Feb. 4, 2016 -- Valentine's Day

Valentines Day

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Safe sex Dating apps 4 U Netflix and chill with these flix

VALENTINE’S DAY

FEB. 4, 2016

Plenty of options can make gaming a fun couple’s activity HUY NGUYEN | NEWS EDITOR

Enjoying video games can sometimes be hard when your significant other does not share your passion.

It can be especially hard when you’re trying to play some good old-fashioned singleplayers and your partner silently (or not so silently) judges you for taking up Netflix time.

Here are a few video games that you and your significant other can easily get into and have fun with: Bossa Studios is a great developer of silly cross-platform games like “Surgeon Simulator” or “I Am Bread.”

“Surgeon Simulator” is, as the name

suggests, a surgery simulation that uses buttons to control the hand of an operating surgeon.

The player’s job is to successfully complete an operation on the patient, Bob. Available operations include a heart transplant, a double kidney transplant, brain transplant and more.

It isn’t the surgery that’s fun, but having to deal with obscenely crazy ragdoll physics.

Just touching a scalpel could send your entire toolkit flying and leave you with just a hammer and a guy on the operating table. Weird, ragdoll physics seems to make everything funny.

“I Am Bread” puts you in the position of a strangely-possessed and ragdoll-like slice of

GRAPHIC BY RUSSEL HAUSFELD

bread trying to toast itself.

Both games are single-player, but things get so crazy it’s just fun to watch. Couples can also share a controller or keyboard and try to work together for some physics craziness.

Telltale Games is less of a game developer and more of an immersive movie producer, with its fantastic storytelling and interactive adventure style.

The games are monthly episodic spinoffs of established franchises like “Game of Thrones” and “The Walking Dead”.

Outside of certain instances, most of the games are just another television episode of their associated franchise — but the players get to make the choices instead of the characters.

Imagine being able to go through an episode of “The Walking Dead,” but not make any of the dumb mistakes Rick Grimes or Shane Walsh made.

Telltale’s games are not too intensive and are just great to watch.

Most of the Lego video games are fun, whimsical twists on already established movies like “Harry Potter” and “Star Wars,” which can be easy for non-gamers to relate

to, while introducing them to relaxed gameplay.

The Lego games let you play in a Lego version of the movies — some of the other franchises that have been Lego-ized are “Batman,”“Marvel Superheroes,”“Pirates of the Caribbean” and “Indiana Jones”.

Nothing says “cooperation” and “teamwork” like solving puzzles together, and there’s no other puzzle game more iconic than the “Portal” series.

The games are based on using portals to go through walls and teamwork to conquer obstacles.

If you want to work on communication skills and enjoy dark humor, “Portal” is a necessity.

When in doubt, classic games are always a safe pick for everyone to play.

Nothing says “classic” like the “Mario Party” games. And nothing says “love” more than seeing your partner cheering at all the minigames won.

But the most important thing to do, more important than finding a game your significant other, is just spending time with them.

Clinics offer testing to help students stay on top of their sexual health SAMANTHA HALL | STAFF REPORTER

Valentine’s Day is nearing, bringing along a weekend of romantic dinners, bundles of flowers, movie dates and, of course, sex.

With sexual activity comes the responsibility to get tested, especially among college students, who participate in more unprotected sex and more casual encounters than any other age group, according to a study by the Oxford University Press.

The importance of sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing for college students is reflected in the high-risk of infection for those 15-24 years old.

According to a study by the Ohio Department of Health, as of June 2015, 25 percent of those infected with HIV in Hamilton County were between 15-24 years old. As of 2014, that same age range accounted for 14 percent of Ohio’s chlamydia and gonorrhea infections.

Nationwide, people 15-24 years old account for almost half of the 19 million new STIs, according to Carolyn Peterson, a University of Cincinnati professor of women’s studies.

Students at UC have full access to HIV and STI testing

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at various locations near and on campus, including the University Health Services and the Cincinnati Health Department.

The University Health Services, located on the third floor of the Lindner Center, offers walk-ins or appointments from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m on weekdays.

The service and testing can be covered with UC student health insurance and other insurance plans. The option to pay per test is available as well.

The Cincinnati Health Department, at 301 Burnett Ave., offers free HIV testing, which is available on weekdays by call or walk–in.

While getting tested for STIs and HIV can be a form of comfort for your partner, it serves a greater purpose for personal health, including the prevention of long-term issues.

The process of getting tested for a STI is as simple as providing a urine sample, getting swabbed from the inside of your mouth, and at times, a blood test.

According to the World Health Organization, the use of contraceptives such as condoms can help prevent longterm issues such as infertility among men and women, an untreatable infection and the rapid spreading of infections

between sexual partners.

