The O'Colly, Wednesday, December 27, 2023

Wednesday, December 27, 2023

Cowboy Innovation Accelerator to boost startup commercialization expertise Courtesy of OSU News

Tribune Content Agency GOP gubernatorial candidate Brian Kemp and President Donald Trump wave from Air Force One as President Donald J. Trump arrives during President Donald J. Trump’s Make America Great Again Rally to support Brian Kemp at Middle Georgia Regional Airport in Macon, Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018.

The Georgia political questions that will shape 2024 Greg Bluestein The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

At the dawn of 2024, Georgia is poised for another colossal political year.

An election-year trial against Donald Trump and his allies could start in Atlanta just months before voters head to the polls.

Georgia leaders with rising national profiles will start making key decisions about 2024 and beyond.

And President Joe Biden will try to overcome his lagging approval ratings to again capture Georgia, a state Republicans view as a must-win for the GOP to retake the White House.

Here are some of the

political questions that are poised to define the state in the coming year.

How will the 2024 – and 2026 – elections infect Georgia politics?

The special legislative session in December to redraw Georgia’s maps was a reminder that campaign politics invades just about everything under the Gold Dome this close to an election year.

Republican leaders used that seven-day session to force Democrats to take sides on resolutions supporting Israel and the proposed Atlanta public safety center, announce a new pitch to speed an income tax cut and unveil new boundaries designed to preserve GOP incumbents.

Consider it a taste of what’s to come. Come January, GOP leaders will peddle proposals to gin up voter enthusiasm in a state that

Republicans likely must win to retake the White House.

Democrats, too, will push their priorities, though without the numbers to force any votes.

But the 2024 session won’t just offer a glimpse of the debates and divides that will shape the November election. It will also serve as a prelude to 2026, when a term-limited Gov. Brian Kemp is out of office and Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff is up for a full six-year term.

Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, Attorney General Chris Carr and Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger are all likely contenders for higher office, and they’ve each promoted provocative policies that could form the basis of their campaign agendas.

See Questions on 5

The Innovation Foundation at OSU. The Cowboy Innovation Accelerator is designed to advance innovation-based, The Innovation Foundaproof-of-concept technologies tion at Oklahoma State Unitoward venture-backable startup versity is taking a significant companies and licensable techstep by launching the Cowboy nologies of interest to industry, Innovation Accelerator. starting from the technology The program’s launch proof-of-concept stage, through both enhances The Innovation prototyping and product launch.

Foundation’s suite of startup The accelerator’s services commercialization services encompass a broad range of asand extends them to northeast sistance and funding resources: Oklahoma. It also furthers the Business Model Developfoundation’s mission of fosterment through Customer Dising innovation-based comcovery: Facilitating teams in mercialization in the state of identifying their unique value Oklahoma. propositions and customer segHistorically, The Inments for product-market fit novation Foundation at OSU’s startup and commercialization through the National Science Foundation’s Innovation Corps assistance along with its fund(NSF I-Corps) program. ing resources have exclusively Education Workshops been available to OSU technoloand Networking Events: Cregies and their associated teams. ating dynamic opportunities These resources are not only being bolstered with the launch for learning and networking, enabling innovators and entreof the Cowboy Innovation Accelerator, but they are being ex- preneurs to connect with peers tended to innovators and small and subject matter experts.

Cowboy Leaders Network businesses aligned with OSU’s excellence in energy, aerospace Mentoring and Advising: Offering access to a select netand advanced mobility, and work of experienced business One Health to innovators and management professionals in startups located in northeast technology-based fields that can Oklahoma.

This initiative aligns with provide deep insights, guidance and connections for successful The Innovation Foundation at business model development, OSU’s expansion into northeast Oklahoma, made possible go-to-market strategy, launch and growth. through its recently awarded Startup Formation, RegisEconomic Development Agentration and Business Operations cy’s University Center’s grant, which provides the commercial Assistance: Providing essential business support for startups, grant assistance component of Cowboy Innovations Accelera- from navigating the complexitor to innovators and companies ties of formation and registration to initial operations setup. in the energy, aerospace and Commercial Grant FundOne Health sectors. ing Assistance: Delivering “Technology-based commercial grant assistance ventures start with innovative for innovators and companies ideas, and driving those ideas in the energy, aerospace and to commercialization requires One Health sectors, including an ecosystem with substantial federal agency Small Business expertise and scalability. The Innovation Foundation at OSU Innovation Research/Small unites that ecosystem across the Technology Transfer Research university system and with part- grants, Oklahoma Center for Advancement of Science and ners across the state of OklaTechnology grants, and other homa to support OSU’s landgrant mission to make a positive commercial funding opportunities supported by the Economic impact in Oklahoma through successful startup companies,” Development Agency’s Universaid Elizabeth Pollard, CEO of sity Center’s grant.

