eedition The Daily Mail February 15-16 2020

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The Daily Mail Copyright 2020, Columbia-Greene Media Volume 228, No. 33

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Saturday-Sunday, February 15-16, 2020

Gibson named Siena president

nFORECAST WEATHER FOR HUDSON/CA TODAY TONIGHT SUN

By Melanie Lekocevic Columbia-Greene Media Mostly sunny and cold

Increasing clouds

Mostly cloudy and milder

HIGH 30

LOW 24

45 26

Complete weather, A2 Saturday - Sunday, February

15-16, 2020 - C1

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INSIDE TODAY!

LOUDONVILLE — Former U.S. Rep. Chris Gibson on Friday was appointed the 12th president of Siena College.

The college’s Board of Trustees approved the appointment by a unanimous vote in a special session Friday. Gibson’s five-year term begins July 1.

Gibson, 55, lives in Kinderhook, and is the first Siena College president who is not a member of the clergy. His appointment was announced at the college’s Sarazen Student Union on Friday.

“I am deeply grateful to the

board for the high privilege of serving as Siena’s next president, and I am sincerely humbled to have been appointed as the college’s first permanent lay leader,” Gibson said.

Gibson, a U.S. Army veteran, is a former congressman who represented the 20th Congressional District from 2011-13, and the 19th Congressional District from 20132017. In 2016 he launched an exploratory committee as he considered making a bid for New York state governor, but later that year opted not to run. He retired from Congress to return to academia.

In February 2017, Gibson

began serving as a visiting professor of American Foreign Policy at Williams College, in Massachusetts, and will now take the reigns as president of Siena College, where he received his bachelor’s degree in history in 1986.

The school played an important role in his development, Gibson said.

“Siena played an instrumental role in shaping my values and ideals, and I am forever indebted to the faculty and staff, including the many friars who have been so influential in my life,” Gibson said.

File photo

Former U.S. Rep. Chris Gibson was appointed the new president of Siena College in Loudonville.

See GIBSON A2

Bidders claim purchases from ‘inadvertent’ auction

INSIDE TODAY!

n SPORTS

Katie Bulich signs with Iona Catskill Soccer star Katie Bulich signed her letter of intent to take her talents to Iona College PAGE B1

n BUSINESS

Sarah Trafton/Columbia-Greene Media

Accounting firm goes global Pattison, Koskey, Howe & Bucci merges with UHY, a company with 100 offices worldwide PAGE A3

n INDEX Region Opinion State/Nation Obituaries Sports Comics/Advice Classified

A3 A4 A5 A5 B1 B5-B6 B7-B8

Winning bidders for doors from the old Greene County Sheriff’s Office in an auction that was prematurely authorized in 2019 brought a U-Haul to claim their merchandise Friday. Greene County officials cleared the unidentified couple to retrieve their purchases.

By Sarah Trafton Columbia-Greene Media

CATSKILL — Almost a year after historic interior furnishings from the former Greene County Sheriff’s Office appeared on an online auction

site, the winning bidders returned to pick up their items.

A U-Haul truck was parked at the entrance to the old jail building, at 80 Bridge St., on Friday, and a man and a woman, bundled in winter

clothing, were loading the vehicle with doors. The couple declined to be interviewed.

An advertisement for “Vintage Windows, Doors, Radiators, Floors, Molding & More” was listed on Auction

International in late March last year. The winning bidder, called “ronrully57,” won the items for $260.

When the auction winners first arrived last June to claim their items, a controversy

arose.

“When we initially realized wood from the sheriff’s office was being taken out instead of just the kitchen equipment See AUCTION A2

Local DAs speak out on bail reform

By Sarah Trafton Columbia-Greene Media

On the web www.HudsonValley360.com Twitter Follow: @CatskillDailyMail Facebook www.facebook.com/ CatskillDailyMail/

File photo

Columbia County District Attorney Paul Czajka.

ALBANY — District attorneys in Greene and Columbia counties are speaking out as state Senate Democrats came forward this week with proposed modifications to the contested bail reform law.

The proposal includes eliminating cash bail entirely and restoring limited discretion to judges. Nearly all misdemeanors will not be eligible for judicial discretion, and therefore remand, according to the Senate Majority office.

Exceptions include crimes that result in the death of another person, certain domestic violence felonies and certain hate crimes.

Judges could also take into account a person’s past criminal record when

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determining whether to remand a defendant, according to the Senate Majority office.

“We are getting rid of cash bail completely,” Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said Friday.

“Simply put, the reforms will ensure that no one will be incarcerated simply because of their inability to pay and that no one will be let out of prison because of their enormous wealth.

Defendants would be given a hearing within 48 hours of their arraignment to determine whether they will be released or remanded, according to the proposal.

If a defendant is remanded, they can request a second hearing.

“All of those proposals would improve the law,” Columbia County See REFORM A2

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COLUMBIA-GREENE MEDIA • THE DAILY MAIL

A2 - Saturday - Sunday, February 15-16, 2020

Gibson

Weather

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FORECAST FOR HUDSON/CATSKILL

TODAY TONIGHT SUN

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Ogdensburg 26/23

Peterborough 29/23

Plattsburgh 23/16

Malone Potsdam 27/20 28/23

Kingston 27/27

Burlington 23/20

Lake Placid 23/16

Watertown 27/24

Rochester 33/28

Utica 28/22

By David Travis Bland

Albany 28/24

Syracuse 30/27

Catskill 30/24

Binghamton 26/23

Hornell 33/26

Hudson 30/24

Shown is today’s weather. Temperatures are today’s highs and tonight’s lows.

SUN AND MOON

ALMANAC Statistics through 3 p.m. yesterday

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CAYCE, S.C. — Authorities have linked the death of 6-year-old Faye Swetlik of Cayce with that of a 30-yearold neighbor whose body was found Thursday in the Churchill Heights neighborhood.

Police found evidence in the man’s trash can that linked him to Faye’s death, said Sgt. Evan Antley of the Cayce Department of Public Safety. The

Auction From A1

35 14 YEAR TO DATE NORMAL

Forecasts and graphics provided

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and was deployed seven times, including four combat tours in Iraq and a peacekeeping mission to Kosovo Gibson participated in the humanitarian relief mission in Haiti in 2010, when the country was devastated by a magnitude-7.0 earthquake that killed 300,000 people. He is the author of two books and has two master’s degrees and a Ph.D. in government from Cornell University. His latest book, “Rally Point: Five Tasks to Unite the Country and Revitalize the American Dream,” was published in 2017.

Evidence in trash can linked 6-year-old South Carolina girl’s death to neighbor, police say The State (Columbia, S.C.) (TNS)

Batavia Buffalo 32/28 33/30

and move strategically into the future,” Murray said. “His dedication to liberal arts education and Siena’s Franciscan values, coupled with his leadership experience as an elected member of Congress, military officer and respected scholar, will be tremendous assets as a higher education executive.”

Siena College was founded by seven Franciscan friars in 1937.

In addition to his work in Congress and as a visiting professor, Gibson served in the U.S. Army for 29 years, attaining the rank of colonel,

Montreal 23/17

Massena 26/19

Bancroft 24/20

“The connection I developed to the Franciscan tradition as an undergraduate inspired my personal calling to servant leadership.”

Gibson succeeds former college president Brother F. Edward Coughlin, who died July 30 from a massive stroke he suffered during a nonemergency cardiac procedure for a congenital heart defect.

The college has been searching for a replacement

since Coughlin’s death and received more than 75 applications for the job, said Thomas J. Baldwin Jr., vice chairman of the college’s Board of Trustees and chairman of the presidential search committee. Margaret E. Madden served as interim president until Gibson’s appointment Friday.

Siena College Board of Trustees Chairman John F. Murray welcomed Gibson to the post.

“The entire campus community looks forward to working with him to build on the college’s current successes

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we put up for sale, we put a stop to it,” Legislature Chairman Patrick Linger, R-New Baltimore, said.

Greene County Administrator Shaun Groden had inadvertently authorized the auction.

“I actually authorized it in an email I must have read at 80 miles an hour,” Groden said in July. “In parentheses there was wooden windows and doors that I must not have caught.”

The email was sent from

man was identified as Coty Scott Taylor, 30.

Faye was reported missing Monday afternoon. She got off a school bus and was last seen about 3:45 playing in the yard of her mother’s house in the Churchill Heights neighborhood off Airport Boulevard in Cayce. Her family searched for her and called police about 5 p.m. to report Faye missing.

Multiple police agencies led by the Cayce Department of Public Safety began searching

for Faye nearly around the clock, centering their efforts on the neighborhood. Police knocked on every door in the community.

They held out hope that Faye would be brought back home alive, Snellgrove often said. The search ended Thursday when Faye’s body was found in a wooded area near the neighborhood, police said.

Faye was described as bubbly and energetic and was loved by her teacher and

the Greene County Sheriff’s Office, Groden said.

“I responded and told them to proceed,” Groden said. “I told the board. I take full responsibility for it.”

The timing of the sale was off, Linger said.

“It was prematurely done but the auction was legal,” he said. “We had to wait until we made a State Environmental Quality Review Act determination.”

After lawmakers decided the demolition of the jail complex would not have an adverse impact on the environment, the county gave the winning bidders the green light to retrieve their items,

Linger said.

Linger said he expects bid packages for the demolition of the old jail to go out next month.

Discussion about how the property will be used is continuing, Linger said.

One option is to create more parking. The engineering firm of Barton & Loguidice designed two different parking-lot options for the site, with either 23 or 41 parking spots. The estimate for the project is between $1.33 million and $1.9 million.

Barton & Loguidice estimated that to develop a new 5,000-square-foot office building on the parcel would

classmates at Springdale Elementary School, Snellgrove said at a previous news conference. She liked fancy shoes and dresses, cats and spending time outside. (c)2020 The State (Columbia, S.C.) Visit The State (Columbia, S.C.) at www.thestate.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

cost between $1.13 million and $1.2 million.

Constructing a new office complex to meet the needs of the Office of Court Administration and possibly the Public Defender’s Office is an option, Linger said. “[The Public Defender] is in need of space and it does make sense logistically,” he said. “I could potentially see it happening. It depends what kind of space is available.”

Built in 1908, the old Greene County Jail and the sheriff’s office are listed on both state and national historic registries.

NATIONAL WEATHER TODAY Winnipeg 16/-22

Seattle 48/38

Reform

Montreal 23/17 Toronto 29/26

Billings 37/26

Detroit 32/27

Minneapolis 34/14

San Francisco 61/48

New York 32/28

Chicago 33/25

Denver 40/25

Washington 38/32

Kansas City 46/26 Los Angeles 70/50 Atlanta 54/38

El Paso 68/41 Houston 63/52

Chihuahua 74/42

Miami 81/72

Monterrey 69/54

ALASKA HAWAII

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Fairbanks -18/-31 Juneau 36/31

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Hilo 81/66

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NATIONAL CITIES City Albuquerque Anchorage Atlanta Atlantic City Baltimore Billings Birmingham Boise Boston Charleston, SC Charleston, WV Charlotte Cheyenne Chicago Cincinnati Cleveland Columbus, OH Dallas Denver Des Moines Detroit Hartford Honolulu Houston Indianapolis Kansas City Knoxville Las Vegas

Today Hi/Lo W 57/30 s 17/14 c 54/38 pc 36/30 pc 36/27 s 37/26 pc 58/43 pc 44/37 r 32/27 s 58/40 s 46/35 pc 48/32 pc 36/26 pc 33/25 sf 44/33 pc 37/32 pc 38/31 pc 62/47 pc 40/25 pc 42/22 c 32/27 pc 30/23 s 82/71 pc 63/52 pc 41/30 pc 46/26 pc 49/34 pc 68/46 s

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City Little Rock Los Angeles Miami Milwaukee Minneapolis Nashville New Orleans New York City Norfolk Oklahoma City Omaha Orlando Philadelphia Phoenix Pittsburgh Portland Portland Providence Raleigh Richmond Sacramento St. Louis Salt Lake City San Francisco Savannah Seattle Tampa Washington, DC

Today Hi/Lo W 57/41 pc 70/50 s 81/72 c 36/25 sf 34/14 c 53/40 pc 68/58 pc 32/28 s 40/33 pc 57/36 pc 48/26 pc 76/60 pc 34/27 s 72/47 s 37/31 pc 24/19 s 47/37 r 30/24 s 46/30 pc 41/29 pc 67/44 pc 49/32 pc 48/39 c 61/48 pc 61/44 s 48/38 r 77/63 s 38/32 s

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Weather(W): s-sunny, pc-partly cloudy, c-cloudy, sh-showers, t-thunderstorms, r-rain, sf-snow flurries, sn-snow, i-ice.

From A1

District Attorney Paul Czajka said Friday.

The discovery law, which requires all evidence be turned over to the defense within 15 days, has been extremely difficult for his office, Czajka said.

“It has been a substantial burden on my office, as well as all the police agencies in the county,” he said. “We are working as best we can to comply.”

To date, no cases have been dismissed due to the new law, Czajka said.

“I anticipate issues will arise and have arisen due to the law and will result and have resulted in requests to dismiss cases,” he said.

One of the issues with the new law is that witnesses can end up in the crosshairs, Czajka said.

“One of the most difficult jobs I’ve had over the years is to assure victims and witnesses that their identities and locations will be kept secret, at least until the trial,” he said. “I can no longer make that promise.

As a result, I am very concerned that witnesses to crimes will no longer come forward, making it very difficult, if not impossible, to prosecute certain crimes.”

The proposed modifications are a step in the right direction, Greene County District Attorney Joseph Stanzione said Friday.

“It doesn’t go far enough but it’s better than what we have,”

File photo

Greene County District Attorney Joseph Stanzione.

he said.

A key part of the proposal is to restore discretion to judges, Stanzione said.

“Judges should have discretion over who goes to jail,” he said. “Upstate judges are very keen on that and are very fair.

Most of the problems with bail were reflected downstate.”

The modifications would allow a judge to take into consideration the community’s safety, which is a key element, Stanzione said.

Greene County Sheriff Peter Kusminsky agreed.

“Judges need to be able to consider the possibility that the accused is a flight risk, if they are likely to be a serial offender or a danger to society,” he said.

Both bail reform and the changes to discovery have “bogged down” his office,

Stanzione said.

One defendant was arrested in Durham for seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and released, then arrested in Cairo for petty larceny and released, then arrested for petty larceny in Catskill and released, then arrested for grand larceny when he stole a vehicle and released, and finally was arrested on a warrant when he did not appear at any of his court dates, Stanzione said.

The defendant did not show up for his subsequent court date, he added.

“The 15 days is turning us all into clerks instead of attorneys,” Stanzione said. “That time period needs to be extended: No less than 45 days. We have not had any cases dismissed because of the new law but we

have a lot more work to do.“ No funding was established to increase staff, Stanzione said.

The Senate Majority’s proposal includes a request for funding for pre-trial service agencies to assist with the implementation of the discovery laws.

The proposal also indicates that the discovery deadline would be extended but does not indicate by how much. Greater protection would be given to witnesses to ensure the anonymity of 911 callers, according to the Senate Majority’s office.

It was not immediately known when state lawmakers will vote on the proposed modifications.

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Saturday - Sunday, February 15-16, 2020 - A3

COLUMBIA-GREENE MEDIA • THE DAILY MAIL

CALENDAR Monday, Feb. 17 n Athens Town Hall Offices closed in observance of President’s Day n Athens Village Hall Offices closed in observance of President’s Day n Catskill Town Offices closed in observance of President’s Day n Coxsackie Town Offices closed in observation of President’s Day n Coxsackie Village Offices closed in observation of President’s Day n Greene County Office Building closed in observation of President’s Day n Greenville Town Offices closed in observation of President’s Day

Tuesday, Feb. 18 n Athens Village Planning Board

6:30 p.m. Village Hall, 2 First St., Athens 518-945-1551 n Durham Town Board 7:30 p.m.

Town Hall, 7309 Route 81, East Durham n Greene County Legislature economic development and tourism; Gov. Ops.; finance; Rep and Dem. Caucus 6 p.m. Greene County Office Building, 411 Main St., Catskill n Hunter Town Board 7 p.m. Town Hall, 5748 Route 23A, Tannersville

Wednesday, Feb. 19 n Catskill Library Board 6:45 p.m.

at either the Catskill Library, 1 Franklin St., Catskill or Palenville Library, 3303 Route 23A, Palenville n Catskill Town Board Committee meeting 6:30 p.m. Town Hall, 439 Main St., Catskill n Greene County Legislature public hearing AG District 124 6:25 p.m.; regular legislature meeting No. 2 6:30 p.m. Greene County Office Building, 411 Main St., Catskill

Thursday, Feb. 20 n Coxsackie Village Planning

Board 7 p.m. Village Hall, 119 Mansion St., Coxsackie

Monday, Feb. 24 n Catskill Village Planning Board 7 p.m. Senior Center, 15 Academy St., Catskill n Greenville CSD BOE Business/ Budget No. 2 Meeting 6 p.m. MS/HS Library, 4976 Route 81, Greenville 518-966-5070

Tuesday, Feb. 25 n Catskill Town Planning Board 7

p.m. Town Hall, 439 Main St., Catskill

Wednesday, Feb. 26 n Athens Village Board 6:30 p.m.

Village Hall, 2 First St., Athens 518945-1551

Local accounting firm merges with global company

By Melanie Lekocevic Columbia-Greene Media

The local accounting firm Pattison, Koskey, Howe & Bucci has merged with a global company, UHY, which has offices in 100 countries.

The merger was finalized Jan. 1, 2020, and Pattison, Koskey, Howe & Bucci — with offices in Catskill, Hudson and Kingston — has been renamed UHY LLP. All three offices are expected to remain open.

No layoffs are anticipated, and several jobs are expected to be created with the merger.

“There will absolutely be no layoffs. We will add positions,” shareholder Richard Koskey said. “There will be six interns and two full-time positions added.”

The merger is part of a regional push UHY is making. The company has also merged with another accounting firm in Saratoga Springs.

“From a UHY perspective, we have seen the continuing growth of and opportunity in the Hudson Valley region, and being predominantly in New York and in that region, we looked to find other firms during the course of the last several years to find an ability to succeed together,” said Howard Foote, office managing partner of the New York-Capital Region of UHY. “In developing what we consider to be the Hudson Valley/Adirondack corridor, we were really fortunate to come

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CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Local accounting firm Pattison, Koskey, Howe & Bucci completed its merger with the global company UHY. Pictured, left to right, are Howard Foote, office managing partner of the New York-Capital Region of UHY; Richard Koskey, shareholder at Pattison, Koskey, Howe & Bucci; and partners A. Michael Bucci, Bradley Cummings and Matthew VanDerbeck.

across the Pattison, Koskey, Howe & Bucci firm, and particularly excited about Richard and his firm and the legacy that they built over almost 75 years of history.”

Negotiations for the merger began in October 2017.

Now that the merger has been finalized, UHY has offices in 21 U.S. cities, with more than 900 employees in the United States, and 100 offices worldwide, said Julie

Manteria, director of marketing for UHY in the Northeast.

“We have access to not only offices across the U.S., but also globally we have resources we can tap into that really allow us to provide what we call ‘the next level of service’ to our clients,” Manteria said. “The values that we hold are providing highquality professional services, having a very hands-on approach.”

THE TOWN OF CATSKILL CEMETERY will begin its annual clean up starting February 24th to prepare for the spring season. Broken items, old Christmas decorations will be removed from grave sites. Please call the Cemetery Custodian with any questions.

518-943-2267

Bridging the Gap Between Hospital and Home Short-Term Rehab Long-Term Care

Greene Meadows is the only facility in Greene County that is in contract with the Stratton VA Medical Center to provide services such as short term rehabilitation or long term care for those who served our nation.

One of the characteristics that drew UHY to Pattison, Koskey, Howe & Bucci was its connection with the local community, Foote said.

“For neither firm was it about the size,” Foote said.

“It’s about our inspiring of our team and creating value as trusted advisors for our clients.”

Pattison, Koskey, Howe & Bucci has been doing business in the area for more than 70 years.

“Reginald Pattison started the firm in 1946,” Koskey said.

He lived next door to the Pattisons in Lorenz Park in Columbia County and lived with them to finish his senior year at Hudson High School after his father was transferred through his job.

Koskey graduated from Duke University and served in the military, and in 1963 went to work for the firm, becoming its third employee.

“I’ve been here ever since,” Koskey said.

The merger will continue the legacy the firm’s founder started seven decades ago, Koskey said.

“UHY and PKHB share a strong culture of caring for clients and friends,” Koskey said. “The three offices of PKHB are pleased to carry on this tradition as we join UHY.”

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OUR VIEW

Hotel developers must show sensitivity In a lodging-starved city like Hudson, news that a 50-room hotel could be coming to the intersection of 7th and Union streets in the old McKinstry Mansion should be good. It is, but there are a number of hurdles that must be cleared first.

A hotel of that size could benefit Greene County at peak tourism seasons. Hudson is just six miles from Catskill, where lodging is in the planning stage. If the best of both worlds is desirable, tourists and visitors could stay in either town.

But since the hotel proposal was unveiled only this week, let’s not get ahead of

ourselves.

The mansion is almost 200 years old and is located in a historic district, an element that adds an extra layer of difficulty for development. Once the Home for the Aged for nearly a century, the building has been vacant since. It sits across 7th Street from Governor’s Tavern and Iron Horse Cigar Depot, and located diagonally across the railroad tracks from the Hudson police station. The CSX trains traveling those tracks raise questions about noise. Traffic, parking and the hotel’s proximity to a residential area are other factors likely to come into play as the

project unfolds.

One thing working in the hotel’s favor is that the property is located in a Federal Opportunity Zone, which was created in 2017 to provide tax incentives designed to spur economic development in economically distressed communities.

The developers need to demonstrate there is a pressing need for what will amount to a downtown hotel while at the same time showing sensitivity to the wishes of the hotel’s prospective neighbors. If that happens, the hotel will be good for both Columbia and Greene counties.

ANOTHER VIEW

Common-sense, planet-saving reform The Washington Post

Climate change was the most important issue for a quarter of voters in the Democratic primary in New Hampshire on Tuesday; only health care ranked higher, according to exit polls. Every serious Democratic candidate has a plan.

Even some Republican politicians, their sciencedenying president notwithstanding, are concluding that action on climate is essential for their political survival as well as the planet’s well-being.

But what action? Sometimes we seem to face an unpalatable choice among President Donald Trump’s obstruction and backsliding, feel-good Republican Band-Aids (let’s plant a few trees!) and the overweening, inefficient and ultimately unrealistic overreach of the Green New Deal. So there’s reason to celebrate the release Thursday of a climate plan by an alliance of corporations, environmental advocacy groups, economists and prominent citizens that bills itself as “the broadest climate coalition in U.S. history.”

The coalition includes giant oil companies such as ConocoPhillips and ExxonMobil, utilities (Exelon) and car manufacturers (Ford, General Motors) but also the World Resources Institute, Conservation In-

ternational and the World Wildlife Fund. It has luminaries from Republican administrations, including former secretaries of state James Baker III and George Shultz, and Democratic ones, such as Janet Yellen, President Barack Obama’s appointment as Federal Reserve chair, and Steven Chu, Obama’s energy secretary.

What unites them is a plan that is more ambitious and effective in carbon reduction than Obama’s energy plan or the Paris accord; doesn’t increase the deficit by so much as a dime; leaves most Americans financially better off; encourages innovation; and provides an incentive for other emitters, including China and India, to act.

How is that possible? The plan would levy a steadily rising tax on carbon (oil, gas, coal) to cut U.S. carbon emissions in half from 2005 levels by 2035. The timeline is aggressive - steep cuts, and soon - and there’s a backstop if they don’t materialize.

Such a tax is the best way to promote innovation, Yellen told us, and encourage firms and consumers to switch to cleaner energy (though the government would still be wise to invest in research to speed the transition). The government would remit all of the tax receipts in equal shares;

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a family of four would get a $2,000 dividend check every year. Seventy percent of households would get more back than they would pay in higher energy costs, with the poorest faring best.

Two other key features: The plan would impose a fee on imports from countries without comparable plans. That would keep companies from just moving factories to countries where they could emit more - and it would encourage other nations to join what would quickly become a customs union of loweremitters. And the carbon fee would replace most federal energy-sector regulation, though automobile standards, appliance efficiency regulation and state rules (if states so chose) would be retained.

That deregulation will offend advocates who would rather dictate the mix of solar, wind and other renewables to be attained. But, as long as the price continues to rise, a tax is a more efficient, predictable route to wringing carbon out of the system than bureacratic fiat could ever be. In short, the only reason for a Republican to oppose this plan is that there’s nothing here for a Democrat to dislike, and vice versa. Congress should find its way past that obstacle to embrace common-sense, planet-saving reform.

or publications. Writers are ordinarily limited to one letter every 30 days.

Physician (Senate), heal thyself WASHINGTON — Shortly before the Senate, sitting as an impeachment court, contemplated the president’s misbehavior, it demonstrated its own flair for disregarding rules and violating norms. Done with bipartisan bonhomie, the episode illuminates the decay of government.

Bill Clinton’s finest achievement as president, the North American Free Trade Agreement, passed in December 1993 with more Senate and House support from Republicans (34 and 132) than from Democrats (27 and 102). Many Democrats predicted devastation of U.S. manufacturing, and Donald Trump was characteristically Cassandra-like. Today manufacturing capacity is 66% larger than in 1994. Undeterred by evidence, candidate Trump termed NAFTA a “disaster” and “the worst trade deal maybe ever signed anywhere.”

As president he is replacing it with the United States-MexicoCanada Agreement (USMCA), which is remarkably similar to NAFTA, with two significant exceptions: It is the first U.S. trade agreement designed to decrease trade, and it is a larded with Democratic policy objectives.

As Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Pa., notes, under NAFTA there were zero tariffs on 100% of manufactured goods and 97.5% of agricultural products that crossed the three nations’ borders. U.S. exports to Mexico increased 500%. The USMCA’s constructive modernizations of NAFTA — the enormous digital economy did not exist in 1994 — are, Toomey says, “mostly taken from the TransPacific Partnership,” which was negotiated by the Obama administration, and for that reason was anathema to Donald Trump. His scrapping of the TPP was a gift to China.

The USMCA ends free trade in automobiles and auto parts with Mexico: By imposing impossible minimum-wage requirements on Mexican factories, the USMCA guarantees that cars and parts will be subject to tariffs — taxes paid by

GEORGE F.

WILL U.S. consumers. The USMCA also compels Mexico to change its labor laws to promote unionization. And the provision that the USMCA expires in 16 years is, Toomey says, “designed to have a chilling effect on investment.” He notes that members of Congress who have opposed every trade agreement before this one support it, as does the AFL-CIO, which generally opposes free trade agreements.

The USMCA’s substance is regrettable. The process that produced it was even more so because it was lawless.

Agreements that fully comply with the Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) cannot be amended and can be passed by a simple majority. But the USMCA did not comply: The implementing legislation was not submitted to Congress 30 days before a committee or floor vote on it, a requirement necessary if Congress is to perform its constitutional duty to establish trade policy. Also, the TPA requires that the implementing legislation contain only provisions “strictly necessary or appropriate” for implementation. Otherwise, the TPA’s expedited process could be used to sneak extraneous matters into law without adequate scrutiny, or possible opposition through amendment, or a 60-vote threshold. But for the first time ever, implementing legislation contained appropriations, $843 million, including $50 million for salaries and expenses for the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, which was designated an “emergency.”

The Senate and its once-formidable Finance Committee

are, Toomey believes, being “marginalized” and made “irrelevant” as the executive wields authority delegated to it by Congress — but without Congress insisting on compliance with the terms of the delegation. The question, Toomey says, is: “Are we willing to enforce our own law that governs the proceedings of this body?”

Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., felt similarly in December when Congress “passed a $1.4 trillion spending extravaganza, complete with half a trillion dollars in tax cuts and a bevy of favors for special interests — all without debate and without committee consideration, based on decisions made by the bill’s sponsors over a weekend.” The $300 billion “Cadillac tax,” a restraint on lavish employerprovided health plans, was repealed. This demonstrated that Congress cannot repeal Obamacare but will not pay for it. Amendments were not allowed, debate was limited to 90 minutes, and the Senate voted on the bill less than three days after it was unveiled. “Senate leadership clearly didn’t want it to be understood or discussed,” Cassidy said.

In the 116th Congress, now in its second year, there have been, Toomey notes, votes on just 20 amendments — one was a “sense of the Senate” legal nullity, four were “noncontroversial or largely devoid of substance,” six “were killed using a procedural maneuver,” and none of the other nine “came close to passage.” The Finance Committee has held one substantive markup in 13 months.

The president’s institutional vandalism is partially explained, although not excused, by the breadth and depth of his ignorance concerning the manners and mores of a republic. The Senate’s self-degradation is even more depressing.

George Will’s email address is georgewill@washpost.com. (c) 2020, Washington Post Writers Group

ANOTHER VIEW

Stop Shelton’s Fed nomination The Washington Post

The only thing standing between President Donald Trump’s two new nominees for 14-year terms on the Federal Reserve System’s Board of Governors and confirmation is the same Republican majority in the Senate that acquitted the president in his recent impeachment trial and has generally let him have his way. In the case of one nominee, the highly qualified research economist and veteran St. Louis Fed official Christopher Waller, this is no problem.

When it comes to Trump’s other nominee, Republican economic analyst Judy Shelton, a lack of GOP seriousness about the Senate’s advice and consent role could prove troublesome indeed. As we have noted previously, Shelton would bring to the board views that are extreme (longtime support for a version of the gold standard) when they are not inconsistent (she abhorred low interest rates when Barack Obama was president but praised them under Trump).