Symptoms of a STI can often go undetected, leaving many unaware of the infection. Getting regularly screened can become even more vital, allowing early detection of a STI.

NICK BROWN | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

The Cincinnati Health Department on UC’s University Health Services is one of two locations where students have full access to HIV and STI testing.

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VALENTINE’S DAY

FEB. 4, 2016

Group promotes consent AMIR SAMARGHANDI | NEWS EDITOR

TAYLOR WESSELKAMPER | CONTRIBUTOR

Tyra Robinson (left) and Aaliyah Boyd-Ivey (right) are both communication students. They met at Center Court and have been together for four months.

TAYLOR WESSELKAMPER | CONTRIBUTOR

Carolyn Allen (left) is a DAAP industrial design student and Jorey Bischof (right) is a neuropsychology student. Allen and Bischof have been together for a year and a half.

TAYLOR WESSELKAMPER | CONTRIBUTOR

Jerod Weber (left) Aaron McAlpine (right), both secondary math education students, have been together for four months. They met at the GLSEN Youth prom.

Old ideas of love are starting to fade JOHNNA JACKSON | STAFF REPORTER OPINION

While Valentine’s Day can be dated back to the Middle Ages, the typical narrative of “boy meets girl” feels antiquated to a lot of us.

If you are a heterosexual or cisgender person, a day centered on love might feel right up your alley. For those of us who construct our relationships differently, it’s just another opportunity to feel invisible.

I grew up in a small Georgia town and was never nourished in the creation of my queer identity. While most kids went on dates and suffered weekly dramatic breakups, I turned to drugs and alcohol to get my youthful fix – a phenomenon not uncommon for many rural queer youth.

It took until my mid-20s to fully understand the capacity of both my sexual and gender identity. Now, as an out-andproud queer and transgender person identifying as neither male nor female, dating is simultaneously easier and more difficult.

On the one hand, I know who I am looking for. I no longer feel the pressure to fit myself into boxes I don’t even believe exist. On the flipside, my dating life doesn’t seem to play by the same rules as my cisgender, heterosexual counterparts.

There was no sex education that included me in high school.

I was never given “the talk.”

This was confusing to me at first. Even though I no longer needed to play the role of someone I wasn’t, I still felt like my dating life needed to replicate the pervasive images surrounding me. Television, movies, commercials, love songs, classic novels, romantic greeting cards – the list goes on. Everything I consumed growing up featured one masculine plus one feminine equals a “good/correct” relationship. This made it hard to feel good about who I was

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or what I wanted.

Now I know the truly beautiful potential that lies in queering your perspective. As a queer, transgender person I am inherently treated as a rule-breaker – so break them I do. The institutional injustice that comes along with being queer and/or transgender takes a toll on the souls of my community.

Despite our tragedies, the ways we have been cast aside have historically worked to bring us closer together. Many of us have chosen to reject the normative expectations placed on us since birth, and have opted to construct our own dating narratives instead. If I’m neither a boy nor a girl, are my relationships ever really gay or heterosexual?

Who cares? And what’s so great about a white picket fence, anyway?

I get to live in a world where several different people meet my emotional needs in many different ways. I get to live in a world where I get to be whoever I want depending on who I am with. Most importantly, I get to live in a world where my comfort and safety always come first.

Frequent and honest conversations are required when dating multiple people at the same time. The idea sounded taxing at first, but my open dating pool has only increased my capacity for compassion. I love other people harder than I ever have before. In turn, my queerness, my trans identity and my relationships with multiple partners have taught me to love myself more than I ever thought possible.

The chocolate companies may not advertise to me around this time of year, but I’m OK with that. Whether or not everyone else’s Valentine’s Day includes my principles is inconsequential. I might have a date on Feb. 14, but I could just as easily have one the day before and after. To those people, I am hardly invisible.

Preventing sexual assault by understanding and defining it is a growing national and local focus for college students.

The University of Cincinnati Women’s Center is providing education about sexual consent and other health issues for young women entering college for the first time in their College Health 101 program.

The program addresses date rape and sexual boundaries, but also deals with gynecological health, drug and alcohol abuse, weight, body issues and skin care.

One in five women and one in 71 men will be raped in their life, according to a study conducted for the Department of Justice.

Polling data also shows between 50 and 75 percent of high school students believe forced sex is fine under some circumstances, according to a study by the American Medical Association.

Diana Lara, media contact for UC Health, said the survivor’s primary health care provider usually deals with matters of consent and sexual assault. She said she believes UC’s programs are equipping students with valuable information.

“These classes hopefully will provide the tools necessary to be clear about giving consent and understanding sexual assault,” said Lara.

Hannah Randolph, co-president of UC Feminists, said defining consent is an issue that goes beyond feminism and should matter to everyone.

