Nov. 18, 2015

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Graduates spice up caps

Students prepare for graduation by decorating caps

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Men’s basketball

Bearcats improve offensive scoring average per game

THE NEWS RECORD / UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI THURSDAY, NOV. 19, 2015

Islamic science encourages comprehensive learning HUY NGUYEN | CHIEF REPORTER

University of Cincinnati students and community members held a forum in Tangeman University Center Monday to discuss the importance of the Islamic approach to science.

Waleed El-Ensary, chair of Islamic studies at Xavier University, presented the topic, which covered the struggles behind modern science in Islam.

El-Ensary, who teaches classes in Islam, comparative religion and the relationships of religion and science, has a doctorate in Islamic and Religious Studies from George Washington University and master’s degree in Economics from the University of Maryland.

Often times when people think of Islamic science, what really comes up is Islamic ethics to western science, El-Ensary said.

El-Ensary is known for his research in the connections of religion, science and economics, as well as his work with Project Aladdin, a 2009 initiative with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization to combat racism and intolerance.

Western science is represented by the modern reductionist approach to simplify scientific knowledge to its most basic levels.

There is no need to look at the whole picture if the mechanical parts can be understood.

“We cannot understand the parts in their own terms, so we have to take a holistic approach, not a mechanistic approach,” ElEnsary said.

He explained in the same way biology relies on chemistry, which relies on physics, which relies on metaphysics and the theory of being, metaphysics continues on by relying on the bigger picture of nature, which is God.

The current model of science is based on the material world and what people can observe with their material senses — the scientific method is an example this.

“To be a modern scientist is to assume, at least while you are on the job, that the only way to know anything truly, is by your physical senses — and therefore, the only thing you can really know is matter, even supposing something else might exists,” ElEnsary said.“Looking at things whole, that’s what Islamic philosophy and science are all about.”

In this way, El-Ensary insists all sciences are related to one another in a bigger picture coming in the form of Islam and God. Even more so, miracles are explained as higher levels of scientific law infringing on the lower physical levels people see — SEE ISLAM & SCIENCE PG 2

MUSLIM STUDENT LEADER CONDEMNS ATTACKS

TERRORISM IS NOT A RELIGION

CAROLINE CORY | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Walteed Al-Ansari, chair of Islamic Studies at Xavier University, discusses connections between religion, science and unity.

New recruits to improve UC baseball DAVID WYSONG | SPORTS EDITOR

DAN SULLIVAN | PHOTO EDITOR

Suaad Hansbhai, external vice president of the University of Cincinnati’s Muslim Student Association, discusses the recent terrorist attacks around the world and how they have created a misinterpretation of the Muslim community.

further into global wounds or pull them out.

Muslims watched the events unfold in all three cities, Through this time of great sadness, anxiety and fear, I clutching our stomachs in anxiety – much like everyone would like to begin this piece by extending the Islamic else. greeting “Assalamu Alaykum”, which translates to “peace The Muslim world holds our stomachs extra tightly be upon you,” to all. because we carry within us two types of anxiety — one Given the violence and bloodshed that occureed in the fears for the safety of humanity and the other braces for past week, I express my deepest sympathies and prayers the expected demonization of our religion and ourselves to the people of Beirut, Baghdad and Paris. by the politicians and the powerful.

My heart goes out to all the victims of such cowardly As expected, before any details acts. No one, no matter their race, or information about the Paris religion or lifestyle deserves to fear attacks were released, Muslims, and IN TRUTH, TERROR for their safety, security or life. especially the refugees fleeing terror These attacks were not just upon from Muslim-majority countries, were KNOWS NO RELIGION. the people of Beirut, Baghdad and blamed.

IT KILLS MUSLIMS AND Paris. For as God says in the Quran, Through some dark twist, politicians “Whoever takes a life [unjustly]…it is NON-MUSLIMS ALIKE, ALL have been able to sway many to as if he has killed all of humanity…” believe 1.6 billion people, including OVER THE WORLD. (5:32). the refugees who have run from this Violence of any kind is an attack on very terror, were the perpetrators of SUAAD HANSBHAI justice and the freedom of all people. the horror on Beirut, Baghdad and We live in a time of great devastation Paris, or have some relation to it. and terror, but we also live in a time As an extension of this belief 31 where distance and danger do not affect our ability to United States governors, including Ohio’s governor John communicate. We have technology and advancements Kasich, have opposed accepting Syrian refugees into the have made it possible to be there for the world while United States. This goes to say, governors of states within simultaneously being with the world. a nation founded by refugees fleeing oppression, namely It is up to us to decide how we employ the advantages religious oppression, will not allow refugees into our of our times. Surely, it is in our hands, the brothers and country on account of their religion. sisters of this world, to help dictate the fate of humanity.

The truth is that attacks carried out by religious Our responses can either push the blades of injustice SUAAD HANSBHAI | CONTRIBUTOR

SEE MUSLIM PG 2

The signing of five players for the 2016-17 season was announced Tuesday for the University of Cincinnati baseball team.

Compiled of three pitchers, a catcher and an infielder, these five signees will all begin attending UC in the fall.

“We are making a priority to identify guys with the physical tools and grit to help us compete at the national level” said head coach Ty Neal. “The elite schedule we play, and the prestige of the American Athletic Conference, support our need for what we call ‘difference makers.’”

“We use the same words to describe this class, as we do our previous classes — athletes with physical tools and guys who have a strong desire to compete at a high level and the ‘want to’ to get better.”

Out of the five players, Nathan Moore is the only athlete from Ohio. Moore is a 6-foot-1, right-handed pitcher from Columbus who attends Bishop Hartley High School.

His fastball can reach up to 89 mph and his secondary position is the outfield, according to Prep Baseball Report. “[Nathan] is a tremendous athlete blessed with physical tools,” Neal said. “Nate will provide an instant boost to our pitching staff with his arm strength and ability to spin a curve ball.”

The other two pitchers include lefthanded pitcher Alex Darden and righthanded pitcher Isaac Olson.

