The News Record 08.28.2013

Page 1

VOL. CXXXIII ISSUE I • FREE-ADDITIONAL COPIES $1

THE NEWS RECORD THE UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI’S INDEPENDENT, STUDENT-RUN NEWS ORGANIZATION / WEDNESDAY, AUG. 28, 2013

BEARCATS AT THE ZOO

OBAMA ANNOUNCES PLAN TO MAKE TUITION AFFORDABLE

COST OF COLLEGE

PAGE 2

ELYSIUM

TOP TEN TEAMS

MOVIE DEPICTS DYSTOPIAN FUTURE

PAGE 4

PAGE 4

PAGE 6

Arts and Sciences dean clarifies bonus to staff In an email to A&S faculty members, Ron Jackson explains $25,000 bonus was one-time deal, declines to accept annual bonus due to A&S deficit. RYAN HOFFMAN NEWS EDITOR

FILE ART

Dean of McMicken College of Arts and Sciences, Ron Jackson, set the record straight on his one-time $25,000 bonus. President of the AAUP UC chapter, Gregory Loving, said he was satisfied with Jackson’s response.

PUBLIC SAFETY ALEXIS O’BRIEN CHIEF REPORTER

McMicken College of Arts and Sciences Dean Ronald Jackson is setting the record straight on his reported bonus. In an email sent to A&S faculty and others at the University of Cincinnati, Jackson said the $25,000 bonus he received was actually a one-time start-up bonus to help him move from his previous job at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. “I am only writing this email as a way of clarifying things so you have the facts,” Jackson wrote. “Many of us know that sometimes the media get it wrong or jettison context for expediency, therefore throwing things into a tailspin. In this case, temporal context would have helped.” The Cincinnati Enquirer initially reported the $25,000 bonus in a story on bonuses for high-level administrators and coaches at UC.

The story sparked criticism from the UC Chapter of American Association of University Professors, who argue other lower-level professors and administrators are not receiving large bonuses at a time when universities are cutting costs. “It just seems the people closest to the students aren’t getting anything like this,” said Gregory Loving, associate professor of philosophy at UC Clermont and president of the AAUP UC chapter. “It’s just sad when the people involved in the nuts and bolts can barely keep up with the cost of living.” Jackson said he understands the concerns about the bonuses and that his one time bonus was only categorized as a bonus because that was the label that made the most sense to the Office of the Provost. “People are generally curious about why university is awarding bonuses to administrators when there’s concern throughout the university about the budget,” Jackson said. He added that he turned down an additional bonus earlier in the summer because he did not feel it was right to accept a bonus when A&S is operating with a deficit. Loving said he was happy with Jackson’s response. SEE DEAN PG 2

Final phase of facelift approved

The search for a new police chief and director of public safety at the University of Cincinnati is underway, after former police chief Michael Cureton resigned in July. Whit Babcock, the university athletics director, heads a search committee that hopes to find a permanent chief who will also serve as public safety director by the end of the calendar year, said Bob Ambach, senior vice president of administration and finance at UC. Assistant Police Chief and interim police chief Jeff Corcoran plans to apply for the permanent position, and Ambach will make the final hire decision. Corcoran applied for the job in 2011, but the search committee chose Cureton for the position. In the meantime, Corcoran will work to implement the new public safety strategic plan — a recently completed collaborative agenda that was created under the direction of President Santa Ono. The plan will be presented in its entirety during an open meeting at University Pavilion 3 p.m. Wednesday.

TICKETS SELL OUT JOSH MILLER SPORTS EDITOR

The University of Cincinnati football team’s season opener against Purdue at Nippert Stadium is officially sold out, announced UC Director of Athletics Whit Babcock. A limited number of student overflow tickets are available online as of Tuesday at 8 a.m. UC’s last sellout occurred on Oct. 6, 2012 when a homecoming crowd of 35,097 filled the stands to watch the Bearcats defeat rival Miami (Ohio) for the Victory Bell. The all-time attendance record of 35,106 was set against Illinois on Nov. 27, 2009, a 49-36 UC win. Any remaining student tickets must be purchased online, as no more tickets will be distributed via the ticket office. Additionally, the game will be broadcast on ESPNU and ESPN3. Saturday marks the first game for new head coach Tommy Tuberville, who took over for Butch Jones after his departure for Tennessee. “I am so excited by the enthusiasm shown by the city of Cincinnati, our alumni and fans. Our students have also really stepped up and their attendance should help push Saturday’s crowd to a record level,” Tuberville said. “I’m looking forward to seeing everyone in the stands well before kickoff for what is going to be one heck of an environment.”

PHIL DIDION PHOTO EDITOR

Two students take a break from classes outside Dyer Hall, which will receive a complete renovation after the Board of Trustees approved Phase Three of the Teachers College renovations Tuesday. Dyer Hall and the Teachers College annex will be altered to reflect the original Teachers College building and a new two story entrance will be built.

The Board of Trustees approves $45 million to renovate Dyer Hall and Teachers College. Construction set to start in summer 2014, expected to take two years to complete. RYAN HOFFMAN NEWS EDITOR

The University of Cincinnati Board of Trustees approved Phase Three of the Dyer Hall Teachers College renovations Tuesday. “It really demonstrates our commitment to students,” said Larry Johnson, dean of the College of Education, Criminal Justice and Human Services. Currently, the compound that is home to CECH consists of three different buildings cobbled together; Dyer Hall, Teachers College and the annex connected to Teachers. The $45 million renovations will involve renovating Dyer Hall and the annex so the buildings are more uniform with the original Teachers College. “It will look very similar as far as the look, interior design and furnishings,” said Barrett Bamberger, project manager in the office of Planning, Design and Construction. While most of the renovations involve cosmetic changes, some of the changes will provide students with new resources, including a new

science lab that will have an outdoor green space for students, Johnson said. “The new building will create an exciting learning space for not just our students, but all students,” Johnson said. The trustees agreed to a plan capping total costs at $45 million. Of the total costs, $42 million will come from bonds that the university will issue sometime in December, $1 million will come from CECH and the remaining $2 million is money left over after Phase Two was completed in the summer of 2008, said Bob Ambach, vice president of administration and finance. The renovations will include 140,000 square feet of space, 130,000 of which is existing space, Bamberger said. The 10,000 additional square feet will include a new two-story entrance and a complete overhaul of the courtyard outside of Teachers College. The renovations will be the third and final phase of a process that started more than 13 years ago. Phase One, completed in 2000, focused on modernizing the fifth floor of Teachers. Phase Two renovated all 60,000 square feet of the original Teachers College Bamberger said he expects to receive final design plans from Champlin Architecture sometime this week. Once they are submitted, Bamberger’s office will review the plans and send their recommendations back to Champlin. Bamberger said he expects to start the bidding process with construction companies in the next two months, and construction will likely start in the summer of 2014.