“The focus right now is getting the law to fit in with a clearer understanding of sexual assault. Changing institutions starts with changing rape culture and ending the blaming of victims,” said Randolph, a fourth-year economics and international affairs student.

Randolph said recent measures to prevent sexual assault — like the invention of a nail varnish that can detect most common date rape drugs by four college students at North Carolina State University — are positive steps, but not as important as changing the culture.

“Part of the problem is protection, but the biggest issue with sexual assault is being blamed when you’re the victim,” said Randolph.

According to UC’s Counseling and Psychological Services page, sexual assault is defined as “sexual conduct or contact, as well as other activity of a sexual nature, without the consent of the other person or when knowing the other person is unable to consent because of age, or impaired mental or physical condition.”

UC defines consent as having four parameters: Both you and your partner are fully conscious and unimpaired by alcohol or other substances, both you and your partner are free to act and understand there will not be negative consequences for saying no, both you and your partner have positively and clearly communicated your intent and both you and your partner are positive and sincere in your desires.

Several national groups like Consent is Sexy and the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Coalition are targeting college students to make them aware of the parameters of sexual assault and date rape.

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FEB. 4, 2016

VALENTINE’S DAY

Taking the monotony out of dating SOPHIA GAINES | COLLEGE LIFE EDITOR

GRAPHIC BY RUSSEL HAUSFELD

Quieter bars offer guests more intimate settings SOPHIA GAINES | COLLEGE LIFE EDITOR

Bustling restaurants and bars in Cincinnati can be loud and packed with people, making one-on-one conversation difficult.

More relaxed, low-key spots in Cincinnati make it easy to talk to your dining partner.

Metropole, the 21c Museum Hotel’s restaurant, specializes in open-fire cooking in a custom-built wood-burning fireplace.

Across the street from the Aronoff Center for the Arts, Metropole has a bar with craft beers on tap, cocktails, bourbons and old and new world wines.

The lounge area has comfortable couches perfect for getting close to your date and enjoying some drinks and appetizers.

If you’re into jazz, visit Japps in Over-The-Rhine and enjoy delicious cocktails while listening to some quiet, soothing jazz.

Scotti’s is a real hole-inthe-wall, classic Italian restaurant run by the DiMarco family and located on Vine Street.

Enjoy some spaghetti in the calm atmosphere while listening to Italian opera music.

Nicola’s Ristorante Italiano

is another option with an extensive wine list.

Nicola’s combines the fun and historical feel of Over-The-Rhine without a crowded atmosphere.

The Blind Lemon Café, opened in 1963, allows for civil conversation and houses no rowdiness.

Enjoy one of their winter cocktails, like a Blind Baileys or Hot Scotch, while warming up by the fireplace.

The café, located on Hatch Street, almost always has live music.

Sotto, just down the street from Fountain Square, is good for couples, group dates or events in one of their three private dining spaces.

Salazar, on Republic Street, is the first venture of chef Jose Salazar and has a menu that changes with the seasons.

Their unique food is made with farm-inspired, fresh ingredients. They also offer craft beers, cocktails and wine.

Despite a good flow of customers, the atmosphere still has a personal feel.

Go out and experience one of these bars or eateries if you’re looking for a quiet night without having to stay at home.

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Aerial yoga, prohibition, a cemetery, shaping glass art and puppies aren’t usually words that remind people of dates.

But if you approach these subjects with an open mind, you’ll find that Cincinnati holds unique activities for every type of couple.

For a fun and casual date without the overwhelming Valentine’s propaganda, check out Woodward Theatre’s prohibition-themed party with The Cincy Brass at 8 p.m. on Feb. 13.

Tickets are $15 and period costumes including flapper dresses, wing-tipped shoes and fedoras are welcome.

If you want to show off your athletic abilities to your date, take them to a class at the Cincinnati Circus.

No experience is necessary for the $25 classes in aerial yoga, fitness, silks, performance and hoop dance.

The Cincinnati Nature Center and Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum

are beautiful locations whether it’s sunny or snowy, or to go on a run or romantic walk with a date, as long as the fact that you’re in a cemetery doesn’t creep you out too much.

For Instagram and selfie-junkies, Cincinnati’s American Sign Museum is perfect for colorful pictures, full of glowing neon signs from the past, for only $10 with a student ID. For an artsy, hands-on date and those looking for a new medium to work with, book a glass shaping class at Brazee Street Studios for $60 on Feb. 13.

Without any experience, you can work with glassmakers to create your own heart shaped bowl, plate, coasters or paperweights.

Mill Race Banquet Center’s mystery dinners provide suspense and humor during an interactive dinner for $35 plus tax. A cash bar is available as well.

Their shows include Luau Lunacy, A Night at the Oscars, Magical Mystery, Trouble in Oz, and more on Saturday nights.

