newsmakers

newsmakers

‘Winkerbean’ mural unveiled at Kent State

KENT

The men behind the “Funky Winkerbean” comic strip celebrated its 40th anniversary by donating a 96-foot mural for a new student lounge at their alma mater, Kent State University.

The Akron Beacon Journal reports the full-color border mural features strip characters and students throughout their college careers. It was unveiled Tuesday by artists Tom Batiuk of Medina and Chuck Ayers of Akron.

Batiuk’s “Funky Winkerbean” debuted March 27, 1972. Ayers joined him as illustrator in 1994.

The strip at first focused on gags about teenagers at the imaginary Westview High School. Over the years, it explored sensitive topics such as dyslexia, alcoholism, teen suicide and cancer.

The unveiling also was the kickoff of the first volume of Batiuk’s book, “The Complete Funky Winkerbean.”

Greek police recover looted ancient statue

ATHENS, Greece

Greek police recovered an ancient statue that was excavated illegally and hidden in a goat pen near Athens and arrested the goat herder and another man who reportedly were trying to sell the work for $667,000.

The marble statue of a young woman dates to about 520 B.C. and belongs to the kore type, a police statement said Wednesday. Police photos showed the 4-foot work to be largely intact, lacking the left forearm and plinth.

Although dozens of examples of the kore statue and its male equivalent, the kouros, are displayed in Greek and foreign museums, the type is considered very important in the development and understanding of Greek art. New discoveries in good condition are uncommon.

Rihanna sidesteps Kutcher questions

LONDON

Rihanna isn’t being drawn into questions about her relationship with Ashton Kutcher.

At a press conference for her debut movie “Battleship,” the singer dismissed questions about whether she’s involved with the “Two And a Half Men” star, after reports that she visited his house in Los Angeles.

When asked if Kutcher would be joining her in London for her promotional trip, Rihanna called the question “disappointing.”

She said, “I am happy and I’m single, if that is what you are asking.”

“Battleship,” based on the game by Hasbro, is directed by Peter Berg and puts Rihanna in her first film role. She plays Petty Officer Second Class Cora Raikes, a weapons specialist, alongside Taylor Kitsch and Liam Neeson.

“Battleship” will be released in the U.K. on April 11 and the U.S. on May 18.

Vindicator wire services