TNR 4.1.10

THE INdependent student newspaper at the university of cincinnati

Vol. CXXVV Issue 61

thursday , april 1, 2010 catch ’em all Newest Pokémon game is a throwback to the olden days. page 3

staff editorial Sure, UC’s a pretty place to go to school, but do we really need all the things we say we do? page 4

spring practice Bearcats return to Nippert Stadium in early preparation for the 2010-11 season. page 6

Groups get dough for diversity james sprague the news record

Efforts to increase diversity at the University of Cincinnati received a boost with the announcement of financial awards to campus groups supporting the initiative.

Grants totaling $50,000 were awarded from the UC Diversity Council to six programs including the McMicken College of Arts & Sciences PR1ZE Faculty Mentoring Program, which provides mentoring to African-American students and to need-based scholarships for students in the Gen-1 program.

“The awards from the Diversity Council complement investments that the various colleges and departments are already making for strengthening diversity,” said Neville Pinto, vice provost and dean of UC’s graduate school.

The Diversity Council received 13 proposals from various groups, which were then evaluated based on different merits.

One requirement was that the proposing group had to have matching funding for the amount requested, Pinto said.

“It is clear that these awards are viewed as being of great value by the units, particularly for implementing new and innovative programs,” Pinto said.

Another merit the council evaluated was how much of an impact on the student body a proposal would make, said Mitchel Livingston, chief diversity officer for UC. “A proposal that can affect a large amount of individuals makes it more attractive than one that would impact fewer,” Livingston said.

Awarding the grants is just one responsibility the Diversity Council handles. It also develops the overall diversity plan for the university, Livingston said.

“It focuses on the larger things UC should do concerning diversity,” he said.

The council will submit a diversity plan to UC President Greg Williams later this year, Livingston said.

The Gen-1 House, which received a $10,000 grant, will use funds to assist students in the program with financial need, said Steffi Cappel, executive director of the Gen-1 program.

“We’ll use it to help offset fees for students and give them some help throughout the year,” she said. see diversity | page 2

justin tepe | the news record

Spreading the wealth Neville Pinto, dean of the Graduate School, put forth money for incentive grants to help diversify the UC population.

anna bentley | the news record

Blossoming in Full With the changing of the season, UC’s campus is beginning to look the way designers might have wanted it to. briefs

NATIONAL PAYBACK

ON L IN E www.newsrecord.org

While the idea of a streetcar system in Cincinnati is still a work in progress, some uptown Cincinnatians are voicing their support for its return to the Queen City.

The city discontinued its original streetcar system in 1951, due to declining riders and the movement to highway travel.

The cost of the downtown loop will be $102 million, with the uptown connector being $26 million to $30 million, according to the site ProTransit Cincinnati.

There will be 18 planned stops along the 3.9 mile route, and will service citizens who work uptown in Avondale and Clifton.

“Uptown and downtown can work together and help each other out,” said John Schneieer, a spokesperson with the Alliance for Regional Transit. “There is lots of entertainment, restaurants and employment uptown that downtown people would like to visit and they can do that with streetcars.”

when

7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Friday, April 2

where

Tangeman University Center, Room 465

Come out and learn about the African nation and its culture from the UC Nigerian Students Association. Various events throughout the evening will include Nigerian food, dance, fashion and a guest speaker. Contact Abi Awosika at awosikao@mail.uc.edu for more information. tyler davidson fountain activation event

justin tepe | the news record

behind the scenes Although some students are likely to not see a change in how much they pay for their loans, the government — not banks — will be at the receiving end.

Student loans tweaked after upheaval

S

gin a. ando the news record

tudents currently enrolled in college might want to think twice before immediately celebrating the passage of the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act. Under the act, which was passed Tuesday, March 30, private lenders for student loans will be taken out of the picture completely beginning Thursday, July 1. Borrowers will be allowed only one choice for lenders: the federal government, though private companies under “performance-based contracts” with the United States Department of Education will be tasked with delivering and collecting.

“It won’t be a big change for students,” said Connie Williams, the University of Cincinnati’s director of financial aid. “It shouldn’t be any different.”

If a student took a Stafford Loan out before July 1, they will be required to sign a new Master Promissory Note (MPN), which is an agreement to repay the loan by borrowers.

The new MPN will bind them to repaying the federal government.

Some of the issues, however, will not be in effect until many in the current generation of students are graduated. The policies that might most effect students will limit payments to 10 percent of a borrower’s income, dropping 5 percent from the current law.

Federal student loan interest rates will not change either, so parents and students shouldn’t have to alter too much of their repayment plans, said Patricia Nash Christel, a member of corporate communications for Sallie Mae, a leading national loan provider.

Debt forgiveness was also included in the act, which will give borrowers who make consistent payments the eligibility to have their outstanding balances erased after 20 years instead of 25 under the former policy.

The two new protocols, however, will come into effect beginning in 2014.

Without the passage of the acts, supporters of the bill warned that students would be seeing see loans | page 2

Uptown Cincinnatians rally for streetcar CHELSEY BILLOCK the news record

second annual nigerian culture show

Schneieer, who has traveled to Portland, Ore., to examine its streetcar system, said he was initially doubtful about streetcars.

“I was originally a skeptic of the streetcars,” Schneieer said. “I have been out to Portland and looked at the modern streetcars and now think it’s exactly what we need. They are not any faster than a bus, but they provide economic things a bus doesn’t.”

Streetcars will connect all the attractions, Schneieer said.

Schneieer also discussed how the system in Portland runs through the campus of Portland State University, and if something similar can be done for the University of Cincinnati.

Dr. Robert Neel, an assistant professor with the UC College of Medicine, has lived in Clifton Heights for 14 years and thinks the streetcar system will bring more life and vibrancy to the area.

“Streetcars will increase the value of the neighborhoods it runs through,” Neel said.

The idea of the streetcar is quaint and would make you feel like you live in a city and not an industrial zone, Neel said.

6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Saturday, April 3

where

Fountain Square

Join in the celebration as Cincinnati Vice-Mayor Roxanne Qualls activates the historic Tyler Davidson Fountain downtown signaling the arrival of spring.

Food and drink will be available along with live entertainment.

