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Boulder Beer Mojo Risin’ Double IPA
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THE NEWS RECORD / UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI MONDAY, FEB. 20, 2017
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Challenges to women in office NOELLE ZIELINSKI | STAFF REPORTER
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Mike Tyson ready to put up fight at Scouting Combine DAVID WYSONG | SPORTS EDITOR
Former Cincinnati Bearcat safety Mike Tyson has been invited to the 2017 NFL Scouting Combine. The combine takes place every year in Indianapolis, inviting 330 collegiate players to work out and meet with NFL scouts and representatives ahead of the NFL draft in April. Tyson and the others received their invitations on Wednesday. “It means a lot,” said Tyson. “This is a very exciting time for me. It’s like a dream come true. This is something you dream about when you are little boy coming up. This is my opportunity to showcase my skills to the NFL scouts and coaches, show that I am an elite player and that I can test and play with the top players in the country.” Tyson had 46 tackles and five interceptions during the 2016 season – three of them coming in a game against Purdue University Sept. 10, 2016. “Mike’s a great competitor,” said UC athletic director Mike Bohn. “He’s a Bearcat, and we’re proud of him. [We] recognize the commitment he’s made to be in this position, so we’re proud of him.” Wide receiver Tshumbi Johnson, one of Tyson’s former teammates, believes Tyson can contribute to a NFL team right away. “I think he deserves it, man,” Johnson said. “I’ve been roommates with him since freshman year, and he’s been dedicated to make it.” Offensive lineman Garrett Campbell said that Tyson’s invitation to the combine is a reward for his hard work. “At the next level, I think Mike will be able to add a whole new dimension to a defense. He has a great football IQ and can read the field very well. I think he will be a turnover
machine like he was for us,” Campbell said. Tyson also believes that he can bring a lot to the NFL. “I can bring a physical play to a team. I have very good football instincts that can be very effective on somebody’s defense. My ball skills are very good, and I can bring that to a team. My versatility is a major part of my game. I can be moved in the box for run support, I can play the middle of the field, I can come down on the slot, I can cover and also play zone,”Tyson said. Last season, his head coach Tommy Tuberville said he believed Tyson had a good chance of playing professionally, comparing him to a former player of his at Auburn University. “Very similar to a guy I coached who is playing for the Bengals now: Karlos Dansby,”Tuberville said. “Skinny, tall, rangy, can run. I started Karlos at safety when I was at Auburn. Wide receiver, safety, then moved him to outside linebacker – kind of what Mike is doing.” Johnson, on the other hand, said Tyson reminds him of a four-time pro bowler who currently plays for the Seattle Seahawks. “He reminds me of [Kam] Chancellor because he’s physical. He [has] the same body frame and he can definitely bring the pain with a lot of speed,” Johnson said. Tyson, however, said he compares himself to Miami Dolphins’ safety Reshad Jones. But moving forward into the near future, Tyson has a key goal for the combine: to win. “My goals are to showcase my skills to the coaches. I want to check every box, win in the interview room, win on the field and win in my drills. I want to be the top of the talk at every drill, and I want to test high at every drill,”Tyson said.
Getting elected into office is difficult. This task is even more difficult if you are a woman, according to the UC Women’s Center. Fifty-one percent of women make up the electorate population, according to Political Science Department Head Dr. Saundra Curry Ardrey at Western Kentucky University. Fifty-two percent of women make up the entire population. This means that based solely on demographics, women should hold approximately 52 percent of political posts, but this is not the case. An example of this was the previous election. The chances of Hilary Clinton winning the election were between 70 percent to as high as 99 percent, according to the Pew Research Center. Yet, ultimately, she did not come away victorious. Many believe that sexism played a role in this. In the scholarly article published by American University, “Men Rule: The Continued Under-Representation of Women in U.S. Politics,” written by Jennifer L. Lawless, a government professor at American University, and Richard L. Fox, a political science professor at Loyola Marymount University, give seven reasons as to why women have trouble getting
elected to office. One of these reasons states, “Women are less likely than men to receive the suggestion to run for office – from anyone.” Another reason cited by this article relates to why these women do not receive the suggestion, in which it is stated that, “Women are much less likely than men to think they are qualified to run for office,” according to the article. The seeming lack of confidence and
Women running for office are often held to a higher standard than men. DR. SAUNDRA CURRY ARDREY
support in women running for office is one of the biggest contributions to the issue. This introduces the idea of strong and supportive campaigns for women and the importance of having a moral support system. Oftentimes, if women do not have this steady constant support throughout their campaign, it can become discouraging and cause women to lose their drive. This
THE COLLECTION OF THE SUPREME COURT OF THE UNITED STATES | MCT
Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
transitions into another reason provided that women have trouble getting elected into office. The article also explains, “Women react more negatively than men to many aspects of modern campaigns.” This sometimes-negative reaction is apparent to potential voters, which turns them away from these candidates. Another interesting point brought up by Ardrey is that women running for office are often held to a higher standard than men. She defines this, stating, “The Three H’s: husband, hemline, and hairline.” She briefly elaborates on each of these, explaining that if a woman’s husband has business or work problems or is unfaithful, it can be seen as the woman’s fault. Also, how a woman dresses while running for office is often more critiqued than how a man dresses. Finally, a woman’s physical appearance is noted such as how pretty she is. “She has to be pretty, but not too pretty, because if she is too pretty then she isn’t taken seriously,” Ardrey said. These reasons, whether they are based on a woman’s interior mindset, or external appearance ultimately hinder their ability to get elected in government or pass legislation, according to Ardey
STEVEN M. FALK | PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER | TNS
First lady Michelle Obama on stage before Hillary Clinton supporters on Monday, Nov. 7, 2016 at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pa.
