The
Technician bulldogs.kettering.edu/technician
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January 26, 2015
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Volume 117
Issue 1
Student Services Center Opens on Campus By Adam Lecznar Copy Editor The first day of winter classes at Kettering saw the beginning of a new resource for students to take advantage of to make their busy schedules a little easier to manage. The Student Services Center, which opened on January 12, 2014 and is located in the Sunset Room of the Campus Center at Kettering University, functions as a first point of contact for students who need access to other resources across the campus. At the Student Services Center, students can find help and support for things ranging from Cooperative Education to Thesis Advisement. Continued on page 2 Photo courtesy of Kettering Communications
What’s Inside
Student Voices Thoughts about their co-op
New Art Exhibit and Reception
From Kettering Communications
Kettering University's Humanities Art Center will be hosting a new exhibit by local ceramicist and Flint Institute of Arts Instructor Guy Adamec starting February 2, 2015. The exhibit, “Cool Clay,” will feature more than 15 objects that illustrate the talent Adamec has been developing for more than 40 years.
One of Adamec's pieces that will be on display. Photo courtesy of Kettering Communications
The Humanities Art Center will host an artist reception for Adamec from noon-2 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 6, where students, faculty and staff will have the opportunity to meet the artist and view his ceramics. Students will also have the opportunity to win gift cards for Churchill’s Food and Spirits and the White Horse Tavern. Continued on page 6
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NAIAS
An overview of top new cars
Study Abroad 6
One student's adventures
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"The Interview" The controversy behind the movie
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Atwood Ice State of the State Skating Opens Address
Public ice skating opened at Atwood Stadium on Friday, January 9, from 6-9 p.m. Regular hours for the rink will be from 6-9 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays and 2-6 p.m. on Saturdays (weather permitting). Admission is free and open to Kettering students as well as the Flint community, and there is a warming area this year in the Atwood locker room. Skaters must provide their own skates. For information, contact (810) 762-9732.
Students and staff getting the ice rink set up at Atwood Stadium. Photo courtesy of Kettering Communications
This is the second year the skating rink has been available, with it opening last year after Kettering purchased Atwood stadium. The Rec Center also hosts broomball as one of the intramural sports at the rink.
From Kettering Communications
Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder gave special recognition to Kettering University, President Dr. Robert K. McMahan and student Harrison Ford for their support of FIRST Robotics during the 2015 State of the State address on January 20, 2015, in Lansing. Snyder noted in his speech that Michigan now has more FIRST Robotics teams than any state in the country. "If you look at kids who do FIRST robotics, the likelihood they will go on to engineering or skilled trades goes up dramatically," Snyder said. "We were no. 2 in the country several years ago. Over the last few years we added teams. This last year we added 77 teams, more than the other 49 states combined. We are up to 349 teams, 110 more than California and we are hoping to be a leader in that." Snyder specifically noted Kettering's role in supporting the growth of FIRST in Michigan. "I want to give a shout out to Kettering University that (built) a first of a kind community center for FIRST Robotics teams," he said. "They've been a true leader." McMahan and Ford, seated in the Michigan House of Representatives Chamber, were shown on the broadcast as Snyder touted Kettering's leadership in FIRST and STEM education. “It was an honor to represent Kettering University at the State of the State address,” McMahan said. “Our FIRST Robotics Community Center is already creating new opportunities for students to not only gain exposure to FIRST, but also gain an immersive experience as a valued member of a leading STEM and business university’s campus Continued on page 2
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January 26, 2015
The Technician
Announcements
Student Services Center
State of the State Address
Continued from the front page
Continued from the front page
“Students will be able to complete most of their administrative tasks right at the Student Services Center,” said Nadia Gilbert, coordinator of the Student Services Center. “If we can’t address concerns at the Center itself, we will make sure the students are provided detailed directions and instructions on how to proceed to each of the individual departments.” Open Monday thru Friday from noon to 2 p.m., the program is still in its infancy, but staff members who manage the station hope that word of this new resource will spread fast and prove useful for many of Kettering’s students. “I think it will be a useful resource for Freshmen and upperclassmen who don’t live on campus,” commented Sophomore II Dan Kirsammo. News of the new student resource has been promoted by staff and organizations across the campus, but many students are still unaware of what the Student Success Center is, an issue that the university hopes will soon pass. “The idea for this Center developed as a result of the feedback we received from students,” said Betsy Homsher, vice-president for student life and dean of students. “We pride ourselves on adapting our services to the needs of students, and this Center is a prime example of our commitment to respond to and serve our student body as efficiently as possible.”
