Nov. 30, 2015 by The News Record

December 2015 Seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Greetings

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| Gift giving on a college budget

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| Ten alternative holiday flicks

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| Cheers the New Year at these bars

2015 – 16 STAFF Editor-in-Chief

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NOV. 30, 2015

Season’s Greetings

Spirited man continues family legacy through festive display STEPHANIE L. SMITH | STAFF REPORTER

Sometimes the true meaning of giving during the holiday season is overshadowed, but Tim Sucher, also known as Father Christmas, has been shining light on this matter locally over the years. “That’s been my nickname for quite a few years,” Sucher said. The 62-year-old is a self-appointed holiday caretaker who creates a magical Christmas wonderland at the Christian Moerlein Malt House Taproom. He also coordinates a live nativity scene and petting zoo in the St. Francis’ courtyard with animals from Sunrock Farm in Wilder, Kentucky. “This Christmas thing has been going on like most of my adult life,” Sucher said. “Well, most of my life, I should say because when we were kids growing up, my father was a Christmas buff.” His father’s love of Christmas came as a result of the family’s Christmas Club contributions — a savings account designed to collect deposits every week of the year to fund holiday festivities. “Someone who had lived very frugally throughout the year, [my dad] would always go nuts at Christmas time,” Sucher said. “He did all the decorating. He did all this stuff. I don’t think my mother would have been able to decorate a tree if her life depended on it. And as kids, it was always exciting.” Previously held at St. Francis Seraph’s friary, this is the second year Sucher’s holiday display has been at Moerlein brewery. The display keeps growing in size, as well as excitement, as Sucher’s collection grows not only with purchases he makes, but also from people gifting him Santa figurines and nativity sets from different places around the world. Sucher’s collection includes over 40 nativity sets from countries such as Ireland, the Philippines, Uganda and Italy. The display is also part of Sucher’s ministry. He is the assistant pastor of St. Francis Seraph but, inspired by Pope Francis, he was released from his administrative duties to work on the streets. “[Pope Francis] is challenging us to get out of the rectories, get out of the friaries, get out to where people are,” Sucher said. “One of my favorite sayings that he said is, ‘You’ve got to smell like the sheep.’ Ever since Pope Francis has been elected and all this stuff he has done — not just what he’s said, but what he’s doing himself — has challenged me to say ‘what can I do?’ I’d like

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to be free to spend time with the folks out on the steps of our church, and also to be in more places like the Moerlein taproom.” A familiar face among the crowd at Moerlein, Sucher can be found sitting in the bar most nights during the holiday season to talk and listen to people. “When I was here last Christmas I had a number of various profound encounters with young adults who just wanted to talk,” Sucher said. Most young adults Sucher met struggled with the meaning of life, questioning what they were raised to believe in. “It is my belief that at some point in everybody’s life, they’re called on this journey,” Sucher said. “And this journey entails basically questioning everything that you’ve been taught, so that when you’re kind of at the end of that journey, it’s not somebody else’s beliefs, or something somebody’s kind of forced on you, it becomes your own.” Sucher has incorporated Christmas into his own personal journey. While he may indulge in Christmas decorations, his holiday season is dedicated to helping others. “Everybody is called on this journey,” he said. “Now some people refuse to go. They just never go. But if you go, this is what you can expect — there’s a lot of fear involved, there’s a lot of disorientation involved and there’s a lot of confusion involved.” “But as someone talking to you from the other side of that journey, I can tell you it’s all well worth it. You’ll get through it, and you’ll work through it, and you’ll be much better off because of it.” The St. Francis Seraph Christmas display can be seen through Jan. 1 at Christian Moerlein on 1621 Moore St.

STEPHANIE L. SMITH | STAFF REPORTER

One of Tim Sucher’s many Santa Claus ornaments on display at Moerlein Brewery.

ALEXANDER TAYLOR | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

Data gathered by the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services shows that 18.5 percent of Hamilton County residents have insecure food source. Citizens willing to help can donate and volunteer.

Best charities to invest in this season PATRICK MURPHY | NEWS EDITOR

Multiple charities around campus give students the chance to donate or volunteer during the holiday season. Society of St. Vincent de Paul in Cincinnati, an organization that provides food, clothing, furniture and household items through multiple outreach programs and thrift stores, is one of those. During December, St. Vincent de Paul holds a Christmas Angels Toy program at the Liz Cater Outreach Center. The program is focused on providing low-income families with toys for their children while volunteers engage with children through holiday crafts and activities. Volunteers can also assist in Saint de Paul’s seasonal efforts by receiving gifts bought by donations and deliver them to the families through the Adopt-a-Family program. Regular volunteer services include working weekly at the Choice Food Pantry, located at 1125 Bank St., from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Individuals looking to volunteer can call 513-562-8841. According to the UpSpring, a nonprofit offering educational programming to kids experiencing homelessness, 53 percent of children in Cincinnati live in poverty — only second to Detroit at 59 percent. The average age of children experiencing these unstable conditions is nine years old. To combat these statistics, the organization as initiated an UpSpring Resource Collaborative, working with service providers, such as schools, shelters and agencies to identify children needs who are experiencing homelessness. Donators can provide children with school supplies such

