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UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN IOWA CEDAR FALLS, IA THURSDAY, APRIL 5 VOLUME 114, ISSUE 42

CEDAR FALLS, IA

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

OPINION

Opinion Columnist Kellie Stiles discusses the cancellation of popular streaming shows including “Our Flag Means Death.”

SEE PAGE 5

CAMPUS LIFE

The staff of the Northern Iowan goes home with 12 awards from the Iowa College Media Association Conference.

SEE PAGE 7

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2024

Bringing back the

VOLUME 120, ISSUE 20

News briefs

Divine Nine

UNI Students Offering Free Tax Prep Accounting students at UNI are providing free income tax assistance again this year through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Assistance in the preparation of tax returns will be available on Wednesdays from Feb. 14 through April 3 (excluding March 13, the week of Spring Break). Returns are being prepared from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesdays, with registration starting at 5:30 p.m. in room 223 of the Curris Business Building on the UNI campus.

BAILEY KLINKHAMMER

Campus Life Editor

“Intelligence is the torch of wisdom.”

Delta Sigma Theta’s open motto depicts what makes a Delta Sigma Theta woman. A dedication to public service, high intellectual standards and a commitment to one’s chapter is the image of a Delta Sigma Theta soror. Kaylynn Ruffin, double major in digital media production and business administration, and the president of the Tau Chi Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta at UNI, is focused on bringing back the Divine Nine and cementing Delta Sigma Theta at the University of Northern Iowa.

Currently, on UNI’s campus, there are five Panhellenic sororities and two Interfraternal fraternities. The Divine Nine is a group of nine historically Black Greek organizations that exist within the Pan-Hellenic. The Divine Nine consists of five fraternities and four sororities, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority and Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority.

See DELTA SIGMA THETA, page 2

CAB Panther Hot Ones The Campus Activities Board (CAB) will host the fourth annual Hot Ones Event in Maucker Union Ballrooms this Thursday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. UNI alum Jefferson Fosbender will host the event, along with two current UNI athletes. Attendees will have the opportunity to try different hot sauces from the popular “Hot Ones” online series.

MAHEDI ISLAM

COURTESY/KAYLYNN RUFFIN

Reproductive rights discourse heats up Revival of Students for Life club sparks debate on campus CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN Executive Editor

SPORTS

Men’s basketball takes down Missouri State Bears 72-65.

SEE PAGE 9

The revival of a student organization is sparking conversation on campus about reproductive rights and abortion.

The organization, Students for Life, was inactive last semester, but freshman social work and criminology major Macy Evans decided to step in and restart the organization.

“I took this on because I’ve always had a place in my heart

MALLORY SCHMITZ

Chalk appeared around campus last week promoting the first Students for Life meeting of the semester. The chalk above promotes the meeting’s place and time with the phrase “Yay babies!” at the top.

for babies and I really believe that all human beings have intrinsic values in their lives,” Evans said. “I think it’s really important that we preserve the sanctity of life, and we teach people you know about what resources are out there.”

According to their website,

Students for Life is “a pro-life group dedicated to abolishing abortion and cultivating a culture of life.” The organization is a national nonprofit that has formed groups of high school and college students around the country.

See PRO-LIFE DEBATE, page 3

Tallcorn Jazz Festival The Beta Nu chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia and the UNI School of Music will host the 69th Annual Tallcorn Jazz Festival and 72nd Sinfonian Dimensions in Jazz Concerts on Feb. 15 and 16 on UNI’s campus.

This year’s guest artists will be legendary guitarists Mike Stern and Leni Stern. For more information, visit www.tallcornjazzfest.com.

UNI Career Fair Career Services will host “5 Fairs in 1” at the UNI Career Fair Monday, Feb. 19 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the McLeod Center. Whether interested in internships, part/ full time positions or networking, all students are encouraged to attend! The five fairs are the following: Law Enforcement & Government; Community & Healthcare; Business, Finance, & IT; Engineering & Manufacturing; and Graduate School.

PAGE 2

DELTA SIGMA THETA continued from page 1

On UNI’s campus, there’s a rich history of the Divine Nine fraternities and sororities. In addition to Delta Sigma Theta, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity have also held charters on UNI’s campus, and impacted many people in their times on campus. Ruffin’s goal is to bring back that strong Divine Nine presence on campus.

Prior to becoming a member of Delta Sigma Theta, Ruffin went through primary recruitment here at UNI. This was a very different and new experience for her. “None of my family went Greek, none of them have been in a fraternity or sorority. I was really interested in it because I see the impacts that Greek organizations can have on a community.”

Ruffin chose not to complete the primary recruitment process, and explored information about Delta Sigma Theta.

“When I was going through

NEWS FEBRUARY 14, 2024 | NORTHERNIOWAN.COM | recruitment, I didn’t know that minority students in general …

Delta Sigma Theta wasn’t on Students feel more comfortable campus. Since then, my goal in their own skin on campus has been to build up Delta, I or have a place to confide in want to get things in the works organizations to help you build for us and build a community those lifelong connections that here on the University’s cam- are needed on a college campus.” pus.”

Ruffin wants students to While Iowa legislators repeal DEI initiatives and departments know how being in a Divine at regent universities, the space Nine sorority has impacted her, for students to step up and make and how those impacts can be room for multicultural organi- felt by any students wanting to zations is needed now more take advantage of the opportuthan ever. According to Ruffin, nities in front of them. “I think that’s where the Divine Nine it’s a wonderful opportunity for can step in and step up. “I’m in women to meet on campus and various student organizations learn and grow together. Meet like the Spectrum Project, Shine other women challenging you On and Women in Business, so to maintain your GPA and volunteer, but also have fun with a I get to meet a lot of people.”

The campus recently has sister. It will help amplify Black lacked in their multicultural Greek undergraduate culture on greek organizations, as the sole a predominantly white campus. multicultural sorority, Lambda This is a unique experience that Theta Alpha, has also seen we’re offered and you’re able to membership dwindle. But for make unique connections you Ruffin, it’s important to not just might not otherwise have. I am create these spaces for students truly honored to be a part of the of color, but to nurture these organization.”

In the future, Ruffin envispaces. “These clubs, organizations, sororities, fraternities, sions Delta Sigma Theta hosting those things are needed for events for women, by women,

MALLORY SCHMITZ News Editor

VOLUME 120, ISSUE 20

COURTESY/KAYLYNN RUFFIN

Ruffin is committed to trying to bring back the Divine Nine, a group of historically Black Greek organizations. She is the current president of Delta Sigma Theta at UNI, and wants to bring that opportunity to more students.

including events geared towards women’s health and hygiene.

She also envisions Delta Sigma Theta cementing itself on campus, connecting Black women and building a community within Fraternity and Sorority Life on UNI’s campus.

“I hope people can look at the Divine Nine and Delta Sigma Theta and think, ‘Oh, that’s interesting. Maybe I should join,’ You’re looking at making lifelong friendships,

impacting the Black community, supporting Multicultural student organizations and eliminating some misconceptions around Greek life.” Ruffin is a Delta, but she wants students, specifically women, to believe this is an opportunity they can partake in. “This is a commitment to public service, our education, and it’s led by strong women. We’re committed to public service, sisterhood and scholarship.”

What is a PWI? / SOPHIE HOFFMEIER

A PWI is a Predominantly White Institution. The data above shows the race-ethnicity breakdown of UNI students from Fall 2023. Data was obtained from the Office of Student Success and Retention.

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PAGE 3

NEWS

MALLORY SCHMITZ News Editor

Wilson donation making strides FEBRUARY 14, 2024 |

NORTHERNIOWAN.COM

|

VOLUME 120, ISSUE 20

Robert Earle named first Wilson Ethics Fellow JO BRAHMS

Staff Writer

Just four months ago, David W. Wilson donated $25 million to the College of Business. Since then, there has been a slew of behindthe-scenes work making old dreams a new reality. Wilson, a 1970 UNI alum, made his historic donation to establish the Wilson Endowment for Integrity and Excellence to “advance business ethics education and ensure graduates continue to thrive and lead in a rapidly changing business landscape.” With this comes

COURTESY/INSIDE UNI

The $25 million donation from David Wilson (left) was made to advance business ethics education on campus.

