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A new adaptation comes to the Aronoff, adds romantic twists

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UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2015

Student Government meets with athletic director to talk UC spirit CASSIE LIPP | CHIEF REPORTER

As Nippert Stadium renovations continue, University of Cincinnati Athletic Director Mike Bohn convened with Student Government leaders Wednesday to brainstorm ways to keep the UC community engaged with its athletics.

“There’s a lot of passion, good ideas and energy in this group,” Bohn told SG members as they shared their innovative ideas to promote school spirit.

The main concern between Bohn and the students is how to create excitement and engage all members of the UC community. Bohn reminded SG that participation starts with the students, as some athletics fans who are not UC students are not engaged with the spirit of the game.

“Guys like me sit there and think it’s a non-participatory event,” Bohn said.

Some ideas SG members proposed were increasing crowd interaction during DANIEL SULLIVAN | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

Student Body Vice President Shivam Shah and Student Body President Christina Beer discuss ways to revamp students’ enthusiasm in UC sports.

SEE SG PG 3

PROFESSOR URGES COMMUNITY TO STAND AGAINST INJUSTICE Previous research on Greek Dark Ages MLK JR. TRIBUTE INSPIRES STUDENTS revisited, challenged RUSSELL HAUSFELD | STAFF REPORTER

A University of Cincinnati doctorate candidate and osteologist has dug up new findings about the Greek Dark Ages, a 300-year-long period of time in which settlements were abandoned, populations dropped and written records were nonexistent.

Flint Dibble and his colleague Daniel Fallu, a geoarchaeologist at Boston University, presented research Jan. 9 from a new study into the lifestyle of citizens during the Dark Ages, which took place from 1100 to 800 BCE. The research was presented at the Archaeological Institute of America in New Orleans.

The study challenges previously published conclusions that many Greeks turned to animal herding during this period in history.

What caused the decline of civilization during the Dark Ages is still unclear today, but scholars have suggested droughts, warfare and even a series of earthquakes as explanations.

“What is really clear is that it was the breakdown in the political and economic system of the [Bronze Age] that just destabilized everything,” Dribble said.

“That is called a ‘systems collapse’ by some scholars.”

With the collapse of the economic system, it was thought that many people during the Dark Ages adopted a new profession: cattle ranching. This assumption was based upon research done in the ’60s at a Greek village called Nichoria.

“Nichoria was excavated about 40 years ago, and the scholars who studied the animal bones noticed a change towards what they called cattle ranching,” Dribble said. “They thought that this was a time when agriculture was mostly abandoned, and instead, people were herding animals.”

Dibble and Fallu began their research in Nichoria to test and expand upon the conclusions of previous research.

“I had no reason to doubt the conclusions at first,” Dibble said. “But, when I looked at the bones, it turned out that in this period, and not in earlier periods, the bones were badly damaged.”

The original evidence for Greeks turning to cattle ranching during the Dark Ages hinged on the fact that the remains of cattle far outnumbered the remains of any other animals found during that time. But because SEE DARK AGES PG 3

MADISON SCHMIDT | PHOTO EDITOR

C.G. Newsome, president and CEO of the Freedom Center, spoke about freedom and it’s meaning in today’s culture as part of a Martin Luther King Jr. tribute from the AACRC in the Great Hall Tuesday afternoon.

CASSIE LIPP | CHIEF REPORTER

Cheers, freedom chants and applause filled Tangeman University Center’s Great Hall after National Underground Railroad Freedom Center President and CEO C.G. Newsome gave a speech on the importance of true freedom.

Newsome, also a University of Cincinnati professor, was the keynote speaker at the Martin Luther King Jr. tribute Tuesday. After the speech, he received the UC African American Cultural & Resource Center’s Award of Appreciation.

About 70 individuals gathered for the tribute, themed “Freedom Yesterday, Freedom Today, Freedom Forever,” sponsored by the UC AACRC. “True freedom is about inclusive freedom,” Newsome said during his speech. “What it means to have a true birth of freedom of the life in this nation

is all people experiencing rights and privileges of equal number, kind and quality.”

Newsome recounted his experience growing up in a nation still racially segregated. He said that he had some rights and privileges, but did not have the same rights and privileges as his counterparts across town. For example, he could not sit anywhere he desired in a theater because he is African-American.

It wasn’t until Newsome was 16 years old that he was allowed to sit wherever he pleased in a theater, he said.

Newsome said the first day he experienced true freedom was Aug. 22, 2014. On that day, he threw the first pitch at a Cincinnati Reds game against the Atlanta Braves.

“It was the first time in my life I had ever been on a mound,” Newsome said.

Newsome said he grew up playing baseball, but the baseball fields for

African-Americans at that time did not have mounds, despite the fact that the fields across town had them.

Newsome recalled King saying that those who are committed to freedom might be called upon to save the soul of the nation.

“Unless this freedom comes full-born, the soul of the nation is in jeopardy,” Newsome said.

He added that this puts areas in the nation such as Ferguson, Missouri, in danger.

“At the heart of all these instances is this confusion over when we are going to fully give birth to freedom in the light of this nation committed to a very noble, noble thing: the spirit,” Newsome said.

“It not just a national matter. It’s a global matter. We need to see a full-blown birth of freedom around the world.”

SEE TRIBUTE PG 3

Recently hired dean seeks to create ‘McMicken experience’ for students STACI BOOTHE | STAFF REPORTER

Kenneth Petren wasn’t planning on becoming a dean anytime soon, but when he was nominated for the deanship of McMicken College of Arts & Sciences, it was the people across the college who inspired him to pursue it.

“I felt a sense of duty that if I can help, and people believe I’m the right person, then I’ll do it because I believe in the college and where it is going,” Petren said.

Petren started working at the University of Cincinnati in 2000 as an assistant professor in biological sciences and became head of McMicken’s Department of Biological Sciences in 2011.

“I chose UC because I could sense it had good leadership, a good reputation, and there was so much support for me to start my research,” Petren said.

He has been researching genetics, particularly Charles Darwin’s finches, for almost 20 years.

Provost Beverly Davenport announced in an email to McMicken students, faculty and staff on Jan. 1 that a new dean had been selected for McMicken College, UC’s largest college.

The search committee in charge of selecting final candidates for the deanship, headed by Teik Lim, dean SEE DEAN PG 3

MADISON SCHMIDT | PHOTO EDITOR

Kenneth Petren said it was the students of McMicken College of Arts & Sciences who inspired him to pursue the dean position.

