Thursday, Dec. 15, 2022

The pain of losing

Personal account of the World Cup in Brazil

Luisa Clausen Staff Reporter

Editor’s Note: One of our staff reporters, Luisa Clausen, was born and raised in Brazil and moved here for college. She recounts the feeling of being Brazilian and having pride for her country during the biggest event in the nation.

In Brazil, soccer is a relief.

We wait for the World Cup as if when it’s here, we can finally breathe.

A relief from the hard reality we all face. Politics, money, poverty, hunger.

I grew up in Brazil, where people work 12 hours a day, just so their kids don’t starve. It seems that the more you work, the less you have. Less freedom, less time, fewer opportunities. Dreaming is silly, everyone knows you should not dream big. Yet, against all the odds, Brazilians still dream, they face their

hard reality every day, hoping for a better day. There is this unspoken love for the nation that does not let people stop trying.

Kids grow up playing soccer as a way to believe in a better future. There is this innocence surrounding the sport. Where when you’re playing or when you are watching, you believe everything is going to be okay.

Soccer means to Brazilians, what football means to Americans. The World Cup is our Super Bowl. We have

won five World Cups and this year, we needed the sixth win. We had a chaotic presidential election, with the new president, Luis Inacio Lula Da Silva, getting 50.9% of the votes, and the current president, Jair Bolsonaro, getting 49.1% of the votes. The country was divided and the only thing that could unite us was soccer.

When the 26 players put on their bright yellow jerseys, Brazil was finally

OSU lands Texas State transfer offensive lineman Cooper

Daniel Allen Staff Reporter

As the offseason approaches, OSU coach Mike Gundy and his staff continue to hone in on compiling additions for next year’s roster.

On Wednesday morning, Texas State redshirt-sophomore offensive tackle Dalton Cooper announced his commitment to OSU, becoming the fourth commitment for the Cowboys out of the transfer portal for the current class.

A native of Prague, Oklahoma, Cooper started 36 games in three years as a starter at Texas State. In that span,

he surrendered just seven sacks through 1382 passing plays as a starter. With the likely departure of senior offensive lineman Hunter Woodard, Cooper’s 6-foot-6, 320-pound frame brings a feasible addition to the offensive front for OSU in 2023.

The Cowboy running game averaged just 131.8 yards per game as a unit — most of which derived from the legs of starting quarterback Spencer Sanders — as well as 3.5 yards per carry, which ranked ninth among all Big 12 teams just above Iowa State. The addition of Cooper should provide enough size and stability at the offensive line to bolster the run game to a feasible production total come 2023.

Cowboys riding high of Bedlam win, gearing up for Reno and Southern Scuffle

Rowdy Baribeau Staff Reporter

The Cowboys enter a break of dual meets, but the wrestling doesn’t stop there.

On Sunday, the OSU Cowboy wrestling squad made a triumphant comeback against the Sooners, down 12-4, to win 21-15 in Norman.

During the match, the Cowboys were bolstered by their heavier wrestlers as lower-weight classes

struggled. However, there will be a chance to gain confidence at the Southern Scuffle coming on Jan. 1 and Jan. 2.

Here’s three notes as the Cowboys go on dual hiatus over the break and enter open tournament season.

Wittlake says Sunday’s Bedlam dual was the greatest dual he’s been apart of

If ESPN’s 30-for-30 series did a segment on the history of Bedlam wrestling, the Bedlam dual that took place in McCasland Stadium on Sunday would most likely be a point of emphasis. A spirited Travis Wittlake, fresh off beating wrestling manager Keenan Seymour

two out of three rounds in pool, elaborated why the dual victory against the Sooners was the favorite of his career.

“We were down, losing multiple matches and it was OU, obviously it was a rivalry and I think they really thought they had us,” Wittlake said. “And they did, they had us on our heels. It was getting scary for a minute, you’re seeing their team score go up and ours is staying the same. Just to have them excited and jumping to conclusions like they were going to win, they had it in the bag, and then us turn

Abby Cage

Travis Wittlake celebrates his sudden victory win over No. 29 Greyden Penner in OSU’s 21-15 Bedlam win in Norman.

