On May 15, the Palestine Solidarity Caucus first shared Brown Community’s Letter of Solidarity with the Palestinian liberation struggle, which condemns the May 2021 escalations in Israeli state and settler-mob violence against Palestinians across historic Palestine. In that period, Israel forcibly dispossessed families in the East Jerusalem neighborhood of Sheikh Jarrah, conducted a violent military assault on civilians and infrastructure in Gaza, attacked Palestinian Muslim worshippers at Al-Aqsa Mosque during Ramadan and Palestinian Christian worshippers at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre on Easter eve and wielded joint settler-mob and police violence against Palestinian citizens in Israel — all situated within the context of the ongoing Nakba (“catastrophe”).

In support of Palestinian liberation, the letter calls on the Brown community to take action at the individual and institutional levels. Since May 15, the letter has garnered over one thousand signatures from faculty, graduate and undergraduate students, staff and alumni. The large number of signatories signals strong campus-wide support for divestment from corporations profiting from Israeli apartheid, war crimes and human rights violations.

The letter echoes the demands of the successful 2019 student referendum on divestment and the Advisory Committee on Corporate Responsibility in Investment Practices recommendation for divestment, which was delivered to President Christina Paxson P’19 in January 2020. Paxson deemed this report — and a subsequent revision — inadequate. But in light of the current circumstances of accelerated violence against Palestinians by the Israeli settler-colonial apartheid regime, the case for divestment must be reopened. More than a thousand university workers, students, and members of the intellectual community on campus join us in refusing complicity with an institution that actively supports the occupation of Palestine and the subjugation, dehumanization and traumatization of Palestinians. This refusal is particularly important in the context of U.S. support for Israel, in the form of nearly $4 billion in annual military aid, ideological cover for an apartheid regime that serves its imperial interests in the region and recurrent vetoes of international resolutions condemning Israel’s human rights violations. The situation in Palestine demands the Brown community’s sustained attention and action.

During the 11-day Israeli military assault on Gaza in May, at least 256 Palestinians were killed. The Israeli state targeted and pulverized residential buildings, schools, bookshops, media offices, vital infrastructure and medical facilities in Gaza amid the global pandemic. After a so-called ceasefire was reached on May 24, Palestinians did not have a second to catch their breath or begin to grieve in the wake of immense racialized violence and repeated military bombardments resulting in the annihilation of entire family lines. Mere hours after the ceasefire announcement, Israeli soldiers stormed Al Aqsa Mosque again. They attacked Palestinians with tear gas and stun grenades, injuring at least 20 people. In recent weeks, several Palestinian youth have been murdered by occupation forces at protests and killed while passing through the checkpoints they are forced to cross daily in the occupied West Bank. Between May 9 and June 10, the Israeli police arrested over 2,000 Palestinians —  including resident activists Muna El Kurd and her brother Mohammed El Kurd of the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood —  in retaliation for the protests that took place across the country.

Where is the outcry from the Brown University leadership? Not only has Brown failed to divest, but Paxson’s statements have been disappointingly brief and insufficient. The administration has not supported its Palestinian students.

In the recent statement “Addressing anti-Semitic Violence,” Paxson denounced the “sharp increase in violence and intimidation against Jewish people” in the United States. The statement, while a welcome affirmation of support for Jewish students and community members, is unfortunately brief and vague. As stated in our May 15 letter, we stand against anti-Semitism at Brown and everywhere in the world. The struggle against Israeli settler colonialism and apartheid is an issue of justice, freedom and equality, and we have been joined by countless Jewish friends, comrades, and organizations who vehemently oppose the notion that anti-Zionism is anti-Semitic.