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2 / ARTS

Q&A

THURSDAY, JANUARY 15 2014 / NEWSRECORD.ORG

The World of a Poem: Mary Szybist

ZACK HATFIELD | ARTS EDITOR

Dunne, Shakespeare, Dickinson. What I came to see a lot about those poems is that they really are quite accessible to anyone willing to take the time to pay attention. It really shoved into my mind what I wanted to reach for, which was trying to make poems that could be accessible to anyone willing to slow down and pay attention.

In 2013, Mary Szybist — the current Elliston Poet-in-Residence at the University of Cincinnati — won the National Book Award for poetry for her collection “Incarnadine.” The book navigates definitions of spirituality and the author’s identity, dilating on the moment of the Annunciation in the Bible between the Virgin Mary and Gabriel in the gospel of Luke, when Mary learns she will be the mother of God. But “Incarnadine” is not necessarily a Christian work.

Instead, Szybist’s graceful and at times carnal writing reaches into the depths of the holy, the psyche, as well as the domestic, exploring through experiments in poetic form and lyrical imagery the concept of the Annunciation and how its lasting impressions turn up in the quotidian.

The collection is a feat of language, and when read aloud frequently evokes the sound of haunted prayer.

Szybist will give readings in Langsam Library’s Elliston Poetry Room at 4 p.m. on Jan. 16 and Feb. 27. I spoke with her recently about the inspiration behind “Incarnadine,” the differences between painting and poetry and why poetry matters in the classroom.

TNR: Was going out and doing research important in the process of writing “Incarnadine,” or did the inspirations and allusions come naturally?

MS: I did some research in terms of some of the painters, like Angelico — trying to learn about his technique and thinking about approximating what it would be to try to bring forward some of his disjunction in language that he did in image. I don’t know if I did a great deal of research into Christian mythology. I used what I already knew, what would probably be listened to and shared with by many.

TNR: Did you find it restricting or liberating confining your poems in “Incarnadine” to one religious scene?

TNR: “Incarnadine” explores through many facets the annunciation of the virgin Mary, this convergence of the supernatural and the human. Why did you choose to explore this topic in the collection?

MS: It seemed very resonant. I grew up with a Catholic religion and I grew up attending church. So it was an image I literally spent much time looking at and contemplating growing up, and part of the impetus to return to that image was sort of to remake the relationship to it.

TNR: You’ve noted in past interviews that Italian Renaissance paintings from artists like Botticelli and Angelico inspired you. Do you believe that the medium of poetry is able to reach something — perhaps is able to get closer to the holy — than that of painting or other art forms?

MS: I don’t know that I would make any claims that one has more access to the sacred. But I certainly think that they do different things. The words and poetry can deal with the temporal and time in ways that painting probably can’t. So that’s something I think I pick up a lot in the book and in my meditations. The annunciation is a scene that is in some ways about time, and that’s one thing I thing painters are less able to contend with.

TNR: Many times it’s as if you’re writing directly to the reader. Do you have a specific audience in mind when you write?

GRAYWOLF PRESS

Szybist teaches poetry at Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon.

MS: The audience I think of first when I write is the speaker and who the speaker within the poem is addressing. Often my speakers are speaking to various different people—Mary to Gabriel and Gabriel to Mary— and so first and foremost I try to enter the world of the poem and think of who the speaker’s audience is, and the speaker’s imagination. In terms of who I imagine as an audience in the poems […] I do care about making things that might be able to reach other people and other consciouses. I don’t think I’m writing just for this kind of person.

TNR: Many of the poems are enigmatic and judging from the notes, can be very personal and eclectic. But they’re also incredibly understandable, if not always transparent.

Is making your poetry accessible to a wide range of people important for you when writing, something you’re conscious of?

MS: I taught at a public high school as an English teacher for six years and I taught a lot of canonical poems to teenagers who did not bring any of their own interest to the table to begin with. One of the things I discovered as a teacher — my expectations at first was that they will like the easiest poems best. And that wasn’t exactly the case. They tended, I think, to respond to the great poems—

MS: To me it ended up being more freeing. If I had set the limitation for myself that every single poem in the book had to be an annunciation scene, I think that would have been too constrictive. […] I gave myself the license to simply think about having every poem being in relationship to that scene in some way and that, I think, was very generative for me.

TNR: As someone who teaches writing, what can you say about the role of universities in fostering the craft of poetry? Is poetry something that can be taught?

MS: I think that the techniques are teachable, and that the more technique we have the more possibilities we have as writers and artists. I think that it’s very hard to be any kind of artist without training and technique, and I think that’s where you begin. I also think poetry is something a lot of us are not exposed to as much growing up anymore, and I think a lot of us are not given much closure to it in school, even in high school anymore. So I think a lot of us simply don’t know much about it.

Taking a poetry class can offer a few things — it can initiate you to a new world of literature and possibility.

I think that learning a little bit about technique can also help you become a much better reader, especially if you start reading like a writer. You can have a different appreciation of the craft, of what is so stunning and so beautiful and meaningful about what others have done.

I also think that even if people don’t go on to become published or professional writers, having more linguistic choices available to you for expressing yourself when you need to do so is often good.

Artist explores gender issues in encore at Know Theatre SHEALYN HOEHN | STAFF REPORTER

ARONOFF CENTER

Cinderella, played by Paige Faure, hides in the forest. The illustrious set of the traveling show was designed by Anna Louizos.

‘Cinderella’ spellbinds audiences at Aronoff CASSIE LIPP | CHIEF REPORTER

A new adaptation of a classic fairytale is bedazzling theater-goers at the Aronoff Center, presenting a fresh perspective on Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella” complete with new characters and a dash of magic.

Douglas Beane’s adaptation adds a novel twist on the classic story. It introduces a new character, Jean-Michel, who brings the theme of revolution to the story.

Meanwhile, topics of status are also present, mainly brought forth by the title character’s stepmother and stepsisters, who endeavor to appear to belong in upperclass society.

Despite the play’s fresh storyline, the musical still includes the fairytale magic “Cinderella” fans love. I got goose bumps seeing Paige Faure (Cinderella) — who also played Cinderella on Broadway — perform “In My Own Little Corner.”

I was also enthralled by the dreamlike, ballet-inspired dance numbers that perfectly set the scene for the prince’s ball.

While I was enchanted by all the magic, I was a little confused at first by Faure’s interpretation of Cinderella.

At the beginning she seemed like the caring and compassionate heroine viewers are familiar with, yet she also appeared to be a bit of the nervous type.