Courtesy of @_super_coope

OSU football received a transfer commitment from Texas State

offensive lineman Dalton Cooper on Wednesday morning.

sports

A breakdown of OSU athletics’ spending on Homecoming weekend

Gabriel Trevino Sports Editor

Homecoming weekend is the largest and most important for OSU athletics.

Between Homecoming and Hoops and the Saturday football game, the large crowds and events they attend, it creates a unique environment in Stillwater and campus unlike any other throughout the year. Because of this, OSU takes advantage, using the weekend as an opportunity to bring in recruits for official visits.

For the two largest sports at OSU, football and men’s basketball, bringing in high level recruits and impressing them can cost thousands of dollars.

And it did.

The O’Colly submitted an open records request to OSU to see how much the athletic department spent on Homecoming weekend recruits for football and men’s basketball. This week, we received that information.

For football, the spending went as follows: $19,811.15 for transportation, $7,376.15 for hotels and $1,387.79 for meals.

Some recruits who attended are 2023 threestar wide receiver from Chandler, Arizona, Tre Spivey — who is currently projected to Kansas State or Arizona, according to 247Sports. 2024 four-star

quarterback Isaac Wilson — the younger brother of NFL quarterback Zach Wilson — was in Stillwater, as well as 2023 four-star running back Kendrick Reescano, who decommitted from Michigan State following his visit to OSU, but is projected to Ole Miss, according to 247Sports.

The cost to bring in men’s basketball recruits was $3,234.32 for transportation, $5,238.13 for hotels and $2,882.37 for meals.

Recruits in attendance include 2024 fivestar guard from Bartlesville, David Castillo, and 2024 four-star guard Malachi Palmer. The 2023 Cowboys signing was also in full attendance before signing day; four-star center Brandon Garrison; four-star forward Justin McBride; three-star guard Jamyron Keller; and threestar forward Connor Dow.

Hosting the recruits wasn’t the only major cost for OSU athletics that weekend, as for the annual Homecoming and Hoops event, OSU booked rapper Waka Flocka Flame to perform in Gallagher-Iba Arena on the Friday of Homecoming weekend.

To get Waka Flocka Flame, it cost OSU $40,000, and another $21,342 for the stage. Some students stayed for the entire concert, but many left the venue during the performance.

In total, OSU spent $101,271.91 on recruits travel, stay, meals and entertainment during Homecoming weekend in late October.

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Jaiden Daughty

OSU students gather at Gallagher-Iba Arena to kick off the annual homecoming and hoops event.

around right at the end and pick it up, I think that’s what made it so special.”

The importance of open tournaments for younger wrestlers

When the Cowboys send six to Reno to wrestle in the Reno Tournament of Champions, and 20 to Chattanooga to wrestle in the Southern Scuffle, plenty of backup wrestlers and rotational wrestlers will have a chance to get live-action in open tournaments. There aren’t many of them that OSU participates in, but having young wrestlers compete in open tournaments is invaluable and crucial in their development.

When he was a redshirt, Wittlake understood he needed to utilize open tournaments to generate confidence and get himself the reps he needed to prepare himself for where he’s at now. He hopes = the tournaments will benefit the younger wrestlers who are still trying to find themselves.

“Open tournaments are good because, I mean, these guys need to experience college matches and experience the college level because it’s not high school anymore,” Wittlake said. “Even if they’re just coming out of high school, they need to be able to feel the differences and the strength of guys and the intensity of matches, so I think it’s definitely good for those guys.”