Fireworks will close out the festivities. relay for life concert when

10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Thursday, April 8

where

Sigma Sigma Commons

The University of Cincinnati’s Relay For Life and Colleges Against Cancer groups are hosting recording artist Mike-E. The concert is free and open to the public. E-mail Megan Hathaway at hathawmn@email.uc.edu for more information. index

1 News 3 Entertainment 4 Opinion 5 Classifieds 6 Sports weather forecast

thursday

79° 49°

friday

anna bentley | the news record

what lies ahead The intersection of W. McMillan Street and Jefferson Avenue is expected to be a busy stop for the proposed street car in Clifton.

“People our age can find the magic in the streetcar,” said Neel, who got his master’s degree from UC in 2000.

“People our age don’t typically ride the bus.”

Cincinnati is a region with a business area and a neighborhood area and the streetcar made this possible, Neel said.

TNR all the time Now flip through the full issue online.

Subscribe to The News Record Web site and RSS. If that’s not enough, follow us on Twitter @NewsRecord_UC.

when

“It started here ­— we should be going back there just as places like Chicago and Washington, D.C. have,” he said.

The streetcar would be an interesting addition to the Clifton and UC area, and maybe even change the

SATURDAY

76 /47 SUNDAY

see Streetcar | page 2

70 /47

TNR POLL

% %

83 /52

Do you think the streetcar would enhance life in Clifton?

MONDAY

71 /56

2

We e k e n d E d i t i o n April 1, 2010 www.newsrecord.org

from baseball | page 6

South Florida lost to Stetson University 6-5 Tuesday, March 31, and the loss snapped a sixgame winning streak for the Bulls. As a team, South Florida hit .329 during the win streak.

Offensively the Bulls are led by third baseman Jonathan Koscso.

Koscso is tied for second in the conference with 12 doubles and also has a .313 batting average with 21 RBIs. USF will start Randy Fontanez, one of the best pitchers in the Big East, in the first game of the weekend series Thursday, April 1.

Fontanez has a 3.38 ERA and his 46 strikeouts lead the Big East. Against Notre Dame Friday, March 26, Fontanez threw a no-hitter. It was the first no-hitter in a Big East game in three years.

“His stuff is not overwhelming. I mean it’s good, but it’s not the best stuff you’ve ever seen,” Cleary said. “He’s got a real good feel for how stand out on the mound to pitch and get guys out.”

The scheduled starters for the Bearcats are Nick Johnson (Thursday), Dan Jensen (Friday) and Tyler Smith (Saturday).

see your ad here The News Record offers print advertising as well as online advertising. Printed ads are available in black and white, spot, or full color. Online ads can include flash and are sold in a variety of sizes. We also offer design services to create an ad for you.

For rates and ad sizes, check out our media guide at http://www.newsrecord.org/ polopoly_fs/1.1773967!/UC_ rate0910.pdf Contact our business department at newsrecordbiz@ gmail.com or 513-556-5928.

from DIVERSITY | page 1

In addition to awarding incentive grants to these programs, the Diversity Council also has another diversity incentive program to benefit the university.

“We have a second incentive program with the Office of Academic Affairs,” Livingston said. “We’ve given approximately $150,000 in grants to a host of academic units across campus.”

These grants allow for the respective academic sections to tackle the issue of diversity from an academic standpoint, he said.

These incentive programs, in tandem with each other, allow for approximately 20 diversity initiatives at the university to become involved with.

“That’s really enough to get the attention of everyone at UC,” Livingston said.

from streetcar | page 1

the appearance of such places as Over the Rhine, said Matt Riesenberg, a first-year civil engineering student.

Michelle Ciccarello, a third-year graphic design student, agreed.

“First of all it promotes public transportation, which is more environmentally friendly in a time in which our planet could greatly benefit from the use of less fossil fuel,” Ciccarello said.

It will also offer other options for people who rely on public transportation, she said.

“With the plethora of college students without cars, and the low-income lifestyles of other individuals in the area, there is a need for more public transportation,” Ciccarello said.

writers wanted

T h i n k y o u h a v e w h at i t ta k e s t o b e one o f t h e b e s t ?

The News Record is accepting applications for writers. Pick up an application in The News Record office, 509 Swift Hall.

questions? e-mail TNR editor in chief: chief.newsrecord@gmail.com

from LOANS | page 1

a smaller pool of Pell Grants to be dispersed in the future.

Pell Grants are on schedule to be changed. The act works to increase maximum Pell Grants.

More than 8 million students are beneficiaries of Pell Grants — which stand to gain tens of billions of dollars to keep such a large population that depend on it well funded, according to bill.

The maximum amount of the Pell Grant is estimated to rise to $5,975 from $5,500, according to Congressional Budget Office figures.

By cutting banks out — a de facto “middle man” — when dealing with student loans, the Obama Administration is claiming the government will ultimately end up saving money, which will then be injected into funding for Pell Grants.

The government is also aiming to double funding for Pell Grants via a campaign that started in 2008 and is slated to end in 2011.

Although the White House estimates more than 820,000 Pell Grants will be created, it might come as late as the 2020-21 school year.

3

Weekend Edition April 1, 2010 www.newsrecord.org

entertainment covering campus and beyond

ROBERT’S

RANTS robert kirchgassner

Hugo Chavez defended by Sean Penn Many of today’s actors are known for being liberal, and one actor who has always been liberal with a capital “L” is Sean Penn.

Penn has been outspoken about, among other issues, the actions taken by former President George W. Bush concerning Iraq. His protests about Bush’s policies toward Iraq were published as letters in the Washington Post in October 2002, in which he implored Bush not invade the country. In December of that year, Penn made a brief but controversial visit to Iran as a means of emphasizing his protest. Not surprisingly, such political statements have prompted criticism from conservatives.

Penn’s latest political statement concerns his defense of President Hugo Chavez’s performance as the Venezuelan’s leader. Penn has criticized the U.S. media for inaccurately portraying Chavez as a dictator.

Recently, actress Maria Conchita Alonso, who costarred with Penn in “Colors” (1988), wrote a letter to him on the Web site NewsBusters.org about his praise for Chavez. The letter, titled “An Open Letter to Sean Penn,” expresses Alonso’s disappointment with statements Penn made on HBO’s “Real Time With Bill Maher” Friday, March 5.

Penn stated Chavez had been elected democratically but Alonso, a Cuban raised in Venezuela (who was once crowned Miss Venezuela), disagrees, comparing Chavez’s rise to power to that of Hitler.