as backpacks, lined paper, pencil sharpeners, erasers and three-ring binders. Donations can be submitted to the email, gretchen@upspring.org. Another option is to call 513-389-0805. UpSpring, with a total income of $379,222, spends 72 percent towards programs, 12 percent on fundraising and 16 percent to general management. St. Vincent de Paul, with a total income of $7,754,661, spends 87.4 percent to programs, 7.7 percent to fundraising and 5 percent to general management. The Freestore Foodbank will be hosting a program titled Help Keystone Fight Hunger this Holiday Season, starting Sunday and lasting through Dec. 31. With every purchase of a macaroni and cheese, Keystone will be donating a portion towards providing $5,000 to provide food for 4,000 children. Further interest in donating to the Foodstore Foodbank can be done through Check Out Hunger, a partnership with the Kroger Company from Nov. 7 through Jan. 3, which allows customers to donate any amount of money every time they check out. Individuals interested in volunteering to the Freestore Foodbank can help distribute holiday food boxes to over 6,000 households Dec. 21, with 3-hour shifts available from a wide variety of times. With $64,561,097 in total income, 95.3 percent of all donations go to programs and services, where as 2.1 percent goes to fundraising and 2.6 percent goes to general management. Those interesting in volunteering in the Foodstore Foodbank can contact 513-4827550 for normal volunteer services, or 513482-7557 for solely holiday opportunities.

Season’s Greetings

NOV. 30, 2015

Opinion: ‘Happy Holidays’ offers tidings for all religions CAROLINE CORY | STAFF REPORTER

Jolly music and pine trees are now being featured in public areas around the U.S., which means the year is coming to a close and we are only a few holidays away from beginning a new year. With 2016 approaching, much controversy over the expression used for holidays arises. While many people prefer “Merry Christmas,” others promote saying, “Happy Holidays.” The phrase “Happy Holidays” is a fairly recent addition to the winter lingo, but some view it as declaring a war on Christmas. Bill O’Reilly, who hosts Fox News’ talk show “The O’Reilly Factor,” has claimed he has saved the “War on Christmas” multiple times by bashing the phrase “Happy Holidays.” According to O’Reilly, the phrase

is “insulting to Christian Americans” and individuals who say the phrase have “Happy Holidays syndrome.” The phrase is mainly used all-inclusively to make sure no one feels left out during the month of December. Due to so many holidays popping up at the end of each year, listing off every holiday sequentially can be difficult — not to mention time consuming. In order to make sure everyone who celebrates Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Christmas, Winter Solstice, Diwali and/or any other December holiday, enjoys their holidays, the most sensitive option toward individuals and their beliefs is to say “Happy Holidays.” The split between the two phrases can often be seen in pop culture. Many films contain the words “Merry Christmas.”Those words are a part of American pop culture through films like “A Christmas Story,”

“Home Alone” and “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” among many others created between 1983 and 1993. In contrast, if you were to turn on the television now, it is much more likely you would hear the words “Happy Holidays.”This is also a tool for marketing. If a company advertises more inclusively, it is likely the organization will sell more products. This trend can also be associated with the renaming of certain objects at several different stores. For instance, pine Christmas trees are now being labeled as holiday trees. Similarly, Christmas lights are now referred to as holiday lights. Another argument for the use of “Happy Holidays” is that, by using the phrase, you automatically include Christmas. Therefore, while many conservatives view the phrase as an attack on Christmas, the phrase

How cities combat heavy snowfall, freezing temperatures CASSIE LIPP | NEWS EDITOR

Though Cincinnati’s heavy snowfall during the holiday season is not as common as it used to be, there is still the possibility of being snowed-in this Christmas. However, there are many de-icing and antiicing methods to clear streets so no one is trapped inside this winter. De-icing, or removing snow, ice and frost from a road or other surface, may involve both mechanical means, such as plowing or scraping, and chemical means, such as applying salt or other chemicals to melt ice. Trucks traditionally complete both jobs. Anti-icing treats surfaces with ice-melting chemicals before a storm or during its forefront. This postpones ice formation and adhesion to the surface. Chemical applications before a storm can also lessen the impact of a storm and make de-icing easier. Salt is the most common chemical used to melt ice and snow. However, using salt before a storm may not be in many cities budgets and salt is not favored for its tendency to cause corrosion on vehicles, pavement and bridges. Although many cities across the U.S. plow streets to remove snow, clearing sidewalks is largely left up to homeowners. Homeowners can clear the sidewalks near their driveways and neighbors can work together to clear sidewalks near vacant homes of those who are unable to clear snow. Depending on how often snow falls in a

city, the budget for clearing roads differs from place to place. For examples, in Canadian cities like Montreal snow removal makes up a large part of the public budget and provides employment for many people each season. On the other hand, clearing snow after a snowstorm in Miami, Florida may not be in the city’s budget. Fortunately, snow in this city and state is rare. Plowing roads in rural areas is a different

story. Though cities usually plow main roads and emergency routes, plowing sinuous, less-traveled roads is more difficult. Many people who live in rural areas find themselves with unplowed roads, leaving snow up to their knees outside. In result, staying cozy inside by the fireplace is usually more enjoyable than driving down slick, hazardous roads in any area regardless.

actually includes Christmas. In an extremely roundabout way, the vagueness of “Happy Holidays” is actually very transparent for all participants of endof-the-year celebrations. Currently, we have more diversity in America than ever before, so the least we can offer people is respect and recognition for their celebrated holiday. Being respectful of someone does not mean you have to understand the person’s cultural background. With all factors considered, I challenge you to be more accepting and sensitive to the backgrounds of others by keeping in mind their cultural traditions may be vastly different from your own. Regardless, everyone deserves to enjoy December holidays.