As part of that initiative, a professor in the Philosophy and World Religions Department, Robert Earle (right) was recently named the first Wilson Ethics Fellow to offer more ethics courses and programming.

an ethics course while they are here and increase the number of students who sign on for the ethics minor. Also, we want to increase ethics programming at UNI.” This new position spells out good news for students who may have previously struggled to find seats in rarely offered ethics courses.

“This donation and the addition of the ethics fellows will allow us to increase the frequency with which we offer the core ethics course and we will be able to increase programming. The thing our department is most excited about is that we will be able to offer applied ethics courses more regularly. This will allow the other departments across campus to incorporate ethics into their programs. When classes are only offered every two years, it’s easy to forget it exists.” said Earle.

the advent of the brand new Wilson Ethics Fellow position. This position is currently held by Robert Earle; an assistant professor of instruction

in the Philosophy and World Religions Department at the University of Northern Iowa.

“This donation was made specifically to promote ethics

education, both in the College of Business and generally across campus,” Earle said. “Some of our goals are to increase the number of students who take

responsibility to address birth control because it plays a sigcontinued from page 1 nificant role in the supply Natalie Heupel attend- and demand for abortion – in ed their first meeting of the addition to causing abortions semester on Monday, along itself.” She said this rhetoric is with around 20 to 30 people. troubling from her perspective Despite rumblings of protests, in healthcare.

“I just raise the question, there were no apparent prowhat do we do then? What do testers in attendance. Heupel we do when people find (birth said she attended the meeting control) morally wrong? That to show her support for the scares me organizaa little bit. tion.

And then “It is if we’re left important to with relying stick up for on abstisomet h i ng nence, that like this. I is a lot to think that ask the tens we really of millions need it here of people because we in the U.S. have tons of who are of other clubs reproductive and I feel age.” like this S h e needs to be Emma Brennan cont i nue d, suppor ted Finance major “I worry too,” she what would said. happen if we abolish abortion.

The revitalization of You have to ask yourself the the club has prompted stuquestion, ‘What is our next dent response, some of them expressing concern over the risk?’ When we take away all rhetoric Students for Life these options for people, we can’t create the conditions and pushes on their platforms.

Hattie Dukes is a senior communities in which people majoring in community health can thrive.”

Archer Trip, a queer activand is currently interning at ist on campus, said he hopes Allen Women’s Health. She more queer voices can be is also the president of UNI heard regarding the issue of Women in Healthcare and abortion. emphasizes her opinions do “From an LGBTQ+ lens, not reflect those of her club. politics have already shut out From a public health queer folks from this debate,” standpoint, Dukes said one of Trip said.

“Even as recently her concerns is Students for as yesterday, I was at our capLife’s stance on birth control, ital rallying for the right to in which they state on their be considered anything other official website, “We have a than biologically female or

biologically male according to the law. We are at this point where people can’t even begin to join the fight for the rights of their bodies when legally we might not be recognized to begin with.”

One student, who preferred to remain anonymous, attended the Student for Life meeting on Monday expressing their support for the organization’s mission, saying they want to protect life.

“I’m here because I think the unborn are the most vulnerable among our society.

And it’s been a really big issue in the U.S. We’ve lost so many millions of babies and they are worthy of life, no matter what stage they’re in. I just think that especially on a college campus, it’s important to get this across.”

Bella Markley, a junior majoring in social science teaching, takes a pro-choice stance and thinks “religion has seeped into our politics.”

She continued, “You know your body best. It’s up to no one else. This is my body, not yours. In terms of consent as well, this a huge thing that I think pro-life people struggle with. Banning abortion will take away a lot of bodily autonomy from a lot of people.”

Emma Brennan, a finance major, said she attended the Students for Life meeting because the topic of abortion is something she feels strongly about.

“Once I became aware of the stats around (abortion), it was something that I totally believe in wholeheartedly,” Brennan said. “Last night was the Super Bowl and the

Students for Life Instagram don’t have a good understandaccount posted that the stadi- ing of what pro-life means, um where the Super Bowl was and that’s from conception to held fit 65,000 people and the natural death. And I think number of children that have every life should be thoughtful been killed by abortion since and shouldn’t be overlooked.”

Roe v Wade was passed in While the debate about 1973 would fill over 1000 of abortion remains contentious, those stadiums. Preborn lives Dukes said healthcare providare the most vulnerable in ers must “treat patients with our society and it’s up to us to the respect they deserve,” protect them and give them a regardless of beliefs. voice.”

“The bottom line is this Anna Singelstad, a social student organization can push work major and vice president for abolishing abortion all they of Northern Iowa Feminists, want, and they might get the said she believes there is com- right people in office to sucmon ground in the debate ceed. However, women will about abortion. always find a way to make the “I do think between the healthcare decisions that they two sides there should be a need,” Duke said. “Women common goal of providing are resourceful and will find resources a way. You providi ng can only health care ban safe services abortions.” that prevent S h e unwanted cont i nued , pregnan“I think cies from a student happenorganizaing in the tion at UNI first place,” will not Si ngelst a d and cannot said.

“I stop women think that from makthat’s someing the thing that he a lt hca r e somet i mes decisions Hattie Dukes gets lost, that are best Community health and there for them. major should be And quite this common goal of provid- frankly, no one has any busiing more resources.” ness concerning themselves Another student who with other people’s healthcare preferred to remain anony- choices. It’s a deeply personal mous attended the Students and emotional and difficult for Life meeting, and said they journey. I just don’t underfelt many do not understand stand why we feel the need the pro-life perspective. to interject ourselves in other “I would say I’m here people’s choices.” because I think a lot of people

PRO-LIFE DEBATE

Preborn lives are the most vulnerable in our society and it’s up to us to protect them and give them a voice.

See ETHICS FELLOW, page 7

Women will always find a way to make the healthcare decisions that they need ... You can only ban safe abortions.

SOPHIE HOFFMEIER

PAGE 4

Managing Editor

N.I. EN ESPAÑOL FEBRUARY 14, 2024 |

NORTHERNIOWAN.COM

|

KARINA ORTIZ Spanish Editor

VOLUME 120, ISSUE 20

NextGen Nutrition encuentra hogar en College Hill TAYLOR NOHRENBERG Escritora

MIREYA PATIÑO

Traductora

Dos nativos de Decorah de 20 años tomaron un enfoque diferente a sus planes de posgrado y mejor abrieron NextGen Nutrition, una tienda comprensiva única en 2211 College Street en College Hill que ofrece una amplia gama saludable y nutritiva de tés de boba, tés, licuados y cafés.

Los dueños Joe Bockman y Kollin White vieron el espacio en College Hill como una oportunidad para conectarse con la comunidad universitaria y buscar aquellos que tienen o quieren comenzar un estilo de vida saludable.

“Tenemos muchos amigos que van a UNI, entonces pensamos que nada sería mejor que abrir una tienda de nutrición aquí [The Hill] y lo vimos como una gran oportunidad”, dijo White.

La gran inauguración de NextGen Nutrition fue en noviembre de 2023.

Las bebidas se suministran a través de una empresa llamada Herbalife. Según el sitio web de Herbalife, la empresa de 40 años que tiene raíces en más de 90 países, suministra suplementos y bebidas saludables que promueven la pérdida de peso y el aumento de masa muscular de manera saludable.

Todos los elementos del menú incorporan algún tipo de producto Herbalife, cada uno formulado con un obje-

tivo nutricional específico en mente. Bockman mencionó que todos los tés de NextGen contienen menos de un gramo de azúcar y los licuados son ricos en proteínas, con alrededor de 24 gramos por porción.

La decisión de convertirse en sus propios jefes fue fácil para la pareja, ya que la nutrición es algo que los ha seguido durante su participación en la vida del gimnasio.

