattan, taking down Baylor 59-25 on Saturday. Will Howard became the all-time leader in touchdown passes in K-State history. He was 19 of 29 for 235 yards and three touchdowns. The Wildcats have a shot at making it back to the Big 12 championship game if they win out.

5 Iowa State The Cyclones stepped back into the win column, taking down BYU 45-13 in Provo on Saturday. Iowa State went without a turnover, collecting 443 yards of total offense. Freshman quarterback Rocco Becht went 15 of 23 for 203 yards passing and two touchdowns. Running back Abu Sama III had eight carries for 110 yards and two touchdowns.

BYU buckled under the pressure of the Cyclones, 45-13, in Provo on Saturday. The Cougars finished with 318 yards of total offense, but they could not catch up to the Cyclones thanks to a fumble and two interceptions.

12 Houston The Cougars come up short against the Bearcats at home, 24-14. A bad game from Houston means the Cougars can stay above Cincinnati. Houston finished 6 for 13 on third downs. The Cougars finished with 10 tackles for loss, including four sacks. Donovan Smith went 16 of 28 for 102 passing yards and two touchdowns. However, Smith’s three interceptions were too much for Houston to overcome.

13 Baylor The Bears took a beating at Kansas State on Saturday, 59-25, and their bowl eligibility is off the table. Baylor had 332 yards of total offense, but three fumbles and an interception is an obstacle few teams can overcome. The Bears have next year to look toward to.

14 Cincinnati Saturday was a big day for the Bearcats, as they beat Houston 24-14 for their first Big 12 win. With just one conference win, the Bearcats can stay at the bottom. Cincinnati finished the game with 204 rushing yards and 368 yards of total offense. Emory Jones threw for 131 yards and a touchdown to snap the Bearcats’ seven-game losing streak.

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sports

Houston scrambling for bowl eligibility after loss to Cincinnati Calif Poncy Staff Reporter Houston’s chances at a bowl game are dwindling. At 4-6, the Cougars have to win out to play in the postseason, and coming down the road is a ranked Oklahoma State team. The Cowboys are coming off a disastrous performance against UCF, one in which they lost 45-3 and turned the ball over four times. On the UH side, a 10-point loss to Cincinnati has its season on the brink. A lot of the same issues that plagued OSU in its last game also hung over the Cougars against UC. The typically reliable Donovan Smith threw for just over 100 yards, while also tossing three interceptions. The UH offense as a whole struggled, recording only 241 yards against a Bearcat defense that has been gashed by many teams this season. On defense, the Cougars were able to shut down Emory Jones and the UC passing attack but were destroyed on the ground. UC running back Corey Kiner ran for 129 yards and two touchdowns and was the Cougars’ primary weapon on offense, helping UC to over 200 yards rushing. “It’s disappointing,” UH coach Dana Holgerson said. “We just didn’t play good enough to compete at the Big 12. They’re dealing with the same thing we’re dealing with with the transition, and it’s hard every week, and they’re in every game, and they found a way to win this one.” The Cougars have struggled throughout the season, with their only wins over Division-I opponents coming in a 17-14 win against UTSA, a hailmary prayer answered against West Virginia, and a one-point win over Baylor. Holgerson and UH’s back is firmly against the wall. The Cougars’ road to a bowl game is going to be rocky and potentially unlikely, but the path to the postseason starts this weekend against an OSU team reeling after a blowout loss to UCF. sports.ed@ocolly.com

Houston Football via Twitter (X) After a loss to Cincinnati, Houston needs to win its final two games to make a bowl game in its first season in the Big 12.

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Wednesday, November 15, 2023 Page 5

news

File Photo Eighty-seven percent of faculty do not feel prepared “at all” for an active assailant event, according to a report by OSUPD.

Are faculty prepared for active assailants? Most say ‘no’ Kennedy Thomason News & Lifestyle Editor Most of OSU’s faculty does not feel prepared to handle an active assailant. During the monthly faculty meeting held yesterday afternoon via Zoom, a special report presented by OSUPD Captain Dan Ray addressed the university’s plans to prepare faculty for an active assailant event. The report stated 87% of faculty do not “feel prepared at all” to handle an active assailant event on campus.

