The O'Colly, Wednesday, May 8, 2024

Wednesday, May 8, 2024

Finals week often marks one of the first weeks of

Why finals week is the best week of the school year week

Bella Casey News and Lifestyle Assistant Editor

Column

As some dread the chaos of finals week, I cannot wait for it to begin. The final week of the semester is the busiest week of the year for some students. For me, it’s the calmest.

Although I am busy studying for final exams, I find more gaps in my schedule than usual. I don’t have to follow my regular class schedule, and I do not have any club meetings. I am not as limited to campus, so I can study anywhere.

I venture out of the newsroom and part ways with the desk in my apartment to celebrate the rare occasion. I hunker down in a coffee shop instead, where I am surrounded by tables of other students cramming for finals. Hours of studying seem to pass quicker this way. As finals week rolls around, so does spring. I get

to break out my books and my favorite pair of jean shorts. Every walk to campus feels like a fashion show as I rediscover the summer wardrobe I packed away in October. The freezing walks to campus are over.

Finals week always includes free food. Someone is usually handing out drinks or snacks somewhere on campus, and Late Night Cafe, an event the Student Union Activities Board hosts, is a hit among many. Apartment complexes near campus, such as Prime Place, offer free breakfast during finals week. I might be stressed, but I won’t be hungry.

See Finals on 5

OSU Dean’s Dialogue brings ag stewardship to the forefront

Ainsley Treesh OSU News

Oklahoma State University Agriculture is committed to elevating discussions about agriculture and bringing agricultural issues to the forefront through the Dean’s Dialogue series.

Jayson Lusk, vice president and dean of OSU Agriculture, sat down with Steven Rhines, president and chief executive officer of Noble Research Institute, on April 29 and discussed Noble’s goals and regenerative agricultural efforts. Noble Research Institute is

an independent nonprofit agricultural research organization that aims to improve land stewardship through soil health and producer profitability.

“Our purpose is to save U.S. grazing lands, and we do that by promoting land stewardship through management, building soil health, and keeping farmers and ranchers on the land,” Rhines said. Founded in 1945 by Lloyd Noble, the institute was created to help revitalize agricultural land after the Dust Bowl. Noble is the largest nonprofit agricultural research organization in the United States. During the past few years, Noble Research Institute under-

went a strategic shift within its organization to fulfill Noble’s original vision.

“We moved away from basic plant science,” Rhines said. “We still have a research component, but it’s incredibly applied. It works with farmers and ranchers and their challenges. All our research projects involve ranchers or producers, which I’m proud of.”

Noble’s research is more cause-and-effect focused, he said. Based on monitoring and measurement of the land, the intent is to provide farmers and ranchers with tools to make productive and profitable decisions based on the land and its health.

York selected as the College of Education and Human Sciences’ Orange Robe recipient

Cara York’s Oklahoma State University story is one of perseverance, growth and success. York has the prestigious distinction of serving as the Orange Robe graduate for the College of Education and Human Sciences during the university’s spring commencement May 11.

Given to a senior in each college who has demonstrated dedication to their academics and community, the Orange Robe recipient carries the gonfalon and leads the college processional.

York, a fashion merchandising major, said she was thrilled to receive the distinction not only because of the prestige it holds but also because of what it means to uphold the values of CEHS over her four years at OSU.

“I love that the College of Education and Human Sciences’ (tagline) is ‘People, Passion, Purpose,’” York said. “I just love people. I think my love for others is why I wanted to pursue all these opportunities that I’ve had.”

As a third-generation OSU student, York said it was almost a foregone conclusion that she belonged in Stillwater.

“I never even took a tour,” York said. “I have bled orange since the day I came out of the womb. I grew up coming to Stillwater for sporting events; It was always OSU or nothing.”

Yet, over her first few months at OSU, things did not go as planned. York left a sorority she had dreamed of joining, struggled with the isolation of COVID-19 restrictions and broke up with her long-time boyfriend. Halfway through her freshman year, she did not think she would return to Oklahoma State University and talked with her advisor about transferring closer to home.

“I just didn’t feel home,” York said. “I wasn’t finding my place. No matter what I did or how I tried to get involved, it just wasn’t for me; nothing clicked.”