Brockman dijo que él y su socio tienen pensamien-

tos similares sobre asistir a la universidad, por lo que la decisión final de abrir una tienda era primordial.

“Realmente no nos gustaba mucho la escuela y no estábamos interesados en lo que las escuelas a las que íbamos tenían que ofrecer”, dijo Bockman. “Pensamos que también podríamos matar a dos pájaros de un tiro”.

A la hora de iniciar un negocio, los fondos son fundamentales para el éxito a largo plazo, así como contar con

una estrategia de marketing.

“Nuestros fondos iniciales no eran los mayores”, admitió White. “No habíamos invertido lo suficiente como pensábamos, definitivamente nos faltaban algunas cosas…

El marketing es difícil, es mucho más difícil de lo que piensas.”

White dijo que valió la pena y que “es divertido conocer mucha gente nueva, ver caras nuevas”.

Uno de los objetivos que tienen para el nuevo espacio

TAYLOR NOHRENBERG

NextGen Nutrition encontró el espacio perfecto en College Hill para servir bebidas más saludables a la comunidad de UNI y Cedar Valley.

es crear un ambiente de estudio para que los estudiantes puedan entrar y pasar el rato.

White dijo que el espacio de oficina se puede convertir en una sala de pódcast para que cualquiera pueda usarlo y, con suerte, en el futuro se agregarán televisores para mostrar menús, películas o lo que sea que el equipo haya planeado para el día.

Tener 20 años y ser dueño de un negocio es impactante para algunos, pero estar en un centro universitario tiene sus ventajas en sí, según White.

“Definitivamente es una buena reacción cuando se lo cuentas a la gente”, dijo White. “La gente siempre se sorprende mucho, y siento que pasar y ver a dos jóvenes aquí es un poco diferente de ver a una madre de 40 años de edad mediana aquí. Es mucho más fácil relacionarse sólo con los universitarios”.

Al final, el objetivo es el mismo para los dos emprerios.

“Espero cambiar el cuerpo de las personas a la forma que quieran y ayudarlas a alcanzar sus objetivos. Estamos aquí para la pérdida de peso”, dijo Bockman sobre el negocio.

NextGen Nutrition está abierto de lunes a viernes de 7:30 a.m. hasta las 4 p.m. y el sábado de 8 a.m. hasta las 12 p.m. y se puede encontrar en Facebook en NextGen Nutrition y en Instagram en nextgennutrition.cf.

TAYLOR NOHRENBERG

NextGen Nutrition found the perfect space on College Hill to serve the UNI and Cedar Valley communities healthier drink options.

NextGen Nutrition finds home on College Hill TAYLOR NOHRENBERG Staff Writer

Two 20-year-old Decorah natives took a different approach to post-graduation plans and instead opened NextGen Nutrition, a one-stop shop at 2211 College Street on College Hill that offers a diverse range of healthy, nutritious boba, teas, shakes and coffees.

Owners Joe Bockman and Kollin White looked at the space on the Hill as an opportunity to connect to the college community and seek out those who have or want to begin healthy lifestyles.

“We have a lot of friends that go to UNI here, so we thought what better to open a nutrition store down here [the Hill] and saw it as a great opportunity,” White said.

NextGen Nutrition’s grand opening was in November 2023.

Beverages are supplied through a company called Herbalife. According to the Herbalife website, the 40-yearold company has roots in over 90 countries, supplying healthy supplements and beverages that promote healthy weight loss and muscle gain.

All menu items incorporate some sort of Herbalife product, each formulated with a specific nutrition goal in mind.

Bockman noted that all of NextGen’s teas contain less than one gram of sugar and their shakes that are high in protein, containing around 24 grams per serving.

The decision to become their own bosses was easy for the pair, as nutrition is some-

thing that has followed them with their involvement in the gym life.

Bockman said that he and his business partner had similar thoughts on attending college, making the ultimate choice to open a storefront paramount.

“We didn’t really like school that much and we weren’t interested in what the schools we went to had to offer,” Bockman said. “We thought we might as well knock two birds out with one stone.”

When starting a business, funds are essential to the success in the long term, as well as having a marketing strategy.

“Our start-up funds weren’t the most,” White admitted. “We did not have enough invested like we thought, we were definitely short on some stuff…

Marketing is tough, it’s a lot

harder than you’d think it is.”

White said it was worth it though, and that “it’s fun to meet a lot of new people; see new faces.”

One goal they have for the new space is to create a study atmosphere so students can come in and hang out. White said the office space may be turned into a podcast room for anyone to use and TVs will hopefully be added in the future to show menus, movies, or whatever the crew has planned for the day.

Being 20 and owning a business is shocking to some, but being in a college hub has its perks in itself, according to White.

“It’s definitely a good reaction when you tell people,” White said. “People are always really surprised, and I feel like

walking past and seeing two young guys in here is a little different than seeing some 40, middle-aged mom in here. It’s a lot easier to relate to just the college kids.”

In the end, the goal is the same for the two business owners.

“I hope to change people’s bodies to the way they want and help them achieve their goals.

Weight loss is what we’re here for,” Bockman said of the business.

NextGen Nutrition is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and can be found on Facebook at NextGen Nutrition and on Instagram at nextgennutrition.cf.

PAGE 5

OPINION

CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN Executive Editor

FEBRUARY 14, 2024 |

NORTHERNIOWAN.COM

|

VOLUME 120, ISSUE 20

Disclaimer: The following opinion articles featured do not reflect the opinion of the Northern Iowan newspaper or staff as a whole.

Our Flag Means Death

Streaming services are continuing to sink ships KELLIE STILES

Opinion Columnist

You sit on your couch to scroll through one of your many subscription-based streaming services, looking for a new show to binge.

One seems to catch your eye and you pull up a blanket as you click on the first episode. Your eyes light up as you watch the first episode, then the second, and suddenly it’s 2 a.m. and you’ve just watched the most masterfully crafted piece of art you’ve ever seen. The characters, the setting, the themes, the music, everything is perfect as you wipe your eyes when the credits roll on season one, or even season two. You quickly grab your phone, wanting to see if another season has been announced.

The Google search lights up and your heart drops, face twisting in sadness as you see the top search result.

Canceled.

This is something that fans of the hit show “Our Flag Means Death” felt as Max, the streaming service previously known as HBO Max, told us that part three of its planned three-season arc was canceled. “Our Flag Means Death” is a romantic comedy produced by David Jenkins, where we follow the misadventures of gentleman-turned-pirate Stede Bonnet, played byRhys Darby, Blackbeard, played

by Taika Waititi, and their pirate crew.

The show gained critical success since the first season's release on March 2, 2022, its second season soon following and outperforming HBO staples like “Peacemaker” and “Love and Death.” According to Parrot Analytics, “Our Flag Means Death” had a demand 27.5 times higher than the average TV show airing at the time, meaning it even outperformed Marvel and Star Wars shows such as “Loki” and “Ahsoka.”

What set this show apart from many of other exclusive titles on the platform was its expansive and diverse cast of characters, focusing on

COURTESY/Max

Opinion Columnist Kellie Stiles writes about the cancellation of the popular romantic comedy, “Our Flag Means Death.” The outrage over the cancellation has reached UNI’s campus with posters saying, “Save Our Flag Means Death,” popping up around Maucker Union, and a QR code leading to a petition wanting to reinstate the show.

LGBTQ+ themes and centering around queer joy and queer love. It has queer people of color, middle aged queers, polyamorous queers, fat queers, autistic queers, indigenous queers and so many more forms of representation than those seen in any other series on the platform. It wove an interesting narrative with Stede Bonnet and Blackbeard falling in love while combining hilarious comedic moments that really pushed the genre of roman- tic comedies.

Not to mention, who doesn’t love a good swashbuckling tale of pirates? This isn’t just a great show, this is a great gay show.

