Published since 1915 by the students
of Xavier University
Standing tall
Junior Tim Short wins standup comedy challenge
Emily Hoferer
Diversions Editor
Last Friday, the final round of Xavier’s own stand-up comedy competition, Last Muskie Standing, was held in the Gallagher Student Center Theater.
The event, which is in its second year, was hosted by the Xavier Players and free to everyone. The competition once again gave Xavier students the opportunity to showcase their comedic skills.
The final round consisted of six contestants who were chosen from two preliminary rounds that were held in Ryan’s Pub in the fall. The contestants included round one winner, senior Joe Schwendeman; round two winner, junior Ray O’Brien; runners-up, junior Tim Short and sophomore Jordan Meehan; and wild cards, junior Chris Caldwell and senior Natalie Smith.
The contestants each performed 10-12 minutes of their own original stand-up material and were judged by a panel of four. The contestants’ material included everything from methods on losing weight to Ronald McDonald running for president. In the end, junior Tim Short came out on top with his ode to Soupie’s sung to the tune of the Star Spangled Banner.
He had the audience rolling in the aisles with laughter and gasping for breath as he sung about the Norwood locals and everyone’s favorite delinquent, Dedrick Finn. Tim Short earned himself the title of Last Muskie Standing and the grand prize of $400. Jordan Meehan was awarded the runner-up spot and $100 for his hilarious act which included many humorous family anecdotes.
Each contestant did a fantastic job of being original and keeping the audience enthusiastic and laughing, making it difficult on the judges to rate such extraordinary sets. Overall, the scores were very fairly close among the contestants. The panel of judges for the final round included the Assistant Director of Operations for the Performing Arts Department, Cathy Springfield; the President of Xavier Players, senior Dan Maloney; last year’s Last Muskie Standing winner and this year’s Crosstown Laughoff winner, junior Briana Hansen; and Adam Minnick, a Xavier graduate who currently performs professional comedy in Chicago.
Each contestant was judged on originality, material, technique and presentation. The audience was also able to vote by ballot to help determine the winner. The event was emceed by the Vice-President of Xavier Players, April Sauline. Professional entertainment was also provided by Minnick, who performed his own stand-up act at the event during the tallying of the scores.
The show was free to everyone and even included a free noisemaker for attending. It was a successful event full of fun, laughter, and an awkward pause or two. Last Muskie Standing is proving to become a part of Xavier tradition, as long as people are still funny.
The cheap seats
Brandy Williams
Asst. Diversions Editor
Tired of waiting until the best movies of the season come to HBO or Showtime because you can’t afford to pay the pricey movie theater costs? Here’s a guide that will keep you in the loop on the best movies and won’t break the bank.
The Esquire Theatre is probably the best choice for a student budget on any day of the week. Tuesday is Bargain Tuesday and all seats all day are just $5.50, Wednesday’s special is “Dinner and a Movie.” Tickets are only $6 after 6 p.m. and each ticket comes with a coupon for 20 percent off dinner at Uno’s, Arlin’s and Tinks Restaurants.
The ticket also has a tear off portion that entitles patrons to specific discounts at the concession stand. Also, students can take advantage of the X-Cash coupon book found in the coupon kiosks on the corners.They include a buy one, get one free coupon to both theaters.
So, take a friend and split the cost. Daily ticket prices with a student ID are just $6 any day of the week. General admission is $8.50.
If your taste is a bit more refined, head over to Showcase Cinema, and use the “Star Pass” card. This card keeps track of how often you come to the theater and rewards you with points which you can redeem for prizes, such as free movie tickets, popcorn and drinks. Daily student ticket prices are $7.
The Robert D. Linder Family Omnimax Theatre showcases floor to ceiling screens and cozy seats. On Friday nights they offer an even sweeter deal for students – ticket prices are only $5.50, most other showings are $7.25.
If you like the glitz and glamour of the city life, head to Newport on the Levee’s AMC Theatre. It is on the pricier edge, but with your student ID, tickets are only $8. If you are a movie frequenter then sign up for the Movie Watcher Program and watch your points add up to redeem them for goodies. When you use your card on Wednesday, you even get free popcorn.
Next time you’re sitting at home watching reruns, pull out this guide and head to the theater.
So....how do I get there?
The Esquire Theatre
320 Ludlow Ave.
Phone : 513-281-8750
Parking instructions and showtimes can be found on their website:
www. esquiretheatre.com
Showcase Cinemas
1701 Showcase Dr.
Phone : 513-699-1500
Movie showings and times do change, so be sure to call ahead! There are also other Showcase Cinemas in the Greater Cincinnati area.
OMNIMAX
1301 Western Ave.
Phone : 513-287-7043
Prepare to be educated as you take in the OMNIMAX as part of the Cincinnati Museum Center.
Newport on the Levee
1 Levee Way, Ste. 4100
Newport, KY
Phone : 859-261-8100
Located on the river with plenty of shopping and restaurants, but beware of the high schoolers!
Emily Hoferer 
Diversions Editor
BSA’s Little Italy
Can’t figure out what to do with your valentines? Bring your sweethearts and enjoy dinner and a movie at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 14 in GSC’s Clocktower Lounge. The event is hosted by BSA and is free to students.
Late Night Snack
The time has come again! Satisfy your late night munchies at the Late Night Snack at 10 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 15 in the GSC. SAC will be serving an assortment of Wendy’s food. The event is free to XU students.
“Pride” sneak
preview
Take a break from studying at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 15 and join the OMA staff in the GSC Theatre for a sneak preview of the movie “Pride.” The movie will start at 7 p.m. and popcorn and drinks will be served.
Magazine launch
Xavier and UC have been featured in the latest edition of Cincinnati Magazine and they are inviting students to attend the launch party from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 15 at HH-Gregg on 3175 Princeton Road. Come enjoy refreshments, meet the staff who create the monthly magazine and register to win XU prizes. To RSVP, contact Chris Ohmer at 513-562-2777.
Senior Board at Dana’s
Join the Senior Board at 10 p.m on Thursday, Feb. 15 at Dana’s. for a fun filled night. There will be drink specials and free food. You must be 21 years old with a valid ID to consume alcohol.