The Sharonville Convention Center is hosting My Furry Valentine Feb. 13-14, a pet adoption event with over 500 dogs, cats, and other animals.

You can just play with puppies or take home a new buddy with swag and enter in a raffle.

Early bird passes for 10 a.m.

Saturday are available for $15. General admission tickets are $3 or free with a voucher available from UDF stores.

Cin City Burlesque is performing Beaus & Eros, “a romantic night of rambunctious fun,” according to the Burlesque.

Shows are scheduled for 7 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Feb. 13 at Bogart’s. Tickets are $15.

The quality of dates doesn’t always depend on the cost. It’s easy to make the best of any date by creating your own games, like thinking of backstories for figures in a painting or imagining the voice a zoo animal would have if it could speak.

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HOUSING FOR RENT MICHELLE FISK | CONTRIBUTOR

Tommy Dzierzak surprises girlfriend Erin Schaefer with a night in complete with pizza rolls and fun conversation. The two have been together for over two years and have had their fair share of dates.

One through six bedroom houses and apartments 513-202-6694

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Need Bitcoin?

Come use our Bitcoin ATM conveniently located at Wireless Connection 3000 Reading Rd Just east of campus on E University & Reading

www.AthenaBitcoin.com

Space Measurement Innovation Competition UC students and faculty are invited to propose solutions to measure surface areas of objects within a confined space and communicate it to a server. Goal: Measure the surface area of each object and the overall area. Assume industrial warehouse dimensions. The number and location of the shapes are variables. See image to the right.

Round 1: Due February 15th Round 1 will focus on concept. Participants are invited to submit a concept solution. The top 10 submissions will be awarded $100 and be invited to compete in Round 2 for 3 grand prizes of $1000.

Requirements: • Individuals or teams can compete. At least 1 member has to be a UC Student enrolled in classes or coop in the Spring of 2016.

• Full time faculty members can compete. Preference will be given to the faculty members who are working with 1 or more students.

• Concept submission should be at most 5 pages and must include: Team contact information Theoretical foundation for the concept Schematic diagram Estimated cost

Send your submissions to Lauren Kirgis at lauren.kirgis@uc.edu.

Contact Jenna Goedde at jenna.goedde@uc.edu with questions.

FEB. 4, 2016

VALENTINE’S DAY

Much romance can be found high above Cincinnati RUSSELL HAUSFELD | ARTS EDITOR

Did you ever think that a romantic walk with your significant other could be a realistic date idea in the middle of February?

Strangely enough, that may be possible this Valentine’s Day if the weather continues to stay warm.

The most important part of any romantic walk, though, is the view. Luckily, there are plenty of places near campus to observe awe-inspiring glimpses of Cincinnati and the landscape around it.

The following views provide ample fodder for conversation and thought, each location overlooking areas of geographic significance and rich history.

Bellevue Hill Park An easy walk for anyone living in Clifton, Bellevue Hill Park is located right off of Ohio Avenue. The park itself is fairly small, consisting of a baseball field and a few parking spaces.

But, the view at the back of the park, which slopes down into Cincinnati, is stupendous.

From atop Bellevue Hill, you can observe the city’s entire history as your eyes scan over old, red brick churches and

buildings which eventually meet up with the tall, metallic Kroger and Macy’s buildings. In the distance, even Union Terminal’s iconic dome can be seen.

Unfortunately, Bellevue Hill Park closes at dusk and is heavily patrolled at night. So check it out during the daytime, or you will probably end up being asked to leave by officers.

Eden Park There is an insane amount of beautiful things to see in Eden Park — the Cincinnati Art Museum, Playhouse in the Park and the Krohn Conservatory. But in terms of where to dramatically gaze over the city, the overlook at the Twin Lakes area of Eden Park opens into a wide view of Kentucky’s skyline along the Ohio River.

The view provides a wonderful example of our proximity to the Ohio River. From the overlook, you can see far down the river and gawk at the massive bridges that run between Cincinnati and Kentucky.

Mount Adams Right around the corner from Eden Park is Mount Adams, a Cincinnati neighborhood dating back to the 1800s.

In terms of views, Mount Adams is a wonderland. Whether you are looking at all of the pointed roofs rising along

the hillside above you, or down into Cincinnati, there is almost always something visually stimulating within this neighborhood.

If you are the walking type, you can just park your car somewhere in Mount Adams, walk around the neighborhood for a few blocks and you are guaranteed to catch some impressive views of the city.

Carew Tower The previous locations look at Cincinnati and Kentucky from the outside, overlooking the skylines and bridges of the cities. But to view Cincinnati from the inside, the observation deck at the top of the 49-story Carew Tower is the place.