PAUL MOSELEY | FORT WORTH STAR-TELEGRAM | MCT
Former National Security Advisor and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice speaks at dedication ceremonies for the new George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas, Texas, Thursday, April 25, 2013.
OLIVIER DOULIERY | ABACA PRESS | TNS
Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton delivers her concession speech on Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2016 from the New Yorker Hotel’s Grand Ballroom in New York City, N.Y.
Black Lives Matter promote resistance JACOB FISHER | STAFF REPORTER
JEAN PLEITEZ | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
Patrisse Cullors, Co-Founder of Black Lives Matter gives lecture Thursday night, February 16, 2017 at TUC Great Hall.
The fight against racial injustice is far from over. Patrisse Cullors, cofounder of Black Lives Matter, addressed a packed Great Hall at the Tangeman University Center on Thursday to discuss establishing coalitions, resisting hate and persisting in the fight for black and queer lives. The Division of Student Affairs and the Cincinnati Project hosted the event, and it was sponsored by the Office of Equity and Inclusion, Student Activities and Leadership Development, the LGBTQ Center and the Department of Women’s Gender and Sexuality Studies. Entitled “Resistance is Essential,” the event consisted of a lecture, performance, and response to audience questions. UC Chief Diversity Officer and Vice President for Equity and Inclusion Bleuzette Marshall addressed the topic of resistance, deeming it “essential in the continuing fight for black and queer
lives. We know that our community is fractured, but healing,” said Marshall. “Resistance is our friend.” The Black Lives Matter movement began in July 2013, following the acquittal of George Zimmerman in the shooting death of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin, an African American teenager. Upon reaching its verdict, the case garnered national attention and sparked protests and riots across the nation. Although the movement initially gained momentum via the #BlackLivesMatter hashtag on social media, it received national recognition for its street demonstrations after the deaths of Michael Brown and Eric Garner at the hands of law enforcement in 2014. Since then, BLM has been involved in numerous advocacy events and has staged protests, community meetings, teach-ins and vigils. These events have implemented direct action to further expand their activism efforts. Amy Schlag, director
of UC’s LGBTQ Center highlighted the BLM’s achievements, calling the group “the most important civil rights organization in our country right now.” Cullors, reflecting on her childhood experiences, stressed the importance of building power. “As I grew up, [and] as I became more politicized, I understood that part of the repercussions of being black and poor meant also being over-policed and overincarcerated,” said Cullors. For years, Cullors has waged an exhaustive effort to initiate a dialogue about law enforcement. Her organization, Dignity and Power Now, is a grassroots effort which aims to establish comprehensive civilian oversight over the Los Angeles Police Department. Cullors cited incarceration statistics, saying that of the roughly 2.3 million individuals currently imprisoned, over one million are African American. “This is not a coincidence. This is not disproportionate,” said
Cullors. “This is on purpose. This is calculated.” She also voiced her concerns regarding the new presidential administration, which she says is “fracturing communities” and “tearing families apart.” Despite the uncertainty surrounding Trump’s polarizing administration, Cullors says we should harbor a vested interest in the U.S. Congress. She cited California-based Democratic Sens. Karen Bass, Holly Mitchell and Kamala Harris, whom she says have been endorsed by BLM, as women who strive to push favorable legislation. In her closing statements, Cullors discussed how students can utilize college to explore unfamiliar communities and better understand themselves. “[College] is a resource to help you develop how you understand yourself in relationship to your city and your state,” said Cullors. “It should not be a bubble—it should be the thing that helps you bridge into other communities.”
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2 / NEWS MONDAY, FEB. 20, 2017
Brent Spence Bridge solution TIM GOLDENBERG | CONTRIBUTOR
JEAN PLEITEZ | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
Brent Spence Bridge, Friday evening, February 17, 2017.