Despite her struggles in the first year, York said her parents encouraged her to remain at OSU. She also found motivation from her professors and teaching assistants, who shared their passion for fashion, merchandising and marketing and inspired her to stay in the degree she wanted to pursue since high school.

“I thought about going into accounting or finance because I love num-

bers, I love Excel and I love business,” York said. “But I didn’t want to just sit behind a desk all day. So when I found (fashion merchandising) I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, like this is perfect for me.’”

York said her professors and people that she met as COVID-19 restrictions eased made her want to stay in Stillwater and continue pursuing her dreams.

For the past three years, York has worked at a formal dress boutique near her hometown.

“Being a retail associate is like the basics of the fashion industry,” York said. “I get to see the ins and outs of it all, and that’s really fun because we have classes about what I do as part of our degree. I’ll be at the store doing something for my boss, and then it connects to what I do in class.”

York said the small size of the Department of Design and Merchandising has enabled her to make meaningful connections with her peers and the professors, many of whom have turned into mentors over her time at OSU.

York said Dr. Aditya Jayadas is one of the most influential figures in her academic career. Jayadas said York has become one of his favorite students for her selflessness, curiosity and natural leadership.

“In the college, we talk about passion and purpose, and she embodies that,” Jayadas said. “The combination of empathy and humility— she just embodies the principles of being a good student, a good human being, a good citizen. It’s rare to see all of these attributes in one student. She is not expecting a pat on the back— she’s just doing it because she wants to do it.”

York’s curiosity and desire to learn from others is why Jayadas encouraged her to take one of the biggest, but most rewarding, risks of her academic career and spend a semester abroad in Florence, Italy. York said she originally planned on graduating a semester early, but when she had a change of heart to wait until the spring semester, she went to Jayadas to discuss her options. Jayadas suggested studying abroad, and York realized she could accomplish a lifelong dream.

“I had such a short span of time to get everything turned in and apply to all these things,” York said. “But it just worked out perfectly that I got to do it right in time. And that was by no accident. I know it was meant to be that I went abroad.”

Payton Little

beautiful spring weather.

Jessica Pearce OSU News

Taylor hired as Oklahoma State head wrestling coach

Braden Bush Sports Editor

Oklahoma State has found its new wrestling head coach.

On Monday night, OSU announced on X the hiring of David Taylor, a 2021 gold medalist at the Tokyo Olympics. He will replace interim head coach Coleman Scott as the successor to John Smith, the winningest coach in program history, who retired April 11. Taylor, 33, has no college head coaching experience, though he has continued to be part of the Nittany Lion Wrestling Club, but his wrestling accolades are impressive. He won World Championships in 2018, 2022 and 2023, as well as the Olympic gold. In college at Penn State under coach Cael Sanderson, Taylor was a four-time Big Ten champion, two-time NCAA individual champion and two-time winner of the Dan Hodge Trophy, given annually to the nation’s top college wrestler. He is one of six wrestlers to win the trophy multiple times.

Taylor was in contention for

qualifying to compete in the 2024 Paris Olympics for Team USA but was defeated by another Penn State wrestler, Aaron Brooks, at the Olympic Trials. His recent international success and name recognition could be a big advantage for the Cowboys, who are coming off a 14-1 regular season and 10th-place finish at the NCAA Championships.

sports.ed@ocolly.com

Payton Little

Taylor, 33, has no college head coaching experience, though he has continued to be part of the Nittany Lion Wrestling Club, but his wrestling accolades are impressive.

‘Right now is the right time to get hot’

OSU to open Big 12 Tournament Thursday versus BYU

Parker Gerl Staff Reporter

Oklahoma State pitcher Ivy Rosenberry can’t stop reminding her teammates.

The Cowgirls’ season is winding down. The regular season is over. And there’s only a month left, should OSU advance to a fifth-straight Women’s College World Series.

“They keep yelling at me: ‘Ivy, stop. We don’t want to hear it,’” Rosenberry said. “And some of the seniors are like, ‘You’re stressing me out.’”

On Thursday, The No. 2 Cowgirls (44-9, 21-6) will face BYU (30-22, 11-16) at 11 a.m. CT in the quarterfinals of the Big 12 Tournament in Oklahoma City. OSU is the league’s No. 3 seed, while the Cougars hold the No. 6 spot.