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ALEXANDRA TAYLOR | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

De-icing, or removing snow, ice and frost from a road or other surface, may involve both mechanical means, such as plowing or scraping, and chemical means, such as applying salt to melt ice.

Andy’s Mediterranean Grille is now hiring parttime servers! Andy’s is less than 2 miles from campus at 906 Nassau St. 45206. Andy’s is an equal-opportunity employer who offers flexible scheduling and a great working environment. For more information and to request an interview call 513-604-6686.

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NOV. 30, 2015

Season’s Greetings

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE For Him RENEE GOOCH | MANAGING EDITOR

For the athlete and sports lover In light of the 2015-16 Cincinnati Bengals’ thriving football play, there is no better gift for your athletic, sports-loving stud than a ticket to watch his hometown NFL team dominate the field. The Bengals last regular-season game is against the Baltimoreavens Jan. 3 at Paul Brown Stadium and it screams for the perfect gift-giving opportunity for students on a college budget. With thousands of seating options throughout the venue, tickets range from $40 up to $270 — allowing buyer’s to weigh out options when it comes to staying within a budget. Not only will you gift the chance to watch the Bengals’ last regular-season game, but you will also be able to enjoy the Sunday football experience. Cincinnati Bengals tickets, starting at $40, ticketmaster.com For the music junkie Take him to one of the many famous Cincinnati record stores, because, well, why not? It is a cheap option, giving each of you an outting to anticipate. Cincinnati’s quality music scene provides famous vinyl stores like Shake It Records and Everybody’s Records. If time allows, an alternative gift option for your music guru would be to search for the record before the holiday. This will show him you care about things he is passionate about, without putting a dent in your student pocket. Vinyl records, starting at $15, Shake It Records, 4156 Hamilton Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45223, shakeitrecords.com.

For the videogamer Gift your videogame-obsessed friend an expense-free night out at 16-Bit. The new establishment pulls an old-school arcade scene to a Downtown bar atmosphere. Your gamer friend, lover or family member will love to kick back with a cold one, while reminiscing on childhood gaming strategies on the vintage “Super Pac-Man” or “Donkey Kong.” Located in the heart of Cincinnati, the Queen City hit a sweet spot with free games and cheap drinks. Drinks starting at $3, 16Bit, 1331 Walnut St., Cincinnati, OH, 45202, 16-bitbar.com.

For the man’s man This option may require a bit more thinking, but the reward will be worthy when you see the smile it brings his face during your holiday celebration. Create a basket full of his favorite things. These items may include homemade treats, cologne, any inside jokes the two of you may share, a few of his top-movie pick, gift cards to his favorite restaurant, store or car wash. And since he is a man’s man, of course, beer.

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For Her MAGGIE HEATH-BOURNE | OPINION EDITOR

For the fashionista Jewelry is always a great go-to present. Take your accessory game to the next level with a simple silver hammered bar necklace from Grey Goose Gifts, a Cincinnati-based Etsy jeweler. The necklace features a simple chain with a textured bar, creating a simple, modern, easy-to-wear piece. All of the components used are sterling silver. For those who want to personalize their gifts, the shop also offers hammered bar necklaces with initials. Additional accessories offered by Grey Goose include geode necklaces, earrings and bracelets. Silver Hammered Bar Necklace, $26, Etsy.com/shop/ greygoosegifts For the foodie Cincinnati has plenty of great restaurants. For the foodie, consider bringing some of the best Over-the-Rhine has to offer to the kitchen with the official Senate cookbook. Known for its gourmet hotdogs, Senate has been an OTR staple since it opened in 2010. The cookbook features 224 pages of recipes and beautiful photography. Signature hotdogs are certainly the Senate’s focus, with options like the “Lindsay Lohan,” featuring, among other things, bacon, goat cheese and “tons of drama.” The cookbook also includes recipes for sides like bacon fat fries and cocktails. The cocktails and food range from simple to complex, and are sure to keep any foodie busy for many meals. Senate: Street and Savory cookbook, $39.99, senatepub.com. For the spa lover With all the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, give the gift of relaxation. Scented candles are a perfect present for unwinding and having a spa moment. Local café and general store Park + Vine offers soy candles by Hillsboro-based candle maker Beech Street Candleworks. The candles come in a variety of scents, including peppermint mocha, Appalachain trail, hot maple bourbon and warm vanilla nutmeg. They are free of dyes and chemicals, made specifically to burn longer than traditional candles and created in small batches to ensure quality. Beech Street Candleworks Soy Candles, $14, Park + Vine, 1202 Main St., Cincinnati, OH 45202, parkandvine.com. For the green thumb Get the garden started early this year by giving a handmade ceramic planter by Cincinnati company Fern. Stating they “bridge design and flora,” Fern offers unique planters that put plain pots to shame. Fern also sells designs from other ceramic artists, such as a pineapple planter by New York designers Chen Chen and Kai Williams. Made out of cement molded from pineapples, the planter comes in orange and gray. Fern also sells plants in its store, so you can give the planter when it is ready to be displayed. Chen + Kai Pineapple Planter, $44, Fern, 6040 Hamilton Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45224, fern-shop.com.