The massive, art-deco building stands as the second tallest in the city. There is a $4 admission fee, but the view is well worth the money. From atop the building, you can see down into the streets, watching as cars fly by and people walk.

The Carew Tower is one of the best places to watch Cincinnati breathe and observe how alive it is. The observation deck is open most nights until 9 p.m., but stays open until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

HOLDEN MATHIS | CONTRIBUTOR

A view of the city skyline, bridges, and football stadium from Devou Park right across the Ohio River in Kentucky.

HOLDEN MATHIS | CONTRIBUTOR

Another view of the skyline from atop Bellevue’s concrete structure.

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VALENTINE’S DAY

FEB. 4, 2016

Dating apps help you find exactly what you want RUSSELL HAUSFELD | ARTS EDITOR

People use dating apps for a wide variety of reasons, ranging from meeting new friends, searching for a potential long-term partner, or attempting to satisfy carnal cravings.

Whatever your reason is, there is probably one app that may suit you better than other.

Some apps allow long bios and additional interests, while others keep it simple and center around photographs. Some are tailored strictly to gay and lesbian dating, while others cater to everyone.

So if you are an experienced dating app user, or just someone interested in them, you should find the app that works best for you.

Tinder: Tinder is incredibly easy to use, with a swipe right or left function that scrolls through a stack of people’s profiles. You can “like” someone’s profile by swiping right. If you don’t like the profile, then swipe left.

If two people “like” each other, they are a match and can send each other messages in the Tinder chat screen.

Another recently introduced feature is the “super like,” which is represented by a blue star.

One “super like” can be given out per day and your profile will appear at the top of the stack of whoever you “super like” with a blue border. It is basically the only way on Tinder you can guarantee the person you “like” sees that you “like” them.

Your profile on Tinder consists of a bio up to 500 words, up to six pictures of yourself, the school you attend and all of your likes from Facebook. When looking at other people’s profiles, you see this information and how many miles away from you they are.

Bumble: When using Bumble, the same Tinder rule applies — if two people swipe right on each other, they are a match. However, after matching, the girl has to initiate the conversation. If she doesn’t within 24 hours, the match disappears.

Users can extend the length of time that a match has to respond by 24 hours once per day, but you can only extend the time of a match once.

Same-sex and friendship options are also available on Bumble. In the case of a match under these circumstances, either person can initiate a conversation within 24 hours.

Rather than giving you 500 characters to write a bio for yourself like Tinder, Bumble does away with bios. Profiles consist of up to six photos, where you work and where you go to school.

Happn: Happn is a unique take on dating apps that strays away from the swipe right or left models that dominate the market.

After you download Happn and make a profile, anyone who you physically cross paths with and has the Happn app will be able to see your profile.

When you open up the app, you are greeted with a list of

profiles of people you walked by at some point during the day. Each profile is made up of photos, a first name, age, job, how far away the person is and a map of where your paths crossed.

You can secretly like or dislike a profile, and if two people like each other, they can chat with one another. Users are also equipped with the option to “charm” someone for the cost of one credit. This — similar to the “super like” from Tinder — lets the other person know you like them. You start out with 10 credits, but have to buy more after you run out.

You can buy 10 credits for $1.99, or even the ungodly amount of 250 credits for $36.99 if you are so inclined.

Grindr: Grindr is an app that is exclusively for gay and bisexual men who want to date, meet up or make friends.

Unlike the previous entries, Grindr gives you the option to send a message to whoever you want, without having to “like” one another first. You just open the app, click on one of the many profiles on the screen and begin to chat.

This app actually offers some interesting and quirky profile options, including the ability to upload photos, your bodytype, ethnicity, what you are looking for and your Grindr Tribe.

Under the Body-Type tab are options such as “toned,” “average,”“stocky” and “muscular.” In the Grindr Tribe tab, you can pick from fun labels like “bear,”“daddy,”“geek” or “jock,” among others.

All you need to know about me is...

Tanya, 26

Janine, 23

Meegan, 30

Bio: Taco Bell enthusiast.

Bio: Pancakes are like my family. I’m also a mac and cheese enthusiast.

Bio: In love with food.

6 miles away

18 miles away

8 miles away

Lydia, 24 2 miles away

Bio: White Rice Black Beans Chicken Sour Cream Cheese

All bios recorded from real Tinder profiles.

Names changed, obviously.

GRAPHIC BY RUSSEL HAUSFELD

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VALENTINE’S DAY

FEB. 4, 2016

How to make sports and relationships coexist - or not CLAUDE THOMPSON | STAFF REPORTER

The NBA must be a pretty jealous lover – the league scheduled this year’s All-Star game on Valentine’s Day. If you want to do right by your significant other, but not miss the NBA’s biggest stars play, here are some options: Do not watch it Let’s be serious – if you have a romantic entanglement and are considering splitting time between the game and your love on Valentine’s Day, for shame.