Alonso stated in her letter that, while she has respect for Penn’s talent as an actor, she is appalled by the support he showed for Chavez during his interview on Maher’s show, and that she wanted to bring certain facts to Penn’s attention.

She went on to cite the lack of free speech, disputed elections, international posturing and the escalating violence and poverty as some of the issues Venezuela currently faces under and because of Chavez’s reign.

Alonso’s letter respectfully encourages Penn to be aware of the full story behind the man he’s championing.

Alonso also stated, in a recent interview with Fox News, that Penn is ignorant and that he displays the same ignorance when it comes to his cordial relations with the Castro family in Cuba.

Penn, who is currently in Haiti working on relief efforts following the earthquake that struck the country in January, has yet to comment on Alonso’s statements.

Although Penn’s passion for certain political issues leads to an occasionally exaggerated presentation of his views, both he and Alonso make valid arguments.

In his appearance on Maher’s show, Penn seemed to be arguing for journalistic integrity when it came to the media’s depiction of Chavez.

For years, many have been saying such integrity is what networks, such as FOX News, lack. The American media has portrayed Latin America in general in a less than flattering light, with some stories basically perpetuating myths about the region and twisting facts to depict some leaders as being tyrants who had been (or are) running their countries into the ground.

In his book “Necessary Illusions,” (published in 1989) Noam Chomsky writes that these misrepresentations are founded on anti-socialist rhetoric, which has been center stage in American foreign policy since 1945 in an effort to gain support for capitalism across the globe.

Hence, Alonso might be correct in her assertion that Penn doesn’t necessarily have the full story regarding Chavez, but his point about the media’s misrepresentation of certain people and situations certainly has merit as well. Many now say the Bush Administration used this tendency to its advantage when it came to the decision to invade Iraq in 2003.

What do you think about Penn’s comments about President Hugo Chavez? Does it matter to you if outspoken celebrities potentially go too far with their comment and criticism? E-mail us at newsrecordent@gmail.com.

Pokémon back again, remodeled paul kreiner the news record

“Welcome to the world of Pokémon!” We’ve been through this spiel before Professor Oak, now hurry it along: I have a Pidgey to catch.

Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver have been released for the Nintendo DS system from developer Game Freak, Inc. At heart, these two games are remakes of the gold and silver versions for Game Boy Color, but quite a bit has changed.

The Pokémon game series for Nintendo’s hand held systems are role-playing games where players take on a quest to catch all the Pokémon in the world. On the way, they fight other Pokémon

trainers and gym leaders to level up their team, eventually taking on the top trainers. These fights are turn based, which may deter fans of faster-paced games, but fans of games that involve strategy and cute creatures will find enjoyment in the franchise.

There isn’t an ongoing plot through the different games, so new players will find it easy to join in.

The graphics are a bit better as far as environment, shadows and color. Unfortunately, the game still isn’t quite where I hoped it would be. It has been more than 11 years since the blue and red versions made their North American debut, yet Pokémon still do not touch each other when fighting.

These versions are a lot harder than their predecessors. New attacks have been added and gym leaders use them to their full advantage. Don’t be surprised if you have to keep a few potions in your pack to get through some of the battles. Also, status effects happen a lot more frequently, so status healers are good to keep around.

Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver keep the 250 Pokémon from the original gold and silver, ditching the few added on to the earlier DS releases of pearl and diamond. The legendary Pokémon Photo courtesy of Nintendo America

gotta catch ‘em all So many Pokémon, so little time. Sometimes it feels like Nintendo has more Pokémon than you’d be ready to accept.

Sean Peters the news record

Local filmmaker Michael Maney is an addict.

While Maney, a 2002 graduate of film and finance from the University of Cincinnati, is not a junkie like the heroine of his new short film “Meth,” his addiction heavily affects his daily routine.

Maney’s addiction is story-telling.

“It’s something that I am devoted to. It’s something I can’t seem to break free of,” Maney said in a recent phone interview. “Fortunately, it’s a good addiction ... though it borders on obsession.”

“Meth” follows the exploits of Nikki (played by 2009 CollegeConservatory of Music acting graduate Stephanie Brait), a meth addict living on her own, unsuccessfully trying to scrape uo enough money for her next fix. When Nikki asks her drug dealer for an advance on some stuff, he replies by shoving a loaded AK-47 in her face. Unable to score any meth, Nikki sets out to find a way to raise enough cash to procure a stash.

While stumbling through the city streets, suffering the effects of withdrawal, Nikki comes upon a blank-faced mannequin, as if it were waiting for her.

The events that follow are strange and incredible, sure to leave audiences feeling a full range of emotions: some ragged and disgusted, others elated and thoroughly entertained. Clocking in at 24 minutes, “Meth” is a very short film that, despite its limited runtime, is sure to leave a lasting impression on its audience.

An important question “Meth” asks its audience is how far they would be willing to go to support their addiction. There are questions of faith, morality and mortality.

What does it mean to be a human? What does it mean to be an addict?

Stephanie Brait’s performance as Nikki is the main charismatic force behind “Meth.”

She begins as a cute, curious young woman who wants to fill that curious void in her life by trying meth. She gracefully

Ho-oh and Lugia are made into a much bigger deal in these versions. For instance, in HeartGold Ho-oh is summoned by the Kimono Girls after obtaining all eight gym badges.

Game Freak has added a slew of new events to keep these remakes interesting. A coliseum has been added where players pick three Pokémon to compete in several mini-games based on their statistics. This gets repetitive relatively fast, but the points awarded for winning are used to buy some rare items, like stones used to evolve some Pokémon. Online battling and trading has also been added.

The first Pokémon in each player’s party will walk behind them just like Pikachu did in the yellow version. Players can turn and talk to the Pokémon at any time to see how they are doing.

Some Pokémon can only evolve when their relationship is strong. For example, Eevee can evolve into Espeon or Umbreon.

HeartGold and SoulSilver also come with a Pokéwalker. Players can transfer one of the Pokémon from their deposit box to the Pokéwalker via an infrared strip on the game cartridge. This is a pedometer that can be used to catch other Pokémon depending on where players choose to take a stroll, to find items or to increase the experience and bond of the Pokémon. Mine is currently attached to my dog’s collar. I make sure to keep him awake because time spent sleeping is time wasted on not walking my Krabby.

evolves her character into a disgruntled, possibly insane addict who is willing to go farther than she ever thought possible just to feel normal again. The audience suffers alongside her.