Indeed, there have been condemnable anti-Semitic assaults in the past couple months. However, the “sharp increase” in anti-Semitism that Paxson cited reflects a conflation of that anti-Zionist speech and action with anti-Semitism. Mari Cohen in Jewish Currents has shown that the large increase in anti-Semitic violence mentioned by Paxson and reported by U.S. media relies on a single Anti-Defamation League report. That report summarizes the findings of the ADL hate-tracker, the methodology of which is highly questionable. Furthermore, Cohen shows that despite the ADL directly connecting the “uptick” in anti-Semitic violence in the United States to May 2021 violence in Israel and Palestine, only seven of the 43 reported incidents in May were connected to what had been happening across historic Palestine. Most of the tracked incidents were in fact instigated by neo-Nazis and white supremacists. That these deceitful conflations come at a time of unprecedented mobilization in defense of Palestinian life is not a coincidence. Such deflections not only castigate Palestine solidarity actions and silence criticisms of Israeli apartheid, but also obscure the violent white supremacist origins of such attacks, as also evidenced in Canada.

Furthermore, Paxson’s statement raises the question of whether the University is really prepared to carry out its duties of care to all students equally. The University repeatedly assures us of its commitment to confront “anti-Black racism, anti-Asian violence, Islamophobia, anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination, policies harming undocumented/DACA individuals and immigrants and other forms of discrimination and hate.” But where was Paxson’s statement supporting Palestinian students, who for 11 days watched their homes and neighborhoods crumble? Who for 11 days feared for their loved ones in mortal danger or watched their loved ones die from the non-stop violence meted out by the Israeli state and settlers? Where is the administration’s statement supporting the same students whose families, friends and neighbors are still in the grip of terror in the wake of the so-called ceasefire? Where is the statement offering resources and refuge from threats of racial and sexual violence — like those made against the all-women staff of a Palestinian community center in New Jersey — against Palestinians, including diasporic Palestinians in the United States? 

Palestinian members of the Brown community, along with our allies who stand in solidarity with the Palestinian right to life, resistance, liberation and return, have felt  abandoned — unheard at best, and censored and intimidated at worst. In this lacuna of support, the Palestine Solidarity Caucus has formed among grad workers at Brown. As unionized workers, we assert our right to have a say in our workplace and defend all grad workers against racism, discrimination and harassment. We uphold our responsibility to take a stand against the exploitation and oppression of the Palestinian community both on and off campus. The Graduate Labor Organization has asserted its unequivocal support for the Palestinian cause on several occasions. In concert with GLO and other labor organizations, the Palestine Solidarity Caucus reaffirms that the movement for Palestinian liberation is an anti-racist and feminist workplace issue, and requires the solidarity of workers everywhere.

Brown University administration’s progressive except for Palestine stance is not only unacceptable, but deplorable. There are clear indications that the Brown community feels strongly in its commitment toward Palestinian liberation. Divesting from companies complicit in the “social harms” of Israeli apartheid and supporting Palestinian students are the bare minimum that one should expect from Brown University.

This op-ed was written collectively by members of the Palestine Solidarity Caucus. The op-ed is attributed to the caucus as a whole rather than individual contributors due to safety and mobility concerns. The Palestine Solidarity Caucus can be reached at palestinesolidaritycaucus@gmail.com. Please send responses to this opinion to letters@browndailyherald.com and op-eds to opinions@browndailyherald.com.

UC Berkeley Haas School of Business launches online program for MBA students

David McAllister/Staff

An online flex option introduced to UC Berkeley Haas School of Business provides MBA students with a more flexible approach to their education. Students interested follow the same admissions process while choosing between the weekend, evening or flex option.

The UC Berkeley Haas School of Business announced an online program, allowing Master of Business Administration, or MBA, students to pursue an education with increased flexibility.

The goal of the program is to make Haas more accessible to students who would like to pursue an MBA but are unable to make the current Evening & Weekend MBA Program schedules work for them. With the Flex option, Haas hopes to offer those students more alternatives, according to Jamie Breen, assistant dean of Haas MBA Programs for Working Professionals.

The Flex option is something that was originally planned for 2015 and has otherwise been in the works for quite a while, Breen added.

“I think in some ways, the pandemic forced us all to experiment with remote teaching,” said Abhishek Nagaraj, campus assistant professor at Haas. “It has been quite rare for top business schools to offer any kind of online program, so Haas will be one of the pioneers in that regard.”

According to Nagaraj, the program is designed to be exactly like the traditional MBA program, with the same level of academic rigor and core content, except in a more flexible format.