The countdown appears to have finally started toward the solution for the longstanding infrastructural issue that is the Brent Spence Bridge. Constructed in 1963 and named after Kentucky Congressman Brent Spence, the bridge represents a major thoroughfare across the Ohio River. An eight-lane bridge, its structure consists of two decks of four lanes, with the top one carrying Kentuckybound traffic and the bottom one carrying those heading into Ohio. The issue surrounding the bridge comes from its current state of repair, as well as continued traffic load. While state officials maintain that the bridge is structurally sound, the most recent inspection report on the bridge only gives it a sufficiency rating of 59, which is equitable with a C- grade. Cracks and holes on the bridge continue to spread, while concrete is decaying in parts and the bridge’s drain pipes have almost entirely rusted away. Additionally, though designed to carry 85,000 vehicles a day, the bridge averaged about 150,000 cars travelling across it daily in 2015. The Cincinnati
Enquirer reported that traffic over the Brent Spence Bridge continues to grow, with at least two accidents also occurring every week. During a Feb. 13 news conference, Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) expressed optimism about the prospects surrounding renovations and upgrades to the bridge. “Rebuilding American infrastructure will put Ohioans to work on projects like this one. We can create jobs building the roads, transit and broadband systems that will support our 21st century economy,” said Brown. Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH) has expressed similar beliefs, indicating that the bridge is “a top priority” for infrastructure repair. The Brent Spence Bridge has been reported to be one of the Trump administration’s top infrastructure priorities, with the president having also mentioned its renovation while on the campaign trail. The generally agreed upon current solution is a two-part plan. Renovations would be done on the existing bridge, including resurfacing of decking, replacing any damaged joints and maintaining rusted drainage pipes. Additionally, there is
a proposed plan for constructing a new bridge next to the Brent Spence Bridge, which would carry I-75 traffic and leave the I-71 traffic for the original structure. This would halve the traffic the bridge would see. Officials have encountered difficulty with the plan for a new bridge, however, with funding for the project not yet figured out. While federal funding can help alleviate some of the costs, it’s not able to cover the entire cost of the construction effort. Currently, there is a general split between parties that believe in instituting toll roads to help pay for the bridge and those which oppose polls. It is likely, though, that the toll decision will be more dependent on just how much federal funding the project will receive. The first part of the plan, involving renovations to the Brent Spence Bridge, will kick off this summer as part of a $38 million project by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. The second part, that being the potential construction of a second bridge, continues to stall due to difficulties in allocating the funds to the $2.2 billion endeavor.
Trump’s surprise wedding speech EMILY STOLTZ | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
President Trump became a surprise guest at the wedding of Cincinnati’s own Carl Lindner IV and Vanessa Falk when he dropped by the newlywed’s reception at his private Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida. The Lindner family was one of Donald Trump’s top supporters during his campaign. According to the Cincinnati Business Courier, the groom’s father, Carl Lindner III, contributed $100,000 to two super PACs supporting Trump, $50,000 to the Future 45 PAC and another $50,000 to the Make America Number 1 PAC. The Lindner family, the namesake of the University of Cincinnati’s Carl H. Lindner College of Business, recently donated a whopping $11 million to the college, the largest contribution in its 110year history. According to UC’s website, the donation will help complete a new 225,000-square-foot building expected to be complete by the fall of 2019. The couple was given Donald Trump’s blessing at their reception, saying he was honored to be at the celebration of a “special, beautiful couple.”The president later told CNN that Lindner and Falk had been members of his club for many years. “They’ve paid me a fortune,” he added. The couple’s wedding took place on the same day that Mr. Trump hosted Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. It was also the day that North Korea announced its test launch of a ballistic missile into the Sea of Japan, which was, seemingly, a move to test the new President of the United States. Following the launch in a joint press conference with Prime Minister Abe, Trump issued a tempered response that excluded any mention of North Korea directly, but instead pledged U.S. support of Tokyo, according to The New York Times. At the same press conference, Prime Minister Abe called the launch “absolutely
intolerable.” Since the missile test, the White House has remained relatively silent about any emerging strategy to confront North Korea. Some Democrats, like Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY), urged President Trump to speak more on the issue and, specifically, acknowledge U.S. support of South Korea. Democratic Minority Leader Schumer said that South Korea is “more susceptible to North Korea’s virulence than any other country,” according to The New York Times. Despite his public disapproval of former President Barack Obama’s time spent on the golf course during his presidency, President Trump has spent a substantial amount of time at his private Mar-aLago club. According to The New York Times, after the president played 18 holes with Prime Minister Abe, the two returned on Sunday to spend another five hours at the resort. On Oct. 13, 2014, Trump tweeted, “Can you believe that, with all of the problems and difficulties facing the U.S., President Obama spent the day playing golf.” Trump also posted a similar tweet on Oct. 23, 2014, saying, “President Obama has a major meeting on the N.Y.C Ebola outbreak, with people flying from all over the country, but decided to play golf!”