NOV. 30, 2015

Season’s Greetings

Top 10: Hot tracks to keep you moving through the holidays CARLY SMITH | STAFF REPORTER

The holiday season is upon is. And with it, comes cheesy, festive music in every hectic department store and long family car ride. If you truly must endure these stressful times, why not have a good playlist of holiday songs to blast whenever the relatives try to bring up politics, or start wondering if your love life has improved since the last family gathering? Here is a list of the top-10 rock‘n’roll holiday songs, which will make even the most unprepared listener get into the holiday spirit. 1. “Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy” by Bing Crosby & David Bowie This duo was an interesting mix, but the collaboration of the singers’ voices together turned out amazing. Bowie sounds particularly incredible on this track, which truly showcases his vocals. 2. “Happy X (War is Over)” by John Lennon and Yoko Ono No top-10 rock‘n’roll music holiday list would be complete without a Lennon song in it. This song is full of meaning and showcases Lennon’s amazing writing talent. Also, the chorus of children singing, “war is over” is plain genius and only heightens the spirit. 3. “I’ll be Home for Christmas” by Elvis Presley Of course Presley qualified for the list twice.

After all, he is the best representation of true rock ‘n’ roll Christmas music. This song, in particular, is both heartfelt and emotional. 4. “Run Rudolph Run” by Bryan Adams This is the fast-paced Christmas song you have always been looking for. If you want a break from putting ornaments up to jump on the sofa and rock your air guitar, this is it. 5. “Merry Christmas” by The Ramones The angst vocals of lead singer Joey Ramone mixed with lyrics about Santa’s reindeer is so strange it actually works. It is also funny to think about The Ramones and their leather jackets singing about the holly jolly holidays. 6. “Blue Christmas” by Elvis Presley There is a reason why “Blue Christmas” is the first song that comes to people’s mind when it comes to festive music. This should be a classic in every household during the holiday season. 7. “Christmas All Over Again” by Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers This song is all about going back home to see relatives and touches on the idea, “how you miss them, but don’t want to kiss them.” It is a very relatable song. 8. “Do They Know It’s Christmas” by Band Aid Sung by a super group composed of Bono, Duran Duran and Status Quo, this song was created to help famine in Ethiopia. Who does

not want to rock out while helping others? 9. “Merry Christmas Baby” by Bruce Springsteen This song is the perfect mix of rock‘n’roll and Christmas cheer. It has enough holiday spirit to get you going, but it is not so cheesy it will make your eyes roll. Every great song

needs a saxophone solo and Springsteen will definitely not disappoint you this season. 10. “The Chanukah Song” by Adam Sandler Here is one the most ludicrous and hilarious songs ever created. The made-up rhymes and witty jokes make it impossible not to love it and sing along with the speakers.

ILLUSTRATION BY JOHN ROBERGE

When your family starts getting on you about school and significant others, what better way to drown them out than a festive rock‘n’roll playlist?

Review: Cincinnati’s festivities kick off with Aronoff’s ‘White Christmas’ RICHA KAVALEKAR | STAFF REPORTER

Adapted from the 1954 film of the same name, Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas” made its debut in Broadway back in 2008. Seven years later, this classic holiday play made its way to the Aronoff Center in

PROVIDED

The cast of “White Christmas” dances on stage in front of an immaculate set design.

Cincinnati. Spreading the same Christmas cheer it has been for over half a century, this touring company exceeded all expectations in its production at the Aronoff. Tony Award nominee Randy Skinner, famously choreographed the premiere in 2008, and now returns to direct and choreograph the national tour this holiday season. The story sees ex army men and present showbiz buddies, Bob Wallace (Sean Montgomery) and Phil Davis (Jeremy Benton) host their own segment on the popular “The Ed Sullivan” show. Phil is a ladies man while Bob is more skeptical about love. They encounter a sister act starring Betty Haynes (Kerry Conte) and Judy Haynes (Kelly Sheehan). Phil is immediately smitten by the blonde and beautiful Judy and decides that he and Bob should follow these ladies to Vermont. They find out that the Pine Tree Inn is owned by their ex commander from the army, General Waverly (Conrad John Schuck). Losing business due to the unseasonably warm weather, the boys hatch

a plan to help General Waverly save the inn. Vibrant, energetic and full of color, the cast put on a memorable show. Effortless execution was seen by all singers and dancers. The chorus was surely not overlooked, possessing unsurpassed talent that reflected off of the center-stage actors. The intricate set design and dazzling costumes paralleled with the superb performances by all cast members. With no compromise on details, even the three-minute finale called for a set change, including an impressive, center-stage 30-foot Christmas tree draped in fairy lights and decorations. Everything from the tap-dance number and costumes to hairstyles and accents, stayed true to its decade. Montgomery and Benton proved to be a dynamic duo, capturing the audience with their charming stage presence and chemistry. General Waverly was an obvious audience favorite; it was interesting to see John Schuck go from the big screen, back to his roots on stage. He is popularly known for starring in the original Star Trek films. Samantha Penny starred as the cheeky and

adorable granddaughter of Waverly, Susan, with her own musical number, “Let Me Sing and I’m Happy,” which stole the audience’s heart. We were even treated to an all-female number “Falling Out of Love Can Be Fun” in the second act. The production included timeless classics such as “Happy Holiday,”“Sisters,”“Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep,”“Blue Skies,”“I Love A Piano,”“How Deep Is The Ocean,”“I’ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm,” and of course “White Christmas.” “White Christmas” is one of those shows that appeals to all age groups, anywhere from eight to 80. The show embodies enough Christmas joy and spirit to last you through the holidays. The icing on top of the cake was the finale, which included “snow” falling on the audience, making us all feel like we were all inside a magical snow globe. Not a dull moment was seen throughout the entire show. “White Christmas” keeps you on your toes and will have you unknowingly smiling all night.