SEND LETTERS:

To confirm someone apparently chosen more for her loyalty to this president than for her actual qualifications to make monetary policy would undermine the central bank’s independence.

Fortunately, there are signs that Republicans may push back against the Shelton nomination, just as GOP objections caused two earlier poorly qualified Trump candidates, Herman Cain and Stephen Moore, to withdraw from consideration for the positions that Waller and Shelton would fill. At a Senate Banking Committee hearing Thursday, two members of the Republican majority expressed reservations about Shelton. Sen. Richard Shelby of Alabama pronounced himself “troubled” by some of Shelton’s writings.

Sen. Patrick Toomey of Pennsylvania suggested her past views on monetary policy were in some ways “very, very dangerous.” If just one of these two senators votes no, Shelton would lack majority support on the 25-member committee, since all 12 Democrats appear

ready to reject her.

We urge these senators to stop the Shelton nomination.

The independence of not only the Fed but also the Senate is at stake. Regarding the latter, there was encouraging news Thursday when a war powers resolution sponsored by Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., passed with support of eight Republicans.

Kaine’s resolution directs the president to end the use of military force against Iran within 30 days, absent explicit congressional authorization, except in response to an “imminent attack.”

While mostly symbolic — the “imminent attack” loophole is a large one — and lacking vetoproof support in either house of Congress, the resolution is nevertheless a healthy stirring of senatorial self-respect. The GOP senators’ yes votes are especially welcome in view of the fact that Trump tweeted that supporting Kaine would show “weakness,” while Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., also urged GOP members to oppose.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

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Venanzo Carlucci Venanzo Carlucci, 87, of Dustin (Ashley Smith) and SarGhent passed away peacefully ah McKay. Also surviving are February 12, 2020 at St. Pe- eight great-grandchildren, Myter’s Hospital. cah, Lucas, Haniah, Eli, Owen, He was born on June 11, Charlotte, Thomas, and Riley, 1932 the son of the late Au- in addition to his sister Julia gusto and Sarah Carlucci. Af- Carlucci Graziano. He was ter graduating high school he predeceased by his loving wife served in the United States of 58 years, Helen Carlucci in Navy during the Korean War, 2015, his brothers Nicola and where he was a Golden Glove Ronald Carlucci, his sister Anboxer. When he returned gela Ferraro, and his nephew, home, he went to work Louis Ferraro. for IBM in both PoughFuneral services will keepsie and Kingston be held at 11:00 AM where after 30 plus on Wednesday Februyears he retired. His ary 19, 2020 from the greatest joys in life Bates and Anderson were his grandchildren – Redmond & Keeler and great grandchilFuneral Home, 110 dren. He also enjoyed Green Street, Hudson. square dancing and Interment will follow at Carlucci camping.

Cedar Park Cemetery.

Venanzo is survived Visitation will Tuesday by two devoted children, Julia from 3:00 to 7:00 at the funeral Carlucci Greer (Adam Greer) home. Donations in Venanzo’s and Nicolina Carlucci McKay memory may be made to the (Michael McKay), and his six American Cancer Society. For beloved grandchildren, Chris- directions or to leave a mestina and Chantel Carlucci, sage of condolence please visit Thomas and Ashley Greer, and www.batesanderson.com

Earle P. Kelsey Jr. Earle P. Kelsey Jr., 90, of Earle P. Kelsey III (Norine) and North Chatham NY passed daughter Deborah Wimble (Briaway after a short illness at the an). Grandfather to P. ChrisTeresian House on February topher Kelsey (Erica), Mark 12, 2020. A native of Latham, R. Kelsey (Frank) and Ashley NY, Earle was the son of Ear- Wimble. Great-grandfather to le P. Kelsey Sr. and Frances Timothy and Hanna Kelsey.

(Hanna) Kelsey.

His extended family of Linda He received his MBA from (Dennis) King, Dawn (Jeff) EbSiena College. He retired as erhard, Jill Appel, Joy Shermerthe Director of Finance horn and their children from Catholic Chariand several nieces and ties, and then was apnephews. pointed Comptroller Interment will be for the Town of North held Sunday, FebruChatham for ten years. ary 16, 2020, 2:00pm, He was a member and at the North Chatham Fire Commissioner for Cemetery, Route 32, the North Chatham North Chatham folVolunteer Fire Departlowed by a celebration ment as well as Treaof life at 3pm at the Kelsey Jr. surer for the North North Chatham MethChatham Methodist odist Church, 4274 Church for 20 years.

Route 203, North Chatham Earle was predeceased NY with a reception to follow. by his wife Margaret (Bain- In lieu of flowers, contributions bridge) Kelsey for 31 years, may be made to the Methodist and his sisters, Betty (Arthur) Farm, 12 Bon Acre Way, AverCox and Jane (William) Burke. ill Park, NY 12018 where Earle Fortunately for him, he found spent many happy summers his “partner” Doris Appel and or the North Chatham Fire Despent the next 35 years travel- partment, North Chatham, NY ing and mutually enjoying the 12132. Arrangements are with game of golf. the Raymond E. Bond Funeral He is survived by his son Home, Valatie.

BLOOMBERG PHOTO BY SEONGJOON CHO

Spectators wearing protective masks look and photograph an aerobatics team performing maneuvers at the Singapore Airshow in Singapore on Feb. 11, 2020.

Boeing leaves Singapore empty-handed Anurag Kotoky and Kyunghee Park Bloomberg

The giants of aviation left the Singapore Airshow with little to brag about, but someone ended up with one of the hottest deals in town: a couple of boxes of hand sanitizers.

Alarm over the novel coronavirus outbreak has led to panic-buying of unlikely hot commodities, from toilet paper and instant noodles to soap and even condoms, which people have been using as makeshift finger protectors — safe texts and all that. Bosses at one U.S. aerospace company were befuddled when they arrived at their corporate booth Thursday morning to find it had been liberated of hand sanitizers. Everything else — aircraft models, television sets and branded coat pins — was left untouched.

The priorities at Asia’s flagship aviation event were a far cry from normal. Many companies didn’t even show up because of concern over the virus, which has infected more than 60,000 people and killed 1,380, primarily in China. Attendance was thin and the executives who did

attend headed for the door soon after finishing their meetings. The organizers advised attendees to avoid hand contact, leading to awkward greetings and elbow bumps.

Boeing, which is bedeviled with the 737 Max grounding and failed to sign any orders at all in January, didn’t announce any deals. Neither did Airbus, beyond its helicopter unit selling some trainer aircraft to the Thai military. A highlight of the show was PNG Air ordering three ATR 42-600S aircraft.

Last year’s Paris Air Show heralded 610 commitments for new planes between Boeing and Airbus alone. A year earlier in Farnborough, England, there were almost 1,000 orders worth $141 billion.

By Thursday afternoon, the third day of the Singapore show, many company booths were empty. Some had closed shop after the first day. There was hardly a soul at the static display area. Even pilots, who tend to enthusiastically show off private jets to the ultra-rich at air shows, were nowhere to be found. At least one company said executives

who came to the event from overseas will have to go through self-quarantine upon their return.

The organizers of the Singapore Airshow didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment on the event.

The signs were ominous before the show began, with Singapore raising its disease response level to secondhighest, prompting companies such as F-35 fighter-jet maker Lockheed Martin and Commercial Aircraft Corp. of China to pull out from the event. The news of several coronavirus cases in Europe being linked to a British man who attended a business meeting at Singapore’s Grand Hyatt hotel last month added to the gloom.

From the events that took place, Boeing’s 737 Max dominated conversations.

The global grounding of the single-aisle plane following two crashes has cost the U.S. plane manufacturer an estimated $18.6 billion. There’s still no real clarity on when it will fly again, and that’s hurting suppliers such as United Technologies Corp. and Spirit AeroSystems Holdings Inc., which has

FUNERAL DIRECTORS Copake, N.Y. (518) 329-2121 Pine Plains, N.Y. (518) 398-7777

VITO LAWRENCE SACCO

Vito J. Venezia Sr. Vito J. Venezia, Sr., loving noni and her husband Ron, father, and grandfather and Emily Gallo and her husband friend, age 95 years, of Cairo, Conrad, Bernadette Venezia passed away on February 13, and Margie Venezia. He is also 2020, at Albany Medical Cen- survived by 15 grandchildren, ter, Albany, N.Y. 28 great grandchildren, and He was born on January 5, 3 great-great grandchildren, 1925 in Hoboken, N.J. and is his sister Nina Savino, and his the son of the late Jobeloved companion seph and Anna (Fortini) Louise Blowers. He Venezia. also had many nieces, Besides his parents, nephews and dear Vito is predeceased friends. by his loving wife EmRelatives and ily Venezia who passed friends are cordially inaway on July 25, 1987, vited to attend calling his sisters Nancy Poghours at Richards Fugiogalle, Lily Grillo, neral Home, 29 Bross Collie Gerundo, his Street, Cairo, N.Y. on Venezia Sr. brothers Frank and JoWednesday, February seph Venezia, Jr. During Vito’s 19, 2020 from 4:00 P.M. – 7:00 lifetime, he proudly served his P.M. The Catskill Elks # 1341 country during WWII in The will conduct services at the U.S. Navy serving during The funeral home at 6:30 P.M. The European Campaign from 1942 N.Y.S. Military Forces Honor - 1945, joining at the young age Guard will conduct military of 17, and he was employed for honors at the funeral home at many years for C.D.T. A. Bus 6:45 P.M. Funeral services will Company as a foreman. He be held on Thursday, February belonged to the following or- 20, 2020 at 10:00 A.M. at the ganizations The V.F.W. #770 in funeral home, with Pastor VicCatskill, N.Y., The Catskill Elks tor Nelson of The Resurrection # 1341, The American Legion Lutheran Church, Cairo, N.Y. Post # 983 Cairo, and also the officiating. Interment will take AMVETS Post #98 in Florida. place in the family plot of The He loved spending time with Cairo Cemetery, Cairo, N.Y. his family, also traveling and in July of 2020. Contributions birds. in his memory may be made Survivors include his sons to The Samuel S. Stratton VA Vito Venezia, Jr., and Joseph Medical Center, 113 Holland O’Shea, daughters JoAnn Avenue, Albany, N.Y. 12208, Pound and her husband Ber- Attn: Ed Baniak, Jr. Condonie, Donna Andersen and her lences may be made at www. husband Bud, Bunny Agosti- richardsfuneralhomeinc.net.

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slashed its dividend and laid off 2,800 employees.

Boeing said it will take several quarters to return the 737 Max to the skies globally, which means about 700 of the jets are stuck on the tarmac. The company plans to resume production of the aircraft before regulators give it the green light to get back in the air. Budget carrier SpiceJet Ltd. said at the air show that Boeing will bear the expenses of setting up a simulator in India.

One of the biggest beneficiaries of the Max crisis, at least on paper, is Airbus. The European planemaker said it expects 1,000 orders in the next 10 years for its A321XLR jet, the newest and longest range model of its best-selling A320 family. Boeing is considering a new aircraft that may potentially compete with the latest Airbus.

Even Airbus’s announcement this week for an outline agreement to sell 50 A220 planes was made in London rather than Singapore. Most executives had left the show by that time anyway, and taxi drivers were offering discounts for rides back to the center of the city.

Sacco-McDonald-Valenti Funeral Home ARECIBO OBSERVATORY

Radar images of the binary near-Earth asteroid 2020 BX12.

Astronomers spy near-Earth asteroid with its own moon Ben Guarino The Washington Post

Asteroid 2020 BX12 is hurtling through the cold emptiness of space, but it’s not going alone. The rock, recently spotted during a NASA survey of nearby and potentially hazardous asteroids, has a moon.

Neither of them are a threat to Earth.

“It was really exciting to find out it was a binary,” meaning an asteroid-moon pair, said Luisa Fernanda ZambranoMarin, a doctoral student from Spain’s University of Granada.

In early February, ZambranoMarin and her colleagues took radar images of the space rocks from the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico. The radio telescope had reopened only recently after a wave of earthquakes shook Puerto Rico at the beginning of 2020.

The large asteroid is 540 feet in diameter, making it nearly as wide as the Washington Monument is tall. It spins on an axis, as does Earth, though it completes its swift twist in under three hours. Its moon is less

than half its size, just 230 feet wide. The moon spins much more slowly, completing a rotation every 50 hours or so.

The orbiting moon is “tidally locked” to the large asteroid, Zambrano-Marin said - if you were to stand on the surface of asteroid 2020 BX12, you would always see the same face of its moon.

Astronomers detected 2020 BX12 from Hawaii’s Mauna Loa Observatory as part of the NASA-funded asteroid warning system called ATLAS. In January, the Hawaii telescope sensed sunlight reflecting off the asteroid, but that instrument was unable to distinguish more than a single fast-moving blot against a background of stars.

Further inspection from the Puerto Rico telescope revealed that what appeared to be one space rock was two. Because radio telescopes can produce their own signals, ZambranoMarin said, they “have the power to illuminate both targets.”

These binary asteroids traveled as close as 188,000 miles

to Earth’s trajectory. “While this means it could conceivably come closer to the Earth than the Moon, 2020 BX12 poses no danger at this time and is currently receding from Earth,” per the National Astronomy and Ionosphere Center, which operates the Arecibo station.

“The Arecibo radar is the most prolific discovery instrument for binary asteroids,”said Jean-Luc Margot, a planetary scientist at University of California at Los Angeles. “About 60 binary and triple asteroids have been detected with radar to date.”

Moons orbit roughly 1 in 6 large asteroids, according to an estimate Margot and coauthors published in the journal Science. At that rate, binary systems among asteroids “are five times more common than twins in the human population,” Margot said.

Though nobody knew it then, the asteroids cruised near Earth in 1931, too. The duo will return close to our planet in 2101.

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No goats were harmed in the writing of this column

By Dick Brooks

WHITTLING AWAY

For Columbia-Greene Media

By the time you read this, I hopefully will have survived another Valentine’s Day. The “saint” part of the holiday seems to have disappeared, which saddens me a bit. It’s one of those holidays that, like Topsy, just kind of grew.

It started as a pagan celebration called Lupercalia, which involved animal sacrifices, after which the men dressed as male goats and ran through the village slapping women with strips of the sacrificial animal skin.

This was to ensure fertility for the coming year.

This just looked like too much fun to the early Christians, who tried to turn it into a Christian holiday honoring St. Valentine, he had been put to death by Claudius, the Roman emperor who, believing that single men made

DICK

BROOKS better soldiers than married men, banned marriage.

Valentine, a local priest, continued to marry young lovers. Claudius threw him in prison and sentenced him to death.

One of the many versions of the story says that Valentine fell in love with the jailer’s daughter and on the day he was executed, sent her a love letter which he signed “Your Valentine.”

The execution date was

Feb. 14.

I learned to dread Valentine’s Day as a small child.

It was all right early on. The only one I needed a Valentine for was my mom. Moms are easy — any piece of semiclean paper, a red crooked crayon heart, something vaguely resembling the word “love” and your signature, and your yearly responsibility had been met.

Fathers didn’t need a Valentine. Hearts and flowers and stuff like that just aren’t a dad kind of thing.

Most dads would probably rather bring back the goat costumes and the run through the village thing.

Valentine’s Day didn’t get stressful until school started.

The first few years weren’t too bad since at that age you don’t know what’s going on anyway.

Mom bought the bag of valentines, filled them out,

and all I had to do was put one in each kid’s envelope that was taped on the front of their desk, cupcakes with sprinkles, onto the bus and it was over. Easy.

About fifth grade, things started getting sticky. I learned that those yucky people in class were called “girls.”

Mom said I had to give a valentine to each and every one of my classmates — even the girl ones.

We made our yearly journey to Kinney’s Drug Store to pick out our cards for the occasion. There wasn’t much of a choice. No cool superhero or nasty ones; most of them were of the Disney variety. They came in sheets with a bunch of envelopes that had bad-tasting glue.

I would make a list of all the kids in my class and after tearing the cards carefully apart, I tried to match the

cards to names.

The guys were easy — the Pluto and Goofy cards went quickly. The Clarabelle the cow and the Minnie Mouse ones were put aside for the girls.

The cow ones didn’t present a problem. The poor cow was ugly enough to give to a girl. The problem was that there weren’t enough of them.

That left Minnie, who was just too cute. I was forced into being creative and at an early age developed my artistic talents by drawing a mustache on Minnie.

For about four or five years Minnie with a mustache got me through. I sometimes wonder if any of them survive to this very day.

Girls got less yucky with each passing year and in high school the stress increased, even though the number of Valentines decreased.

One or two carefully chosen or crafted valentines with no signature were slipped through locker louvers.

Girlfriends brought my romantic side to a boil for years and for a time every day was Valentine’s Day. Finally I met, wooed and won my fair lady.

Valentine’s Day is less stress now. I know the kind of flowers and candy she likes. It’s a comfortable kind of thing and I like it.

To keep from becoming boring, though, this year maybe I’ll see if I can find a goat suit in my size.

Thought for the week — Nostalgia isn’t what it used to be.

Until next week, may you and yours be happy and well.

Reach Dick Brooks at Whittle12124@yahoo.com.

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Religion/Neighbors

www.HudsonValley360.com

Saturday - Sunday, February 15-16, 2020 - A7

COLUMBIA-GREENE MEDIA

Church Briefs PASTA FAGIOLI GREENPORT — Sacred Heart/Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Shrine, 442 Fairview Ave., Greenport, will serve a pasta fagioli with sausage meat lunch and dinner on Feb. 20.

One quarter with bread and butter, $8. Call in orders 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. at 518-8288775. Pick up between 11:30 a.m.-6 p.m.

SOUP DINNER CATSKILL — The Catskill United Methodist Church, 40 Woodland Ave., Catskill, will hold an all you can eat homemade soup dinner 4-7 p.m.

Feb. 22. Adults and children 12 and older, $10; children 6-12, $5; children under 6, free. All proceeds benefit Twin County Recovery Services and St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

CHICKEN AND BISCUIT DINNER GREENVILLE — The Asbury United Methodist Church, 5830 State Route 81, Greenville, will serve a chicken and biscuit dinner 4-6:30 p.m. Feb. 22 in the Carney Center behind the church. Eat in or take out. Free will offerings will be accepted.

GENEALOGICAL WORKSHOP ALBANY — Jewish Genealogical Workshop will be held 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. March 1 at the Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York, 184 Washington Ave. Ext., Albany.

This meeting will be in a workshop format for members of the public seeking hands-on assistance in conducting Jewish genealogical research. For information, contact David Barnet at crjgs1@gmail.com or 518-573-8966.

WINTER TAG SALE CATSKILL — Temple Israel of Catskill, 220 Spring St., Catskill, annual winter tag sale will be held 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m.

March 1. Included will be lots of costume jewelry, furniture, household items, collectibles, some winter clothing, lamps, lamp shades, yarn and various items too numerous to mention. All items are price to sell. A soup lunch will be served from noon-2 p.m. for $6. Choice of three soups, with various accompaniments and

beverage included. Bake sale will take place all day during the tag sale. Soup will be available to go from noon-2 p.m.

To go soups priced accordingly. Gift baskets will be raffled off and there will be a 50/50 drawing. Tickets are 10/$5 or 1 ticket for $1. For information, contact the temple office at 518-943-5758.

PIZZA TAKE OUT GREENPORT — Sacred Heart Mt. Carmel Shrine, 442 Fairview Ave., Greenport, pizza takeout noon-6 p.m. March 6. Pizza is $10, extra toppings, $1 each. Call 518-828-8775.

Pick up between 3:30-6:30 p.m. Bake at home also available.

CHICKEN BARBECUE EAST BERNE — Helderberg Christian School, 96 Main St., East Berne, will hold a Brooks House of Barbecue fundraiser 4-6:30 p.m. or until sold out March 12. Drive through, take out only. Chicken dinner, $12 pre-ordered; $13 day of. Call 518-499-5416 by March 11 to preorder.

OPEN HOUSE EAST BERNE — Helderberg Christian School, 96 Main St., East Berne, will hold an open house 5-7 p.m. March 13 and 10 a.m.-noon March 14. Meet staff, visit classrooms, preview curriculum and preregister for the 2020-2021 school year. For directions and information, call 518-499-5416.

CRAFT FESTIVAL SEEKING APPLICANTS RICHFIELD SPRINGS — Applications are currently being accepted for the 41st Annual Friendship Craft Festival sponsored by the Church Of Christ Uniting in Richfield Springs. It will take place 9 a.m.-3 p.m. June 13 in Spring Park on Scenic US Route 20.

For information, an application and festival details go to www.rschurchofchristuniting.com or call Carla at 315858-1451 or Sue at 315-8582681.

Church, 272 Wall St., Kingston. The program will feature a four-hand piano performance of Mendelssohn’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” with narration provided by Marie Duane. Suggested donation is $10; proceeds will benefit the Restoration Fund at Old Dutch Church.

SOUP AND SANDWICH NIGHTS HUDSON — The First Reformed Church, 52 Green St., Hudson, will hold free soup and sandwich nights 5-6 p.m.

Thursdays through March.

Dine in only. The schedule is Feb. 20, March 5 and March 19.

COMMUNITY DINNER WEST GHENT — A free community dinner will be served at 6 p.m. Feb. 21 at the Ghent Reformed Church, 1039 County Route 22, West Ghent. All are welcome. Bring a friend. If schools are closed that day due to weather, there will be no dinner.

SOUP SAMPLER AND BAKE SALE VALATIE — The First Presbyterian Church, 3212 Church St., Valatie will hold the annual Soup Sampler and Bake Sale 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Feb. 22.

This event offers more than 15 All You Can Eat Soups, with Crackers and a Beverage.

Adults, $9; children 5-11, $5; children under 5, free.

LASAGNA DINNER NIVERVILLE — The Niverville-Chatham Center United Methodist Church, 28 Church St., Niverville, will serve a lasagna buffet dinner 5-7 p.m.

Feb. 22. The menu includes lasagna (traditional meat, vegetarian and seafood), salad, bread and ice cream sundaes. The cost is $12.

... and more.

KINGSTON — A benefit concert by Adelaide Roberts and Matthew O’Dell at 1 p.m. Feb. 16 at the Old Dutch

Bob Gaus Licensed Manager

Seamless Gutters

I want to wish George Story a very happy birthday. George (the founder of Story’s Nursery in Freehold, Greene County) turns 100 years old on Feb. 22.

George Story was named after George Washington, who shares the same birthday. Many young people today don’t know when Washington’s birthday is, but I sure do! Old folks like me grew up knowing it, because we got a day off from school for both his and Lincoln’s birthdays. Now we celebrate “Presidents Day” in lieu of Washington and Lincoln’s actual birthdays.

Both of these former presidents were very inspirational for our country. George Story inspired many budding horticulturalists, including his kids, grandkids, countless nieces, nephews, many students and me! Most of what I know about commercial horticulture I learned from George and at Story’s Nursery. My career at Cornell Cooperative Extension could not have succeeded without the knowledge I gained from him.

George was a pioneer in the nursery/greenhouse business and he built his business, literally, from the ground up.

Originally, in the late 1940s and early 1950s, he sold vegetables he grew at a roadside stand, but soon recognized there was an emerging market for ornamental plants as World War II soldiers returned and started building houses.

After graduating from Cornell University, George began selling nursery stock that he grew in the fertile, well-drained soil on the floodplain of the Catskill creek in Freehold. Most of

We do everything you would expect

BENEFIT CONCERT

Sitcer

Happy 100th birthday George Story!

• • • • • • •

Submitting obituaries Filing insurance claims Ordering death certificates Providing Notary services Preparing veteran benefits paperwork Assistance with monument engraving ...and much more!

GARDENING TIPS

BOB

BEYFUSS these field-grown plants were sold as “bare root” or “balled in burlap.”

It is hard to imagine something as ubiquitous as plastic pots or plastic containers of any sort, were unheard of back then. His main crop in the early days were Japanese yews, which were a popular landscape plant in the ‘50s. In those days deer predation was not an issue, nor were they a barrier to gardening. No one needed a deer fence to garden in Greene County in the 1950s.

At that time, even sighting a deer in our region was a topic of conversation for days. These days deer populations are so high that preferred food plants, such as yews cannot even be grown by most residents.

I saw George this past summer, still working at Story’s Nursery. He was watering and primping bedding plants as he has done for more than half a century. He is still physically and mentally sharp, although he gave up bowling and driving to Florida not too many years

ago.

His granddaughter Kelly, who is also my stepdaughter, grows all sorts of interesting palms at her home here in Florida, and her brother Will also has a green thumb. I guess it’s true that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.

I was very fortunate to be married to his youngest daughter (of seven kids!) Christine, and she worked at the nursery for years when I was the Greene County Agricultural Extension agent. I built our log cabin home on some of that wonderful flood plain land in Freehold that George gave us in the late 1980s. I have never had such good land to grow on before or since! Many of his kids and grandkids are still actively involved in the horticulture business and now he has great-grandkids who, I bet, will continue the tradition.

There will be a public celebration of George’s birthday 1-4 p.m. Feb. 22 at the Freehold firehouse on Route 32 in Freehold. Stop by to wish him a happy day and thank him for all he has done this past century! I wish I could be there to attend in person but travelling home from Florida at this time is not possible for me. I will have to wait to see him in person in May. He will most likely be tending to some lovely plants at the garden center!

Reach Bob Beyfuss at rlb14@cornell.edu.

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House of Worship

News & Services Trinity United Methodist 1311 Rte. 143, Coeymans Hollow | NY 12046 • 756-2812

Pastor Paul Meador • Sunday Worship 11:00am (all are welcome) • Church School: “Faith Builders Kids Christian Education” Wednesday at 7pm • Wednesday, Bible Study & Prayer - 7-8:30pm (all are welcome) • Food Pantry, Last Saturday of the month, 10-11am and last Monday of the month, 5-6pm, or by appointment • Thrift Shop Open April 12 - Mid Oct., Thursdays 10 - 4 Saturdays 10 - 2 and when Food Pantry is open. (Handicap Accessible) • Youth Group - Grades 6 - 12 2nd and 4th Thursdays @ 6:30pm

Catholic Community of Saint Patrick 24 North Washington Street, Athens 12015 · 945-1656 66 William Street, Catskill 12414 · 943-3150

Janine O’Leary, Parish Life Coordinator Fr. L. Edward Deimeke, Sacramental Minister Saturday* 4:00 p.m. EST / 4:30 p.m. DST *1st / 3rd Athens and 2nd /; 4th Catskill Sunday 8:45 a.m. Catskill / 10:45 a.m. Athens

All Are Welcome!

New Baltimore Reformed Church 518 756 8764 • Rt. 144 and Church St. NBRChurch@aol.com • www.nbrchurch.org

Rev. Rick L. Behan, Pastor Sunday Worship - 9:30 AM Communion First Sunday every month Fellowship before and after worship Thursday - Choir Rehearsal 4:45 PM Tuesday - Bible Study 10:00 AM 2nd Sunday - Helping Hands 10:30 AM Come to the Church in the Hamlet! Working together since 1833

Church of Saint Patrick 21 Main Street, Ravena, NY 12143 • (518) 756-3145

Pastor: Fr. Scott VanDerveer Weekly Mass: 9:00 a.m. Wed & Thurs Saturday Vigil 4:30 p.m. Sunday 9:30 a.m.

Food Pantry Hours: Tues & Thurs 10-11 a.m.

Wednesday 6-7:00 p.m.

Thrift Shop Hours: Wed. 6:00-7:00 Thurs, Fri. & Sat. 1:00-3:00 p.m.

All Are Welcome!

To list your Church Services please call Patricia McKenna at (518) 828-1616 x2413

CMYK

A8 - Saturday - Sunday, February 15-16, 2020

COLUMBIA-GREENE MEDIA

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CMYK

Sports

Lightning strike

COLUMBIA-GREENE MEDIA

Lightning defeat Oilers to run win streak to nine. Sports, B2

& Classifieds

SECTION

B Saturday - Sunday, February 15-16, 2020 - B1

Tim Martin, Sports Editor: 1-800-400-4496 / sports@registerstar.com or tmartin@registerstar.com

LOCAL ROUNDUP:

Griffin scores 28 as ’Hawks sink Rams Columbia-Greene Media

MATT FORTUNATO/COLUMBIA-GREENE MEDIA

Catskill’s Katie Bulich signed a letter of intent to continue her academic and athletic career at Iona College in the Fall.

RENSSELAER — Dayquan Griffin scored 28 points in Hudson’s 71-60 Patroon Conference boys basketball victory over Rensselaer.

The Bluehawks (11-3, 11-6) led 18-14 after one quarter, but the Rams went ahead 30-29 by halftime. Hudson went on to outscore Rensselaer 2115 in both the third and fourth quarters, though, to earn the victory.

Noah Hedgepeth followed Griffin in scoring for Hudson with 13 points.

Ramell Johnson led all scorers with 30 points for Rensselaer. Smai Lockhart and Amani Nixon

each had 13.

Hudson plays host to Greenville on Monday.

Junior varsity action tips at 10:30 a.m., with the varsity game to follow.

HUDSON (71): Anderson 2-3-8, DeJesus 1-0-2, Gordon 0-2-2, Gorman 0-1-1, Griffin 11-6-28, Hedgepeth 5-0-13, Johnson 4-0-8, Maines 1-5-7, Romano 1-0-2. Totals 2517-71.

3-pointers: Hedgepeth 3, Anderson.