Another notable performance is Robert Pavlovich’s voice acting as “The Guest,” the mysterious and eerie mannequin. Pavlovich is an adjunct assistant professor of drama at CCM and his performance really sets the tone of the film with his deep, clear voice.

The mannequin’s role in “Meth” is the most unsettling character; where you can’t be sure just what his intentions are, or whether he is going to lead Nikki to despair or soul-numbing, meth-laced prosperity.

Filmed in less than a week, “Meth” had a modest budget of approximately $6,000. Maney, who does a lot of work on commercials, was glad to depart from the clean, bright world of advertising and work on something “unapologetically raw and gritty.”

For more information on upcoming screenings of the short film, go to www.meththemovie.com.

Photo courtesy of michael Maney

can you dig it? Sweating in the summer sun, Nikki (Stephanie Brait) goes on an adventure to find something that she can hopefully sell to get enough cash for some more meth.

Taylor Swift satisfies inner child megan fingerman the news record

All right, I’ll admit it. I was one of the thousands of screaming girls at the Taylor Swift concert Sunday, March 28 at U.S. Bank Arena.

What can I say? I am a 10-year-old girl at heart.

Swift brought her Fearless tour to the Cincinnati area with opening acts Gloriana and Kellie Pickler.

With a short set, Gloriana sang songs that were unrecognizable due to the band members’ inability to hold their microphones at far enough distance from their mouths.

On a better note, Kellie Pickler was amazing. Beyond her excellent vocals, Pickler had great stage presence and acknowledged fans by waving during each song she performed and accepting a few bouquets of flowers from fans swarming the stage.

Between each performance, a large projection screen displayed text messages fans sent to Taylor, everyone hopeful for floor seat tickets. I was not fortunate enough to be chosen.

When Swift finally took the stage, everyone (including the guy sitting behind me) screamed like school girls. Luckily, glass bottles were not permitted in the arena — they would have shattered from the squeals.

Starting off strong with “You Belong With Me,” Swift captivated the audience as the lyrics could be heard from every voice in the arena as loyal fans sang along and eventually took the lead as Swift aimed her microphone toward the audience.

The best part was Swift actually knew where she was.

She welcomed Cincinnati to her Fearless tour and took us on the

ride of our lives: through her breakups with “White Horse” and fairy tales with “Love Story.”

Each song was performed with character and meaning as she acted out ballroom dancing in “Love Story” and anger and pain in “Forever and Always,” giving the audience the true meaning and feeling behind each of her songs.

My seats were in the nosebleeds, but the view is not what made the show spectacular. The authenticity and stage presence Swift held showed she was confident (sometimes too much) in her work and her singing abilities.

Contrary to the rumor mill (E! and TMZ reported Swift was a terrible singer), she did a fantastic job with vocals and stage presence.

A funny moment came when a noticeable smudge from Swift’s bright red lipstick was smeared

newsrecordent@gmail.com | 513.556.5913

above her upper lip. I guess she was pulling a Steven Tyler by practically eating the microphone as she sang.

The ups and downs of Swift’s life in her lyrics made this concert extremely successful. I might have been one the oldest people in the arena — besides the parents — but I was surely at the top of the list when it came to enjoying the show.

As Swift sang her final song, “Should’ve Said No,” I walked out to the concession stand to purchase Taylor Swift memorabilia. T-shirts, CDs, calendars and many other items were lined up behind the counter.

After dropping $40, I continued to the car, replaying the concert in my head, feeling fulfilled and excited.

After almost one year with Taylor Swift’s album “Fearless” playing loop in my car, I can finally swap it out and move Swift to the back of my mind.

4

We e k e n d E d i t i o n April 1, 2010 www.newsrecord.org

opinion discussion board for all walks of life

WRITER’S

BLOC

JEREMY DAVIS

Ohioans want amendment vote Nov. 2 No sooner after President Obama’s pen lifted from signing the health care reform bill into law, efforts to combat its effects were quickly set in motion by many groups across the nation.

Those efforts are now underway in Ohio.

Last week, the Ohio Liberty Council, a collection of grassroots organizations including the University of Cincinnati Young Americans for Liberty, initiated a statewide movement to allow Ohioans to vote on a proposed state constitutional amendment this fall. A statewide petition drive might soon be underway in order to gather the near 400,000 overall signatures needed to eventually get the issue on the November ballot.

With the intent of this proposed amendment of Ohio’s Constitution to “preserve the freedom of Ohioans to choose their health care and health care coverage,” it will combat parts of the health care reform law that requires virtually all Americans to purchase government approved health insurance or be forced to pay a steep fine.

One of the numerous grievances being expressed by these efforts is the fact that the federal government will dictate to the people who they can and cannot do business with. For the government to mandate that Americans must purchase a certain product — in this case health insurance from a government-approved company — it must first disregard the will of the people to make their own decisions. Should you choose not to buy insurance from a government-approved company, you could face the risk of a hefty annual fine of nearly $700.

This is where Ohio Liberty Council’s efforts come in to play.

The actual text of the proposed amendment reads that “No federal, state or local law or rule shall: compel, directly or indirectly, any person, employer or health care provider to participate in a health care system, prohibit the purchase or sale of health care or health insurance, impose a penalty or fine for the sale or purchase of health care or health insurance.”

According to most “Obamacare” enthusiasts, one of the main intents of this reform was to protect individuals against greedy insurance companies. However, it has become completely lost on them that this reform will still generate lots of new business for the government-approved insurance companies instead, but that’s somehow OK because Uncle Sam said so.

If requiring individuals to purchase a particular product wasn’t bad enough, another of the foremost arguments against this usurpation of the wishes and interests of the American people rests with the amount of power the federal government strives to wield over the individual states in violation of their sovereignty.

In terms of further government neglect of constitutional law, the health care reform will continue to erode the influence of the states within their own borders.

Nowhere in the Constitution does it say the federal government should be involved with health care in any capacity. And for you constitutional scholars out there, no, the general welfare or interstate commerce clause doesn’t cut it. The ninth and 10th Amendments were put there for a reason; to make certain that any power not specifically listed in the Constitution delegated to any of the three branches was completely reserved to the states or the people of the states.