But her nervousness transformed into pure emotion at

the moment at which her rags transformed into a sparkly ball gown.

From that moment on, Faure’s character acted with pure confidence and ambition.

Another added twist is a love story between JeanMichel and one of Cinderella’s stepsisters. This subplot creates an interesting distraction from the typical prince and princess love story. It also adds a “nerdy” couple to the plot, which seems to be a common theme in romantic comedies today.

With that being said, I do think “Cinderella” sways a bit more from the fairytale genre and can be classified as a more complex romantic comedy.

Although the revolution parts of the storyline and some characters’ sarcasm may be too much for younger viewers to understand, the fantastical moments make the musical appropriate for all ages to enjoy.

The set and costumes (done by William Ivey Long and Anna Louizos, respectively) are well-detailed and appear to have come straight from storybook illustrations.

The famous rags-to-riches transformation, which appeared to happen in a single twirl, left me wondering for a brief second if magic really was used.

As a whole, “Cinderella” is a must-see for any fans of the classic story or those looking for a twist.

Rebecca Kling strode out onto the stage of Over-theRhine’s Know Theatre Jan. 10 confident and ready to tell her story of gender reassignment surgery through the monologue “Something, Something New Vagina,” written and produced by Kling.

An explorer of gender and identity, Kling tours colleges, universities and theater festivals across the country, one of which includes Cincinnati’s Fringe Festival — a two-weeklong theater festival in OTR where each performance lasts 45 minutes to an hour.

“Something, Something New Vagina” was brought back to the Know as an encore performance after positive feedback from audience members and critics after its first run in 2014’s Fringe Festival in Cincinnati.

In 2013, Kling was named part of the inaugural Trans 100, a list celebrating excellence in the transgender community. That same year, Kling released her first book, “No Gender Left Behind.” In 2014, she was named one of the 25 Writers to Watch by the Guild Literary Complex.

Needless to say, Kling has made quite a name for herself through literature, theater and activism.

Her raw and emotional performance at the Knows centered on self-identity and her personal journey before, during and after gender reassignment surgery.

Kling spoke about the process leading up to her decision to have surgery, explaining that “ ‘boy’ wouldn’t be right, but it took a long time to figure out what would be.” It was in her late teens to early 20s that Kling began to understand that gender reassignment surgery was right for her.

Within such a small space, the performance was not only intimate, but also interactive. Kling seemed to speak to every individual through eye contact, movement and voice, allowing a free-flowing and intuitive atmosphere to submerse the audience.

Kling had a way of gently presenting material that some would see as gritty; a method she achieved through humor. She had the ability to make the audience laugh not only with her, but also at themselves.

Her monologue was also relatable, making statements that seemed to let each audience member breathe a little easier.

“The realization that I’m allowed to have a hard time has been useful,” she said.

The fight to become comfortable in one’s own skin is something every individual strives for. For Kling, surgery has led her to “fit in a way that I didn’t before.”

“I want younger generations to feel more comfortable with themselves,” she explained, adding that she’d like to see gender reassignment surgery “as something that isn’t a big part of my life anymore. It’s part of my history.”

“Cinderella” runs at the Aronoff Center through Sunday.

UPCOMING THEATER IN CINCINNATI Waiting for Godot Jan. 16 - Feb. 7 @ Cincinnati Shakespeare Company

The Handmaid’s Tale Jan. 27 - Feb. 21 @ The Know Theatre Mainstage

Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash Jan. 17 - Feb. 15 @ Playhouse in the Park

The Other Place Jan. 27 - Feb. 15 @ Ensemble Theatre REBECCA KLING

Kling tours the country with her solo performance about identity.

NEWS / 3

IN BRIEF

Cincinnati crime rates decline

A new report from the city of Cincinnati shows significant drops in several crime categories from 2013 to 2014.

Homicides decreased by 14.9 percent, shootings by 13.4 percent and burglaries by 11.6 percent (see infographic to the right.) University of Cincinnati’s Institute of Crime Science reviewed and verified the crime numbers.

The Cincinnati Initiative to Reduce Violence (CIRV) is credited for the significant drops. CIRV, initiated in 2007, establishes collaboration between the community and governmental agencies.

CIRV coordinates with police, probation and parole officers, community outreach and media outlets to end violence.

The report also points out that in March, City Council approved a $1.2 million plan for additional police overtime for the year. The money is being used to address crime “hot spots,” the report said.

UC student, local store robbed Cincinnati Police are investigating a robbery that occurred Tuesday around 7:30 p.m. at the Cinci Deli and Ice store in the 2800 block of Jefferson Ave., according to an alert from UC Public Safety. The suspect, described as a six-foot, 170-pound black male, approximately 20-30 years old and wearing a blue sweatshirt, blue jeans and tan boots, robbed the store at gunpoint.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2015 / NEWSRECORD.ORG

Drop in Major Crimes

By Category, 2013 - 2014

A wallet belonging to a UC student who was in the store was also taken. If you have information about this incident, call Crime Stoppers at 513-352-3040.

Safe Zone Parking extended

HOMICIDES

14.9 %

University of Cincinnati Parking Services has extended Safe Zone Parking Hours in Woodside and Eden garages, according to a press release. Safe Zone Parking allows anyone without a UC parking pass to park in the garages for $1 between 8 p.m. and 5:59 a.m. The change is part of the “Be Smart Be Safe” campaign launched in August 2013 by President Santa Ono to raise awareness to student safety on campus and in the community.

SHOOTINGS

13.4 %

11 fewer victims

ROBBERIES

15.4 %

UC Awarded 2015 Community Engagement Classification

59 fewer victims

BURGLARIES

11.6 %

246 fewer

The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching recognized UC among 361 colleges to receive the 2015 Community Engagement Classification.

To be selected, UC had to provide descriptions and examples of community engagement that showed a connection in mission, culture, leadership, resources and practices. UC offered approximately 100 service learning courses in the past academic year, with nearly 3,500 students participating in experiential learning and community engagement.

631 fewer

VEHICLE THEFT

10.8 % 130 fewer

Source: City of Cincinnati, University of Cincinnati’s Institute of Crime Science Lisa Cai | Lead Designer

FROM SG PG 1

MADISON SCHMIDT | PHOTO EDITOR

Provost Beverly Davenport announced on Jan. 1 that Kenneth Petren (pictured) was selected to serve as dean for UC’s largest college.