RENSSELAER (60): Baker 1-0-2, Johnson 121-30, Lockhart 6-0-13, Nixon 5-0-13, Sullivan 1-0-2. Totals 25-1-60.

3-pointers: Johnson 5, See ROUNDUP B9

Catskill’s Katie Bulich signs with Iona

By Matt Fortunato Columbia-Greene Media

CATSKILL — Catskill Soccer star Katie Bulich signed her letter of intent Thursday afternoon, to take her talents to Iona College this fall.

Bulich has won two straight Patroon Conference MVPs and has been a standout for the Cats in her career thus far. “Katie has had a stellar high school career here at Catskill and we are so happy for her as she looks forward to this next chapter,” said coach Catherine Dodig.

Bulich was on the fence about colleges in the early stages of this decision making process.

“I was considering smaller D-II schools and some DIII’s,” said Bulich, “but what led me to Iona was I’ve always really wanted to play Division I. When I visited I loved the atmosphere…and I just thought it would be a really good place for me.”

Bulich had already overcome adversity this year, battling through injuries on her way to a second consecutive MVP, but was quick to point toward the people around her that helped fuel her success.

“This year was hard because I was struggling through injuries, so a lot of it came from my teammates this year. They always came

MATT FORTUNATO/COLUMBIA-GREENE MEDIA

Catskill’s Katie Bulich reacts after signing her letter of intent to attend Iona College in the Fall.

around me and pushed me to keep playing and to never give up…and also a lot of credit goes to other girls on my club team.

“Showing up to practice every day, and you’re playing with girls at such a high level, I have to show up, I have to play, and it just makes you better every single day.”

Katie is confident that because of that support, and the growth she experienced from great coaching she’s received over the years, she will be able to succeed at the next See BULICH B9

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Lucas Cohen, from New York Golf Park, located in Hudson, has been honored as a Top 50 Kids Coach by U.S. Kids Golf.

MATT FORTUNATO/COLUMBIA-GREENE MEDIA

Catskill girls soccer coach Catie Dodig and Katie Bulich, who signed a letter of intent to attend Iona College in the Fall.

OUTDOORS:

DEC announced 2019 hunting season safest on record

By Larry DiDonato For Columbia-Greene Media

DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos recently announced that the 2019 hunting season in New York was the safest on record.

There were 12 Hunting Related Shooting Incidents (HRSIs) last year; seven were twoparty incidents involving the discharge of a firearm and five were self-inflicted. One case involved a hunter shooting a member of his hunting party

that tragically resulted in a fatality.

The statement also noted there were seven injuries resulting from falls from tree stands which are not included in the annual tally.

DEC went on to declare, “All of these incidents could have been prevented if hunting safety rules had been followed. The one fatal incident was caused by a failure to positively identify the target.”

See OUTDOORS B9

PHOTO COURTESY OF NYS DEC

Caption: ECO instructs Hunter Education student in the safe handling of firearms during Hunter Safety Class.

Cohen named Top 50 Kids Coach by U.S. Kids Golf Columbia-Greene Media

PEACHTREE CORNERS, Ga. — Lucas Cohen, from New York Golf Park, located in Hudson, has been honored as a Top 50 Kids Coach

by U.S. Kids Golf, the world’s leading organization in developing young golfers.

The Award recognizes coaches who have excelled in developing players, fostering a positive environment, and using the best available resources to help advance their students.

The Top 50 Kids Coaches of 2019 includes golf professionals from 25 states, and seven international countries including Australia, Austria, Canada, England, Hong Kong, Italy, and Northern Ireland. Each year, award recipients include coaches who work at public, private, resort and municipal courses.

In 2019, Cohen personally travelled to eight different schools in Columbia and Greene counties and delivered programs to both elementary and middle school children during gym classes while working hand and

hand with the physical educators.

“This is the highest distinction for youth coaches,” noted Van Horn. “These are the professionals that have dedicated a career to youth golf and families, and truly embody the spirit of the U.S. Kids Golf mission.”

The Top 50 Kids Coach Award has been administered by the U.S. Kids Golf Coaches Institute (a division of the U.S. Kids Golf Foundation) since 2004. The awards were officially presented on January 22, during a special presentation during the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando.

Top 50 Kids Coaches — Class of 2019 Jeff Allen, Lake Merced G.C,, Daly City, Calif.; Leslie Andrews, Nehoiden G.C., Wellesley, Mass.; Tim Bakker,King Ranch G.C., Frenchtown, Mont.; Jean Paul Bedard, Niagara Falls C.C., Lewiston, N.Y. Jennifer Bermingham, Coto de Caza Golf and Racquet Club, Coto de See GOLF B9

CMYK

COLUMBIA-GREENE MEDIA

B2 - Saturday - Sunday, February 15-16, 2020

Pro hockey Eastern Conference Atlantic Division GP W L OT SO Pts GF GA Boston 58 35 11 5 7 82 192 144 Tampa Bay 58 38 15 5 0 81 206 153 Toronto 58 30 20 4 4 68 205 192 Florida 57 30 21 3 3 66 200 194 Montreal 59 27 25 6 1 61 180 180 Buffalo 58 26 24 6 2 60 166 181 Ottawa 57 19 27 6 5 49 150 193 Detroit 59 14 41 3 1 32 121 220 Metropolitan Division GP W L OT SO Pts GF GA Washington 57 37 15 3 2 79 205 174 Pittsburgh 55 34 15 6 0 74 182 150 N.Y. Islanders 56 33 17 4 2 72 166 156 Columbus 58 30 17 9 2 71 151 143 Philadelphia 58 32 19 2 5 71 190 172 Carolina 56 32 21 3 0 67 181 157 N.Y. Rangers 56 29 23 2 2 62 185 177 New Jersey 56 21 25 4 6 52 156 196 Western Conference Central Division GP W L OT SO Pts GF GA St. Louis 56 32 15 6 3 73 178 160 Colorado 56 33 17 5 1 72 202 157 Dallas 57 33 19 3 2 71 154 144 Winnipeg 58 29 24 4 1 63 174 176 Nashville 56 27 22 4 3 61 183 183 Minnesota 57 27 23 4 3 61 176 185 Chicago 57 25 24 4 4 58 166 181 Pacific Division GP W L OT SO Pts GF GA Vancouver 58 32 21 3 2 69 190 175 Edmonton 57 30 21 4 2 66 182 179 Vegas 58 28 22 6 2 64 182 178 Calgary 58 29 23 5 1 64 164 178 Arizona 60 28 24 4 4 64 167 165 Anaheim 56 23 26 6 1 53 146 173 San Jose 56 24 28 3 1 52 147 187 Los Angeles 58 20 33 3 2 45 142 186 Wednesday’s games Boston 4, Montreal 1 Los Angeles 5, Calgary 3 Vancouver 3, Chicago 0 Thursday’s games Buffalo 4, Columbus 3, OT Dallas 3, Toronto 2 Tampa Bay 3, Edmonton 1 Philadelphia 6, Florida 2 New Jersey 4, Detroit 1 Ottawa 3, Arizona 2 Nashville 5, N.Y. Islanders 0 N.Y. Rangers 4, Minnesota 3, SO Washington 3, Colorado 2 St. Louis at Vegas, 10 p.m.

Calgary at Anaheim, 10 p.m.

Friday’s games San Jose at Winnipeg, 7 p.m.

Montreal at Pittsburgh, 7 p.m.

N.Y. Rangers at Columbus, 7 p.m.

New Jersey at Carolina, 7 p.m.

Saturday’s games Detroit at Boston, 1 p.m.

Nashville at St. Louis, 3 p.m.

Philadelphia at Tampa Bay, 4 p.m.

Edmonton at Florida, 4 p.m.

San Jose at Minnesota, 5 p.m.

Dallas at Montreal, 7 p.m.

Toronto at Ottawa, 7 p.m.

Los Angeles vs Colorado, at Colorado Springs, Colo., 8 p.m.

Chicago at Calgary, 10 p.m.

Washington at Arizona, 10 p.m.

N.Y. Islanders at Vegas, 10:30 p.m.

Pro basketball NBA Eastern Conference Atlantic W L Pct GB Toronto 40 15 .727 — Boston 38 16 .704 1.5 Philadelphia 34 21 .618 6.0 Brooklyn 25 28 .472 14.0 New York 17 38 .309 23.0 Central W L Pct GB Milwaukee 46 8 .852 — Indiana 32 23 .582 14.5 Chicago 19 36 .345 27.5 Detroit 19 38 .333 28.5 Cleveland 14 40 .259 32.0 Southeast W L Pct GB Miami 35 19 .648 — Orlando 24 31 .436 11.5 Washington 20 33 .377 14.5 Charlotte 18 36 .333 17.0 Atlanta 15 41 .268 21.0 Western Conference Northwest W L Pct GB Denver 38 17 .691 — Utah 36 18 .667 1.5 Oklahoma City 33 22 .600 5.0 Portland 25 31 .446 13.5 Minnesota 16 37 .302 21.0 Pacific W L Pct GB L.A. Lakers 41 12 .774 — L.A. Clippers 37 18 .673 5.0 Phoenix 22 33 .400 20.0 Sacramento 21 33 .389 20.5 Golden State 12 43 .218 30.0 Southwest W L Pct GB Houston 34 20 .630 — Dallas 33 22 .600 1.5 Memphis 28 26 .519 6.0 San Antonio 23 31 .426 11.0 New Orleans 23 32 .418 11.5 Wednesday’s games Cleveland 127, Atlanta 105 Orlando 116, Detroit 112, OT Brooklyn 101, Toronto 91 Indiana 118, Milwaukee 111 Washington 114, New York 96 Memphis 111, Portland 104 Charlotte 115, Minnesota 108 Dallas 130, Sacramento 111 Phoenix 112, Golden State 106 Utah 116, Miami 101 L.A. Lakers 120, Denver 116, OT Thursday’s games Boston 141, L.A. Clippers 133, 2 OT Oklahoma City 123, New Orleans 118 Friday’s game NBA Rising Stars Game, at Chicago, 9 p.m.

Sunday’s game NBA All-Star Game, 8 p.m.

Transactions BASEBALL National League Pittsburgh Pirates - Placed RHP Jameson Taillon on the 60-day IL. Signed CF Jarrod Dyson to a one-year, $2 million contract.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL Eastern Kentucky - Suspended LB Michael Harris indefinitely for conduct detrimental to the program.

Florida Atlantic - Announced DL Travon Thomas has been dismissed from the program.

Kansas - Announced running backs coach Tony Hull has resigned.

Michigan State - Announced strength and conditioning coach Ken Mannie has retired.

Southern California - Named Donte Williams cornerbacks coach and defensive passing game coordinator.

Southern California - Named Sean Snyder special teams coordinator.

Texas Tech - Named Derek Jones associate head coach, co-defensive coordinator and secondary coach.

PRO BASKETBALL National Basketball Association Brooklyn Nets - Recalled SG Dzanan Musa from Long Island (NBAGL).

L.A. Clippers - NBA fined SF Paul George $35,000 for criticizing officials.

PRO FOOTBALL National Football League Cleveland Browns - Named Chris Kiffin defensive line coach. Named Scott Peters assistant offensive line coach. Named T.C. McCartney offensive assistant.

Las Vegas Raiders - Signed LB Lamarr Houston to a one-day contract, announced him has retired.

New York Jets - Signed TE Daniel Brown to a one-year contract extension.

Tennessee Titans - Signed TE Anthony Firkser to a one-year contract extension.

Washington Redskins - Signed LB Jared Norris.

PRO HOCKEY National Hockey League Anaheim Ducks - Assigned D Brendan Guhle to San Diego (AHL).

Arizona Coyotes - Assigned D Aaron Ness to Tucson (AHL). Recalled C Barrett Hayton from Tucson (AHL).

Boston Bruins - Assigned D Jeremy Lauzon to Providence (AHL), announced him has served his suspension. NHL fined D Zdeno Chara $5,000 for cross-checking.

Buffalo Sabres - Activated RW Kyle Okposo and LW Victor Olofsson from injured reserve. Assigned LW Scott Wilson to Rochester (AHL).

Colorado Avalanche - Recalled D Mark Barberio from Colorado (AHL).

Dallas Stars - Placed RW Alexander Radulov on IR. Recalled LW Jason Robertson from Texas (AHL).

Nashville Predators - Assigned C Yakov Trenin to Milwaukee (AHL).

New Jersey Devils - Recalled RW Nick Merkley from Tucson (AHL).

NHL roundup: Lightning run win streak to nine Field Level Media

Yanni Gourde broke a second-period tie with a shorthanded game-winner as Tampa Bay beat the visiting Edmonton Oilers 3-1 on Thursday night, extending the Lightning’s winning streak to an NHL-high nine games.

Goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy made 29 saves for his leaguebest 31st win and ran his point streak to 20 contests (18-0-2) for the Lightning, who won for the 10th consecutive time at home – tying the franchise record.

Pat Maroon and Cedric Paquette notched goals, Brayden Point extended his point streak to nine games with an assist, and Tampa Bay won its 13th straight game against a Pacific Division club, dating to last seaKIM KLEMENT/USA TODAY son. The Lightning are 21-2-1 in Tampa Bay Lightning center Yanni Gourde (37) is congratulated after scoring a goal against the their last 24 games.

Edmonton Oilers during Thursday’s game at Amalie Arena.

Caleb Jones scored, Leon Draisaitl assisted for his NHL- cross-ice pass after the Rangers victory.

Hyman scored for the Maple leading 90th point and Mike pulled goaltender Alexandar Andreas Athanasiou scored Leafs, who have lost four of Smith stopped 34 shots for the Georgiev for the extra attacker. for the Wings, while Jonathan their past six games.

Oilers, who lost for the first time Frederik Andersen returned Ryan Donato scored the first Bernier made 22 saves. in three games.

Golden Knights 6, Blues 5 to the Toronto goal after missgoal for Minnesota, which is Sabres 4, Blue Jackets 3 (OT) 7-3-1 in its last 11 games. Jonas (OT) ing four games with a neck inVictor Olofsson scored his Brodin and Jordan Greenway Jonathan Marchessault jury and made 16 saves. Ben second goal of the game with also scored for the Wild, who scored two goals, including the Bishop made 29 saves in goal 2:16 left in overtime as host Buf- had a goal by Matt Dumba dis- game-winner on a power play for the Stars. falo handed Columbus a third allowed due to goaltender in- in overtime, to lead Vegas past Capitals 3, Avalanche 2 straight loss.

T.J. Oshie scored a go-ahead terference in the second period. St. Louis in Las Vegas.

Back from missing 15 games Vegas’ Max Pacioretty also goal late in the third period, and Predators 5, Islanders 0 with a lower-body injury, OlofsCraig Smith notched his first scored twice, his 49th career Washington rallied to beat Colson (18 goals) blasted home career hat trick and host Nash- two-goal game, and Nate orado in Denver. a Jack Eichel pass in the extra ville routed New York.

Nicklas Backstrom and Tom Schmidt and Alex Tuch also session for the Sabres, who Predators goalie Juuse Saros scored for Vegas. Mark Stone Wilson also had goals, John overcame a 2-0 deficit and then made 31 saves for his second finished with four assists, and Carlson and Lars Eller had two blowing a late 3-2 lead to win shutout of the season and ninth Shea Theodore and William assists each and Braden Holtby back-to-back contests for the of his career, while Smith now Karlsson each added two help- stopped 32 shots for Washfirst time since a three-game has five goals in his last three ers. Malcolm Subban stopped ington. Capitals forward Alex run from Jan. 12-16.

19 shots.

Ovechkin didn’t score for the games and 16 on the season.

Eichel recorded his 32nd goal Zach Sanford, who entered third straight game and still sits New York goalie Thomas and assists 40 and 41. Columthe game with just eight goals, two goals shy of 700 for his cabus, which is 0-1-2 following a Greiss was pulled at 13:33 of the became the first St. Louis play- reer.

9-0-1 stretch, was playing with- first period after allowing three er since David Backes on Jan. Andre Burakovsky had a goal out star defenseman Seth Jones goals on eight shots. Semyon 6, 2015, to score four goals in a and an assist, Mikko Rantanen Varlamov came on and made and key forward Cam Atkinson, game and the fifth player in the had a goal, Nathan MacKinnon both out for an extended period 16 saves.

NHL this season to perform the finished with two assists and Devils 4, Red Wings 1 of time with ankle injuries.

Philipp Grubauer had 35 saves New Jersey scored four goals feat.

Rangers 4, Wild 3 (SO) Stars 3, Maple Leafs 2 for Colorado. The Avalanche Mika Zibanejad and Artemi in a four-minute span during Denis Gurianov, Radek Faksa had their five-game winning the third period, including two Panarin scored in the shootout and Tyler Seguin each scored a streak snapped. as New York overcame a two- by Wayne Simmonds, to pull goal, and Dallas defeated host Flames 6, Ducks 0 away from visiting Detroit. goal, third-period deficit and Toronto for its third straight Calgary found its offense in Andy Greene and Jesper Bratt edged Minnesota in Minneapowin and fifth in the last seven the early going with four goals also scored for the Devils, while lis. games. in the first period and cruised The Rangers matched a Pavel Zacha and Damon SevAuston Matthews and Zach from there for an easy victory in erson had two assists apiece. season high with their third Mackenzie Blackwood, who straight win thanks to Zibanejad and Panarin, who also recorded shutouts in his last teamed up for the tying goal. two outings against the PhilaZibanejad forced overtime with delphia Flyers and Los Ange66 seconds remaining in regu- les Kings, finally gave up a goal lation by redirecting Panarin’s but made 25 saves to record the

Anaheim, Calif.

Mikael Backlund and Mark Jankowski each scored two goals, including one apiece in the opening period. Elias Lindholm and Oliver Kylington also scored in the initial 20 minutes.

Calgary goalie Cam Talbot had 44 saves for his first shutout of the season and the 21st of his career.

The Flames completed a 3-10 road trip where they found their offense. Calgary opened the trip with 6-2 victories at Vancouver and San Jose. After they were tripped up 5-3 against the Kings, the Flames came back one night later to assert themselves again.

Senators 3, Coyotes 2 Marcus Hogberg made 32 saves as host Ottawa snapped a six-game winless skid with a victory over Arizona.

Vladislav Namestnikov and Brady Tkachuk scored in the first period and Nick Paul tallied in the third for the Senators, who also ended a five-game losing streak vs. Arizona.

Captain Oliver Ekman-Larsson and fellow defenseman Jordan Oesterle scored for the Coyotes, who sustained their 12th loss in their last 15 contests (3-8-4) and eighth in nine road outings (1-7-1).

Flyers 6, Panthers 2 James van Riemsdyk had a goal and two assists and Carter Hart made 26 saves, leading Philadelphia past Florida in Sunrise, Fla. Tyler Pitlick, Nicolas AubeKubel, Scott Laughton, Sean Couturier and Robert Hagg also scored for the Flyers. Hart, 21, beat the Panthers for the second time in four nights as the Flyers improved to 9-3-1 in their past 13 games.

Jonathan Huberdeau and Aleksander Barkov scored for the Panthers. It was the 20th goal for Huberdeau, marking the third straight season he has reached that milestone. Panthers goalie Sergei Bobrovsky was pulled after allowing three goals in the first period, making just six saves.

Celtics to retire Garnett’s No. 5 next season Field Level Media The Boston Celtics will retire Kevin Garnett’s No. 5 jersey during the 2020-21 season, the team announced during Thursday’s home game against the Los Angeles Clippers.

During a stoppage, the Celtics played a Garnett highlight video on the Jumbotron, accompanied by an audio clip from former Celtics coach Doc Rivers, saying, “I’ve never been around a player like Kevin. Ever.

I’ve never seen a guy that committed to winning.”

“I’m honored and thankful to have my number retired with the Celtics,” Garnett said in a statement posted on the big screen. I will always have immense respect and appreciation for ownership, (general manager) Danny Ainge, Doc Rivers, my past teammates and Celtic Nation!”

Garnett played six seasons for the Celtics after arriving via trade from the Minnesota Timberwolves in the summer of 2007. He helped Boston to the NBA title in 2007-08 in his first season – winning Defensive Player of the Year honors along the way – and another Finals appearance in 2009-10, losing to the Los Angeles Lakers.

He made five All-Star teams with Boston before being dealt to the Brooklyn Nets in the summer of 2013.

Garnett will be the 23rd Celtics player to have his number retired, in addition to honors without number designations for former forward Jim Loscutoff and former radio announcer Johnny Most.

The Timberwolves, for whom Garnett played his first 12 seasons and his final 1 1/2, have not yet retired his number.

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COLUMBIA-GREENE MEDIA

Baseball’s cheating history includes its most famous home run, the ‘Shot Heard ‘Round the World’ Tom Jackman The Washington Post

If you think the Houston Astros pulled off a feat with their sign-stealing en route to the 2017 World Series title, they’ve got nothing on the 1951 New York Giants. A highly similar scheme by the Giants not only sparked an amazing run to the National League pennant, but also led to the most famous home run in baseball history: the “Shot Heard ‘Round the World.”

Both teams used a “spy” in center field to steal the opposing catcher’s signals and relay them to the batter. For the Astros, it was a center field camera feeding a monitor in the dugout. For the 1951 Giants, it was a handheld telescope manned by a coach, who then pressed a buzzer which sounded in the bullpen. Both teams then signaled the pitch to the hitter - the Astros by banging a trashcan, the Giants by having a player in the bullpen either toss a ball in the air or hold it still.

The Astros dominated their competition during the regular season, then won a sevengame series against the Yankees and Dodgers to take the 2017 crown, winning eight of nine postseason games in their home park. On Thursday, their players apologized for the sign-stealing.

But the Giants were 7.5 games out of first place on July 19, 1951, only six games above .500, when manager Leo Durocher called a team meeting to announce the new sign-stealing scheme. The Giants roared back into contention, going 49-17 the rest of the season, and finished tied for first with the Brooklyn Dodgers, in the era before divisions and wild cards and games in November.

So in the last of a threegame playoff series, the Dodgers took a 4-1 lead into the bottom of the ninth. Then the Giants pushed across one run and put two runners on base for third baseman Bobby Thomson, whose base-running blunder earlier in the game set him up to be the goat. Instead, he cracked an 0-1 fastball from Ralph Branca over the left field wall, unleashing a now renowned delirium in New York and the legendary radio call by Russ Hodges, “The Giants won the pennant! The Giants won the pennant! The Giants won the pennant!”

But while the Astros were exposed two years after their scam, the Giants were largely able to keep their secret for 50 years, until reporter Joshua Prager exposed it in the Wall Street Journal in 2001 and then in his exhaustively reported 2006 book, “The Echoing Green.”

Thomson and his teammates admitted to Prager they had been involved in sign-stealing. Thomson, who

had enjoyed a half-century of notoriety from one swing of the bat, said he felt like he had been released from prison, the burden of the secret scheme finally released. But he denied receiving a signal on the fateful home run pitch.

Then late last year, Prager unveiled a crucial final piece of the 1951 puzzle.

Illegally stealing the opposing catcher’s signals started in at least 1899 with a set of opera glasses, a man behind the center field wall, and the Philadelphia Phillies, Prager’s research found. The New York Highlanders had a centerfield spy in 1909. The Chicago Cubs in 1946.

“Every team with a scoreboard in center field has a spy inside at one time or another,” wrote Hall of Fame second baseman Rogers Hornsby in 1962.

There’s no record of spying in the storied histories of the Giants and Dodgers prior to 1951, though their rivalry was well-established. Brooklyn’s beloved “Bums,” stocked with future Hall of Famers like Jackie Robinson, Roy Campanella, Don Newcombe and Gil Hodges, had lost the 1950 National League title on the final day of the season, and were determined to make 1951 their year. In midJuly, they were 7 1/2 games in front of the second-place Giants, whose team also featured stars like Monte Irvin, Sal Maglie and the rookie center fielder Willie Mays.

But over in upper Manhattan, the Giants weren’t quitting. On June 30, the Giants picked up a journeyman infielder named Hank Schenz, and while on the bench with Durocher, he shared his experiences using his Wollensak extendable spyglass to peek through the center field scoreboard of Wrigley Field in Chicago.

Desperate for an edge, Durocher assigned third base coach Herman Franks to take Schenz’s portable telescope to Durocher’s clubhouse office, then located above center field in the Polo Grounds, the Giants’ home field. Durocher then had the Polo Grounds’ electrician, Abraham Chadwick, place an electric button in the office, and run wires from the button to buzzers in the Giants’ bullpen and dugout, Prager discovered.

The telescope was powerful enough that Franks could easily see the opposing catcher’s signs - one finger for a fastball, two for a curve ball or change up. [Sliders and split-finger fastballs had not yet been invented.] Protective wire mesh was cut away from the glass window to remove an obstacle for the telescope, photos of the Polo Grounds show.

In the bullpen, backup catcher Sal Yvars waited.

If there was one buzz from Franks, the pitch was a

fastball. Two buzzes meant a breaking pitch. Yvars told HBO in 2001 that he then relayed the pitches to the dugout by holding a ball. If he tossed the ball in the air, the next pitch would be a breaking ball. If he held the ball, it would be a fastball. The Giants bullpen was on the right field warning track, in fair territory, so it was easy for batters to glance there and see whether Yvars was tossing the ball or not. The rule book in 1951 did not explicitly forbid using mechanical devices to steal signals, as it does now.

The Giants took off. In their first game with signals, against Cincinnati, they knocked out six-time all-star Ewell Blackwell in the first inning en route to an 11-5 win. Thomson had three hits.

Though he entered the game hitting .237, he would post the highest batting average in the majors in the second half of the season, .358.

At first, the Giants couldn’t keep pace with the torrid Dodgers. By August 11, the Dodgers had stretched their lead over the Giants to 13 games, with 44 games left.

But the Giants rattled off a 16-game winning streak, steadily narrowing the margin, and then on the final weekend they reached firstplace with a season-ending seven game streak. The Giants had gone 49-17 after launching their scheme, including 23-5 at home.

A three-game playoff was set between the two New York City teams. A two-run homer

by Thomson, off of Branca, powered the Giants to a win in game one. The Dodgers took game two. Game three was in the Giants’ home field along West 155th Street in Harlem.

Thomson was riding a 14-game hitting streak when he first came to the plate in the second inning. The Giants trailed 1-0, and had a runner on first. Thomson ripped a single to left, then decided to stretch the hit into a double - except that the runner in front of him had stopped at second. Thomson looked up, had to retreat to first and was tagged out.

Seeking to redeem himself, Thomson had an RBI double his next time up, tying the game, but in the eighth inning the Dodgers posted three runs, two on hard-hit balls to third which Thomson, a converted outfielder, couldn’t handle. “Thomson again was the goat,” Prager wrote. The score was 4-1, Brooklyn.

In the bottom of the ninth, the Giants scored once, and had runners on second and third with one out when Thomson strode to the plate.

The rookie Mays was in the on-deck circle but praying not to bat, because he had slumped horribly late in the season. His prayers were answered.

Branca was brought in to face Thomson. His first pitch was a fastball right down the middle, and Thomson watched it for strike one. He would say years later that if he were getting signals in this at bat, he would have hammered Branca’s first pitch.

Thomson’s supposed weakness was a pitch high and inside, and that’s where Branca threw his second pitch. Thomson practically jumped at it, and launched it on a line just over the left field wall. Though Thomson denied getting a signal, Branca said Thomson’s quick response and ability to hit a “perfect pitch” in his weak spot showed he knew what was coming. Thomson, and others, have pointed out that even when a batter knows what’s coming, he still has to hit it.

Thomson and Branca would spend much of the rest of their lives together, appearing at various social functions to recount the game and the Shot Heard Round the World. But as early as 1954, after Branca had been traded to Detroit, a roommate who had played with the Giants revealed everything to Branca: the spyglass, the buzzer, the signs.

Days later, Branca phoned Yvars, the Giants bullpen catcher next to the buzzer.

Yvars admitted everything.

“Ralph, I was the messenger,” Yvars confessed to Branca.

In the 1950s, rumors of the Giants’ cheating spread around baseball, which annoyed Thomson, while Branca elected to keep silent, lest he look like a sore loser. In

1962, a Washington Senator and former Giant named Danny O’Connell told Associated Press reporter Joe Reichler that the Giants had stolen the catcher’s signs in the last three months of the 1951 season. Ford Frick, baseball’s commissioner at the time, responded, “If such a charge were substantiated, I would forfeit the game. But I would have to have evidence.” There is no indication that Frick probed any further, Prager said, and the story never gained traction.

Prager’s investigation was published in January 2001, and the players’ positions soon hardened. “I’m proud to say I played the game fairly,” Branca told ESPN, repeatedly calling the Giants scheme “the most despicable act in the history of the game.”

Thomson responded, “We did steal signs and I did take some, and I don’t feel good about it. But I didn’t get the sign on that pitch.”

When The Athletic website published a story last November about the Astros pulling a similar scheme, based on allegations from former Astro Mike Fiers, the commissioner did investigate and issue a detailed nine-page report.

Commissioner Rob Manfred suspended the Astros’ manager and general manager for a year, fined the team $5 million and took away their top picks in upcoming drafts.

“What surprised me,” Prager said, “was at long last baseball was going to do something about it.”

Prager said the Astros’ players and coaches will now have the difficult part of

grappling with what they’ve done, and how they will be remembered. “On a human level, it’s going to play out for a long, long time,” Prager said.

“People are thinking about their legacies. For 50 years, it bothered Thomson a lot, a lot of those guys, it bothered them.”

Thomson died in 2010, and Branca died in 2016.

Prager noted, “secrets are corrosive, particularly if they’re about something millions of people care about.”