Officials will have to find temporary space for students who study in the buildings. The amount of available space will determine whether both buildings are renovated at the same time or in phases. Bamberger expects construction to be completed by the start of the 2016 Fall semester.

MADISON SCHMIDT CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Francis Barrett, joined fellow board members in approving Phase Three of renovations for Teachers College Tuesday morning.

Officers simulate active shooting scenarios, train at UC Clermont Officers from four agencies put tactics, communication to the test as first responders to a shooting. BEN GOLDSCHMIDT NEWS EDITOR

BEN GOLDSCHMIDT NEWS EDITOR

An officer clears a room in Snyder Hall at UC Clermont’s Campus Sunday during an active shooter simulation.

Students at the University of Cincinnati Clermont College can study a little easier knowing that the college’s first-responding officers are better trained to handle emergency situations. In particular, officers responsible for responding to UC Clermont trained for an active shooter situation on campus Sunday. “People have asked if this is in response to Sandy Hook — it’s not,” said Ed Bridgeman, program coordinator of Criminal Justice Technology

at UC Clermont. “We evaluate our protocols every year to find out what works and what doesn’t work, so we can make changes.” Bridgeman thought it would be prudent to focus on the active shooter scenario Sunday because this is the first year UC Clermont will be covered by four departments: campus police, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Batavia Police Department and the Clermont County Sheriff’s Office. Squads of officers would ideally enter a building with an active shooter in groups of four, and getting officers used to working with other departments in a simulation reduces the chances of miscommunication in an actual emergency situation. Practice is especially important because officers are trained to quickly stop the shooter from doing any more damage, which means going into

the building as soon as possible, police said. “The philosophy [of stopping an active shooter] changed after Columbine,” Bridgeman said. “We used to secure a perimeter around the building until more officers arrived, but that means the bad guy is still inside killing people.” Officers from all departments worked together in a simulation in Snyder Hall where they had to locate and apprehend an active shooter. Officers used paint bullets to fire at the shooter, if they needed to. Volunteers lined hallways and stairwells to simulate confusion officers may experience while looking for a shooter. Depending on the building, dozens of people may be inside trying frantically to get out. Bridgeman did not want to disclose anything SEE SHOOTER PG 2

Future of Emery Theatre uncertain, judge to decide who has rights to historic venue UC-owned building needs $3 million to meet code regulations, $30 million for complete renovations. ALEXIS O’BRIEN CHIEF REPORTER

The fate of the historic Emery Theatre in Overthe-Rhine remains unknown as the University of Cincinnati — its owner — its sub leasers and its revival organization await a judge’s decision on which group can occupy the theater. “The university is being involved in this because we still own the building,” said Greg

Hand, UC spokesperson. “But our relationship is we’ve leased the entire building to this other group, [The Emery Center Apartment Limited Partnership].” ECALP developed the south side of the building into apartments and then subleased the north half, the theater portion, to the Emery Center Corporation. In 2010, the ECC entered into a binding management contract with The Requiem Project, the site-specific organization that has managed the theater’s revival and programming since. The agreement was not renewed and The Requiem Project was asked to vacate the building by Aug. 3. The organization then decided to sue UC and filed a temporary restraining order

against all three groups. “We asked for the restraining order to keep the creatures of UC from locking us out, because we have a lease,” said Mark Painter, lawyer for The Requiem Project. Though Hamilton County Common Pleas Judge Carl Stich denied the restraining order Aug. 14, he said he didn’t have enough information to rule on The Requiem Project’s right to a long-term lease of the theater, which they claim to need in order to continue progress. The Emery Theatre needs an estimated $3 million to be brought up to code and as much as $30 million for a complete revival, money The Requiem Project said they can’t raise without a lease.

CHIEF.NEWSRECORD@GMAIL.COM / 513.556.5908

The next court appearance is scheduled for Sept. 25, when a trail date will probably be set. “In the mean time, we’re going to ask that UC be removed from the picture all together,” Painter said. The university offered to give the Emery Theatre to the city as long as the university’s interests are preserved, but the proposal hasn’t yet been accepted by the city. “Our goal, the university’s goal, is to see that the Emery Center is preserved,” Hand said. “This other stuff that’s going on is just getting in the way, but the university has no direct involvement in it.”


2 / NEWS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28, 2013 / NEWSRECORD.ORG

RECORDS BREAK BEN GOLDSCHMIDT NEWS EDITOR

Plan aims to cut cost of college

The University of Cincinnati will likely break records as enrollment climbs 2 percent to 42,800 students. The Office of Enrollment announced the total number of students enrolled jumped by 830 students, and the total number of students living in Uptown jumped 3.4 percent up to 1,143. The second-highest enrollment was 42,421 students in 2011. The freshman class in particular is setting records. Freshman enrollment alone climbed 6.6 percent from 2012, and is expected to number 6,450. About 17.3 percent of the class consists of students of color, and 30 percent are first-generation college students.

NEW HIRES AT UC BEN GOLDSCHMIDT NEWS EDITOR

University of Cincinnati President Santa Ono welcomes seven new faces to the university. Beverly Davenport, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost. Rod Grabowski, President, UC Foundation and Vice President for Development and Alumni Affairs. Debra Merchant, Vice President for Student Affairs. William Ball, Vice President for Research. Kenya Faulkner, Special Assistant to the President. Neil MacKinnon, Dean of the James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy. David Linger, CEO of the UC Research Institute. This brings UC closer to its goal of finding permanent deans for all of its colleges, but there are still two colleges with interim deans: UC Graduate School and The College of Engineering and Applied Science.

FILE ART

President Barack Obama announced his plan to reduce the cost of college Friday. At the University of Cincinnati, officials froze undergraduate tuition for the 2013-14 year.