Built environment, such as locks or large windows, along with additional and improved training were the main concerns that faculty shared. Ray said the plan is to handle faculty concerns with a video training that is currently being developed. “We felt like the first step of that was to work on training,” Ray said. “And make sure training is available to everyone.” Ray said there are three steps that are being acted on for faculty feel prepared. First, determining the needs of faculty. Second, surveying the faculty about their concerns. Third, developing a plan, which has been pieced together

since the summer. Currently, a 10-15 minute video is under production for faculty to view about preparation and safety measures they can take. It will walk faculty stepby-step through different scenarios, such as how to respond if they are in a classroom or hallway. Ray said it will be a high-quality production and that it plans to include actors from the theatre department. Although the current plan focuses mostly on the physical safety aspect of an active shooter situation, Ray did not dismiss the need to address mental health. “I think it’s important that we look at this as a totality of the circumstanc-

es,” Ray said. He pointed to the behavioral consultation team, which evaluates any individuals who are reported. The team is made of counselors, student affairs, students and the police department. “There is a lot more that is headed off by that team than I think most anybody will ever realize,” Ray said. Ray said production of the training video is the first part in the larger plan to prepare faculty. He said the video would likely be available next spring or summer. “If we can get the training method set up, then we can start adding those physical pieces as well,” Ray said. news.ed@ocolly.com

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news Music . . . Continued from 1 His 24 songs narrated the epic tale from the perspective of a different character: Telemachus, Odysseus or Penelope. Goodkin’s voice conveyed the weight of Odysseus’ twenty years at sea, the loneliness and strength of Penelope and the anticipation of young Telemachus. Concluding with Odysseus’ homecoming, Goodkin set down his guitar to enthusiastic applause and an audience full of questions. Praising the work, one audience member said the transition between lamenting “lost time” and to a “scene with Telemachus” was an impactful moment. Addressing the comment, Goodkin said that moment requires reflection. “It’s so typical of the Homeric text…in that the text never tells you what you should feel for him,” Goodkin said. “That is not the point. You have to sort of step back and think about the emotional content of what conditions must be going on there.” Goodkin’s Odyssey guides the listener through emotionally charged scenes with varying chord progressions and a voice filled with emotion. After performing the piece for many years, Goodkin said it comes as second nature. “I know these are the same lyrics I wrote twenty-something years ago, and I know I’m making changes,” Goodkin said. “Some of them I’m aware of, and I make them every time, and some of them I’m not aware of the they just happen in the moment.” Along with his new song cycle, The Blues of Achilles, based on “The Illiad,” Goodkin will continue to tour and spread his ancient tale with the modern world. As he continues touring, Goodkin said that he is grateful to be part of the centuries-long tradition of oral storytelling. “I think you could see how oral tradition could work, how variation occurs, with very small changes most of the time…I imagine that these are very similar things to what bards still do and that they did one hundred years ago, and that they did 3,000 years ago,” he said. news.ed@ocolly.com

File Photo Joe Goodkin’s Stillwater performance marked the 50th state he has performed his piece in.

brownsshoefitstillwater browns.stillwater OPEN YOUR HEART TO GOD! “Open your heart and let him in. God will remove all your sorrow and sin. He may not pass this way again, so open your heart and let him come in.” These are words from an old hymn. Many struggle so hard to take this step, not wanting to give up their independence; not wanting to humble themselves before God. In the Psalms, David said: “When I refused to confess my sin, my body wasted away, and I groaned all the day long. Day and night your hand of discipline was heavy on me. My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat. Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt. I said to myself, ‘I will confess my rebellion to the Lord.’ And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone.” (32:3-5 NLT) It seems so simple, and it is! Yet, so many

struggle with honesty and humility. These qualities are of great importance with God. The truth is another has paid the penalty for your sins and mine. That is the good news! What we could not do (get rid of our sins), Jesus did by dying in our place. Therefore, “Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven,whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will never count against him.” (Ro.4:7-8 NIV) Again, blaming friends or relatives will not help; getting religious does not help, thinking you are among the “better” people does no good. Trust what God has done for you through Christ. Get honest and humble yourself before God. Confess your sinfulness, and God will freely forgive. You will be free of guilt and stand innocent before God. Then you can begin a lasting and fruitful relationship with this great and loving God.

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Wednesday, November 15, 2023 Page 7

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Hayden Alexander “Fourth Wing” is trending and is the first book in a series by Rebecca Yarros.