OLIVIER DOULIERY | ABACA PRESS | TNS
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks at a press conference in the East Room of the White House on Feb. 16, 2017 in Washington, D.C.
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CAROLINE CORRY | SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER
Sarah Baryluk, third-year civil engineering student and co-coordinator for Fossil Free UC, speaks to the Board of Trustees’ investment committee about the legal advantages of divesting from fossil fuels on Friday, Feb. 17, 2017.
UC’s fossil fuel future unclear CAROLINE CORY | SENIOR REPORTER
After a few months of silence from the environmental student organization Fossil Free UC, the group continues to make their values known by persuading university officials in the investment committee branch of the Board of Trustees to divest from donating the university’s money to fossil fuel companies, leaving the decision up to the University of Cincinnati’s top officials. The organization’s mission statement is based on “calling on the University of Cincinnati to immediately freeze all new investments in fossil fuels in the top 200 list and to divest within five years.” These direct investments consist of companies with the top 100 largest coal reserves and the top 100 largest oil and gas reserves, leaving little room for alternative energy use. “We argue that divesting from fossil fuels is not only a moral and financially intelligent decision, but also the legally correct decision as well,” said third-year environmental engineering student and Fossil Free UC Co-Coordinator Sarah Baryluk. The impact goes beyond UC and the community, affecting individuals all over the world. “We’ve already seen the effects of climate change. You’ve got air pollution in China; you’ve got Hurricane Sandy,” said secondyear civil engineering student and Fossil Free UC Co-Coordinator Tyler Black. “That was climate change making something bigger than it should have been. You’ve got drought out in California — they’re still suffering.” In addition to natural disasters affecting the weather, individuals are also affected
on a micro-level, with an average of over 26.4 million people displaced each year due to the consequences of climate change, according to second-year economy student and Fossil Free UC Co-Coordinator Hadis Poliz. This displacement most often occurs to those who are of marginalized and lowincome communities, where resources are less prevalent and the economy is worse. Though climate change has become less controversial over the years and scientists and climatologists are always making new findings, there is still more to know. “I understand the argument. I have not seen the persuasive proof of the basic premise. I haven’t seen it,” said UC Board of Trustees member John Baker. “And I’ve got to tell you there are a number of times, in the history of science, where most people were wrong.” Baker cited the popularity of Copernicus’ heliocentric theory and eugenics as times when most people believed in current scientific discoveries that turned out to be incorrect. “Science is not a democracy — public policy is — but science isn’t,” he said. “You don’t have a new scientific law based on voting – you base it on proof.” Fossil Free UC has already made a petition with 2,000 signatures asking the university to divest from fossil fuels, but that decision may take longer than originally planned. “I don’t think we’re prepared to drive to closure on all of these manifold complicated questions today,” said board member Phil Collins. “I don’t think, although I would entertain, a motion to change the resolution we adopted last time.”
Trump throws campaign rally for supporters in Florida PARKER MALATESTA | NEWS EDITOR
President Trump returned to his comfort zone this weekend, rallying Saturday night in front of thousands of Floridians to begin his re-election campaign for 2020. Mr. Trump endorsed the nationalistic tones that his governing has created. “You’re all part of this incredible movement, this movement that we talk about so much, that’s been written about on the cover of every magazine all over the world. It’s a moment that’s just sweeping, it’s sweeping across our country. It’s sweeping, frankly, across the globe,” Trump said at the rally. Free from questioning
journalists at the White House, the president vocalized opposition to the reports claiming that there is chaos in his administration. “The White House is running so smoothly, so smoothly. And believe me, we inherited one big mess, that I can tell you,” he said. After his rally, he gave reporters two prospects for blame. Outside of following his campaign’s tone and blaming the press, the president pointed the finger at Democrats. “We have to tell the Democrats, because they’re doing the wrong thing for the American people, to stop their tactics of delay and obstruction and destruction. They got to
get on with it,” he said. Consistent in his efforts, Trump repeatedly accused journalists and the press as problems of misinformation in the country. “They have their own agenda, and their agenda is not your agenda. They could not defeat us in the primaries, and they could not defeat us in the general election, and we will continue to expose them for what they are, and, most important, we will continue to win, win, win,” he said. Mr. Trump took an additional unconventional approach to attacking the media this time around, mentioning past American presidents battling the
newspapers, such as Thomas Jefferson, Andrew Jackson and Abraham Lincoln. Trump quoted Jefferson, saying, “Nothing can be believed which is seen in a newspaper.” The president left out an additional quote by Jefferson regarding the media, who once said, “Were it left to me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers, or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter.” When discussing major government reform going forward, Trump talked high and mightily. “This will be change for the ages, change
like never before, to pursue real peace, real stability and real prosperity. We want to secure our borders and protect our workers, to rebuild our military and our infrastructure, to fix our schools and restore safety to our neighborhoods,” he said. Not everyone rallied around Trump this week. “The Trump administration has had a disastrous week, the rally seems like a way to keep his ego afloat,” said Emily Heckman, a first-year international business student. “The rally was for Trump, it didn’t benefit anyone else. There’s going to be quite a few more in the next couple years.”