President Obama calls for affordable education, University of Cincinnati already working to reduce costs. ALEXIS O’BRIEN CHIEF REPORTER

As President Barack Obama travels the country to pitch his college affordability plan, the University of Cincinnati continues working to keep tuition costs down for students. “Costs for the university went up this year, but state support did not go up to match the increased cost,” said Greg Hand, UC spokesperson. “There was a significant budget cut this year and last year to get the university to the point where we did not have to pass those costs onto the students.” On Thursday, Obama outlined his plan that will

tie financial aid to college performance, promote competition among institutions and ensure that student borrowers can afford their federal loans. His plan calls for the creation of a best-collegevalue ratings system to be published before the 2015-16 academic year, and to allow all federal loan borrowers to cap their payments at 10 percent of their monthly income. These potential changes come at a time when college costs and tuition continue to increase at universities across the country. State funding continues to decline, and students are left to pick up the cost. Tuition accounted for approximately 25 percent of college revenues 25 years ago, and now it accounts for approximately 47 percent of college revenues, according to the White House Press Office. Michael Jones, the director of research at the UC Economics Center, said college debt has now exceeded revolving credit card debt by approximately $1 trillion.

“The problem with college debt is that you can’t just discharge it as bankruptcy,” Jones said. For these reasons, UC has created a committee that reviews all university business transactions to ensure money is spent as efficiently as possible. The university is also participating in bulk insurance and software buys with other Ohio colleges. “That way, the software producers can say ‘I’m going to get my profit by volume here, so I don’t have to charge as much,” Hand said. Additionally, no unrepresented employees — management and technical staff who aren’t members of a union — received a raise this year. In June, the UC Board of Trustees decided not to raise tuition, keeping a full-year of in-state tuition at $10,784. “I’m proud that [UC] as an institution has made dramatic steps to keep the costs of our education in check,” said UC President Santa Ono in June.

Kerry: Syrian use of chemical weapons undeniable MCCLATCHEY NEWSPAPERS

WASHINGTON — A United Nations team began inspecting the site of a possible chemical weapons attack near Damascus on Monday as the United States used its strongest language yet to condemn the Syria government for purportedly using nerve gas to kill hundreds of people in an escalating and bloody civil war. Secretary of State John Kerry described Syria’s use of chemical weapons as “undeniable,”“inexcusable” and “a moral obscenity” that “should shock the conscience of the world.” But Kerry — the most senior U.S. official to speak publicly about the issue in recent days — stopped short of detailing the administration’s response to a conflict that already has killed more than 100,000 people, saying only that talks with allies were continuing as President Barack Obama looks to make “an informed decision.” Kerry did not allude to a possible military strike, as other Obama administration officials have done, and contributed to an atmosphere of expectation where the question appears no longer to be if an attack on Syria will occur, but when. Kerry’s brief remarks came after three U.S. allies — Britain, France and Turkey — indicated that they would support military action against Syria by the U.S. even without a U.N. mandate. The British navy is reportedly moving into position to assist the U.S. Navy in any strike on Syria. The Telegraph of London reported that the British navy was drawing up a list of cruise missile targets. Russia — which has prevented the U.N. Security Council from taking strong action against Syria — immediately criticized the United States,

saying any attack against Syrian President Bashar Assad would lead to more chaos in the region and be reminiscent of President George W. Bush’s invasion of Iraq a decade ago. “Obama is moving unstoppably toward war in Syria, just like Bush moved toward war in Iraq,” Alexei Pushkov, head of the Russian Parliament’s international affairs committee, said in a written statement. “Like in Iraq, this war will not be legitimate, and Obama will become a clone of Bush.” In Syria, U.N. weapons inspectors dodged sniper fire Monday as they tried to visit a neighborhood in suburban Damascus after receiving permission by Assad’s government to investigate rebel claims that a regime-led chemical attack Wednesday killed more than 1,000 people. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, generally considered the most authoritative chronicler of casualties in the wartorn country, and Doctors Without Borders said at least 300 people had died in the attacks. Assad has repeatedly denied responsibility for the attack, which he blames on terrorist groups attempting to draw the West into the war. “The area is contiguous with Syrian army positions, so how is it possible that any country would use chemical weapons — or any weapons of mass destruction — in an area where its own forces are located?” Assad said to the daily Russian newspaper Izvestia. Despite both sides offering inspectors safe passage, U.N. officials said they were forced to retreat and replace a vehicle after unknown gunmen opened fire. The inspectors returned, however, and visited at least one of the scenes, gathering soil samples and interviewing rebels and residents.

Rebel spokesmen said the U.N. convoy was attacked by paramilitary regime loyalists intent on intimidating inspectors. “They were fired on in the no-man’s land just as they passed the last regime checkpoint outside Moadamiyeh,” said Abu Musab, an activist sympathetic to the rebels. “The (rebel) leadership had ordered a cease-fire today to allow them access.” The Syrian government immediately blamed the incident — in which no one was hurt — on “armed terrorist groups” that broke the cease-fire as Syrian government guides were attempting to help the inspectors get to the sites. Obama has long been reluctant to intervene in Syria, considered to have the largest chemical weapons stockpile in the Middle East, despite describing the use of such weapons as a “red line” that would draw American involvement. The fallout from such action could include retaliation by Iran, Russia and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah — Assad’s three chief foreign patrons — and U.S. entanglement in a new Middle East conflict after years of fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. However, many foreign policy analysts argue that Obama has a moral imperative to step in now, though he faces the tricky task of devising a meaningful punishment for Assad without pulling the U.S. deeper into a long-term war that is already spilling into neighboring countries. Asked about Americans being held in Syria even as the administration considers military action, White House spokesman Jay Carney said it is “obviously aware” of Americans held by the Assad regime but declined to comment on how the issue would play into its deliberations. A year ago this month, American journalist Austin Tice, who wrote for McClatchy, was detained while

covering the civil war in Syria. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel indicated Monday that the United States would be unlikely to take unilateral military action in Syria. “If there is any action taken, it will be concert with the international community and within the framework of a legal justification,” Hagel said. But British Foreign Secretary William Hague said that Western nations could intervene even without U.N. backing. “Otherwise it might be impossible to respond to such outrages, such crimes, and I don’t think that’s an acceptable situation,” he said in a BBC interview. “We cannot, in the 21st century, allow the idea that chemical weapons can be used with impunity, that people can be killed in this way, and there are no consequences for it.” Obama faced increasing pressure in Washington to declare his intentions. Republicans Sens. John McCain of Arizona and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina called on the White House to take decisive action to end the war and Assad’s rule. But House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, who spoke to White House officials Monday afternoon, believes that before any action is taken there must be “meaningful consultation with members of Congress,” said his spokesman, Brendan Buck. Carney declined to say whether Obama would act without congressional or U.N. authorization, but he said the president is likely to make the case for whatever he decides. “He has not made that decision and when he does,” Carney said, “I’m sure you will hear from him.”