See Innovation on 6

Travel tips for a successful holiday Kennedy Thomason News & Lifestyle Editor

Suitcases are packed, duffels are loaded, maybe even a backpack is tucked into the back seat.

For my family, the holidays has always meant travel.

Hours upon hours in a car piled to the brim with presents, luggage and dogs to spend the holiday with loved ones. Growing up, it meant 16 hours in the car (one way) to reach my grandfather’s house.

After years of packing up and driving halfway across the country, I’ve learned a few tricks to make the trip smoother.

Here are my top tips.

1. Pack light Although it might seem like a daunting task, packing light is the best option.

Plan your outfits out for each day and only pack the necessities. If you are traveling to a colder location, bring one jacket that will work with most or all of your outfits.

You might be tempted to grab the extra option, but it will only put more weight into a bag that is likely already filled. Skip the extra clothes and stick to the plan.

Courtesy of Creative Commons Traveling can be difficult, but using tips like packing for comfort can make it more enjoyable.

Plus, you won’t have a ton of extra clothes to wash or put away when you return.

2. Block it out Invest in a good pair of headphones. You’ll thank me later.

Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy conversation with my fellow travelers, but it’s nice to know I can have some quiet alone time when needed.

My headphones have a noise canceling feature, which has been a life saver. Whether its to block out the road noise or the radio, having good headphones makes my travels significantly more enjoyable.

3. Pack for comfort Let’s be real, wearing your cute new jeans is not worth being uncomfortable the whole time you are on the

road or in the sky. Especially if you are visiting family, it’s OK to pack comfortminded items for your trip.

It’s also possible to pack more comfortable chic items, like dresses or slacks, that will elevate your look without compromising your comfort.

I would advise packing one to three dressier options and leave the rest up to how comfortable you want to be. news.ed@ocolly.com

Page 2 Wednesday, December 27, 2023

O’Colly

sports

Cowboys Extra Inside LaDainian Fields’ flip to OSU, running back room’s boost Davis Cordova Staff Reporter

OSU had most, if not all, of its recruits secured prior to Wednesday’s early National Signing Day. Many have been committed to OSU for a while.

Then an old-fashioned flip happened early Wednesday to give OSU another in-state product and grow the Cowboys’ 2024 freshman signing class to 17 players.

Del City’s LaDainian Fields flipped his commitment to OSU from TCU to join his cousin Rodney Fields Jr. It was a quick process for OSU, the Cowboys didn’t offer Fields until Dec. 11. Fields had been committed to TCU since August, but after Fields’ stellar senior season where he helped lead Del City to the 5A state championship game, OSU couldn’t let the defensive back leave the state.

“He’s been interested in us for a while. He had another school that he’d been committed to, but obviously he’s close to home,” OSU coach Mike Gundy said. “We’ve had a number of players from Del City, and he has got a relationship with (Rodney) Fields.

So, as we just kind of pushed through it, there was a really good spot for him. We felt like he’s a guy that can come in and can help us in a variety of ways. He’s a little different from the standpoint of he’s a very successful offensive player, [and] we think he has great defensive skills and also in the return game.”

RB Boost With Elijah Collins in his final year of eligibility and Jaden Nixon entering the portal earlier this month, many

began to question the running back depth.

With OSU’s new class, it welcomes two new backs – Rodney Fields Jr. and Jaden Allen-Hendrix.

Fields is from Del City, where in his senior season, rushed for 1,156 yards and 18 touchdowns on 108 carries – that’s 10.7 yards per rush.

Fields committed to the Cowboys in January, and Gundy praised Field’s ability to play physical.

“Rodney runs bigger than his body. He runs very low to the ground and is physical,” Gundy said. “That’s what got our attention on video a year ago. We’ve liked him from Day 1, and he’s wanted to be at OSU the majority of his life.

So, we’re very excited about him and what he brings to the table.”

Jaden Allen-Hendrix came along late in the cycle.

Allen-Hendrix received an offer from OSU on Dec. 4, then committed to OSU on Tuesday.

Allen-Hendrix is a back from Irmo, South Carolina who went under the radar by receiving just one FBS offer from Charlotte.

Allen-Hendrix is listed as 6-foot-2, 225 pounds, which is vastly different frame from Fields’ 5-9, 185-pound frame.