Three categories of classes will be offered through the Flex option: in-person courses meant to allow for student interactions, synchronous live content with students and professors congregating virtually and prerecorded lectures, Nagaraj added.

“I think this program, if anything, will attract even more senior people personally,” Nagaraj said. “Because those people have families and children in school, they are more constrained, and this will offer them more flexibility in terms of when and how they do their program.”

Those interested in the program will face the same application and admissions process as those who are pursuing the traditional route, with admitted students becoming a cohort within the Evening & Weekend MBA class. Students will be asked whether they want the weekend, evening or Flex option when applying for the part-time MBA program, Breen said.

As for infrastructure, Haas has created a “robust” digital learning team called Haas Digital to work with faculty as they adjust their classes to the asynchronous and synchronous environment. The team consists of technical experts and instructional designers, according to Breen.

Breen added that Haas has also invested in virtual classrooms for faculty use, where professors can simulate teaching in a real classroom.

Campus faculty members are also using the program as an opportunity to pursue “interesting and intriguing” pathways, including colleague showcases, an experience hard to replicate in an in-person class, Breen said.

“For example, they can bring in their colleagues, who are experts in different parts of the same field, into their asynchronous content,” Breen said. “If somebody has an expertise in demand management and pricing in microeconomics, they could do a section in the course.”

Contact Ryan Teoh at rteoh@dailycal.org, and follow him on Twitter at @RyanTeoh001.

The Daily Californian

Name, image and likeness (NIL) chatter was heard in almost every interview taking place during the 2021 Big Ten Media Days at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana, on July 22.

Gophers football head coach P.J. Fleck, running back Mohamed Ibrahim, quarterback Tanner Morgan and defensive lineman Boye Mafe all weighed in on their experience so far dealing with sponsorships and agents in this new era in collegiate athletics.

The NIL rule was put in place after a long debate on whether student athletes should be able to make money off of their own name, image and likeness. One school that was most notably punished for having a player making money off of his name, image and likeness was the University of Southern California (USC) and their former star running back Reggie Bush.

In 2010, Bush forfeited his 2005 Heisman trophy after an NCAA investigation concluded that he had received improper benefits while playing at USC. Subsequently, the NCAA denounced the Trojans of their 2004 national title and USC had to vacate 14 wins from their 2004 and 2005 seasons.

Every statline allocated from Bush during those years was either erased or had asterisks placed by each, according to the Los Angeles Times. Now that it is not a problem for college student-athletes to benefit from their name, image and likeness, there will not be any situations like the infamous Bush case in 2005.

For anyone unfamiliar with NIL, this is how the NCAA describes it via their website:

• Individuals can engage in NIL activities that are consistent with the law of the state where the school is located. Colleges and universities may be a resource for state law questions.
• College athletes who attend a school in a state without an NIL law can engage in this type of activity without violating NCAA rules related to name, image and likeness.
• Individuals can use a professional services provider for NIL activities.
• Student-athletes should report NIL activities consistent with state law or school and conference requirements to their school.

This new policy now allows all NCAA D1, D2 and D3 student-athletes to be financially compensated for their name, image, and likeness as of July 1, 2021, regardless of whether their state has a NIL law in place.

For Morgan and Ibrahim, their first choice for a NIL deal would be Chipotle. This is due to their ultimate love for the popular Mexican eatery.

Morgan’s favorite dish at Chipotle is a burrito bowl with a tortilla on the side, double chicken, beans, lettuce and cheese, while Ibrahim’s is a steak quesadilla.

Morgan would also adore being sponsored by Tony’s Diner, which in his mind is “the best breakfast food on campus.”

Fleck said he would be in favor of Morgan’s choice with Tony’s Diner, “This is no NIL and I’m not getting paid to say this: Tony knows I love gyros, and his diner can make a mean gyro.”

For Mafe, his dreams “go beyond the gridiron.” He is attending the University of Minnesota to achieve a master’s degree in Business and Marketing Education and will not partake in any NIL deals. Yet, if Mafe did, he would choose Walley’s for his first NIL deal, a falafel joint in Dinkytown.