Darden is 6 feet 4 inches tall and currently attends North Farmington High School in Michigan. He was considering schools from his home state including Michigan State University and Central Michigan University, but Darden told Prep Baseball Report he chose UC because it was the best fit for him athletically, as well as academically.

“Alex was the first to commit to us in this class,” Neal said. “We feel Alex will present the athleticism, physical tools and the grit to impact our program early in his career.”

“He is a Midwest guy who wanted to be challenged and play a high level of baseball — Alex is also a very good basketball player.”

Olson is 6 feet 1 inch tall and attends Chaminade College Preparatory School in Missouri. Despite being far from home, Olson told Prep Baseball Report he has family around the Cincinnati area and has a cousin who went to UC. “Isaac, just like the other pitchers, is a great athlete with a huge upside,” Neal said. “He is a member of one of the top SEE BASEBALL PG 5

University debate on fossil-free campus burns on JUSTIN REUTTER | STAFF REPORTER

ALEXANDRA TAYLOR | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

Sarah Baryluk, Fossil Free UC leader, presents organization’s campaign for UC’s divestment from fossil fuel companies.

The University of Cincinnati Student Government talked fossil fuel divestment during their Wednesday meeting.

A bill proposed the University of Cincinnati divest $41 million or four percent of its total endowment, which is currently invested in fossil fuels.

The resolution states, “such action on behalf of the university would not only be a good decision for our institutions financial portfolio, but also for the wellbeing of its current and future graduating classes.”

Fossil Free UC gained over 1,800 signatures and had over 100 people attend rallies.

Leaders of Fossil Free UC Sarah Baryluk, a second-year environmental engineering student, and Hadiz Paliz, a second-year finance student, both appealed as a leader in the fight against climate change, UC should make a statement by divesting their money from fossil fuel.

“It isn’t about the money,” Paliz said. “It is about making a statement that UC will do anything to fight climate change.”

UC has stated many times the university is willing to fight against climate change, according to Baryluk.

“We make a political statement with our money either way, we want to make sure we make the correct one,” Baryluk said.

The bill was largely unpopular with SG due to the immediate cost of making a divestment.

“Marathon is one of our biggest co-op partners, and the majority of our students are here to get prepared for a career,” said Dane Sowers, director of Career Services.

“This is useless if our students can’t get a job.”

“I was in a town hall meeting with Marathon when Dayton divested,” added Caleb Amstutz, a fifth-year chemical engineering student. “The CEO announced that they would no longer be recruiting from Dayton. Dayton is his alma mater. UC is not his alma mater, so we could reasonably expect no less.”

THE STUDENT VOICE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI

Holtz and Baryluk said despite what they claim, fossil fuel companies are not interested in renewable energy.

“Fossil fuel companies are putting on a PR stunt by promising investment in renewable energy,” Holtz said. “For example, BP have sold all their stocks in renewable energy and moved all their money back into oil.”

Senator Meghan Coppet urged SG to not rush the decision, saying they should wait to see more concrete numbers and look into the effects of divesting on the University of Dayton — one of the first in Ohio to pull their money from oil.

The discussion was tabled for the night.

It will be brought to the UC’s Board of Trustees in February.

Senator Tim Hawk, brought up a proposed “sleep station” inside Langsam Library. This would mostly consist of large bean bag chairs, as legitimate beds would be a fire hazard, according to Hawk.

FREE

2 / NEWS Group connects non-traditional students THURSDAY, NOV. 19, 2015 FROM MUSLIM PG 1

extremists between 2009 and 2013 comprise only 2 percent or less of all terrorist attacks through these years – despite the fact we constantly hear about the attacks and transgressions of “Islamic” extremist groups.

It is highly unlikely many have heard of bombings and attacks carried out by the U.S. and other Western countries, and even less likely anyone has blamed those attacks on Christians or Jews.

Also unlikely, many have heard the fact of the largest group of victims of “Islamic” extremist groups are Muslims.

Unfortunately, the demonization of Muslims plays into a much larger political agenda, which has less to do with religion but benefits from the vilification of it.

The 1.6 billion Muslims cannot and should not be held accountable for the acts of the .009% of “Muslims” who have committed these crimes. That is the very essence of bigotry. As a Muslim, I do not take responsibility, nor do I feel the need to apologize for acts that do not coincide with the peaceful teachings of my religion.

In truth, terror knows no religion. It kills Muslims and non-Muslims alike, all over the world. The perpetrators are Muslims and non-Muslims alike. We, the rest of the world, must stand together, hand-inhand, united under the flags of justice and freedom.

We have to face the facts and respond collectively and responsibly. We cannot allow the sanctity of life to be so arbitrarily violated. We are not just Paris, we are also Beirut, Baghdad, Palestine, Somalia, Myanmar, Darfur, Iraq, Pakistan, Yemen, Ukraine, Syria. We are all the places on the map that hurt.

PATRICK MURPHY | NEWS EDITOR

Transform Into Bearcats, a new student organization, met Monday evening to discover any difficulties non-traditional University of Cincinnati students face.

A non-traditional student can be defined as transfer, international, commuter or older students.

“Our whole mission is to create a more inclusive campus,” said founding member Britt Fillmore, a third-year journalism student. “A lot of non-traditional students feel left out when they don’t come in as a freshman.”

The organization has been working to reach out to non-traditional students to ensure they are aware of UC’s clubs and services.

Transform Into Bearcats plans to develop an orientation for new students similar

ALEXANDRA TAYLOR | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

Transform Into Bearcats held an open discussion for non-traditional students to create a more inclusive campus.

to what freshmen receive. According to Fillmore, this option is currently unavailable.

Partnering with UC Student Government to organize this meeting, Transform into Bearcats plans to ask further help from SG to initiate the orientation.

Fillmore also plans on partnering with International Partner and Leader (IPAL) program, a UC program that seeks to help international students with cultural questions, welcome activities and orientations.

“I want to look towards organizations that are doing these works,” Fillmore said.

“I believe that’s what makes UC so strong is that we have people who want to work together.”