UC College of Nursing now requires iPads, students pay bill Assistant dean says lower cost of eBooks, free nursing software will offset initial cost of hardware MONROE TROMBLY CONTRIBUTOR

PHIL DIDION PHOTO EDITOR

UC nursing students learn how to use applications and programs specific to the required iPads for the program.

ONLINE FEATURES TOP TEN COOL PLACES TO STUDY: FOLLOW CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER MADISON SCHMIDT AROUND CAMPUS TO DISCOVER PLACES TO STUDY THAT YOU MIGHT NOT HAVE HEARD OF. STUDYING IS GOING TO HAPPEN, MIGHT AS WELL DO IT IN STYLE.

FROM DEAN PG 1

“I’m willing to take him at his word,” Loving said. “It’s nice to hear people in the upper administration addressing this.” Jackson would not say whether or not he would turn down a bonus in the future, only that he was working hard to increase revenue in A&S. “I just want to make sure we stay the course and accomplish our goals,” Jackson said. “We have so much work to do.”

As sophomores at the University of Cincinnati College of Nursing return to their classrooms, they will have a new requirement — an iPad mini. These nursing students will be the first class to use an iPad rather than textbooks at UC. “Our integration of the iPad represents a shift — a real opportunity to not just impact education, but to transform the way we learn, interact and collaborate,” said Chris Edwards, assistant dean for information technology and communications and director of the Center for Academic Technology and Education Resources at the College of Nursing. As new technology is incorporated into the classroom, the iPad mini will enhance the collaboration between students and will give students the option to take notes on their devices and have readily available electronic textbooks, Edwards said. “Nursing in particular is a discipline that’s

FROM SHOOTER PG 1

further about the tactics officers used to locate and apprehend a shooter. However, if civilians find themselves in an active shooter situation they should follow three steps: run, hide and fight, said UC Police Officer Richard Haas. “If you can’t run, hide. If you can’t hide, then fight,” Haas said. “Obviously, fighting would be the worst case scenario, but at the end of the day it’s either going to be you or him going home. Who do you want it to be?”

GET INVOLVED ON CAMPUS WRITE FOR THE NEWS RECORD CHIEF.NEWSRECORD@GMAIL.COM / 513.556.5908

changing — healthcare in general is changing very rapidly — it’s very tech-oriented,” Edwards said. “We feel there’s also this general thing going on of raising confidence levels of our nurses from a technological standpoint, so that when they leave [UC] they will be at a competitive advantage by being comfortable with and being able to apply tablet technology.” Even though the iPad mini is required, it’s really more about getting students acclimated to using tablet technology in general for professional purposes, Edwards said. Students will have to pay about $530 for an iPad mini, and will have to purchase eBooks for their tablets. Since students who have iPads will not have to print, those costs are being allocated to provide nursing-specific programs and apps, according to a statement. Edwards said the low cost of eBooks will help offset the cost of having to pay for an iPad mini upfront for students. In addition, an iPad mini will give students access to digital resources like iCloud, iTunes, iBooks and Apple TV, among others. “Five years ago, the iPad didn’t even exist,” Edwards said. “Five years from now, it’s probably not going to be the iPad. It’s not really about the iPad, but it’s the tool of today and it’s really more about changing the way we think about education — in what role technology can play.”

VIDEO FEATURES MISS WELCOME WEEK? CHECK OUT VIDEOGRAPHER KEITH BOWER’S WELCOME WEEKEND RECAP VIDEO, FEATURING FRANCE VS. FRANCE, TASTE OF UPTOWN, MOVE-IN DAY AND CHEER CINCINNATI. STAY TUNED FOR MORE VIDEOS.


3 / ADVERTISEMENTS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28, 2013 / NEWSRECORD.COM

The Which Wich Superior Sandwiches advertisement (to the left) that ran in the 8/26/13 edition of The News Record is void.

Chase is near campus. And at your fingertips. It’s easy to bank with Chase with a branch and ATM located near campus, and access to over 5,600 Chase branches and 19,500 ATMs nationwide. There are helpful online and mobile banking tools1 with Chase College CheckingSM and it has no Monthly Service Fee while you’re in school (up to five years)2. Visit chase.com to learn more.

@ the Loop U Square at University of Cincinnati 219 Calhoun St. 513.826.3430 1. There is no charge from Chase but message and data rates may apply. Such charges include those from your communications service provider. 2. Service Fee: There is no Monthly Service Fee from the time of account opening until after the student’s expected graduation date (up to five years). College student must be 17–24 years old to open a Chase College Checking account and must provide a valid student ID or proof of enrollment/acceptance, college name, and expected graduation date at account opening. We will notify you of changes to your account terms or fees. For more information, please see a banker or visit chase.com/checking. © 2013 JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC

R1692_4.917x10.75_4C.indd 1

8/7/2013 1:05:45 PM


4 / LIFE & ARTS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28, 2013 / NEWSRECORD.ORG

UC at the Zoo offers discounts, exclusives

PHIL DIDION PHOTO EDITOR

The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden is open to the UC community for special activities throughout the evening, including face painting, temporary tattoos, photo booths, animal encounters and more.