But now the show has joined a massive graveyard of other queer projects, and people all over the internet have been digging for theories as to why one of Max’s top performing shows was suddenly given a budget cut of 40% and then dropped completely. One theory circling around is that Max and other streaming services are making shows that focus on specific communities of people to bait them into subscribing to their services before prematurely dumping them in the trash. This can be seen with Netflix and their list of popular canceled projects that brought thought-provoking art and

diversity to the platform.

Examples of this include “I Am Not Okay With This,” another show revolving around an LGBTQ+ main character, and “Anne with an E,” a series with strong themes of feminism and girlhood.

Another theory is that it all comes back around to capitalism and platforms wanting to make the most amount of money possible, even if that includes destroying art.

It’s not just about “Our Flag Means Death,” it’s about all the other shows people have poured their heart and souls into making that are being axed. Shows like “Infinity T r a i n , ” another Max series, are being erased from existence so companies can stop paying the creators residuals. Studios are allegedly trashing entire movies for tax write-offs, and entire companies are fighting to use AI to replace writers and actors. Streaming services are seeing art as stocks that can be dumped and traded on a whim, all for that little extra money to line their pockets.

But fans of “Our Flag Means Death” aren’t going down quietly about the company’s decision and are quickly mobilizing against Max. Many have taken to social media platforms like

It’s not just about “Our Flag Means Death,” it’s about all the other shows people have poured their heart and souls into making that are being axed.

TikTok and X (formally Twitter) to discuss their rage and rally people behind their cause. Over the course of the last few months, fans raised more than $21,000 for their campaign, which was used to purchase a billboard in Times Square and have a plane fly over Hollywood with a banner reading “Save Our Flag Means Death.” They also flooded Max’s social media and customer feedback inboxes, and launched a petition on Change.org that has around 84,000 signatures at the time of writing.

UNI students have also joined this fight, hoisting their sails and readying their cannons. Fliers have been hung up around Maucker Union with the title “Save Our Flag Means Death,” a QR code to the petition, and the hashtags #HoistTheAds and #RenewAsACrew.

The cancellation of “Our Flag Means Death” is proof that it's not a question about the bar being too high for diverse art, but rather the bar is constantly being moved just out of reach. When diverse and interesting art surpasses every expectation of success, the bar is shoved even higher so no level of success will ever be good enough. Even though fans go to great lengths to get their shows back, in the end, they almost always fall on deaf ears for these massive companies. But after all these shows are continuously canceled and the streaming services eat each other alive in their competition, what will be left? Will you still be sitting on your couch binging shows, or will you have given up since there is nothing interesting left to watch?

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CAMPUS LIFE

BAILEY KLINKHAMMER Campus Life Editor

Ranking Valentine’s Day films FEBRUARY 14, 2024 |

JOSUE VILLATORO

Film Critic

Ah, Valentine’s Day. The day of rich milk chocolate, the day of candles, the day of champagne and wine, bittersweet dinners, but, most importantly, the day of love and companionship. When it comes to Feb. 14, it’s a day to show appreciation to your significant other but, for a lot of people, it’s unfortunately a day that can make them feel left out due to being single or even heartbroken from a previous relationship. But the one thing that includes everyone on this very divided day is the impact of watching cinema.

Whether you’re down for a cozy night with dim lighting, a heart-shaped box of chocolates and cuddling up with your significant other, or not wanting to be reminded of what today is all about, Here are my top five films that everyone can enjoy on Valentines Day. #5. “Crazy, Stupid, Love:” This film is not just hilariously bonkers because of what occurs throughout, but is surprisingly fantastic amongst its narrative. Steve Carell stars as a middle-aged husband whose life changes dramatically when his wife (portrayed by Julianne Moore), has an affair and calls for a divorce, resulting in him rediscovering his manhood with the help of a newfound friend and womanizer, Jacob, who is portrayed by versatile actor, Ryan Gosling, and learns how to pick up women at bars.

It’s packed with a stacked cast from Kevin Bacon to Marisa Tomei, Emma Stone and even John Caroll Lynch, who deliver great comedy throughout, and has an amazing amount of dialogue relating to shockingly deep themes of masculinity, communication and, evidently enough, what love means to a person. It even contains a surprisingly amazing ugly duckling transformation that you would never expect from Carrell’s career. When it comes to the genre of romcoms, this is quite the perfect definition of it and is a film that many can enjoy, both with and without a companion in your life. And by the end of it, you will either be smiling or laughing really hard. #4. “Casablanca:” It’s almost impossi-

ble to mention the genre of romance films without mentioning this classic piece of the Golden Age of Cinema. Hollywood legend, Humphrey Bogart, stars as Rick Blaine, an American expatriate nightclub owner who struggles to decide whether or not to assist his former lover, Ilsa Lund, who is portrayed by other Hollywood Legend, Ingrid Bergman, and her fugitive husband as they try to outrun and escape the Nazis in French Morocco. It’s a memorable tale about loyalty, trust and sacrifice that blend extremely well together during its WWII period. It’s easy to grasp onto the characters and understand where they come from despite the circumstances that arise for them. It has a brilliantly written script that wasn’t afraid to tackle issues relating to the conflicts occuring with history at the time, without romanticizing or glorifing it. A lot of the dialogue is smart and by the end of it, you’ll fall in love with what this film has to offer and appreciate this classic directed by legendary film director & pioneer, Michael Curtiz. #3. “(500) Summer:”

Days

of

Regarded a s one of the most r e a l i s t ic romance depictions within film, it follows Joseph Gordon Levitt as Tom Hansen, a hopeless romantic who, after being dumped by the girl he believes to be his soulmate,

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Not a whole lot of romance films dive into the guy’s perspective in such a smart way that brings up deep but necessary conversations and actions regarding expectations and reality. A lot of discussions and arguments have been brought up with this film directed by Marc Webb, who is also known for The Amazing Spider-Man Duology, and it’s understandable due to how mature and realistic the writing is and how clever the dialogue is throughout. Although it shows how compassionate and sweet relationships can be, it examines the devastation that comes alongside it if not handled properly.

#2. “The Notebook:” When discussing the films on this list, this fan-favorite film was bound to show up when talking about love, romance films, Valentines Day, or even all the above.

Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams star together as Noah Calhoun and Allie Hamilton, two young lovers that are torn apart by war and class differences in the 1940s in this adaptation of Nicholas Sparks’ bestselling novel. As cliche as it may appear throughout, its overall theme is that love overcomes many aspects and differences that make something or someone. It’s notable for pulling on the heartstrings and putting you in your feel-

VOLUME 120, ISSUE 20

ings, which is why this film fits Feb. 14 so well and will be most emotional by the end of it. Whether you’ve seen it once or seen it a thousand times, “The Notebook” is a classic and beloved piece of cinema amongst the genre of romance. #1. “Titanic:” It would be a crime if James Cameron’s 1997 blockbuster hit didn’t make the top of this list. Not only is it perfect for Valentine’s Day and one of the greatest films of all time, but it’s truly a magnificent work of art for what it accomplishes, both visually and storytelling-wise whether you’re a fan of love stories or not.

Blending together the genres of historical-period, romance and disaster within this epic odyssey, it follows the tale of Rose Dewitt Bukater, a seventeen year old aristocrat, portrayed by OscarWinning Actress, Kate Winslet, who falls in love with the poor, but compassionate and optimistic artist, Jack Dawson, portrayed

by Oscar Winning Actor, Leonardo DiCaprio, aboard the luxurious but unfortunately ill-fated R.M.S. Titanic. Without spoiling it for those who have not witnessed this masterpiece yet, it shows great chemistry and an unforgettable romance between DiCaprio and Winslet on screen together due to the phenomenal direction Cameron took this film in. It’s also extremely gorgeous with its production set designs, and

even costume designs. It’s another great tale that commentates on class differences really well, and features not only a phenomenal cast of performances, but some of the most beautiful pieces of cinematography in film history it also has one of the most iconic scores composed by the late but extremely talented, James Horner. Filled with amazing attention to detail and astounding ambition to its narrative, Titanic not only serves as one of the greatest love stories of all time, but as one of the greatest films of all time and is the ultimate choice for this Valentine’s Day.