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NOV. 30, 2015

Season’s Greetings

Eating disorders during holidays can be taxing RUSSEL HAUSFELD | ARTS EDITOR

As many look forward to Christmas cookies and home-cooked meals during winter break, Robyn Cruze, a national recovery advocate for the Eating Recovery Center, enlightened University of Cincinnati students on the struggles of those coping with eating disorders over the holiday season. “No matter who we are and what we’ve experienced in our lives, the holidays are always — well, usually — going to have three things involved, and that is family, emotions and food,” Cruze said. This mixture can be very taxing for someone experiencing or recovering from an eating disorder. According to the Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders’ (ANAD) official website, half of teenage girls and one-third of teenage boys have used some sort of unhealthy weight control technique, with 95 percent of people having an eating disorder between the ages of 12 and 25. ANAD’s studies also show that one out of 10 men and women get to experience any kind of treatment, and 35 percent of those who receive treatment go through a specialized facility for eating disorders. Cruze said she remembers going home for the holidays while experiencing an eating disorder. “Most of my days during the holidays were spent sleeping all day or trying to find a way to disconnect myself from the family, because I just felt like I was this burden,” Cruze said. “I was so wound up in this eating disorder that I was not able to give anything of myself.” Cruze, who has since recovered from her eating disorder, has written two books on the subject. She said the most important thing for a person suffering from the disorder during the holiday is to try hard not to disconnect himself or herself, though she recognized it is difficult. She explained that, first and foremost, it is important to accept the different stages of recovery. If going through a formal recovery program, Cruze recommended accessing outpatient treatment team for an extra session or two during the holidays and using friends as support. When around family, Cruze said it is important to allow them their own healing process, as they too have been affected.

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“I want to take a moment and acknowledge that the family members are also recovering. They have also suffered,” Cruze said. “We come through so much with our family, we have fought this illness tooth and nail and really overcome a lot.” This bond can either unite those in recovery or create even more tension, Cruze said. If tension gets overwhelming, it is important to understand you can ask family for space. Just as you should allow your family their own healing process, they should allow your own, Cruze said. Cruze reminded those recovering alone that, while changing your relationship with food is a big part of recovery, another huge aspect is mental health. She advised those struggling with the disorder to schedule how long they would be at social events seeking joy and connection with family. “Recovery is about challenging our old beliefs and making room for a new one,” Cruze said.

ALEXANDRA TAYLOR | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

St. Clair’s prepares for New Years with their promotion called the “Champagne Campaign”, selling $4 glasses of champagne and $5 Jameson shots. Other bars such as The Pavilion and Palomino will be hosting live DJs for News Year’s celebrations.

Bars offer specials to ring in the New Year JASON SZELEST | STAFF REPORTER

ILLUSTRATION BY LAURIE MCADAM

An alarming amount of people suffer from eating disorders and knowing how to navigate family situations and stress is really important during the holidays.

A number of bars in Clifton are preparing to offer options for students looking for a location to ring in the news year. For most bars, December is the time they plan to profit the most – bar season. The bar season normally reaches its peak on New Year’s Eve. This is usually a time when any bar worth its salt is packed out the door with customers in search of a holiday celebration. What separates certain bars from others is what they do to reap more of the rewards from a bar-friendly holiday. There are a slew of factors coming into play when selecting the right bar for celebration. For third-year engineering student Jacob Wergers, friendship is the most important thing to consider when choosing a bar. “I want to go to a bar where I can celebrate with the people who are close to me,”Wergers said. “Celebrating is always more fun when you are doing it with people whom you genuinely enjoy being around, regardless of the situation.” Another variable likely to come into play are the different New Year’s Eve promotions bars will be offering throughout the night. Promotions have an increased importance in college areas, where financially strapped

students are looking for any way possible to save a couple dollars. The St. Clair, a popular Clifton bar located along Calhoun Street, is offer specials for New Year’s Eve. In a promotion they are calling the “Champagne Campaign,”The St. Clair will be selling $4 glasses of champagne. Though money is a factor, some people are looking for more than good liquor at a quality price. A bar’s atmosphere will play a large influence on the amount of customers they bring in during the holiday. Several off-campus bars such as The Pavilion, located in Mount Adams on Pavilion Street, and Palomino, which sits along Vine Street in Fountain Square, will be hosting live DJs for the event. With the addition of live entertainment, these bars are hoping to lure some of the party crowd away from the opposing local Clifton bars. “I will most likely be celebrating the New Year at Woody’s,”Wergers said. “It has always been my favorite bar in Clifton and I have kind of become a regular there.” Whether you choose to spend the holiday at the local Uncle Woody’s, also located on Calhoun Street, or another one of the numerous options Cincinnati has to offer, ringing in 2016 is bound to be memorable.

Season’s Greetings

NOV. 30, 2015

Easy holiday dinner recipes for the broke college student MATT NICHOLS | COLLEGE LIFE EDITOR

While making a standard Christmas or New Year’s dinner in a small Clifton apartment may be a daunting task, it is one those stuck on campus with limited budgets and cooking supplies have to face. Tom Richardson, a fourth-year engineering student, has spent several holidays away from home during his time at UC, which forced him to deal with the hardships that come with distance. “I don’t live that far away, but I work during the holidays and that makes it tough to make it home every year,” Richardson said. “For the past two years I’ve celebrated the holidays with some friends in my apartment, but it’s nothing special.” Richardson gets together with a small group of Bearcat students every winter for a small holiday dinner. Yet, with a tight budget and a less-than-ideal kitchen, he normally orders out.