And so several years after Prager’s book came out, he spoke with Herman Franks, the Giants coach who had handled the telescope and the buzzer back in 1951.

Franks had refused to discuss the scheme for Prager’s book. Now, shortly before his death, he spilled the beans, saying the telescope was so powerful he was able to move it far from the window so he wouldn’t be spotted, yet still see the catcher’s fingers.

And Franks revealed something else. After each stolen signal, he would tilt the telescope up to see if the Giants batter was checking the bullpen for the sign. So in the bottom of the ninth, in a final playoff game between the Giants and the Dodgers in 1951, with the count 0-1, Franks saw that Brooklyn catcher Rube Walker called for a fastball from pitcher Ralph Branca. And then Franks saw Bobby Thomson’s eyes shift toward right field, seemingly to receive the sign, and then launch that fastball into baseball history.

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B4 - Saturday - Sunday, February 15-16, 2020

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LOCAL EXPERTS

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Valentine’s Weekend Open House Tour Join us Sunday in Windham, Ashland, & Jewett for a Valentine’s Weekend Open House Tour! Enjoy a different wine sample and treat at each of the 8 homes on the tour. For each home you visit, you’ll receive an entry in our raffle for a gift certificate to Ze Windham Wine Bar. Happy House Hunting, Valentine!

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Stay in & cozy up next to the stone fireplace, listen to the sounds of nature on the back deck, easily entertain w/the open floor plan, or venture out! Fishing, golfing, & skiing just 6 mins away.

Ashland $319,000

The luxury condos at Whisper Creek are the ultimate way to enjoy the Catskills. Set on the side of Windham Mt’s Whisper Run trail w/gym, heated ski lockers, heated parking, & a lounge/club room where breakfast is served on weekends. This is luxury.

Windham 725K - 1.2M

Stunning 5BD mountain house with views! An impressive 4478sqft of living space awaits inside this luxury escape. Timber accents lend rustic style, vaulted pine tongue-and-groove ceilings soar overhead, & a floor-to-ceiling fireplace is the star of the great room.

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Lakeside luxury! This log home on 38 acres is the place where nature & luxury come together to create an idyllic rustic mountain retreat. The crystal clear 3 acre lake is 25ft deep & stocked w/fish, and the impeccable landscaping includes a golf range & $995,000 tree farm. Jewett

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Saturday - Sunday, February 15-16, 2020 - B5

COLUMBIA-GREENE MEDIA

Separate sleeping quarters give loving couple peace Dear Abby, My wife and I have been married for 45 years. When she moved out of our bedroom, I was shocked. I thought she didn’t love me anymore. Then I realized that both our sleeping habits have changed over the years.

She snores, and I toss and DEAR ABBY turn. She needs the room dark, while I like a night light so I can see while I walk to the bathroom. I wasn’t around when my parents got old, so I didn’t realize our sleeping arrangement was going to change. We still love each other, but just sleep in different rooms.

Is this normal?

Wondering In California

JEANNE PHILLIPS

The reason for the change is what’s important. In your case, it’s not because of discord or lack of love. While I would have suggested your wife try various kinds of sleep masks to block out your night light, your new arrangement is not an indication that there is trouble in your relationship. Many couples do this. So stop worrying about whether this is normal and be glad you have a solution that works.

Dear Abby, My brother and sister-in-law own a golden retriever. “Cookie” is their baby. The problem is, I live in a place where I can’t have pets, plus I don’t have a car. I’m disabled, so it’s harder for me to get around.

I would love for my brother and sister-inlaw to visit me for a couple of days. We live 2 1/2 hours apart. Well, my brother won’t come and stay with me at all. He does visit, but only for about an hour or so because they refuse to put Cookie in a kennel.

What should I say to him without causing him to get mad at me? I feel he’s putting that dog first, before his own sister. I miss seeing him and his wife.

Doggone It In Michigan

Family Circus

Your brother and sister-in-law’s goldie is also a member of their family. Demanding they put Cookie in a kennel is tantamount to telling them they must put their child in foster care for the duration of their visit with you.

If your brother is willing to drive 2 1/2 hours (each way) to visit with you for a few hours, he IS showing his love for you.

Can you suggest he arrange for a neighbor to look after Cookie for two days? If not, in the interest of family harmony, stop complaining.

Dear Abby, The last of our children has graduated and left the nest. My wife and I are now starting to go through years of boxes, mostly papers and photos. In the process, we have discovered several checks written to us that we never cashed — mostly for Girl Scout cookies or other fundraising items and birthday gifts for the kids.

The checks are mostly more than 15 years old, but they add up to around $300. Would it be proper to ask the check writers to reissue their checks so long after they were written?

We could use the money now.

Questioning In Pennsylvania

Classic Peanuts

Garfield

You should have been more careful with those monetary gifts. To ask that the checks be rewritten after 15 years would be an imposition and likely not well received. Furthermore, if they were intended for your children for birthdays, Christmas, graduations, etc., any replacement checks should be made out to them, not you.

Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

Blondie

Physicians not allowed to accept remuneration for prescriptions How much do doctors get for prescribing certain brand name drugs?

It is a serious breach of professional ethics and of federal law to receive any kind of payment to “induce or reward patient referrals or the generation of business involving any TO YOUR item or service payable by the GOOD HEALTH federal health care programs (e.g., drugs, supplies or health care services) for Medicare or Medicaid patients. Remuneration includes anything of value and can take many forms besides cash, such as free rent, expensive hotel stays and meals, and excessive compensation for medical directorships or consultancies” (quotes are from the office of the Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services). If you have evidence that a physician is breaking these laws, you should report him or her to the inspector general at https://oig.hhs.gov/fraud/report-fraud/index.asp.

Physicians may still receive money from drug companies and medical device manufacturers, and not be illegal or fraudulent, so long as the payments are not to reward or induce illegal or unethical behavior. However, these payments are part of the public record and

DR. KEITH ROACH

can be searched at openpaymentsdata.cms. gov/search/. It might be worthwhile knowing whether your physician is accepting money (such as for travel or meals) from pharmaceutical companies. In 2018, $9.35 billion was provided to physicians and hospitals from such companies, mostly to support research, but also for education.

Is it true that a wound will heal faster if someone kisses it?

It may make it feel better, as generations of children will attest, but it won’t make it heal faster. In general, wounds should be kept clean and covered, with a protective ointment to keep the wound moist. Many people feel that wounds should “get air” or “dry up,” but without the protection of the outermost layer of skin — the epidermis — cells regrow best when moist.

Keeping the wound free from additional germs from a well-meaning kiss is helpful, but it’s also important to keep the kisser free from germs, too, in a world where drug-resistant bacteria like MRSA are becoming far too frequent.

Hagar the Horrible

Zits

Readers may email questions to ToYourGoodHealth@med.cornell.edu.

Baby Blues

Horoscope

By Stella Wilder Born today, you rarely if ever have trouble giving those things that interest you your wholehearted attention, for you always want to mine any topic for all its worth and understand it from all perspectives. You insist on understanding those who disagree with you, for only by doing so can you ever hope to counter their views effectively — and that’s something you are more than willing to do when given the chance.

Though you are never afraid to undertake something difficult on your own, you recognize the need, now and then, to surround yourself with those who match you in expertise.

Also born on this date are: Amber Riley, singer and actress; Galileo Galilei, physicist and astronomer; Chris Farley, comedian; Jesper Svensson, professional bowler; Matt Groening, cartoonist; Jane Seymour, actress; Susan B. Anthony, suffragette reformer.

To see what is in store for you tomorrow, find your birthday and read the corresponding paragraph. Let your birthday star be your daily guide.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 16 AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) — A lesson that you’ve been trying to teach clearly isn’t getting through. You’re going to have to try a new approach. Start today!

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20) — A bad habit is abandoned today — possibly for good — just as a good habit is adopted. What’s with this new good behavior?

ARIES (March 21-April 19) — You may wish to accompany someone on a journey that he or she

is taking because there is no other choice. You can make a hardship much easier.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) — You’re likely to make a personal discovery today that sets you off on a new adventure — but you’re not going to want to go alone.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) — The more you try to correct someone’s behavior, the more frustrated you’re likely to get with your own. It may be time to let it all go.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) — You are making something much easier for someone than it should be. Is this a good thing? The answer comes to you very late in the day.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) — You may wish to adopt a new strategy before the day is out. You are desperate to find measures that will pay off sooner rather than later.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — You are in no mood to put up with someone’s foolishness today — and you had better say so! Wait too long, and you’ll just have to bear it.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — You may have to do something entirely on your own today, when you had originally expected to assemble an entire team to help you.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — Someone comes to you with an offer that seems irresistible — until you think about it closely and see that you’re at risk of being mistreated.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — Now is the time to put your money where your mouth is, as the odds of excelling at a certain endeavor have perhaps never been better.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — You can give someone what he or she wants today — but do it anonymously if you can. You find a new creative outlet late in the day.

COPYRIGHT 2020 UNITED FEATURE SYNDICATE, INC.

Beetle Bailey

Pearls Before Swine

Dennis the Menace

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COLUMBIA-GREENE MEDIA

B6 - Saturday - Sunday, February 15-16, 2020 Close to Home

SUPER QUIZ

THAT SCRAMBLED WORD GAME

By David L. Hoyt and Jeff Knurek Get the free JUST JUMBLE app • Follow us on Twitter @PlayJumble

Unscramble these Jumbles, one letter to each square, to form four ordinary words.

TAUSE CITKH RLIPAL LOAPHO ©2020 Tribune Content Agency, LLC All Rights Reserved.

Score 1 point for each correct answer on the Freshman Level, 2 points on the Graduate Level and 3 points on the Ph.D. Level.

Celebrity initials Level 1

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Now arrange the circled letters to form the surprise answer, as suggested by the above cartoon.

Answer here: Yesterday’s

Answers (Answers Tuesday Monday) Jumbles: RARER PETTY OUTAGE TRUDGE Answer: He tore off the top page of the page-a-day calendar to keep it — UP-TO-DATE

2/15/20

Solution to Friday’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

Heart of the City

sudoku.org.uk © 2020 The Mepham Group. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency. All rights reserved.

Identify the person with the same first and last initials. The initials and a clue are provided. (e.g., D.D. “The X-Files” Answer: David Duchovny.)

Freshman level 1. C.C. “The Tramp” 2. M.M. “Blonde Bombshell” 3. S.S. “Rocky” 4. R.R. “The Sundance Kid” 5. B.B. “Sex Kitten” Graduate level 6. M.M. “The Lincoln Lawyer” 7. M.M. “Austin Powers” 8. S.S. “Carrie” 9. C.C. “Weekend Update” 10. F.F. “Charlie’s Angels” PH.D. level 11. C.C. “Friends” 12. S.S. “Basic Instinct” 13. H.H. “As Good as It Gets” 14. D.D. “Taxi” 15. S.S. “Thelma & Louise”

SUPER QUIZ ANSWERS 1. Charlie Chaplin. 2. Marilyn Monroe. 3. Sylvester Stallone. 4. Robert Redford.

5. Brigitte Bardot. 6. Matthew McConaughey. 7. Mike Myers. 8. Sissy Spacek. 9.

Chevy Chase. 10. Farrah Fawcett. 11. Courteney Cox. 12. Sharon Stone. 13. Helen Hunt. 14. Danny DeVito. 15. Susan Sarandon.

24 to 30 points — congratulations, doctor; 18 to 23 points — honors graduate; 13 to 17 points — you’re plenty smart, but no grind; 5 to 12 points — you really should hit the books harder; 1 point to 4 points — enroll in remedial courses immediately; 0 points — who reads the questions to you?

Mutts

Dilbert

Pickles For Better or For Worse

Get Fuzzy

Hi & Lois

Crossword Puzzle Mother Goose & Grimm ACROSS 1 At the __ of the day; ultimately 4 Get used to a new situation 9 Opening 13 Actor Will of “The Waltons” 15 Misrepresent 16 Bladed tools 17 Festive celebration 18 Bobby or Al 19 Gather crops 20 Wet forecast 22 Mayberry resident 23 “Who __ that?”; modern-day phrase 24 “__ the Hard Knock Life”; “Annie” song 26 Western competitions 29 Craving companionship 34 Decorate 35 Person 36 Tablet of paper 37 Canisters 38 Danger 39 Skirt for Twiggy 40 Olive Oyl’s hairdo 41 __ badge; Boy Scout’s award 42 Sudden extreme fright 43 Visualized 45 Say again 46 Boy 47 Cheney or Pence 48 Canyon sound 51 Lending a hand to 56 Hard hit 57 Clamor 58 Late actress Carter 60 Clavicle or ulna 61 Claw 62 The Bee __; Gibb brothers 63 Ran fast 64 Football or tennis 65 Blushing DOWN 1 Fragile edible 2 Not far from

Bound & Gagged

Created by Jacqueline E. Mathews

3 Boxer Oscar __ Hoya 4 Mistreats 5 Fender bender results 6 In addition 7 Wharf 8 Airport building 9 Badger 10 Horned animals 11 __ the way; pioneer 12 Catch sight of 14 Oakland team 21 Midday 25 Two-digit number 26 Synagogue leader 27 Hatred 28 Reed or Mills 29 Gruesome 30 Leave out 31 Give one’s views 32 Excessive enthusiasm 33 Royal decree 35 In this place 38 Necklace danglers

2/15/20

Friday’s Puzzle Solved

Non Sequitur

©2020 Tribune Content Agency, LLC All Rights Reserved.

39 __ out a route; trip-planning 41 Sinatra’s third 42 Actress Amanda 44 Glistened 45 Feel offended about 47 Part of a baseball cap

2/15/20

48 Flows back 49 Clippety-__ 50 Make sharper 52 Ivory or Irish Spring 53 Farm building 54 __-do-well 55 Merriment 59 Hallucinogen

Rubes

CMYK

Saturday - Sunday, February 15-16, 2020 - B7

COLUMBIA-GREENE MEDIA

Register-Star • The Daily Mail • Shop & Find

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Open Monday-Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

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be made at the hearing, via email, or by mail. Any person with questions concerning the application may contact the clerk, John Hoffman, by phone (518 329-6512 ext.

205), email (zoningboard@townofancram.org), or in person (Wednesday and Saturday 10AM-2PM Ancram Town Hall).

John Hoffman III, Planning Board Clerk

PUBLIC AUCTION Under Sec 182 NYS Lien Law, property will be sold at Public Auction on Friday February 28th 2020 at 10 AM on the premises of J&M Self Storage, 4575 Rte 32, Catskill, NY, to satisfy non-payment of rent. Auction may be canceled at anytime, call ahead. 518-6785640.

Unit #29-Steven C Wil- Town of Taghkanic sonHousehold Planning Board Public Hearing Notice goods. size -10x20 Please Take Notice: The Board Of Educa- accordance with the tion of the Hunter-Tan- Town of Taghkanic nersville Central Zoning Law you are School District is ac- herein advised that a cepting sealed bids Public Hearing will be for: Transportation for held in the Taghkanic one student from resi- Town Hall, New York dence in Tannersville, State Route 82, (at the NY to the Parsons- corner of Route 82 and Route 10) Neil Hellman School- County 60 Academy Rd, in Al- Taghkanic, New York. bany, NY daily for the Hearing Date: March 3, remainder of the 2019- 2020 Time: 7 PM 20 school year in ac- For the Application of: cordance to bid Roy Kim Tax parcels 182.-1-23 specifications.

Address: Bid specifications will Property Road be available from the Taghkanic Tannersville High (Taghkanic) NY School District Office Purpose of the Appli(518-589-5400 X cation: Subdivision Variance: NA 1000).

Sealed bids must be Special Use Permit: submitted to the Tan- NA nersville High School The purpose of the District Office, atten- hearing is to answer all tion Amy Sylak, Trans- questions and conportation Supervisor, cerns of the Public. If

by Tuesday, February you cannot be present 25, 2020 at 10:00am at but wish to express an which time they will be opinion you may do so publicly opened in the by certified letter, reSuperintendent’s Of- turn receipt, to the fice. No faxed bids will Planning Board Clerk, Howard, be accepted. Final ap- Jean-Adele proval will be at 6:30 361 Route 82, Hudson, pm on Thursday, Feb- N Y 12534 to the Atruary, 27, 2020 at the tention of the Planning BOE meeting.

The Board. Be aware that BOE reserves the right this will be your only to be to waive any infor- opportunity before your malities and to reject heard property is influenced any or all bids. by the decision which Elizabeth Rizzo Secretary of the Su- must be made on this perintendent, District application.

Clerk H u n t e r- Ta n n e r s v i l l e CSD Real Estate 6094 Main Street Tannersville, NY 12485 518-589-5400 Ext: 1000 TOWN OF ANCRAM ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Please take notice, the Town of Ancram Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on Monday, February 24th, 2020, at 7:00 p.m. at the Ancram Town Hall, 1416 County Route 7 Ancram, New York 12502. Under consideration is the application for an area variance on parcel IDs# 197.3-1-42 owned by Steve Olyha, located at 31 Lake Shore Drive, Ancramdale, NY 12503. All persons wishing to comment on the application will have an opportunity to do so. Comments may

209

Lake George Region 20 acres approved building site and attractive wooded setting. Nice deal from Ridge top camping spot.

Close to state land. $69k, Call 518-624-6055.

(FA-ZOOL)

Apts. for Rent Columbia Co.

CATSKILL LARGE modern 2 bdr apt. heat/hot water, garbage removal, snow plowing & maintenance incl. $950. Laundry on premises.

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CLAVERACK, Unfurnished 2nd floor, 1 bdr., $800/mo. $800 + elect., sec dep. reqd. Mo. to mo. lease. NO PETS, NO SMOKING. Quiet cul de sac area. NO 3RD PARTY REIMBURSEMENT. ref req. 518-851-7062/ 914474-5176 leave msg.

Employment 415

General Help

FAGIOLI

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Columbia-Greene Media Corp. is seeking a full time Newspaper and Digital Advertising Sales Account Representative. Come join our multimedia sales team serving Columbia and Greene Counties. Join our team of professionals who assist local businesses with their marketing goals utilizing the latest digital solutions as well as traditional print.

Qualified candidate should possess excellent verbal and written communication skills and have a proven successful sales record. Media sales experience preferred. Candidate should be self-motivated, goal oriented and assertive. We offer base pay plus commission, 401K, health insurance, vacation and sick days. Valid clean NYS Driver's License required.

Please send resume with 3 references to mdempsey@registerstar.com or cgmjobs@columbiagreenemedia.com

435

Professional & Technical

2020-2021 ANTICIPATED Openings Probationary Appointments Physical Education Spanish Elementary Reading Dual certification preferred Head Varsity Football Coach, Girls Soccer; Assistant coaches in basketball, field hockey, soccer, football, volleyball, softball.

Apply to www.olasjobs.org

High School House Principals (2) (AHS) – Arlington Central School District, Dutchess County, NY is seeking two (2) High School House Principals for Arlington High School. For more information visit https://arlingtonschools.recruitfront.com/JobPosting?JID=7955.

TRAIN AT HOME TO DO MEDICAL BILLING! Become a Medical Office Professional online at CTI! Get Trained, Certified & ready to work in months! Call 855543-6440. (M-F 8am-6pm ET)

Lowboy Driver A. Colarusso & Son, Inc. is seeking an experienced Lowboy Driver. CDL Class A license with minimum 2 years’ experience moving heavy equipment required. Safety Orientated. Organizational and Communicating Skills Required. Overtime when necessary. EOE, Full Benefits provided, including pension/profit sharing plan, Salary commensurate with experience. Send resume to PO Box 302, Hudson, NY 12534, attn: Human Resource Department.

Multiple Positions Available A. Colarusso & Son, Inc., a local Heavy/Highway construction firm is seeking motivated individuals for fulltime work for the following positions: Experienced Heavy Equipment Operators, Laborers, and Carpenters. Join our experienced construction team on our highway and bridge projects located in the Hudson Valley Region. Prevailing wage rates and overtime. We offer an excellent benefit package and a great work environment with a focus on safety. EOE. Send resume to A. Colarusso & Son, Inc., PO Box 302, Hudson, NY 12534 attn: Human Resource Department or complete an application at 91 Newman Rd., Hudson, NY.

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MOBILE HOME in Dutch Village Hudson #46, $49,500 negotiable. 2 bdr, 2 bath, kitchen, dinning area, central A/C, propane heat forced hot air. BONUS propane paid until August 2020 included.

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255

Rentals

Houses for Sale Columbia Co.

CAIRO- 3 bdr house, $1050 mo. Ref. Walk to shop. Call 518-622-3849 & 646-8307591. smoke1410@verizon.net

235

TUG HILL PlateauBarnes Corners NY. FSBO- 78 acres, wooded, borders state land. 315783-9720.

Recycle

TOWN OF NEW BALTIMORE SEEKS SUMMER RECREATION DIRECTOR, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR AND COUNSELORS Director, Assistant Director, and Counselor positions are available for our annual recreation program from July 13-August 7, 2020 from 8:30 AM-11:30 AM MondayFriday. The Director will need to fundraise, plan and manage the program with an Assistant Director and Counselors. Please send cover letter/resume for Director/ Assistant Director and applications for Counselors are available at www.townofnewbaltimore.org under “Parks� or at Town Hall and can be submitted to Councilwoman Shelly VanEtten, 3809 CR 51, Hannacroix, NY 12087 by 4 PM April 30. By Order of the Town Board Barbara M. Finke, Town Clerk.

Services

GARDEN CENTER & YARD STAFF Unique opportunities for self-driven individuals to learn and grow in a premier garden center. PT and FT positions available for garden center yard and sales staff, as well as, for Landscape Maintenance. Please leave a message or email with the experience you have that could make you a part of our team... ie. plant knowledge, sales experience, forklift and/or loader operation. Seasonal, weekends and holidays required.

Please call CALLANDER"S NURSERY at 518.392.4540 ext. 4 or email callandersnursery@ gmail.com JOB OPPORTUNITY $18.50 P/H NYC $16 P/H LI Up to $13.50 P/H UPSTATE NY If you currently care for your relatives or friends who have Medicaid or Medicare, you may be eligible to start working for them as a personal assistant. No Certificates needed. (347)4622610 (347)565-6200

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SEEKING REPORTER to join a team of journalists working on the cutting edge of news coverage in the Hudson Valley's Columbia and Greene Counties. A degree in the field of communications, writing or English is preferred. Writing experience a must. Should have technical aptitude and a knowledge of social media. Photography and videography are required.

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7 MONTHS old Pigs. 2 male, and 2 female. $230 OBO. Piglets $120 OBO. Raised Organic. 518-9291420 & 518-929-4788.

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Astros owner Jim Crane doesn’t believe sign-stealing scandal affected results on the field David Lennon Newsday

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — The Astros needed those trash cans Thursday at their spring training complex. Not for banging this time, but to dispose of the crumpled-up scripts that contained their well-practiced apologies, from team owner Jim Crane to the handful of players who spoke in the clubhouse.

The much-anticipated affair came off as a stiffly choreographed event put on for the roughly 100 media members in attendance. The part that was broadcast live from a sunny patch of grass just outside the Astros’ clubhouse door probably was the worst of it, as Crane kicked off Mea Culpa Morning in awkward fashion.

“These are a great group of guys who did not receive proper guidance from their leaders,” Crane said. “We cannot change the actions of the past, but we are fully committed to moving forward in the right way.”

For the record, Crane did say he was sorry for the illegal sign-stealing scandal that ultimately contributed to the 2017 World Series title, the first and only for the Astros. But while Crane escaped punishment, he made general manager Jeff Luhnow and manager

AJ Hinch pay with their jobs within hours after they were suspended by MLB for their roles in the scandal.

Incredibly, neither Crane nor many of the Astros would admit Thursday that the signstealing tactics helped the team’s performance. The lone exception was shortstop Carlos Correa, who stood out as the most sincere member of the organization.

After Crane said, “Our opinion is that this didn’t impact the game,” he denied using those exact words a minute later before saying it was “hard to determine.”

Across the state in Tampa, Yankees manager Aaron Boone disagreed. “That’s quite a stretch, I think,” he said. “On what level did it impact things, I guess we’ll never know. But I think clearly when we’re talking about some of the things that went on, those things have an effect on games. Clearly.”

The Astros mostly stuck to expressing remorse, over and over, yet would have people believe that swiping signs through illegal, electronic methods — then banging a trash can as a signal — wasn’t a big factor in winning the 2017 World Series over the Dodgers.

The Astros as a whole stuck to that story, which likely was

JIM RASSOL/USA TODAY

Houston Astros manager Dusty Baker (left) and owner and chairman Jim Crane address the media before the morning spring training workout.

hatched from Wednesday night’s team meeting to game plan for Thursday, but Correa chose to veer off script.

“It’s definitely an advantage, I’m not going to lie to you,” Correa said. “Knowing what was coming, I think you get a slight edge. And that’s why people got suspended and people got fired because this is not right. It’s not right to do it.”

After hitting a walk-off homer off Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman that sent the Astros to the World Series last October, Jose Altuve refused to allow teammates to rip off his jersey as he approached the plate, but he denied wearing a buzzer under his jersey

that alerted him to pitches.

Chapman said Thursday morning that he was suspicious of Altuve, who repeatedly shot down the accusations at his locker.

“I didn’t do the buzzer thing,” Altuve said. “Nobody on this team wore a buzzer.

What else can I say about that?”

What about the jersey? And the subsequent change of shirts?

“It’s not the first time I did it, you know,” Altuve said. “I have done that multiple times. That doesn’t mean I have a buzzer.

MLB did their investigation and they didn’t find anything.

So when you say you don’t believe that I didn’t have a

buzzer, then you don’t believe in what MLB investigated.”

The Astros used the trashcan system to varying degrees, with some players relying on it more than others. The evidence points to a very noticeable advantage, as Correa made sure to emphasize. But the Astros came off as inconsistent with their apologies.

How do you say you’re sorry for those illicit gains yet still maintain the team’s success wasn’t fraudulent?

“That’s up for somebody else’s interpretation,” George Springer said. “But I believe in our performances as players.”

It’s probably safe to assume that few outside the Astros’ clubhouse feel that way these days. The team knew this day was coming for months, as far back as early November when the news first broke. But no one could have imagined the scope of the scandal, which resulted in the firings of four people on three different clubs — Luhnow, Hinch, Alex Cora (Red Sox) and Carlos Beltran (Mets).

The Astros get to hold on to their 2017 World Series rings, however. And if they’re ashamed of that hardware, none of them copped to the guilt during Thursday’s event.

“I’m gonna keep saying it because it’s the only thing to say — everyone can draw their

own opinions at the end of the day and draw their own conclusion,” pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. said. “I can stand here and firmly believe that we earned that championship. That’s just my belief and I’m just one person. But I believe that championship was earned 100 percent and hopefully we earn another one.”

That defiance hung in the steamy air Thursday morning. For as much as the Astros were supposed to convince us that this was a mass apology, it was more about them just trying not to talk about it anymore. It’s hard to truly feel sorry about winning, and Crane himself refused to use the word “cheating” to describe what they had done.

Even the new GM, James Click, who left the Rays, has yet to fully clean up the front office. Some of the current employees reportedly have links to the scandal. Click deflected numerous questions about their futures, and the Astros really didn’t sound very sorry.

“I don’t think I should be held accountable,” Crane said.

“I’m here to correct it. And I’m here to take this team forward with Dusty and James Click).

It won’t happen again on my watch.”

NEGRO LEAGUES AT 100:

A story of resiliency, courage and America to be shared forever Vahe Gregorian The Kansas City Star

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — When American original and Negro Leagues poet laureate Buck O’Neil spoke of arriving in Kansas City, Bob Kendrick recalled on Thursday, O’Neil liked to say, “I knew I was coming to the heart of America; I never knew I was coming to the center of the universe.”

With the Chiefs’ Super Bowl victory over San Francisco still fresh and surreal in most everyone’s minds, Kendrick, the president of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, couldn’t help but briefly refer to how that reaffirmed Kansas City’s place in the cosmic order.

But this affair at the former Paseo YMCA was about a different sort of epicenter here: a momentous occasion 100 years ago to the day on this site and the preservation of that legacy in the present and for posterity.

Most immediately, it was about “Celebrating A Game-Changing Century” — the theme of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum’s yearlong 100th anniversary commemoration of the founding of the leagues of their own for the men banned from the major leagues because of the color of their skin.

Never forget. Better yet, always remember this vital intersection of baseball and American history and Kansas City heritage.

One of eternal Negro Leagues

great Satchel Paige’s rules for staying young was “don’t look back; something might be gaining on you.” But this isn’t about staying young.

“I think this is something that needs to not only gain on us but catch up and stay with us and move forward,” said Frank White, the Jackson County executive and former Royals great.

The story is perhaps so generally familiar now, especially here, that its essence might easily fade into the background for some. Or maybe it just seems unbelievable to others, particularly younger people.

“When you bring your kids through here, your grandkids, they say, ‘What?!’” said new Royals owner John Sherman, who considers the museum an “iconic cultural institution” of the area along the lines of the Nelson-Atkins Museum, the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and the National World War I Museum and Memorial.

So from the center of this universe, where Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred was on hand Thursday among a number of political dignitaries, the story will ripple across the country this year.

With the considerable help of MLB and the Major League Baseball Players Association, which made a joint $1 million donation to the NLBM intended to spur additional

contributions that can be made at nlbm.com/centennial.

Moreover, Manfred declared that on June 27 all MLB players will wear a special Negro Leagues patch to commemorate the 100th anniversary. He also said a number of teams are planning tribute games throughout the year and noted upcoming related features to be presented on the MLB Network and mlb.com.