community. While using state-of-the-art equipment and technology, pre-college students are also receiving valuable access to our students, faculty and staff as mentors and seeing firsthand the limitless potential STEM careers offer. We are grateful that Gov. Snyder shares our enthusiasm for FIRST Robotics and the transformational power it offers to its participants.” Snyder attended the grand opening of Kettering’s FIRST Robotics Community Center – the first facility of its kind on any college campus in the country – in September and was impressed with the facility's potential to support the growth of FIRST Robotics. “To put it simply, this is awesome,” Snyder said at the grand opening. “This is really the only yearround FIRST arena that we know of in the country. It’s great to see Kettering taking the lead.” Ford, who participated in FIRST in high school and is currently a mentor to the Flint F.I.R.E. team that is housed in the center, gave a speech during the grand opening that moved Gov. Snyder and his staff. “I guess you could say that I was stunned that I would be chosen to be with the Governor on his biggest day of the year,” Ford said. “That’s a high honor." As part of his studies at Kettering, Ford is employed as a co-op student at Flexible Products in Auburn Hills, Michigan. He is a graduate of CarmanAinsworth High School in Flint, Michigan. Ford has stated that the main goal of Flint F.I.R.E. mentors is to expose kids in the city of Flint to STEM concepts, inspire them to pursue a college education and share with them the possibilities STEM careers offer. “I really want to help kids get to college,” Ford said. “FIRST promotes competition but truly, I don’t care about competition, I care about getting these kids to college and helping them get scholarships for college That’s one of the reasons I changed teams as mentor because I wanted to help inner city kids in Flint go to college.” Snyder specifically noted how FIRST helped spark that leadership interest in Ford. "He was on a FIRST robotics team and it meant so much to him, he's a now a mentor for another FIRST Robotics team in Flint - Flint F.I.R.E.," Snyder said. "This is the case of someone having success and giving back."
New location for some Campus Center offices Several offices in the Campus Center have moved locations this month. Please note the new locations of the following offices: • Oxford Virtual Academy moved from 5951 to 5301 • MI-SBDC moved from 5100 to 5951 • Multicultural Student Initiatives moved from 3300 to 3100 Student Life • Kettering Global is now in 3300 • University Advancement moved from 4900 to 5100 • Sponsored Research moved from 5100 to 4900
The
Technician Chloe Hauxwell
Editor-in-chief
Kaitlin Solovey
Assistant Editor
Shared Position
L ayout Editor
Erin Boyse
Online Editor
Adam Lecznar
Copy Editor
Bryan Boyse
Distribution Editor
Staff writers Colleen Chavis Charles Mancino
Faculty Advisor Christine Levecq
Photographer Joseph Stevenson
Special Thanks To Betsy Homsher
Global Issues Film Festival All Films will be shown in McKinnon Theater on the 3rd Floor of the Academic Building at Kettering. This event is free and open to the public. The Films: • Bitter Seeds (2011) Thursday, January 22, 5 p.m. • A Bridge Apart (2013) Wednesday, January 28, 7 p.m. • Half of a Yellow Sun (2013) Thursday, January 29, 7 p.m. • Oil and Water (2014) Friday, January 30, 7 p.m. • A River Changes Course (2013) Saturday, January 31, 1 p.m. • Bitter Seeds (2011) Saturday, January 31, 3 p.m. For a description of the films, visit http://www. kettering.edu/news/kettering-university-host-13thannual-global-issues-film-festival-january-22-31.
Gaming Night in the Library Join us in the Library, 3rd week Wednesday ( January 28th) from 5:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. for Gaming Night! Subs, snacks and refreshments will be served. Challenge your friends to Ping Pong, Rock Band 2, Dance Central 2, Xbox 360 Kinect Sports and many other games on the Wii, PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360. If board games or cards are more your style, we have those too! Have another favorite? Bring it with you to share. Stop by for the free food and entertainment and return for our excellent library resources. Gaming Night is sponsored by Friends of the Library and Archives (FOLA).