“We tried making a turkey once, but all I had was a toaster oven, so it took forever to cook and it was dry when it came out anyways,” Richardson said. “We ended up just ordering pizza.” For those who are not ready to settle on pizza just yet, The News Record has assembled some cheap, alternative recipes for college students that may brighten up a holiday away from home. Cornish Hen Roast This easy-to-make classic starts with a hybrid chicken known as the Cornish hen, a broiler chicken. Although small in size, the $5 hen is easy to cook and makes for a great addition to any holiday dinner. Ingredients: 1-2 Cornish game hens 1 lime, halved 1 teaspoon olive oil 1/8 teaspoon chili powder 1/8 teaspoon ground cumin Kosher salt to taste

Ground Black pepper to taste Directions: 1. Pre-heat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. 2. Slice the limes and rub each hen with half a lime. Follow this by drizzling the hens with olive oil, then season to taste with the chili powder, cumin, salt and pepper. 3. Place in a shallow roasting pan and put into the oven at 425 degrees for 15 minutes. 4. Reduce the heat to 350 degrees and continue cooking for another 30 minutes, or until the roast reaches an internal temperature of 180 degrees. The dish pairs well with a side of instant mashed potatoes or canned corn. For a meal you can prepare in under an hour, the Cornish hen roast is an easy way to get a low priced, quality meal. Microwaved baked apples Microwaved baked apples with cinnamon and marshmallow are a good bet for those with a sweet tooth. This holiday treat

requires vey few ingredients, takes no time to prepare and is delicious. Ingredients: 2 apples (honey crisp) 2 tablespoons of brown sugar 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon 2 teaspoons of butter Marshmallows, 1-2 puffs Directions: 1. Start by peeling the skin and removing the core from the apple, leaving the bottom of the fruit intact. 2. Add the brown sugar, cinnamon and marshmallows into the apple’s core and set the butter on top of the apple. 3. Place the apples in a deep casserole dish and cover before placing it in the microwave. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes or until tender. The apples will be hot at first, but the gooey, sweet concoction will satisfy sweet cravings on a holiday away from home.

Top five: Fashion tips for a cold winter DAVID WYSONG | SPORTS EDITOR

With winter cold approaching quickly, many are trading out their summer and fall wardrobes for clothing to keep them warm when they go out during the freezing months. Some may find it hard to look good while keeping warm, but there are five incoming trends of 2015 that may help you do just that. 1. Be a Layering Pro: When attempting to stay warm, layer up. More layers equal more protection from the harsh winter winds. There are multiple ways to go about this style. “Layering is such a big trend this season,” said Sarah Grunkemeyer, a second-year DAAP student. “It is a massively practical way to dress when it is freezing. So, do not be afraid to pile on the layers. You can finally break out the tights, knee high socks, turtlenecks, long-sleeves, sweaters, jackets and coats that have been hidden in your closet all year long.” 2. Embrace the gloves: One of the worst parts about winter is how numb your hands get when spending time outside. Wearing gloves can fix this problem, and Grunkemeyer said there are several ways to make this option more stylish. “Break out the leather gloves found in your moms or grandmother’s closet and add your own twist to them like faux fur or some beading, you will feel elegant and completely modern,” Grunkemeyer said. 3. Let your boots be the show: Boots can be stylish for men and women and are the best at keeping your feet warm,

as well as dry. Grunkemeyer said whether you are wearing riding boots, rain boots or cowboy boots, people living up north cannot get around wearing them. “You need to have a trustworthy boot to make the hike across the hilly campus, but make sure they are fashionable because no one wants to see an ugly pair of boots,” Grunkemeyer said. 4. Show some fur: Synthetic fur can be used in many different fashionable ways to avoid the cold. “It is the one time of the year where you can break out the furs and have fun with it,” Grunkemeyer said. “No matter the occasion, you can always use a fur to wear in the wintertime. Invest in a statement fur topper like a fur vest or cool fur accent pieces like fur collars or mittens.” 5. Tryout different scarves Many winter coats may not keep the neck or face area warm enough. Scarves fulfill this need in a fashionable, yet comfortable way. “Scarves can be worn in many more ways than simply around your neck and with this below zero weather, it is the perfect time to experiment,” Grunkemeyer said. “ First off you, can mess with a variety of different fabrics and see how their properties benefit you since every material is different. Next, play around with what way you want it arranged around your neck or on your body. For example, you can use the scarf in a way to block the wind from your face, so try a wrap around your head, belted on top of your jacket, or drape it over your body to cause the textile to look interesting.”