Special evening open to students, staff, faculty, alumni and friends EMILY BEGLEY COLLEGE LIFE EDITOR

The University of Cincinnati community will have the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden to itself during an exclusive event complete with discounts, free transportation and wild activities. “This event was created in an attempt to provide a safe and fun evening of entertainment to the UC community, including friends of UC, faculty, staff, students and alumni,” said Allison Luntz, project manager for the exclusive event, UC at the Zoo. From 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sept. 7, the entire

Cincinnati Zoo is open just for students, staff, faculty, alumni and friends of UC. Sponsored by the university and UC Health, UC at the Zoo had more than 5,400 participants in 2012. Members of the UC community can purchase a ticket to the event for $7; parking and transportation to the zoo from campus are included in the price. “Tickets to the zoo are normally $15 and parking is normally $8,” Luntz said. “So it is a huge savings.” Visitors will also receive 25 percent discounts at zoo shops and concessions. Special activities throughout the evening include face painting, temporary tattoos, photo booths and animal encounters during which visitors can meet, touch and learn more about animals.

“It’s fun for everyone,” said Alana Frew, a student representative working with Luntz to coordinate the event. “It’s cool to see all of these different people from the UC community have a good time. I personally think it’s fun to go to a zoo at night too because animals behave differently at other parts of the day.” Attendees can also check out the zoo’s brandnew African Exhibit that opened in June. The exhibit — home to lions, cheetahs, giraffes, fishing cats and more — will feature two Cheetah Encounters during UC at the Zoo, allowing guests to experience the African predators up close as they run at top speeds. Four bands will perform during the event; Hipfish, Josh Eagle, the Possum Bottom Minstrels and We Are Snapdragon will take the stage at the zoo’s amphitheater. The UC pep band will also be

CRC has much more than work outs Late Night at the Rec features games, classes and more

and dumped water in the opposing team’s boat to try and make it sink. The game — previously played sparingly at CRC for leisure — has now

“It was overwhelmingly huge and super impressive.”

SARAH MULLINS CONTRIBUTOR

University of Cincinnati students waged wars in the water and worked up a sweat at the Campus Recreation Center as a part of a new event that introduced newcomers to the renowned fitness facility. CRC welcomed incoming freshmen Saturday and explained what the center has to offer beyond the fitness floor during Late Night at the Rec. CRC employees were ready to show students the center’s best–kept secrets. Beza Worku, a fourth-year neuropsychology student, has worked the event for three years and says it allows students to interact and meet people while enjoying events like rock climbing or just working out. As the heart of campus, CRC has won many awards for its aesthetic appeal and has captured the awe of Meredith Meyer, a first-year speech and language pathology student, who waited patiently for a game of battleship. To play battleship, students floated in canoes

MALLORY MASONI

been added to its long list of intramural sports. A new intramural sport called Kin Ball attracted students to the basketball courts. Players of Kin Ball pass along a giant ball to keep it from hitting the floor as they move from each end of the court. The lazy river, lap pool and hot tub were popular attractions for many of the freshmen visiting CRC for the first time. “I went to the pool with my friends,” said Alyson Clark, a first-year double bass performance student. “We were in the leisure pool [and] played in the bubble pit.” Mallory Masoni, a first-year pre-pharmacy

student, enjoyed the hot tub during her first trip to the center. “It was overwhelmingly huge and super impressive,” Masoni said. Yoga and other group fitness classes have been popular over the years at CRC. Attendance increased so much, that the fitness center added multiple new classes starting as early as 7 a.m. and as late as 8 p.m. All classes are free for students and fitness instructors offered introductions to the classes. Dante Donaldson gave a glimpse into his Tabata class, which involves high-intensity circuit training that burns calories for 36 hours post-workout. “It’s so nice that it kind of just makes me want to come back,” said Erin Patterson, a first-year cello performance student. “I actually want to work out here, just because all of the nice equipment is provided.” Mechanical engineering student Nate Hunt was impressed by the CRC’s variety of machines and the size of the weight area. “It’s one of the nicest, and actually the biggest facility that I’ve ever been in,” Hunt said. “[The event has] exposed us to a lot on campus. You don’t actually realize how much goes on a college campus until you experience it.”

Prophetic sci-fi director overextends metaphor AUSTIN BAURICHTER CONTRIBUTOR

Imagine a world driven by fear. Entropy. Disease. Overstimulation. Los Angeles in 2154 CE is a slum. Clinics are crowded with the sullen faces of the desperate. The streets operate like a cartel. Robotic policemen enforce what’s left of the law, programmed to break arms first and ask questions later. Meanwhile, hanging jewel-like in the sky always visible, always out of reach is Elysium. Today’s biggest fears are all accounted for: unruly immigration, collapse of infrastructure, reemergence of chaos and — suffusing everything — the base fear of losing one’s health. Neill Blomkamp’s “Elysium” does well in delivering these fears without (too often) overtly

naming them. Matt Damon plays Max, who can’t quite detach himself from his past as a mouthy car thief. The movie’s chief antagonist is a morally convoluted character named Delacourt (Jodie Foster) who also happens to be the secretary of defense on Elysium. Why would a paradise need a weapon system? The answer is because people run the paradise. People who need to protect Elysium from refugee ships full of unauthorized personnel Despite a forceful setup, “Elysium” descends into a formulaic plot: Max and company versus Delacourt and company (with an innocuous twist) over the codes to Elysium’s mainframe, which incidentally get stuck in Max’s brain. It’s a flee-the-authorities-and-hack-the-computer-

before-time-runs-out sort of affair. “Elysium” would be fine if it posed as nothing more than a run-of-the-mill action movie. What is irksome is that the components of the movie, which are so clearly a hyperbole of the current state of American affairs, have no upshot. The film feigns didacticism and leaves the viewer wanting. It effectively creates the gulf between Earth and Elysium. But that all falls away as tired plot contrivances take over. The movie offers a very deus ex machina, cinematic solution to a very real problem. Again, this would be adequate if the film was not trying so hard at a prophetic voice, but it is. It seems that the real Elysian Fields — where life is easiest for men — for now remains a secret that died with the Greeks.

in attendance, winding their way through the zoo parade style. Students, faculty, staff and alumni can purchase tickets online at tickets.cincinnatizoo.org; enter “UC” when prompted for a store name and select “Special Events.”Tickets can also be purchased on campus at the Tangeman University Center Information Center. As students and staff adjust to another new year on campus, UC at the Zoo brings the UC community together to start the year off in a fun and positive fashion. “My favorite thing about UC at the Zoo is seeing all of the families and friends from the UC community coming together for a fun, safe event to enjoy one another and being Bearcats,” Luntz said. “It’s the best event to kick off the start to another great year at UC.”