Mastrogiovanni’s bottom struggles

Trevor Mastrogiovanni has not quite matched the early production this season that he produced last season in large part because one of his weaker traits has started to become more prevalent: getting out from underneath. Mastrogiovanni has allowed 5:34 of riding time over the last two bouts. Talent surely isn’t an issue for Mastrogiovanni, as he’s not getting demolished in his matches, but just struggling to get out from the bottom.

It’s quite simple. When Mastrogiovanni is standing up and handfighting, looking for a shot, he’s a better wrestler. When he gets taken down, that’s when the struggle kicks in. Coach John Smith knows that he has a talented wrestler starting at 125 pounds. He also knows that his struggles are likely attributed to confidence and attitude on the mat.

“I don’t think it’s skill as much

as it is attitude,” Smith said. “It’s an attitude. These guys at this level have wrestled long enough, it’s an attitude. It’s when you go down and something goes wrong and mentally it’s breaking you down in the middle of a match. So,

you just need to stay strong and need to compete. You know, I saw his workout yesterday, and I saw different guys so I can live with it. When I say I said I saw a different guy, I saw a guy I hadn’t seen all year. Just a level of intensity,

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like, ‘this is bulls***, it’s not happening anymore.’ That’s what I saw in him.”

Abby Cage

Trevor Mastrogiovanni, OSU’s 125-pounder, surrendered 2:07 of riding time to Oklahoma’s Joey Prata.

Lifestyle

Top 10 songs of 2022

Jaden Besteda Staff Reporter

2022 was a great year for music. We saw familiar faces deepen their catalog even more and we also saw newcomers break onto the scene. These are my top ten songs of 2022.

No. 1. ‘Count Me Out’ - Kendrick Lamar (featuring Sampha)

Top spot goes to the best song from the best album of the year. “Count Me Out” is a song that’s best played while you’re alone so you can digest every word being said and the rock influences dripping through your ears makes it the most exciting yet thoughtful song of the year.

No. 2. ‘Forever’ - Jessie Reyes (featuring 6lack)

Jessie and 6lack connect again in what’s a more catchy and successful duo than “Imported” in every way.

No. 3. ‘Sistanem’ - JID JID had the best year in Hip-hop. He cemented himself as a top five rapper and proves he can tell invigorating stories with “Sistanem.”

No. 4. ‘Is There Someone Else’The Weeknd

Early in the year, The Weeknd made a great body of work and this song is the standout by far.

No. 5. ‘Father Time’ - Kendrick Lamar (featuring Sampha)

The fifth spot goes to the second song from the best album of the year. Lamar delivers a passionate and bar filled song that isn’t even in the top three most played of his album but would still be the best song of most careers.

No. 6. ‘Bad Habit’- Steve Lacy

Of course it’s here. Probably not the most recognizable song out right now and one that the artist is even tired of.

No. 7. ‘Past Nights’ - Jonny West West has really improved his music in the past year. Songwriting has always been a staple of the American Idol contestant but in 2022 he started to make songs to catch your ear with lyrics that still hit deep.

No. 8. ‘Birdsong’ - Lute (featur-

ing Saba & JID)

Lute is somewhat not appreciated how he should be. Even though his album was early in 2022 and did low numbers, the bars were still there and it did enough to put him on more maps. “Birdsong” was a standout from the album and still hits now.

No. 9. ‘Stereo Driver’ - Q A somewhat unknown trust as of now but Q delivered a great mix of

old school and new school pop with a song that’ll surely be in the next 80’s inspired TV show.

No. 10. ‘Johnny P’s Caddy’Benny the Butcher (featuring J Cole) Benny The Butcher had another great year and he delivered his first big single with “Johnny P’s Caddy.” Many dubbed Cole’s verse as the verse of the year and now that it’s almost over that May still ring true.

Courtesy

Honorable mentions

‘You’re on your own, Kid’ - Taylor Swift

‘Fallin’’ - WizTheMC

‘Rich Spirit’ - Kendrick Lamar

‘Don’t Touch’ - Tai Verdes ‘Kody Blu 31’ - JID

‘Lift Me Up’ - Rihanna

entertainment.ed@ocolly.com

of Tribune News Service

Rapper Kendrick Lamar finished a prolific year with many hot songs such as “Count Me Out.”

able to breathe. There was hope for joy.