OSU and BYU met in Provo in late March. The Cowgirls took the series after a 3-2 series-opening win and an 11-8 loss in game 2 before run-ruling the Cougars in the finale.

“A team that gave us fits when we were there,” OSU head coach Kenny Gajewski said. “So, we’ve been talking about them and how to beat them.

“They seem to play with a really good energy, and it’s gonna be tough.”

The Cowgirls closed the regular season with their first Bedlam series win since 1997. OSU defeated the Sooners 2-1 in Norman and scored six runs in each of the first two games, both come-from-behind wins. It also hit seven combined homers in its pair of wins.

OSU’s hot hitting extends further back than Bedlam, though. The Cowgirls have scored six or more runs in nine of their last 11 games and posted nine or more in four of those.

It’s a much stronger end to the season than in 2023: OSU headed into the conference tourney having won just two of its last 12 games, with eight two-run-or-less outings. It was ultimately one-anddone with a loss to six-seeded Kansas.

Now, the Cowgirls head into the Big 12 tourney on a high note. They’re getting clutch hits up and down the lineup and have won 10 of their last 11 games.

“Our hitters are getting hot right now,” Rosenberry said, “and it’s so fun to see because it’s like, who gets hot at the right time. And right now is the right time to get hot.”

OSU is chasing its second-ever Big 12 tournament championship after it won in 2022 when it defeated OU in the title game. Should the Cowgirls and Sooners get past the quarterfinals, it’d set up a Bedlam rematch in the semis of this year’s bracket.

Beyond the conference tournament, the Cowgirls are poised to host regionals and likely super regionals.

“This is the funnest time of the year, and it’s right here upon us,” Gajewski said. “Now we like to call it season three here. So, we’re excited about that.”

sports.ed@ocolly.com

SELECT THURSDAYS IN MAY

Bryson Thadhani

Arkansas transfer guard

“Devo” Davis commits to OSU

A former Oklahoma State commit is headed to Stillwater.

Arkansas transfer Davonte “Devo” Davis committed to OSU Monday evening, landing where he originally committed in 2018. Davis spent the last four seasons with the Razorbacks and has one year of eligibility remaining.

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

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

“Devo is a great person from a great family, and he has an incredibly engaging personality,” OSU coach Steve Lutz said in a press release. “Cowboy fans will see some of that same energy out on the basketball court. He is a multi-dimensional athlete who plays with effort and purpose on both ends.

He’s made big plays in big moments over the course of his career, and I’m confident he’ll do the same here at Oklahoma State.” A 6-foot-4 guard, Davis was a 2023 SEC All-Defensive Team selection. Davis averaged 5.9 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2 assists per game last season. His offensive production took a dip compared to his 2022-23 season, when he posted 10.9 points per game on

41.5% from the field and 34.6% from 3. Davis appeared in 132 games for Arkansas and totaled 1,118 points, 527 rebounds and 314 assists (ninth-most in school history). He is OSU’s fourth transfer portal pickup, joining FIU guard Arturo Dean, Texas Tech forward Robert Jennings II and UCF forward Marchelus Avery.

Davonte “Devo” Davis transferred from Arkansas to Oklahoma State.

Finals

Continued from 1

I may be taking a break from writing for The O’Colly, but I am not taking a break from reporting. The internship I

have dreamed of since freshman year is almost a reality. I am only a few weeks away from a summer full of reporting and learning at Tulsa World. Finals week is a reminder of how close I am to my next opportunity.

The one thing I dread about finals week is saying goodbye.

My appreciation for campus is restored as the grass turns green, and I

realize my junior year is coming to an end. After this finals week is over, I will have one year of college left. I am not ready to call myself an OSU senior yet.

My friends organize last-minute finals week hangouts as we prepare to say goodbye for the summer. I anticipate evenings swimming in my friend’s pool, scenic study dates and a few goodbye dinners. I soak up the extra time with

my friends and appreciate the muchneeded study break, though I dread the goodbyes that follow.

Although I feel the stress of final exams, finals week always grants me a sense of appreciation for my college experience. I find a final boost of motivation to finish my exams, and I enjoy the opportunity to dive into studying.

news.ed@ocolly.com

CheckouttheOriginalHideaway!