ZIPCAR JORDAN ITTEL CONTRIBUTOR

The car-sharing company Zipcar is offering University of Cincinnati students 18 and older a fresh take on car rental services, giving members access to cars on campus with gas and insurance included in membership and hourly reservation costs. This helps students save money by eliminating the costs that come with having a car on campus, allowing them to use the extra money for numerous other activities. “As more services and entertainment locate within walking distance of campus, students will find they take fewer trips in their cars,” said Claire Sweigart, sustainability coordinator at UC. The Zipcar service was first introduced to UC in fall of 2011 when Student Government approached Mary Beth McGrew, university architect and associate vice president of Planning, Design and Construction, with the idea. “She was very supportive of the idea,” Sweigart said. “Students wanted Zipcar because it makes getting around much more convenient for those without cars of their own, and the university also appreciates that it can help reduce our carbon footprint by providing students an alternative to bringing their own car to campus.” Zipcars are located at a number of different locations around campus. Once a student signs up, he or she receives a keycard that will unlock the Zipcars by waving it in front of the windshield. When the user is finished with the car, he or she simply returns it to the location where it was picked up. Members 21 and older have access to Zipcars all over the world. Get on the road by checking out zipcar.com/uc for more information and Zipcar locations near campus.

Arrested Development: There are always more episodes in Bluth’s banana stand Netflix provides opportunity for award-winning series to unmake huge mistake.

timelines where the same scene is shown from the various perspectives of different characters. Though occasionally tasking in its incoherence,

“It has its follies, and it takes adjustment, but season four gives fans what they need after wanting it for so long.”

MATTHEW ADAMS CONTRIBUTOR

Be it a childhood best friend or a favorite sitcom, nothing is going to seem the same after seven years and Mitchell Hurwitz’s beloved cult comedy is no exception. After “Arrested Development’s” cancellation in 2006 and the agonizing tease of a theatrical release, it returned this summer as part of Netflix’s venture into original programming. True to the online streaming company’s established model, the entire season of “Arrested Development” was released together. This allowed the long-awaiting fans to binge on all 15 episodes in a single sitting. Along with the much extended running time of the episodes (the longest running at 36 minutes, as opposed to the previous 22) new possibilities opened up for the series’ always-ambitious writing staff. The season remained a puzzle of interlocking

“Arrested Development” proves to be a rewarding experience if given the patience its devoted fans

are sure to oblige. Season four does require adjustments, the biggest of which is made known right at the start. Michael Bluth — “the one son who had no choice but to keep them all together” — had always served as the moral center of the series. It’s his struggle that provided the show’s sparse yet essential sentimentality. Season four is quick to take that away from viewers. The first episode finds Michael at his lowest and most desperate. The feeling is uncomfortable, and with the signature single-camera aesthetic traded in for more refined look the show can feel foreign. Yet given time, the season finds its bearings and develops a narrative with comedic density that pushes even further than the show’s lauded previous seasons. The references, foreshadowing’s and subtleties are immeasurably constant in a way that begs for a second viewing. As for the show’s great cast, the family’s all here. Hilarious scenes can still be found between the reunited relatives, such as Gob (played by Will Arnett at his absolute best) using his nephew George Michael (played by the awkwardlyaged Michael Cera) to appear gay in order to sabotage his magician nemesis.

Kara Driscoll | Editor-in-Chief

Keith Bowers | Multimedia Editor

Katie Griffith | Managing Editor

Becky Butts | Digital Editor

Ryan Hoffman | News Editor

Madison Schmidt | Chief Photographer

Ben Goldschmidt | News Editor

Alexis O’Brien | Chief Reporter

and is distributed to the UC community. The

Phil Didion | Photo Editor

Kate Davis | Lead Designer

News Record distributes to more than 80 loca-

Josh Miller | Sports Editor

Heather Obringer | Designer

One copy per person is free. Additional copies

Emily Begley | College Life Editor

Amy Rogers | Business Manager

can be picked up at The News Record.

Jake Grieco | Arts Editor

The News Record, an independent, student-run news organization of the University of Cincinnati’s Communication Board, is printed during the school year every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, except holidays and examination periods, from its office located in 509 Swift Hall

509 and 610 Swift Hall University of Cincinnati 45221-0185

Phone 558-5900 Fax 556-5922

Gob’s ignorance and unabashed self-interest plays perfectly against his nephew, who is only worried about his relationship with his father. Through scenes such as this, and the decline of Michael’s morality, season four postulates George Michael as the series’ new struggling hero. The series’ poignancy has always relied on Michael’s preservation of his son, but season four expands its scope, as George Michael is now alone in combating the egotism that plagued the Bluth generations before him. Yes, the show has changed. There was no chance that it wouldn’t. With a new format and virtually no restrictions, there is no reason for more of the same. Hurwitz thankfully understands. He instead reaches to push the already original work to something greater and more intricate. The series seems aware of this as it forces motifs of faux metaphors and supposed enlightenment onto the oblivious narcissists of the Bluth family, but “Arrested Development” has never been as aimless as its characters. It has its follies, and it takes adjustment, but season four gives fans what they need after wanting it for so long.

tions and has a weekly circulation of 22,500.

CHIEF.NEWSRECORD@GMAIL.COM / 513.556.5908


5 / ARTS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28, 2013 / NEWSRECORD.ORG

Sorrow lives in Mayer’s ‘Paradise Valley’ Pop-rock sensation displays country and blues influences on latest album. MICHELLE BRANDSTETTER CONTRIBUTOR

John Mayer’s new album “Paradise Valley” reflects on love, life and roads not taken. The sixth studio album from the pop rocker is a far cry from the sound he came into scene playing. “Paradise Valley” is strongly influenced by country and blues. These influences frame Mayer’s songwriting and vocals well and the album does an excellent job of spotlighting Mayer’s guitar skills. The album tells a story of a man nostalgic for both the past and the not-yet-achieved future. But an introspective song like “Dear Marie,” which speaks to a childhood love, creates an intriguing contrast when placed next to the summer-fling love song, “Wildfire.” Mayer is wistful for the future he may have achieved if he had made different choices. This motif comes up frequently throughout the album in songs such as “I Will Be Found (Lost At Sea)” and