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NOV. 30, 2015

Season’s Greetings

Top four: Compelling books that will transport you away CASSIE LIPP | NEWS EDITOR

If I had to pick my favorite part of winter break, it would be finally having time to read again—but not just any lowbrow, plain Jane work. Here I have compiled a list of four highbrow book recommendations, whose stories are sure to captivate readers as much as their storytelling form. 1. “Love, and Index” by Rebecca Lindenberg Through this series of poems, Lindenberg tells the tale of her partner Craig Arnold, a fellow poet who never returned from a solo hike exploring an active volcano on the Japanese island Kuchinoerabu-jima. “Love, an Index” is one of my favorite poetry books, not only because of Lindenberg’s ability to tell a story with a tragic ending in the most human and uplifting verse, but also for her experimentation with form. The title poem is a 34-page index of everything in her and Arnold’s relationship, including apartments, love, pizza, sacrifice and Rome. Poems surrounding the index are also experimental, ranging from poems written in the form of a Facebook status update to a series of footnotes to a villanelle. Lindenberg is a visiting assistant professor in the English department. 2. “The Empathy Exams” by Leslie Jamison After the title essay, I was hooked. Jamison uses her job as a medical actor to frame her questioning of what it means to have empathy for others, as well as her experience having an abortion. The book’s remaining ten essays also meditate on

essential questions regarding our understanding of others. Like Lindenberg, Jamison’s work lends itself a lot to form. “The Empathy Exams” mirrors the form of a medical actor’s script. Many of her other essays are broken up into smaller sections, each equally captivating and thought provoking. 3. “Citizen: An American Lyric” by Claudia Rankine A hybrid between poetry and the nonfiction essay, “Citizen” takes a stark look at the ways in which racism infiltrates into America. Rankine touches topics such as citizens’ deaths at the hands of police, as well as Hurricane Katrina and the 2006 World Cup. “Citizen” feels both like news and lived experience. It also forces readers to mull over the ways racism affects their own lives. The various sections integrating essays, internal monologues, prose and poetic line breaks are an exercise to keep any reader engaged. 4. “The Raw Shark Texts” by Steven Hall This book seems to be very aware of the fact it is a book and uses this form to its advantage. In other words, reading “The Raw Shark Texts” feels like being a part of the book. Take a journey with Eric Sanderson, who wakes up one day with no idea where or who he is. Good thing “the first Eric Sanderson” left notes and clues around the house before he lost his memory. Although the first note tells him to immediately see his psychiatrist, who explains this is another episode of acute memory loss due to a dissociative disorder, Eric’s former self left enough clues to let him know there is way more to the story.

Follow Eric as he discovers his true story, including the tragic death of his former girlfriend Clio. It is part “Memento,” part “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” and part “Finding Nemo” — only the fish are conceptual, not cartoon.

DAN SULLIVAN | PHOTO EDITOR

Students will have extra time to relax and recoup after a long semester of studies. A book is a good way to enjoy break while doing something productive.

Top 10: Non-traditional Christmas movies to watch over winter break RUSSEL HAUSFELD | ARTS EDITOR

It is once again that time when we turn the heat on, plop down on the couch and begin the process of lazily shutting ourselves inside for the rest of the season. And what else could be better than watching a good holiday movie while we avoid the cold and indulge in festive treats? If you are anything like me, however, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” just won’t cut it. I have seen the same movie plots and seasonal tropes over and over again, and it is time for something new. In anticipation of the holiday season, here is a list of alternative holiday movies that will spice things up. 1. “Rudolf’s Shiny New Year” (1976): This the stop motion sequel to “Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” but easily stands alone from the first film as a quirky adventure flick. The plot revolves around Father Time, who needs help finding missing Baby New Year. When Santa sends Rudolf to help Father Time, the reindeer embarks on a weird time-traveling journey. If nothing else, this film will make you laugh with its choppy animation and out-there plot.

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2. “Edward Scissorhands” (1990): A lot of people turn to “The Nightmare Before Christmas” for their Tim Burton fix, but many forget most of “Edward Scissorhands” takes place over the holidays. Remember how he carves that giant ice sculpture in the family’s front yard? If this is your first time watching this movie, you are in for a treat. The tragic love story between gothic Edward and preppy Kim will melt the coldest of hearts. 3. “Hebrew Hammer” (2003): Holiday or not, this is one of the funniest movies you will ever watch. It is a Jewish take on a Blaxploitation action film — think “Black Dynamite” or “Undercover Brother.” When Santa’s son, Damian, who is played by Andy Dick, takes over Santa’s empire, he threatens to wipe out Chanukah. The only one who can save the holiday is the Hebrew Hammer, a veteran of the Israeli Defense Forces. 4. “Bad Santa” (2003): We are all adults now, right? So why should we limit ourselves to PG movies during the holidays? “Bad Santa” is equal parts raunchy and cringe-worthy, seeing Billy Bob Thornton as a depressed con man Santa Claus who befriends an outcast child.

5. “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” (2001): This one might not be a Christmas movie at first glance, but a pretty big part of the story arc takes place while Harry, Ron and Hermione stay at Hogwarts during the holidays. Plus, the sweet nostalgia of seeing Hogwarts covered in snow is just the feeling we are all looking for during those gloomy, cold days. 6. “Gremlins” (1984): Most people do not think of “Gremlins” as a holiday movie, but the whole thing starts when Billy gets a little Mogwai from his dad for Christmas. This black comedy takes audiences on a strange misadventure through a snowy town being overrun with murderous, mischievous little monsters. 7. “The Year Without a Santa Claus” (1974): This is that crazy stop-motion animation you probably saw on television as a child, where Santa takes a break from his duties, leaving it all to his elves. Bad brothers Heat Miser and Snow Miser promptly shoot down the elves from the sky. This is another one of those trippy television specials, like “Rudolf’s Shiny New year,” which will have you laughing at the strange premise and musical

numbers. 8. “Frozen” (2013): Why not? “Frozen” is full of snow and if you are in a family setting, it is completely appropriate for everyone in the room. So appropriate in fact, your 3-yearold cousin might want to watch it four or five times. “Frozen” has everything a holiday movie should have — snow, friendship and reindeer — besides the actual premise of a holiday movie. 9. “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” (1970): For some reason, the best holiday films are stop-motion animations from the ’70s. This one has Mickey Rooney voicing Kris Kringle, the young ginger boy, as it explores how Santa Claus and many other Christmas traditions came to be. It also has the charming “One Foot in Front of the Other” musical number. 10. “The Star Wars Holiday Special” (1978): ’Tis the season — for “Star Wars.”With the newest addition to the “Star Wars” franchise drawing nearer and nearer, some fans might want to get in the spirit with this old holiday special. Others might just want to forget the special exists. Regardless, it is one more title to add to your holiday season checklist.