I moved to the U.S. in 2021 to pursue my career in journalism, and one of the first things I thought was, “I won’t be home to watch the World Cup.”

It was painful to think that at the time, but when Brazil played its first game on Nov. 24, I knew it did not matter where I was in the world, my patriotism would follow me.

I hid in the bathroom during my work shift, I knew I couldn’t miss it. I talked to my friends and family from home and everyone sounded, for the first time in a long time, excited. Excited about the possibility of celebrating. We could take a win, we needed a win.

I struggled to be away from my family during this time of joy. I convinced my friends in the U.S. to cheer for Brazil when the U.S. was eliminated. I told them I knew we would win and I needed them to be excited with me because my entire country was celebrating day and night on the possibility of winning.

Kids don’t go to school on game days, and employers let their employees take some hours off to watch the game. The country stops. The country is loud. Brazil is like a heart during the World Cup, pumping blood through its veins.

For the first four games, there was no doubt we would win our sixth star. The last World Cup Brazil won was in 2002. I was four months old, and I still listen to the stories told by my parents. They thought I was their good luck charm.

I flew home after Brazil beat South Korea 4-1. I left OSU early so I could celebrate our victory with my family. I wanted to feel the blood pumping through my veins. I wanted to wear green and yellow and I wanted to scream like all my fellow Brazilians were screaming. I was tired of hiding to watch my country play.

And then Croatia vs. Brazil happened. It was last week but it’s already a blur. We had it, and then we didn’t. Over time, penalties, the end.

The country is quiet, and our hearts are broken. It has been broken for 20 years and it will only be healed when we get our sixth star. Our relief turned into a weight. It wasn’t our year, but here’s the thing about Brazilians—we never stop trying. We will try again in 2026, and just like this year, we will believe fiercely we can win.

All Photos Courtesy of Luisa Clausen

Luisa Clausen went home early from OSU to go celebrate the World Cup with her family.

Luisa Clausen said she is proud to be Brazilian and notes how big the World Cup is in her home country.

Luisa Clausen sits in the living room with her family watching Brazil’s last game in the 2022 World Cup.

Breakfast at midnight

Pancake night gives students a break

pride. It’s more of an event that actually lets us bond with people we may not know.”

Mallory Pool News Editor

Late Night Café brings finals week to a stop.

Students came together during one of the hardest weeks of the year to enjoy free pancakes from the Student Union Activities Board. Monday and Tuesday, the line to eat wrapped all the way through the atrium on the first floor of the Student Union.

The staff flipped pancakes out of Passport’s restaurant while students came through, grabbed a plate and a free fountain drink or coffee.

Emma Taylor, a political science and music industry double major, said she enjoys taking a break from the stress of finals week.

“It’s a casual reminder that pancakes don’t have to be eaten in the morning,” Taylor said. “Time kind of stops for a little while. You’ve been cramming for finals, like everyone else here, and then we all take a break together to eat breakfast at midnight.”

All workers who were helping put the event on had matching aprons with the Late Night Café logo printed on them. Syrup, peanut butter and any other pancake topping you could think of was provided for the all you can eat buffet from 10 p.m. to midnight.

Morgan Patterson, a junior animal science pre-vet major, said that free food always seems to bring people together.

“[Late Night Café] unites people during a stressful time,” she said. “It’s different than a sports event or something that lets us show our

Everyone was there for the same reason. Relieving the stress of finals week is something that every student needs to do, whether you think you have a handle on it.

“You really see the care the staff and activities board have for the students,” Patterson said. “It takes a lot to put on an event like this, and it feels great to know that there are people out there who are believing in us right now when we don’t believe in ourselves.”