Fantasy . . .

schemes she enacts to fight through the war college. My favorite is when she continuously poisons her nemesis, Jack Barlowe, to win sparing matches. Continued from 1 In true protagonist fashion, Violet bonds with two dragons during the Threshing: Andarna and Tarin. The Review latter is a massive Black Morning Star Two days. that happens to be one of the most powFor two days, I couldn’t put erful dragons. He behaves like a sassy “Fourth Wing” down. This book enticed grandpa who is over it. He has a soft me with dragons and captured me with spot for Violet and her golden counterits main character. part, Andarna. The three of them have It’s a fantasy with a hint of dysto- my favorite dynamic in the book. pian. Speaking of dynamics, let’s talk The competition to become an about the love triangle. elite dragon rider with a few deadly tests Xaden Riorson is Violet’s main sprinkled in resembles the dauntless love interest. It’s the classic enemiesfaction in “Divergent,” but with a better to-lovers trope, except Xaden is not an story and romance. enemy. The story can sometimes feel like However, there’s Dain Aeteos. it is following a hero’s path. Our hero He’s the controlling best friend who faces adversity and overcomes it, but the treats Violet as if she were made of underlying political mystery adds to the glass and doesn’t let her do anything. story. Take note, gentlemen, don’t tell a Our main protagonist, Violet Sor- woman she can’t do something because rengail, earns her spot in the pantheon she’ll leave you for the morally grey, of powerful female fantasy characters. dark-haired guy. She continues the new trend of writers Xaden is the dark-haired guy who telling the stories of beautifully imper- captures Violet’s feelings. As the novel fect self-made women. progresses, Violet learns more about the Violet is physically weak. Her man who, instead of killing her, trains bones are brittle, she bruises easily and her to kill. small bumps lead to breaks. What seals the deal for Violet is She makes up for it in the many Xaden’s selflessness when it comes to

those he loves. It turns out that Xaden struck a deal to save himself and the other 107 children of rebellion leaders. They get a chance to live if they survive the dragon quadrant. The love story is a roller coaster of banter and tension. There are sweet moments woven in as both learn more about and fall in love with each other. There are a few very spicy moments, but it’s not the focal point of their relationship. I hope their relationship survives under Rebecca Yarros’ pen. The supporting characters are so much fun. Rihannon and Ridoc are on Violet’s side from the first challenge. They create a fun atmosphere to the novel bolstered by Imogen Cardulo, Garrick Travis and Bodhi Durran Xaden’s mismatched family. My favorite is Liam, the golden boy in charge of protecting Violet. Side note…Violet and Xaiden’s dragons are mated, so if one dies, they both die (fun, right?). Liam is Xaden’s foster brother, and his gentle demeanor and charming smile secured my vote for a favorite secondary character. Then Yarros decided that the readers needed a good cry because Liam dies protecting Violet in the novel’s final battle. Why authors make us fall in love and then immediately kill off characters, I will never know.

We’re getting a little too detailed. Let’s venture back to the overall judgment. “Fourth Wing” is a thrilling installment to the genre; it’s an adventure of a woman fighting for her survival. The intrigue surrounding the secrets of the War College and the country of Poromeil draws the reader in. Through reading the novel, it’s revealed that the dragons are not protecting Navarre from Poromeil, but the horrifying wyvern and venin. These creatures of darkness threaten everyone, but the citizens of Navvare have been taught that they are fictitious monsters. The ending twist to the novel is a jaw-dropping moment. A less distracted reader might have predicted it, but I was surprised and delighted. I leave it to mystery for you. “Fourth Wing” is a fun and easy read. It’s an adventure crossed with mystery and a hint of spice. The second novel promises to be an exciting read. “Iron Flame” is out now, and Rebecca Yarros plans to release three more novels to complete the series. So, if spoilers don’t bother you or you’re using this to skip ahead (would not recommend), and you’re looking for a book, or two, to read during the break, these novels might be right up your alley. news.ed@ocolly.com

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Courtesy of Creative Commons AJR recently released its newest album, “THE MAYBE MAN.”