Manfred said MLB’s interest in the NLBM is multi-faceted: from honoring African-American culture to baseball history to embracing lessons of inclusion and diversity to apply today as they try to attract more young African-Americans to the game.

“I don’t think you can achieve that goal unless you can show young people that people who look like them have been part of the history,” he said.

As much as the months ahead will make for a rekindling nationally of the story that became popular knowledge with O’Neil’s role in Ken Burns’ 1994 documentary miniseries, “Baseball,” there are few ways to understand it better than visiting the museum.

And all the more so with the animation of Kendrick, the endlessly energetic and ever-present disciple of O’Neil.

Sherman was right when he said, “One-hundred years from now, when Bob’s not around to tell that

story, we’ve got to figure out how we can kind of keep the richness” of his tellings.

Not to mention his relentlessness.

Here Kendrick was one night on ESPN, Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas said, and then there he was on ...

NFL Network?

“But he cares that much about sharing the story of baseball, sharing the story of Kansas City and sharing the story of our history,” Lucas said.

They’re all entwined, of course, going back to Feb. 13, 1920, when Rube Foster established the Negro National League in a meeting of eight independent black baseball team owners.

The meeting set the stage for 40 years of entrepreneurship and innovation, and playing for the love of the game, and many great characters of great character.

And it paved the way for former Kansas City Monarch Jackie Robinson to become baseball’s so-called great experiment, integrating the major leagues in 1947 — the beginning of seismic changes ahead.

“The story is about baseball in one hand ... but it really transcends baseball,” said Sherman, who planned to fly to Arizona on Saturday for his first spring training as owner of the Royals. “It’s bigger than baseball.”

By way of examples, the former minority owner of the Cleveland

Indians recalled what he learned here about Larry Doby, who with Cleveland integrated the American League only a few months after Robinson joined the Brooklyn Dodgers.

When then-manager Lou Boudreau asked all the players to shake Doby’s hand in welcome, three refused. The next day, he recalled, owner Bill Veeck shipped out those three.

Sherman also thought of President Truman desegregating the U.S. Armed Forces in 1948, calling his a “a game-changing role in history” ... arguably pushed forward by a game.

“I don’t know if the President’s timing was inspired by what was happening in baseball. But the timing (was) curious,” Sherman said.

“And for me, it illustrates how the story transcends baseball.”

Safe to say Sherman will remain an ardent supporter of the NLBM, pledging on Thursday to “never forsake it and forever honor it.”

Standing in what is now known as the Buck O’Neil Center, an extension blocks away from the main museum, Sherman called it “hallowed ground” and made reference to the ongoing repairs needed there due to vandalism in 2018.

“This whole story is about resiliency,” he said, glancing towards Kendrick. “As you said, we won’t let the haters win.”

Especially by passing the story along through the generations.

CMYK

Saturday - Sunday, February 15-16, 2020 - B9

COLUMBIA-GREENE MEDIA

Yankees’ Chapman calls Altuve’s actions ‘suspicious’ Field Level Media

Aroldis Chapman understands that he threw the pitch and hasn’t dodged responsibility.

But when the New York Yankees left-hander sees the video of Jose Altuve rounding the bases after the series-ending homer in Game 6 of the 2019 American League Championship Series, he wonders if Altuve knew that an off-speed pitch was coming.

As the Houston Astros second baseman nears home plate, he grabs his shirt and yells at his teammates not to rip off his jersey. Altuve’s actions have increased speculation that the team’s sign-stealing scandal included the use of wiring devices.

“I’ve seen that video,” Chapman said Thursday through an interpreter in Tampa, Fla., where Yankees pitchers and catchers are in the early days of spring training. “A lot of people have seen that video. It’s a

popular video right now.

“And yeah, if you look at his actions, they look a little suspicious. At the end of the day, I just don’t know. I can’t tell you if he had the sign or didn’t have the sign – I don’t know. That’s a good question for him and for those guys. I just don’t know.”

Yankees catcher Gary Sanchez said he finds Altuve’s action odd coming from a player who just hit a memorable game-winning blast.

“I can tell you that if I hit a homer and I get my team to the World Series, they can rip off my pants,” Sanchez said through an interpreter, adding a smile.

“Everything. They can rip everything off. If I get my team to the World Series, hitting a walkoff homer like that, they can rip anything off.”

While Chapman said he doesn’t know if Altuve was tipped off to the pitch, what he does know is that the scandal

isn’t a good look for the Astros, who won the World Series in 2017 and lost to the Washington Nationals in the 2019 Fall Classic.

“A lot of people are disappointed with the situation,” Chapman said. “That’s why the commissioner did an investigation. ... Hopefully, they take the right actions. I just feel that they put baseball in a bad spot. A lot of people have suffered because of it, because of what they did, and what came out of it.”

The Yankees also lost to the Astros in seven games in the 2017 ALCS. Chapman joined fellow 2017 teammates CC Sabathia and Masahiro Tanaka in expressing that he feels cheated for not getting to play in the 2017 World Series.

“I believe so, too,” Chapman said. “It was very close, going back to 2017. With everything, all the details that have come out, it was the extra edge that

allowed them to move on.”

The Astros held a news conference to apologize on Thursday, and many felt players such as Altuve and third baseman Alex Bregman were less than forthcoming.

But what really stood out to Chapman was hearing Houston owner Jim Crane insist that the sign-stealing scandal had no impact on the team winning the title.

“I disagree with that,” Chapman said. “When you know the signs and you know what’s coming, especially at this level of baseball – we have some of the most talented baseball players in the world – as hitters, if they have an edge and advantage in knowing what’s coming, it’s going to make them stronger. Is that the sole reason they won the World Series? I don’t know. But what I can say that when you have an advantage like that, it’s definitely going to

make you a stronger team.”

New York manager Aaron Boone also took issue with Crane’s comments.

“I think that’s quite a stretch,” Boone told reporters. “On what level did it impact things? I guess we’ll never know and that’s for people to draw their own conclusions on. I think clearly when we’re talking about some of the things that went on, those things had an effect on games.”

Yankees right-hander Luis Severino said he felt he was tipping pitches to the Astros in the 2017 ALCS but now knows it wasn’t of his own doing.

“I was mad in the beginning,” Severino told reporters.

“There was a lot of things that go through your mind when you’re pitching against a team that good. Sometimes you think about tipping, you spend hours in the video room looking at yourself, saying, ‘What am I doing?’ And then hearing that was

the problem, I was not even tipping. That wasn’t the problem.”

One former Astros player, Marwin Gonzalez of the Minnesota Twins, said earlier this week that he was “remorseful for everything that happened in 2017.”

Astros manager A.J. Hinch was fired due to the scandal, and it also led to the Boston Red Sox parting ways with manager Alex Cora (Houston’s bench coach at the time) and the New York Mets moving on from recently hired manager Carlos Beltran (a Houston player at the time). Houston general manager Jeff Luhnow also was dismissed.

Luhnow and Hinch were suspended by Major League Baseball, which also fined the franchise $5 million and stripped the team of its draft picks in the first and second rounds over the next two seasons.

Bulich From B1

level.

“My perseverance. I know it’s not going to be easy, especially at a Division I level, but I’ve been taught by great coaches, I’ve been playing great competition already, so I think that that’s going to shine through.

“And I know that every girl at Iona that I play with will be the same way, but I know that what I’ve already been taught is going to help me get to where I want to be.”

Roundup From B1

Nixon 3, Lockhart.

Coxsackie-Athens 73, Chatham 58 CHATHAM — COXSACKIE-ATHENS (73): Boehm 7-1-15, Carroll 1-0-3, Hynes 3-0-6, Kiefer 7-12-27, Maurer 1-0-2, Roe 3-1-10, Kane Schrader 0-22, Simmons 3-2-8. Totals

Outdoors From B1

DEC Police uniformed Environmental Conservation Officers (ECOs) and Bureau of Environmental Crimes Investigators, (BECI) work closely with state and local police to thoroughly investigate all HRSIs. Their investigations concluded that of the seven two-party incidents involving firearms, four of the victims were not wearing hunter orange.

While there is never an excuse for discharging a firearm before positively identifying your target as legal game beyond ALL doubt, the fact remains wearing hunter orange would prevent most twoshooter hunting incidents. It’s been widely purported you are 37 times safer if you wear hunter orange when hunting.

Given the clear increased safety benefits of wearing orange while hunting, it is startling that NY is one of the few states where it is not required. Some hunters oppose mandating it, others support regulations requiring wearing hunter orange in certain firearms seasons.

In my opinion, faced with

Golf From B1

Calif.; Kerry Bower-Herr, Victoria Hills G.C., DeLand, Fla.; Chrisitne Brembs, Mt. Freedom Golf, Randolph, N.J.; Jon Bullas, Laurel Oak C.C., Sarasota, Fla. Emily Burns, Cantigny Youth Links, Wheaton, Ill.; Linda Campbell, The Peninsula Club, Cornelius, N.C.;

MATT FORTUNATO/COLUMBIA-GREENE MEDIA Catskill Athletic Director Eric Joyce and Katie Bulich, who signed a letter of intent to attend Iona College in the Fall.

25-18-73.

3-pointers: Roe 3, Carroll, Kiefer.

CHATHAM (58): Williams 8-5-23, Gregg 1-0-3, Kastner 4-0-9, Clarke 1-3-5, Baccaro 2-0-4, T. Jeralds 2-1-5, Van Tassel 2-0-4, Thorsen 2-0-5.

Totals 22-9-58.

3-pointers: Williams 2, Gregg, Kastner, Thorsen.

MATT FORTUNATO/COLUMBIA-GREENE MEDIA

Catskill’s Katie Bulich signed a letter of intent to continue her academic and athletic career at Iona College in the Fall.

TACONIC HILLS (31): Cooper 1-0-2, Kernan 2-0-4, Mottoshiski 1-0-2, Perry 3-0-9, Shumsky 3-0-9, Sparacino 1-2-5. Totals 11-2-31.

3-pointers: Perry 3, Shumsky 3, Sparacino.

CAIRO-DURHAM (61): Ivery 3-0-7, James 3-4-10, Colarusso 5-0-10, Makely 1-0-2, Mudge 4-0-10, Myers 4-2-10, Wolcott 6-0-12. Totals 26-661.

3-pointers: Mudge 2, Ivery.

Cairo-Durham 61, Taconic

Hills 31 CRARYVILLE — Cairo-Durham had five players score 10 points or better in Thursday’s 61-31 Patroon Conference girls basketball victory over Taconic Hills.

Imani Wolcott led the Mustangs balanced attack with 12 points. Taylor Colarusso, Anna James, McKayla Mudge an Arianna Myers all had 10, Marleah Perry and Kirsten Shumsky had nine points apiece for Taconic Hills.

the overwhelming evidence of increased safety when wearing hunter orange, DEC should take the initiative and adopt reasonable regulations requiring orange to be worn when hunting big or small game with a firearm with the following notable exceptions; while hunting wild turkey, waterfowl, and while hunting with a bow or crossbow.

That being said, DEC’s Sportsmen Education Program and its army of volunteer hunter safety instructors have much too be proud of with 2019’s stellar hunter safety record.

“Nearly 550,000 New Yorkers and visitors enjoy the sport of hunting each year and the declining number of hunting incidents confirms that today’s generation of hunters are the most safety conscious yet,” Commissioner Seggos said.

“Thanks to the efforts of DEC staff and volunteer hunter education program instructors that teach close to 40,000 students each year, hunting has continued to be a safe and enjoyable activity in New York State.”

To give perspective as to how far we have come in increasing hunter safety in NY, you have to look back more

than 50 years. According to the DEC, “In 1966, 166 (HRSI) incidents were recorded, 13 of which were fatal.

In 2019, 12 incidents were recorded, one of which was fatal. While the number of hunters is declining overall, the hunting incident rate (incidents per 100,000 hunters) is falling even faster. Since the 1960s, the number of hunters in New York has declined about 20 percent, while the incident rate has declined almost 80 percent.

The current five-year average is 1.8 incidents per 100,000 hunters, compared to 19 per 100,000 hunters in the 1960s.”

DEC has an exemplary sportsman education program. It trains and certifies volunteer instructors who teach safe, responsible, and ethical hunting and trapping practices and the important role of hunters and trappers in wildlife conservation.

This has produced the current, “…extremely safety-conscious generation of hunters and trappers ... All first-time hunters, bowhunters, and trappers must successfully complete a hunter or trapper safety course and pass the final exam before being eligible to purchase a hunting or trapping license. All courses are

offered free of charge.”

While hunting in NY is safer than ever, DEC encourages hunters to remember that every hunting-related shooting incident is preventable.

Many, if not all of these incidents, could have been prevented if the people involved had followed the primary rules of hunter safety: Treat every firearm as if it were loaded; Control the muzzle, keep it pointed in a safe direction; Identify your target and what lies beyond; Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to fire; and Wear hunter orange or pink.

More information, including the 2019 Hunting Safety Statistics and the 2019 Tree Stand Safety Statistics, is available on DEC’s website.

Happy Hunting, Fishing and Trapping until next time.

GIRLS BASKETBALL PATROON

Marianna Causin, Golf della Montecchia, Padua, Italy; Frankie Chan, Tuen Mun Golf Centre, Hong Kong; Barry Churchill, Stonebridge G.C., Monroe, N.C.; Lucas Cohen, New York Golf Park, Hudson, N.Y.; Alfredo Da Corte, Campodoglio G.C., Chiari, Italy Nix Duncan, Cherokee Town and C.C., Atlanta, Ga.; Leon Faulkner, Golf Rocks Kids Academy, Sydney, Australia; Lauren Gates, Summit Golf School, Spring, Texas.

WRESTLING

NEWS AND NOTES The Catskill Mountain F&G Club in conjunction with the Stoney Clove F&G Club are Holding their Annual Youth Ice Fishing Derby at Tannersville Lake on February 15, 2020 This event is scheduled for Saturday, February 15 at Tannersville Lake, ice conditions permitting.

Sign-in begins at 9 a.m. with

GLENS FALLS — Four local wrestlers have been designated No. 1 seeds in their respective weight classs for today’s Section II Division II State Qualifying Tournament at Cool Insuring Arena.

Jair Gomez (99) of Ichabod crane, Logan Campbell (113) of Coxsackie-Athens, Caleb Svingala (126) of Maple Hill and Aidan Cullen (132) of Greenville are all seeded first in the tournament, which begins today at 9:45 a.m.

Ichabod Crane’s Omar Martinez is seed fourth at 106 pounds and his teammate Jerald Rhoades is seeded fourth at 138. Catskill’s Jesse Davies is the No. 4 seed at 152 and Coxsackie-Athens’ Colby Lord is the No. 3 seed at 182.

Each weight-class winner, and a number of at-large qualifiers, advance to the state tournament on Feb. 22-23 at the Times Union Center in Albany.

youth fishing from 10 a.m.noon. There will be prizes for all kids attending, plus refreshments will be available.

For more information call Bob Monteleone at 518-488-0240.

Canaan Conservation Club 21st Annual Hardwater Fishing Derby – February 15 This event will take place, ice conditions permitting, on February 15 from 6 a.m.-1 p.m. at Queechy Lake, Canaan, NY. Register online at https://canaanconservationclub.weebly.com/ or, in-person at 6 a.m. on the day of the event at Adams Point Beach.

Entry fee for adults 16 and over is $15.00 and $5.00 for kids 15 and under. There are cash prizes for largest trout, perch, pickerel, and crappie with a gas-powered auger standing in for the grand prize.

Other prizes include hand augers, tip-ups and jigging poles.

For more information contact Julia Horst at 518-5674302 or by email at canaanconservationclub@yahoo. com Greene County Chapter Ducks Unlimited Annual Dinner/Auction March 21 Mark your calendars for this event which will be held at Anthony’s Banquet Hall in Leeds on Saturday, March 21st.

Doors open at 5:30 pm with

dinner at 7:00. There will be a live as well as a silent auction after dinner with plenty of gun giveaways and other prizes.

Tickets are available online; just search using key words, “Greene County NY Ducks Unlimited Banquet.” For further information, call Dana Hanusik at 518-943-2729, Jeff Holiday at 518-943-1986, or Bob Sager at 518-731-6353.

Shooters Sports in Valatie Fur Buyer/Pistol Permit Class Schedule Ron Alund will be at Shooters Sports in Valatie buying fur at the store on March 14th and April 11th 2020 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Chris Nastke said pistol permit classes are held at the store with instructor Lew Hatch every third Saturday of the month from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Call the store at 518-7581488 for more information on how to sign up.

Remember to report poaching violations by calling 1-844-DEC-ECOS. You can share any comments with our sports desk at sports@registerstar.com *If you have a fishing or hunting report, photo, or event you would like to be considered for publication, you can send it to: huntfishreport@gmail.com

“Journalism keeps you planted in the earth.” - Ray Bradbury

#SupportRealNews

CMYK

COLUMBIA-GREENE MEDIA

B10 - Saturday - Sunday, February 15-16, 2020

With 10 first-timers in the All-Star Game, this weekend is a peek into the NBA’s future Ben Golliver The Washington Post

CHICAGO — Giannis Antetokounmpo was almost done picking sides with LeBron James for Sunday’s NBA All-Star Game when he pretended to have a case of mistaken identity.

“So with my next pick, I’ll pick a guy that is having a great season, helping his team do great things,” said Antetokounmpo, who along with James served as captains during the annual all-star draft last Thursday. “I just played him a couple of nights ago. Kevin Dur---. I mean, Brandon Ingram. That will be Brandon Ingram.”

The NBA’s reigning MVP cracked up at his own joke, which nodded to years of comparisons between Ingram, a lanky 22-year-old forward for the New Orleans Pelicans, and Kevin Durant, the two-time NBA Finals MVP who signed with the Brooklyn Nets last summer.

Inadvertently, Antetokounmpo’s passing reference was a perfectly appropriate summation of the upcoming all-star weekend in Chicago: While the recent deaths of former commissioner David Stern and Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant will receive significant attention, a defining theme of the festivities will be a significant infusion of new blood, like Ingram.

All told, there will be 10 first-time selections in Sunday’s All-Star Game, the most since 2002.

There will also be three first-time selections in the starting lineups, the first time that’s happened since 1994.

This deep class includes East starters Pascal Siakam and Trae Young; East reserves Bam Adebayo, Domantas Sabonis and Jayson Tatum; West starter Luka Doncic; and West reserves Devin Booker, Rudy Gobert, Ingram and Donovan Mitchell.

No doubt, the number of new faces in Chicago has been inflated because of a rash of injuries to established superstars. In addition to Durant, Stephen Curry, Paul George, Blake Griffin, Kyrie Irving, Victor Oladipo and Klay

GREG M. COOPER/USA TODAY

Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) drives against Los Angeles Clippers guard Kawhi Leonard (2) during Thursday’s gameat TD Garden.

Thompson are all missing out due to the impact of health concerns. Booker was announced as an injury replacement for Damian Lillard on Thursday.

Yet the all-star newcomers arrive in Chicago riding significant positive momentum and carrying impressive individual achievements.

Doncic, the 20-year-old engine of the Dallas Mavericks, has posted a player efficiency rating of 29.2, the highest mark ever for a player 21 years old or younger, and he will appear on plenty of MVP ballots by season’s end. Remarkably, he received more than 6.1 million votes during the fan voting process - ranking second among West players - and will be the youngest all-star starter since James in 2005.

Young, 21, ranks third in the NBA in points

per game and second in assists per game. The Atlanta Hawks guard beat out returning allstars such as Irving, Kyle Lowry and Ben Simmons to earn his starting nod.

The 25-year-old Siakam has replaced the departed Kawhi Leonard as the new leader of the Toronto Raptors, averaging career highs in points, rebounds and assists while leading the defending champs to the NBA’s third-best record. After an offseason trade from the Lakers to the Pelicans increased his role, Ingram’s numbers (24.9 points, 6.4 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game) have approximated Durant’s production at the same age (27.7 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game). Both Siakam and Ingram rank among the top contenders for the Most Improved Player Award.

For NBA, no timeline for healing — but adopting Mamba Mentality is good place to start Jerry Brewer The Washington Post

In his final NBA All-Star Game four years ago, you could see the remaining ice melting off Kobe Bryant. He was warmer and friendlier than ever, no longer a detached, single-minded competitor. He was open, and not just on his terms. He spent that weekend taking in and appreciating the game, connecting with the other franchise players his peers, his brothers - and making sure everyone understood that basketball was in a good place.

“I’m happy,” Bryant said then.

“This is pretty cool. I’m looking around the room and seeing guys that I’m playing with that are tearing the league up that were, like, 4 during my first All-Star Game. It’s true.

I mean, how many players can say they’ve played 20 years and actually have seen the game go through three, four generations, you know what I mean? It’s not sad at all. I’m really happy and honored to be here and see this.”

As he reflected for several days in this manner, Bryant made the most profound gesture of his retirement tour, big brother finally acknowledging and bowing to the greatness of the squirts. If you experienced that weekend in Toronto, you left certain that the bridge Bryant had helped build between the Michael Jordan era and the present was quite sturdy. You left knowing that Bryant - who, as he aged, often seemed like a renegade in a league gone soft - had made his impact and taught these kinder, gentler stars to compete.

As much as his 60-point, 50-shot finale, I think about those good allstar vibes when remembering the last days of Bryant as a player. It was a preview of the inspiring mortal he became after he took off his basketball cape, a man who had transitioned so gracefully until that fatal helicopter crash last month.

The NBA was charged with an enormous task for these all-star festivities this weekend in Chicago: Celebrate the game and the lives of Bryant and visionary former commissioner David Stern, who died on Jan. 1. Celebrate the lives of Bryant’s daughter, Gianna, and the seven others who were killed in that

horrible accident. Combine, somehow, mourning and spectacle.

There is no timeline for healing.

The process may last forever, in some form. But in terms of honoring Bryant, the challenge was made easier by the fact that, in his death, it has become clear the current stars comprehended every cold-shouldered, jaw-jutted Black Mamba lesson that he taught them. At times, he was a perplexing loner, and always, he was willing to do whatever he deemed necessary to win. Unlike LeBron James, he had no Banana Boat crew.

But it turns out he didn’t alienate his peers. He may have intimidated them a little. Still, they admired and learned from him.

Over the past three weeks, as millions have tried to make sense of his shocking death at age 41, this NBA season has progressed into one in which you can feel the Mamba Mentality taking over the league. He left us amid a season of enhanced parity and competitiveness. The superteam era appears over. Instead of elite players conspiring to build a few stacked rosters of three or more all-stars, we’re back to clusters of dynamic duos. It’s the Shaq and Kobe model again, and in a more balanced league, we’re seeing the full spectrum from superstars: their best, their warts and, most revealing, their strain and their willingness to keep striving.

Imperfection was a major part of the allure of Bryant. He bled. He bled plenty, and you saw him bleed.

He aimed to be better than Jordan, knowing full well that many viewed Michael as a kind of flawless basketball deity. Bryant also knew there was no objective way to compare definitively the greatness of players from different eras, which meant he had to know he was chasing a ghost.

And to him, that was the point. He set a standard so high, so impossible to reach, that the game consumed him and took everything his body could give.

That’s how he came to define the Mamba Mentality. Some players reference it as an explanation for why they take too many shots.

But Bryant intended for the phrase to describe the dogged pursuit of excellence. On the court, he experienced pain and humiliation. But he

rose. And he kept getting better.

In his “Mamba Mentality: How I Play” book, Bryant emphasized the mindfulness required to stay in pursuit for 20 seasons.

“If you want to be great in a particular area, you have to obsess over it,” he said. “A lot of people say they want to be great, but they’re not willing to make the sacrifices necessary to achieve greatness. They have other concerns, whether important or not, and they spread themselves out.”

The most significant tribute the players can offer to Bryant: engagement. They must stay locked in this season to help transform it from somber to thrilling come playoff time. They’re on the right path. Despite some of the load management debate from earlier in the season, you see their competitive fire. You see it in James’s defiance of Father Time, in Giannis Antetokounmpo’s refusal to lose, in Damian Lillard’s scoring binge and unwillingness to give up on a difficult year in Portland. You see it in the surgical manner that Kawhi Leonard operates, in the reemergence of Russell Westbrook in Houston, in the smug expressions of Luka Doncic whenever an opponent tries to get in his head.

It has been a rough season for the NBA, from the controversy over Daryl Morey’s Hong Kong tweet to the early-season concern over low television ratings to now the heavy hearts over losing two of the league’s most influential figures in the same month.

But the sport keeps going. Mamba Mentality. The lows matter as much as the highs. It’s okay to be vulnerable. It’s okay to fall. It’s okay to fail. But get up.

In the first All-Star Weekend since Bryant’s tragic crash, that’s what the NBA is doing. It is rising. It is celebrating the game that defined Bryant, and it is allowing joy to dribble back onto the court.

The squirts are playing the way he taught them, too. Hard. Focused. A little old school. You’d like to think that, somewhere way up there, Bryant periodically takes a break from H-O-R-S-E with Wilt Chamberlain to grin that Kobe grin and nod approvingly.

Basketball observers won’t need to wait until Sunday to feel the impact of all these fresh faces. Doncic and Young are slated to headline Friday’s Rising Stars Challenge. That exhibition, which pits a World Team and a USA team composed of first- and second-year players against each other, will also include Zion Williamson and Ja Morant, two sensational rookies who appear to be on track to become perennial allstars in the near future.

Tatum, a 21-year-old breakout star for the Boston Celtics, will headline the Skills Challenge on Saturday night, seeking to defend his title from last year. Adebayo, Sabonis and Siakam will also participate in the obstacle course event. Young, meanwhile, will headline the Three-Point Contest.

All-star weekend has evolved from a basketball celebration into a brand summit, too, and the next generation pitchmen will be kept busy. Williamson (Jordan Brand and Mountain Dew), Doncic (Jordan Brand), Young (Adidas) and Morant (Nike and Panini America) are among the younger stars who will be balancing on-court and off-court responsibilities.

First-time selections invariably leave all-star weekend exhausted, but feeling satisfied and professionally validated. Ingram was overjoyed when he was informed of his selection, thanking his teammates and coaches individually as he tried to process the good news. Young covered his face in disbelief as he appeared to choke back tears when he was named a starter.

Doncic, who was born in Slovenia and played professionally in Spain before entering the 2018 draft, smiled through a trip down memory lane once his selection went official. Their collective excitement will shine through Chicago’s cold temperatures and weighty tributes.

“I remember all those years I used to wake up back in Europe at 3 or 4 a.m. to watch the [AllStar Game],” Doncic said in an interview with TNT. “Now I can be in it. It’s just a pleasure.”

To be like LeBron or Dirk?

That’s the big decision for Mavs star Luka Doncic Mac Engel Fort Worth Star-Telegram

DALLAS — Luka Doncic says he can handle the minutes, the workload and expectations, but he has a decision to make whether he wants to be a LeBron, or a Dirk.

Neither is the wrong answer, but that preposterous possibility is plausible.

If Luka wants, he can be a Dirk and live the “quiet” NBA superstar existence and be beloved, and respected, by all. Or, he can go all-in and be the biggest name in a global sport, like LeBron.

Luka has the name, the game, the looks. He needs some hardware, but it’s all there.

Imagine how good he will be when he knows what he’s doing, and shows the same flair off the floor as he does on it. Luka has David Beckham-type potential.

Luka will need to decide if all of this is worth the trouble to be LeBron, because it’s easier to be Dirk than The King.

When I asked him if he was used to all of the attention and responsibility that comes with this type of success he is having, he said, “Yeah. It’s a part of the job, you know? You get used to it.”

He said the attention he receives now is similar to when he played in Madrid. No, I don’t believe him, either.

Then I asked him if he wants all of the attention.

“I don’t know,” he said. “Sometimes yes, sometimes no.”

Stands to reason he’s not sure yet.

He’s 20.

In his time with the Mavs, Doncic has been reluctant to be much of anything other than a basketball player. Any comparison to great NBA players makes him uncomfortable.

He wants no part of that.

At least in his dealings with the media, he has been shy, reserved, respectful.

His answers are not particularly insightful, but he’s professional. The general public has seen little of his personality. On the court, the only flashes of pure frustration that we’ve seen — those ripped jersey episodes — are directed at his own failures.

And even those feel muted. Other than signing with Nike’s Air Jordan line, Luka has virtually no visibility off the floor.

The Mavs are besieged with Luka requests daily, far more than the number they had for Dirk.

Those within the Mavs organization all say the same thing — Luka is a good guy, and he wants to say yes.

He wants to say yes to the Make-AWish requests. He goes out of his way to sign autographs, rather than hide behind an escort, or take the back door out.

I asked a few members of the European media, who have covered him for a while, if he was the same way back in Europe. The answer is yes; this is who he is. Quiet. Polite. Respectful. His answers in Spanish are sometimes better than his answers in English, or his native Slovenian.

He’s still figuring this all out, and he has to be given the space to do it. The Mavs have encouraged, but not pushed, him. He has three good guys to give him the necessary space in owners Mark Cuban, GM Donnie Nelson and coach Rick Carlisle.

“He’s a great young player and he’s learning all the time,” Carlisle said. “And that’s one of the things I love about him.”

Don’t forget that before Dirk became one of the best players in NBA history, he was reluctant to be what he became. He wanted to be an NBA All-Star, but not Der Mann.

Dirk originally aspired to be Scottie Pippen rather than Michael Jordan. It was not in Dirk’s personality to be the focus of a team, until he finally accepted the role.