Free food seems to be a finals week trend. In December 2023, Mike Boynton served pancakes to students taking a break from studying for finals.

Man with rifle reported walking Stillwater streets

Kennedy Thomason News & Lifestyle Editor

students on Monday, alerting the OSUStillwater campus that a man with a rifle is walking on Stillwater’s streets.

A self-proclaimed “second amendment auditor,” the email said the man is exercising his right to carry a weapon freely. He is described as a white man in a green shirt with a rifle on his back.

TIME OF GOD’S FAVOR!

“Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near.” (Is.55:6 NIV)

It is worthwhile to take the time; to stop and consider your way of life and make resolutions; new steps to take to make your life more meaningful or productive. Maybe you are doing this, or maybe you have just given up on the whole idea.

Can you remember when you were a child, how time went by so slowly? It seemed like it took forever for the holidays to arrive. Now time passes so swiftly; the years seem to rush by. The turn of the century seemed so far away when I was younger. Now we are nearly twenty years into the 21st century.

I want to encourage you to stop and consider your life; especially the remainder. None of us know when our life may end. Jesus spoke of those who

would come into their purposes in the “eleventh hour;” right at the end of life’s work day.(Mt.20) You may think that it is too late to turn your life over to Christ; there is such little time left on “your calendar.” Yet, those who come in at the “eleventh hour” will receive the same wages as those who labored the whole day. We need to work in God’s purpose for our lives while we still have time. The Bible tells us the time is coming when “no man can work.” (Jn.9:4)

As you set your heart and get definite about trusting God with your life and serving him, you will find wonderful opportunities will open for you. You see God has his purposes for you planned out, and he will begin to open doors that you know nothing about. There will be such great satisfaction in serving and finishing what he has for you to accomplish. When your life does end, and it will, you will be so glad you have followed Christ. The Bible tells us that your labor for him is not in vain. (1 Co.15:58)

The Stillwater Police Department made initial contact with him near Jardot Street. He was last seen near Sixth Street and Washington Avenue.

The email said SPD and OSUPD are monitoring the situation, and it reminded students that firearms are not allowed on campus. The email also said

students will receive a text Cowboy Alert if the situation changes.

Students are encouraged to download the Rave Guardian App. OSUPD can be reached at (405) 744-6523. If there is an emergency, dial 911.

news.ed@ocolly.com

An OSU Cowboy Alert went out to

A Cowboy Alert was sent out Monday notifying students of a man with a rifle walking near campus.

tions to help amplify their efforts and make these tools applicable nationwide.

Continued from 1

“On our ranches, we are measuring two dozen ecological indicators — above and below ground,” Rhines said. “That is too many for the average producer; however, our researchers are working to get that down to two or three things that farmers or ranchers can measure, regardless of geography, that make a difference in their grazing management.” Noble Research Institute has expanded its research beyond southern Oklahoma and northern Texas to across the United States. They have partnered with several universities and organiza-

“We are taking measurements across three incredibly different geographies — Oklahoma, Texas, Michigan, Colorado and Wyoming,” Rhines said.

“Measurement sites involve Noble properties, university properties and producer sites in each region. We engage those producers to join the process, whatever their grazing management style.”

Noble considers different management approaches, geography and regional aridity, Rhines said. With more than a million acres in the study, the organization seeks to understand how these variables impact soil health, economics and producer well-being.

Research and ranching are only two components of Noble’s operations.

The emphasis is on producer education and helping farmers and ranchers increase productivity and profitability while building soil health.

Noble is offering courses and education in seven states during 2024 to help farmers and ranchers understand their land and improve its condition during grazing animal production. Later in 2024, much of its educational programming will be online to complement its in-person programs.

Michael Kelsey, executive vice president of the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association and participant in the Dean’s Dialogue, said events like this bring many opportunities to the forefront.

“These two institutions, Noble Research Institute and OSU, working

together and moving forward can provide opportunities and ideas I can learn from,” he said.

OSU Agriculture launched the Dean’s Dialogue series in the fall of 2023 to focus on vital conversations in the agricultural industry.

“The Dean’s Dialogue allows us to get together and talk in ways that will challenge us to think more broadly about some of the problems and issues we all care about,” Lusk said. “We want to elevate discussions about agriculture within the Ferguson College of Agriculture and across the university, raising visibility for our programs and faculty here at home and around the country.”