Gundy said he is hoping AllenHendrix will get a couple years with strength and conditioning coach Rob Glass and be even bigger while maintaining his speed.

“Jaden (Allen-Hendrix) is bigger, obviously from much further away, but we really liked him,” Gundy said. “He’s a potential 245-pound back.

He’s just scratching the surface. We feel he hasn’t developed his body anywhere near where it will be two years from

now.

“I envision him being 240 (pounds) and running in the 4.5’s in a couple of years.”

Development of Players With Glass being one of the highest-paid strength and conditioning coaches in the country – about $1 million – he can take unmolded clay and turn it into a masterpiece. It’s how OSU is successful with finishing in the lower half of the conference in recruiting rankings.

OSU got three offensive linemen in the class all from different parts of the country. Nuku Mafi is from Utah, Chauncey Johnson is from Arkansas and Caleb Hackleman is from Texas.

Gundy said linemen are a good example of the developmental process. Gundy said the linemen are expected to get two years with Glass and hopefully get three “good” years from the linemen. Anything else is a bonus for what they could do for the Cowboys.

Down the stretch toward signing day, Mafi almost got flipped to BYU. He took a visit to Provo on Friday, but Gundy said he kept his word on his October commitment because of his relationships he has with OSU’s staff.

“Todd Bradford has a lot of ties back in that area and knows a lot of people, so we have connections along with Beni Tonga,” Gundy said.

“They have a lot of connections through the church and with Beni (Tonga) he has a lot of family connections there and that stuff runs deep.

“Mostly every player we recruit in that area is somewhere tied into his family at some point, so that’s the benefit we get there in the Salt Lake City area.” sports.ed@ocolly.com

Ethan Scott On Sunday afternoon, OSU’s Doak Walker Award-winning running back Ollie Gordon II announced his return to the Cowboys.

Gordon II announces return to Oklahoma State O’Colly Sports Staff

Ethan Scott OSU flipped the commitment from Del City defensive back LaDainian Fields from TCU to the Cowboys during early Signing Day on Wednesday.

down, on his way to the Doak Walker Award, given to the nation’s top running back. He is the first Cowboy to win the award.

Gordon also placed seventh in the Heisman Trophy Ollie Gordon II gave race.

OSU fans an early Christmas OSU president Kayse present.

Shrum made a cameo in the On Sunday, Gordon released a video on social media announcement video, as did Pistol Pete and the Barry announcing that he plans to Sanders statue outside of return to OSU for the 2024 Boone Pickens Stadium. season, putting to rest specu“I’m excited to be here lation of transferring. More with my teammates, playing than a week ago, Gordon told reporters he wanted to “make with them next year, and the his own announcement on his Heisman will be in Stillwater next year,” Gordon said in the own time.”

That time came Sunday. video.

Gordon and the Cowboys A sophomore, Gordon rushed for 1,614 yards and 20 take on Texas A&M in the TaxAct Texas Bowl in Houston touchdowns, along with 326 at 8 p.m. Wednesday. receiving yards and a touchsports.ed@ocolly.com

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sports

Texas A&M receiver room remains solid after losing top two pass catchers Parker Gerl Staff Reporter

A former freshman All-American and a fiveyear, 180-reception receiver.

Those are two wideouts Texas A&M has lost since the end of its regular season.

Evan Stewart, a former five-star and one of the most talented players on the Aggies’ roster, entered the transfer portal after two seasons in College Station.

He caught 91 passes for 1,163 yards and six touchdowns. Ainias Smith, Texas A&M’s do-it-all player, will be unavailable due to a finger injury. Smith racked up 2,407 receiving yards in an Aggie uniform and entered the 2024 NFL Draft.

With Stewart and Smith gone, the Aggies are expected to lean on Moose Muhammad III, Jahdae Walker and Noah Thomas in Wednesday’s game.

Muhammad is the most experienced of the three, having caught 72 passes for 1,040 yards and 10 touchdowns through three seasons, including five career games of 90 or more yards. Muhammad has a knack for downfield contested catches, too, something the Aggies might try to capitalize on considering OSU has allowed a ton of big-play scores this season.

Walker, in his first season with Texas A&M, shined in the regular season’s final four games when he posted two 80-yard receiving games and an eightreception, 100-yard outing at Ole Miss. Walker has caught 27 balls for 453 yards and two touchdowns this year.

Thomas could present the toughest matchup for OSU, though. He’s a long, 6-foot-6 receiver who can do a bit of everything. In his second year with the Aggies, Thomas has 29 catches for 359 yards and five touchdowns in 2023.