We forget that there was a time, when as a younger player, Dirk was not the outgoing, gregarious, funny guy he was in the second half of his career. He was respectful, quiet, and he was known to duck a media session or two.

In his second year, DFW’s favorite Slovenian finished second only to LeBron James in NBA All-Star voting.

Bron had 6.2 million votes; Luka’s 6.1 million votes pushed him just ahead of Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 5.9 million.

According to marketing platform Opendorse, Doncic has added 1.8 million followers across Twitter, Facebook and Instagram just since the start of the season. Luke Doncic trails only LeBron, Steph Curry and Giannis in that category.

LeBron has been called the King since he was in high school, but he didn’t tap the power of his crown until later in his career. Now he is an international brand, and a media mogul.

CMYK

Saturday - Sunday, February 15-16, 2020 - B11

COLUMBIA-GREENE MEDIA

Kyle Busch will go down as greater than Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt and Jimmie Johnson Mike Bianchi Orlando Sentinel

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — “You’re looking at him.”

That was the answer Kyle Busch gave me without smiling or blinking on Wednesday when I asked who is the best stock car driver in the world.

And as amazing as it sounds based on Busch’s cocksure reputation, it didn’t seem arrogant at all.

It actually seemed honest and accurate and truthful.

The fact is Kyle Busch is the defending NASCAR Cup champion and currently the most accomplished driver in the world at maneuvering these 3,000-pound motorized machines of mayhem into victory lane. The great Cale Yarborough once said, “Driving a stock car is like dancing with a chain saw.” If that’s the case, then Kyle Busch is Mikhail Baryshnikov in a racing helmet, Michael Jackson in a fire suit and the incomparable Fred Astaire doing his 200 mph cha-cha-cha in perfect step with his No. 18 Ginger Rogers Toyota Camry.

In fact, I’ll even take this a step further.

With apologies to Richard Petty, who they call “The King,” and Dale Earnhardt Sr., who was known as “The Intimidator,” and Jimmie Johnson, who has been referred to as “Superman,” Kyle Busch might just go down as simply “The Greatest.”

Shoot, he might already be the greatest to ever live. Petty has a record 200 Cup victories, but Busch holds the record for most career wins combined (208) in all three of NASCAR’s major series (Cup, Xfinity and Truck). When I asked him Wednesday at Daytona 500 Media Day how his 208 total victories compare to the King’s 200 Cup victories, Busch waved the caution flag.

“That’s not for me to decide,” he said.

Fair enough, but the point is this: Kyle Busch

Daniel A. Varela/Miami Herald

Kyle Busch (18) reacts after winning the Homestead-Miami Speedway NASCAR 21st Annual Ford EcoBoost 400 Monster Energy Series on Sunday, Nov. 17, 2019 in Homestead, Fla.

can drive anything, anytime, anywhere. If you were to put him in the Iditarod, he’d figure out a way for his sled dogs to outmaneuver and go faster than yours.

“He has a feel for the car; a sixth sense,” said older brother Kurt Busch, himself a former Cup champion. “I’ve been good over the years; he’s been great. I don’t know where the ceiling is for my little brother. He’s already a legend in our sport at the age of 34.”

I know, I know. Petty, Earnhardt and Johnson each has seven Cup championships and Kyle only has two, but Kyle, even though he has been driving Cup cars since he was a teenage prodigy, is still relatively young — and getting better every year. When I asked him on Wednesday how important it is to go down as perhaps the greatest of all time, he didn’t shy away from the

Can Team Penske dethrone Joe Gibbs Racing? Three NASCAR storylines to follow in 2020 Alex Andrejev

Logano, Byron capture Daytona Duels Field Level Media

The Charlotte Observer

DAYTONA, Fla. — With the NASCAR season kicking off at Sunday’s Daytona 500, the Charlotte Observer breaks down what to look for in the sport’s top series in 2020. Here’s what we’re following: — Jimmie Johnson enters his final (and chilliest) year It’s Jimmie Johnson’s final full-time season of Cup racing and he’s “not chasing anything,” according to a post on his Twitter account from January. The post included a video of Johnson revealing his latest hashtag OneFinalTime and explaining his desire to move away from his former Chasing8 hashtag and the “chasing” mentality.

“I feel like I’ve been a bit out of character and focused on a number, a statistic,” said Johnson, who enters his 20th season driving the No. 48 for Hendrick Motorsports.

As a multi-time winner of every marquee NASCAR event, including Daytona (two), Charlotte (four), Indianapolis (four) and Darlington (two), Johnson has become an icon of the sport.

He is tied in the record books with Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt with seven Cup Series titles.

Johnson has been chasing his eighth title since 2017. The last two seasons resulted in his worst career point finishes — 14th and 18th place.

As the 44-year-old driver takes a step back from the sport, he is also easing the pressure off himself. It has yet to be seen how Johnson’s demure demeanor translates to his ontrack performance.

— Can Team Penske prevail?

Ford teams will be looking to make a major push this season after coming off a year in which they fell just short of title contention.

Neither Team Penske’s Brad Keselowski nor Joey Logano reached the final four in Homestead last season, with Logano, driver of the No. 22 Ford, finishing fifth in the final series standings. Logano, the 2018 champion, will look to reclaim the title from last year’s winner, Joe Gibbs Racing’s Kyle Busch.

Busch and Logano already had an early run-in at Sunday’s

question.

“It’s not life and death, but it would certainly be nice,” says Busch, whose 56 Cup wins and two championships are behind only Johnson (83 wins and seven championships) among active drivers “You better set your goals high and go out there and try to achieve them. ... If you set your goals at one championship or two championships, well hell, I’m already done, so why am I here — you know what I mean?”

His bid for a third championship begins Sunday at the Daytona 500, a race he fiercely wants to win to fill in the one glaring gap on his amazing resume. He is 0 for 14 at the 500, including last year’s bitterly and tortuously close runnerup finish to Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Denny Hamlin.

Busch says not yet winning the Daytona

JARED C. TILTON/GETTY IMAGES

Driver Jimmie Johnson speaks with the media during the NASCAR Cup Series 62nd Annual Daytona 500 Media Day at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla., on Wednesday.

exhibition Busch Clash. The drivers made contact as Busch moved to the front of the pack late in the race, and both cars spun out. The crash took out Busch’s No. 18 car as well as Keselowski, who trailed in the No. 2 ride. Neither driver finished the race.

“That happens when you’re racing for the lead, I guess,” Busch said after the crash.

But Keselowski, who notched three race wins for Team Penske last year and led in laps for most of the Clash, was not as temperate. He was critical of Logano’s blocking Sunday.

“It’s just ridiculous,” Keselowski said. “We shouldn’t be wrecking all these cars.”

Communication will be something Team Penske — which also includes No. 12 driver Ryan Blaney — has to work through if it wants to outpace JGR, a team that includes last year’s final four contenders Denny Hamlin and Martin Truex Jr., as well as this year’s Busch Clash winner Erik Jones, who won the race off a push from Hamlin.

— Six young guns looking to become top guns As older drivers like Johnson phase out of Cup, there are a number of rookie drivers eager to make an impact in the top series. These six drivers include

Christopher Bell, Cole Custer, Tyler Reddick, Quin Houff, Brennan Poole and John Hunter Nemechek.

The three to watch this season are Bell, Custer and Reddick; they have signed with elite teams that have the financial backing to help garner a few first-place finishes.

Bell, 25 years old, is racing the No. 95 for Leavine Family Racing following successful runs on the Xfinity and Truck Series. He is working alongside his former Xfinity crew chief Jason Ratcliff.

Custer, 22, is driving the No. 41 for Stewart-Haas Racing. He became the youngest driver in NASCAR national series history to win a race when he was 16.

Reddick, 24, will drive the No. 8 for Richard Childress Racing.

Reddick is the only one of the three who has experienced the Daytona 500. He competed in last year’s race in a Childress ride and finished in 27th.

Experience doesn’t necessarily translate to success at Daytona’s premier superspeedway race, so the start of their careers could also be a career highlight for this class of young guns.

“Anything can happen at Daytona,” Bell recently told the Observer. “And I’m really excited about getting there because I’ve got as good a shot as anybody to win, or to crash out.”

500 isn’t something that’s “going to kill me” but admits it does “weigh on me.” Obviously, he doesn’t want to go down with Tony Stewart, Mark Martin and Rusty Wallace as all-time great drivers who never won NASCAR’s most coveted race.

And he won’t. The fact is, Kyle Busch is simply too good and too talented not to win at Daytona. Don’t delude yourself: Eventually, the greatest American driver will win the Great American Race. Let’s not forget Earnhardt Sr. was 0 for 20 before he ended his Daytona 500 drought.

And if ever there was a driver who compares to Earnhardt in both skillfulness, fearlessness and brashness, it is Busch. In fact, Dale Earnhardt Jr. has said he sees a lot of his legendary father in Busch’s relentless attacking style.

“That’s the way dad raced and Kyle has that same style — very aggressive,” Junior once said.

And very demanding. And very unforgiving.

And very impetuous and arrogant. If Earnhardt was the Intimidator, Busch is the Instigator. He readily admits he has given other drivers the middle finger while blowing by them on the track. He does not apologize for his bold, brash, bad-boy image. He not only disregards the many boos he receives; he delights in them.

Darrell Waltrip once said that Kyle Busch is the only driver on the circuit who “can go threewide all by himself.” Busch has been called a “whiner” and a “crybaby” and a “jackass.” After he spun her out during a race in 2017, Danica Patrick went on an expletive-filled tirade about him and ended it with, “Now I know why people hate him!”

Go ahead and hate him; he doesn’t care.

In fact, he considers a compliment.

As the late, great Kobe Bryant once said, “Haters are a good problem to have. Nobody hates the good ones. They hate the great ones.”

Or, in Kyle Busch’s case, maybe the greatest one who ever lived.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Joey Logano grabbed the lead on the final lap of the first Bluegreen Vacations Duel 150-mile qualifying race Thursday at Daytona International Speedway and held on for the win, but a wreck at the halfway point dashed Daniel Suarez’s prospects of competing in his first Daytona 500 with his new team Gaunt Brothers Racing.

In the second Duel, William Byron made a late charge to edge Hendrick Motorsports teammate Jimmie Johnson for the victory by .117 seconds. Logano will start third and Logano fourth in Sunday’s Daytona 500 (2:30 p.m. ET Sunday on FOX, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio).

The victory in the qualifier was Byron’s first win of any kind in the NASCAR Cup Series and his first after teaming with seven-time champion crew chief Chad Knaus last year. Logano won his Duel for the second straight year.

Logano led four times for 19 laps in the first Duel, but the real drama occurred on Lap 29, when Suarez’s No. 96 Toyota tangled with Ryan Blaney’s No. 12 Ford as a contingent of Fords was trying to exit the banking onto pit road. Suarez tried to shoot a gap between Blaney in the outside lane and Brad Keselowski on the bottom, only to have Blaney turn down the track.

Contact between the two cars turned Suarez’s Camry sideways and launched him nose-first into the outside wall, destroying the car. With Suarez out of the race, 18th-place finisher Reed Sorenson transferred into the 500 based on the speed he posted in last Sunday’s time trials.

“There was not communication,” said a disconsolate Suarez. “The 2 car (Keselowski) all of a sudden started to slow down, and obviously it was either wreck him or go to the right, and I thought the 12 (Blaney) was going to give me a little more room, but obviously he didn’t.

“The 2 car, he started getting his hand out of the window super, super late (to signal a pit stop), and I didn’t see him. When I started going out, the 12 was there.”

After repairs on pit road, Blaney was able to continue and finished 14th.

“I guess, if you wound it, try not to kill it,” Blaney said. “We got lucky. We should have never been in that spot in the first place. It was just an error on my part and kind of a little lack of communication that didn’t end well.”

Daytona 500 pole winner Ricky Stenhouse Jr. led the field to green and was out front four times for 27 laps. After leading Laps 58 and 59 of 60, Stenhouse was shuffled back on the inside lane on the final circuit as second-place finisher Aric Almirola pushed Logano to the front.

“It feels so good,” said Logano, who will line up third behind in the Daytona 500

after winning the race that determines the starting order on the inside row. “Obviously, it’s the Duels, not the Daytona 500, but momentum is momentum. (Spotter) T.J. (Majors) does such a great job up on the roof understanding the draft.”

Logano got his first win with new crew chief Paul Wolfe after an offseason personnel shakeup at Team Penske.

“I’ve been working with this new group here,” Logano said. “They’ve been working together, but I’m new with them, and it’s been a good partnership so far. It’s been pretty seamless working out some of the kinks last week (in the Busch Clash) and being able to come to Victory Lane at Daytona.

“Winning anything at Daytona is such a big deal.”

Ryan Newman finished third in the first Duel, followed by Keselowski as Fords swept the top four positions. Bubba Wallace completed the top five in a Chevrolet.

The first caution in the second Duel signaled the demise of another Daytona 500 hopeful. Contact from Corey LaJoie’s Ford turned JJ Yeley’s Mustang into the backstretch wall on Lap 42 and ended Yeley’s hopes of racing on Sunday.

Yeley’s hard wreck gave the transfer spot into the Great American Race to Timmy Hill, who will make his first start in NASCAR’s most prestigious race on Sunday.

A strong push from Kurt Busch propelled Byron to the lead with three laps left in the second Duel, and Byron stayed out front the rest of the way, with Johnson surging into second on the final circuit.

Kyle Larson took the third spot, as Chevrolets swept the podium positions.

Kevin Harvick, who led three times for a race-high 34 laps, ran fourth, followed by his Stewart-Haas Racing teammate, Sunoco rookie Cole Custer.

In the closing laps, the Chevrolets ganged up on Harvick and Matt DiBenedetto, who pushed Harvick’s No. 4 Ford for much of the race. On Lap 57, Byron and Kurt Busch got a strong run to the outside that Harvick couldn’t block.

“No, there wasn’t any Chevy orders or anything like that,” Byron said. “We just did a good job of working together. Kurt was a great pusher and great helper. I really had a lot of trust in him. I was really trying to go with one (lap) to go, but I had enough momentum out of the tri oval.

“Watching the old races, that’s where the momentum kind of lines up. I didn’t know if I would get that kind of same momentum once everybody started pushing with one to go. Made it there, got to second. I guess Kevin played really nice and didn’t pull a big block... Excited for the 500.”

To Harvick, discretion was the better part of valor.

CMYK

COLUMBIA-GREENE MEDIA

B12 - Saturday - Sunday, February 15-16, 2020

2020 NFL mock draft: Three-round projections Eddie Brown The San Diego Union-Tribune

We are less than two weeks away from the NFL combine, but before we kickoff the “Underwear Olympics” in Indianapolis, here’s a reminder from your friendly neighborhood draft analyst: former Ohio State edge rusher Chase Young is the best prospect in this draft.

A quarterback will almost certainly be selected with the top overall pick. That quarterback will most likely be named Joe Burrow. In fact, quarterbacks will likely steal the headlines (as per usual) with the potential of five being selected in primetime opening night.

Regardless, Young remains the best prospect and wide receiver is the deepest position (I have five currently being selected in the first round). Still, quarterbacks will get the attention despite there not being five of them I’d consider worthy of a firstround selection.

Such is life in the NFL. The NFL draft has become a nice appetizer before our main course in September. A mock version of said draft is meant to educate, and even entertain. At very least, it helps you pass the time.

The closer we get to draft day, the more I attempt to match what teams will actually do with their draft picks as opposed to what I believe they should do.

Last season, I was the fifth most accurate (out of 101) — most accurate in print — NFL draft prognosticator according to The Huddle Report. I’m 18th over the past five years.

Follow me on Twitter UTEddieBrown so we can continue the conversation.

Here’s an updated version of my 2020 NFL mock draft, now through three rounds: FIRST ROUND 1. Cincinnati (2-14) — Joe Burrow, QB, LSU, Sr. It’s probably best not to overthink this. Burrow just finished a silly statistical season, was an almost unanimous Heisman Trophy winner and led the Tigers to a national title. He’s very talented, but I don’t consider him on par with Andrew Luck, Peyton Manning or John Elway. He could miss if the Bengals don’t borrow liberally from LSU’s former passing game coordinator Joe Brady’s scheme. Top needs: QB, OL, LB 2. Washington (3-13) — Chase Young, Edge, Ohio St., Jr. New head coach Ron Rivera and his defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio would be giddy to land the best player/ pass rusher in this draft class (Young had 16.5 sacks this season and 30.5 sacks in three years at Columbus). The Redskins will add him to a young, talented defensive line unless a team pays a king’s ransom for the Buckeye or a quarterback. Top needs: OL, CB, LB 3. Detroit (3-12-1) — Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn, Sr. It’s conceivable the Dolphins, Chargers, Panthers, Raiders or Colts could all target this selection in order to land a quarterback, assuming the Redskins don’t get cute and pass on Young. The SEC Defensive Player of the Year (and consensus All-American) is the most talented interior defensive lineman in this draft class and the most disruptive player the Lions have had an opportunity to draft since Ndamukong Suh. Top needs: DL, DB, WR 4. N.Y. Giants (4-12) — Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia, Jr. Thomas is an investment in the futures of both Daniel Jones and Saquan Barkley.

He’s a big, powerful, athletic lineman with springy footwork and quick hands who’s a dynamic closer in both the run and pass game. Top needs: OT, S, DL 5. Miami (5-11) — Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama, Jr. Back-to-back seasons with an ankle injury and a dislocated hip will give us

something to talk about until April (and the Bengals an excuse for passing on him). A healthy Tagovailoa compares favorably to Russell Wilson, but taller. He plans on participating in medical checkups and interviews at the Combine in Indy. His threemonth CT scan “was as positive possible.” Tagovailoa’s hip has healed, and his range of motion is good, according to the NFL Network. Top needs: QB, OL, Edge 6. L.A. Chargers (5-11) — Jordan Love, QB, Utah St., Jr. Demand ALWAYS overrules supply when it comes to quarterbacks in the draft. It’ll be hard to pass on a signalcaller here with Philip Rivers finally in the rearview, unless they replace the potential Hall of Famer through free agency. Or will they Tankfor-Trevor by starting Tyrod Taylor next season? Regardless, Love’s arm talent and mobility is exactly what head coach Anthony Lynn wants in a quarterback. Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons or a top offensive tackle are in play here as well. Top needs: OL, QB, RB 7. Carolina (5-11) — Jeffrey Okudah, CB, Ohio St., Jr. Luke Kuechly’s retirement makes Simmons a target for the Panthers, but it’s hard to pass on Okudah here before we see how free agency plays out. Cornerbacks James Bradberry, Ross Cockrell and Javien Elliott are all free agents. The consensus AllAmerican is an elite athlete who has proven proficient in man coverage and is only scratching the surface of his potential. Top needs: OL, DB, DL 8. Arizona (5-10-1) — Jedrick Wills, OL, Alabama, Jr. Offensive tackles D.J. Humphries and Justin Murray are both free agents. Wills is a powerful upgrade who is versatile enough to play guard and has shown some serious growth this season.

He only allowed one quarterback pressure in his last five games, according to Pro Football Focus. Top needs: OL, DL, DB 9. Jacksonville (6-10) — Isaiah Simmons, LB, Clemson, Jr. The Jaguars will look to restock their once very talented defense this offseason. The only defensive position Simmon’s ill-equipped to play is nose tackle. He’s an athletic unicorn who can rush the passer, patrol sideline-tosideline and make an impact in coverage. Top needs: DT, WR, LB 10. Cleveland (6-10) — Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa, Jr. The Browns must upgrade their offensive line if Baker Mayfield has any hope in improving on a porous sophomore campaign in the pros.

Wirfs is the best pass protector in this class, and talented enough to play multiple positions on the line. Top needs: OT, S, LB 11. N.Y. Jets (7-9) — Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama, Jr. Elite prospects seem to fall in the Jets’ lap (See: Leonard Williams and Jamal Adams).

Wide receiver Robby Anderson is facing free agency.

Jeudy is an upgrade and the crown jewel of what is shaping up to be a special 2020 class of receivers. He’s the best prospect at the position in almost a decade. Top needs: OL, WR, Edge 12. Las Vegas (7-9) — Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon, Sr. It’s been clear for a while head coach Jon Gruden and quarterback Derek Carr are not entirely on the same page.

Herbert has all the physical attributes (prototypical size and elite arm talent) Gruden requires, but consistency has been his bane. Still, his performance during Senior Bowl week could catapult him into the top 10. Top needs: WR, LB, CB 13. Indianapolis (7-9) — Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina, Sr. This interior wrecking-ball would take an up-and-coming defense to another level.

MATTHEW STOCKMAN/GETTY IMAGES

Chase Young (2) of the Ohio State Buckeyes pursues Trevor Lawrence (16) of the Clemson Tigers in the first half during the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium on December 28, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona.

Kinlaw has the potential to be a force against the pass and run at the next level. His draft stock will continue to rise after we see him perform at the combine. Top needs: DT, WR, Edge 14. Tampa Bay (7-9) — Mekhi Beckton, OT, Louisville, Jr. The offensive line needs upgraded regardless if the Buccaneers retain Jameis Winston or pursue Philip Rivers in free agency. You can’t teach Beckton’s size (6-7, 369) and he’s surprisingly nimble, especially as a run blocker. Top needs: QB, OL, DL 15. Denver (7-9) — Henry Ruggs, WR, Alabama, Jr. Ruggs would be a perfect compliment to Courtland Sutton. He is pure electricity with the football in his hands.

The speedster scored 25 total touchdowns on 100 touches in his Crimson Tide career.

Top needs: OL, DB, DL 16. Atlanta (7-9) — Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU, Sr. Starting cornerback Desmond Trufant missed seven games this season and GM Thomas Dimitroff has already discussed his affinity for the talented defensive backs in this draft class. Fulton is an elite athlete who was the top cornerback prospect coming out of high school in 2016. Top needs: Edge, OG, LB 17. Dallas (8-8) — Xavier McKinney, S, Alabama, Jr. It’s well documented how the Cowboys have attempted to upgrade the safety position over the past couple of seasons, plus All-Pro cornerback Byron Jones will be one of the most sought after free agents in March. McKinney is an elite athlete with prototypical size (6-1, 200) who can play every position in the defensive backfield. Top needs: S, DL, TE 18. Miami from Pittsburgh (8-8) — A.J. Epenesa, Edge, Iowa, Jr. The Dolphins were last in generating sacks last season with only 23. The AP All-American racked up 11.5 sacks and forced four fumbles despite facing persistent double-teams all season. Top needs: QB, OL, Edge 19. Las Vegas from Chicago (8-8) — Patrick Queen, LB, LSU, Jr. The Raiders find a quarterback for their defense too.

Queen is a three down, sideline-to-sideline terror with an elite football mind. Top needs: WR, LB, CB 20. Jacksonville from L.A. Rams (9-7) — Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama, Sr. The Jaguars will seek a replacement for All-Pro Jalen Ramsey (Tre Herndon certainly isn’t). Diggs (Stefon’s little brother) is still raw, but he features prototypical size (6-foot-2, 205 pounds) and a physicality that burdens receivers. Top needs: DT, WR, LB 21. Philadelphia (9-7) — CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma, Jr. The Eagles wide receiver corps is in shambles. The inconsistent Nelson Agholor faces free agency while DeSean Jackson isn’t getting any younger (or healthier). Lamb has elite hands and ball skills (he’s special with the ball in the air). He can also contribute as a blocker. Top needs:

WR, DB, LB 22. Buffalo (10-6) — Laviska Shenault, WR, Colorado, Jr. An offense featuring Josh Allen, Devin Singletary and Shenault could get really creative. His size (6-foot-2, 225 pounds), speed (he could run a sub-4.4 40 at the combine) and nose for the end zone (he has 10 receiving and seven rushing touchdowns the past two seasons) could catapult him into the top-15 discussion. Top needs: WR, OG, LB 23. New England (12-4) — K’Lavon Chaisson, Edge, LSU, Soph.

Few teams replenish the talent in their front-seven like the Patriots. Chaisson features one of the highest upsides at any position in this draft class. He’s a natural speed rusher who is capable of dropping into coverage and can be an asset in defending the run. The one knock is his durability. Top needs: TE, OG, LB 24. New Orleans (13-3) — Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson, Jr. Michael Thomas is in desperate need of a sidekick.

Higgins is a big-play machine with elite size (6-foot-4, 200 pounds) and speed. He has an “above the rim” mentality as a former basketball player and would be a steal this low in the first round. Top needs: WR, LB, OG 25. Minnesota (10-6) — C.J. Henderson, CB, Florida, Jr. Trae Waynes is an unrestricted free agent and something is clearly wrong with Xavier Rhodes. It’s nitpicking to say Henderson is a shy tackler in the run game. Shutdown corners aren’t charged with shutting down running backs. They’re supposed to shutdown wide receivers and Henderson has no problem doing that. Top needs: CB, OG, WR 26. Miami from Houston (10-6) — D’Andre Swift, RB, Georgia, Jr. The Dolphins backfield has been a mess all year. A quarterback (Ryan Fitzpatrick) led them in rushing yards (243) and rushing touchdowns (four) while a wide receiver (Albert Wilson) had their longest rush from scrimmage (28 yards). Swift is a shifty back able to bounce it outside or handle the rigors of running between the tackles. He’s also a weapon out of the backfield (he has 56 receptions and four touchdowns the last two seasons). Top needs: QB, OL, Edge 27. Seattle (11-5) — Yetur Gross-Matos, Edge, Penn St., Jr. The Seahawks need an edge rusher who can take advantage of Jadeveon Clowney’s presence, assuming he returns. Gross-Matos needs to add some strength to his frame, but he’s a gifted pass rusher with elite athleticism and a nose for the ball.

Top needs: Edge, OL, TE 28. Baltimore (14-2) — Terrell Lewis, Edge, Alabama, Jr. One of the Ravens key priorities is boosting their pass rush (their 37 sacks ranked 21st in the NFL). Lewis showcased an impressive power/ speed combo in Mobile during Senior Bowl week. Top needs: Edge, LB, WR 29. Tennessee (9-7) — Jonathan Taylor, RB Wisconsin, Jr. All-Pro running back

Derrick Henry could command $14-$16 million per season as a free agent. There have been very few collegiate tailbacks as productive as Taylor (6,174 rushing yards and 50 rushing touchdowns in three seasons in Madison).

Top needs: Edge, OT, RB 30. Green Bay (13-3) — Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma, Jr. It’s clear the Packers need a run stopper after getting bulldozed in the NFC Championship game. Murray is an explosive athlete who has developed elite instincts during his three seasons in Norman.

His draft stock should benefit from Alabama’s Dylan Moses returning to school. Top needs: WR, LB, OT 31. San Francisco (13-3) — Tyler Biadasz, C, Ohio St., Jr. The 49ers will likely trade this pick to the highest bidder, considering they won’t be on the clock again until the fifth round. If they stand pat, the Rimington Award winner (nation’s top center) is an upgrade for an interior line who overachieved this past season. Top needs: OL, DB, WR 32. Kansas City (12-4) — Jaylon Johnson, CB, Utah, Jr. Kendall Fuller is an unrestricted free agent after this season. Johnson’s ball skills and physicality help him standout. Top needs: CB, RB, OG SECOND ROUND 33. Cincinnati — Neville Gallimore, DL, Oklahoma, Sr. 34. Indianapolis from Washington — Jalen Reagor, WR, TCU, Jr. 35. Detroit — Bryce Hall, CB, Virginia, Sr. 36. N.Y. Giants — Grant Delpit, S, LSU, Jr. 37. L.A. Chargers — Josh Jones, OT, Houston, Sr. Russell Okung can’t play forever and it’s clear the Chargers need an upgrade over Sam Tevi. A very good week at the Senior Bowl in Mobile finally garnered the talented lineman some attention. The former team captain features elite athleticism.

Top needs: OL, QB, RB 38. Carolina — Isaiah Wilson, OT, Georgia, So. 39. Miami — Austin Jackson, OT, USC, Jr. 40. Arizona — Ross Blacklock, DT, TCU, Jr. 41. Cleveland — Ashtyn Davis, S, California, Sr. 42. Jacksonville — Lloyd Cushenberry, OL, LSU, Jr. 43. Chicago from Las Vegas — Brycen Hopkins, TE, Purdue, Sr. Neither Trey Burton or Adam Shaheen have proven durable and the tight end is a focal point of this offense.