The News Record is the editorially independent student-run news organization of the University of Cincinnati. It serves UC students, staff, faculty, alumni and the Cincinnati community with award-winning news and information on a variety of media platforms. The free newspaper is published on Mondays and Thursdays and is distributed to more than 80 locations on and near UC campuses. TNR’s website, www.newsrecord. org, is updated as news breaks and offers video, audio and interactive features. TNR’s app and podcasts are available for download on mobile devices. FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA Facebook TheNewsRecord Twitter @NewsRecord_UC Instagram TheNewsRecord SoundCloud The-News-Record-1 STAFF Editor-In-Chief Jeff O’Rear Managing Editor Lauren Moretto News Editors Justin Reutter Parker Malatesta Chief Reporter Emily Stoltz Life & Arts Editor Isabella Jansen Opinion Editor Karly Williams Sports Editor David Wysong Copy Editor Cheyenne Krieger Photo Editor Shae Combs Chief Photographer Jean Pleitez Online Editor Stephanie Smith Designer Gabrielle Stichweh Broadcast Reporter Emily Wilhelm Videographer Michelle Fisk
LIFE & ARTS / 3 MONDAY, FEB. 20, 2017
‘Rogue Writers’ lets students express literary creativity
Slacklining sweeping over UC
ISABELLA JANSEN | ARTS & LIFE EDITOR
SAMANTHA HALL | SENIOR REPORTER
New sport sweeping the nation, and UC Slacklining, an activity of balance, core exercise and tricks, has grown in popularity, including here at the University of Cincinnati. The idea of slacklining is essentially balancing on a trampoline, one that is just big enough for your feet. Liners often set up their stations in a shaded area where they are able to stretch the line between two mounts, like trees or posts. After defeating the most basic task of slacklining, which is to keep your balance while standing, you then learn to walk across the large, flat rubber band and then, ultimately, have the ability of performing tricks, like bouncing, flipping and even yoga poses. It is an idea that may strike you as impossible, but it grows easier with practice. This is where adrenaline comes in to play, pulling thrill seekers into trying the sport. Kelcie Beausir, a fourthyear communications student, often sets up her line around campus and squeezes in practice time for a bit every day. Depending on whether an individual is a beginner or more experienced, the line can range between different heights and lengths to stretch across. Although there is no set standard for height and length, the popular slackliners site, AbsoluteSlacklines.com, suggests not going higher than 50 centimeters (just over a foot) in order to prevent serious injury. Despite efforts made to prevent injury by liners, getting a broken rib or wrist isn’t unheard of and going home sore with bruises is quite common, just like it is in any other sport. Beausir has experienced many of these injuries herself. Although the sport seems to be just a strategy of balance, muscles throughout the body’s core and legs are used, producing a quality workout and a nice alternative for those working toward their summer body, but not wanting to go to the gym. To get started, Beausir recommends following Instagram accounts devoted to the sport of slacklining and YouTube videos. She says after just 10 hours of practice in a day, beginners can really get started. All ages are able to participate in the activity, and kits for beginners cost only around $60 on popular slackline sites. Typically, a kit will include a ratchet tensioner for mounting, a beginner length slackline and a top line for balance as well. There is also a tree protector for when a line is stretched between trees. The thrilling activity began spreading throughout UC’s campus as early as 2012, and it has since continued to gain more new members of all ages and skills. Students can keep their eyes out for other Cincinnati liners, who can be spotted in McMicken Commons, in the grass near Teacher’s College and in parks surrounding UC. Groups and individuals are usually open to let outsiders join them, helping to expand their growing community. Just this past Friday afternoon during the abnormally warm weather, Beausir enthusiastically allowed strangers to balance on her line. If this strikes you as something you want to try, do not be afraid to reach out next time you see a group on campus setting up a line.
STEVE K. ZYLIUS | ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER | MCT
Nathan Gerdes, 27, of Costa Mesa demonstrates the sport of slack lining at Estancia Park in Costa Mesa.
JEAN PLEITEZ | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
Rogue Writers is the official writing club of UC.