Although it lost its top two pass catchers, the Aggie receiver room remains a solid group with Muhammad, Walker and Thomas stepping into bigger roles.

And at tight end, Max Wright should see most of the workload following Jake Johnson’s transfer to North Carolina. In his senior season, Wright has caught 15 passes for 185 yards and a touchdown so far.

The Aggies, albeit a much different team just about everywhere, can get things going through the air.

Their 262.33 receiving yards per game is sixth best in the SEC despite dealing with injury at quarterback and receiver this year. sports.ed@ocolly.com

X/Texas A&M Athletics Communications Texas A&M has lost its top two receivers but remain solid at that position.

Page 4 Wednesday, December 27, 2023

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sports

Texas A&M Football/X Whereas OSU has heavily utilized one running back in Ollie Gordon II, Texas A&M has evenly split duties among three backs, including Le’Veon Moss (above).

Texas A&M’s run game opposite of OSU’s Gabriel Trevino Staff Reporter

among three running backs. That’s not how A&M has done it before, and it’s far from what Oklahoma State is doing.

When the two face in the TaxAct Texas Bowl on Wednesday in Houston, the two ideologies will clash.

Texas A&M has a case for RBU in While the Cowboys rely on Olrecent years. lie Gordon II to touch the ball 30 times Trayveon Williams, Isaiah Spiller a game — which works, seeing as he and De’Von Achane went from stars in won the Doak Walker Award — Texas College Station to NFL rosters.

A&M’s three backs will get equal opThis year, things are different in portunity. Unlike at other positions, the Aggies’ backfield. Carries are split the Aggies haven’t seen a running back

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Amari Daniels, Le’Veon Moss (no relation to Bell or Randy) and Rueben Owens received 97, 96 and 94 carries this season respectively. Daniels was the most productive with his snaps, averaging 5.3 yards per carry and scoring five touchdowns.

At 5-foot-9, 210 pounds, Daniels shares a similar build to former OSU running back Jaylen Warren — a smaller, “bowling-ball-like” runner. In Week 4 against Auburn this year, Daniels

broke off a 79-yard rush before Moss scored one play later to seal the game in the fourth quarter.

All three are also equally productive in the pass game, but checking down to running backs or involving them in routes was rare this season.

But with quarterback Jaylen Henderson starting his fourth game of the season, and a number of receivers opting out of the bowl game, perhaps the Aggies lean on their backs more through the air and on the ground. sports.ed@ocolly.com

O’Colly

Wednesday, December 27, 2023 Page 5

news Questions . . .

Continued from 1 Kemp, himself a potential challenger to Ossoff, is sure to send notice that he’s no lame duck. He jammed most of his legislative priorities through an agreeable Legislature in 2022, and followed up in 2023 with successes on every major policy save for a school voucher expansion.

And rising Democratic figures like U.S. Rep. Lucy McBath will look to sharpen battle lines early. It was no coincidence, after all, that McBath was one of the first Democrats to slam the lieutenant governor when he proposed giving teachers cash to carry weapons in classrooms.

How will Georgia’s top politicians navigate their rising profiles in 2024?

The 2022 midterms solidified U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock, Gov. Brian Kemp and U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene as bona fide national figures. In the next election cycle, they’ll balance their growing platforms with important roles in the race for the White House.

Warnock became the first Georgia Democrat in more than a decade to win a second consecutive statewide election, building a fundraising network and national reputation that Tribune Content Agency rivals some presidential conThe House Reapportionment and Redistricting committee meet for a hearing to discuss Senate Bill 3Ex at the Georgia State Capitol on Tuesday, Dec.5, 2023. tenders.