Submissions Policy The Technician encourages any interested students to attend staff meetings. Meetings for Winter 2015 will be each Monday and Thursday over the lunch hour in The Technician office, located on the 3rd floor of the Campus Center above the Sunrise Café. Student submissions are encouraged and will be published if their material is in the public interest. Submissions or letters to the editor from faculty and administrative entities will be published if space is available. The Technician reserves the right to edit any and all submissions for brevity and clarity. Anonymous submissions are rarely published and will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Individuals wishing to publish anonymously should consult the Editor-in-chief. The deadline for the upcoming issue of The Technician is 5th Thursday at 6pm. Expected distribution is 6th Wednesday. Send submissions to atechnician@kettering.edu.
January 26, 2015
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The Technician
Student Perspectives
The Technician sent out reporter Bryan Boyse to talk to students about their co-op positions. Each student was asked where they worked, what they did, and what they like about their position. Here is a sampling of their responses.
Liana Sonta Senior, Business Where is your co-op? PSMI What did you get to do at your co-op? I worked on improving cost savings and tool tracking using Excel. What did you like about your position? I liked the experience into hands-on work.
Akash Menon Senior, Mechanical Engineering Where is your co-op? Gill Industries What did you get to do at your co-op? I worked in product engineering department where I designed and tested new mechanisms for car seats. What did you like about the position? I liked the friendly people and work environment.
Adam VanNoy Senior, Business Where is your co-op at? Stanley Black & Decker What did you get to do at your co-op? I worked in human resources and partnered with management to create detailed description of expectations for every open position and interviewed potential applicants. What did you like about your position? I liked interacting with employees on a professional level.
Justin Gauss Junior, Mechanical Engineering Where is your co-op? Magna Electronics What did you get to do at your co-op? I helped to set up new machinery and made work instructions for it. What did you like about your position? I liked how hands-on projects were and how easy it was to communicate.
Alan Xia Tyler Bartsoff Senior, Business Where is your co-op at? Stanley Engineered Fastening What did you get to do at your co-op? I worked in the Marketing Department handling promotional products and setting up for tech shows. Freshman, Mechanical Engineering Where is your co-op? What did you like about your position? FEV I like the company culture, the positive interacWhat did you get to do at your co-op? tion with people and fun work environment. I worked in the vehicle testing. What did you like about your position? I liked the variety of jobs and experience I gained.
Matt MacKay
Senior, Mechanical/Electrical Engineering Where is your co-op at? Ford Manufacturing What did you get to do at your co-op? I worked in suspension simulation models and suspension design components for current and next generation vehicles. I was also on the launch team for Ford and Lincoln. What did you like about the position? I like how I can pick where I am going next and move around the company. I also like the challenges I have been presented with.
Photos courtesy of Bryan Boyse
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The Technician
In Pictures
January 26, 2015
As another Winter term begins, students find ways to keep warm and stay busy (from top): • President McMahan and Harrison Ford attend the State of the State address at the Capitol Building in Lansing. • For National Day of Service on MLK Day, Kettering University students make no-sew fleece blankets to donate to Project Linus. • Cody Grant and Adam Lecznar work on a blanket in the Thompson Hall lobby.
Photos are courtesy of Kettering Communications
January 26, 2015
Top, clockwise: • Students compete in the Week 2 Innovation Quest challenge: Fish Pong. It consisted of each team using rat or mouse traps to power their rubber golf ball launchers. Each team was given 1 minute to score as many balls into the goals as possible. • The winners of Innovation Quest for the first week hold their $100 prize. The Hang Time Challenge required participants to use rat trap powered custom catapults to launch parachutes from the fourth floor. • Kettering was represented with a booth at the North American International Auto Show.