AJR . . .

cry. “The DJ is Crying for Help” relates to the fight against traditional societal rules, even if it’s not who you are. “2085” continues the ideas of lost Continued from 1 childhood innocence as the narrator contemplates growing up and romanticizes what could’ve been. Ultimately, “Turning Out Pt. iii” is a beautiful they reach the conclusion to hold on to commentary on love. It provides closure what you have and live for the present. to a three part series where the narra“Inertia” is a mash up of phystor discovers that love is imperfect and ics and sound. The fifth song on AJR’s messy. He accepts the small and quiet album is one of the best and most relatof a relationship, “one day at a time, kid able to anyone facing change. It follows add up the days you got someone to do the narrator who feels like they’re in a life with.” continuing state of existence. They’re “The Dumb Song” and “The DJ is stuck and resistant to new ideas. Crying for Help” pairs adult hardships In October, AJR gave fans a sneak with notes of innocence. “The Dumb peak of “Touchy Feely Fool” and the Song” gives a battle cry anyone that’s full release of “Yes I’m a Mess.” Both ever felt like they’re not enough a battle

involve the concept of pressure. “Touchy Feely Fool” is about the weight of trying to handle the world when you’re a sensitive and vulnerable person. “Yes I’m a Mess” is about overcoming stress and taking control of the narrative. “Steve’s going to London” is an absolute jam. It’s a song about nothing, that’s a song about overthinking how the song is about nothing. In English, it’s about the artists overthinking every lyric and their search for meaning in their music. No. 7 on the album, “Hole in the Bottom of my Brain,” feels like the most mainstream of the songs. It’s an observation of the effects of external validations. It showcases how that validation can take control of life.

I love this album. It shows the groups growth and their ability to master music. My favorite will always be “OK Orchestra,” but “The Maybe Man” is worth listing too. The album is explicit, but it has a non-explicit option if profanity isn’t your thing. AJR is continuing to grow and their fans are growing with them. If you’re even considering giving them a listen, I highly recommend it. Their music isn’t for everyone, but there is something for everyone on their discography. Tickets for AJR’s “The Maybe Man” tour are on sale now on Ticketmaster. They’ll be in Oklahoma City, at the Paycom Center, on May 4, 2024. news.ed@ocolly.com

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Cowboy Calendar Wednesday 11/15/2023 Autumn Arts Gala Student Union Ballroom @ 6 p.m. Funk N’ Beers College Bar @ 10:30 p.m. - 12:30 a.m. Kid’s Night Eskimo Joes @ 5 - 9 p.m. $1 Buffy meals Line Dancing Lessons Outlaws @ 7-8 p.m. $10 Sci-Fi Film Cub: First Encounters Stillwater Public Library @ 6 - 8 p.m. https://stillwaterok.gov/Library Holiday Market: Small Works Modella Art Gallery @ 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. https://www.modellagallery.org/ Songwriters Circle w/ Dylan Moss Bad Brad’s Bar-B-Q @ 7 - 9 p.m. Thursday 11/16/2023 Downtown Stillwater Giveaway Downtown Stillwater @ 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. November Holiday 3rd Friday Downtown Art & Wine Walk Downtown Stillwater @ 4 - 8 p.m. OSU Block & Bridle Stillwater Showdown Payne County Expo Center @ 10 - 12 a.m. Free for spectators https://pcexpocenter.com/calendar/ OSU Theatre: Macbeth Oklahoma State University Department of Theatre @ 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. $10 Students, $12 Seniors, $15 General https://www.tix.com/ticket-sales/okstatetheatre/7287 TGIF: Thank Goodness It’s Folding OSU Museum of Art @ 2 - 4 p.m. https://www.facebook.com/even ts/215462111553088/215462124886420/ active_ tab=about Teen Anime Club Stillwater Public Library @ 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. https://stillwaterok.gov/Library United Way Pickleball Tournament - Intermediate Session United Way @ 7:30 a.m. https://www.unitedwaypaynecounty.org/2023-pickleball-benefit-tournament Friday 11/17/2023 Payne County Flea Market Payne County Expo Center @ 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. The Polar Express Leafer Lodge Christmas Tree Farm @ 5 p.m. $20 / car at the gate Brewery Tours