He won a full U.S. Senate who raised more than $16 mil- for the party’s nomination by Biden’s camp is confiopposition to expanding Medterm by stressing bipartisanship lion. But does she have higher that stage in the race. dent that contrast will only icaid, there may be an opening and steering clear of President aspirations? She could be in the How will Kemp-Warsharpen if Trump wins the for a complicated comproJoe Biden – even though he mix as Trump’s running-mate nock voters cast their ballots nomination and turns the race mise that could lead to more supported the president’s priori- – and has floated the idea of a in ‘24? Will disillusioned vot- into a straight-up rematch, Georgians being added to the ties. As anxious Democrats fret statewide run in 2026. ers stay home? other Democrats worry that the program’s rolls. about rebuilding their fragile How will Fulton CounThis is a two-part quespresident and his allies haven’t It would take a momen2020 coalition, Warnock could ty’s Donald Trump trial influ- tion that could decide the race done enough to promote his tous breakthrough that even be a central figure in the race. ence the 2024 race? for the White House. agenda and lay the groundwork supporters say would require a Kemp fended off two One of the biggest unThe 2022 midterm proved for 2024. high-level commitment to negoGeorgia political titans in back- certainties during this exercise there was a significant bloc of What will Georgia’s tiations that have been missing to-back elections – Republican last year was whether Fulton split-ticket voters who crossed political maps look like? since then-Gov. Nathan Deal David Perdue and Democrat County District Attorney Fani party lines to back both ReWhen a federal judge rejected an expansion about a Stacey Abrams – and then Willis would even seek charges publican Gov. Brian Kemp and ordered Republican lawmakers decade ago. briefly entertained thoughts of against Donald Trump. Now, Democratic U.S. Sen. Rato redraw the state’s political Why the optimism? Serunning for the White House one of the biggest unknowns in phael Warnock – even if it went boundaries to include more nior Republicans say an agreehimself.

2024 is when an election-inter- against their policy interests. majority-Black districts, some ment could involve a tradeoff As a Republican who sur- ference trial will be scheduled.

Analysts say that segDemocrats were overjoyed over legislation that would vived Donald Trump’s wrath, What’s clearer is Trump ment of the electorate is a mix about the potential for new make it easier to build new hosvanquished a national Demoplans to use the legal case of moderates, swing voters and gains. Others braced for parti- pitals – a priority of Lt. Gov. cratic star, and twice captured in Georgia and three other disaffected Republicans who san blowback.

Burt Jones – in exchange for the highest office in the nation’s jurisdictions to bolster the could be up for grabs in 2024.

The maps that emerged in loosening longstanding opposimost important battleground never-surrender ethos that has Many live in parts of metro December wound up solidifytion to an expansion. state, Kemp seems certain to endeared him to a great many Atlanta’s suburbs that once ing the GOP’s control of the Georgia is one of only stay in the national mix while Republicans – and has others comprised solid GOP territory Legislature while dissolving the 10 states that have refused to preparing for life after the Gov- warning he will be the party’s but shifted left during Donald suburban Atlanta seat held by expand the program, and some ernor’s Mansion. lasting doom.

Trump’s presidency.

Democratic U.S. Rep. Lucy Mc- Republicans are tired of getting And his 2024 endorseIn polls and interviews, Their continued opposiBath, whose district was gutted pummeled by Democrats every ment is coveted by GOP canGeorgia Republicans seem tion to Trump and his allies is by the GOP for the second time year on a federal program that didates who have traveled to split. Though many say they no given. President Joe Biden’s in two years. even hardline conservatives in Georgia to court his support. won’t vote for a political low approval ratings have trigThe overhaul was fiercely other states have embraced.

Kemp is likely to announce his candidate convicted of a “seri- gered a wave of concern and opposed by Democrats and State GOP leaders have decision within weeks, though ous” felony, many also see the anxiety from Democrats in challenged by their allies in united behind Gov. Brian he’s also said he would support charges leveled against him in Georgia and beyond about his court, triggering a new phase of Kemp’s plan to require recipiTrump if he’s the nominee.

Fulton County and beyond as a reelection chances. an ongoing legal battle over the ents to meet work or education Greene’s power in Conpoliticized effort to block him Republicans have worked federal Voting Rights Act that requirements, though it has gress has ebbed and flowed this from office. since 2020 to undercut Biden’s could ultimately be decided by attracted only a handful of year, as she’s gone from pariah The more recent court economic message, leaving the U.S. Supreme Court. takers. The federal waiver that to powerbroker to somewhere cases seeking to render him in- Biden and his allies to wrestle In the shorter term, voters allows the program will expire in between with the rise and eligible to run for a second term with Kemp over credit for face uncertainty over who will in 2025, and its prospects of fall of her political allies. have only emboldened Trump’s the electric vehicle and green represent them in the Legislareauthorization are dim.

But what has remained supporters, with some saying energy projects poised to bring ture and the U.S. House. And The odds of a breakconstant is her ability to comthey’re more united than ever. billions of dollars and tens of there’s little wiggle room: State through remain slim, parmand the attention and affecHis top GOP rivals, meanwhile, thousands of jobs to Georgia. officials need the maps by Janu- ticularly in the Georgia Senate, tion of far-right media and have at times tiptoed around his At the same time, some of ary to be ready in time for the whose GOP leaders promote a MAGA loyalists – and perhaps most glaring vulnerabilities.