And prior to this reform becoming law, the peoples’ decision didn’t seem so friendly to the wishes of Congress and company. In fact, as a survey conducted by Rasmussen Reports found, 54 percent of Americans were opposed to the then pending health care reform plans while only 41 percent were actually in favor of it.

If there wasn’t a large enough consensus among Americans clamoring for this form of health care reform, then why were those in Congress so determined to give the people something that they didn’t really want? Besides obvious political pressure, I’ll throw in a big helping of greed, a lust for power, ignorance and maybe even a smidge of boredom.

Although there’s still a lot of work to be done, with any hope the efforts of these defenders of liberty here in the buckeye state, at the very least Ohioans will be able to decide for themselves how to best take care of their health and not Uncle Sam, M.D.

Protest at Driehaus home lacks taste, rationality james sprague

The recent passage of President Barack Obama’s health care bill

by Congress has further driven wedges into the divide that exists between political parties. It has also stirred debate among Americans, leaving some jumping for joy while others howl about the coming end of democracy.

Whatever your viewpoint might be toward the health care bill, there are acceptable means to express either your support or displeasure of it. Rational discourse, it is called.

Protesting in front of the personal home of Steve Driehaus, congressman for the 1st Congressional District, is not one of those ways.

That is what occurred March 28, in a protest led by Jim Berns, manager of the woodshop and metal studios at the College of Design, Architecture, Art and Planning.

Berns is also a Libertarian party

candidate running for Driehaus’s congressional seat.

Accompanied by two others, Berns drove a vehicle adorned with a faux coffin draped in an American flag and signs proclaiming the death and destruction of America’s children and future in front of Driehaus’s home. The protest was a response to vote of approval by Driehaus for the president’s health care bill.

Driehaus and his wife have three children. Their youngest is seven years old. Think what you might of Driehaus and his congressional record, but no seven-year-old boy should be subjected to protestors in front of his home, reading signs that say his father has killed the future and is no better than Pontius Pilate.

Berns claimed the flagdraped faux coffin, from which combat boots protruded, stood for the death of the future for American children.

It is unknown if Berns ever served in the military, but military burials are deeply honored and respected.

To use the imagery of one in such a tawdry way exhibits a serious lack of taste.

The lack of rationality is also illustrated by the protest. Freedom of speech is an inalienable right, but using it in the right way at the right time takes talent. Otherwise you are just shouting into a wind tunnel.

Just what is accomplished by protesting in front of a personal home, in such a classless manner?

Intimidation?

Fear?

Is that how we aim to accomplish things in America?

Or is it more appropriate to voice our concerns in such forums as town hall meetings, conventions and organized, tasteful protests?

The latter method seems more effective and democratic.

The home is a supposed to be a place of safety, a sanctum where a family or individual can relax from the bustle of everyday life.

Would Jim Berns appreciate

someone standing in front of his home, with fake dismembered limbs, criticizing the way he manages the woodshop in DAAP? Better yet, would his family appreciate it? Or would they be alarmed and frightened?

Such an act could be called menacing, which happens to be against the law.

Bern’s first protest was only three strong. A recent protest Tuesday, March 30, down the street from the Driehaus home, attracted members of both the Cincinnati 9/12 Project and the Sons of Liberty, a motorcycle group that believes their rights are being eroded by the intrusion of government.

Will Berns take responsibility if members of these groups, now knowing where Driehaus resides, take their protesting one step further?

After all, he did lead them there.

James Sprague is a third-year journalism and communication student and news editor for The News Record.

everyone needs an editor

wayne stayskal | mcclatchy tribune news services

UC goes under construction, money better used for professors

we’re hiring

Wanted: web editor Pick up applications at the news record, Room 509 Swift Hall

Must be web savvy and understand journalism or be willing to learn to write news briefs and breaking news updates. applications are due Friday, April 10.

Maybe UC really does stand for “under construction.”

Walking down Jefferson Avenue and looking toward Daniels Residence Hall makes the university seem like some kind of compound. Nothing like Waco, Texas, or anything, but there are a lot of fences around here.

Renovations are good, yes. But what spurs the renovations? A falling facade of a building? Asthmainducing mold? A lab that might not be the safest for students?

Valerie Hardcastle, dean or the McMicken College of Arts and Sciences, accepted her position on the condition that money would be available for lab renovations. That said, it seems that unless there is an express concern in regard to the safety of something, there is no need to renovate. But renovation sounds better than repair — kind of like recession versus depression.

We’ve seen a lot of stories involving renovation. The College of Law, actually, is taking it a step further, planning on erecting an entirely new building (which isn’t too bad considering it’s on semesters and is basically an annex of the university). Arts and Sciences is also getting in on it, paying out $15 million for labs.

Walking through Rieveschl is a little disorienting, with the taped off hallways and missing ceiling tiles and a mysterious hum that can be heard everywhere.

The College of Business auditorium classroom, where 300 or so students play Solitaire on their laptops, is getting renovated. The seats, maybe some carpet replacement and such. The Environmental Health Research Complex got $5 million. Teachers College received $18.5 million in 2008. And there’s that $15 million for chemistry laboratories.

There’s a lot of money floating around.

Editor-in-Chief taylor dungjen Managing Editor ariel cheung

The News Record

F OUN D E D I N 1 8 8 0 509 and 510 Swift Hall University of Cincinnati 45221-0135

Office phone 556-5900 Office fax 556-5922

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 and is distributed to the UC community. The News Record distributes to more than 80 locations and has a weekly circulation of 22,500. One copy per person is free. Additional copies can be picked up at The News Record office for $1.

Business & Advertising Manager SEAN KARDUX Director of Student Media Len Penix News Editors gin a. ando James Sprague college living/ spotlight editor jayna barker

opinion.newsrecord@gmail.com

| 513.556.5913

But, really, new seats and new carpet doesn’t really stop people from playing Solitaire. It just makes them more comfortable while they do it. It’s understandable the university wants students to be more comfortable.

It’s understandable that they want buildings to be aesthetically pleasing, but college students aren’t just there to lounge around in rip-off Lay-Z Boys in class.

Get back to basics. It’s a lot more important to have a professor that will give you an education rather than create a pretty atmosphere for said professor to teach in. A talented student body doesn’t need orange walls and random columns with lights and lights on random stone benches to learn.

Chemistry lab renovations are legitimate, though. We don’t want people to be inhaling odorless, toxic gases, after all.