Have you ever found yourself in a classroom with your peers, desperately hoping to seek insight on where you need to improve on your writing, but only finding yourself more distraught and disheartened by your ability at the end of a peer review? Second-year creative writing student Chris Groh has experienced many peer reviews in a classroom setting. More times than not, it has turned into who is better than who, rather than providing useful and effective criticism to help strengthen one another’s writing. Groh and Katarina Knehans, a second-year creative writing student, have teamed together to provide students with a comfortable and welcoming environment that fosters their writing through workshops. Their new student group, Rogue Writers, began this semester and meets at 6 p.m. every Tuesday night McMicken’s study lounge. This group is open to all forms of writing – whether it is a personal piece you are trying to publish or a piece of technical writing
for a class assignment that you are struggling to finish. “We have a biomedical engineer major come to our groups, so we want diversity, we want people who are from different walks of life, “ said Groh. “We actually want people outside of the English department who are in English classes and have to write an eight-page paper.” Groh urges individuals who are having trouble writing to come to a workshop, and they will help you formulate and expand your idea. There is really only one rule that Groh and Knehans stress within Rogue Writers. “We are like, bring whatever you like. You don’t have to bring anything. We are going to talk about writing, we are going to workshop our pieces, but basically don’t be a d---,” said Groh. It is this one rule that maintains an environment of support and inclusion that Groh and Knehans are striving for. While each week a prompt is set for all members to write a piece on, you will not be penalized for showing up empty-handed or with a different topic or assignment. The flexibility
of this group allows for each meeting to focus on what is needed by the members that day. Groh says sometimes the stories of the prompt are shared and discussed, and other times they are not. “I feel like every meeting we have, we are all growing as writers and as people by discussing writing and discussing aspects of writing, like creativity and imagination. And it is awesome,” said Groh. This is a group that strives to give productive and constructive criticism to individuals who love to write and want to become better writers. It is a place where you are built up instead of torn down. “If people are always being told that their stuff isn’t good, then they are not going to try anymore,” said Groh. “Some people need support and need to be told not to give up.” This is not yet an official student organization at UC, but Groh hopes to make it official by the end of this semester. If you are interested in joining or seeking help, you can stay updated through their Facebook and Twitter pages, Rogue Writers of UC and @RogueWriters_UC.
‘I Am Not Your Negro’ premieres at Esquire NOELLE ZIELINSKI | CONTRIBUTOR
“I Am Not Your Negro,” a documentary film directed by Raoul Peck, premiered this past Thursday at Esquire Theatre on Ludlow Avenue. Based on James Baldwin’s unfinished manuscript “Remember This House,” this documentary explores the history of racism in the United States through his memories of civil rights leaders Medgar Evers, Malcom X and Martin Luther King, Jr. The
documentary itself is narrated by actor Samuel L. Jackson. The film first premiered at the 2016 Toronto International Film Festival, where it won the People’s Choice Award in the documentary category. James Baldwin, an African American novelist, essayist, playwright, poet and social critic, was close friends with Evers, Malcom and King. In this documentary, Baldwin provides insight on each of them and how their views on racism and the proper response mechanism
aligned or varied from each other in addition to his own personal views. One of the most blatantly disturbing aspects of this film is the timeliness. Even though the ideas from these four leaders and thinkers originated decades ago, the messages expressed could not be more prominent in today’s society. An interesting feature in this documentary is that Peck includes clips from Baldwin’s lectures and debates from years ago, meshed
with images and videos of brutality and racism that have happened more recently. This strategic technique truly opens viewers’ eyes to the parallels between past and present racism and how it has not ended. “This is real and incredibly traumatizing how there is not much divergence from his commentary to where we are now,” said UC alumna Christina Brown. Brittany Aronson, an education professor at Miami University, said, “The timeliness of this film is crazy. There is a teasing together with history and present.” Baldwin’s passion about racism and his three close friends was shown through several remembrances of them. In his manuscript, Baldwin explains where he was when each of these three great leaders were assassinated and the great loss he felt as each one of them was killed. Lisa Weems, another education professor from Miami University, provided another insight to this film. “The language of oppression has been there and there have always been these leaders and they have been overlooked,” said Weems. “I Am Not your Negro” offers a refreshing and urgent reminder of how little racism has changed, as well as an insightful look into James Baldwin’s mind as he comments and evaluates on race relations. These comments relate to race relations now even more than they did before, and this documentary calls attention to that. This documentary has broken boundaries and is unapologetically calling out that yes, progress has been made, but not nearly enough to create a truly fair and equal world.
PROVIDED
BrewCats: Boulder Beer Mojo Risin’ Double IPA RUSSELL HAUSFELD | SENIOR REPORTER
The oldest craft brewery in Colorado has bottles showing up on our shelves here in Ohio. Boulder Beer’s Mojo Risin’ Double IPA is a rare treat to find, packing an intensely hoppy flavor with an overwhelming grapefruit aroma. Boulder Beer was created in 1979, when two professors from Colorado obtained the 43rd brewing license in the United States. Since then, they’ve gone on to create a slew of award-winning beers, including the Boulder Porter, Stout and Extra Special Bitter. The Double IPA is a January release that is a variation on Boulder Beer’s regular Mojo Risin’ IPA. Not only are flavors and smells intensified by double dry-hopping
this brew, but additional malt brings the ABV up to 10 percent, more than doubling the ABV of most of your typical and mundane domestic beers. A double IPA can mean a lot of different things, ranging from a simple pale ale to barley wine. But, some things that are consistent in all good double IPAs are bold, powerful flavors and an oversized alcohol content. A double can also be referred to as an imperial India pale ale, due to the way the brew asserts itself on your senses. Mojo Risin’ pours a glossy, see-through gold color with a frothy khakicolored head. There is nothing quite like the hoppy fumes that ooze from the top of a freshly poured double IPA — hints of lemon, tangerine and grapefruit bombard the senses.