Biden’s most fervent supporters election as qualifying for office more strident strain of conserjust as importantly, the disdain Georgia’s March 12 priin 2020 say they’re disenchant- looms in March. vatism. Even so, allies of House of her many critics – with the mary could be an early test of ed with his presidency three Is this the year RepubSpeaker Jon Burns have worked seeming snap of a finger.

Trump’s hold on the party in a years later. Sharp concerns licans embrace a Medicaid quietly to gauge support for a Greene’s U.S. House seat state where he has been repudi- about his economic agenda and expansion? plan modeled after red-state appears safer than ever after ated by voters. That is, if there foreign policy decisions have After more than a decade Arkansas’ system. her 2022 defeat of a Democrat is even still a competitive race only added to their hesitancy. of staunch Republican-led news.ed@ocolly.com

Page 6 Wednesday, December 27, 2023

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news

Courtesy of OSU News The Innovation Foundation at Oklahoma State University is launching the Cowboy Innovation Accelerator.

Innovation . . .

Continued from 1

“Over the past 10 years, The Innovation Foundation at OSU and its Cowboy Technologies group has formed over 20 companies and assisted them in securing more than $15 million in commercial grants and investments,” said Daniel Will, executive director of Cow-

boy Enterprises “We aim to advance early stage innovations for successful commercialization through startups that are: investment accelerator-ready, venture-backable or licensable to the industry for commercialization success.”

Technology innovators and small

businesses in the energy, aerospace and advanced mobility, and One Health sectors interested in the Cowboy Innovation Accelerator can learn more and apply to be a part of the initial rolling cohort beginning in early 2024 at https://okla.st/accelerator. news.ed@ocolly.com

brownsshoefitstillwater browns.stillwater THE SUPERNATURAL MESSAGE! “...there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby (Bethlehem), keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, Do not be afraid.

I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you: he is the Messiah, the Lord.

This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests” (Lu.2:8-14 NIV) This message that was given by the Angel

of God, was given to bring joy to all the people. It was for everyone including you and me. A message that a savior had come that would help all mankind. That is why their are missionaries going to all the world telling people the good news. God has sent us help. Jesus, the savior, told his first disciples to go into all the world and declare the good news “For God so loved the world (all mankind) that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (Jn.3:16 NIV) Jesus died, a terrible death, for you and I, that our many sins could be forgiven and we would be given eternal life..This is the Gospel message and it began with this supernatural birth of God’s only son.

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Wednesday, December 20, 2023 Page 7

news “Percy Jackson and The Olympians” is a home run Hayden Alexander Staff Reporter

kid.

I did not read much as a

Nothing caught my eye, but I attended a Percy Jacksonthemed birthday party when I turned 11. After a night of movie-watching and making camp necklaces, I picked up the series.

I quickly fell in love with the series and became a mythology buff overnight. I camped out in the mythology section of the library. I took three years of Latin and every quiz possible to see which God would be my parent (for those wondering, it was Athena, now it’s Hermes).

When my eyes turned grey in middle school, I joked that I was related to Athena (if you know if know).

The point of these little anecdotes is that I am a fan of the books, and after the 2010s movies, I was skeptical of the show, but I had nothing to worry about.

“Percy Jackson and The Olympians” is amazing. It balances being a show for younger viewers and long-time viewers alike perfectly.

It sticks to the source material, giving us an ageaccurate Percy Jackson (Walker Scobell). Schobell falls nicely into his role, bringing out Percy’s classic sarcastic humor as the character gets used to his In the titular role, Walker Scobell discovers his powers amid great loss in “Percy Jackson and the Olympians.” demigod status. his belt. The differences and this time, and the young actors Sally Jackson (Virgina Kull), The series keeps the similarities mesh together to are killing it in their roles.

Chiron (Glynn Turman) and classic story beats and refercreate a story that works well Leah Jeffries as Annabeth Mr. D (Jason Mantzoukas), are ences while deviating from on screen.

Chase is great.

It took me a excellent. Seeing Percy’s mom the original storyline in a way Instead of only focussecond to warm up to her porvalidate who he is and the emothat works for the show. This ing on Percy, the show takes trayal, until I remembered that tions he is struggling through directing choice reminds me the time to develop characters the Annabeth I remember was was terrific. Chiron is the perof the live-action “One Piece” like Grover (Aryan Simhadri), the product of multiple books of fect teacher, and Mr. D made and how manga artist Eiichiro Percy’s best friend and proteccharacter development. me laugh multiple times.

Oda got to take on his original tor in scenes without Percy.