“Badge and Gun.” Mayer goes so far as to blatantly express regret in the song “You’re No One ‘Til Someone Lets You Down,” which focuses on how Mayer has let himself down throughout the years. “Paradise Valley’s” wistfulness correlates well with its countrywestern musical style. Mayer’s guitar skills shine through on tracks like “On The Way Home” and his distinctly bluesy voice brings sincerity to lyrics that could have otherwise been overexaggeratedly sentimental. But the guest artists on the album are hit and miss. Frank Ocean contributes a reprise of the album’s opening track “Wildfire” and is out of place. Undeniably it is well done and in a different context it would be great. Its highly produced and vaguely ambient sound is incongruous with the otherwise downto-earth album. Katy Perry shines on the track “Who You Love.”At the beginning Perry’s solo is over-produced, but her vocals are strong enough that the initial overproduction is easy to forgive. The album pines for answers to questions that are universal to being human. Have the right choices been made? How would life have turned with different decisions? “Paradise Valley” doesn’t offer a definite answer, but Mayer has found a way to bring beauty to self-deprecating wonder. PROVIDED

Swap it Out! welcomes transfer students to campus Welcome Weekend event is the first of its kind EMILY BEGLEY COLLEGE LIFE EDITOR

MADISON SCHMIDT CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER Kabrina Moton, an third-year biology student, leaves behind a shirt from her previous school, Central State, and picks up UC apparel Friday.

Nearly 100 transfer students attended a brand–new Welcome Weekend event at the University of Cincinnati Aug. 23, one that was geared specifically toward students who previously attended another college. Students brought apparel from their old schools to the event, Swap it Out! and exchanged them for a UC t-shirt. Complete with music and food, the event was also an opportunity to meet and socialize with other transfer students. All shirts turned in were donated to the Freestore Foodbank in Over-the-Rhine. “We felt transfer students needed an event to welcome them,” said Renee Rivers, senior academic adviser. “We wanted them to be able to find out about UC and meet other transfer students.” Rivers created and implemented Swap it Out!. She was intrigued by the prospect of bringing students who have similar experiences

together and informing them about UC. “The Office of Admission’s events are more geared toward new students,” said Jennifer Balog, a fifth-year middle childhood education student and transfer ambassador. “It’s a great way to connect with transfer students instead of just students who are new to the college experience.” Swap it Out! came to fruition through the efforts of Rivers and the Transfer and Lifelong Learning Center, which sponsored the event. “Being from out of state and a transfer student, I feel really comfortable and welcome at UC. I don’t feel left out at all,” said Alyssa Kulinski, a first-year fine arts student. Encouraged by the event’s success, Rivers plans on continuing to hold Swap it Out! during Welcome Weekend in the future. “It’s great there is an event just for transfer students because they don’t get to have the freshmen experience,” said Evan Dearwester, a third-year sport administration and health education student and transfer ambassador. “I think it’s nice they get to socialize with other transfer students.”

President Ono eats hottest macaroni and cheese in America Keystone Bar and Grill raises money for UC marching band ALEXIS O’BRIEN CHIEF REPORTER

Students joined University of Cincinnati President Santa Ono for dinner at Keystone Bar and Grill Friday and ordered a dish crafted by Ono to raise money for UC’s marching band. The “#HottestCollegeInAmerica” macaroni and cheese, made with smoked gouda and gruyere cheeses, bell peppers, bacon and chives, was popular among diners Friday. Nearly 500 people showed up to taste a variety of crafty, cheesy dishes on the menu. Keystone donated 50 percent of its profits made from the hashtagged macaroni and cheese to UC’s marching band. Though the fundraiser is over, Keystone will continue serving the “#Hot-

TRY THE MAC Keystone Bar and Grill is located at 249Calhoun Street in U-Square @ the Loop

testCollegeInAmerica” macaroni and cheese. It isn’t on the menu but is available upon request. “I want to support all the businesses who are moving into this region, and obviously Keystone is a wonderful restaurant and a huge success,” said Ono. Ono sat among four UC students who won a seat at his table after competing in a Keystone social media contest. Contestants were asked to write and post paragraph on Facebook that explained why UC is the hottest college in America. They were selected as winners based on the number of likes their responses received. Contest winner and graduate student Shaylk Dutta wrote of the university’s diversity, faculty, and rich resources. He said he was pleased with U-Square and how “the developments on campus have rejuvenated the area.” UC students Madeline Mason, John Duncan and Jonathan Coleman also won a seat next to the president. Ono wants to promote all the businesses moving into Clifton because of the fiscal responsibility the university and the city holds. “[UC] has a significant stake in the success of U-Square,” said Ono. “I hope that all the students, faculty and staff will come out and support these businesses.” For the full story and more news about college life, visit newsrecord.org.

PHIL DIDION PHOTO EDITOR

President Ono joins students at Keystone Bar and Grill in U-Square and eats his own recipe of #hottestcollegeinamerica Mac N’ Cheese on Aug. 22.

WANT TO ADVERTISE IN THE NEWS RECORD? Contact newsrecordbiz@gmail.com


6 / SPORTS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28, 2013 / NEWSRECORD.ORG

TNR’s 2013 AAC football predictions 6. The University of Houston Cougars 2012: 5-7 MIP: Charles Sims, RB Sims rushed for more than 1,200 yards last season in only eight games, a fact that proves his explosive running abilities. In addition to Sims, Houston returns with 10 starters on offense, including quarterback David Piland. The Cougars have always been known for their explosive offenses and ability to put up video game-like numbers. However, the cougars have always had a problem stopping other teams from doing the same. That trend should continue in the 2013 season, as the Cougars were 110 in the nation in 2012 and allowed 36 points per game. 2013 prediction: 7-5, 4-4 7. The Southern Methodist University Mustangs 2012: 7-6 MIP: Garrett Gilbert, QB Although Gilbert leads the Mustangs’ talented offense, he has been anything but consistent throughout the course of his career. He started at the University of Texas as a highly touted recruit, became a turnover machine in a national championship game, got benched a season after starting and finally transferred. While Gilbert should bring more of his talent together in the upcoming season, the Mustangs did him no favors by scheduling Texas Tech, Texas A&M and Texas Christian University all within the first four weeks of the season. 2013 Prediction: 4-8, 3-5

FILE ART

UC linebacker Greg Blair celebrates a tackle during UC’s last-second victory over Virginia Tech last season. With 138 tackles in 2012, Blair is the leads all returning AAC players in 2013.