The game does not even mean anything. It is just the best players in the league playing pick-up basketball on a national stage.

Get them a spa day Schedule an all-day or evening spa treatment for your significant other, grab a beverage, sit down in front of a television and tune into TNT. Simple stuff, but probably not cheap.

Visit their parents This is one of the more off-the-wall options.

First, this assumes your lover’s parents like basketball. If they do not, I am sorry.

Second, this really only works if your partner has been begging you to visit them for a while. Once you get there, bond with them by turning on the game. Go through the motions and keep everyone happy – we all know this is what the players are doing too.

Get tickets If your partner loves sports, you love sports and you have a ridiculous disposable income, then go for it. This would be something neither one of you would ever forget.

Another nice surprise, like getting on the Kiss Cam, would get you bonus points.

Get “called into work” Have a buddy ring you up, answer it, get belligerently angry and leave to go watch basketball. Schedule it after dinner and you

should be good. Work in the apology later, but never let them find out.

Create a maze out of bouquets of flowers that has no exit This plan is foolproof.

Create a romantic maze of rose bouquets that has no apparent exit and tell your partner that if they cheat, they must not care about you. This will keep them busy for hours, which will be plenty of time for you to watch basketball and find a weapon to defend yourself with when they discover your ruse.

Go to the Montgomery Inn If you are looking for a nice place to eat and watch the game, but do not want to risk permanent injury or relationship damage, then go to Montgomery Inn and enjoy unique Cincinnati cuisine and good barbecue. I hear the duck is particularly tasty.

GARY W. GREEN | |ORLANDO SENTINEL | MCT

West All Star Russell Westbrook (0) reacts after a dunk during the NBA All-Star Game at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida, Sunday, February 26, 2012. The West All Stars beat the East All Stars, 152-149.

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VALENTINE’S DAY

FEB. 4, 2016

Netflix offers reasons to stay in SOPHIA GAINES | COLLEGE LIFE EDITOR

The phrase “Netflix and chill” – which can be loosely translated to binge-watching shows while relaxing with a lover – has become popular among young adults.

However, searching and agreeing on something to watch can take a bit of time for some couples.

For bookworms who enjoyed Ron Rash’s 2008 novel “Serena,” the 2014 movie adaptation is now available for live stream on Netflix.

“Serena,” set in a 1929 North Carolina timber company, focuses on a powerful newlywed couple, played by Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper.

They struggle to produce an heir for their logging empire after George (Cooper) fathers an illegitimate child with another woman, resulting in the ruthless Serena (Lawrence) to unravel in a GRAPHIC BY RUSSEL HAUSFELD

treacherous way.

“Love and Engineering” is a documentary featuring engineers with little to no dating experience looking for a significant other.

Atanas Boev, the leader of the group of engineers looking for love, is a married 3D engineer.

He convinces the participants there is an algorithm for successful dating, but their awkward attempts are cringeworthy.

“Drinking Buddies,” starring Jake Johnson and Olivia Wilde, ventures through the changing romantic feelings of confused friends who work together in a Chicago brewery.

Despite of Luke (Johnson) and Kate’s (Wilde) constant flirting, the fact they both have significant others, played by Ana Kendrick and Ron Livingston, make things more complicated.

In the French film “Blue is the

Warmest Color,” high school student Adele is frustrated with dating boys, but lesbians are rejected in her social group.

Adele then meets Emma, a free spirit with blue hair who accepts her sexuality. They begin an emotional relationship, which helps Adele mature and find her true self.

“Peeples” is a comedy coproduced by Tyler Perry about a couple, played by Craig Robinson and Kerry Washington, trying to advance in their relationship despite the incompatibility between Wade (Robinson) and Grace’s (Washington) snobby family.

Wade attends the Peeples family reunion in the Hamptons with intentions to ask Grace’s hand in marriage, but ends up learning about and being surprised by Grace’s family’s secrets.

Proposals at sporting events can work with a little forethought DAVID WYSONG | SPORTS EDITOR

People in serious relationships tend to fret over getting down on one knee and proposing to their significant other.

I successfully proposed to my future wife in February 2015, which allowed me to come together with a foolproof plan to pop the question for sports fans.

Many people see proposals at sporting events on television or in movies and think they are cliché, but I think they are the perfect way to go if you and your loved one are both sports fans.

Here is my three-step plan that has almost no chance of going wrong.

Consider what they like When you are planning your proposal, make sure they will enjoy the sporting event you are attending and try to make sure their favorite team is playing.

I knew when planning mine that my fiancée does not care for football and absolutely hates baseball. I was not going to ask her at a Cincinnati Reds game.