Mafe at Wally’s always orders a 32, Spicy Musahab Chicken Plate. “Get yellow rice on it instead of fries,” Mafe said.

According to Ibrahim, the Gophers coaching staff has had “extensive meetings” to go through the ins-and-outs of name, image and likeness.

“I’m fired up about name, image and likeness,” Fleck said during the Big Ten Media Days on Thursday, July 22. “I think it’s tremendous. Our location, the Twin Cities area, with 3.5 million people and the 18 Fortune 500 companies, this isn’t a small college town, we have businesses galore.”

Fleck also made it clear in his press conference on Thursday, July 22 that his coaching staff first and foremost wants to “educate” their athletes before they are thrown into the sponsorship gauntlet.

NIL is now a major part of the Gopher For Life program which educates players on finances, taxes, and other life skills when they leave the Minnesota football program.

HB-1317, also known as the Regulate Marijuana Concentrates Act, is being challenged with an extensive lawsuit from a medical cannabis patient. Gov. Jared Polis signed the act into law on June 24. It includes sweeping restrictions on the medical cannabis industry, preventing patients between ages 18-20 from obtaining medical recommendations without consulting multiple physicians; preventing […]

File photo

With the 2021 college football season on the horizon, the American Athletic Conference held its football media day virtually where student-athletes were informed about COVID-19 guidelines, Big 12 conference realignment and the expansion of the College Football Playoff.

AAC commissioner Mike Aresco opened up the event addressing some of the big topics from the offseason. Here are some of the major takeaways from media day in terms of the AAC as a whole:

COVID-19 guidelines

While the AAC cannot force its coaches and players to get the vaccine, Aresco is adamant that all of the conference’s student-athletes should get vaccinated.

“Covid is still with us and with (the) very contagious Delta variant still (being) a potentially significant problem, it’s imperative that we vaccinate as many of our student-athletes as possible,” Aresco said. “We want everyone vaccinated.”

With the widespread availability and easy accessibility of the COVID-19 vaccine across the U.S., Aresco announced the AAC will not reschedule games as it did in 2020 if a team’s ability to compete is affected by COVID-19 related issues.

“We decided that we will not reschedule games this year,” Aresco said. “If a team cannot play because of Covid it will be considered a forfeit.”

In terms of COVID-19 testing of players, the AAC’s current plan is to continue to test unvaccinated players while vaccinated players will not have to be tested. Aresco said the conference’s medical team will meet next week and will adjust the protocols as necessary throughout the season.

Conference realignment

As the news that Texas and Oklahoma would not renew their Big 12 membership after the expiration in 2025, instead applying for membership to join the SEC, took the college sports world by storm, the AAC was thrown under fire by Big 12 commissioner Bob Bowlsby.

According to a report by CBS Sports, Bowlsby claims ESPN conspired with the AAC to poach Big 12 teams in return for “future tv proceeds.”

Aresco denied these claims Wednesday morning, also claiming he has not reached out to any Big 12 schools recently.

“I want to emphasize we are not looking at realignment and we are not out there attempting to take teams,”  Aresco said. “Our conference has never strategically aligned or plotted with ESPN to influence conference structures. We wouldn’t do that and ESPN has never done that and would not do it.”

In the midst of all the chaos surrounding possible conference realignment, Aresco reaffirmed the AAC’s No. 1 priority is the same thing it has been for years: being granted the same autonomy that the Power Five conferences currently possess.

Aresco firmly believes the AAC success across all sports has proven that the conference is of elite status and they have earned a spot to join the Power Five conferences at the autonomy table.

“Our conference’s goal is to become an autonomy group member. We’ve never wavered in that goal,” Aresco said. “We’ve earned a seat at that autonomy table and gaining it will solidify our position as an elite conference.”

Support for expansion of the CFP

As the support for the expansion of the College Football Playoff has gained significant traction over the past few months, a 12-team playoff is one step closer to becoming reality — and Aresco could not be more excited.

After years of missing out on a CFP spot, specifically concerning 2017 and 2018 UCF football teams and the 2020 Cincinnati football team, a 12-team playoff would finally give the AAC a legitimate chance to have one or more of its teams competing on college football’s biggest stage.