The group also examined ways UC could improve the current services offered to non-traditional students, including the ideas of receiving more comprehensive information on student organizations, increased programming for students, more options in learning communities and more personal encounters with advisors and students.

Ha Dinh, a third-year marketing and business economics student from Vietnam, said a major issue for international students in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math programs is finding co-op opportunities. Students from the U.S. get special preference, according to Dinh.

“A lot of internationals have to try much, much harder than American students in order to get into a big company,” Dinh said. “They don’t like to hire international students in the U.S., they might say like,

‘Why don’t you apply for our company overseas?’”

Dinh attributes this to the lack of understanding some international students might have on American culture and the detriment this holds on being an effective marketing student. She suggests this is only a perception, not a fact.

“We try really hard to understand the culture,” Dinh said. “We study the tools to get the positions, but even then it’s still really hard.”

Rahma Alriyami, a third-year chemical engineering student from Oman, suggested UC should develop specific contracts with companies around Cincinnati to increase co-op opportunities for international students.

According to Alriyami, some research positions and co-op opportunities in chemical engineering are closed off to international students. Alriyami attributes this to U.S. employers’ perception that international students learn what they can from these positions and return to their countries.

“For international students who are going back home and are not permanent residents, [these employers ask] why are we teaching them these skills so they can go back home and do that for their own counties?” Alriyami said.

She added that U.S. employers believe they will not benefit from international students returning to their home countries, but the employers still need the international students’ skills for research.

“We can help them, and they can help us; it can be mutually beneficial,” she said.

Opinion: Ground war, conventional military tactics will not stop ISIS RYAN HOLBROOK | STAFF REPORTER

The time has come.

Deadly terrorist acts in Paris have killed approximately 129 innocent people out for dinner or at a concert. It is time to create a comprehensive strategy with the terror group who is causing this terrorism.

In the past month alone, ISIS claims to have taken a Russian airplane down, detonated bombs in Beirut and attacked Paris in an organized, well-armed assault. These are, of course, only the latest in the long line of terrors ISIS has carried out across the world.

All that being said, it does not appear as though the Obama administration has a viable strategy moving forward.

In Sunday’s op-ed for the Washington Post, former Massachusetts Governor and 2012 Republican Presidential candidate Mitt Romney called for the president to wage war on the Islamic State and not merely “harass it.”

Romney says it is time for the President to make meaningful steps to protect the U.S. and its allies. His article comes as many are criticizing Obama for declaring ISIS was “contained” just a day before the coordinated attacks in Paris.

Not only is Obama taking heat from the opposition, he is now getting criticism from his own party, including Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and Democratic Presidential

candidate Hillary Clinton. Feinstein says it is clear Obama’s strategy on ISIS is insufficient.

Meanwhile, Clinton distanced herself from Obama’s method of containment when she said ISIS must be defeated and not simply contained in the latest Democratic debate.

There also seems to be a disconnection within the Obama administration with regards to the language used to describe ISIS, or what to even call the terror group.

Democrats seem to have a difficult time using the term “radical Islam” and shy away when this language is brought up, thinking using the term will alienate moderate Muslims.

To pretend the term “radical Islam” includes all Muslims is ridiculous. While the President sometimes says “ISIS” and his press secretary Josh Earnest uses “ISIL”, Secretary of State Kerry is overseas using “Daesh” to name to group.

Though the different terms used to describe the Islamic State group may mean nothing to the administration, the varying language portrays confusion among the government and leaders and brings into question how focused they are on the problem and how to identify it.

It has become clear sporadic drone strikes on ISIS strongholds cause minimal damage to the group and often kill civilians is not a viable or winning strategy. ISIS preys on the poor and displaced young men and these men are prime for recruitment into the terror group.

It appears as if Western nations have few options remaining, and so-called “boots on the ground” is one of them. An alternative strategy would be to go hard after ISIS Internet accounts, which are so successful in recruitment and spreading its message of hate and rhetoric.

I do not support a ground war. The American people are weary of war in the Middle East, myself included. Our veterans are coming back injured, both physically and mentally, and we are not even caring for them adequately.

The battle against ISIS cannot be won with conventional military tactics because it is not a conventional battle. It is a battle for the heart of Islam and ISIS is on the losing side.

No military unit is going to eradicate the idea of hate and oppression. Presidential candidate Bernie Sanders (I-VT) said it best during the debate Saturday when he said ISIS wants to take the world back hundreds of years and are OK with abusing young children, as well as oppressing women.

President Obama’s strategy, or lack thereof, should not include a ground invasion. We as a nation must get Muslim countries to lead the fight against ISIS, as it is ultimately their war, in their territory, with their people.

The U.S. cannot be weak, but we must learn from our past mistakes and we must be smart.

History experts discuss OTR preservation, new developments SAMANTHA HALL | CONTRIBUTOR

The history lecture Revealing Lost Stories Through Cincinnati’s Buildings gave University of Cincinnati students the opportunity Monday to learn about forgotten lives and stories that once helped build the Queen City.

Presented by Alyssa McClanahan and Anne Steinert, the lecture discussed five projects contributing to the prevention of lost history in Cincinnati’s neighborhoods.

Cincinnati carries a broad history of immigration and architecture, leaving remnants of urban vibrancy throughout its landscape. One area in particular that showcases this vibrancy is Over-the-Rhine (OTR).

Throughout the years, OTR has suffered the loss of numerous buildings, which were once homes and shops, due to a commonly failed structure and lack of maintenance.

McClanahan, a project historian who is also working on her dissertation at UC, received a $10,000 grant from the People’s

Liberty Project to achieve the urban and historical renovation of such buildings along with her partner John Blatchford.

“It’s amazing how when you start talking to people about a building’s history, they’re really interested in it,” McClanahan said. “Every single building, and it very much makes every building significant in its own right.”

McClanahan has also published Kunst Built Art, a seasonal magazine featuring the different architecture and renovation of sites throughout Cincinnati.

In order to achieve long-term preservation throughout Cincinnati’s community, Steinert plans to encourage youth to care for preservation in a more hands-on manner.