True, the University of Cincinnati did make Forbes’s list of the most beautiful campuses in the world, but, really, beautiful parts of campus are overlooked. When was the last time you looked at the waterfall in front of Scioto Residence Hall?

There’s no doubt we have a beautiful campus, but that beauty, with all the facelifts and nip ’n tuck procedures came at a price.

A price that might better have been used on recruitment.

Not so much bringing in more students (the out-of-state recruitment strategies are pretty well-known to rake in money for higher education), but faculty.

Sure, money is given to UC — some might be expressly used for renovations — but it can be a hell of a lot more helpful to students if a professorship is created. They can even get their name attached to it.

Staff Editorial

Sports Editors garrett sabelhaus Sam Elliott Peter Marx

Graphic Designer claire thompson JAMIE RITZER aaron kurosu

OPINIOn Editor Taylor Dungjen

copy editor joy bostick

Multimedia editor Blake Hawk

CLASSIFIEDS Manager Kelsey price

enTertainment editor sean peters

Advertising representatives THOMAS AMBerg KRYSTAL DANSBERRY Jenaye Garver

Photo Editor coulter loeb Chief Photographer Justin tepe Production Designer mitul dasgupta

5

classifieds

We e k e n d E d i t i o n April 1, 2010 www.newsrecord.org

CLASSIFIEDS POLICY

RATES

1 All ads must be prepaid.

2 Out-of-town advertisers must send check with copy.

3 NIU’s must be signed and filled out before acceptance of ads.

4 All ad changes are due two days prior to publication.

5 No refunds unless a mistake by The News Record’s staff occurs in the advertisement. Refunds are not granted for ads placed, then cancelled. Adjustments are limited to the portion of the ad which is incorrect. Under no circumstances will an adjustment be issued greater than

the cost of the ad.

6 To receive student discount, current verification must be shown.

7 Students or student groups may not use display or classified discounts for non-university, for profit businesses.

8 Advertisers should check their ads the first day of printing. The News Record is not responsible for more than one incorrect insertion.

9 The News Record reserves the right to reject any ads at its discretion, with or without notification to the advertiser.

10 These policies are not negotiable.

Choose a variety of categories to sell everything/anything. Students may not use UC rates for non-UC, for profit businesses. Valid ID card required for discount.

Students: Bold Type: Non-Students: Bold Type:

1-3 runs $0.50 $0.60

4-6 runs $0.40 $0.50

7-9 runs $0.30 $0.40

10+ runs $0.20 $0.30

$0.60 $0.70

$0.50 $0.60

$0.40 $0.50

$0.30 $0.40

DEADLINES Deadline for classified ads is 4 p.m., two days prior to publication.

Display ad deadline is 4 p.m., three days prior to publication.

Deadline for Monday issues is 4 p.m. Thursday for display ads.

For classified and display advertising information, please call 513-556-5900.

2-BEDROOM in HYDE PARK for rent in excellent condition. New appliances including dishwashers, A/C. HEAT and WATER paid. Balcony, pool use, 10 minutes from UC. New kitchens and bathrooms.

Laundry, off-street parking/ garage. Starting at $545 per month. Call us at 513-4772920.

For Rent 1-2 bedrooms and houses available.

Visit merlinproperties.net or contact 513-678-6783 (Tony).

EFFICIENCY, 1-BEDROOM, 2-BEDROOM in HYDE PARK for rent in excellent condition. New appliances including dishwashers, A/C. HEAT and WATER paid. Balcony, pool use, 10 minutes from UC. New

Equal Housing Opportunity All apartment rental/sublet advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, handicap or familial status, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.

This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for apartment rentals or sublets which is in violation of the law.

Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis.

FOR RENT $375-450 1 & 2 bedroom - $299 Moves-U-IN!! Includes HEAT! Balcony, Spacious! 5107 Colerain Avenue next to the Forest entrance.

ONLY 3 Left!! Call 513-4293428, 513-318-0114. Open 10-6pm.

parking, & laundry. $600.

Other high-end apartments available. 513-604-5159.

Available now and September 1st, newly remodeled, one bedroom apartments.

5 minute walk to DAAP. Heat, water, off-street parking, and high speed internet included. Please call 513615-6740 or email baumerproperties@hotmail.com.

Ohio Avenue. One bedroom apartment. Utilities furnished, clean. Call 513621-6446.

One bedroom available September 1st. Go to uc4rent.com for a virtual tour. Call 621-7032 FREE Heat, Electric & Water! Newly renovated!

Large 3 bedroom, 1 bath apartment with free flat screen TV. Available a couple miles from UC! Great kitchens, large bedrooms, A/C, laundry facility, private parking. $350/person. Call Seth 513383-9435.

kitchens and bathrooms.

Laundry, off-street parking/ garage. Starting at $545 per month. Call us at 513-4772920.

OHIO AVE 1 bedroom and studios. Remolded and updated, off street parking available. Egepropertyrental. com. Call 513-307-6510.

Now renting for September 1st. Go to uc4rent.com for a virtual tour. Call 621-7032.

Clifton houses for rent. 2 and 3 bedrooms, close to UC and hospitals. Appliances, $700-$900/month. 1 year lease, one-month deposit.

Call 513-886-0094.

Now available! 2 bedroom apartment. Walk to UC! New carpet, ceiling fans, dishwasher, A/C. Call 513-281-7159. www. ucapartments.com.

Need an apartment? www. ucapartments.com September Apartment Rentals. www. ucapartments.com. *Great 1,2,3,4,5,6 bedrooms available for September.

Call (513) 403-2678.

Historic large upscale rental. Possible 6 bedrooms.

Gaslight district. Large chefs kitchen. 3.5 baths.

Generous off street parking.

Idea for graduate students or professional family looking for that something special.

513-604-5159.

2 bedroom, beautiful natural woodwork, stain glass, hardwood floors. New deluxe kitchen. Sunroom,

STUDENT BOOKSTORE sbstextbooks.com

LOWEST PRICES AROUND CAMPUS 335 CALHOUN STREET * NEW & USED TEXTBOOKS TEL: 513.221.7771 *DAILY BUY BACK$

M ARKETPLACE TO B UY AND S ELL T EXTBOOKS

FOR RENT

For rent 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments. Across from campus. $450 and up. Call 513-382-7350.

Two Bedrooms, BEAUTIFUL HARDWOOD FLOORS, completely remodeled.