Photos are courtesy of Kettering Communication
The Technician
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The Technician
News
January 26, 2015
North American International Auto Show
New Art Exhibit and Reception
to allow the driver to make and receive calls safely while driving with the ultimate hope of improving the driving experience. If your idea of a comfortable From American Automakers like GM to German car ride is never having to touch the wheel, then Automakers like Audi, from small manufactures there is something for you too. BMW was showing like Local Motors to the huge conglomerate that off its F 015 self-driving concept car which featured is Volkswagen, the North American International six different touch screens, comfortable bucket seats Auto Show (NAIAS) which took place this January and no need for a driver. in Detroit, MI is a chance for car companies to show For those of us who enjoy driving and like doing it fast, there are the performance cars: the staple of any auto show. For example, Ford dedicated about a third of their space to their performance products, from the new Ford SVT Raptor with a lighter aluminum body and almost 500 horsepower, to the new Ford GT with its abundance of weight-saving carbon fiber parts and one of Ford's most powerful engine to date, a twin-turbo 3.5L EcoBoost V6 that produces over 600 horsepower. Joining these cars in Ford’s display were many examples of the stock Ford The New Toyota Mirai Fuel Cell Concept Mustang and Ford's new Mustang GT350 with a 550 horsepower, 5.2L V8 (about 115 more horsepower the public the vehicles they plan to sell in the next than the stock V8 in the Mustang GT). Ford wasn't few years and to reveal some of the concepts they bethe only carmaker with a focus on performance. GM lieve epitomize the direction the company will take was showing off the new Chevrolet Corvette Z06 in vehicle design for the foreseeable future. In this with a carbon fiber and aluminum body based off year's auto show the manufacturers seemed to focus the C7R racing Corvette and powered by a 6.2L suon three main design points: Fuel Economy, Luxury, percharged aluminum block V8 that produces 650 and Performance. Which of these is most important horsepower and 650 lb.-ft of torque. Alongside the to the driver? That all depends on the customer in 'Vette, GM featured a performance-focused Cadilquestion. lac, the CTS-V, with If fuel economy a V8 that can propel and environmenthe monster to 60 tal consciousness mph in 3.7 seconds is your main conand up to a top speed cern, then look no of 200 mph. Most aufurther than the tomakers had at least selection of alterone performance car native energy vesomewhere in their hicles at the auto display: Toyota had The new Ford GT show. One of the the FT-1 concept, most unique was Nissan had the GT-R, there was the Acura NSX, Toyota's concept Hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, the MiDodge Viper and Challenger, and the Mini Superrai, which could go 300 miles on a tank of hydrogen leggera, an all-electric sports car that departs from while only emitting water from the tailpipe. There the tradition Mini styling. were also quite a few full electric vehicles present as So whether you want fuel economy, luxury, perwell. Tesla Motors had different versions of the new formance, or some combination of the three, the Model S, Chevrolet had a Concept EV called the North American International Auto Show showed Bolt EV which is estimated to have a range of over that there will be something for you coming to a 200 miles per charge, BMW had the sporty i8 and dealer close by in the near future. the more affordable i3, and Smart had an all electric version of their vehicle. However, if fuel economy takes a backseat to comfort, then the plethora of leather, aluminum, and wood accents seen in most of the vehicles at the NAIAS will appeal to you. Vehicle infotainment systems were also very common, with the center console being taken over by a large screen (sometimes touch capable, sometimes not), instead of the radio-climate controls combination that came standard in many cars before this. With these systems The Mini Superleggera Vision Concept many automakers started increasing driver-vehicle interaction by allowing vehicle occupants to sync their phones with the vehicles display and speakers Photos courtesy of Josh Tol
Continued from the front page
By Josh Tol Guest Contributor