As Steinert also received a $10,000 grant, she has designed 70 colorful PVC signs based on photos taken of OTR throughout the last century. The signs will be mounted on street poles at the site of the photo taken along with a small description of the area’s history.

Having these small pieces of history allows for children and people of all ages

to have access to their neighborhoods past, she said.

“The idea is that you’re going to be doing the work yourself,” Steinert said.

“You’re looking at this historic picture and you’re comparing it to the present and you’re making meaning and you’re asking questions of your own experience.”

Steinert also plans to restore and reuse schools abandoned throughout Cincinnati.

There are plans in development for a nine-panel exhibit highlighting different styles of architecture in school buildings between the mid-nineteenth century and early twentieth century.

Steinert and McClanahan share a vision of creating an OTR museum, which would allow the stories from immigration to be shared more in depth.

While the OTR Museum is still in the early stages of development, their plan is to mimic the New York Tenement Museum and create historically styled apartments for visitors to walk through and explore as a way to experience the lives of past immigrants.

FROM ISLAM & SCIENCE PG 1

ignoring moral ethics involves punishment by nature in the same way ignoring the laws of physics has physical consequences.

If someone walks out a two-story window, they should expect to get hurt, El-Ensary said.

In the same way, shortsighted destruction of the environment and a loss of ethics with a reductionist view is a recipe for disaster.

Put into an academic perspective, El-Ensary is worried maintaining a secular curriculum in schooling is limiting student perspective on the world.

“Every science has presuppositions, but does it reflect reality,” El-Ensary challenged.

The only way to improve the limitations of a modern reductionist approach in higher educations is by pushing university administrations to consider more liberal arts curriculums — this will begin the dialogue of what a holistic education means and give students the option to choose.

“It’ll make sure students are exposed and become aware,” El-Ensary said.

Plans to have Professor El-Ensary come to UC for more open forums this school year are under discussion, said Lyan Alkhudairy, president of the Muslim Student Association.

“I honestly think this topic relates to Christianity as much as it does to Islam — the whole hierarchy type of knowledge,” Alkhudairy said.“Also, it’s really important to kind of have that open-mindedness.”

LIFE & ARTS / 3

THURSDAY, NOV. 19, 2015

Artist Feature: New spin on film photography RUSSEL HAUSFELD | ARTS EDITOR

While many photography enthusiasts can be found tweaking their work in Photoshop and Lightroom, first-year marketing major and photographer Jack Harper can often be found staining his fingers with chemicals in a dark room, developing film.

His process is all about experimentation with the medium and incorporation of multimedia elements and techniques.

Some of his photographs are smeared with a paintbrush while developing, others are splashed with liquid developer to create an interesting effect and others are shot with low-grade cameras in order to examine just what kind of quality can be achieved from less expensive, quirky options.

Harper talked with The News Record about film photography, his growing collection of old cameras and a common theme appearing in his work — mixing organic and inorganic elements together.

The News Record: Do you practice any other forms of art, or just photography?

Jack Harper: I really just do photography, for the most part. And before I actually decided to go to UC, I was debating whether or not to go to film school. I always just really liked the idea of photography, especially because it is hard to manipulate. Where, yeah, if you take a photo, you have Photoshop and you can change the content. But it’s hard to alter the mood.

I always really like photography, because it was a really honest form of art. And I’ve always really liked cameras.

TNR: What kind of camera are you using?

JH: How I actually got this camera is a story in itself. I’ve always been really into fixing things, so I got online and found people giving away old film cameras for free, under the belief that they were broken. So I found this really old Canon from the ’80s that was listed as broken.

But I was able to work with it for about a week and fix it up. They gave me three lenses with it.

I used to have a DSLR, but I ended up selling it because — well, because I’m a broke college kid. But, I actually prefer using this one, anyway.

TNR: You like to experiment when

developing film. What are some favorite techniques you have messed around with?

forest and the squirrel evolves through natural selection.

JH: When you’re developing film, you put the strip in the enlarger, put in the emulsion paper, shine it, then you put in liquid developer, stopper and then fixer.

And you just wash it off.

Now we are doing away with forests in place of cities where we get a new form of inorganic evolution, like Darwinian economics. Where this bank buys out this firm, because they were weaker and now the firm operates on a different basis because of that.

I took a shot glass of liquid developer and splashed it on the image after exposing it to create this really cool splash effect. I think after that, I really started to prefer film over digital because you can’t really replicate that with digital. It is too organic.

TNR: What do you like about dark rooms and film?

JH: I think what is really interesting is that, with a digital camera, you don’t really care that much. Like, you do, but not as much.

Whereas with film, every single action you do carries a lot more weight, because you take, like, 24 photos and that’s six dollars. Where with digital, you can burn through 24 photos in, like, a minute. So it kind of brings you more into the moment.

TNR: What are some themes that appear in your work?

So I was just kind of thinking about that and I really just liked the thought train that went along with that, of how everything is just becoming increasingly inorganic. Juxtaposing those two things makes some really interesting results.

TNR: What first turned you onto film photography?

JH: I thought it made a lot more sense to learn that first than to try to become an expert in digital, because the principles are essentially the same.

I also think the thing I like about it is that each picture turns out a little different.

There’s that chaotic element to it that I like.

TNR: Do you ever use any other weird cameras?

JH: Yes, there are these cameras called Holgas. You can buy them for, like, 10 bucks. What they were was, back in the ’90s, they were made as toys for kids. So they’re just toy cameras and you put in this giant 120mm film.

The idea is that you give it to your 10-year-old who is into photography or something, they play around with it and you develop some of their pictures. Even if they break it or get tired of it, it was only 10 bucks.

But, because they were so cheap, there are a lot of imperfections with them. So like, sometimes where the seams would meet, they wouldn’t be sealed perfectly and they would have holes where light would come through. So a bunch of artists started using these, because every single camera was different.

You could take a photo and extra light would come in and expose the film and make the photo look haunted or bizarre.

They even have a whole community surround them where people would drill holes or cover certain parts with duct tape — so you end up getting these really awesome results.