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She loves basketball and is a huge Los Angeles Lakers fan. With that in mind, I took her to Cleveland to see the Lakers play the Cavaliers – my favorite team.

I knew she would enjoy herself at the game because her favorite team was playing. I would advise you to do the same.

Do all the little things when preparing There are obviously big steps when it comes to proposing, such as figuring out time and location and actually popping the question.

But the little things need to be taken care of as well.

Two minor things people do not think of when proposing is what they will wear and who will be taking pictures.

When I was getting dressed before the Cavaliers-Lakers game, I put on my favorite pair of jeans and practiced getting down on one knee. There was one problem, though – my pants were too tight. I could have easily ripped them.

You do not want your big moment to be embarrassing. Make sure you can get down on one knee, but also look respectable.

Also, make sure someone is registering the big moment. You do not want to just tell your friends and family you got engaged – you want to be able to share the exact moment it happened with everyone.

I asked people sitting behind us to take a picture of us and acted like it was a typical couple picture at a basketball game. That is when I got down to ask the question.

Thankfully, the people behind us were smart enough to continue taking pictures.

Propose around strangers A major reason I decided to ask her at a NBA game was because we were guaranteed to have people around us. If she were to say no and run away, she would have looked like a huge jerk.

Even though doing something so monumental in front of strangers can be nerve wracking, it raises the chances of your loved one saying yes.

Yes – my back and my armpits were sweaty because I was so nervous, but my fiancée did not decline, snatching the ring from my hands and putting it on right away.

PROVIDED BY DAVID WYSONG

Sports editor David Wysong proposed to his now fiancée, Macey Swindler, at Quicken Loans Arena on Feb 8, 2015

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FEB. 4, 2016

VALENTINE’S DAY

Being gross online is not cute MAGGIE HEATH-BOURNE | OPINION EDITOR

GRAPHIC BY RUSSEL HAUSFELD

Celebrate ‘Galentine’s Day’ CAROLINE CORY | STAFF REPORTER

Made popular by NBC’s hit show “Parks and Recreation,” Galentine’s Day offers women a chance to celebrate and empower each other, regardless of their relationship status.

Galentine’s Day, typically celebrated on Feb. 13, is a day for friends to get together, have a night in, go out – basically do whatever they want together. Although the show focuses on female friendships, the concept works for anyone.

Personally, I would celebrate Galentine’s Day any day of the year over Valentine’s Day. I feel Valentine’s Day is a fake holiday used only for the commercial purposes of selling overpriced candy and flowers.

Galentine’s Day, on the other hand, has roots in friendship, which wins over any consumeristic tendencies.

Keep in mind that the spirit of Galentine’s Day does not oppose Valentine’s Day. It is simply a day set aside before the typically romantic holiday so you can celebrate both days with the individuals you care about the most and have as much fun as possible.

Galentine’s Day provides you and your friends with a chance to catch up if you have not seen each other in a while, support those who support you through empowerment and encouragement and enjoy the company of other awesome people.

It also gives women who may not have a special someone for

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Valentine’s Day a chance to have a positive holiday experience nonetheless.

One great idea for Galentine’s Day that would even keep the gift on giving would be making it a point to go out and participate in a random act of kindness for other people.

For example, buy a bouquet of red roses and hand one out to each stranger you see. You never know the kind of day someone is having and this provides a little bit of sunshine to anyone’s day.

Even Valentine’s Day in itself does not absolutely have to be romantic and can also celebrate intimate friendships. The day can be for celebrating any loved ones in your life and does not only have to be exclusively for a romantic partner.

Sometimes the friendships you create with individuals can be more important and last longer than romantic relationship. As seen in Parks and Recreation, friendships are everything and one of the keys to enjoying a happy lifestyle.

Especially if friends move away or their lives take different directions, it is very important to maintain friendships while they are still nearby and available.

Do not take good friends for granted. They are hard to find.

So, in addition to any Valentine’s Day plans you have already made, I encourage you to take some time out of your Feb. 13 to celebrate your friendships with women by getting your closest pals together and having a good time.

The winter holidays are replete with social media posts including family, friends and loved ones.

However, significant others become more heavily featured closer to Valentine’s Day, when engagement season reaches its peak and the cold drives more and more people indoors, where taking kissing selfies is apparently the main source of entertainment.

I understand a few lovey-dovey photos every now and again. I do not need to see a picture of a couple mid-make out on my feed.

It is simply too much information – with a clear implication of what is to follow. For those of you who use any variation of the hashtag “#lover,” please reconsider your choices. I am cringing. We all know what you are going to be up to, so please keep it out of your posts.

Aside from making others uncomfortable and/or annoyed, these overly-lovey posts seem to cheapen relationships. Feeling the need to post photos of your significant other all over your social media accounts crosses a

line at one point from legitimately cute to insecure and childish.