Read all of Josue’s top ten films to watch on Valentine’s Day vie the Northern Iowan website by scanning the QR code below!

Summer, portrayed by the marvelous Zooey Deschanel, begins to ref lect on their relationship to try and figure out where things went wrong and how he can win her back.

COURTESY/IMDB “Titanic” tops the list as one of the best movies to watch on Valentine’s Day. Filled with romance and heartbreak alike, the acclaimed film offers somethiing for all viewers.

PAGE 7 BAILEY KLINKHAMMER Campus Life Editor

CAMPUS LIFE FEBRUARY 14, 2024 |

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VOLUME 120, ISSUE 20

Students from Northern Iowan and UNI Digital Media Program win 12 statewide awards

NORTHERN IOWAN Northern Iowan staff ventured to Des Moines this past week. The Northern iowan staff overall took home eleven awards, and Mallory Schmitz was a finalist for the Student Journalist of the Year Award.

▪ Caroline Christensen (The Northern Iowan), 1st Place, Best Opinion ▪ Caroline Christensen (The Northern Iowan), 2nd Place, Best Print/Online Profile ▪ Caroline Christensen (The Northern Iowan), 2nd Place, Best Use of Social Media ▪ Sophie Hoffmeier (The Northern Iowan), 1st Place, Best Online Design ▪ Sophie Hoffmeier (The Northern Iowan), 2nd Place, Best Media Website ▪ Sophie Hoffmeier (The Northern Iowan), 3rd Place, Best Magazine Cover or Special Section Cover ▪ Brena Laine Ollinger, Theo Alder, Kylee Mrzlak (@UNI television) 1st Place, Best Variety – Music and Comedy Video Program ▪ Mallory Schmitz (The Northern Iowan), 2nd Place, Best Print Newspaper Front Page ▪ Mallory Schmitz, Bailey

Klinkhammer, Caden Shea (The Northern Iowan), 2nd Place, Best Headline Writing ▪ Mallory Schmitz, Karina Ortiz (The Northern Iowan), 3rd Place, Best Print/Online Profile ▪ Stephen Stark (The Northern Iowan), 2nd Place, Best Print/Online News Photo ▪ David Warrington (The Valley on ESPN), 1st Place, Best Sports Broadcast Northern Iowan news editor Mallory Schmitz was also a finalist for the ICMA’s Pat Pisarik Student Journalist of the Year.

The University of Northern Iowa’s independent student newspaper was founded in 1892. Digital Media professors Christopher Martin and Anelia Dimitrova are co-advisors to the newspaper, which receives support in part from UNI student fees.

The newspaper’s website is northerniowan.com. The @ UNI television program is produced under the direction

of Digital Media professor Philip Hopper and broadcast engineer Michael Rueber.

Digital Media instruction professor Eric Braley and Rueber direct the sports pro-

ductions for The Valley on ESPN, which streams UNI Division I sport competitions for ESPN3 and is staffed by UNI students.

ethics courses that are targeted to professionals, whether continued from page 3 that be business professionals, But it’s not just the College communication professionals, of Business getting revamped nurses who are professionals, ethics programming according or teachers who are profesto Leslie Wilson, Dean of the sionals. So as we look at ethics education, how do we elevate Wilson College of Business.

“Eventually, there will be that across campus? The ethtwo ethics fellows. They will ics fellows will be working help us envision what ethics with our Wilson Ethics Chair education on the UNI cam- to really come up with stratpus looks like, they will teach egies and courses that help us

do that.”

The addition of these new ethics chairs and the expansion of ethics education is something that David Wilson had envisioned for campus for a while.

“David Wilson wanted to see ethics education grow across the campus. Every professional today is going to be in a position where they are making decisions that have

ethical dimensions to them.

Having an ethics class helps to really elevate your sensitivity towards the ethical dimensions of your professional life and can only help you in your career.” said Dean Wilson.

She continued, “We live in a very complex world, students, whether students realize it or not, are going to be in situations where they will have ethical dilemmas

that they will have to work through…I believe that elevating ethics across campus and providing more courses where students can gain the sensitivities necessary and the critical decision-making skills that they are going to have to put into practice will help them be better professionals, no matter the field that they decide to go into.”

NI STAFF

Students from the Northern Iowan student newspaper and Digital Media program at the University of Northern Iowa received 12 awards at the annual Iowa College Media Association awards presentation in Des Moines on Feb. 8.

“The Northern Iowan team continues to do outstanding multimedia journalism and our video programs like the @UNI television show and the sports streaming of The Valley on ESPN offer our students other opportunities for excellent media work,” said Christopher Martin, professor of Digital Media and co-advisor to The Northern Iowan.

The ICMA presented the awards at its annual convention in Des Moines. Fourteen Iowa colleges and universities are members of the ICMA. The winners of UNI’s 12 ICMA awards:

ETHICS FELLOW

CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN The pile of certificates awarded to the Northern Iowan and Digital Media program at the Iowa College Media Association awards presentation in Des Moines.

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CAMPUS LIFE FEBRUARY 14, 2024 |

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BAILEY KLINKHAMMER Campus Life Editor

VOLUME 120, ISSUE 20

BAILEY KLINKHAMMER

PAGE 9

CADEN SHEA

SPORTS

Sports Editor

FEBRUARY 14, 2024 |

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VOLUME 120, ISSUE 20

OPINION

The Waste Management Phoenix Open has gone too far NICOLE WATERS

Sports Writer

The Waste Management Phoenix Open (WMPO) has been happening since 1932. It has become wildly popular within the last couple years specifically because of hole 16 at TPC Scottsdale. This hole is the holy grail of the entire tournament. People line up hours before the tournament starts, early in the morning, to make

sure they can secure themselves a spot in the stands at the hole. People have been calling this tournament The People’s Open this year.

The WMPO has an atmosphere unlike any other golf tournament on the tour. This one, specifically on hole 16, which is a par-3 hole with stands going around either side of the hole, is absolutely crazy. People are either constantly booing you

COURTESY/ARIZONA SPORTS

The Waste Management Phoenix Open caused a lot of trouble this weekend due to its infamous 16th hole.

or cheering you on as a player and there is no in between. If you have a bad putt, you will get booed and if you have a great approach on the hole you will be cheered for like never before.

Two years ago at the tournament, two players on tour ripped their shirts off after sinking their putts.

Those players were Harry Higgs and Joel Dahmen.

This sent the crowd into an absolute frenzy and everyone loved it. Alcohol and beer cans were flying everywhere; people were going absolutely bonkers.

This is just one reason why everyone loves hole 16 so much.

Now, while everyone in the crowd loved this, the tour and partnerships with these players were not so excited about it. The PGA Tour tried to fine each player $10,000 for their stunt. They thought that this was a breach of their contract for them to do and was not a good look for the tour or the sponsors that they represent.

While it has not been accomplished very often, if someone gets a holein-one or an ace on the whole, spectators will act very similarly to these golfers if one makes it.

Not only does everyone go absolutely nuts, but when players make an ace on the hole people will throw their beer and any other alcohol or garbage they have onto the green of the hole. Spectators have no decorum whatsoever when that happens and almost forget how to act.

Alcohol was a major issue this year at the tournament. Within the first day, alcohol sales were reaching hundreds of thousands of beers sold and went well over a million for the whole tournament.

There was a point during the tournament where they had to close alcohol sales for the day, because they were running out due to the over abundance of alcohol being consumed by spectators.

The reason they were running out was not only

because spectators wanted a lot of alcohol, but because they stopped scanning the tickets of people who were going to the tournament. Those that had tickets didn’t really need them, and if someone in the area wanted to go they could just show up.

This amounted to almost 500,000 people being on the course at one time and caused alcohol stands to be overwhelmed with the amount of people that were coming up to them.

People also made their way onto the course between when players were playing. One can probably figure that was due to their condition from all the alcohol consumption that was going on.