JH: I really like combining organic with inorganic things. I think that is why I kind of like doing things like the piece I described before, where you can’t really control where the developer goes. Or using ink on a photo — because if you use pen on top of a photo, it gives it this organic quality, where there are imperfections to the piece.

Have you ever heard of this philosophy called trans-humanism?

TNR: I have not.

JH: So, over the course of tens of thousands of years, we’ve been going from primates to modern humans. The idea is that now we’re kind of at a point of relative stability, where we don’t really need to evolve on drastic levels. The only real changes we might see are, like, in metabolism and things like that.

So, the idea with trans-humanism is that the next step could be combining technology with our bodies.

After reading about that the first time, I was really blown away by the concept. It got me thinking about cities where forests used to be — eagle kills a squirrel in a

ALEXANDRA TAYLOR | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

Jack Harper, first-year marketing student, uses experimental techniques in his photography, smearing developer chemicals on his images with paintbrushes during the photograph’s developing process.

International Taste allows students to experience foreign cuisines, cultures JUSTIN REUTTER | STAFF REPORTER

K.C. BAILEY/NETFLIX

Long Trail Brewing Company switches up its recipe of holiday brew Sick Day from an IPA to a brown ale.

BrewCats: Winter IPA for the perfect sick day off

Students came for the food and stayed for the culture Tuesday in Tangeman University Center’s Great Hall to celebrate University of Cincinnati’s International Taste.

The annual fair united several international student organizations with food, dancing and global fellowship from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Many students simply came to taste the wide range of cuisine.

Advertised on Facebook, an International Affairs’ newsletter and word of mouth, the event brought together several smaller UC organizations to host an inclusive festival of many traditions, said Lori Blanton, program coordinator of UC International.

“The food fair is held annually as a part of international student week celebrated nationally,” Blanton said. “During the week, International Affairs also holds an event where international students may make an appointment to have their passports processed by the university.”

The event featured Chinese, Japanese, Ethiopian and Eritrean, Omani, Italian, French, Indian and Judaic student groups.

Many of these groups, such as the Omani Students Association, struggle to find a large population of members. With only 20 active members, the organization

STEPHANIE L. SMITH | STAFF REPORTER

With fall semester finally dwindling down, most students are ready to ignore classes and homework and take a few “sick days.”Toss in a bottle or two of Long Trail Brewing Company’s seasonal Sick Day and it is even more tempting.

Long Trail Brewing Company is located in Bridgewater Corners, Vermont, and started operations in 1989. Long Trail’s beers are mainly distributed on the East Coast with the company entering the Ohio market in April of this year.

Released as a winter IPA last year, Long Trail switched to a hoppy brown ale for this year’s Sick Day recipe — and it is indeed an interesting blend of hops and malts.

The deep, copper-colored ale teases the nose with the familiar aroma of earthy pine from the hops, complemented by biscuit-y brown sugar from the malts.

Initially, pine remains at the forefront flavor-wise, but mingles with spices, picking up more spicy hoppiness and brown sugar and caramel sweetness in the middle. It maintains a nice balance between the malt and hop flavors, ending with a yeasty toast finish and a hearty malt aftertaste.

This is an intriguing take on a winter beer. Most winter ales are known for being heavier beers, most having a whisky or bourbon inspired taste. Sick Day is a lighter beer — and smoother, too. The 6.8 percent ABV is very well hidden, but still has that warm spiciness, standard for winter ale.

Long Trail Sick Day is a brew definitely worth faking illness over.

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utilized the international food fair to help spread awareness.

After students learned a new fact from a group or country or got a question right, they were awarded tickets they could exchange for food. This process ensured students learned about the cultures while enjoying the selection of cuisines.

The Japanese and American Student Society served traditional foods like

International Affairs helps international students immigrate. They do things like hold these events and helping the smaller international groups hold their own.

MOHAMMED ALKHARUSI

takoyaki, a dish that consists of a ball of octopus dipped in a pancake batter with sprinkles of tempura scraps and ginger brushed with takoyaki sauce.

Hillel, a foundation for Jewish students, represented Israel by serving foods like shaksuka, a dish of eggs poached with onions, peppers and tomatoes.

With 250 members, Hillel forms one of the largest international groups on campus, according to Max Bleich, a second-year genetic studies student.

While the event helped bring attention to some of the smaller international organizations on campus, it also provided a chance to advertise the work International Affairs does.

“International Affairs helps international students immigrate,” said Mohammed Alkharusi, a second-year civil engineering student. “They do things like hold these events and helping the smaller international groups hold their own.”

According to James Tenney, the assistant director of International Affairs, UC has a total of around 800 international undergraduate students and a total population of 32,000 internationals including faculty and staff.

“UC international helps international students legally and makes sure they are settled into UC as well as even helping with post-grad life,”Tenney said.

To wrap up the evening, International Affairs invited a local DJ to the event, offering students music from all over the world to enjoy.

“The dancing was the best part,” said Abigail Richards, a graduate student in mathematics. “I love that UC encourages diversity through events like this.”

4 / LIFE & ARTS Students jazz up caps for Graduation TIFFANY WALKER | STAFF REPORTER

In preparation for the upcoming graduation ceremonies in December, University of Cincinnati students met at the Russell C. Myers Alumni Center Tuesday afternoon to decorate their graduation caps.

Running from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., the graduation cap-decorating event invited all graduating students to visit the Alumni center and get creative with their cap designs.

This year marks the fifth annual Grad Fest decorating ceremony, which is offered during the fall, spring and summer commencement.

During the spring, the cap decorating is also offered at Clermont and Blue Ash campuses.

Dy’Mand Montgomery, the program coordinator, believes decorating graduation caps is a great way for students to express themselves.

“It is an opportunity for them to show who they are as they walk across the stage,” Montgomery said.

Montgomery also believes decorating caps makes UC unique compared to other colleges.

“Not every school allows students to decorate their caps, so here at UC we are trying to be different and really encourage students to do it,” Montgomery said.