Hopkins is a supersized wide receiver who can line up anywhere and is dangerous after the catch. Top needs: OG, TE, Edge 44. Indianapolis — Curtis Weaver, Edge, Boise State, Jr. 45. Tampa Bay — Jacob Eason, QB, Washington, Jr. 46. Denver — A.J. Terrell, CB, Clemson, Jr. 47. Atlanta — Cesar Ruiz, OL, Michigan, Jr. 48. N.Y. Jets — Prince Tega Wanogho, OT, Auburn, Sr. 49. Pittsburgh — Julian Okwara, Edge, Notre Dame, Sr. Sack artist Bud Dupree is an unrestricted free agent. A broken left fibula suffered in November will likely keep the very talented pass rusher out of the first round. He’s a potential steal here. Top needs: OL, Edge, TE 50. Chicago — Jake Fromm, QB, Georgia, Sr. 51. Dallas — Cole Kmet, TE, Notre Dame, Jr. 52. L.A. Rams — Trey Adams, OL, Washington, Sr. The Rams offensive line needs an overhaul if the offense hopes to return to its lofty stature of 2018. There are durability concerns, but Adams features the size (6-8, 314), power and athleticism the NFL requires in a starting left tackle. Top needs: OL, DL, LB 53. Philadelphia — Antoine Winfield Jr., S, Minnesota, So. 54. Buffalo — Jeff Gladney, CB, TCU, Sr. 55. Atlanta from New

England — Zach Baun, LB, Wisconsin, Sr. 56. Miami from New Orleans — Brandon Aiyuk, WR, Arizona St., Sr. 57. Houston — J.K. Dobbins, RB, Ohio St., Jr. Carlos Hyde and Duke Johnson were serviceable, but Dobbins is an upgrade in every way. He’s a three down threat with natural hands and a nose for the end zone. He’s a steal here. Top needs: DT, OT, RB 58. Minnesota — Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU, Jr. 59. Seattle — Lucas Niang, OT, TCU, Sr. 60. Baltimore — K.J. Hamler, WR, Penn St., So. 61. Tennessee — Josh Uche, Edge, Michigan, Sr. 62. Green Bay — Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor, Sr. 63. Kansas City from San Francisco — Clyde EdwardsHelaire, RB, LSU, Jr. 64. Seattle from Kansas City — Cameron Dantzler, CB, Mississippi St., Jr. THIRD ROUND 65. Cincinnati — Akeem Davis-Gaither, LB, Appalachian State, Sr. 66. Washington — Damon Arnette, CB, Ohio State, Sr. 67. Detroit — Donovan Peoples-Jones, WR, Michigan, Jr. 68. N.Y. Jets from N.Y. Giants — Marlon Davidson, DL, Auburn, Sr. 69. Carolina — Troy Dye, LB, Oregon Sr. 70. Miami — Jordan Elliott, DL, Missouri, Jr. 71. L.A. Chargers — Thaddeus Moss, TE, LSU, So. Hunter Henry could command between $8-$10 million as a free agent. The son of NFL Hall of Fame wide receiver Randy Moss clearly has the pass-catching pedigree if you watched the National Title game against Clemson.

The bonus is he’s a committed run blocker. Top needs: OL, QB, RB 72. Arizona — Kyle Dugger, S, Lenoir-Rhyne, Sr. 73. Jacksonville — Raekwon Davis, DL, Alabama, Sr. 74. Cleveland — Malik Harrison, LB, Ohio State, Sr. 75. Indianapolis — Terrell Burgess, S, Utah, Sr. 76. Tampa Bay — Justin Madubuike, DL, Texas A&M, Jr. 77. Denver — Nick Harris, OL, Washington, Sr. 78. Atlanta — Hunter Bryant, TE, Washington, Jr. 79. N.Y. Jets — Noah Igbinoghene, CB, Auburn, Jr. 80. Las Vegas — Michael Pittman Jr., WR, USC, Sr. 81. Las Vegas from Chicago — Lamar Jackson, CB, Nebraska, Sr. 82. Dallas — Bradlee Anae, Edge, Utah, Sr. 83. Denver from Pittsburgh — Solomon Kindley, OL, Georgia, Jr. 84. L.A. Rams — Darrell Taylor, Edge, Tennessee, Sr. Dante Fowler Jr. is a free agent. Taylor features prototypical size (6-4, 255) for an edge rusher and showcased a power/speed combo that had scouts talking during Senior Bowl week. Top needs: OL, DL, LB 85. Philadelphia — Netane Muti, OL, Fresno State, Jr. 86. Buffalo — Logan Stenberg, OG, Kentucky, Sr. 87. New England — Adam Trautman, TE, Dayton, Sr. 88. New Orleans — Ben Bredeson, OL, Michigan, Sr. 89. Minnesota — Leki Fotu, DL, Utah, Sr. 90. Cleveland from Houston — Tyler Johnson, WR, Minnesota, Sr. 91. Las Vegas from Seattle — Chase Claypool, WR, Notre Dame, Sr. 92. Baltimore — Zack Moss, RB, Utah, Sr. 93. Tennessee — Robert Hunt, OL, Louisiana, Sr. 94. Green Bay — Jack Driscoll, OL, Auburn, Sr. 95. Denver from San Francisco — Jonathan Greenard, Edge, Florida, Sr. 96. Kansas City — Davon Hamilton, DL, Ohio State, Sr.

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es os cl e th as e os cl as e ar ’ ic m de an ‘P Netflix’s Stephen King’s ‘The Outsider’ and

FA C E Y O U R

FEARS “The Outsider”

There is so much to fear in this world.

It is hard to escape.

It was so much simpler when Franklin D. Roosevelt, delivering his first inaugural address as president in 1933, said, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”

Roosevelt had never watched TV and was thus not daily bombarded with its frightening images, whether of the fictional, all too real or relatively benign type (“Blizzard Watch”). Fostering our fears and fueling our collective sense of dread, TV delivers, and millions eagerly accept.

Consider two programs available now for your viewing.

“The Outsider” is based on a novel by that master of horror and fear and unease. His name is, of course, Stephen King and this series premiered on HBO some weeks ago. In its four episodes to date (No. 5 airs Sunday) it has provided some terrific acting, a darkly distinctive visual style, a pile of bodies and plenty of reasons for bad dreams.

It begins with the body of a dead young boy, found in the woods, bloody and abused. Detective Ralph Anderson (Ben Mendelsohn) begins to gather evidence and all of it points to the killer being his friend Terry Maitland (Jason Bateman, who directed the first two episodes), a husband, father and Little League coach.

He is arrested, swears his innocence and offers very solid proof that he was not in town the day of the murder.

What follows, having seen the first four of the show’s 10 episodes, is captivating and, yes, frightening. Other people die, plenty of them and in all manner of ways, and things get especially enigmatic (some might think confusing), especially after special investigator Holly Gibney (Cynthia Erivo, an Academy Award nominee for her title role in “Harriet”) gets involved, making good if unnerving use her extrasensory-perception abilities. With each spooky step she appears to be guiding viewers onto a supernatural highway.

Having read the novel, I know where we are headed. Or think I do, because series creator Richard Price is nothing if not imaginative. The author of such fine novels as “The Wanderers” and “The Lush Life,” he’s been a creative force of such television shows as “The Night Of” and “The Deuce.” He wrote most this series’ episodes, getting artful aide from another acclaimed novelist, Dennis Lehane. Together and with others they have — so far — effectively combined the elements of a police procedural with a paranormal excursion.

They benefit greatly by fine acting from their cast, notably Mendelsohn; Julianne Nicholson as Terry’s wife Glory; Mare Winningham as Anderson’s wife; Bateman, who is also an executive producer; and Gibney who is, in a word, captivating.

They all are responsible for helping See FEAR C2

“The Outsider,” is based on a Stephen King novel. In the series, plenty of people die as a hooded figure lurks in the edges.HBO

“Pandemic: How to Prevent an Outbreak” is a six-part documentary coming out amid a coronavirus outbreak. Netflix

Actress Cynthia Erivo plays an investigator with extrasensory perception in “The Outsider.” HBO

Birds of Prey’ lets a Joker-free Harley Quinn shine

By JUSTIN CHANG Los Angeles Times

The last time we saw Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie), in the very last scene of “Suicide Squad,” she was happily reading a book and sipping an espresso behind bars, only to find herself suddenly freed by her boyfriend, the Joker (Jared Leto). “Puddin’!” she squealed at the sight of her greenhaired paramour, though if you watch that scene again, you may find her delight more forced than persuasive. It’s an

unusually strained moment, and surely no fault of Robbie, a versatile actress with a Cheshire cat’s grin who was always a good match for Harley’s brand of lunacy. Clearly, not even the most irrational mind would want to go home with this joyless, juiceless excuse for a super-villain.

Mercifully, the Joker is nowhere to be seen in “Birds of Prey,” a sleek, diverting, hyper-violent new caper that arrives bearing the cheeky subtitle “(and the Fantabulous

Emancipation of One Harley Quinn).” She isn’t the only one who’s been emancipated. You might say that the whole movie — a fast, cheap and carefully controlled distraction from the bigger, heavier goings-on at the DC Comics blockbuster factory — has successfully emancipated itself from the dead weight of Leto’s Joker, a cinematic non-starter that was recently eclipsed by Joaquin Phoenix’s superior, soon-to-be-Oscar-winning upgrade.

Whether we will ever see Robbie and Phoenix team up for a Harley-Joker reunion is unclear, though personally I hope not; it is hard to imagine their characters occupying the same Gotham City, let alone the same movie. “Joker,” indebted to the sweatily atmospheric New York crime pictures of Martin Scorsese, is a bleak and brooding character study, thick with doomy portent and disturbing psychological undercurrents. “Birds of Prey,” directed by Cathy Yan

from a screenplay by Christina Hodson, is an impudent blast of comic energy. Light on psychology and devoid of prestige, it’s a slab of R-rated hard candy that refuses to take anything, least of all itself, too seriously.

These differences — the careful separation of themes, tones and styles — seem both deliberate and a little refreshing. At the beginning of “Birds of Prey,” in a blur of bright-colored animation and fast-chattering voice-over, we

learn that the former “king and queen of Gotham City” have abruptly called it quits; cue shots of Harley slurping cheese out of a can and commiserating with her newly acquired pet hyena (named Bruce, as in Wayne). Consciously uncoupling yourself from an abusive psychopath might sound like a healthy life decision on paper, but the opposite may be true for Harley: Absent the protection of her See ‘PREY’ C2

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A must-see Midwestern city MADISON, WISC.: Find an inviting downtown

surrounded by lakes and plenty of green space

By KATE SILVER Washington Post

Long before I visited Madison, Wisc., I overheard a conversation among three women that went something like this: Woman No. 1: “I’m from the Madison area.” Woman No. 2: “Oh, I love Madison.” Woman No. 3: “Madison is like Sara Lee. Nobody doesn’t like Madison.”

I’ve since visited the city enough times to know that woman No. 3 might well be right. Madison is, in so many ways, the quintessential Midwestern city, from its inviting downtown, perched on an isthmus between Lake Monona and Lake Mendota, to its character-filled neighborhoods, hiking and biking trails (200-plus miles of them) and ever-present green space, including 260 parks and beaches.

Madison is both the Wisconsin state capital, with about 250,000 residents, and a spirited college town, home to the University of Wisconsin, with about 40,000 students. You can’t miss either aspect. The carefully planned area around the Capitol, called Capitol Square, is packed with trendy restaurants, bars, shops and music venues that appeal to residents as well as visitors. And the campus? It’s a straight shot down State Street, past about a mile of beer and coffee bars, restaurants, boutiques, ice cream shops, a modern art museum and performing arts center.

It’s a place where you can get your fill of traditional Wisconsin indulgences, like Friday night fish fries and oldfashioneds made with brandy, while finding a healthy balance, as the locals do, in countless outdoor activities — water sports, cycling and

running in warmer months; cross-country skiing, snow shoeing and ice fishing during the long winter. If you’re coming from a larger city, Madison is an easygoing break from the chaos. If you’re coming from a smaller town, it’s a culturefilled adventure.

Is it true that nobody doesn’t like this town? You’ll have to see for yourself.

GO Local faves: The bundledup winter personality of Madison is quite different from its carefree summer self. Thankfully, one beloved mainstay is available throughout all seasons: the Dane County Farmers’ Market. It stakes its claim as the largest producer-only farmers market in the United States (meaning the people you buy from are the people who produced the products — no reselling is allowed), and, while its late-winter version (Saturdays through April 4) is more staid than the downtown summer incarnations (surrounding the Capitol building Saturdays and Wednesdays in the 200 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, AprilNovember) there’s something especially gratifying about perusing hardy produce and products — greens, apples, honey, potatoes, mushrooms, cheese curds, pastries and more — when it’s frigid outside. This year, the winter market is in a new location inside the historical Garver Feed Mill, a stately brick building recently renovated and reopened as a hub for small, locally owned businesses (a spa, a yoga studio, kombucha) and restaurants.

For a midsize town, Madison draws some impressive talent from around the world

Guests browse at the winter farmer’s market in Garver Feed Mill in Madison, Wis. Lauren Justice/ Washington Post

to its many storied venues. A few years ago, I saw Josh Ritter at the Majestic Theatre, an intimate space that dates back to the early 1900s. On this recent trip, we were more spontaneous and bought last-minute tickets to see a standup comedy show at, again, the Majestic. Had we not lucked out with that performance — conveniently located a few minutes’ walk from our downtown hotel — we might have checked out someplace like the Sylvee, which recently drew the likes of Lizzo, Lana Del Rey and Vampire Weekend; High Noon Saloon, which brings in national and local acts and hosts the storytelling event, the Moth; the Barrymore Theatre, where you might find Mat Kearny performing one day

and a fly-fishing film fest the next; or one of the many other entertainment options, from hole-in-the-wall to stadiumsized.

Guidebook musts: Downtown, all roads pretty much lead to the Wisconsin State Capitol. And yet, we didn’t originally plan to go inside, until, on a lazy Saturday morning, my husband points toward the dome and proclaims, “There are people up there!”

With that, we had a new mission: Become the people up there. Exploring the building, which celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2017, turns out to be one of the more memorable endeavors of the trip. We pass by elaborate statues, shuffle by hand-carved furniture, admire the many different types

‘Prey’

Fear From C1

build a sense of foreboding, as is a nameless hooded character lurking at the edges of the action. Start watching and you are likely to get hooked until the end, even if you have to consult a dictionary for the definition of doppelganger, which is — I’m save you some time — “An apparition or double of a living person.”

While doppelgangers may the stuff of legend, pandemics are very real and Netflix provides “Pandemic: How to Prevent an Outbreak,” a sixpart streaming documentary series that arrives on the heels

here?), and Madison Museum of Contemporary Art (MMoCA) is a small but mighty diversion — bonus that it’s free and not far from the Capitol.

The building itself is a sight to behold. Designed by architect César Pelli, the dramatic walls of glass look like a translucent ship slicing into the intersection of State and Henry streets.

On display through Feb. 16 is “Wisconsin Triennial,” showcasing paintings, drawings, sculptures and more from artists around the state. Beyond the galleries, a rooftop sculpture garden lures visitors up three stories of glass stairs to the tippy top (in my case, past a newlywed couple patiently pausing between photos to

Best Shot,” it’s all as tasty, chewy and disposable as bubble gum. It’s also a marked improvement on “Suicide Squad,” which may not be saying much, insofar as two hours spent in the company of a pitch-black screen would be a marked improvement on “Suicide Squad.” Still, Yan and Robbie have largely salvaged Harley Quinn from the dour, sexist ugliness of that 2016 movie, where she was little more than a tongue in a tight T-shirt, something for the camera to ogle in between interminably muddled action scenes.

The filmmakers haven’t exactly imbued the character with untold depths or — apart from a nod to her rebellious childhood, her doctorate in criminal psychology and a familiar vat of acid — done much to embellish her fascinatingly grim back story. But they have turned her from a psycho’s plaything into a selfmade antiheroine who, with a little help from her friends, can shoulder the weight of her own adventure. In doing so, they’ve subverted the character’s Quinn-tessence: Just because you’ve seen one Harley doesn’t mean you’ve seen a moll. another of Stephen King’s bestsellers. “The Stand” gives us a planet in chaos after a strain of influenza is accidentally released and kills 99% of the world’s population. Published in 1978, the novel was made into a 1994 television miniseries starring, among many, Rob Lowe, Molly Ringwald and Gary Sinise.

More than 19 million people watched each episode of the four-part series and there is another miniseries based on the book in the works, set to premiere later this year. Maybe you’ll watch it, adhering to something Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “Do one thing every day that scares you,” having no idea that television would make that so, so easy.

her trail, and Helena Bertinelli, a.k.a. the Huntress (the nevernot-welcome Mary Elizabeth Winstead), whose traumatic origin story, revealed in an O-Ren Ishii-style flashback, has made her lethal with a crossbow if charmingly awkward in the self-promotional department. There’s also Dinah, a.k.a. Black Canary (a

strong Jurnee Smollett-Bell), a songbird with a killer voice and killer fists to match, and a wily teenage thief, Cassandra Cain (Ella Jay Basco), who goes on the lam with Harley and whose digestive tract becomes a crucial plot point for reasons best left unexamined here.

Both Dinah and Cassandra are entangled with the

story’s designated villain, a velvet-suited nightclub owner named Roman Sionis (Ewan McGregor) whose sadistic schemes center on the acquisition of a uniquely valuable diamond. It’s too bad that whatever kinky shenanigans Roman gets up to with his knife-wielding henchman (a cheerfully debauched Chris

Messina) are mostly left offscreen. Or maybe it’s a good thing, since what they really seem to get off on is slicing off the faces of their victims in thin, Fruit Roll-Up-like sheets.

The application of a knife to a human face is the sort of callous, jokily violent image that can push you right out of a movie, though Yan — making the big Hollywood leap after her 2018 Sundance-premiered debut, “Dead Pigs” — has a flair for pulling you back in.

She and her expert director of photography, Matthew Libathique (“Black Swan,” “A Star Is Born”), have a clean and steady eye for action, as do the editors Jay Cassidy and Evan Schiff. Together with a crew that includes costume designer Erin Benach (“The Neon Demon”) and production designer K.K. Barrett (known for his inventive work with Spike Jonze), they enliven the relentless groin-smashing, bone-crunching mayhem with periodic bursts of gaudy color, including Harley’s tinseled pompom sleeves as well as multihued eruptions of smoke and glitter.

With a soundtrack of busy, dreamy pop covers like “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” or “Hit Me With Your

of the coronavirus, which is so dominating headlines and news flashes that is makes this series frighteningly relevant, if not wholly satisfying.

It begins with a search in a suspected mass 1918 grave site in Pennsylvania and the unsettling fact that World War I soldiers returning from battle helped spread the Spanish flu virus so widely that more than 100 million people died worldwide.

Though much of its focus in on the U.S., the program traverses the globe to explore the possible sources that could cause the next devastating influenza epidemic. In India, Vietnam, Guatemala, Lebanon, Egypt and the US/Mexico border, it examines worldwide

healthcare preparations (or lack thereof) in place to combat diseases and explores what many are doing to try to prevent disaster.

The series is filled with facts, peppered with such alarming and chilling sentences as these: “A future flu pandemic would likely kill hundreds of millions of people” “All it would take is one person to spread a virus around the globe.”

“When we talk about another flu pandemic happening, it’s not a matter of if, but when.”

There is a palpable, and understandable, sense of urgency as the program punctuates the need to prepare

against epidemics and explores the expensive quest to create a universal flu vaccine.

This is powerfully captured in Jake Glanville, the founder of a biotech company called Distributed Bio. He and his colleagues are working to create just such a vaccine, a mission made more difficult because it is completely funded out of pocket.

He is among the show’s many heroes, who come in the shape of doctors and scientists battling against such foes as under-funding in research and health care, those of the vociferous anti-vaxxer movement, misinformation and political red-tape. It is sad to listen to Holly Goracke, the only doctor on her shift at a rural

Oklahoma hospital, wonder if such small facilities as hers might be ignored in the face of a large-scale outbreak.

Yes, this series will fuel some of your fears. The coronavirus is not mentioned but given how frequently it peppers current news, it will surely be lurking ominously in your mind. The show is quite capably produced by Zero Point Zero Productions, known for making some of the shows for the late Anthony Bourdain. While it may smack a bit of fear mongering, it delivers much information and food for thought.

Whether you partake of these programs, well, that’s your call. But either might cause you to remember

From C1

beloved “Mister J,” she finds herself at the mercy of every two-bit thug she ever crossed, maimed or injured, of whom there are almost too many to count.

And so, with her blond pigtails cut short but her roller skates and Louisville Slugger still at the ready, Harley Quinn does what any star of her own standalone brand-extension exercise would do: She gets herself a posse, a dream team, a league of her own. Because she’s a lousy planner and doesn’t really like other people, this happens largely by accident, and occupies most of the movie’s swift 109-minute running time. Harley introduces all the relevant parties with a playfully scatterbrained voice-over, merrily hopscotching across time frames and tying together a convoluted story that has neither the desire nor the need to cohere.

Her unlikely future allies in blockbuster intersectional feminism include Renee Montoya (Rosie Perez), a disgruntled Gotham cop who’s hot on

of marble and stone (43 types, to be exact), and stifle giggles at a carved badger head (this is the Badger State, after all). On the sixth floor, a docent points us up a tight, winding staircase that leads to the outdoor observation deck, where we take in views all across the isthmus. Back inside on the sixth floor, we walk through a small museum documenting the architecture and history of the building. There, the same docent points to a mural above us, explaining that the women in the painting are holding objects related to Wisconsin.

We squint to see. “They’re not cheese curds or beer, believe it or not,” he chuckles.

Indoor activities are a must for blustery Wisconsin winter days (are you noticing a theme

(L-r) Margot Robbie, Rosie Perez and director Cathy Yan on the set of “Birds of Prey.” Claudette Barius/ DC Comics/Warner Bros.

See MADISON C6

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Food

Slow-cooked chicken chasseur, a French classic, makes an elegant weekend meal. Gretchen McKay/Post-Gazette

CHICKEN CHASSEUR Add this slow-cooked French classic to your repertoire

By GRETCHEN MCKAY

CHICKEN CHASSEUR

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

S

low cookers are popular this time of year, when roasts, chili, soups and casseroles stick to your ribs and chase away the cold weather. But you also can go slow and low in your oven. This one-pot Chicken Chasseur bubbles away for more than five hours at 225 degrees, or about 125 degrees lower than most recipes.

This classic French stew also known as hunter’s chicken mixes seared chicken with mushrooms, tomatoes, white wine and bacon lardons for added texture and richness.

I find the humongous size of grocery store chicken breasts kind of scary, so I cut up a small fryer. If you don’t know how, look for a video on YouTube. Serve the finished dish with rice, mashed potatoes, couscous or egg noodles.

1 2- to 4-pound chicken cut into 8 pieces 2 tablespoons combined salt and freshly ground black pepper 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 slices bacon, cut into thin strips 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature 4 ounces button mushrooms, sliced 2 shallots, sliced ½ cup white wine 2 cups chicken stock, homemade or store-bought 1 tablespoon tomato paste 2 tomatoes, seeded and diced ½ cup finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley 3 ½ tablespoons finely chopped fresh thyme Season chicken heavily on all sides with salt and pepper, then dredge front and back with flour. Shake off excess.

Preheat oven to 225 degrees. Meanwhile, heat Dutch oven over medium heat for 5 minutes, then add olive oil.

Add bacon and cook until it’s

three-quarters cooked, about 5 minutes.

Remove bacon from pan and set aside.

Sear chicken on all sides in batches, 2 minutes per side. Don’t overcrowd pan.

On last batch, add 2 tablespoons butter.

Remove chicken from pot and add mushrooms and shallots. Cook 2-3 minutes, then add white wine and deglaze the pan, making sure to scrape the bottom.

Add chicken stock, tomato paste and tomatoes. Return bacon, chicken to pot.

Let it come to boil, remove from heat, cover and place in oven. Cook for 5 hours 30 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and internal temperature is 165 degrees.

Remove from oven and let settle for 15 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley and thyme. Serves four to six.

“Low & Slow Cooking: 60 Hands-Off Recipes That Are Worth the Wait” by Robyn Almodovar.

DIY baking mix lets you make a variety of muffins in minutes

By ROBIN MATHER Chicago Tribune

If your morning routine includes a coffee shop stop to grab joe and a muffin, you need this story.

If your dinner menu’s looking a little uninspired, you also need this story.

We have a way for you to have your muffin and eat it, too — any time of day, any way you want it. It’ll help your wallet, too. Whether you want sweet, chockablock with fruit and nuts, or savory, redolent with cheese and chiles or other savory ingredients, this baking mix lets you have muffins in minutes.

The baking mix is also a boon to have on hand for lastminute baking tasks, such as when your child informs you at 9 p.m. that tomorrow is her day to take a treat, or when friends pop by unexpectedly.

Store the mix at room temperature and make up a batch whenever you have a few minutes. Then freeze the cooled muffins in individual portions for quick grab-and-go snacks.

It’s better to freeze the baked muffins than to freeze the batter.

Having the mix on hand allows for easy improvisation.

Add a little vanilla to the batter if you’re going for sweet

Theketo diet restricts carbohydrate intake. Pexels

Kick keto diet to curb after a week STUDY: After a short time , the

carb-restricting diet causes body to store fat

By KIERSTEN WILLIS Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The baking mix is a boon to have on hand for last-minute baking tasks, such as when your child informs you at 9 p.m. that tomorrow is her day to bring a treat, or when friends pop by unexpectedly. Abel Uribe/Chicago Tribune

muffins. Top the muffins before baking with a simple streusel of 3 tablespoons flour, 3 tablespoons brown sugar and 2 tablespoons softened butter, if you like. Or, while the muffins bake, you may wish to make a simple glaze or icing from powdered sugar, milk and vanilla to gild them when they’ve cooled.

Some sweet add-in

combinations that I especially like include: n 3/4 cup toasted coconut + 3/4 cup diced pineapple + 1 tablespoon rum extract n 3/4 cup diced apple or pear + 3/4 cup chopped dates n 1 cup peanut butter chips + ¼ cup powdered peanut butter + ¼ cup cocoa n 3/4 cup mashed banana + ½ cup chopped walnuts

n 1 cup mashed pumpkin or butternut squash + 2 teaspoons cinnamon + 1 teaspoon each of nutmeg and ginger n 1 cup fresh blueberries (toss these with the dry ingredients so they won’t sink to the bottom of the muffins) + 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest

See BAKING C6

If the start of the new year led you to go on the ketogenic diet in an effort to lose weight, a new study suggests you may have been on it a little too long.

Researchers at Yale University have conducted a mice study to review the effects of the keto diet. They discovered that beyond a week, the benefits begin to cease.

The study was recently published in Nature Metabolism and results indicate that over a limited time period, consuming a highfat, low-carb diet can possibly offer health benefits

to humans, Yale News reported. They include lowering the risk of diabetes and inflammation. The diet’s positive effects are related to immune cells called gamma delta T-cells, immune cells that protect the tissue and lower the risk of diabetes and inflammation. However, the same cells are also tied to negative effects of keto.

Vishwa Deep Dixit, Ph.D., lead author of the study who is a a professor of comparative medicine and immunology at the Yale School of Medicine, said keto tricks the body into burning fat.

The body acts as if it’s in See KETO C6

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COLUMBIA-GREENE MEDIA

C4 - Saturday - Sunday, February 15-16, 2020

Books & authors

Personal stories of exodus from Christianity CRISIS OF FAITH: Why

I ... struggle to accept that other people’s experiences being raised Mormon were different, milder, even positive. My own was such a potent, violent version, delivered through the knuckles and barbed words of my stepdad, heavy on Patriarchy, Obedience, and Ways You Are Doing It Wrong.”

more Americans are leaving religion

By MEGAN MARZ Washington Post

Empty the Pews: Stories of Leaving the Church Edited by Chrissy Stroop and Lauren O’Neal Epiphany. 274 pp. $18.99 paperback Even as the American Christian right maintains its power and influence — despite a recent dust-up with President Trump — its children continue to abandon the fold. A recent survey by the Pew Research Center shows that fewer Americans across the political spectrum are identifying as Christian, and the phenomenon is particularly pronounced among the young.

In “Empty the Pews: Stories of Leaving the Church,” mostly Gen X and millennial writers describe their disillusionment with the faith of their youth and their departure from their religious communities. In a foreword, Frank Schaeffer, who in 2007 published a memoir of leaving evangelicalism, calls the thinning of the ranks “a generational exodus from toxic Christianity.” The essayists in the book — who include Carmen Maria Machado, (“Her Body and Other Parties,” “In the Dream House”), Garrard Conley (“Boy Erased”) and Linda Tirado (“Hand to Mouth”) — come from a variety of Christian backgrounds: Mormon, Catholic, mainline Protestant and evangelical. All grew up in schools, social circles, families or churches where religion took a conservative, if not an authoritarian, form. Some faced

MEL WELLS Contributing essayist

rejection because of their sexual orientation; some were abused; at least one was taught that black people and white people belonged to different species, and that the Earth was 6,000 years old.

Most of them had multiple reasons for giving up on the church. Conley’s parents’ efforts to turn him straight were not only traumatic for him (he had thoughts of suicide) but also faith-destroying: “It became impossible to take seriously the notion that I could continue communicating with a God who seemed to prefer me dead to gay.” In an essay about

Tribune News Service (TNS)

HARDCOVER FICTION 1. American Dirt. Jeanine Cummins. Flatiron 2. The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse. Charlie Mackesy. HarperOne 3. When You See Me. Lisa Gardner. Dutton 4. Lost. Patterson/Born. Little, Brown 5. Dear Edward. Ann Napolitano. Dial.

6. A Long Petal of the Sea. Isabel Allende. Ballantine 7. The Silent Patient. Alex Michaelides. Celadon 8. Such a Fun Age. Kiley Reid. Putnam 9. The Guardians. John Grisham. Doubleday 10. Moral Compass. Danielle Steel. Delacorte

HARDCOVER NONFICTION 1. A Very Stable Genius. Rucker/Leonnig. Penguin Press 2. Profiles in Corruption. Peter Schweizer. Harper 3. Get Out of Your Head. Jennie Allen. Waterbrook 4. The Making of a Miracle. Mike Eruzione. Harper 5. Leadership Strategy and Tactics. Jocko Willink.

St. Martin’s 6. Me and White Supremacy. Layla Saad.

Sourcebooks 7. Why We’re Polarized. Ezra Klein. Avid Reader 8. Harry Potter: Knitting Magic. Tanis Gray. Insight Editions 9. Talking to Strangers. Malcolm Gladwell. Little, Brown 10. The Defined Dish. Alex Snodgrass. HMH

MASS MARKET 1. Vendetta Road. Christine Feehan. Berkley 2. Blessing in Disguise. Danielle Steel. Dell 3. Country Strong. Linda Lael Miller. HQN 4. The Oysterville Sewing Circle. Susan Wiggs.