Season’s Greetings

NOV. 30, 2015

Celebrating holiday cheer with my Vietnamese family HUY NGUYEN | CHIEF REPORTER

With all the sales and commercialization of the holiday, Christmas now has a feeling of disenchantment. For me, Vietnamese tradition in my life has a way of bringing back the old Christmas family values, as well as the celebration of life. Vietnam has a deep cultural connection with Catholicism that began with the Jesuit missionaries of the 17th century. Today, Vietnam is the fifth largest Catholic population in Asia, not including the Vietnamese populations in America, Europe and the rest of the world. Only 6.87 percent of the nation is Catholic, according to the Catholic Hierarchy Catalog — however, Christmas is so popular, even non-Catholic families celebrate. On Christmas Eve, the streets of Saigon are crowded with decorations, lights, Christmas trees, open cafés and confetti. People walk

the streets to be social and enjoy the largescale Nativity scenes, with caroling and snacks available. Come midnight, Christians attend Christmas mass before heading home for a family dinner of chicken or duck soup and salad, along with turkey if their budget allows. Families enjoy drinking, with champagne for the adults and non-alcoholic eggnog for children. A lot of families share cards and homemade food as their gifts instead of conventional presents — a bûche de Noël chocolate cake is a popular gift. Here in America, Vietnamese families celebrate Christmas in a very similar manner. After mass, many friends and families join each other at a house for gifts, dancing, socializing and drinks. Most of my Christmases have been hosted at my parents’ house. Everyone attending

always brings their own food for the Christmas potluck — it is a fantastic mix of traditional Asian meals with traditional American meals. My plate is usually filled with some combination of sweet rice, egg rolls, curried chicken, mashed potatoes, stuffing and Yule ham. For dessert, I prefer to trade my slice of bûche de Noël for some more egg rolls. Handmade gifts are always encouraged over presents bought from department stores and the Internet. My Bà nội, or grandmother, always makes it a point to bring handmade gifts for everyone — she makes personalized quilts and scarves, as well as santons d’argile, or clay nativity figures. She also has blankets and quilt patterns to help the younger children make their own gifts to share. Before the gift giving begins, everyone in my house starts with a prayer to wish each other good health, good faith and

continued prosperity. The children always start by praying to the adults, and the adults reciprocate with red envelopes of money. Unfortunately, I am at the point in my life where I no longer get those precious red envelopes — I do get to partake in late night poker, though. I think having a general tradition keeps my family from losing the original values of unity and charity encompassing our Christmas. We still buy big presents and eat classical Christmas foods, but being able to bring a Vietnamese aspect gives us something special to always come back for. Not every Vietnamese family celebrates Christmas like mine does, but a good amount of them have similar traditions as we do. It is important families keep some sort of tradition to bring people together through a common connection of love. Chúc Múng Giáng Sinh (Merry Christmas)!

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NOV. 30, 2015

Season’s Greetings

TOP FIVE HOLIDAY COCKTAILS MATT NICHOLS | COLLEGE LIFE EDITOR

As the weather gets colder and festivities go on, these five holiday cocktails are sure to melt away any student’s holiday worries with a punch of Jim Beam whiskey or twist of alcoholic peppermint.

1. Eggnog cocktail Hot, creamy and maybe a bit strong. The eggnog cocktail is a holiday tradition for many families, and the distinct egg taste is an unforgettable seasonal delicacy for any who have tried it. The drink combines bourbon, spiced rum, eggs, heavy cream and sugar in a small glass for a hot seasonal beverage with a unique taste.

4. Mimosa A mimosa is one of the more simple mixed drinks to make and it can be a delicious addition to any amateur mixologist’s arsenal. The half-champagne, half-orange juice blend combines bitterness of the fruit juice with the sweet taste of the champagne — creating a cocktail that classes up any holiday celebration.

2. Apple Pie Cider Apple cider is a staple in many seasonal holiday celebrations, and nothing says staying warm like a steaming hot glass of apple cider on a cold December night. While this cocktail can be made numerous ways, the sweet mixture combines the ever-popular apple pie taste with the infamously powerful of grain alcohol. The blend is sure to spice up any cold December evening. 5. Wild Turkey American Honey

3. Old Fashioned with a peppermint stick The Old Fashioned is a classic mixed drink with a simple taste many experienced adult drinkers enjoy. This famous whiskey beverage takes on a holiday twist with the addition of a peppermint stick, which adds a distinct minty taste to the drink. Known for a harsh bite and a gripping bitter aftertaste, the old fashioned is easy to make and a great wintery beverage.

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While not necessarily a mixed drink, Wild Turkey American Honey is a classic holiday drink. With its sweet and fiery honey taste, the drink can easily heat up any chilly holiday party. The premium bourbon liquor is fine on its own on the rocks, but for more refined drinkers, a splash of clear soda will help take the edge off.