UC’s diverse range of students allowed for creative and original cap designs. Some used the platform to showcase their major, the university or to show who they are as a person.

The decorating materials for the caps were supplied by the Commencement Office, including various types of scrapbook paper and plastic jewels.

Aminah Sutherman, a fifth-year communication student, decided to decorate her cap with a name in which is close to her.

“On my cap I have the name Mean Bean on it, and that is my family name,” Sutherman said. “That is what my family calls me, so I know they will be able to identify me when they see Mean Bean.”

For some students, like Allison Moran, a fourth-year psychology student, graduation came sooner than expected and this event helped provide a way to unwind.

“I realized I’m graduating, so its time to just have some fun and relax from classes and take some time out for myself,” Moran said.

This event, combining nostalgia with the soon-to-come graduation, reminds many students of what they love about UC. “I like all of the events that we have,” Moran said. “I live out in the middle of nowhere, so coming to the city and having all of this stuff around me is kind of cool.”

For many students at the Grad Fest, graduation symbolizes accomplishment and serves as a transition into the future.

“I’m looking forward to having more time, traveling more, doing a lot of things that I couldn’t do while I was in school, making more money and I’m just looking forward to the doors that will be open for me,” Sutherman said.

At the event, senior class officers were present to inform graduating students about the senior class gift.

Seniors could make a donation of various dollar amounts to go towards the senior gift, which is signage along Jefferson Avenue.

Past senior class gifts have included the 2014 Nippert Stadium Renovation and the 2015 Kacher Bloom Memorial Scholarship.

The goal for this year’s graduating class is to get 400 to 500 seniors to join in UC’s tradition of alumni giving by raising $15,000 to go towards signage along Jefferson Avenue.

Graduates can also participate in a time capsule. Seniors can write messages, or memories they have from their time here at UC and put them in the time capsule.

The class of 2040-41 will open the capsule in 25 years when they graduate.

Fall semester commencement is set for Dec. 12.

THURSDAY, NOV. 19, 2015

Opinion: Let Cobain rest in peace KARLY WILLIAMS | STAFF REPORTER

A compilation of eerie and confusing Kurt Cobain recordings were released Friday by Universal Music.

The album, which soundtracks the recent HBO documentary on the Nirvana front man’s life, is the newest addition to the many posthumous reissues and rereleases of the band.

The soundtrack is the brainchild of the documentary’s director Brett Morgen, who filtered through Cobain’s personal tapes from years of home sound experimentations and recordings to make up the album.

Morgen told New York arts blog, Bedford and Bowery, the album “will feel like you’re kind of hanging out with Kurt Cobain on a hot summer day in Olympia, Washington.”

Anyone who actually sits down and listens to the album will know this is completely inaccurate.

It is hard to imagine the quintessential figure of ’90s alt-rock himself — a known perfectionist — would want this release to happen.

Substance-wise, the tracks have nothing to offer. Of course no one expected it to be a Nirvana album, but the songs presented lack any merit whatsoever. By putting this album together, Morgen is essentially beating a dead horse.

The recordings are nothing more than Kurt messing around with guitars at home.

Painful moaning over pounding chords and finger picking on “The Yodel Song” open the album to a disappointing start, followed by the whispered and lacking effort of “Been a Son.” Multiple tracks of the album are simply experimental demos of previously released Nirvana tracks.

One of the most ridiculous points in the compilation is that Morgen included a track singularly composed of Cobain messing with distortion settings, titled “Reverb Experiment.”

“Sappy” and “And I Love Her” are the only redeeming moments included on the album.

During “Sappy,” Cobain channels an Ian Curtis vocal presence complemented by a guitar riff reminiscent of earlier Nirvana style.

The listening experience is the furthest thing from a sunny day with Kurt. Rather, it feels like sitting in a stuffy dark room and suffocating while Cobain chain-smokes and fumbles while trying to change his guitar strings.

Listeners are better off sticking to Nirvana’s most-impactful originals — their 1989 debut, “Bleach, or 1993’s “In Utero.”

Although “Montage of Heck” is a train wreck, the late Cobain is the last person to blame for its shortcomings.

These were personal recordings, dug up in a desperate attempt to milk anything “undiscovered” from Nirvana history — to try to make HBO’s documentary stand out from the exhausted list of movies, books and music that already exploited Cobain’s death.

Every time Nirvana comes back into the limelight of the music world for even a short period of time, people cash in.

Recently the green cardigan Cobain wore during Nirvana’s legendary MTV Unplugged performance was auctioned off for $137,500. A lock of his blonde hair was also up for auction, but later pulled before being sold.

There is no doubt things of this nature have Cobain rolling over in his grave.

It seems the only respectful thing Morgen did throughout the whole project is cut the original, disturbing end scene from the “Montage of Heck” documentary. The scene showed Kurt at home looking disheveled as usual, lying in bed talking cryptically with his soon-to-be widow Courtney Love. Next to Cobain are a slice of uneaten cake and a bucket of his vomit.

As the two discuss Cobain’s stomach problems, Love exclaims, “We all know

about your little problem!”The scene was clearly filmed while he was withdrawing from heroin. Although not in the documentary, the footage, which was dug up just like the recordings, is now available for view by any pair of eyes online.

Ultimately, projects such as “Montage of Heck” continue the romanticism of Cobain’s depression and struggles with addiction. This proliferation of the historical glamorization of the “sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll,” narrative, while a key-driving factor for audiences and profit, is toxic.

The last thing we need in music is to continually label troubled musicians as martyrs for the arts and to project the notion that depression constitutes talent and legacy.

It is time to let Kurt Cobain rest in peace.

It is time to stop exploiting his death for monetary reward. “Montage of Heck” is the nail in the coffin of any hope this will happen in the foreseeable future.

PROVIDED

The soundtrack to the HBO documentary, “Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck,” was released Nov. 13. It lacks any real substance and does not seem like something Cobain would have wanted released.

Off-campus housing fair promotes early hunting MATT NICHOLS | COLLEGE LIFE EDITOR

For many University of Cincinnati students, fall is the season to begin the house hunting. But with so many options around campus, the search can become mind numbing.