“No one will ever convince that some of our teams could have competed and done really well (in the CFP) and even possibly won a national championship,” Aresco said. “We feel like the 12-team playoff creates opportunity and that, I think, is the key.”

Aresco, who called the recent CFP games “stale” because of the same teams competing year in and year out, believes a 12-team playoff will energize college football and boost the TV ratings for the sport as a whole because every FBS program would be treated equally.

“If you only have a few teams that are likely to be in the four-team playoff, maybe fans tend to lose interest in their teams or in college football generally,” Aresco said. “And that’s obviously not a trend we want to embrace.”

sports@thedailycougar.com

—
“AAC football media day covers Covid guidelines, conference realignment” was originally posted on The Cougar

During a press conference on  Wednesday afternoon, Georgia Southern head coach Chad Lunsford announce that quarterback Justin Tomlin was ineligible for the first two games of the season. The suspension stems from previous academic problems.

“We knew after the fall semester that he was not going to be eligible,” said Lunsford. “He did a really good job during the spring semester and did a really good job during summer to make sure he didn’t lose any other eligibility.”

In addition to the loss of Tomlin, back-up quarterback Connor Cigelske suffered an undisclosed injury that will keep him out until October at the earliest.

Despite the loss of his top two quarterbacks, Lunsford exuded a high level of confidence in the other quarterbacks on the roster.

“Cam’Ron Ransom, a true freshman, has done a really good job this summer as far as picking up the offense,” said Lunsford. “Sam Kenerson, he’s another guy I think can be magic with the ball in his hands.”

Kenerson is the only other quarterback on the current GS roster has seen snaps for the Eagles. As a redshirt freshman, Kenerson has only seen two offensive snaps for GS.

Lunsford also spoke highly of Army transfer Quincy Bonner, who is the newest addition to the Eagle quarterback room. Lunsford noted that Bonner understood a lot of the offense due to playing in a similar system at West Point.

“I think it’s a really good room,” said Lunsford. “I think that there’s a lot of things during this preseason schedule to have a lot of competition and see who that guy is going to be.

Power ranking the Clog’s favorite animes

Madhouse/Courtesy

Have you ever fought a pirate crew, saved a kingdom and then won a volleyball game, all on the same day? The past year may have had us stuck at home, but our minds can still live vicariously through the adventures of the on-screen characters. After many quarantine nights spent eating Safeway’s legendary cookies and cream-flavored ice cream and binging the same old shows, I had a chance to discover the magical world of animated shows. And while a live-action film is always great, the characters, art and fantasy aspects of anime know no comparison. We at the Clog are going to be power ranking some of the best and most popular animes on Netflix (and giving you some amazing recommendations for your next watch at the same time)!

“The Seven Deadly Sins”: 3/5

“The Seven Deadly Sins” is an anime starring a team of seven magical fighters titled the “Seven Deadly Sins” — a broad group that features all sorts of creatures from a lion to a doll. The story begins following the adventures of the captain of the band as the group undergoes a journey to find all seven Sins to help save the kingdom of Liones from villainy. “The Seven Deadly Sins” is an exquisite anime with beautiful art and great character design. The plot is exciting and action-packed, with each episode filled with twists, turns and cliffhangers. The characters, even the minor ones, are interesting; each one has an intricate backstory that ties into a shocking plot point.

“Avatar: The Last Airbender”/”Legend Of Korra”: 4/5

The series “Avatar: The Last Airbender” is an animated 2000s kids show that resurfaced after #AvatarTikTok. Although traditionally a kids’ show, “Avatar: The Last Airbender” has underlying themes for older audiences such as spirituality, grief, war, genocide, friendship and death. Though touching on poignant subjects, this show portrays them through the wholesome lens of children and teenagers, making it an enjoyable and emotional watch. 

The 2012 spinoff show about the next avatar, titled “The Legend Of Korra,” is more mature and unmistakably intended for an older audience. The themes have a political and societal undertone, and the villains seem to represent real-world figures who symbolize anarchism, communism or fascism. The show also has great representation and diversity.