Nonetheless, the WMPO is a one of a kind experience that requires one to not be afraid to run to get a good spot on hole 16 or ruin your shoes in the process.

Also, if you want to be shoulder-to-shoulder with over 500,000 people on the course at one time, then be my guest.

BASKETBALL

Panthers bash on Bears in McLeod Center BRODY LOVELL

Sports Writer

The UNI men’s basketball team bounced back with a 72-65 win over Missouri State Wednesday night. The victory over the Bears ended the Panthers’ three-game losing streak, with the most recent being a devastating loss to Murray State last Saturday. Meanwhile, the loss for the Bears concluded their four-game winning streak, as they now sit just behind the Panthers in the conference standings. The Panthers now sit at 13-11 (7-6 in MVC) and are ranked fifth in the conference one month ahead of the Missouri Valley tournament.

Panther Junior Nate Heise dominated the floor last night as the team’s leading score with 17 points, followed by Jacob Hutson with 14. Hutson and Tytan Anderson were effective in controlling the paint, combining for a total of 15 rebounds. Defensively, the Panthers put up a clinic with nine team steals as well as eight blocked shots.

Freshman Kyle Pock led the team in steals with three, while Hutson led the team with three blocked shots.

After winning the tip-

off, the Panthers fell to the early momentum of Missouri State, trailing 5-13 with 13:49 to play in the first half. Over the next two minutes, Anderson would drop a 3-pointer that would spearhead a 7-0 run, giving the momentum back to the Panthers. From there until halftime, it was a boxing match with both sides trading shots and trying to find an edge over the other.

Going into the intermission, the Bears led the Panthers 32-30.

Coming out of the locker room, the Panthers started hot in the second half, going on an immediate 8-0 run which was highlighted by an Anderson to Heise dunk that ignited the crowd.

The Bears still had life in them though, as they would claw their way back to tie it up at 44 with 12 minutes left in the game. Perhaps it was too much for them though, as after the Panthers regained the lead with a free throw from Heise, they took advantage of a physically exhausted Missouri State and didn’t lose the lead for the remainder of the game.

“We knew how we had to play today,” Hutson said after the game. “It’s about how teams respond.”

After a hard 43-71 loss for the Panthers against Murray State on Saturday, the team was faced with a gut check going into Wednesday night’s contest.

“Some teams will just break and go on a bigger losing streak after losing by 30,” Hutson said. “But we responded well with, what (Trey Campbell) said, our hard days at practice.”

Playing against a rebounding-heavy team like Missouri State, the Panthers had to be prepared for a fight.

“We knew we had to be a more physical team and that’s what we did in the second half,” Hutson said.

It was prevalent to the fans that the energy levels in the Panthers stayed high the whole game, unlike the Bears, which seemed to fall off late in the second half. It was perhaps this difference that allowed the Panthers to pull ahead and close out the victory.

“Tonight it fell much more as a group,” head coach Ben Jacobson said. “It matters that everyone is playing at a very high level.”

Jacobson emphasized the confidence he saw in the Panthers tonight in their teammates, such as defend-

COURTESY/UNI ATHLETICS

Nate Heise rises up for an incredible shot. Heise led the Panthers with 17 points.

ing their opponents and the collective “group toughness.”

“The physicality of (Hutson) and (Anderson) really getting to the glass … was probably the thing that helped us the most.”

Going into the contest, the Bears led the MVC in defensive rebounds, so the Panthers knew going into the game they would have to be successful on the boards.

As a highly experienced basketball player and coach, Jacobson was able to identify a player he believed made a bigger impact on the game than what the stats and fans saw, which to him was Junior forward Tytan Anderson.

“The (play) that set the

tone was when he came from all the way across the floor … and got that offensive rebound. It’s one offensive rebound … but it sets the tone for his teammates.”

Playing over 29 minutes for the Panthers, Anderson played a big role in making high-effort plays and crucial rebounds, which is why coach Jacobson accredited him as a big difference-maker Wednesday night.

The Panthers will be back in action Sunday in Chicago with a game against UIC, hoping to build on their momentum as they finish the last month of conference matchups. After a few games on the road, UNI will be back in McLeod against Bradley on Feb. 18.

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CADEN SHEA

SPORTS FEBRUARY 14, 2024 |

OPINION

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Sports Editor

VOLUME 120, ISSUE 20

The MLB should have a salary cap COHEN KAMAUS

Sports Writer

“It’s an unfair game.”

These famous words from Billy Beane in “Moneyball” still reign true today. The game is unfair. The game of baseball is unfair for one particular reason: the absence of a salary cap. For years, one of the most discussed topics throughout the baseball world is if Major League Baseball (MLB) should implement a salary cap.

A salary cap is an agreement or rule that places a limit on the amount of money that a team can spend on players’ salaries. This makes sure that teams can’t gain a competitive advantage over one another. The National Football League (NFL), the National Basketball Association (NBA), and the National Hockey League (NHL) all have salary caps within their leagues. With the MLB, there is no cap, and teams can spend as much money as they desire. This gives the advantage to the big market teams, allowing them to bring in as many players as they desire.

The more money they bring in, the more money they get to spend.

Small market teams, who don’t bring in as much money, struggle to compete against the bigger market teams.

This offseason, the need for a salary cap was in full force.

On Dec. 9, two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani signed a historic contract worth $700 million over 10 years with the Los Angeles Dodgers. A week later, on Dec.16, the Dodgers acquired pitcher Tyler

Glasnow, signing him to a fiveyear deal worth $136.5 million. A little more than a week later, the Dodgers struck again, this time scoring prized pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, coming to terms with the Japanese superstar on a 12-year, $325 million contract.

The Dodgers, on these three players alone, spent over $1.1 billion. For context, at the bottom of the MLB payroll tracker sits the Oakland (soon to be Las Vegas) Athletics. The A’s are set to spend $66 million in 2024 on their entire major league roster. At their current rate, it would take the Athletics slightly over 15 years to spend what the Dodgers did this offseason. Keep in mind, this is not comparing one MLB roster to another. This is comparing a full 40-man roster to the contractual commitments to three players on one particular team.

While that money will be distributed over the years, the Dodgers are paying over $219 million in 2024. This number would be a lot higher, but to enable the Dodgers to continue spending money on their other star players, Ohtani agreed to defer all but $2 million of his annual salary. This means that rather than being paid $70 million per year for 10 years, Ohtaini will take just $2 million a year for the next decade. Once his contract is up, Ohtani will earn the rest of his $680 million. Without this, their 2024 payroll would jump from $219 million to $287 million.

The Dodgers aren’t the only team in the MLB with a particularly high payroll. In fact, they

aren’t even in the top seven. Both New York teams, the Yankees and the Mets, hold the league’s highest payrolls at $293 million and $285 million, respectively. The Houston Astros come in at #3 with a 2024 payroll of $253 million. A pair of AL East teams round out the top five in the Philadelphia Phillies and the Atlanta Braves. The league average payroll in 2024 is about $161 million, but this is a number that only 12 of the 30 teams will exceed. At the bottom of the list is the aforementioned Oakland Athletics with a $66 million 2024 payroll. The Miami Marlins will come in with the second lowest payroll at $84.6 million in 2024, over an $18 million difference from 30th to 29th. The Pittsburgh Pirates, Tampa Bay Rays and Cleveland Guardians are the next lowest payrolls, ranging from $85102 million.

The need for a salary cap isn’t a new idea. The movie “Moneyball” is based on the challenges of a small market baseball team. Billy Beane (Brad Pitt) is the general manager of the Oakland A’s. As mentioned before, the A’s have a tight budget, and Beane is tasked with outsmarting the richer ball clubs. Joining forces with Peter Brand (Jonah Hill), the two work to challenge old school traditions.