Some of the areas most recognized off-campus housing landlords gathered in Tangeman University Center’s Atrium Wednesday to meet with students and discuss the options available in a tangible medium.

Running from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the offcampus housing fair united representatives from Verge, University Edge and other popular housing companies as well as faculty from UC Housing and Food Services and other campus organizations to educate over 250 passing students and give legitimate housing advice.

Welcoming the onslaught of interested students was Erica Forrest, assistant director of the Student Wellness Center, who helped organize and execute Wednesday’s event.

“UC has an off-campus housing service that just started October 1st, which started with a Student Government initiative,” Forrest said. “This fair has properties that are listed on that service, and the service

is really just intended to be a helpful tool for UC students to find housing that can support their needs.”

The newly created online service offers students a comprehensive view of available apartments and housing structures around campus, as well as several other unique capabilities.

“They can search for roommates, they can go on message boards for transportation and other common housing items, and if a student goes on co-op or needs a sublet they can post to the service for free,” Forrest said. “So, it just kind of streamlines all these different avenues that students use to find housing.”

While the addition of the website has helped reduce some of the difficulties associated with housing hunts, the Wednesday fair offered students a chance to talk to someone face-to-face and get real, personal advice.

“It gives students the opportunity to see all the different resources that are available to them off-campus as well as oncampus,” Forrest said. “It puts everything in one place so you’re able to talk one-onone with the property owners and find out more details about the places they have to live.”

Also attending the fair were

ALEXANDRA TAYLOR | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

Students looked over living options during the off-campus housing fair, where popular living options like The Verge and University Edge advertised their accommodations Wednesday afternoon in TUC.

representatives from UC Counseling and Psychological Services and PNC bank, who offered small prizes to students from their traditional prize wheel as well as informative literature for graduates to save money.

Jordyn Mitchell, community assistant for The Verge, represented the growing housing organization at the fair and offered her knowledge of the available offcampus housing.

“We wanted to get our name out there since we’re a newer property and show UC a little more about what the Verge has to offer,” Mitchell said. “We offer anywhere from a one-bedroom to a five-bedroom apartment. It’s kind of nice because we’re located right across the street from campus and we have a lot of really cool amenities, like a courtyard for residents to use at their leisure.”

In terms of safety, The Verge offers some of the most protected properties around campus with gated entrances and secure access, Mitchell said.

“I think it’s important to find a place to live that embodies what you’re looking for as far as the social aspects, education and just finding a safe place to call home outside of their home,” Mitchell said.

On the opposite end of the spectrum is Margaret Fogler, assistant director of UC Housing and Food Services, who offered representation for the on-campus housing options at the fair and urged students to consider the advantages of living on UC’s main campus.

“Part of living on campus is that everything is included in terms of laundry utilities, rent, food and everything else,” Fogler said. “You have your own housing agreement as well, so you don’t have to finding another roommate if you don’t want to, we can assign somebody to you.”

While both housing situations have their advantages and drawbacks, Fogler found comfort in knowing that students were leaving educated on the options available to them.

“It’s important for students to educate themselves on what’s around to make the best decisions for themselves, whether it be to live on campus or off,” Fogler said. “I would encourage students to start thinking about these things now, because now is the prime time to start looking and start signing leases.”

SPORTS / 5

THURSDAY, NOV. 19, 2015

Basketball coach improves Bearcat offense JASON SZELEST | STAFF REPORTER

Since the arrival of head coach Mick Cronin in 2006, the University of Cincinnati men’s basketball team has been known for their defense averaging 70 points per game during a season.

This year may be different for the Bearcats as they establish a stable team offense.

Following the departure of Andy Kennedy, whose team averaged 74 points per game in his one season as UC’s head coach, the Bearcats have struggled to put the ball through the hoop.

During the 2014-15 season, Bearcat fans watched this problem reach an ultimate low, as their team was only able to muster 62.4 points per game average throughout the year.

Setting the team in a three-way tie as No. 292—out of 351 teams—with Florida International University and Western Illinois University, this was the team’s lowest scoring average of the millennium.

Florida International and Western Illinois combined for a 24-37 record and neither team qualified for any sort of postseason tournament.

A major reason for the Bearcats’ scoring woes last season was the lack of a reliable scoring option who could take over when the opposing defense clamped down.

No player on the Bearcats roster averaged double figures last season, with then-junior center Octavius Ellis leading the team in scoring at 9.9 points per game.

It was clear the Bearcats were affected by the graduation of stars Sean Kilpatrick and Justin Jackson. The duo combined for 31.7 points per game during their senior season, good for 46.6 percent of the Bearcats total points.

This season it appears as if the Bearcats offense has finally come alive for Cronin. While it is still very early and the team has yet to face a legitimate NCAA tournament contender, they are averaging 101.5 points per game to start the season.

Six players are currently averaging double figures for the Bearcats and of the eight returning players on the Bearcats roster, seven of them currently hold a higher scoring average than they did last year.

The only exception is junior point guard Troy Caupain, who has taken on more of a facilitation role this season, averaging six assists per game to start the year.

FILE ART

Teamates celebrate after Zach Tobler (45) scores his first points of the season during the Bearcats home opener where they defeated the Western Carolina Pirates 97-72 at Fifth Third Arena.

Caupain is not the only player who has improved his ball distribution, as the team is averaging 26 assists per game, which ranks No. 3 in the U.S. This increased ball movement is a clear reason for the Bearcats improvement on the offensive end. The Bearcats ranked No. 229 in team assists during the 2014-15 season, averaging just 11.9 assists per game.

Another reason for the Bearcats high-octane offense has been their ability to run the court.

Cronin contributes much of this to the hard work and dedication the players have put in on the practice court.

“When you recruit, everybody says ‘I want to run,’ and then they get to practice and nobody wants to run,” Cronin said. “The guys who are having more fun, scoring more points, embrace our conditioning program and the way we practice even more.”