I strongly recommend both shows to anyone looking for a wholesome but meaningful watch. I missed out on this iconic educational experience in my childhood. I would’ve given it five stars, if not for the simpler animation and storyline compared to newer animes.

“Hunter x Hunter”: 4/5

“Hunter x Hunter” is set in a fantasy world of both ordinary people and elite fighters called “Hunters,” or powerful magic-wielders who seek sacred treasures, mystical places, powerful beasts or even individuals. The anime revolves around Gon, who sets his heart on becoming a Hunter in order to reunite with his father, and the anime begins as he leaves his precious home to take the Hunter Exam. As a true shonen anime, the plot is filled with adventure and fantasy, but the funny dialogue, friendships and relationships between the characters are what really make you keep clicking the “next episode” button. 

“Fairy Tail”: 4/5

“Fairy Tail” is a fantasy-adventure anime about a wizard guild called “Fairy Tail” and its many quests to fight evil together. “Fairy Tail” transports the audience into a magical world of teenage wizards with unique powers and fantastical objects, ranging from celestial keys to swords to dragons. The story initially begins by following Lucy Heartfilia, a young wizard and fangirl who aspires to join the renowned Fairy Tail guild. If you’re a sucker for the “found family” trope you’ll love this anime. The highlight of this show, however, is the brilliant character development and the heart-wrenching, emotional backstories of each character. 

“Haikyuu”: 5/5

Haikyuu is a sports anime centered around a high school boys’ volleyball team and its victories, adventures, trials and tribulations. It follows main character Hinata, an underdog with a fiery passion whose unfortunate lack of height always leaves him one step behind the other players despite his big dreams. The anime showcases themes of the power of determination and ambition through the perseverance and strong will of the volleyball players. This is an amazing anime, even if you don’t know anything about volleyball or sports. If you do know and love the sport of volleyball, it’ll just be even better. The anime was written and drawn by a volleyball player, so the animations are extremely realistic, and the descriptions and gameplay are accurate.

“One Piece”: 5/5

“One Piece” is a fantasy-adventure anime, set in an era in which thousands of pirates roam the seas, seeking out treasure and glory. The plot features the young, up-and-coming pirate Monkey D. Luffy and his quest to become the King of the Pirates by finding the “One Piece,” a legendary treasure rumored to be hidden in the most dangerous part of the sea. The plot follows Luffy and his crew and their many adventures as Luffy sails toward his dream, both saving cities and finding members for his pirate crew on the way. This is arguably one of the world’s most popular animes and definitely one of my favorites due to world-building and characterization. The constantly moving pirate ship environment is entertaining, giving the audience a glimpse into a variety of different cities, societies, families and perspectives at each port. The plot is suspenseful, leaving you hanging on the edge of your seat and wanting more by the end of the episode, and the characters are unique and funny. 

So there you have it! Let us know if you agree or disagree (in this case, let’s agree to disagree)!

Contact Katherine Kudriavstev at kkudriavstev@dailycal.org.

The Daily Californian

Sponsored by Alcon

The transition to adult life can be both exciting and terrifying all at the same time. On one hand, it’s a time to celebrate freedom and limitless possibilities. On the other hand, being in the “real world” comes with tough choices and loads of responsibility. But don’t worry. Whether you have already accepted a job, or you are still figuring out what to do this summer, these simple tips will help you “glow up” in a real way as you make the leap into your next phase.

Crush Your Goals the S.M.A.R.T. Way

To truly own this new phase of your life, set S.M.A.R.T. (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Time-based) goals – no matter how big or small. Here’s how this works: Think about something you’d like to crush, like learning how to cook quick, healthy meals for the week. Start by setting a goal to cook a new recipe using a different style or skill three times a week for a month. Once you’ve gotten into a groove then work it into your new daily routine and schedule. Pro tip: Put your goals and plans down on paper. A cool way to bring your goals to life and stay on track is to create a vision board, a bullet journal, set smartphone alerts or write it in your calendar.

Girl, Get Your Eyes Checked

Face it, your new normal is crazy busy and it can be easy to let your health slip off the to-do list – especially your eyesight. How are you going to “glow up” if you can’t see past your own nose? In order to take on the world, make sure you visit your eye doctor for an annual eye exam so your eyes are in tip-top shape. While you’re there, ask the doctor for a dependable, easy-to-use contact lens that can keep up with your new “go-go-go” lifestyle.