After losing in the playoffs the year before, Beane understands that three of his top players will soon be leaving the team. He negotiates signing replacement players, hoping to yield a competitive team full of undervalued players with far more potential than the A’s finances would allow

COURTESY/LOS ANGELES TIMES

Shohei Ohtani recently made a big splash in the MLB by signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

for. He looks at players with a high on base percentage (OBP) as well as characteristics that lead scouts to dismiss them, making them cheap additions. At first, the A’s played poorly, leading people to believe Beane’s strategy didn’t work. Beane convinces the owner to stay the course and, ultimately, the Athletics won an unprecedented 20 consecutive games, setting the American League record.

Although the A’s were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs, Beane is satisfied that his methods worked. In the closing scenes, the film shows that Beane passed up the chance to become the general manager of the Boston Red Sox, which would’ve made him the highest paid general manager in

baseball history.

While the story of “Moneyball” is inspiring, it shows the unfairness of the game of baseball. The reality is, with the current system, the small market teams have no chance of competing with teams that bring in large amounts of revenue. If the MLB had a salary cap, it would be much easier for the smaller market teams to compete with the rest of the league, leading to more unpredictability. It would also be harder for some of the big market teams to sign all the young talent, preventing the ability to create superteams and creating competitive balance league wide.

SUPER BOWL

2024 Super Bowl Commercial Rankings ADAM JOHNSON Sports Writer

Every year the Super Bowl is one of the biggest events on television. Last year, there were roughly 115 million people watching the game, and it was assumed that there would be more this year. Due to the huge amount of viewership that the game and

halftime performance receives, it is the perfect night to advertise. Companies come up with their best commercials, and some people tune in to the game just to watch them. Because of this, I think it is appropriate to rank some of the best ones from this year’s game.

Coming in at number five has got to be BMW’s Talkin’

COURTESY/PARAMOUNT+

Paramount+ takes the top spot in this year’s Super Bowl commercial rankings.

Like Walken commercial. In this commercial we see Christopher Walken going about his day and, in every interaction that he has, the people are doing an impression of him. Walken has one of the most iconic voices out there, so hearing people imitate him, and most of the impressions being surprisingly good, made for one of the most funny commercials of the Super Bowl. Throw in Usher as a surprise cameo before his halftime show, and you have one of the best commercials of the night.

Number four is CeraVes I am Cera … Ve commercial. Getting Michael Cera to do an ad for CeraVe was probably one of the best moves any of the companies made for the superbowl. Making it seem like he was the creator of the product on its own was funny, but showing him giving himself a back massage, rubbing CeraVe on a mountain and talking to a narwhal, made it that much better.

The commercial was very weird,

but I do not think anyone is going to forget it anytime soon.

Number three is Dunkin’ Donuts Dunkings commercial.

Ben Affleck comes into Jennifer Lopez’s studio wearing a Dunkin’ Donuts jumpsuit, and proceeds to make a fool out of himself. He comes in talking all weird, and then shows off his dance moves (if you can even call what he did dancing). The utter disappointment on her face as well as Matt Damon and Tom Brady being Affleck’s partners, made this without a doubt one of the best of the night.

It was hard to decide which of these last two would get moved to the second best, but number two for me was State Farm’s Like a Good Neighbaaa commercial.

The whole commercial centers around Arnold Schwarzenegger trying to film commercials for State Farm, but he always says “neighba” instead of neighbor.

We see him and the crew get more frustrated as time goes on,

but he just can’t say neighbor.

Hearing Arnold yell “neighba” for an entire commercial was good enough to get it the two spot.

Finally, coming in at number one is Paramount+’s Mountain of Entertainment commercial. They made a similar commercial last year, but this one was even better, and in my opinion the best commercial of the entire night.

A bunch of Paramount+ characters, along with Tua Tagovailoa, are trying to climb a mountain.

Patrick Stewart, despite criticism from Drew Barrymore, picks up Arnold from “Hey Arnold”, and throws him like a football at the mountain while Creed plays their iconic song “Higher.” The commercial is all over the place, and after Arnold does not make it, they look at Peppa Pig to try and throw next. This commercial was the only one that actually made me laugh out loud. It was so weird, but also so perfect, and that earned it the top spot on my Super Bowl commercial rankings.

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CADEN SHEA

SPORTS

Sports Editor

SUPER BOWL

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Dawn of a dynasty MICHAEL SPAHN

Sports Writer

A game that started as an absolute slugfest turned out to be one of the greatest finishes in Super Bowl history.

The Chiefs defeated the 49ers 25-22 in an overtime thriller.

Going into the game, The Chiefs were trying to cement themselves as the NFL’s next dynasty, as a win would give them their third Super Bowl in four years. For the 49ers, it’s been a long 28-year title drought for what used to be a prominent franchise in the 1980s and ‘90s, as they looked for their sixth Super Bowl title.

Early on, both teams made crucial mistakes near the redzone. The 49ers received the opening kickoff and quickly found themselves in Kansas City territory. On a first and 10 from the Chiefs 29-yard line, running back Christian McCaffrey had a costly fumble which gave possession to the Chiefs.

Both offenses continued to stall throughout most of the first quarter. A common theme we saw in the first half was the 49ers defense’s constant pressure on Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, leading to only 16 yards of total offense in the first quarter.

Eventually the 49ers offense took control, as Brock Purdy found Chris Conley and Ray-Ray McCloud for big gains in Chiefs territory. After Purdy couldn’t connect with Deebo Samuel on third-and-14, the 49ers settled for a field goal attempt. Jake Moody nailed a 55-yard kick through the uprights to give them a 3-0 lead early in the second quarter.

The Chiefs offense finally got a jump start when Mahomes found Mecole Hardman down the field for a big completion down to the 49ers’ 9-yard line. However, the Chiefs gave it back the very next play as running back Isiah Pacheco coughed the ball up on a rushing attempt.

The two teams once again exchanged punts, as the score remained 3-0 with 7:49 to go in the second quarter. The 49ers started to get into a rhythm offensively, as Purdy found Samuel over the middle for 12 yards on the drive’s second play. Running backs McCaffery and Elijah Mitchell kept the drive going, rushing for 19 total yards down to the Chiefs 21 yard line. The very next play the 49ers pulled out a trick play, as wide receiver Jauan Jennings threw the ball across the field to McCaffery

who proceeded to run it in for a touchdown. The 49ers extended their lead to 10-0 with 4:23 to go in the second quarter.

A bit of urgency kicked in for the Chiefs offense, as no team has ever won a Super Bowl after being shutout in the first half. Pacheco made up for his mistake earlier by rushing for 20 yards to around mid-field. A few plays later, Mahomes found Justin Watson for a 21-yard gain down to the 49ers’ 39-yard line. They continued to get closer to the goal line as Mahomes found Rashee Rice for an 11-yard gain a few plays later down to the 14-yard line. Eventually, the Chiefs offense couldn’t punch it in, as they settled for a Harrison Butker field goal to make it 10-3, with the advantage going to the 49ers going into halftime.

After Usher rocked the Vegas crowd, The Chiefs offense looked to score their first touchdown of the game to start the second half. The drive ended quickly as Mahomes threw an interception trying to find Marquez ValdesScantling down the field.

Both offenses continued to stall to start the second half with the 49ers punting twice and the Chiefs punting once.

If the Chiefs wanted to win this game, they needed to get their best weapon, Travis Kelce, involved. Mahomes did just that by finding him for an 11-yard gain to start the drive.

A few plays later, Mahomes utilized his legs by scrambling for a gain of 22 yards down to the 49ers 43-yard line. The Chiefs failed to get a first down after that, settling for a Butker 57-yard field goal which is now the record for the longest kick in Super Bowl history. The Chiefs cut the lead to 10-6.

Late in the third quarter, mistakes continued to lead to opportunities for the opposing team. The Chiefs punted the ball back to the 49ers, only for it to hit one of the players legs allowing the Chiefs to recover the ball in the red zone.

The very next play, Mahomes found Valdes-Scantling for a 16-yard touchdown to give the Chiefs their first lead of the day at 13-10.