FROM DEAN PG 1

of the College of Engineering & Applied Sciences, found many strong attributes in Petren. According to Lim, Petren exhibited a fitting personality for the position and strong leadership skills. Petren attributes his leadership abilities to good models to work from in his department and exposure he has had on university committees.

“He has been described as straightforward, enthusiastic, sincere, optimistic, honest and personable,” Lim said.“He also relates well

to students and is respected as a researcher and department head.”

Now that he is dean, Petren’s primary goal is to enhance what he calls the McMicken experience. He started his deanship with the McMicken Senate on Tuesday in setting forward his vision, which is to McMicken the place students where want to be.

His goal is focused on the students’ perspectives and making research and innovative teaching a part of their daily routine by using more of the concepts instead of lecturing about them, Petren said.

On overall improvements to the college, Petren wants to maintain research strength by bringing research into the classroom, raise money for more scholarships and become known for a different kind of liberal arts.

For the rest of the semester, Petren will be taking stock of the college as it is now and trying to create an atmosphere of innovative spirit with the McMicken faculty.

“We are on the move,” Petren said.“We will keep moving forward each year.”

cheers, putting the athletic schedule on the front page of Blackboard and a complete shutdown of Calhoun Street for pre-game activities on game days.

SG External Holdover Senator Jen St. John reminded members how animated the announcer at Cincinnati Cyclones games gets when the home team scores a goal.

“I would like that from our announcer — to just go crazy when [UC] gets a touchdown,” St. John said.

St. John also proposed a family night game.

“My family would pay big bucks to come down here, be with other families, be with my friends’ families and enjoy everything,” St. John said.

Bohn, impressed with SG’s suggestions, stated how it was overdue to spend more time with leaders on campus that have the ability to influence positive change.

Bohn said that any UC student can benefit from the renovations as the stadium is a place the larger UC community can come together.

“It’s a rally point for community leaders, for alumni, for corporate leaders, for students, for faculty—it’s an opportunity for everybody to come to campus,” Bohn said. “It gives us an opportunity to really engage and celebrate with each other and partner and build relationships.”

Bohn added that community is critical to a college campus, and the UC community is improving.

“I believe that under Dr. [President Santa] Ono’s leadership it gets better every day,” Bohn said. “The energy associated with merchants coming in— restaurants and retail establishments and people investing in Clifton and in campus—it’s truly transformational and we’re encouraged by that and we want to drive that.”

FROM TRIBUTE PG 1

MADISON SCHMIDT | PHOTO EDITOR

Newsome recalls his experiences of inequality growing up as a child. Newsome also remarked on today’s definition of freedom.

Newsome closed his speech by identifying four principles of freedom: self-determination, self-sufficiency, responsible exercise of human rights and active participation.

Benita Munnerlyn, a first-year international business student, said the most important message she gained from the speech was about responsibility.

“Dr. Newsome talked about accountability and holding each other accountable, because when we see injustice anywhere, we should stand up for it and speak up about it,” Munnerlyn said.

“What I got from today’s service is that freedom is not just a one-way street,” said Mike Gaynor, a second-year computer engineering student.“It takes multiple things.”

Titilayo Adelusola, a second-year communications student, was also impressed by Newsome’s speech.

“We all have a part to play,”Adelusola said.“Even just as students, we can really make a difference in bringing everybody together — on campus, in our community and around the world.”

FROM DARK AGES PG 1

the remains were so close to the surface, Dribble explained it is possible that the bones of less-robust animals simply deteriorated beyond recognition.

“What’s really interesting is that the remains of other large species like horse and donkey and ... large deer species that were in the area also increase in number proportionally at this time, which is further evidence of this damage that is favoring larger species’ bones,” Dribble said.

Fallu adds to this hypothesis that the layer of soil and rocks beneath the Dark-Age remains was coated in a concrete or plaster-like substance that occurs when water and acid rain break down materials with calcium carbonate in them.

The calcium carbonate is then redistributed to lower levels in the soil.

“Calcium carbonate is found in many things — including bone,” Fallu said.

One thing Fallu made sure to point out is that the original researchers in the ’60s did make note of this soil beneath the Dark Age layer. But what makes Dibble and Fallu’s work unique to the original research is the close proximity and collaboration between a geoarchaeologist and an osteologist.

Together, they were able to ask questions that previous research had not considered.

Both researchers said that their peers at the Archaeological Institute of America meetings gave them reassuring feedback and expressed interest in the need to reevaluate Nichoria.

“In general, I think people really liked the idea,” Dribble said. “To a certain extent, I think this idea of Dark Age cattle ranching is getting a little stale anyway as other forms of evidence don’t seem to match it.

“Hopefully this is one of the nails in the coffin of that theory. But, who knows?” Dribble said. “I could be wrong. I’m still willing to admit that there’s more testing that needs to be done, but all the evidence I can see, there’s no real good positive evidence for this theory.”

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4 / COLLEGE LIFE

THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2015 / NEWSRECORD.ORG

OPINION: Muslim student’s thoughts on Charlie Hebdo RASHMA FAROQUI | CONTRIBUTOR

As a female Asian-American Muslim student, I have been lucky not to experience any outright racism or prejudice in my four years at the University of Cincinnati. However, I still hear whispers and conversations behind my back whenever there’s another terrorist attack perpetrated by people claiming to be Muslim.

Some people like to accuse all Muslims of being inherently violent and barbaric.

The killing of 12 people, including a Muslim police officer, that happened at Charlie Hebdo magazine Jan. 7 were horrible, and violence such as this is never justified. I, along with Muslims around the world, condemn them, but we do not take responsibility for extremists’ actions.

Freedom of speech is a necessary and basic human right. The essence of freedom is to lift barriers and open doors of communication without fear.

The moment one oversteps that freedom and uses the amendment as a sword rather than a right, that person is being

immensely hurtful and offensive.

Regardless of how crass, disrespectful, racist, ignorant or non-satirical I think the Charlie Hebdo magazine is, I still believe it has the right to publish its material just as any other print organization. Any issues with the magazine could have been addressed with peaceful protests or letters to the editor.

That being said, I would also like to make it clear that these cartoons, drawings and videos churned out by the magazine about my beloved Prophet are offensive to my beliefs. When we see images of lewd propaganda of Jews and African-Americans in our history books, we click our tongues and shake our heads in disgust. And yet, with this magazine, how can we have the audacity to say it is the freedom of speech that we all stand for?

As much as those cartoons were offensive to me, the actions taken by these men who murdered in the name of Islam, in the name of my Prophet, were even more reprehensible.