It As in the first novel, she’s Let’s talk about the hustory with a more experienced adds fun to the show and mirstill sizing Percy up and decidmor. approach.

It’s a staple of the Percy Author Rick Riordan was rors Riordan’s later novels with ing if she should open up to an entire chapter dedicated to him, and Jeffries nails it.

I am Jackson series. It keeps young part of the creation process different characters’ perspecexcited to see how she makes readers interested—sarcasm for the show, and he got the tives. the character her own as the and one-liners for the ages. chance to retell the first novel It’s clear that a lot of work show progresses.

The show does not disapwith more than 50 books under went into doing the show right The secondary characters, point. I laughed at the jokes and

Tribune Content Agency

even the physical comedy. They don’t overdo it, though, which I like. It’s not at “Marvel” levels of quippy.

The first two episodes are streaming on Disney+, and with the potential for more seasons, Disney is setting itself up for a home run. If you’re a mega fan or haven’t picked up the series in 10 years, you’ve got to check out this show.

New episodes air Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET. news.ed@ocolly.com

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Wednesday, December 27, 2023 Page 9

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FOR RELEASE DECEMBER 27, 2023

Houses for rent

Spacious 1100 sq. ft 2 bedroom home. Recently remodeled, CH/A, wood floors, nice yard. 2214 E. 6th Ave., Scarlett Bus Route.

405-372-7107.

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

Serving quality pizza and more since 1957.”

Murphy’s Department Store 815 S Main, Downtown Open 10-6 Monday thru Saturday

Cowboy Calendar Wednesday 12/20/2023 Cowboy Basketball: Oklahoma State vs. Wofford Gallagher-Iba Arena @ 7 p.m. https://okstate.com/sports/mens-basketball/schedule Custom Charcoal Paintings by Heidi Hoffer Modella Art Gallery @ 3 - 6 p.m. $30 6x9 $40 9x12 https://www.modellagallery.org Day 9: AR Workshop - Mini Wood Trays Em Curators of Craft @ 5:30 p.m. $39 per person $79 per couple https://www.facebook.com/events/337954832304173 Day 9: Movie Night - Christmas Vacation Em Curators of Craft @ 7:30 p.m. https://www.facebook.com/events/7001146606669799 Louie’s Kids’ Night Louie’s Grill & Bar @ 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. https://www.facebook.com/LouiesStillwater Trivia Night College Bar @ 10 p.m. - 12 a.m.

Winter Break Camp Stillyarts @ 7:45 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Single day: $45 Dec 20-Jan 3: $425 https://www.stillyarts.com Jazz Jam Sessions w/ EM EM Curators of Craft @ 7 - 9 p.m. https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=85250250020874 7&set=gm.200189259801898 Live Trivia Iron Monk Brewing Company @ 7 - 9 p.m. https://www.ironmonkbeer.com Louie’s Bingo Night Louie’s Grill & Bar @ 8 p.m. https://www.facebook.com/LouiesStillwater Thursday 12/21/2023 Day 10: Christmas Trivia EM Curators of Craft @ 6:30 p.m. https://www.facebook.com/events/337954832304173 Eat It Up Food Truck & Live Music Iron Monk Brewing Company @ 6 p.m. https://www.facebook.com/ironmonkbrewingco/ Funk N’ Beers College Bar @ 10:30 p.m. - 12:30 a.m.

Holiday Downtown Santa is Coming Downtown Stillwater @ 6 - 7:30 p.m.

Kid’s Night Eskimo Joe’s @ 5 - 9 p.m. w/ $1 Buffy meals Line Dancing Lessons Outlaws @ 7 - 8 p.m. $10 https://www.facebook.com/events/1124559801568120/ National Wrestling Hall Of Fame Dual Classic Gallagher-Iba Arena @ 9 a.m. $15 for Youth | $25 for Adults https://nwhof.org/admin-preview/news/nation-s-topteams-will-compete-in-inaugural-national-wrestling-hallof-fame-dual-classic-on-december-21-22 Sci-Fi Film Club: First Encounters Stillwater Public Library @ 6 - 8 p.m. https://stillwaterok.gov/Library Winter Solstice Art & Wine Walk Modella Art Gallery @ 5 - 9 p.m.

Los Angeles Times Daily Crossword Puzzle Edited by Patti Varol

ACROSS 1 Parakeet’s pole 6 Margarita flavor 10 Roughly 14 Nebraska city 15 “Make it snappy” letters 16 29-Across, for one 17 Transport for loudmouths?