The 49ers offense responded immediately as Purdy found Jennings for a gain of 17. A couple plays later he hit Brandon Aiyuk for a gain of 20 yards down to the Chiefs 22-yard line. On a second-and-9 from the 10-yard line, Purdy found Jennings over the middle for a touch-

down to put the 49ers back in front. Moody’s extra point ended up being blocked at the line of scrimmage, keeping it a three-point game at 16-13.

Mahomes drove the offense right down the field again, finding Kelce for two gains of 30 yards, and Watson for a gain of 20. The Chiefs ended up getting all the way down to the 49ers 4-yard line, but had to settle for a 24-yard field goal to tie the game back up at 16-16.

The 49ers offense had a chance to put themselves in position to win with 3:53 remaining in the game. On the first play from scrimmage, Purdy found the man of the night, Jennings, for a gain of 23 yards down the 48-yard line. The 49ers took their time and ran the clock down. Eventually they faced a third-and-five with two minutes to go. If they gained a first down, they could continue to wind down the clock.

Purdy couldn’t connect with Jennings, forcing them to try a long field goal. Moody split the uprights from 53 yards out giving the 49ers a 19-16 lead with 1:53 to go.

It was time for Mahomes to shine. There is no other quarterback any coach would want

in this situation. The Chiefs worked their way into 49er territory as Mahomes found Kelce and Watson for big gains. From the 33-yard line with 16 seconds left in the game, Mahomes found his Mr. Reliable, Kelce, for a huge gain of 22 yards all the way down to the 11-yard line, giving the Chiefs an opportunity to win the game with 10 seconds left.

The very next play Mahomes looked for Kelce once again in the end zone but couldn’t connect. The Chiefs jogged Butker out for a game-tying field goal attempt which was good.The 2024 Super Bowl went to overtime with a score of 19-19, only the second time in the history of the big game.

With the new overtime rules, each offense is allowed to possess the ball at least once. The 49ers won the coin toss and elected to start with the football. Purdy and the offense faced a crucial thirdand-13 early in the drive. His pass was incomplete, but a defensive holding violation on the Chiefs allowed for the drive to continue. Soon after, Purdy found Aiyuk for a gain of 11 yards down to the 46-yard line. A few plays later, Purdy dumped the ball off to McCaffery, who ran

for a gain of 24 yards down to the Chiefs’ 26-yard line.

The 49ers ended up facing a third-and-four from the Chiefs 9-yard line. Purdy looked to throw but was pressured by Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones which forced an incompletion. The 49ers settled for a Moody 27-yard field goal to give them a 22-19 lead.

Mahomes and the Chiefs offense had a second chance to go win the game with a touchdown. They faced a game deciding fourth-and-1 early, but Mahomes ran for eight yards to keep the drive alive. On third-and-6 from the 46-yard line, Mahomes found Rice for a gain of 13 yards down to the 49ers 41-yard line.

A few plays later, Mahomes and his legs struck again, this time scrambling all the way down to the 13-yard line. A couple plays later, Mahomes found Kelce over the middle for a gain of seven yards down to the 3-yard line. The Chiefs were in prime position in the red zone. The following play, Mahomes rolled out of the pocket and found Hardman for a game-winning touchdown.

The Chiefs hit the lottery in Vegas, winning their third Super Bowl in four seasons by a score of 25-22.

Patrick Mahomes celebrates as he becomes Super Bowl MVP for the third time in four years.

COURTESY/CNBC

PAGE 12

CLASSIFIEDS FEBRUARY 14, 2024 |

NORTHERNIOWAN.COM

Across 1 Plot points?

5 Reply-all email storm deterrents 9 Horse breed native to the Middle East and North Africa 13 In a frenzy 14 Desert succulents 16 Common piercing spot 17 Beekeeper's valentine?

19 Chaucer chapter 20 Up and about 21 Meditation retreat 23 "Karma is a __ / Purring in my lap 'cause it loves me": Taylor Swift lyric 25 Juice barista's valentine?

28 Almost overflow 30 Yokohama drama

31 Consumer advocate Ralph 32 Spanish title 35 Hardware store purchase 37 Optometrist's valentine?

41 Yemeni port 42 Buys time 45 Packs in, as coffee 49 Performer's routine 51 Nursery rhyme vessel 52 Aesthetician's valentine?

56 Snoop 57 "Never would have thought" 58 Vegas lights 60 Monopoly payment 61 Baker's valentine?

66 Midrange voice type 67 "The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse" writer

68 Spicy __ roll 69 Devious plan 70 Parking lot mishap 71 Healthy piece

Today’s Birthday (02/14/24) This year encourages and benefits family harmony.

Persistence and determination win lucrative rewards. Making domestic repairs this winter prepares you for exciting springtime creative triumphs.

Summer career twists reorient you toward fascinating educational adventures next autumn. Fun with family centers you to grow.

growing profits. You can get what you need.

Social connection strengthens communities for resilience through shared support.

CROSSWORD

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

Aries (March 21-April 19) — Today is a 9 — Grab a lucrative opportunity and run with it. Patiently sidestep roadblocks. Develop the foundational structures for

Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Today is a 9 — Advance a personal passion project for lasting benefits. Dream up a perfect scenario and set pieces in place. Don’t push closed doors. Find alternatives.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Today is a 7 — Relax in your sanctuary. Recharge with beauty, nature, exercise and rest. Consider the big picture.

Brilliant ideas spark in mundane moments. Contemplate possibilities.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Today is an 8 — Have fun with friends. Share crazy dreams and wild ideas. Reinforce bonds grown over time.

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VOLUME 120, ISSUE 20

SUDOKU

Down 1 "A Christmas Carol" cry 2 Intense music genre 3 Making a gift of 4 Misrepresent, as data 5 Braided bread often filled with chocolate or cinnamon 6 Make aware 7 Swindle 8 "Just wait a __" 9 Tennis and golf legend Gibson 10 Showed displeasure like a dragon

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Today is an 8 — Develop professional possibilities.

Consider how best to adapt around recent changes. Put your heart into your work and it shows. It’s your gift.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Today is an 8 — Research subjects of passion and dreamy possibilities. Study barriers and obstacles to discover solutions. Put your heart into your work. Explore the potential.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — Today is a 7 — Share financial support with your partner.

Patience is golden. Don’t get

SOPHIE HOFFMEIER Managing Editor

ANSWERS

11 Burning 12 Pricey German wheels, informally 15 "Inside the NBA" analyst, familiarly 18 Thanksgiving vegetable 22 Naturally bright 23 "Survivor" network 24 "__ we having fun yet?"

26 Never ever 27 "Get out!"

29 Dairy farm sound 33 Events with a lot of insult comedy 34 Put in 36 Allows 38 Two-time Emmy winner Remini 39 Snooze

40 Generous pour 43 Gloss target 44 Wily 45 Sandal style 46 "Gosh darn it!"

47 Treating unkindly 48 Object in a game of fetch 50 Connective tissue 53 Spanish "thing" 54 Well-groomed 55 Trifling sum 59 Crypto artworks, for short 62 Nickname for Edward or Theodore 63 Not let go to waste 64 "Go-To Dinners" cookbook writer Garten 65 Capture

pushy. Simplify objectives.

Reduce waste or overconsumption. Compassion and love can open doors.

romantic agendas or preconceptions. Have fun with your family. You get more with honey than with vinegar.

Keep an open mind and heart.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — Today is a 7 — Slow the tempo. Take a spontaneous moment with your partner.

Adapt around unexpected roadblocks to discover hidden possibilities together. Patience and humor pay well.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — Today is an 8 — Monitor conditions carefully. Changes could deviate your plans. Prioritize your health and work.

Can you attend virtually?

Expect traffic. Slow for tricky sections.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Today is an 8 — Abandon

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) — Today is a 7 — Wait to see what develops with a domestic situation. Don’t forget to do an important job. Make a decision you can live with.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Today is an 8 — Monitor the news for changes. Keep confidences and secrets. Avoid oversharing. Take notes for later. Misunderstandings can spark easily. Practice diplomacy and tact.