Muslims have been made fun of before. People who disagreed with the Messenger of Islam have mocked him to his face. They threw camel entrails, rocks and stones on him, cursed him and even recited offensive poetry about him.

He is not the only Muslim Prophet to

undergo such difficulties; dozens of prophets of Islam have experienced similar trials. In response to every situation, they were told by God to observe “sabr” — the Arabic word for patience.

My feelings of disappointment are justifiable, and it is my reaction as a Muslim that makes the most difference.

Muslims need to stop apologizing.

Instead, we should redirect the table of conversation to open up doors of dialogue.

My response, as well as the response of all other Muslims, is to educate the world about Islam and spread awareness of its message.

When Islam first spread, it was not the threat of the sword that captivated people; it was the power behind the ideas, the challenging of inequities, the questioning of philosophies of the time.

Islam is a religion of thought. When it is claimed that religious people are closed minded, we can see how little is known about Islam.

The idea of religion being fanatical, intolerant, unaccepting of criticism and un-open to conversation is the opposite of Islam. Islam encourages criticism.

As vice president of the UC Muslim Students’ Association, I encourage anyone on campus with questions or concerns about Islam to contact us.

It is annoying that I am expected to explain how terrorists who claim to be Muslim are insane, just as it’s annoying that these extremists claim to have something in common with me. I ask readers to look at the bigger picture.

There are political and social underlying root causes for these individuals when they make murderous decisions. If one looks for the similarities between the strings of alleged Muslim terrorists, they’ll find direct interviews in which they mourn over the deaths of civilians in Muslim lands, blaming Western aggression, oppression, militarization and cultural imperialism.

This is the reason they enact their own twisted revenge. Islam is not the reason.

Muslims are not the masterminds behind these attacks. Religion is an abused channel through which socioeconomic frustrations are let out.

It is up to everybody to come together as people, work to rid the world of oppression, apartheid, minority bullying, detaining innocents and unfortunately much more, if we hope to eventually rid the world of extremism.

Rashma Faroqui Neurobiology, Biology VP of the Muslim Students Association Fourth-year Student

No evidence rape happened at University Multiple scholarships available to students of Virginia fraternity, according to cops exclusively enrolled in UC Blue Ash classes JAMES QUEALLY | LOS ANGELES TIMES (TNS)

The fraternity at the center of a controversial Rolling Stone article has been reinstated by the University of Virginia after police determined that the sexual assault at the center of the piece did not occur at the group’s house.

Although investigators have not cleared the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity, Charlottesville Police Capt. Gary Pleasants told the Los Angeles Times that investigators haven’t uncovered any evidence to indicate a sexual assault occurred at the fraternity house.

“We’re still investigating ... but there was no reason to keep this house under sanctions,” he said. In a statement issued Monday morning, the University of Virginia announced the decision to reinstate Phi Kappa Psi along with all other Greek organizations on campus.

The university suspended all of its fraternities and sororities in November after Rolling Stone published an article detailing a brutal gang rape of a woman identified only as “Jackie” at the Phi Kappa Psi house.

But in the weeks that followed, the article came under intense scrutiny, and reporting

by The Washington Post and other media outlets uncovered several discrepancies in the victim’s account. Rolling Stone later admitted the reporter did not try to contact “Jackie’s” alleged rapists, and the fraternity said it did not hold a party on the night of the alleged attack, even though the victim claimed she was brought there for a party.

In the campus statement released Monday, Phi Kappa Psi President Stephen Scipione said his organization will use the fallout from the Rolling Stone controversy to improve safety protocols at future events.

“We believe that in the midst of this ordeal, there is an opportunity to move forward with important safety improvements. This has prompted us to take a closer look at ourselves and what role organizations like ours may play in this problem. It’s opened all of our eyes to the problem of sexual assault,” he said in the statement. “Now it’s time to do something about it.”

Pleasants said his office has yet to determine if an attack occurred, and it has not ruled out the possibility that a Phi Kappa Psi member was involved in the alleged attack.

RENEE GOOCH | CONTRIBUTOR

University of Cincinnati’s Blue Ash College is offering $83,000 in scholarships to be awarded to full-time and part-time students who are exclusively attending the branch campus.

Students must have completed 15 credit hours, have a minimum 2.5 cumulative grade-point average or above and be taking all of their classes at UCBA. “These scholarships span from nonprogram specific scholarships, to others in which are separated by major,” said Martha Geiger, UCBA One Stop services director.

“They are only awarded to the students who are enrolled in 100 percent of their courses at this campus, and the amount of money is then split between the two semesters for that year.”

Out of the 5,000 students enrolled at UCBA, only a small portion held scholarships the prior year.

“We strongly try to avoid duplicating the students with scholarships, due to it being unfair,” Geiger said.

“There are very few students with more than one scholarship.”

As of 2014, around 100 students at UCBA

held scholarships, Geiger said.

With the application deadlines approaching, UCBA has offered an incentive for students applying early.

Student’s who apply by Jan. 23 will be entered into a drawing to receive one of two $250 UC Bookstore vouchers. The money can be spent on any item in their college’s bookstore.

Steve Eagle, store manager of the UCBA bookstore said he was very excited about the opportunity.

“I can see the student’s eating this opportunity up as they learn that this voucher can be used not only on textbooks, but even UC memorabilia,” Eagle said. “It’s free money. Who doesn’t love free money?”

Eagle continued to explain that the voucher winners are chosen randomly, picked only out of the early scholarship applicants and awarded by the Dean’s office.

“Not all kids are lucky enough to have parents who help them out financially,” Eagle said. “I believe that this fact alone has everything to do with UC awarding the two vouchers.”

Students who do not apply early must complete their applications by Feb. 1.

SPORTS / 5 THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2015 / NEWSRECORD.ORG

Track and field shines at Akron Pole Vault Convention JAELYNNE JOHNSON | SPORTS EDITOR

The University of Cincinnati men’s and women’s track and field teams had a successful start to the new year after not competing since their meet in early December for the Hoosier Open in Bloomington, Indiana.

The Bearcat track and field programs entered the in-state competition against the University of Akron with 13 individuals ranked within the top 50 of their events, along with the men’s 4x400meter relay team. Four of those Bearcat athletes are in the nation’s top 10 of their respective events.

“Coming into this meet, we had some really good performances and personal records, and I think that momentum has carried with us over the break,” said Susan Seton, interim head coach.

Records were shattered and personalbest performances were improved upon once again as the Bearcats faced the Akron Zips Friday evening.