Smiling faces were all over the Student Union while all different kinds of majors talked and laughed together. Regardless of what type or how many finals you have, there will be people with you in the same boat.

Mary Dunbar, a chemical engineering and statistics double major, said that she liked seeing how many pancakes were actually made.

“It’s crazy how much food they make for this,” Dunbar said. “I liked seeing them make the pancakes on the grill while we stood in line. There’s glass on the Passport section, so you can watch them cook. I just think it’s great to watch them do all of that work for the students. It makes me want to work harder knowing there are people behind me cheering me on.”

Hundreds of students took advantage of the free pancakes and said they will continue to come to this traditional finals week staple.

“It’s part of my finals week routine now,” said Quetta Woodall, an agricultural education sophomore. “One of my favorite memories is from Late Night Café my first semester here. As long as they keep having the event, I will be there. It’s like that movie Field of Dreams, ‘If you build it, he will come.’”

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Cole Gueldenzoph

Late Night Cafe is a tradition on the OSU campus during finals week.

Lifestyle

‘Spider Man: Across the Spider-Verse’ Trailer Breakdown

James Jones Staff Reporter

Our favorite web-slingers are back and bigger than ever.

The new “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” trailer dropped a couple of hours ago and it not only gives us a glimpse of what’s to come, but also leaves more questions than answers. We will continue Miles’s story as the spectacular Spider-Man alongside recurring characters such as Spider-Gwen and the O.G. himself Peter B. Parker, but they will be up against higher stakes than ever before. I’m here to tackle what exactly they’re up against.

Growing up

From the start of the trailer, we witness a heart-warming interaction between Miles and his mother about him growing up and not being that young

teen that we saw him as in the previous installment. As she continues with her speech, we get a montage of the events that occurred in “Into the Spider-Verse” that mirrors her talk about his development into the man he is now. Obviously, she doesn’t know that he “does whatever a spider can do” but this does set an interesting plot point that may occur within the film. Miles, through his adventure, could possibly come face with a difficult decision that’ll go against his moral and “grows” his character. Further into the trailer, Miles’s mother does state “and he never lets anyone tell him that he doesn’t belong there,” referring to Miles, which helps reinforce this speculation.

So many spider-people Now into the more fun and exciting part of the trailer, the reveal of many obscure and unknown Spider-People. It has been previously confirmed that there will be an appearance of

fresh faces such as Spider-Punk (Hobart Brown), Scarlet Spider (Ben Reilly), and Japanese Spider-Man (Takuya Yamashiro) with his mech Leopardon. Although we haven’t gotten a glimpse of these characters within the trailer itself, one section confirms many more that we would never have expected. We see Gwen and Miles walk into what seems to be the base of operations for all the Spider-Men and women across the multiverse where we get a look at all the obscure characters that’ll be present. We get a look at the PS4 Spider-Man, MKII armor Spider-Man, Spinneret and Anna-Marie Parker from the Renew Your Vows comic, Mangaverse SpiderMan of the Spider clan, Bombastic Bagman and many more to list. Further into the trailer, we see Miles get attacked by the other Spider-People where we get confirmation of Spider-Monkey, Spider-Man Unlimited, Superior SpiderMan and PS1 era Spider-Man. We also

get a clear look at both Spider-Woman, who Issa Rae will voice, and Miguel O’ Hara, who Oscar Isaac will voice.

Who Is the big bad?

“Across the Spider Verse” director Kemp Powers confirmed that the main villain within the film will be a character known as the Spot, who Jason Schwartzman will be voiced. The Spot is an obscure Spider-Man rogue who has gained the ability to open interdimensional portals from his body to travel from place to place. The trailer also gave a glimpse of a variant of The Vulture. Miguel O’ Hara may also be somewhat antagonistic within the film, as shown by the trailer, is aggressive against Miles.

Across the Spider-Verse will hit theaters on June 2, 2023.