Los Angeles Times Daily Crossword Puzzle Edited by Patti Varol and Joyce Lewis

ACROSS 1 Crunchy sandwiches with mayo 5 Prepare, as avocados for guacamole 9 Impulsive speed 14 Uncommon 15 __ gobi: vegetarian curry dish 16 Grouch on TV 17 Off-Broadway award 18 Prefix with second or bot 19 Beach shoe 20 Present surroundings? 23 Taco topping 24 Lav 25 Faux __ 28 Sci-fi aviators 29 Audio cassette successor 34 Common __ 35 Little bit 36 Jeans option 42 Away from shore 43 Nose-in-the-air type 44 One with pressing needs? 48 Fuss 51 Horn-heavy genre 52 Communication syst. in which an ILY gesture means “I love you” 53 Rubber-__ shoes 55 Shredded, or an apt description of 20-, 29-, 36-, and 44-Across 60 Slacks alternative 62 Sweetheart 63 Ductwork sealer 64 Frenemy, maybe 65 Start of a German count? 66 Decorates, as cookies 67 “Hello” Grammy winner 68 Film scene shot without interruption 69 Amazon icon

Daily Horoscope

11/15/23

By Barbara Lin & Carly Schuna

DOWN 1 Window-shop 2 Animal in many 3-Down 3 Experiments 4 Trickles (in) 5 Finger painting, for short? 6 Ruck of HBO’s “Succession” 7 “Hello,” for one 8 Hullabaloo 9 Communal Asian meal with simmering broth 10 Tennis legend Arthur 11 Desert stinger 12 Beach tone 13 Unit of energy 21 Indiana cager 22 NYC rep since 2019 26 Italian wine region 27 Bamboozle 30 Four quarters 31 Bks. in progress 32 “Special Topics in Calamity Physics” novelist Marisha 33 Food plan 34 Airbnb visit, say

Nancy Black Tribune Content Agency Linda Black Horoscopes Today’s Birthday (11/15/23). You’re a powerful team together this year. Dedicate regular connections for romance, fun and creativity. Navigate tricky winter waters with your partner, before springtime feeds inspiration. Summer health and fitness flower. Share support for autumn peace of mind and heart. Join forces for good. 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 — A professional project grows naturally. An opportunity reveals hidden treasure. Fortune favors taking bold initiative. Provide leadership, guidance and stewardship. Take notes. Share progress. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Today is an 8 — Follow your heart to exciting adventures. Conversation grows into something beautiful. Develop your research and creative ideas into functional reality. Explore and investigate. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Today is an 8 — Contribute to build financial strength with your partner. Collaborate to manage projects. Align on budgeted expenses. Together, you can generate the resources you need. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Today is a 9 — Deepen a delightful connection. Take advantage of unexpected circumstances. Romance, collaboration and partnership are all on the table if you play your cards right. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Today is a 7 — A good coach sees your blind spots. Adjust technique for greater efficiency and ease. Small changes make a big difference. Discuss health and fitness goals. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Today is an 8 — Savor your beloved people. You’re especially charming and persuasive. Grab an opportunity to dance with someone attractive. Share flirtatious banter. Romance sparks in conversation. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — Today is a 7 — Take care of family. Manage household chores and responsibilities. Make repairs and upgrades. Replenish reserves. Infuse love into your home. Bake something fragrant. Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — Today is a 9 — You’re especially brilliant and creative. Discuss your latest passions and invite participation. Express what’s in your heart. Get the word out about what you love. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — Today is a 9 — Make business deals, connections and favors. Talk about passions and purpose. Negotiate terms. Discuss options and potential. Listen carefully. Sign on the dotted line. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Today is a 9 — Fortune favors a personal project. Take advantage of beneficial conditions to advance. Others wonder how you manage. Get support when needed. Express your heart. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) — Today is a 7 — Peaceful settings inspire productivity and imagination. Gather inspiration from a recent dream. Savor natural connections. Clean your spaces. Let your creativity percolate. Organize. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Today is a 7 — Friends help you make an important connection. Share dreams, suggestions and advice. Keep communication channels open. Contribute to group conversations, chats and efforts.

Tuesday’s Puzzle Solved

36 Finger-paints, perhaps 37 Doesn’t seem to be hurt 38 Tranquilizer 39 Cut off 40 Mama deer 41 Latissimus __: back muscle 45 Skirmish 46 Team with four Women’s World Cup titles

11/15/23

47 “Yeah, right!” 48 Vicuña descendant 49 More meaningful 50 Most peculiar 54 Eye-related 56 __ history 57 A Skywalker twin 58 Hard pull 59 Subterfuge 60 Mme., in Madrid 61 Minor character?

Level 1 2 3 4

Solution to Tuesday’s puzzle

11/15/23 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