BALCONY, two blocks to campus, eat-in kitchen with dishwasher, living room with fireplace. Laundry, free off street parking, cats welcome, A/C, ceiling fans.

September, $660. Call 513379-5300.

Two bedrooms, HEAT PAID, beautiful hardwood floors, completely remodeled. Balcony, three blocks to campus, eat-in kitchen with dishwasher, living room with fireplace.

Free off street parking, cats welcome, A/C, laundry, ceiling fans, September, $640, call 513-379-5300.

FOR RENT

EMPLOYMENT

FIVE BEDROOM TOWNHOUSE, three blocks to campus, two full baths, TWO REMODELED KITCHENS, laundry, TWO BALCONIES, free off street parking, cats welcome, A/C, ceiling fans $1395 513-379-5300.

$7-8 per hour. Contact Mark Beiting at 266-1558 before 5 pm.

EMPLOYMENT

Work out of your home.

Exploding new social internet network, you may contact www.yournight.com.

Free sign in under my name, TedSauer, and for more information go to www. jointoddtonight.com.

BARTENDING. $250 / DAY POTENTIAL. No experience necessary, training provided. Call 1-800-965-6520 ext 225.

Caregiver wanted in Mason for active, physically disabled 51-yearold. No experience, flexible hours. 10+/hour. Call 513381-2800 #7778.

National Exemplar Restaurant in the historic Merrimont Inn is looking for a few great people. Full or part time, day and nigh positions available for cooks and food servers. Must be available on weekends.

Professonal image and great personality are required.

Apply Monday-Friday 2:304:30PM. 6880 Wooster Pike, Merrimont, OH 45227

Two bedrooms, HEAT PAID, beautiful hardwood floors, completely remodeled. Two blocks to campus, Eat-in kitchen with dishwasher. Living room with large bay window and fireplace. Free off street parking, cats welcome, laundry, A/C and ceiling fans. September, $660, call 513-379-5300.

Aglamesis Bros. Ice Cream and Candy Co. now seeking upbeat, energetic individuals to assist with candy and ice cream sales within a nostalgic ice cream parlor environment.

Flexible hours. Apply at either 9899 Montgomery Road in the Montgomery Square Shopping Center or 3046 Madison Road in Oakley Square.

One bedroom, two blocks to campus, completely remodeled, oversized eat-in kitchen with dishwasher and off street parking. Cats welcome, A/C and ceiling fans, $365, call 513-3795300.

Bartenders needed, no experience required. Earn $20-$70 per hour. Call us at 877-286-0401.

GOLF COURSE GROUNDS CREW. Full time, part time. Flexible hours, seven days a week.

Summer Employment.

Area country club hiring life-guards (Red Cross certified) and outdoor dining servers. Contact Molly at cccpoolstaff@gmail.com.

Play it Again Sports needs part time sales clerks.

Flexible schedule, fun job.

Call Mary at 310-3933.

Babysitter needed in Loveland two to three days a week this summer.

References required. Email susalyer@yahoo.com Part-Time Patient Recruiter. Community Research seeks parttime patient recruiter, 20-30 hours per week, hours flexible. Medical terminology background helpful. Strong customer service, communication and computer skills a must. Please e-mail resume to mmetzner@ communityresearch.com or fax to 513-639-7343 ATTN: Recruiting. No calls please.

EOE.

COMMUNITY Tender Tots Daycare Opening March 15th. We accept 0 - 5 years, limited spaces available. www. tender-tots.com 2 AKC registered (Male and Female) ENGLISH BULLDOGS for free.

Contact: billluck10@gmail. com

6

Weekend Edition April 1, 2010 www.newsrecord.org

sports covering all uc sports

SAM

ANTICS

Cincy hosts 3rd place South Florida MICHAEL VEST the news record

sam elliott

Final Four full of surprises, great games After two incredible weekends, only four teams are still standing as March Madness descends upon Indianapolis for its final three games.

I don’t care who you are — there is no way I believe you predicted this Final Four correctly. In fact, I’ll have a hard time believing you picked a team other than Kansas, Syracuse or Kentucky as your national champion.

Instead, we’re left with Butler, Michigan State, West Virginia and Duke. The Blue Devils were the lone No. 1 seed to actually do what they were supposed to do as a No. 1 seed: get to the Final Four.

Fortunately for the Dukies, the only team in the South region that posed a serious threat for the region’s Final Four spot was Villanova, and Saint Mary’s made the Wildcats look like Wildkittens in the tournament’s second round.

As soon as the Gaels downed Villanova, Duke’s ticket to Indy essentially was punched.

I correctly predicted West Virginia’s upset of No. 1 seed Kentucky in the East region’s Elite Eight, but most of America couldn’t bring themselves to pick against Lexington’s John Wall and Co. But the left-hand side of the bracket is where March Madness truly went insane. Michigan State and Butler emerged victorious from the Midwest and West regions, and college basketball parity let America know it wasn’t dead.

Tom Izzo and Michigan State are no strangers to the Final Four, but as the No. 5 seed in the Midwest region of death, nobody was expecting Sparty to appear in its sixth Final Four of the past 12 seasons.

If you picked Michigan State to make the Final Four, you most likely selected the Spartans to get past both Kansas and likely Ohio State, a daunting task to say the least.

Izzo is a great head coach, but he’s lucky he didn’t have to worry about actually facing the Buckeyes or overall No. 1 seed Kansas.

In what will go down as the upset of the tournament, the Jayhawks couldn’t hang with Northern Iowa and its sharp-shooting senior out of Iowa City, Ali Farokhmanesh.

With one gutsy shot and a swish of the net, Farokhmanesh and his silky-smooth 3-point dagger busted brackets everywhere.

I don’t care who you are, there is no way you pick Northern Iowa to beat the Jayhawks.

Who could have seen that one coming? You could be a student at Northern Iowa, you could be UNI head coach Ben Jacobson, you could play on the Northern Iowa team and you still don’t pick that game; you don’t pick them against Kansas.

The Jayhawks were hands down the tournament favorite. Some team in purple from the Missouri Valley Conference wasn’t even supposed to be a close game for Kansas, much less an upset of monumental bracket-busting proportions.

Oh and the West region?

Yeah, if you picked Butler to beat both Syracuse and Kansas State, well then props to you.

