AMC's Hit Show Premieres Mid-Season Resurrection

            AMC’s “The Walking Dead” was resurrected on Sunday from a nearly 3-month hiatus with the premiere of a brand new episode. The break began on Nov. 27, 2011, when the network first aired the series’ mid-season finale, “Pretty Much Dead Already”.

            Since then, viewers had been waiting for 11 weeks to finish drawing conclusions and tying up loose ends. They were given that opportunity with “Nebraska,” “The Walking Dead’s” return episode, and the seventh in season two.

            “I’m glad to see that the show is back,” said Alex Williams, student at the University of the Cumberlands and zombie fan. “It’s a favorite of mine.”

            The mid-season return of “The Walking Dead” broke its own record, first set late in 2011 by the first episode of season two. According to the “Huffington Post,” more than 8 million viewers tuned in to watch “The Walking Dead,” topping the 7.3 million that watched previously at the season’s debut. The accomplishment is made more impressive when compared to its competition; both “The Walking Dead” and the Grammys aired at the same time on Sunday.

            Charlie Collier, president of AMC, released a statement congratulating this feat: “It’s a great night for AMC,” Collier said. “We’re thrilled to see this record-breaking response to “The Walking Dead.”

            There will be no more breaks from now until the end of the season, as season two of “The Walking Dead” is set to finish up in March of this year, and season three is planned to hit the airwaves shortly after in October.

UC's Cumberland Idol Begins New Season

            Season five of Cumberland Idol, a singing competition held annually at the University of the Cumberlands, kicked off with excitement on Tuesday. Featuring new contestants in addition to some from previous seasons, Cumberland Idol offers young and talented vocalists around campus the opportunity to grow as performers and showcase their skills.

            “It’s a good opportunity to get better,” said Jonathan Carmack, a returning singer. Carmack has participated in the last two seasons. “I like to perform and improve.”

            The event is sponsored by the university’s Campus Activities Board and offers plenty of incentives for those willing to participate. The first place finisher is promised $700, while second and third place get $200 and $100, respectively.

            “It’s probably the biggest event of the year for us,” said Lisa Bartram, Director of CAB. “Students really love it.” With attendance reaching nearly 500 some weeks, that is easy to believe.

            The competition began on Tuesday and will feature six shows in total, including a finale. This season features more talent than any before it, and it promises to be packed with crowd-pleasing performances. One such performance came in the very first show when Jonathan Carmack performed a duet with Chris Brown. They sang Adele’s “Someone Like You,”  accompanied by a live pianist.

            When asked about the abundance of talent in this season’s contestant pool, Carmack said, “It’s really intimidating. There are so many good singers. Anyone could be eliminated at any time.”

            But that suspense is part of what makes Cumberland Idol so engaging. It is a show packed with talent, great music, and plenty of uncertainty.

            Cumberland Idol looks to set new records this season in both talent and attendance. For six weeks, students at the University of the Cumberlands will be treated to a slew of stellar performances, and you can bet they are eager to watch. Let’s just hope they can find a seat.

Student-Inspired Publication Set to Return from Hiatus

Contact Information(University of the Cumberlands):

English Department    (606) 539-4414

(Pensworth):

Jamey Temple             (606) 539-4603

jamey.temple@ucumberlands.edu

Cory McClellan           (606) 539-4445

cory.mcclellan@ucumberlands.edu

         The University of the Cumberlands’ department of English and creative writing is set to release  “Pensworth,” its on-campus creative writing and art publication, for the first time in two years this April. This is the publication’s first missed date of release since its revival in 2003.

            “We ran out of time,” said Jamey Temple, assistant professor at the University of the Cumberlands, when asked why the publication didn’t reach the hands of student last year. “Pensworth” is scheduled to be published once each school year, and always in the spring semester. “Regrettably, we couldn’t get it out in time then.”
           "Pensworth" is a blessings to students of creative writing, as it provides them with an opportunity to submit and publish their works locally before branching out into bigger publications. It also gives them the chance to read the works of other aspiring writers.

            Temple is one of two faculty members who are primarily responsible for handling submission, publication, and distribution responsibilities for “Pensworth,” along with several selected graduate and undergraduate students. Under their collective supervision, the 2012 edition of “Pensworth” will see a successful release.

             Since its first issue in 1985 and its revival in a “New Series” in 2003, “Pensworth” has provided an outlet for students’ creative work by publishing original poetry, fiction, personal essays, photography, and artwork. It is published once annually. Submissions are accepted in the fall semester, and selection and publication work begins in the spring semester.

            University of the Cumberlands is located in Williamsburg, KY on a campus that spans approximately 70 acres and includes 34 buildings and 2 sports field complexes. Here, approximately 3,300 students choose from over 40 different majors, minors, and pre-professional programs, all while developing leadership skills through a Leadership/Community Service Program. The University of the Cumberlands boasts a student to faculty ratio of 15 to 1.

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