Regina Schreck, Humanities Art Center curator, has known Adamec since her time as the assistant curator at the Flint Institute of Arts. As she was planning an exhibit that showcased three-dimensional artwork, she immediately thought of him and his work. "He's such a talented ceramicist," Schreck said. "The craft of creating something using a machine— the potter's wheel—and one's hands, in sync with creative ingenuity, produces an object of pure beauty. Some of Guy’s pieces of art are also objects that can be used in a utilitarian fashion like bowls, urns and vases. There is a direct connection to how Guy creates his artwork and how Kettering students engineer objects with their hands, minds and machines to create objects that help us in our everyday life.” Guy has been a potter and instructor who taught art in public schools, museum schools, colleges and even a G.E.D. program in the county jail. “My view on making ‘art’ over the years has slowly evolved into something that is finally becoming clear," Adamec said. "As an emerging artist, one is frequently told that fame and fortune is the goal; showing in reputable galleries, shows in big cities, knowing all the right people and dealers. Now, although I hold nothing against successful galleries and dealers, and still use them, I find that the ‘fame and fortune’ part to be the least important factor. Rather, time alone in the studio when ones intuition is in control; that is the moment that we (artists) live for. If one masters his craft and knows in his heart he has done his best, then something good will happen.” The Cool Clay exhibit runs through April 30, 2015. Gallery hours for students, faculty and staff are Monday-Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The public is welcome to visit the reception and exhibition as well. Viewing can be coordinated by contacting Regina Schreck at rschreck@kettering.edu. Guy Adamec was born in Oak Park, Illinois, and grew up in the Chicago area. He attended Knox College in Galesburg Illinois, and graduated with a B.A. in Ceramics, and a minor in Sculpture. He then moved to Michigan to attend Cranbrook Academy of Art, graduating in 1975 with a Master of Fine Arts in Ceramics. After graduate school, Guy accepted a position with the Flint Community Schools, teaching ceramics and pottery at the DeWaters Art Center. He maintained this position for more than 25 years. He also taught for Mott Adult High School, Mott Community College, and was an Artist in Residence for Kearsley Community Schools. In 2004, he started doing public art for the Ruth Mott Foundation, with pieces made for Applewood, the Flint Farmers Market, the Boys and Girls Club of Flint and the bus station in downtown Flint. He continues to do public art, with newer pieces in Grand Blanc's Rust Park, and the latest piece in Rogers City, Michigan. Today he works as Firemaster for the Flint Institute of Arts, teaching pottery, sculpture and glaze chemistry.
January 26, 2015
The Technician
Study Abroad
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So Much More Than Studying I took four classes while I was there: German Lan- and I was able to see how Mercedes-Benz cars are guage, German History, Lean Management, and produced in Sindelfingen. There was also a catered International Business. All of them were in English Thanksgiving dinner for the international students. I spent last semester, Fall 2014, attending Reutlinand a majority of my classgen University in Germany for three months as part mates were not from the of Kettering’s study abroad program. Kettering has US. This made giving prefour partner universities in Germany, as well as prosentations interesting, as grams in other countries. It was my first time leaving everyone in my Lean Manthe US, flying in a plane, and traveling by myself. agement group was more After that incredible semester in Germany, I comfortable speaking Spanmust recommend that anyone who is able should ish than English. My favorstudy abroad or at least travel to another country. ite class was German LanI asked many people if they wanted to go with me guage, in part because we to Germany, and the most common excuses were “it had one class at a café when doesn’t fit into my schedule” or “I don’t know Gerwe were learning about how man.” Whatever your reason is, you should make goto order food. “Ich möchte ing abroad a priority. I also had many excuses for not einen Apfelkuchen bitte,” going: I didn’t know German, I wasn’t going with which means, “I would like any friends, and I didn’t even know who my rooman apple cake, please.” Our At the Louvre in Paris. mate was going to be. But I decided to go in spite of professors were also very that and the experience was more than worth it. knowledgeable, with It’s only celebrated in America and Canada so many many of them having a of the students in attendance from other countries, lot of industry experi- such as Mexico, China, and Brazil, experienced their ence. first Thanksgiving meal. At the end of the semester During the semester, there was a farewell dinner for those of us returning many students would to our home countries. travel on the weekends, I met students from so many different cultures taking advantage of the and made lasting friendships with people from other train system through- countries. I enjoyed a traditional Chinese meal, was out Europe. I traveled able to practice my Spanish, and leaned that people to the Hohenzollern in Malaysia also read Harry Potter. All of us being Castle, Munich, and in a strange country put us on the same level, which Köln in Germany, Sal- made it much easier to connect. zburg in Austria, and If you’ve never been outside the US before, I enParis (which was only courage you to leave the country. Study abroad, a four hour train trip travel, or