“Vision care is often overlooked, but it is one of the most important factors of your overall health,” said Kristin Anderson, Director of Professional Education, US Vision Care & Dry Eye at Alcon. “Many college-aged or young working professional patients have complaints about eye issues or wanting a comfortable alternative to eyeglasses. These days, I recommend individuals try a daily disposable contact lens that provides precise vision and all-day comfort, and that are easy to put in and take out. Many love PRECISION1® and PRECISION1® for Astigmatism contact lenses because they do all these things and open them up to a world of possibilities.”

Be a Confidence Queen

Confidence is the key to success in the real world – on the inside and out. And there’s only one way to be confident – just do it. Get that haircut you’ve been wanting, buy that outfit that makes you feel your best or tackle your fear of public speaking with a few self-help TikToks. Whatever you do, don’t forget that your journey is just that, yours. Everyone’s path is different, so don’t compare yourself to your friends. Embrace this exciting new time, and know that when you feel confident in yourself, you’ll be happier and ready to tackle any challenges that may come up.

For more information, visit Precision.MyAlcon.com to find out more about PRECISION1 lenses.

Ask your eye care professional for complete wear, care and safety information.

“The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” were not writer J.R.R. Tolkien’s only journeys into the fictional Middle-earth — he wrote many other stories set in this world that were compiled after his death into “The Silmarillion.” One of the most popular is entitled “Beren and Lúthien,” the story of a mortal man and an elven woman that fall in love. Many ideas in the story were inspired by Tolkien’s love for his wife Edith, to the point that the names Beren and Lúthien were engraved on their tombstones.

With a keen sense of whimsy and a great deal of charm, the Fairy Story Society tells the story of the inspiration behind Tolkien’s words in their two-person play “Ronald and Edith” at the Great Salt Lake Fringe Festival. “Ronald and Edith” peeks in on newlyweds Ronald, played by Connor Nelis Johnson who is also playwright, and Edith Tolkien, played by Jessica Graham, as they picnic in the Yorkshire woods and make up the story of Beren and Lúthien, all while Edith tries to get Ronald to open up about his experiences during World War I. The play is not a look behind the curtain — there is not a whiff of realism. “Ronald and Edith” is pure fairy tale.

Storytelling in an Intimate Setting

Part of the Salt Lake Fringe Festival, “Ronald and Edith” was presented outside in a courtyard at the Gateway Shopping Center. On the particular night I attended, the sky was slightly overcast and the wind whistled through the trees. Dusk began to fall as the actors discussed elves, and magical curses, and true love. This was one outdoor entertainment experience where nature helped rather than hindered. It seems evident that the play was designed to be performed outdoors, and it adds an atmosphere that would be untenable in a playhouse.

As actors, Graham and Johnson were engaging enough to draw attention from the masses walking by in the shopping center. The play rests entirely on their shoulders and they were gamely up to the challenge. There were pieces of the performance where Ronald and Edith acting out the tale of Beren and Lúthien felt more like acting class exercises than two people making up a story on the fly, but I saw the stirrings of their true talents. The two actors have believable chemistry that carried me through the more melodramatic sections where they discuss Ronald’s war service.

This play is designed for Tolkien fans and those that are will find a pleasant place to share their love. “Ronald and Edith” was written without any condescension and performed without any self-consciousness, proudly showing its sweet, nerdy heart without any protection from irony.

“Ronald and Edith” is being performed at the Gateway, above the fountain and behind the Union Pacific Depot. The performances on Aug. 6, 7, and 8 all begin at 7:30PM. Admission is free, but a donation of $5 is welcome.

m.fisher@dailyutahchronicle.com

@abovemegan

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Horoscopes can be applied to your sun, moon and rising signs.  Astrology is a language. If you understand this language, the sky speaks to you.” – Dane Rudhyar LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) As we get into Leo season, you’re feeling fired up. Harness this cosmic energy and get productive. Knock out your to-do list so […]