Two stand-out performances from the meet were from junior thrower Macklin Tudor and his counterpart junior sprinter Kenya Woodall.

Tudor demolished UC’s school record in the shot put. Tudor also led the Bearcats in 24 personal-best performances.

A native of Mount Orab, Tudor recorded his record-setting toss of 58 feet

2.5 inches with his third throw which was the winning mark for the event.

His throw exceeds former Bearcats Troy Cooper’s mark of 56 feet 8 inches in the 2011 season. Tudor also holds the men’s discus record.

“Something I want to accomplish is to get the indoor or outdoor conference titles,”Tudor said. “I have to throw a big throw of about 61 feet in order to get that, but it’s something that can be done.”

Tudor returns this season after having contracted mononucleosis last season and has major plans for the rest of his career here at UC, as well as for the future.

“My ultimate goal is to get to the Olympic trials and go from there,”Tudor said. “I’m trying not to get too far ahead of myself; it’s something that will come about as the season goes on.”

Tudor later earned the American Athletic Conference honors of Athlete of the Week after his record-breaking performance.

Kenya Woodall is also a school record holder in the indoor and outdoor 400 meter races, both of which she obtained last season.

In the Akron meet, Woodall had the most impressive performance for the women’s side as she won both the 100-meter and 200-meter dash races. Her time of 24.67 seconds placed her third on UC’s all-time performance list.

DANIEL SULLIVAN | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

Junior thrower Macklin Tudor (Mount Orab, Oh.) is a record holder of the UC men’s shot put and discus.

Woodall hopes to improve her marks from last year.

“For this season I just want to be better in every event,” Woodall said. “I want to be higher ranked overall for the outdoor season. [My teammates] stay positive, we

make sure that we don’t leave each other behind, keep each other motivated.”

The Bearcats return to action this weekend, when they travel to Lexington for the two-day Kentucky Invitational.

Women’s basketball season recap Sophomore forward earns two American Athletic Conference honors JAELYNNE JOHNSON | SPORTS EDITOR

The University of Cincinnati women’s basketball team started off with a bit of a rocky start, but is showing promising efforts on the court that could foreshadow a successful season overall.

It all started with the season-opening win against the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff on Saturday, Nov. 17, with a score of 73-57. The Bearcats were able to hold off the Golden Lions going in to the second half with a four-point lead, which grew as the game continued.

This win put head coach Jamelle Elliott at a 5-1 record with season openers since coming to the University of Cincinnati May 2009.

After the win against UAPB, the Bearcats went on an eight-game losing streak, not seeing a win until Dec. 20 in their contest against University of Delaware in Fifth Third Arena. Cincinnati defeated Delaware 67-59.

The keys to that match were two players: freshman point guard Ana Owens and sophomore forward Marley Hill. Owens led the team by scoring 22 points, seven of 15 field goals and four assists.

Just behind Owens was teammate Hill, who scored 15 points and grabbed 13 rebounds. This marked Hill’s fourthstraight game with double-digit points

FILE ART

Marley Hill reaches for possession of the ball during the women’s basketball game against Kentucky Wesleyan Nov. 7.

and her second consecutive doubledouble game. Hill is the first player with back-to-back double-doubles since former Bearcat Jeanise Randolph last season.

The season continued, and the Bearcats got its first American Athletic Conference win after a double-overtime match against Houston on Jan. 7, 76-73.

Hill had a career high of 28 points, in addition to 13 rebounds and two blocks against the Cougars, marking Hill’s seventh double-double of the season.

On Saturday, Cincinnati was able to grab its second conference win against the University of Central Florida, 70-54, with Owens and Hill again being key factors to the Bearcats win. Owens finished with 18 points, nine rebounds and four assists. Hill finished with 16 points and eight rebounds, respectively.

This was Hill’s 11th time this season finishing a game with double digit points.

After having a successful season thus far, Hill earned a pair of conference honors, being named the American Athletic Conference and College Sports Madness Player of the Week.

Hill is currently ranked 30th nationally in double-doubles, 42nd in rebounds and 16th in defensive rebounds.

Hill is a highly motivated athlete who demonstrates sportsmanship when she plays. She wants that to show through her efforts in her games.

“What motivates me to have such good games is my team,” Hill said. “We faced a lot of adversity during this season, with one of our senior leaders [Alyesha Lovett] being out for the season with a torn Achilles.

“I feel like my team depends on me, and I do not want to let them down.”

Hill is proud of her recent accomplishments, but wants the focus to remain on her team and bettering its season. She sets personal and team goals and uses them as motivation to get better.

“My long-term goal for the season is to continue to get better each and every day,” she said. “I feel like as a young team, that’s what we should focus on.

Personally, I want to play overseas in a place like Spain, and then come back and go to graduate school to get my Masters in occupational therapy. I do not wish to play in the WNBA, but if it happens, then it’s something I would look forward to.”

The player-coach relationship is an aspect of the sport that Hill embodies the most. She is grateful for the things that Coach Elliott has taught her so far and cherishes the relationship that the two of them have.

“One thing that Coach Elliott has said to me that stuck in my head is that I need to have the mindset to dominate each and every game,” Hill said. “People say that we have a similar personality which is why we might bump heads, but she has helped me improve as a person and an overall basketball player.”

FILE ART

Third-year swimmer Hope Andrews pulls ahead during the 500-yard freestyle during the Swimming and Diving Red and Black intersquad meet Oct. 4.

Swim teams split win against Miami DAVID WYSONG | STAFF REPORTER

The University of Cincinnati men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams took on their in-state rivals on Saturday when they faced the Miami University Red Hawks at the Keating Aquatics Center.

The women’s team fell to the Red Hawks 188-11, but the team did not leave empty handed, with the men coming away with the win 182-118.

The UC women started off slow right off the bat when the Red Hawks took victories in the 200 medley relay and the 1,000 freestyle. Following those defeats, Bearcat sophomore Jackie Keire took a win during her first race of the day in the 200 freestyle. She later received first place in the 100 freestyle and the 500 freestyle.

After the 200-meter freestyle, UC junior Iuliia Fedoreeva took a win in the 200 butterfly by beating out Miami sophomore Kathleen Dodson in a tight race off the boards. The Bearcats then fell again to the Red Hawks when Miami senior Annie Marquiss got to the wall just before UC senior Helena Pikhartova.

The Red Hawks women also won the 200 breast stroke, 200 backstroke, 100 butterfly, 400 individual medley and the last event: the 400 freestyle. With those wins, Miami took the overall match from UC 188-11.