With an ABV so high, it is hard to avoid the inevitable taste of alcohol. Yet, Mojo Risin’ is a prime example of a double IPA,
covering much of that boozy flavor with wild notes of earthy pine and citrusy bitterness. After a gulp of this, you will
be left with a bit of a dry and scratchy mouth, but even that will not keep you from indulging in this Boulder Beer treasure.
4 / SPORTS Lacrosse goes into 2017 season looking for new heights MONDAY, FEB. 20, 2017
JASON SZELEST | STAFF REPORTER
The University of Cincinnati women’s lacrosse team begin their journey into the 2017 season. Last season, the Bearcats started strong, winning four of their first six games before losing their final 11 games to close out the year with a record of 4-13. This year, Cincinnati looks to avoid a similar fate by pushing themselves to achieve more. “We have recently been discussing as a team what goals we’ve set for ourselves this year,” senior defender Skylar Delemos said. “I think that in discussing that and looking at the attitudes that we have had all preseason, we are really reaching for higher goals this year.” As far as what Delemos believes this team is capable of accomplishing, contention with the top dogs in the Big East Conference is not out of the question. “Best case scenario, I think we can show up to the championship of the Big East Tournament,” Delemos said. In order to do this, UC will have to find new ways to put the ball in the back of the net. Attacker Megan Bell and midfielder Courtney Curtis, two of the top-three
goal scorers of all-time, graduated and left a hole to fill. “I think it was good that we had them to always look back on,” senior defender Liz Burgee said. “That just makes the girls we have now want to work even harder and strive for the goals that they reached and maybe even higher than that. It was awesome to have them, and we are using them as role models for our team now.” While Cincinnati searches for new scorers, they do have the comfort of bringing back a combined 116 starts on the back line from Delemos, Burgee and junior defender Lauren Hudson, who were all named captains this season. “Defensive-wise, we have a lot of people coming back that know the system, they know what to do and it’s a lot easier that way,” Hudson said. “The freshman have been doing really well with jumping on our bandwagon too.” The three captains have been tasked with helping a new goalie fit into the system. Meg Gulmi departed as the all-time leader in wins for the program at the position. “It has been a huge focus for us in the preseason, integrating goalies into everyday talk and discussions in terms of
what happens on defense,” Delemos said. “It has been a lot of collaboration, and I think that us three being on defense has provided a lot of opportunity for us to coach the goalies so
that they can also coach us back.” Overall, this team hopes to redefine a program that has not experienced a winning season in over a decade.
“We have been talking a lot about our history not defining us now,” Burgee said. “While it did happen, we are growing from it, learning from it, but it’s a new team. We all think we
are going to be really good this year. It is important to learn from the past but we can’t focus on it, so it is all about taking steps forward and building.”
TYLER WESSELKAMPER | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
File art of the lacrosse game against Villanova on Saturday, April 9 2016.
Cavs, Thunder, Pacers must make moves at deadline DAVID WYSONG | SPORTS EDITOR OPINION
The NBA trade deadline is Wednesday, giving contenders three days to move pieces to strengthen their team. With 16 teams making the playoffs and only a handful of them having a strong chance to win the NBA Finals, here are some trades that teams should make before 3 p.m. Wednesday.
Cavs must get one more piece
K.C. ALFRED | SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE | TNS
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton throws a pass on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2015, at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Zeitler is better long-term than Whitworth ETHAN RUDD | STAFF REPORTER OPINION
Former first round pick Cedric Ogbuehi did little to confirm the grade the Cincinnati Bengals placed on him before drafting him. Ogbuehi struggled at both left and right tackle before being benched for draft classmate Jake Fisher. Unfortunately for the Bengals, free agency will convolute their problems on the offensive line even more. The two best offensive linemen for the Bengals — left tackle Andrew Whitworth and right guard Kevin Zeitler — are free agents this offseason, and it’s likely that only one will come back. At this point in their respective careers, Zeitler may hold more value. The 27-year-old guard is in the prime of his career, and he has earned a top-10 grade among guards from Pro Football Focus the last three seasons. However, Zeitler is due a huge payday. The free agency market has exploded for guards over the past few years, and interior offensive linemen command more money than ever. Steelers guard David DeCastro signed a five-year $50 million contract this past offseason, and Zeitler could get similar money.