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HIMALAYAN GROCERY STORE

Courtesy of Tribune News Service

Spider-Man at the Marvel exhibit at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago on March 4, 2021. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune/TNS)

Holidays on the Highway

Carols for the drive home

Payton Little Staff Reporter

This time of year has brought about countless songs and albums, but which ones are the right ones for the long drive home?

Winter break is just around the corner, meaning many students are going to be making the long trek back home. With so much time on the road, what better way to kick off the vacation to get it started than to create the perfect holiday road trip playlist? Here are just a handful of songs to help make a playlist that even Santa Clause himself could jam out to.

“It’s beginning to Look Like Christmas”- Bing Crosby It does not get more classic than Bing Crosby’s Christmas tunes, and this song in particular perfectly encapsulates the feeling of the Christmas season. The old hum of the music makes it feel as if its being played straight off the record player, and it makes it a must have on any holiday playlist.

“Mary Did You Know”Pentatonix Pentatonix has been breathing modern life into Christmas songs since 2012, yet this is one of its best displays to date. They all perform acapella, and with a song as powerful as “Mary Did You Know,” it only makes this feat even more impressive. The emotion of the song is carried

out perfectly through all of the performances, as each member gets a chance to be in the spotlight. A great listen for the season.

“All I Want For Christmas Is You”- Mariah Carey Leaving this one off the playlist would just be wrong. The Christmas tune has made Carrey millions of dollars each year, and more than likely, that is not slowing down any time soon. It’s easily recognizable right from the start and is an absolute earworm on the first listen.

“Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree”- Brenda Lee A classic. This song is just straight up, classic fun. The song is essentially talking about a Christmas party itself, so of course, it needs to be on the rotation of songs to sing.

“What Child Is This”Michael W Smith and Martina McBride

A timeless Christmas carol, the vocals of Martina McBride and Michael W Smith bring this classic hymn to life. The powerful instrumentals also help to add on to the performances of the two, creating a great rendition of “What Child Is This”.

“Feliz Navidad”- José Feliciano

A Spanish lesson along as a Christmas classic, “Feliz Navidad” is a great time of a Christmas song. The energy is fun, and it is sure to keep the good vibes rolling on the road.

“Last Christmas”Wham!

This is such a product of the ‘80s, but that’s what makes this one so much fun. It

has a holiday flare, yet it feels like its wrapped up in bowling alley carpet and bright colors in the best way possible. Great listen.

“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”- Frank Sinatra

Nostalgic and classic, any of Frank Sinatra’s Christmas tunes could wind up on the playlist, but his rendition of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” is one of the best songs he has to offer out of his carols.

“O Holy Night”- Carrie Underwood

Carrie Underwood dropped a Christmas album in 2020, and her voice does not disappoint. “O Holy Night” is such a pretty song alone, and when paired with the vocals of Underwood, its reputation

stays more than intact. A great song for a quieter evening, but a mainstay on any Holiday playlist.

And lastly, the perfect song to wrap up as the garage door opens, the car gets put in park and the comfort of home begins to rush in.

“I’ll be home for Christmas”- Michael Bublé

What better way to celebrate being home for the holidays than a song about being at home? Bublé’s smooth vocals are a treat to listen to, and the song’s message never gets old, as it paints a picture of what it is like to be with the ones you love during the winter season. Wherever the road leads, let these songs be a guide in having a safe, fun and warm trip back for the holidays.

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Fall semester ends Friday which means students are heading home for the holidays. Here is a list of several Christmas songs that are perfect for that road trip.

Houses for rent

Indulge the munchies

French friends

Miami River locale

Lose strength

Pedestrian street

K-pop, e.g.?

Cat voiced by Debra Messing in “Garfield: The Movie”

Lackluster

Suitable

Come down

Catch sight of

Cannot stand

Give comfort to

Preserve, in a way

Vocalized

Desktop since 1998

Leaves in the library

Work long and hard

NPR’s Tiny __ Concerts

“Watchmen” comic book writer Moore

Places of refuge

Jumps in

Torah teacher

“Darn it!”