“It’s not easy — we’ve got to try to train to play this way.”

While the guards are traditionally more physically prepared to run the floor given their smaller frame, the difference in the Bearcats fast pace this year has been the ability of the big men to get up and down.

Cronin pointed out senior center Coreontae DeBerry and sophomore power forward Gary Clark in particular.

“It was the biggest adjustment for those two guys as far as just straight running with our style of play,” Cronin said.

“The rest of the guys are the type of athletes where it’s easy for them — both of those guys have gotten in much better shape.”

For DeBerry, the work put in to become faster is visible simply by looking at him. The big man has slimmed down from 280 pounds to 265 this season.

With both players possessing more of the low-post scoring skills seen out of an old school big man, adding the ability to run the floor can only increase their value.

These changes to the Bearcats offense are crucial with the previous offensive style preventing them from being viewed as a serious tournament contender in recent years.

UC has often struggled to match the success they put together on the defensive side of the ball.

Cronin’s coaching philosophy has always been centered around ferocious defense and rebounding. His team has perennially been top-10 in the nation in scoring defense, and usually rank towards the top in rebounding margin as well.

Last season the Bearcats lost 11 games, despite allowing their opponent to score 70 points only once during the year.

They were eliminated in the second round of the NCAA tournament by the University of Kentucky’s basketball team, who put up a sub-par 64 points against the Bearcats.

The key for UC this year will be to continue the offensive explosion without letting down on the defensive tenacity.

If the Bearcats can complement their stellar defense with a high scoring attack throughout the year, they will have the potential to make some noise in March, and perhaps even April, this season.

Next up for the Bearcats is a home game at 1 p.m. Sunday against the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff in Fifth Third Arena.

Opinion: College football rankings subject to change CLAUDE THOMPSON | STAFF REPORTER

Five undefeated teams remain in Division I of the Football Bowl Subdivision in college football. All teams are ranked in the third release of the College Football Playoff Rankings, but their current place in the standings mean very little until the final rankings release early December.

The undefeated teams include the Ohio State University Buckeyes, the Clemson University Tigers, the University of Iowa Hawkeyes, the University of Houston Cougars and the Oklahoma State University Cowboys, but with only four teams being allowed into the playoff, not all of them can make the cut.

Two talented, one-loss teams in the topfour stand — Notre Dame University and the University of Alabama. Therefore, only two of the undefeated teams would make the playoff if the season ended today.

Clemson is currently ranked No. 1 and OSU is No. 3, but Iowa and Oklahoma State are the two other teams who could easily break through the top-four by season’s end.

Oklahoma State, who is currently No. 5, has only one tough matchup remaining against the No. 7 University of Oklahoma Sooners.

If they could win against a good Oklahoma squad and remain undefeated, it would mean they would be Big 12 Conference champions. Accomplishing this feat would force the team into the playoff and leave Notre Dame as the odd man out since they are not affiliated with any conference.

Iowa, who is the No. 5 ranked team, has a more difficult road.

While the last two games on their schedule are not too trying, they are almost guaranteed to play in Indianapolis in the Big 10 championship game against Ohio State. The winner of this game would almost certainly go to the playoffs if either team remains undefeated.

On top of possibly having to face Iowa, Ohio State has two more regular season games against ranked opponents. So with the Buckeyes having a tough remaining schedule and Notre Dame not being affiliated with a conference, the two teams in the top-four with the safest road to the playoff are Alabama and Clemson.

Alabama has a familiar position in the playoff rankings and in the Southeastern Conference. The Tide are in the driver’s seat in their division and are favorites to win the SEC championship game, regardless of who they may face. Only a loss will derail Alabama and remove them from their perennial playoff spot.

Clemson is currently playing better football than any other team right now and has earned its No. 1 ranking. The plan for them is to keep their pace, and once the playoffs start, rise to the challenge of whoever comes to face them.

A lot can change between now and when the final rankings are released, but with Ohio State, Iowa and Oklahoma State all having marquee matchups left, the top-four seeds could look slightly different than they do now.

Iowa has been playing great all year, so when the Big 10 Championship Game comes they will continue their high level of play and upset the defending champion, OSU. The hype will be too much for Oklahoma State and they will lose to the University of Oklahoma to miss their shot at the playoff game.

The Cowboys’ loss will allow Notre Dame to get the coveted fourth spot and the other three teams will be Iowa, Alabama and Clemson.

This season should prove to be just as exciting as the last, with big upsets and exciting storylines. There has not been a better time to watch college football.

ETHAN HYMAN/RALEIGH NEWS & OBSERVER/TNS

Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) scrambles for yards during the first half against North Carolina State at Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh, N.C., on Saturday, Oct. 31, 2015. Clemson won, 56-41.

FROM BASEBALL PG 1

high school basketball teams in the country and competes year round at a high level in multiple sports — Isaac has great angle and plane on his fastball and just like Nate, has the ability to really spin the baseball.”

The other two signees include catcher Wyatt Schwing from Indiana and infielder Luke Turino from Ontario, Canada.

Schwing is a 6-foot-1 right-hander who currently attends South Dearborn High School.

Despite not being from Ohio, Dearborn is accustomed to the regional Cincinnati area, as he played for the Cincy Flame during the summers, according to Perfect Game USA’s official site.

“We feel Wyatt has the physical tools, the toughness and the smile to lead our team from behind the plate,” Neal said. “He also adds a needed physical right handed bat to our club — Wyatt is also a football player and embraces competition.”

Turino is from Toronto and attends Birchmount Park Collegiate Institute.

“Luke is a guy who does the three things we like in a position player: He is athletic enough to play multiple positions, he plays the game very hard and he can flat out hit a baseball,” Neal said. “There are not many guys who can truly impact the game with their bat but Luke is one of them.”

On top of raving about his new players, Neal praised his coaching staff for helping him land these five guys.

“The entire coaching staff has worked tirelessly to piece together another great class of quality young men from quality families,” Neal said. “I feel very lucky to have the best coaching staff and support staff in college baseball — this isn’t possible without our staff being supported at home by their own families.”