For a recap of the April 29 event, please view the Dean’s Dialogue highlight video.

news.ed@ocolly.com

sports shows, and events. Orange Pages, the OMG! Business Directory, is the sponsor of all programming on O'Colly TV.

Mitchell Alcala, OSU Agriculture

Jayson Lusk, vice president and dean of Oklahoma State University Agriculture, discusses agricultural issues with Steven Rhines, president and chief executive officer of Noble Research Institute, during a Dean’s Dialogue event.

Robe . . .

Continued from 1

For York, a self-described perfectionist, a semester in Florence, in an unfamiliar culture immersed in a language she did not speak, seemed terrifying at first. However, as soon as she landed in Italy, York said her time was nothing short of magical.

“I was really living a dream for five months,” York said.

York and her roommates spent every weekend traveling around Europe or touring Italy with their program hosts. During the week, she took classes structured quite differently from American universities. Adjusting to the European culture was difficult at times, but it forced York to change her outlook on life.

“American culture is so hustle and bustle,” York said. “Taking time for my-

self and slowing down isn’t something that I was used to. And so I remember saying to my friends, ‘We’re just going with the flow.’

Before her semester abroad, York said she could never imagine having a go-with-the-flow attitude. Beyond helping York become more comfortable with changing plans, her time abroad inspired York to change her career goals: After spending a semester in a country that embraces luxury, York hopes to one day return to Europe and pursue a career in the luxury fashion industry.

“It sounds like I’m a fish out of water,” York said. “I mean, I’m just a girl from a small town. Why would a girl from Muskogee ever want to leave and go to Italy to pursue a career in fashion? It’s just unheard of.”

York admitted she may not have been brave enough to take the risk to study abroad had she not become more open to new experiences over her time at OSU. She said many of the organizations and opportunities she has treasured the most were things she may not

have done without the support of a community she built while in college.

“I was raised to work hard and go after the things that I want,” York said. “And I wanted friends and mentors and a good relationship with my professors. If I just sat in my dorm room, it wasn’t just going to come to me — I had to be proactive about it. There were a lot of doors open to me, but I had to take them.”

York has served as CEHS Student Ambassador, an OSU Housing and Residential Life and was active with Baptist Collegiate Ministries.

York said it took time as well as trial and error to find the communities she could flourish in. Prone to setting unrealistic expectations, she would not have gotten through her freshman year, let alone the following three years, without the support of her mother.

“My mom said ‘Give yourself grace and give yourself time, be patient with yourself,’” York said. “And that was hard because I’m neither patient nor graceful with myself. But that was

the best advice I had gotten my freshman year. She said, ‘College is what you make it,’ and that’s what I tell people now whenever I give tours.

“If you go out and pursue opportunities, maybe it’ll work and maybe it won’t, but at least you can say that you tried, because a lot of people can’t say that.”

York is excited to begin a career that will take her far from the small town she grew up in: This summer, York is set to begin an internship in Australia with a luxury fashion brand.

Even though York is set to leave Stillwater in a few weeks, she said she will always treasure the orange robe and what it means to pursue people, passion and purpose.

“I look up to any of the Orange Robe recipients because not only do they love their college, but they live it out,” York said. “They live up to that standard through all four years — and it’s hard to uphold that — I think it says a lot about the person itself.”

COPPER CREEK NOW

Cara York, a fashion merchandising major, is the orange robe graduate for the College of Education and Human Sciences.

Classifieds

Business Squares

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

Located on 121 E. 9th Ave, Downtown Stillwater

The best selection of beer, wine and liquor that Stillwater has to offer! Perfect for all your game day needs, come to Brown’s Bottle Shop located on 128 N. Main

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

Murphy’s Department Store

815 S Main, Downtown Open 10-6

Monday thru Saturday

Houses for rent

Edited by Patti Varol

Cowboy Calendar

Wednesday, May 8

Kids’ Night @ 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.

Location: Louie’s Grill & Bar

https://www.facebook.com/LouiesStillwater

Live Trivia Night @ 7 - 9 p.m.

Location: Iron Monk Brewing Company

https://www.ironmonkbeer.com

Louie’s Bingo Night @ 8 p.m.