take a short vacation, because we live in a from Reutlingen). I bubble and in order to be a well-rounded individual At the Palace of Versailles with the Chinese students I traveled with to Paris. went to Paris with some (isn’t that what college is for?), you must leave that I spent three months familiarizing myself with Chinese students and had a wonderful time seeing bubble and experience the world outside. Germany and traveling. I enjoyed shopping in town, the Louvre, Notre Dame Cathedral, and of course which allowed me to practice my German and learn the Eiffel Tower. The view from how to communicate with hand gestures when I the top at night was incredible, didn’t know the right words. I spent a few weekends although rather chilly. with my German friends and was excited by the end In December, I loved going to of term when I was able to understand half of what the German Christmas markets, they said. or Weihnachtsmarkt. Nearly every town had one, with vendors renting out stalls along the main streets. They sold a huge variety of items such as candles, wooden toys, Pumpkin carving with two of my new friends from my dorm. glass ornaments, and jewelry, with the majority of items being handmade. They also sold wonderful food, so I would often wander through the crowds enjoying a crepe or waffle. The International Office had a variety of events planned for us throughout the semester. There were some In front of the Notre Dame Cathedral. excursions to tour automotive plants Photos courtesy of Erin Boyse By Erin Boyse Online Editor
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January 26, 2015
The Technician
Crossword
By Colleen Chavis
"Alphabetical Hodgepodge" Hint: Think Phonetically Across 1. Sound boomerang 2. A Bantu language 3. Father 4. Two months ago 5. Equivalent of 5 houses 6. Leone 7. A dance 8. Change 9. All the same 10. Game from Scotland 11. Prefix you would use to describe 1000 grams, meters, hertz, etc. 12. Is the sun 13. Wolfram Down 1. Liquor 2. Province in Canada 3. Peanuts 4. Also a dance 5. Wherefore art thou 6. Winner 7. Radiology 8. Scented candles 9. Woooo! Encore! 10. Country in Asia 11. Wazowski 12. Bean 13. Grumpy Sesame Street character Answers are posted on http://bulldogs.kettering.edu/ technician/
"The Interview" Movie Controversy By Kaitlin Solovey Assistant Editor This past December there was a lot of controversy over a very unlikely topic: a Seth Rogen movie. The movie, titled The Interview, is directed by Seth Rogen who is featured in the movie alongside actor James Franco. The movie is about a talk show host (Franco) and his camera man (Rogen) who are recruited by the CIA to assassinate the leader of North Korea, Kim Jong-un. That is where the controversy began. As soon as news of the movie became known, North Korea denounced it as akin to terrorism. The early denunciation, though, had no impact on production, and if anything only drew more attention to the movie. But, as the December 25 release date approached, tension sparked. A month before the release date, on November 24, 2014, a large amount of sensitive data belonging to Sony Pictures Entertainment was leaked to the public with demands to cancel The Interview. The hackers were allegedly sponsored by North Korea. Then, as the deadline was only days away, there were threats of bombings at any theaters that showed the movie. This prompted many theaters to cancel their premieres of the movie. In the end, though, the movie was released digitally and people were able to see the movie on its release date. So, was all of the fuss made by the hackers really worth it?
In North Korea, the supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, James Franco’s character, Dave Skylark, befriends is held in exceedingly high regard. It is widely told Kim Jong-un on his trip to North Korea. The leader that he never uses the bathroom. In The Interview, is revealed to be a relatively complex person, who uses the bathroom, drinks margaritas, likes Katy Perry’s music, and has never felt accepted by his father. Given what is known about North Korea’s regard for its leader, it is easy to see where this portrayal of its leader would be considered unacceptable. Should that mean, though, that a foreign government can allegedly fund a group of hackers to leak very sensitive data on many people who were entirely uninvolved in the project? During the controversy over whether or not The Interview should be shown, many people called it a matter of the First Amendment. Regardless of how the North Korean government felt it was being portrayed, Sony had the right to say what they did, and at the end of the day, the film was released and Kim Jong-un was portrayed as a relatively normal person. Overall, the movie does not seem to be a likely candidate for so much controversy and commotion. It is certainly entertaining, but there is very minimal political point to it. This is not so much a movie about assassinating a world leader to help millions of people as it is about humanizing a man the world knows very little about. "The Interview" movie poster, photo courtesy of NBC News