19 Many 4WD autos 20 Fizzy fountain drink 21 Car loan figs.

23 Allow 24 Singer-songwriter Tori 26 Transport for nanobots?

29 Young character in Milne stories 30 Not pos.

31 Being tracked, in a way 32 Little sandwich treat 35 Express checkout units 36 Transport for the army’s best poker players?

39 __-knit sweater 42 “Barefoot __”: Ina Garten cooking show 46 Overdue debt 49 QB stats 50 Beach ball filler 51 Transport for rural golf instructors?

53 Doomed 54 Rocker Vicious portrayed by Gary Oldman 55 Bygone Russian ruler 56 Has a meal 58 Hall of Fame catcher Rodríguez nicknamed “Pudge” 60 Transport for seminary students?

64 Letter after epsilon 65 Overture follower 66 __ Carta 67 Utopia 68 For fear that 69 Exhausted DOWN 1 Perspective, for short

Daily Horoscope

12/27/23

By Amanda Cook & Katie Hale

2 My Chemical Romance genre 3 Critter also called a trash panda 4 Complete disorder 5 Edvard Grieg’s “In the __ of the Mountain King” 6 Asian language 7 “Foundation” series writer Asimov 8 Powerful Apple 9 Filmmaker Nora 10 Citrus drinks, for short 11 French meat dish 12 Start time for some morning shows 13 Shellfish served with mignonette sauce 18 GoPro product 22 Legs it 24 Common injection site 25 Me, in Marseille 27 Disney CEO Bob 28 Hanukkah pancake 30 Problem for the Tin Man 33 Dot in the ocean

Tuesday’s Puzzle Solved

©2023 Tribune Content Agency, LLC

34 Thunder’s city, for short 37 “Africa” rock band 38 “We Feed People” chef José 39 Flip over at sea 40 Got somewhere 41 Night out for straight guys 43 Bangers and mash protein 44 Serious misdeed

12/27/23

45 Biblical evacuation vessel 47 Scamp 48 Hardly plentiful 52 Dressage paces 53 Interchangeable watch component 57 PIN points 59 Brit’s grandma 61 Command to a collie 62 Travel stop 63 __ Geo Wild

Nancy Black Tribune Content Agency Linda Black Horoscopes

Today’s Birthday (12/27/23). The coming year grows love, romance and artistic exploration. Steady communication cultivates collaboration. Adjust winter plans for changing passions, before conquering career challenges this spring. Savor sweetness at home with family this summer. Autumn communication changes lead to professional victories. Share your heart.

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

Aries (March 21-April 19) — Today is an 8 — Domestic issues require attention. Can you work from home? Coordination and communication come easier now, facilitating ease and profits.

Take advantage of lucky conditions.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Today is a 7 — Write your story.

Research, study and investigate. You can learn what you need to know. Communicate and coordinate. You’re putting together a fascinating puzzle.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Today is a 9 — More income is possible. Here’s where you start making profits. Share successes with your partner. Support each other for great results.

You’re stronger together.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Today is a 9 — Go for your heart’s desire. You’ve got the power and confidence to make things happen. Love inspires you. Let your passion be your guide.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Today is a 7 — Slow down and contemplate. It’s easier to finish old projects. You’re especially productive behind closed doors. Support yourself to process recent events. Savor beautiful views.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Today is a 7 — Teamwork scores for victory. Have fun with friends. Advance common goals together. Participate for community gain. Words and actions coalesce. Coordinate who does what.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — Today is a 7 — You’re attracting the attention of someone important at work. Abandon old fears.

Share professional presentations and interests. Your status and influence are on the rise.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — Today is an 8 — Expand your territory. Travel, transportation and communications flow with greater ease now. Your creativity flowers. Study and research.

Make a delightful long-distance connection.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — Today is a 7 — Quick action can get lucrative results. Handling finances comes easier. Grow and save resources. You’re building for the future. It’s all for the family.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Today is an 8 — Collaboration flowers naturally. Your partner understands you intuitively.

Coordinate tasks and responsibilities. All for one, and one for all. Share the load and the rewards.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) — Today is a 9 — The pace is picking up. Get into a productive rhythm. A walk outside clears your head. Exercise energizes you. Listen to birdsong for cheerful inspiration.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Today is a 7 — Prioritize love, romance and friendship. Spend time with the people you cherish, enjoy and admire. Social connections open new doors.

Follow your heart.

Level 1 2 3 4

Solution to Tuesday’s puzzle

12/27/23 Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit, 1 to 9.

For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, visit sudoku.org.uk

© 2023 The Mepham Group. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency. All rights reserved.