Location: Louie’s Grill & Bar

https://www.facebook.com/LouiesStillwater

Wednesday Bingo Night @ 9:30 a.m.

Location: The Union Beverage Co.

https://linktr.ee/theunionstilly

Singo Wednesdays @ 7 - 9:30 p.m.

Location: Em Curators of Craft

https://curatorsofcraft.co/pages/weekly-events

Open Mic Night 2024 Competition @ 7 - 9 p.m.

Location: Bad Brad’s Bar-B-Q

https://badbrads.com

National Nurse Week: ‘Nurses Make the Difference’ w/ Nurses Light Up The Sky Campaign - All Week & Night

https://www.nursingworld.org/ana-enterprise/nurses-week/#toolkit

Bishop’s visit w/ closing eucharist/deconsecration of our space @ 7 p.m.

Location: Canterbury Episcopal Center

Stillwater Summer Farmers Market @ 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.

https://www.stillwaterfarmersmarket.com/

Thursday, May 9

Kids’ Night @ 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.

Location: Louie’s Grill & Bar

https://www.facebook.com/LouiesStillwater Kids Night @ 5 - 9 p.m.

Location: Eskimo Joe’s

Admission: $1 w/ Buffy meals

KiKi’s Karaoke @ 7 - 9 p.m.

Location: EM Curators of Craft

https://curatorsofcraft.co/pages/weekly-events College Night @ 8 p.m

Location: Tumbleweed DanceHall & Concert Arena

Admission: $8.00 Cover Charge and free entry for 21+

https://www.calffry.com

Songwriters Circle w/ Dylan Moss @ 7 - 9 p.m.

Location: Bad Brad’s Bar-B-Q

Drop & Draw @ 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Location: OSU Museum of Art

https://museum.okstate.edu

Karaoke & Beer Pong Tournament @ 9:30 p.m.

Location: The Union Beverage Co

By Rebecca Goldstein & Rachel Fabi

Vacuums that have “dual cyclone” technology

Prefix with

Daily Horoscope

Nancy Black Tribune Content Agency

Linda Black Horoscopes

Today’s Birthday (05/08/24). You can win what you go for this year. Strengthen coordination and teamwork to grow. Summer reflection reveals another road, before autumn bestows delightful social connections. Resolve winter challenges with health and fitness, before romantic connections thrill next spring. Play a big game.

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 — Cash can fly into your pocket. Avoid spending it as fast as it comes in. Discipline pays double. Pursue and develop a dreamy opportunity.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Today is a 9 — You’re especially popular. Dress to shine. Extra primping pays off on camera. Take advantage of lucky conditions to grow a personal project. Acknowledge supporters.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Today is an 8 — Invent and develop exciting possibilities. Disciplined efforts can realize the wildest dreams. Plot a reliable course. Schedule actions and deadlines. Include backup options.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Today is a 9 — You’re on a winning team. Pull together for shared ease resolving a common problem. Many hands make light work. Play big games together.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Today is a 9 — Your work is in demand. Take advantage of favorable professional conditions. Develop projects with heart. Disciplined efforts bring a dream to life. Savor satisfaction.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Today is a 9 — Tap into fresh inspiration energizing your studies and exploration. Grab a rare opportunity. Investigate a fascinating subject. Follow a curious obsession. Discover unexpected treasure.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — Today is an 8 — Work with your partner to manage shared finances. Push for extra positive cash flow. Take advantage of lucrative conditions to grab a prize.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — Today is an 8 — Romantic possibilities kindle unexpectedly. Take initiative. Invent and speculate. Share delicious conversation, views and flavors. Express your heart. Discuss what you’d love to create.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — Today is a 9 — You’re growing stronger. Connect with nature. Physical efforts energize. The more action, the more gained. Dance, skate and run. Get your heart pumping.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Today is a 9 — Have fun with people, activities and flavors that you love. Creative ideas motivate action. Take advantage of an unexpected opportunity. Romantic surprises can unfold.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) — Today is a 7 — Domestic upgrades prepare your place for family fun. Savor homemade treats. Reconnect with pets. Whip up something delicious and share with your inner circle. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Today is an 8 — Savor creative rewards and accomplishments. One great project leads to another. Connect and network. Share resources, data and support. Communication reveals valuable solutions.

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