“Fire away”

Fighting chance?

Rio Grande city

Survey of hairdressers?

Sign to take out the trash

Perrier rival

Shallowest Great Lake

Euro forerunners

Dry runs

Rip to bits

Unimprovable place DOWN

One without a permanent address

One end of the Chicago L’s Blue Line

Soprano dubbed “America’s Queen of Opera” by Time magazine

Golfer who’s too afraid to make a putt?

Missing

Server of Duff beer in Springfield

Polo brand

Turns in a bad way

Panda fare

__ Dhabi

Tabula __

Makeup kit item

Offshoot group

Runs out

Clutter-free

Tattoo alternative for the squeamish

1982 film job that kept an actor on his heels?

Rock candy, essentially 31 “Iliad” city

Heavy downpour?

Purnell of “Yellowjackets”

Laundry detergent in an orange container

“That’s so true!”

Playbill list

Kidney related

Church leader

“Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!” pop group

Flemish artist Peter Paul __

Sent an invoice to 51 Splendid

Made over

Put on a pedestal

Actress Sophia 56 Stand watch for, say

Squirrel away 58 Kardashian matriarch 60 Moved fast 63 Carlsbad Caverns dweller 64 “In the Heights” creator __-Manuel Miranda

Daily Horoscope

Nancy Black Tribune Content Agency Linda Black Horoscopes (TNS)

Today’s Birthday (12/15/22). Luck amplifies domestic rewards this year. Regular practices build creative connections. Shifting directions with work and health this winter motivates a relaxing, romantic, creative springtime. Abandon limiting beliefs or assumptions next summer, before delightful autumn fun with friends. Enjoy sweetness at home with family.

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 — Slow down. Keep your patience. Don’t get frustrated. Focus on the task at hand. Make your moves one step at a time. Strategize and practice.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Today is a 7 — Take it easy. Relax and enjoy simple fun like a good story or game. Share popcorn and a movie at home with someone sweet.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Today is an 8 — Domestic comforts entice. Don’t make big purchases or changes. Clean house and decorate with what you find around. Abandon elaborate fantasies. Enjoy family.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Today is an 8 — Dig deeper into fascinating subjects. Don’t launch, submit or publish. Do the homework first. Edit and revise. Wait for developments. Study and seek solutions.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Today is a 9 — Keep lucrative gears rolling. Don’t push a blockage. Carefully clear the cogs. Focus carefully to avoid breakdowns. Avoid waste. Save resources, time and money.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Today is a 9 — Use your charm for a good cause. Clarify your personal interest, mission or vision. Don’t push. Go for substance over symbolism. Determine the simple basics.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — Today is a 7 — You’re especially productive in privacy. Avoid travel or traffic. Focus on basic priorities. Reinforce structural supports. Repair any breakage. Rest and recharge.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — Today is an 8 — Provide your wares and services. Make professional deals, bargains and agreements. Buy, sell and negotiate terms. Fulfill later. Polish the branding and prepare materials.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — Today is an 8 — Help dispel rumors and illusions with your team. State basic facts with sources. Talk gets farther than action. Reinforce integrity, honesty and functionality. Discuss possibilities. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Today is a 7 — Develop your research where it leads. Traffic and transportation risk blockage or delay. Get creative. Explore from your keyboard. Hold long-distance meetings by video chat. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) — Today is a 7 — Discuss future plans with your partner. Imagine perfection and measure the gap. What would it take? Old assumptions get challenged. Revise agreements as needed. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Today is a 9 — Coordinate with a busy schedule. A partner’s support matters. Avoid risky business. Choose stability over illusion. Choose what’s best for the family. Share and collaborate.

Solution to Wednesday’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 © 2022 The Mepham Group. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency. All rights reserved.

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Edited by Patti Varol and Joyce