(Continued from Monday) The News Record breaks down how the inaugural American Athletic Conference football season will shake out NICK BOEING STAFF REPORTER

1. The University of Cincinnati Bearcats UC head coach Tommy Tuberville on the American Athletic Conference’s chances of national success: “If we get help from the media and from television, then we will be sold like the rest of the conferences. And, again, I’ve been to the top. And I’ve seen it happen. But I think the people in this country are going to be surprised by this league and how it does, how it affects the other conferences, because you need more than 10 or 15 schools. And that’s pretty much what runs college football right now. It’s not conferences, it’s schools.” Check out For The Record’s Welcome Back issue or newsrecord.org for 2013 predictions and to see why UC got the top spot. 2. The University of Louisville Cardinals 2012: 11-2, Orange Bowl champions Most Important Player: Teddy Bridgewater, QB

Any team in the nation led by Bridgewater has a chance at a winning record. Luckily for Louisville, the team is loaded with weapons. Running backs Senorise Perry and Dominique Brown, who missed 2012 due to injury, will be active in the 2013 season. In addition, Louisville picked up Michael Dyer, who led Auburn to the 2011 BCS National Championship. While 2012 proved to be a ground-breaking year for Louisville, the national hype and attention may lead to a loss at the hands of the Bearcats, who will be hungry to avenge 2012’s second-half meltdown in Louisville. 2013 prediction: 11-1, 7-1 3. The Rutgers University Scarlet Knights 2012: 9-4 MIP: Gary Coleman, WR This is the year that 6-foot-6-inch Coleman becomes a household name and turns in to a gigantic blip on every NFL team’s radar. These predictions are based on his 718-yard, 10-touchdown 2012 season. Junior quarterback Gary Nova figures to be a top-5 QB in the conference and should develop a good rapport with Coleman, making the two a red-zone nightmare for opposing secondaries. 2013 prediction: 8-4, 6-2 4. The University of Central Florida Knights 2012: 10-4 MIP: Blake Bortles, QB

The Knights return with nine starters on offense, including Bortles, who completed 63 percent of his passes in 2012 for 3,059 yards, 25 touchdowns and only seven interceptions. Those feats were accomplished in Conference USA, but now the Knights must adjust to being in a BCS conference and dealing with Louisville, UConn and Rutgers. Non-conference games against powerhouses Penn State and South Carolina don’t bode well for a team trying to prove its worth in a bigger, better conference. The Knights will beat the University of Connecticut at home, but drop a game to a team like Temple University or Southern Methodist University on the road. 2013 Prediction: 8-4, 5-3 5. The University of Connecticut Huskies 2012: 5-7, 2-5 MIP: Lyle McCombs, RB McCombs was a 2011 Freshman All-American player and was still able to run more than 800 yards in 2012, despite running behind an offensive line riddled with holes. On the defensive side of the ball, the Huskies return linebacker Yawin Smallwood who is considered, along with UC’s Greg Blair, one of the top defenders in the conference. UConn’s questions lie at the quarterback position where Chandler Whitmer is expected to become the team’s full-time starter; something the Huskies need. 2013 prediction: 7-5, 4-4

8. The University of South Florida Bulls 2012: 3-9 MIP: Aaron Lynch, DE With Lynch on the defensive line, the Bulls should be playing much closer to the quarterback. When the rest of the conference figures that out, Lynch will more than likely see double — maybe triple — teams against him. That is when USF’s season will start to deteriorate. They return with starters on both sides of the ball, but the rest of the talent in the conference is too much for the Bulls to match up against. 2013 prediction: 3-9, 1-7 9. The Temple University Owls 2012: 4-7 MIP: Chris Coyer, QB Coyer threw 964 yards and 8 touchdowns in the 2012 season in only 164 pass attempts. Playing an entire season and presumably attempting more passes should allow Coyer to be a solid AAC quarterback. Unfortunately, the offensive line and skill positions are all inexperienced and questionable. The only thing separating the Owls from the University of Memphis is defense, which will be starting eight upperclassmen and has six returning starters. 2013 Prediction: 3-9, 1-7 10. The University of Memphis Tigers 2012: 4-8 MIP: Jacob Karam, QB Karam was one of the few promising players on the 2012 team, completing 64 percent of his passes. The win total from 2012 for the Tigers means nothing this year, as all four wins were against teams Memphis will not be playing this year and probably never will again. Luckily, the Tigers scheduled soft and play Middle Tennessee and Arkansas State early in the season. Outside of that, 2013 looks bleak for the Tigers. 2013 prediction: 2-10, 0-8

Your service. Your way.

79

$

99 per month for 1 year

30Mbps Internet and TV with and

• Pay as you go—no long-term contracts • 24/7 service • Grab & Go self-install kits

Visit twc.com/schoolsavings to sign up.

You IN? /twc

@twc

/twc

Lease of a modem or purchase of an approved modem required for Internet service. Currently approved modems can be found at www.twc.com/approveddevices. Offer expires 9/30/13 and is available to new residential customers who sign up for the Double Play (Basic TV and Extreme Internet); offer may not be combined. By enrolling in this promotion, customer agrees to be bound by the terms of TWC’s Subscriber Agreement which can be found at http://help.twcable.com/html/twc_sub_agreement.html. Additional charges apply for equipment, installation, taxes & fees and activation fee. After promotional period, regular monthly rates will apply. To receive all services, Digital TV, remote and lease of a Digital set-top box are required. Some services are not available to CableCARD customers. Not all equipment supports all services. All services may not be available in all areas. Subject to change without notice. Some restrictions apply. Actual speeds may vary. HBO GO® is only accessible in the US and certain US territories where a high speed broadband connection is available. Minimum 3G connection is required for viewing on mobile devices. HBO® and related channels and service marks are the property of Home Box Office, Inc. Time Warner Cable and the eye/ear logo are trademarks of Time Warner Inc. Used under license. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners. ©2013 Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLC. All rights reserved.


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.