If you do feel the need to post a Valentine’s Day photo please keep it PG. I would like nothing more than to avoid opening up another Snapchat of a couple laying in bed, clearly without shirts on.

Please, please do not send these to people. They are the couple version of sending unasked-for explicit pictures.

By all means, post photos.

Post photos of flowers and your significant other making pancakes. Of chocolates and holding hands and a peck on the

cheek. Keep it cute.

Ask yourself — if I saw this exact same kind of photo a thousand times today, would it gross me out? Would it make me angry? If the answers are “yes,” reevaluate your Instagram.

The same rules go for captions: there is no need to write 20 lines of praise for your partner online.

Tell them in person.

While a few sappy lines are certainly merited on the day of love, be careful of overdoing it.

Enjoy your Valentine’s Day in person, and keep the social media posts to a minimum.

GRAPHIC BY RUSSEL HAUSFELD

Horoscopes for Valentine’s Day Aries: March 21 – April 19 Spending more time with your bae will result in increased feelings of intimacy. Treasure it.

Taurus: April 20 – May 20 Focus on dating and you might be pleasantly surprised at how much fun you have.

Gemini: May 21 – June 20 If you sense your sweetie is going through a rough time, pay attention. Your intuitions are right.

Cancer: June 21 – July 22 Be on the lookout for new romantic opportunities. They could present themselves in unlikely scenarios.

Leo: July 23 – Aug. 22

Single Leos will feel bold in asking their crushes out soon.

Leos in relationships will spice things up in the near future.

Virgo: August 23 – Sept. 22 You’re secure in your romantic relationship. Open communication is key to maintaining this.

Libra: Sept. 23 – Oct. 22 Past relationships may come back into your life. Whether or not it is a good idea to pursue these needs to be left up to your gut feeling.

Scorpio: Oct. 23 – Nov. 21 Don’t give up on online dating.

Your next boo could be one swipe right away.

Sagittarius: Nov. 22 – Dec. 21 Relationship opportunities will present themselves in the near future, but don’t forget to focus on your career first. The rest will fall into place.

Capricorn: Dec. 22 – Jan. 19 Be true to yourself. Your sweetheart will appreciate your openness.

Aquarius: Jan. 20 – Feb. 18 The one you’re looking for is right around the corner, so keep moving forward and stay positive.

Pisces: Feb. 19 – Mar. 20 You are content in your relationships. When problems present themselves, keep a level head.

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VALENTINE’S DAY

FEB. 4, 2016

GALLERY: Couples tell their stories before Valentine’s Day

TAYLOR WESSELKAMPER | CONTRIBUTOR

Jorey Bischof (left) is a neuropsychology student and Carolyn Allen (right) is an industrial design student and volunteer at the LGBTQ center. Carolyn and Jorey met on the DAAP Facebook page and have been together for a year and a half. Every other semester their relationship is long distance due to co-op, but they say they are stronger than ever. Jorey loves to travel to fun and exciting cities every four months to visit Carolyn. Both identify as gender queer and “go with the flow”. Carolyn and Jorey love the height difference and embrace it.

TAYLOR WESSELKAMPER | CONTRIBUTOR

Aaron McAlpine (left) and Jerod Weber (right), both are secondary math education students, board game fanatics, and love to play Wii. Jerod and Aaron have been together for four months with supportive and loving families, after meeting at the GLSEN Youth prom.

TAYLOR WESSELKAMPER | CONTRIBUTOR

Natalie Crockett (left) is a sports administration student and Chloe Stark (right) is majoring in nursing. They met when Natalie was moving a friend into the dorm Chloe used to live. A few months later, Natalie asked Chloe to be her girlfriend with music, homemade alfredo, desserts, wine, and her favorite flowers. In their spare time, Chloe and Natalie are study buddies, watch Netflix, make food, workout and go out with friends.

TAYLOR WESSELKAMPER | CONTRIBUTOR

GRETCHEN MARIE SEMANCIK | CONTRIBUTOR

Ellen Wappner, a fourth-year electronic media student and Roman Gomez dress their best when getting ready for a romantic Valentine’s Day night out. Ellen and Roman have been dating for three years, after they met through mutual friends.

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Tyra Robinson (left) and Aaliyah Boyd-Ivey (right), both communication students, met at Center Court when Tyra called Aaliyah the wrong name thinking she was someone else.

Aaliyah then corrected Tyra with enthusiasm. They have been together for four months. Their first date was at Cloud Nine Sushi, where Tyra taught Aaliyah how to use chopsticks for the first time. Tyra is an active participant of Leadership Scholar and Aaliyah is an active member of Colors of Pride at UC.

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