Meanwhile, Whitworth is 35 years old and is surely entering the twilight of his career. While his play has not suffered, his age is certainly a factor in deciding who to shell out money to. The problem is that the Bengals have a hole at tackle, but they also have no immediate replacement for Zeitler if they let him walk. The Bengals didn’t opt to play Christian Westerman — the team’s apparent heir to guard — when left guard Clint Boling went down, so it’s a bit of a mystery as to who would step in and play right guard. In all probability, if the Bengals resign Whitworth, Ogbuehi will remain benched unless they convince Whitworth to slide over to right guard. Whitworth certainly has more flexibility than Zeitler since he can play both tackle and guard, but if Ogbuehi struggles again, Whitworth would shuffle to his natural position at tackle. Either way you look at it, the Bengals are going to have a hole on the line. Ogbuehi will be entering his third year as a pro and will have to sink or swim for the Bengals to make a proper evaluation before his rookie contract expires. It comes down to what position the
Bengals may value more, and in this case, the Bengals may undervalue their best prospect on the offensive line. Whitworth and Zeitler will command similar year-by-year salaries, but only Zeitler offers a true long-term solution on the offensive line. The Bengals were willing to draft two tackles in the first and second rounds of the 2015 draft to address the departure of Andre Smith and the possible future departure of Whitworth. But because Ogbuehi has been unable to inherit the position, the Bengals are caught in a quandary: do they sign the long-term solution or lock down Andy Dalton’s blind side? The long-term solution appears to be the most attractive. But the Bengals may put more value into the tackle position — after all, they did draft two tackles back to back. Here’s the most perplexing thing, though: if the Bengals don’t value the guard position, why did they draft Zeitler No. 27 overall and develop him into a top-10 player at his position? The Bengals have long built their teams through drafting and development. It should be the same with Zeitler.
The Cleveland Cavaliers are the defending NBA champions, yet they are not the favorites to win it all. While the Cavs have gotten stronger with recent acquisitions Kyle Korver and Derrick Williams, the Golden State Warriors – who they have met in the finals for two-straight seasons – are the most talented team in the league. The Warriors won a league-record 73 games last year and then signed Kevin Durant, one of the top-three players in the world, in the offseason. For the team to put up a fighting chance if the two meet up for a third-straight year, the Cavs need to trade for a playmaker to draw as much attention away from Kyrie Irving and LeBron James. Rumors have been swirling of talks for Cleveland to trade Kevin Love for New York Knicks’ star, Carmelo Anthony. While Anthony averages a few more points than Love, his rebounding numbers are significantly lower, he plays on a less-renowned team that puts more pressure on him to score more points and he is four years older. A swap for the two forwards would be an idiotic move for the Cavs, but it would be worth it if they could trade Tristian Thompson and his overpaid contract to the Knicks for Anthony. Talent-wise, Thompson is a major step down compared to Anthony, but the environment in New York is toxic, which may force the Knicks to trade Anthony for almost nothing. If the Cavs cannot get Anthony, they should trade Iman Shumpert and a pick or two for a player like Lou Williams – the former Raptors guard that rapper Drake referenced in his song “6 Man” – who is averaging just under 19 points per game for the Los Angeles Lakers this season and could add another scoring threat.
Thunder need a scorer
The Oklahoma City Thunder felt Durant going to the Warriors worse than anybody. They automatically went from a championship contender to a team fighting to make the playoffs. Point guard Russell Westbrook is averaging a triple-double on the year, something unheard of since Bearcat great Oscar Robertson was in the league, but he can only do so much. For the Thunder to make any noise in the playoffs, Westbrook needs someone else next to him who can score the basketball. Two long-shot trades that Thunder fans would be thrilled about would be for Anthony or Chicago Bulls’ Jimmy Butler. They both can score at will and would automatically make Oklahoma City a topthree team in the Western Conference. While there have not been talks, a trade for a player like Williams or the Phoenix Suns’TJ Warren is more likely.
Pacers need to be buyers
After going to consecutive Eastern Conference Finals in 2013-14, the Pacers have not been as scary of a team in the East. They have “NBA 2K17” cover boy Paul George running things, and they must not waste his talent. George is one of the most lethal offensive weapons in the league and is being wasted away by having a poor coach and not having a sidekick. Pistons’ big man Andre Drummond is rumored to be on the trade block, and he would fill the void Roy Hibbert left a few years ago. To get to where they once were three season ago, the Pacers must be buyers at the deadline.
LEAH KLAFCZYNSKI | AKRON BEACON JOURNAL | TNS
The Cleveland Cavaliers’ LeBron James smiles at his daughter in the stands during the third quarter against the New York Knicks at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland on Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2016. The Knicks won, 117-88.