Avon 5. Hunting for a Highlander. Lynsay Sands. Avon 6. Shot to Hell. William W. Johnstone. Pinnacle 7. Ambush. Patterson/Born. Grand Central 8. Unspoken. Lisa Jackson. Zebra 9. Vendetta in Death. J.D. Robb. St. Martin’s 10. Pieces of Her. Karin Slaughter. Morrow

TRADE PAPERBACK 1. One Good Deed. David Baldacci. Grand Central 2. Little Fires Everywhere. Celeste Ng. Penguin Books 3. Publication Manual of the APA (7th ed., spiralbound). APA 4. Before We Were Yours. Lisa Wingate. Ballantine 5. The River Murders. Patterson/Born. Grand Central 6. The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek. Kim Michele Richardson. Sourcebooks Landmark 7. Official SAT Study Guide (2020 ed.). College Board 8. Publication Manual of the APA (7th ed.). APA 9. The Overstory. Richard Powers. Norton 10. Insatiable. Helen Hardt. Waterhouse

by extension, religious belief into a one-dimensional phenomenon. There are exceptions, such as Rooney Wynn’s moving essay about coming to embrace a faith less doctrinaire than the one she grew up with.

But the collection’s overall framing seems to equate the bigotry and ignorance of some Christians with Christianity itself. As Schaeffer writes in his foreword, “The grim ‘witness’ of how Christians have behaved and voted is too heavy a blow for faith in magical thinking to survive.” Here his critique of the Christian right slides into an implied critique of belief (“magical thinking”). In the book’s final essay, Isaac Marion is even more explicit: “All religious belief is a game of pretend.”

One possible explanation for such categorical dismissal appears in Mel Wells’ essay about Mormonism: “I ... struggle to accept that other people’s experiences being raised Mormon were different, milder, even positive. My own was such a potent, violent version, delivered through the knuckles and barbed words of my stepdad, heavy on Patriarchy, Obedience, and Ways You Are Doing It Wrong.”

This passage is one of many reminders that the equation of Christianity with homophobic, racist, misogynist and false beliefs did not originate with any of these writers. It’s an equation that some parents, teachers and church leaders make again and again: To be a good Christian you must not be gay. To be a good Christian you must submit to your husband. To be a good Christian you must believe that the Earth is 6,000 years old. To be a good Christian you must vote Republican. Their children have simply taken them at their word.

Searching for signs that God blessed America

Publisher’s Weekly best-sellers Here are the bestsellers for the week that ended Saturday, Feb. 1, compiled from data from independent and chain bookstores, book wholesalers and independent distributors nationwide, powered by NPD BookScan.

growing up in Singapore’s Americanized megachurch culture, Ruby Thiagarajan recalls the two phases of her departure.

She initially had trouble reconciling her beliefs with church teachings. After a church corruption scandal, her belief that church was simply not for her transformed into sadness for those who put their faith in undeserving leaders. Many essays in the collection highlight the spiritual stakes of social relationships. In these cases, crises of religious faith stem from disappointment or disillusionment not so much with God but with other people.

A similarity emerges in the narrative arcs of the essays: Childhood faith falters and then dissolves in the face of corruption, hypocrisy, rejection, abuse or beliefs that do not align with reality. While many of the essayists testify to having felt isolated, this collection makes clear that — to paraphrase editor Lauren O’Neal — they were part of a community they did not know existed. Each time I read a piece in which the writer had no one to talk to about their dissipating faith, or the abuse they were enduring, I wished they could reach through the pages and into another essay, where they might find relief or solidarity.

Of course, that’s exactly what this collection enables them, and their readers, to do. Though most of the essays are decidedly personal, rarely (and only briefly) veering away from individuals’ stories to describe their social or political context, O’Neal

and editor Chrissy Stroop have transformed them here into a document of collective pain and loss. Whereas Tara Westover’s “Educated” and Megan Phelps-Roper’s “Unfollow” — two recent memoirs of leaving Christian extremism — recount exceptional individual experiences, “Empty the Pews” traces a broader social phenomenon.

As in any successful collective project, the weaker entries feel less weak than they otherwise would, since they are contributions to a valuable whole.

And the stronger entries do not stand out as much as they might if you read them alone.

The thematic repetition — and the sincere, direct tone in which most are written — can make the essays blur together, through no fault of their own, despite the particularities of each story. Topher Lin’s excellent piece titled “Selling Out,” for example, is distinct in its moral complexity. His church was homophobic and regressive, yes; but while his beliefs have diverged, he suspects that his split was driven as much by his desire to seem cool as by his moral qualms. Lyz Lenz, in her essay “Cottonwood Creek,” displays a unique gift for evoking place. By linking her loss of faith to the loss of her beloved childhood home, “where the greenbrier curled around trees and scratched our legs and the water oak tipped lazily over the stream as if in a constant halfstate between dreaming and awake,” she makes the pain of her loss sharper and more tangible. But the essays’ shared trajectory of exodus leaves such a strong impression that these distinctions might fade into the background for those who read the book quickly.

At times, this trajectory even steamrolls Christianity and,

By RANDALL J. STEPHENS Washington Post

God’s Hand on America: Divine Providence in the Modern Era

By Michael Medved Crown Forum. 416 pp. $30 The essayist and editor Joseph Epstein once observed that the 1960s “are something of a political Rorschach test. Tell me what you think of that period and I shall tell you what your politics are.” The rule certainly applies to the author, radio host and self-declared former liberal Michael Medved. Look no further than his 2004 political conversion autobiography, “Right Turns,” which has a chapter titled: “The 1960s Counterculture Promoted Stupidity and Self-Destruction.”

Over the years, Medved has variously denounced affirmative action as unfair and lamented the widespread decline in traditional values and the downward trend of modern universities. Fittingly, Medved has come to see America’s pre-1960s history as a kind of antidote to the moral torpor, self-indulgence and many sins of the present.

In his new book, “God’s Hand on America: Divine Providence in the Modern Era,” Medved explores U.S. history in search of divine intervention in the progress of the nation.

He finds that what might look like happy accidents or random occurrences to some, are, in his eyes, quite simply signs of heavenly favor.

America is not just exceptional, it is God’s chosen nation.

Other providentialist popularizers have focused on God and country, among them the Christian nationalist David Barton and former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee.

But Medved is a more careful and thoughtful writer. His prose, whatever one thinks of the message, brings worrying scenes and critical ordeals from America’s past to life.

Medved, who has spent time writing for film and television, demonstrates his narrative skills.

His cinematic chapters take us to moments in the Civil War, the westward expansion, World War II and

the modern civil rights movement.

Medved recounts key episodes in the lives of Lincoln’s secretary of state, William H. Seward; Presidents Theodore Roosevelt and Franklin D. Roosevelt; Prime Minister Winston Churchill; and Martin Luther King Jr., among others.

Medved takes special interest in how fate or providence operated for the good of the country.

That mostly has to do with how esteemed figures narrowly escaped death. With every bullet that didn’t hit an intended target and every carriage or car accident that did not end in a fatality, he sees the hand of God. Medved’s brand of civil religion is most concerned with this protective aspect of divine favor.

The formula usually goes: If X had died, then X could not have accomplished Y. Had Seward’s would-be assassin killed him in 1865, for example, Seward would not have negotiated the purchase of Alaska from Russia in 1867. Without that divine protection, Medved claims, the Cold War would have turned out quite differently.

Medved focuses on the signs and wonders of national righteousness.

A giant cross that was once clearly outlined by nature on the side of a mountain in the Rockies, Medved writes, “served as the country’s ongoing reminder of an unbroken covenant.” The cross, first photographed in the 1870s, fell victim to the elements during the 20th century. Medved sees special significance in the decline of the cross. He writes that the “message from the mountainside seemed unmistakable: just as some vast power had once carved a benediction, that identical force now engraved a warning of collapse and confusion.” Other signs of the divine were more immediate. For example, Teddy Roosevelt’s folded speech and glasses case, which slowed a gunman’s bullet in 1912, could not have been a stroke of luck, Medved insists.

It’s one thing to appreciate how religion or ideas about providence inspired Americans in the 1860s or the 1890s. It’s quite something

else to say that modern Americans should read the distant past as confirmation of the nation’s divine appointment. Medved wonders why Americans are not more thankful “for winning life’s lottery through your American birth or upbringing.”

America being blessed by God, he writes, may defy “the ordinary odds but conforms to our lived experience.” That perspective, while full of hope and optimism, amounts to a selective reading of the past. It ignores a large swath of the U.S. population such as African Americans and Native Americans whose lived experience often has not felt like winning a lottery.

Medved’s style of popular conservative history is in large measure defined by what he leaves out. The shameful, racist, violent aspects of the American narrative are swept away or excused. He gives little attention to the treatment of Native Americans, the crucial role slavery played in the country’s development, wars of imperial expansion and colonial acquisition, and the horrors and follies of the Vietnam and Iraq wars.

In his celebration of the glories of the Transcontinental Railroad, Medved makes little or no room for discussion of the exploitation of workers, unfair and criminal business practices, the destruction of wildlife and natural habitats, or discrimination against Chinese immigrants. Those, too, are essential parts of the story. The racist Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, which banned immigration of Chinese laborers, is not even mentioned. How should modern Americans read these episodes, which earlier Americans explained and justified in explicitly religious terms?

Americans today are sharply divided along partisan lines, Medved acknowledges. But he sees hope in his version of the country’s past.

“Despite disillusionment over present predicaments,” he asserts, “Americans retain an instinctive affinity for the old faith in providential protection, and an honest examination of our history ought to make the

case for its reclamation.” Medved hopes his book will reach a wide audience and help bridge the yawning gaps that mark our current political landscape. Yet, for good or ill, the book will mostly appeal to listeners of right-wing radio and viewers of Fox News.

In a book that focuses so much attention on the singular importance of American presidents, Medved plays down Donald Trump’s significance in the direction of the United States. He is dispirited by the nation’s polarization, which “both sides impute to a single flawed and fascinating human being.”In Medved’s view, Americans have placed too much emphasis on Trump. “In truth,” he writes, “Donald Trump can neither solely save nor single-handedly savage the most powerful nation on Earth.”

We live in an era when America is increasingly isolated from other countries and when world leaders are literally laughing at the president. Perhaps what’s needed is greater humility and the courage to address the many flaws of the nation. In his “Notes of a Native Son,” James Baldwin declared, “I love America more than any other country in this world, and, exactly for this reason, I insist on the right to criticize her perpetually.” As Baldwin knew, American history is filled with stories of triumph and heroism, but it is also marked by tragedy, greed and an arrogance that came with a sense of divine favor. We need more history books that match that complicated and messy reality.

CMYK

COLUMBIA-GREENE MEDIA

Saturday - Sunday, February 15-16, 2020 - C5

Puzzles Last week’s puzzle answers

Answers on C6

Answers on C6

Answers Next Week

Goren bridge WITH BOB JONES ©2020 Tribune Content Agency, LLC

SEVERAL POINTS Both vulnerable, North deals NORTH ♠ K Q 10 9 7 ♥ 64 ♦ 52 ♣J765 WEST EAST ♠862 ♠J53 ♥ 75 ♥ AJ8 ♦ KQ98 ♦ A 10 7 6 ♣A982 ♣ Q 10 3 SOUTH ♠A4 ♥ K Q 10 9 3 2 ♦ J43 ♣K4 The bidding:

NORTH EAST Pass 1♦

SOUTH 2♥

WEST All pass

Opening lead: King of ♦ Thanks for today’s deal goes to Larry Cohen. Have a look at his excellent website: www.larryco.com. Cohen was South, and he tells this story on himself.

Cohen believes that a pre-empt should be wide-ranging when partner is a passed hand, so he chose to bid two hearts with the South hand rather than one heart. That ended the auction,

Horoscope although West might well have competed to three diamonds. West shifted accurately to a trump when his diamond lead held the trick. East made the excellent play of inserting his jack of hearts, losing to Cohen’s king. Note that the defense would have had no chance had East played his ace of hearts instead.

Cohen had choices. He could play on spades right away, hoping the suit split 3-3 or that the player with only two spades had the singleton ace of hearts remaining. He could lead a high heart, hoping that the defenders wouldn’t cash out correctly or that the ace of clubs was with East for his opening bid.

He chose to lead the jack of diamonds instead, hoping that the defense would make a mistake or that he could guess clubs correctly if the defenders put him to that test.

West won with his queen and led a heart to East’s ace. East shifted to a low club. Crunch time! Cohen decided, reasonably, to rise with his king of clubs, West won with the ace, returned a club to the jack and queen, and East accurately cashed the ace of diamonds for down one. It was really annoying to find that the spades were 3-3 all along.

Oh well!

(Bob Jones welcomes readers’ responses sent in care of this paper or tcaeditors@ tribpub.com)

By Stella Wilder Born today, you rarely if ever have trouble giving those things that interest you your wholehearted attention, for you always want to mine any topic for all its worth and understand it from all perspectives. You insist on understanding those who disagree with you, for only by doing so can you ever hope to counter their views effectively — and that’s something you are more than willing to do when given the chance.

Though you are never afraid to undertake something difficult on your own, you recognize the need, now and then, to surround yourself with those who match you in expertise.

Also born on this date are: Amber Riley, singer and actress; Galileo Galilei, physicist and astronomer; Chris Farley, comedian; Jesper Svensson, professional bowler; Matt Groening, cartoonist; Jane Seymour, actress; Susan B. Anthony, suffragette reformer.

To see what is in store for you tomorrow, find your birthday and read the corresponding paragraph. Let your birthday star be your daily guide.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 16 AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) — A lesson that you’ve been trying to teach clearly isn’t getting through.

You’re going to have to try a new approach. Start today!

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20) — A bad habit is abandoned today — possibly for good — just as a good habit is adopted. What’s with this new good behavior?

ARIES (March 21-April 19) — You may wish to accompany someone on a journey that he or she is taking because there is no other choice. You can make a hardship much easier.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) — You’re likely to make a personal discovery today that sets you off on a new

adventure — but you’re not going to want to go alone.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) — The more you try to correct someone’s behavior, the more frustrated you’re likely to get with your own. It may be time to let it all go.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) — You are making something much easier for someone than it should be. Is this a good thing? The answer comes to you very late in the day.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) — You may wish to adopt a new strategy before the day is out. You are desperate to find measures that will pay off sooner rather than later.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — You are in no mood to put up with someone’s foolishness today — and you had better say so! Wait too long, and you’ll just have to bear it.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — You may have to do something entirely on your own today, when you had originally expected to assemble an entire team to help you.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — Someone comes to you with an offer that seems irresistible — until you think about it closely and see that you’re at risk of being mistreated.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — Now is the time to put your money where your mouth is, as the odds of excelling at a certain endeavor have perhaps never been better.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — You can give someone what he or she wants today — but do it anonymously if you can. You find a new creative outlet late in the day.

COPYRIGHT 2020 UNITED FEATURE SYNDICATE, INC.

CMYK

COLUMBIA-GREENE MEDIA

C6 - Saturday - Sunday, February 15-16, 2020

Madison From C2

allow visitors to pass). On inclement days, the sculptures are best viewed from Fresco, the adjoining bar/restaurant.

EAT Local faves: It’s a good thing we meet up with friends — who also happen to be regulars — at Mint Mark, a shareable, small-plates restaurant in the Schenk-Atwood neighborhood, because it allows us to try more than half of the 14 items on the ever-changing menu. A hearty cheese plate, mussels and frites, a divine biscuit, duck terrine, kale salad, cauliflower, salt cod fritters, a skillet cookie — we eat with abandon, while sipping first on artful craft cocktails and then switching to $6 brandy old-fashioneds on tap. Because we scored seats at the “chefs table” (i.e. a four-seat bar peering into the kitchen), we’re able to chat with the outgoing kitchen team and watch our meal come together, piece by delectable piece.

If you ask around for the best brunch in Madison, at least one answer will probably be Sardine. The French bistro serves dinner throughout the week, too, but the daytime hours are ideal, at least in winter, for taking in the floor-to-ceiling views of Lake Monona, upon which the restaurant gazes. The pastries are a beautiful start to the meal and entrees are creative, ranging from crab, bacon lardon and shrimp cakes to baked creamed eggs with prosciutto, spinach and Gruyere cheese.

Guidebook musts: At 5 p.m. on a Friday night in late December, when surrounding highend restaurants are eerily quiet, the Old Fashioned has a line out the door. What’s the fuss? All things Wisconsin, served steps from the Capitol building. This bustling bar and restaurant pays homage to classic American Dairyland favorites, such as supper clubs, cheese, beer, sausages, pickled eggs and,

Keto From C3

starvation mode when the low consumption of carbohydrates causes glucose levels to drop. Despite the body not actually being in starvation mode, it begins burning fat instead of carbohydrates. That leads to the release of ketone bodies, which are an alternative source of fuel. As ketone bodies burn in the body, gamma delta T-cells expand throughout.

Dixit said this process improves metabolism and reduces diabetes risk and inflammation. He said mice showed decreased blood sugar levels and inflammation after a week on keto.

However, when the body acts as if it’s in starvation mode, researchers found fat gets stored in the body at the same time that fat breakdown occurs. As mice continue the high-fat diet, Dixit said they start to store more fat than they can burn and obesity and diabetes begins to develop.

“They lose the protective

Baking From C3

On the other side of the fence, savory muffins match up well with simple suppers of soup, stew or chili. Some savory add-in combinations that have pleased me include: n 1 cup fresh or thawed

If you ask around for the best brunch in Madison, at least one answer will probably be Sardine, a French bistro, in Madison, Wis. Lauren Justice/ Washington Post

tonight, the Friday night fish fry.

The crisp perch and walleye are standouts and salty meals pair perfectly with a sweet, namesake old-fashioned. Although the menu offers nine old-fashioned options, made with bourbon, whiskey, rye and even rum, we both opt for versions made with brandy — known to some as the unofficial state cocktail.

Upstairs, it’s retro classy with its white linen tablecloths, wood-paneled walls, 28-ounce rib-eye and oysters Rockefeller.

But when the clock strikes 10 p.m., the basement of Tornado Club Steak House grows progressively louder and, shall we say, less inhibited as it bursts with people who are well into their evening cocktails and looking for a satisfying $10 beef tenderloin sandwich, a side of onion rings — or perhaps escargot — and an unforgettable pineapple upside down cake.

The late-night lounge scene, which burns brightly until 1 a.m., is the maraschino cherry on a brandy old-fashionedfilled night.

SHOP Local faves: Change is the kind of boutique where, if you select a necklace or dress to try on, the staff knows the backstory of the product (for me, it

was a necklace made by a local jewelry maker). Much time and thought is put into selecting each eco-friendly item at this shop, whether it’s a scarf woven in Vietnam or a sweater knitted in Peru. You can feel good about shopping here, knowing that the artisans who made the products were paid a fair wage.

It’s fitting that the shop, which is owned by a local mom, is located on Williamson Street — a.k.a. Willy Street — in an area made famous by its progressive roots.

Hazel General Store is that gift shop that all cities of all sizes should have. Maybe you know what I’m talking about: the kind of place that carries socks illustrated with flying tacos, jewelry made by local artists, Americanmade T-shirts referencing beer and cats, and do-it-yourself catapult kits. All of the shelves and walls here are adorned with items you never knew existed but suddenly must have.

Guidebook musts: You have to love that there’s an artisanal cheese shop in the shadow of the Capitol building. The cheesemongers at Fromagination are happy to chat about — and share samples of — all things fromage, whether it’s made locally or imported from afar.

The shop is also chockablock

with souvenirs, such as locally made beer (the farmhouse ale, Spotted Cow, from New Glarus Brewing, is a cult classic, although I prefer the brewery’s pale ale, Moon Man), made-inMadison cookies and chocolates, olive oil, cheese boards, and so much more. For a truly Wisconsin experience, check out their list of classes on all things cheese held Thursday nights. Recent examples include courses on cheese and beer, cheese and chocolate, and how to build a cheeseboard.

If luck is on your side at Context, a rugged yet artisanal menswear store in Capitol Square, you can actually see the artisan at work, crafting leather belts and wallets on site or in a workshop in the adjacent arcade (the leatherwork is sold under the First Settlement Goods brand). The small shop is also stocked with Americanmade boots, denim, flannel and wool work shirts, bags and accessories, displayed tastefully amid circus posters and vintage art, with the occasional punctuation of a mounted dead animal.

STAY Local fave: Paint cans, paint rollers, paint murals, paint drops — the lobby, hallways,

restaurant and splashy guest rooms at Hotel Indigo Madison Downtown are covered in the paint theme, and for good reason. The hotel, which opened last spring, pays homage in the most colorful way to the building’s history as the Mautz Paint Company, which operated here for about 60 years. The staff is chatty and eager to make recommendations on what to see and do during your stay. And the location, a bit east of the heart of downtown, is a good launching point for exploring nearby neighborhoods. Capitol Square is about a 15-minute walk, and the restaurants, bakeries and shops of Willy Street, known for its hippie heritage, are a five-minute walk (there’s also a complementary hotel shuttle that will drop you off and pick you up around town on request).

Guidebook must: Elvis Presley, Bob Hope, Bob Marley, Elton John and the Dalai Lama have all graced the hallowed hallways here at the Edgewater, which dates back to 1948 and is the area’s only four-diamond hotel. The Art Moderne-style hotel, which was majorly overhauled in 2014, has the undeniably posh air of a resort, with its Lake Mendota views, spiral staircase, bustling ballrooms, multiple restaurants, spa and, in the winter, an ice-skating rink by the lake. I was pleasantly surprised to have a room — and large bathroom — that look out on the lake, even though I didn’t opt to pay extra for lake views when I made my reservation.

Geographically speaking, the Edgewater is a 10-minute walk to the restaurants, bars and entertainment of Capitol Square, yet still feels a serene distance from the fray.

EXPLORE Local fave: Having spent time in a fair number of hippie havens (I briefly lived in both Oberlin, Ohio, and Boulder, Colorado), I associate them all with a particular shared smell: garlic, with an underscore of crisp toast. That’s exactly what wafts beneath my nose on Willy

Street in the Williamson-Marquette neighborhood — outside of the Willy Street Co-op, located about a mile and a half east of the Capitol. I’d already passed by a mural at the Social Justice Centerdetailing the 1970s vision of the area, when artists, musicians, poets and activists created their own countercultural enclave here, and the scent reinforces that the hippie vibe is still alive and well, if tempered by time, gentrification and a couple of CBD stores.

A stroll along Willy Street, with its mix of comic books, vegan food, old and new bakeries, thrift shopping, cold-pressed juices and a float therapy center, reveals a side of Madison well worth exploring. It has the feel — and smell — I’ve come to expect from a liberal college town.

Guidebook must: Trendy restaurants. Craft breweries.

Lakeside parks. You could easily spend a day exploring ShenkAtwood (also known as Atwood or Schenk-Atwood-Starkweather-Yahara), east of Williamson-Marquette. It’s a little bit artsy and a little bit funky, with a welcoming neighborhood feel. Start the day at the tropical Olbrich Botanical Gardens, where $2 gets you entry into the warm, lush, glass pyramid known as the Bolz Conservatory. Birds chirp, streams trickle, skin hydrates and memories of warmer times surface (in nicer weather, you’ll also want to wander the 16 acres of outdoor gardens, as well as the neighboring Olbrich Park, on the shore of Lake Monona). For lunch, visit Garver Feed Mill for a slice of Ian’s Pizza (I recommend the mac and cheese, odd as it may sound) and a scoop of Clementine’s ice cream, which comes in funky flavors such as brandy old-fashioned and jalapeño cornbread. Then, grab a beer or two at one of the neighborhood breweries — One Barrel is a great place to start — and peruse what’s happening at the historical Barrymore Theatre, known to some as “the cultural heart” of Madison’s east side.

If you want to try keto, make this chili

gamma delta T-cells in the fat,” Dixit said.

“Our findings highlight the interplay between metabolism and the immune system, and how it coordinates maintenance of healthy tissue function,” said comparative medicine postdoctoral fellow Emily Goldberg, who discovered that the keto diet expands gamma-delta T cells in mice.

Despite the findings of the mice trial, however, Dixit said long-term human clinical trials are needed.

“Before such a diet can be prescribed, a large clinical trial in controlled conditions is necessary to understand the mechanism behind metabolic and immunological benefits or any potential harm to individuals who are overweight and pre-diabetic,” Dixit said.

The results come after Dr. Donald Hensrud of the Mayo Clinic voiced opposition to the diet. Hensrund, author of “The Mayo Clinic Diet Book,” said the keto is not the magic formula people believe it is.

“People want to believe,” he said. “They want an easy way out. They want the magic panacea.”

“The Dirty, Lazy Keto Cookbook” by Stephanie Laska and William Laska. (Simon & Schuster/TNS)

frozen corn kernels + ½ cup shredded cheddar + ¼ cup diced roasted chiles OR 1 tablespoon chili powder + 2 teaspoons cumin n 1 cup diced brie (with rind removed) + ½ cup chopped walnuts n 1 cup thawed frozen chopped spinach + ½ cup crumbled feta + 2 teaspoons dried oregano + 1 teaspoon

dried rosemary n ¾ cup diced ham + ¾cup diced Swiss or Emmentaler cheese + 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper n ¾ cup crumbled blue cheese + ¾ cup cooked, crumbled bacon + 2 teaspoons sage n ½ cup pesto + ¾ cup pine nuts + ½ cup grated Parmesan (sprinkle some of the cheese on top before baking)

By CHRIS ROSS San Diego Union-Tribune

This time of year is always such a diet quandary. If you’ve committed to a keto diet but still want to celebrate, Stephanie Laska has ideas on how to bend the rules a bit in her new “Dirty, Lazy, Keto Cookbook,” co-authored by her husband, William Laska.

She created this keto version of chili using canned black soybeans, which have only 1 gram of net carbs per ½ cup serving.

“More importantly,” she writes, “they taste just like black beans!”

TOOTIN’ CHILI Serves 10

MULTIPLE MUFFIN MIX Makes: 4 batches, or about 36 large or 48 small muffins

Keep this mix on hand for easy muffins in a jiffy. After mixing the ingredients, divide the batch into recipe-sized portions and store in 1 quart canning jars or zip-close quart bags. It keeps perfectly well at room temperature for several months.

Whisk the dry ingredients for each batch to be sure they’re well blended. The baking temperature instructions are a little unusual: If you put the muffins into a hot oven for a short time, they rise higher and look better. Then reducing the temp lets them continue to cook through.

Baking mix: 7 cups all-purpose flour, spooned into measuring cup and leveled 1 cup whole-wheat flour or cornmeal, spooned into measuring cup and leveled 3 cups sugar: any combination of firmly packed brown sugar OR white sugar 3 tablespoons baking powder 2 teaspoons salt For each batch of 12 regular

2 pounds lean ground turkey 1 medium onion, peeled and diced 1 medium green bell pepper, seeded and chopped 6 cloves garlic, peeled and minced 2 tablespoons tomato paste 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes 1 (15-ounce) can black soybeans 1 cup water 2 tablespoons chili powder 2 tablespoons paprika or 6 large muffins: 1 large egg, lightly beaten 1 cup milk ½ cup oil: melted coconut oil, canola oil OR vegetable oil 2 teaspoons vanilla, for sweet muffins (optional) 2 3/4 cup baking mix (above) Add-ins: up to 1½ cups any combination of fruit, vegetables, grated or diced cheese, baking chips, nuts or toasted coconut 1. Make the baking mix: In a large bowl, whisk together flours, sugar, baking powder and salt. Combine thoroughly and portion for storage.

2. At baking time, heat the oven to 400 degrees. Line the cavities of a muffin pan with paper liners.

3. Combine egg, milk and oil in a large bowl. Whisk to combine well. Add baking mix and your choice of add-ins; combine with 15 to 20 strokes.

There will still be streaks of white showing and the batter

1 tablespoon garlic powder 1 tablespoon onion powder 1 tablespoon ground cumin ½ teaspoon salt In a large pot over medium heat, add turkey and cook 10 to 15 minutes, stirring regularly until browned. Transfer meat from pot to a large bowl.

To the pot, add onion, bell pepper and garlic. Saute 3 to 5 minutes until translucent.

Add ground meat, tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, black soybeans, water, dry spices and salt, stirring regularly.

Cover pot and reduce heat.

Let simmer 30 minutes until meat is tender. Let cool 10 minutes and serve.

Tips and options: Serve Tootin’ Chili with shredded cheese, sour cream, and/or avocado. To increase fiber, Laska says she sometimes adds finely diced cooked celery to the base of the Tootin’ Chili.

Per serving: 240 calories; 10 g fat; 24 g protein; 350 mg sodium; 5 g fiber; 14 g carbohydrates; 4 g sugar will be lumpy. Do not overmix.

4. Fill the muffin cups threequarters full with the batter.

Bake, 10 minutes. Then reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center of a muffin comes out clean, 8 to 11 minutes more for regular-sized muffins, or 15 to 20 minutes more for large muffins.

5. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring muffins to a rack to finish cooling.

6. Once cool, the muffins can be individually frozen on a baking pan before transferring to zip-close bags for longer storage, up to 3 months. Thaw by microwaving for about a minute or allow them to thaw naturally at room temperature.

Nutrition information per serving: 221 calories, 10 g fat, 8 g saturated fat, 17 mg cholesterol, 30 g carbohydrates, 14 g sugar, 3 g protein, 204 mg sodium, 1 g fiber