The Bearcat men’s start was completely opposite; Bearcat freshman Chris Bready kicked off the races with a win in the 1,000 freestyle. The Bearcats took more points than the one Bready gave them in that race when junior Joe Bott took second and sophomore Cody Green received third.

UC earned another finish where they got first, second and third place in the 200 freestyle with sophomore Eitan Holder getting first, sophomore Connor Davis getting second and junior Hunter Pasek getting third, respectively.

Miami won the 100 backstroke, but Cincinnati bounced right back when sophomore Dan Gilbertson won the 100-breast stroke and sophomore Trenton Harper gained second.

The Bearcats earned another first place and second place finish in the 200 butterfly with freshman Ryan DePietro receiving

first place and senior Joey Ferrari receiving second.

Miami ended up winning the 50 freestyle, but freshman Ryan Charbonneau got second place, sophomore Dean Waite got third, and Davis got fourth.

Holder won another event of the day in the 100 freestyle right before sophomore Todd Brannon won in the 200 backstroke.

The Bearcats’ deepest win of the day was in the 200 breaststroke with getting first, second, third, and fourth place. Sophomore Tyler Roehr earned first, Harper received second place, Gilbertson got third, and sophomore Nik Balmer got fourth.

There were more multiple Bearcats to place in multiple events. Bready won the 500 freestyle and Ferreri received second place. Holder won the 100 butterfly and Pasek earned second place. DePietro also won the 400 individual medley.

The Bearcats sealed their 182-118 win when Davis, Holder, Pasek and Waite won the 400 freestyle relay.

Head Coach Mandy Commons-DiSalle was very impressed with the men’s performance on Saturday.

“The men really did what I asked them to do, which is get out and be aggressive from the beginning — come out swinging from the beginning and just dominate,” Commons-DiSalle said. “Being able to compete against in-state rivals is very valuable, and we’re starting to make a name for ourselves. I was so proud of the guys’ effort today. Not just winning, but two, three, four places they were getting their hands on the wall, which is what you need to do to win.”

Commons-DiSalle knew that the women’s performance was not the best, but Miami had much more depth than UC, and that made a difference.

“The women were a different story.

Miami had 20 more girls here than we did, so their focus today was getting out, racing and staying competitive. It wasn’t about winning for them today, but what they didn’t do was roll over. They stayed competitive,” Commons-DiSalle said.

The Bearcats’ next meet is Friday and Saturday against Oakland University, Kenyon College and Olivet Nazarene University in Rochester, Michigan.

Defensive end represents UC on National team in Medal of Honor Bowl game All-American Athletic Conference selection trains for NFL Scouting Combine in Texas CLAUDE THOMPSON & JAELYNNE JOHNSON | THE NEWS RECORD

University of Cincinnati men’s football team was represented by starting defensive end Terrell Hartsfield in the Medal of Honor Bowl Saturday, when the National team that Hartsfield played for overcame an early American lead to win the All-Star game 26-14.

The Medal of Honor Bowl is a collegiate post-season match between two teams whose players are selected by a committee, a process that begins in the summer prior to the collegiate season.

Hosted in Charleston, South Carolina, at The Citadel’s Johnson Hagood Stadium, the game-day festivities recognize and pay respect to recipients of the Medal of Honor — the United States of America’s highest military honor — and show appreciation and support for the U.S. armed forces.

The Medal of Honor Bowl game’s other purpose is to highlight some of college football’s best drafteligible performers who might have been overlooked by

selection committees for the Senior Bowl or the Shrine Bowl. These players are generally viewed as possible third-to-sixth-round selections in the upcoming NFL draft. The bowl game provides the players with an opportunity to either help cement or improve their draft stock.

“For me to be selected in this game meant everything to me,” Hartsfield said. “It was an All-Star game and another opportunity for NFL scouts and general managers to watch me perform. It was a special honor, and playing in the game was a great feeling to know that I am competing against and with some of the best athletes in the nation.”

The game started quickly when Georgia Tech running back Synjyn Days punched in a 5-yard touchdown run to give the American squad the early lead. The American squad was led by head coach Willie Jeffries, who was the first African-American head coach of a NCAA Division I-A football program.

Days would finish with only seven yards rushing in the game, as seven different players were credited with rushing plays — a typical sight in All-Star games where the entire roster of both teams were invited to participate and given a chance to shine.

Rutgers University quarterback Gary Nova struggled throughout the game for the National team, including throwing an interception for a touchdown early in the second quarter to put the American team up 14-3.

The National team’s defense produced two interceptions of its own in the second half of the game and allowed no more points as the team, coached by former NFL head coach Chan Gailey, scored 23 unanswered points and claimed a victory in the second annual Medal of Honor Bowl.

Hartsfield, who finished the UC regular season with 38 total tackles, nine sacks and one fumble return for a touchdown, contributed with one solo tackle, one quarterback hit and one pass breakup. His versatility was evident as he affected three different facets of the game, which doesn’t even include the untracked stats like quarterback pressures and throwaways.

Hartsfield was also named First-Team All-American Athletic Conference.

The bowl players now turn their attention to their futures. If the NFL is their path, their next appearance may be the NFL Scouting Combine in February.

6 / LIFE & ARTS Kuamka candidates kick off competition for crown THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2015 / NEWSRECORD.ORG

Weeklong event to recognize two sophomore students; winners to represent AACRC, UC’s black community MICHELLE FLANAGAN | STAFF REPORTER

It’s been over a decade since the African American Cultural & Resource Center (AACRC) started celebrating Kuamka, a weeklong celebration that recognizes students who have excelled academically at the University of Cincinnati.

Kuamka is a Swahili word meaning “in the beginning.”

Throughout the week, the event incorporates a movie screening and discussion of “Dear White People,” a skating party and more. Kuamka culminates with the crowning of Mr. and Miss Kuamka, the recognition of students who have excelled academically.

The competition is open to any student of sophomore level who is interested in representing the AACRC. Typically, these students are involved in multiple organizations that are closely related to the center, such as Collegiate 100 Black Men’s Honorary and AACRC’s Brothers and Sisters Excelling (BASE) program.

Applications open each year in the latter half of December, and students must meet a GPA requirement and provide an essay.

Candidates are then selected and are narrowed down throughout the weeklong event.

The winners of the competition are given many responsibilities throughout the academic year and serve as ambassadors for both the AACRC and the entire UC black community. This year’s competitors include five men and seven women.

The competition for the title of Mr. and Miss Kuamka marked the beginning of Monday’s festivities.

Candidates were challenged to create a platform outlining an area that impacts the African-American community and suggest improvements for the outlined matter.

Participants displayed posters that highlighted the need to motivate African-Americans to participate in more international travel, expose African-American males to areas like literature and fine arts and create a family environment within UC’s black community.

After candidates had the opportunity to pitch their ideas, a question-and-answer segment of the evening started.

Five judges were present, along with Mr. and Miss Kuamka 2014, Brian Barney and Tiffany Peterson.

Question topics included white rappers profiting from black efforts, gaps in news coverage according to race and the impact of Nicki Minaj’s “Anaconda” music video.

Brit Fillmore, a third-year journalism student, talked about how surprised and honored she was to be accepted into the competition.

“The competition is honestly greater than what I am,” Fillmore said. “It really pushed me mentally and got me out of my comfort zone, so I feel like anything I do after this is going to be a piece of cake.”

Former Miss Kuamka Patricia Barnes explained that the event is an initiative created by the AACRC to help to cultivate leadership and cultural connectivity among students.

DANIEL SULLIVAN | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

Emanual Kimble introduces himself Monday evening as one of five male candidates for Mr. Kuamka. The winning candidates will be revealed Friday during the Red, Green & Gold Ball.

“You have the experience of trying something new, of growing and falling down and learning how to get up,” Barnes said. “Letting people see that empowers other people to get up and try new things.”

Mitchell Phelps, a second-year marketing and international business student competing for the title of Mr. Kuamka, explained that his favorite aspect of the event is the ability to not only be a leader in the black community, but also represent it in a positive manner.

“I think there’s a large negative perception of AfricanAmericans,” Phelps said. “Just to see different events like this — that showcase the level of intellect that African-Americans have on this campus — I think that that’s huge.”

Creating a more culturally competent university through education on African-American history and current issues is one of the many benefit Phelps sees in this program.

The winners of the Mr. & Miss Kuamka competition will be announced Saturday during the 16th annual Red, Green, & Gold Ball in Tangeman University Center’s Great Hall, held from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

DANIEL SULLIVAN | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

Tiffany Peterson and Brian Barney, Mr. & Miss Kuamka 2014, attend Monday’s festivities.

‘The Interview’ movie paves way for Comedy Revolution

MCCLATCHY

Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg live up to heavy anticipation with the release of ‘The Interview,’ which is viewable online.

Rogen, Goldberg’s new film proves turning point in careers, tests boundaries of contemporary comedy TONY JOHNSON | STAFF REPORTER

Who knew that murderous adventures of international espionage could be so outrageously silly?

Apparently, directors/writers Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg did. The script, originally titled “Kill Kim Jong-il,” from back when papa Kim-Jong was the supreme leader,

went through years of edits and changes and tweaks. And with the release of “The Interview,” the duo has lived up to wildly high expectations.

On the surface (more on this to come), it is vintage Rogen & Goldberg. There are jokes about boners, vaginas, Katy Perry, “honey-dicking,” bro-mance and constant in-jokes later realized in the final scenes of the film.

James Franco is as goofy as ever, and Rogen is as Rogen as ever. Randall Park is deserving of supporting-actor awards season buzz for his ballsy, hilarious portrayal of Kim Jong-un.

But “The Interview,” with all of its press and publicity because of its political implications (the film was dramatically pulled and then reinstated in theaters, then offered online on YouTube and Google) is in danger of being overseen as a very impressive and important step in the development of the writing (and now directing) team of Rogen & Goldberg.

As you probably know by now, the film is about a dimwitted but charming talk-show host named Dave Skylark (Franco) and his self-conscious journalist partner Aaron Rapaport (Rogen), who are enlisted by the CIA to “take out” Kim Jong-un following the interview that they have with the supreme leader.

The story itself allows for Rogen and Goldberg to advance their abilities and boundaries as comedians and filmmakers.

Their previous film, 2013’s “This Is the End” — a movie literally about the end of the world and the selfish actors who are not permitted into heaven trying to deal with their situations — is also a potty-mouthed take on very grown-up matters.

Where “This Is the End” succeeded in giving blockbuster, high-concept comedy a new hope, “The Interview” has strongly solidified Rogen, Goldberg, Franco & Friends as

comedy giants, our generation’s Mel Brooks or Woody Allen or Ben Stiller or who-have-you.

What has made Rogen & Goldberg’s work so easy to enjoy time and time again is also a reflection of what makes “The Interview” great.

Rogen & Goldberg’s movies have always involved rude and crude humor to satisfy the masses, but what their movies have — and most blockbuster comedies lack — is a lot of heart.

2007’s “Superbad,” the first co-written effort from the writing team, is, on the surface, a story about high school students getting loaded and getting laid. But it’s really about two friends going separate ways finding a way to achieve closure.

A year after that, “Pineapple Express” — which features Franco as the now-iconic bird-brained but good-hearted pot dealer Saul Silver — was released and labeled as just another stoner flick to anyone who didn’t think twice.

But it’s really about the way we judge people unfairly, and need to be more open to making new friendships despite our differences with one another.

“This Is the End” and “The Interview” pair together nicely as examples of how Goldberg and Rogen have changed since “Superbad” and “Pineapple Express.”

While the former two comedies could be disregarded as typical Hollywood rubbish based on their concepts, the high stakes involved in the more recent films exhibit a willing and healthy evolution in modern comedy’s best writing duo.

What makes “The Interview” most exciting is not its realworld, political repercussions.

Rogen and Goldberg have always done their best to top themselves, so the future of comedy is looking brighter for years to come, even if foreign relations are becoming engulfed in shadow just as quickly.

NOT TO MISS...

THURSDAY, JAN. 15 Movie screening and disccussion of “Dear White People” AACRC 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

FRIDAY, JAN. 16 GSGA ‘Back to school’ happy hour at the Catskeller 6:00 p.m.

Join the Graduate Student Governance Association for free food and games

SATURDAY, JAN. 17 T.A.K.E. Self-defense seminar in the UC Recreation Center 12-2 p.m Admission $5 at the door. Equip yourself with useful knowledge offered

by T.A.K.E.’s hands-on self-defense training Annual Red, Green and Gold Ball in the UC Great Hall 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Join the AACRC for the coronation of Mr and Miss Kuamka. Semi-formal attire or African dress required

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 21 Student housing fair in the TUC Atrium 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Find out more about safe housing options available on and off campus