But we all should have seen this coming. The Bulldogs have been ranked all season and they haven’t lost a game since Dec. 22, 2009, easily giving them the nation’s longestactive winning streak, currently at 24. It shouldn’t be a surprise they’ve kept winning during March Madness for as long as they have.

Now, Butler and its 33-year-old child of a head coach will play in a Final Four less than 10 minutes away from their home arena, a building named after the man credited for inventing the orange basketball.

Brad Stevens doesn’t mind the “Cinderella” name or “mid-major” tag. Call his team what you want, just know no matter what you want to call the Bulldogs, you have to refer to them as “national semifinalists” now.

Is America ready for a team like Butler to become a national champion? Probably not.

But I am. Stevens is great head coach and obviously some sort of genius, and Gordon Hayward, Shelvin Mack, Matt Howard and their teammates are fun to watch; they play with passion and, most importantly, they’re winners.

This group of Hoosiers just might have what it takes to cut down the nets as tournament champions.

And if not? Well then we’ll see a legendary head coach — Izzo, Bob Huggins or Coach K — win it all.

But my money’s on Stevens, the new kid from Zionsville, Ind.

Pat Strang | the news record

conference home opener The University of Cincinnati baseball team is 1-2 in conference play with its only win coming against Villanova March 28.

The University of Cincinnati baseball team continues a five game home stand Thursday, April 1, at Marge Schott Stadium when it faces conference foe University of South Florida in a three-game weekend series.

The Bearcats (12-10, 1-2) will host the Bulls, which have only lost two of their past 10 games.

South Florida (11-14) currently sits in third place in the conference with a 3-0 record, with all of their wins coming against Notre Dame at home.

UC is coming off an 11-2 home loss to the University of Kentucky March 30. A six-run second inning gave the Wildcats a five-run lead — a lead that Cincinnati couldn’t make up. Kevin Johnson started for the Bearcats and gave up six runs, but a Gunner Glad home run was his only earned run.

Catcher Jimmy Jacquot has been Cincinnati’s most productive hitter so far this season.

In the past 15 games, Jacquot is hitting a team best .411, with three home runs and 14 RBI’s.

Jacquot also has eight multi-hit games and five multi-RBI games over the 15 game stretch.

Jacquot’s defense has also been stellar. He has thrown out 13 of 24 runners attempting to steal this season.

“The thing that jumps out at me most dramatically is the improvement that [Jacquot] has made defensively from last year to this year,” said UC head coach Brian Cleary. “He’s really done a good job of stopping or slowing the other team’s running game.”

The Bearcats pitching staff has also vastly improved from last year.

In 2009, Cincinnati’s 6.56 team ERA was the worst in the Big East. Through 22 games this year the team ERA is 4.04.

Brian Garman and Brian Sand are leading the Bearcat’s improved staff; they have a 1.66 and 3.09 ERA, respectively. see baseball | page 2

practice makes perfect

Bearcats begin quest for 3-peat sam elliott the news record

file art | the news record

run and gun University of Cincinnati junior quarterback Zach Collaros played in 12 games last season with four starts. Collaros threw for 1,434 yards, 10 touchdowns and two interceptions while completing 75 percent of his passes. Collaros also ran for 344 yards and four touchdowns on 57 attempts.

Baseball’s Opening Day might be fast approaching, but spring has already brought the beginning of the 2010 football season.

First-year Cincinnati head coach Butch Jones might be new to the program and its players, but after only three practices, Jones says he’s very familiar with his team.

“If you notice, we don’t have names on our helmets. We know our players’ names and our players know our names,” Jones said. “Every day as they’re getting to know us more, we’re getting to know them more. That process started right away.”

The Bearcats began spring work Wednesday, March 17, and partook in two practices without full pads before the university’s spring break. Tuesday, March 30, marked the team’s return to Nippert Stadium and the spring season will commence with Bearcat Bowl IV, the team’s annual intra-squad spring game scrimmage, Saturday, April 24.

Until then, Jones and his coaching staff will work on introducing their team to an entire new playbook.

“When you’re trying to install everything — offense, defense, special teams, how you practice, where you go on the field — every day is something new and it’s all about teaching,” Jones said.

For the Cincinnati players, Jones and his new, quick-paced, up-tempo spring practices took some getting used to.

“It’s a little different, it’s a different coaching style,” said UC senior wide receiver Armon Binns. “The practices are a lot more up-tempo, which I think is good for us. It’s going to get us in really good shape.”

While Jones insists no kind of depth chart for next season is set in stone, Binns has been taking first-team reps in practice and is expected to be the Bearcats’ go-to guy in the fall.

The starting quarterback throwing to Binns is expected to be Zach Collaros. While he’s no stranger to seeing playing time and feeling the pressure of the regular season, Collaros admits that being UC’s first choice at quarterback at the start of the season is a new role for the junior.

“There’s definitely a different preparation for practice, and you’ve kind of got to take on a different sense of leadership. Guys are looking to you, asking you more questions,” Collaros said. “It’s just a different mentality coming out to practice every day.”

Biting at Collaros’ heels for playing time will be junior Chazz Anderson, and Jones expects a lot out of his quarterbacks as they prepare for next season.

“We like to refer to the quarterback as the point guard of a basketball team,” Jones said. “They’ve got to know how to distribute the ball, they’ve got to know when to keep the ball and they need to know how to manage the game. There’s so much that goes into playing that position.”

Collaros said he wants to use Cincinnati’s spring practices to learn the new offense Jones brought in from Central Michigan, where former Chippewa starter Dan LeFevour is expected to be a high 2010 NFL Draft pick.

Collaros and his teammates agree good spring practices now can have a significant effect on achieving success in the fall.

“It’s very important. We’ve got a lot of new terminology, new signals and guys have to adjust,” Collaros said.

Jones, Collaros and the rest of the Bearcats begin their drive for a third-straight Big East championship Sept. 4, in Fresno, Calif., against Fresno State.

briefs badin quarterback commits to bearcats

wide receiver participates in first spring practice

The University of Cincinnati football team received an oral commitment from quarterback Patrick Coyne, a top local recruit from Badin High School in Hamilton, Ohio, March 30.

“I just kept coming back to UC — it’s without a doubt the best fit for me,” Coyne told the Cincinnati Enquirer.

Coyne had offers from Akron, Boston College, Buffalo, Bowling Green, Illinois, Kent State, Minnesota, Ohio University, Toledo, West Virginia and Wisconsin, but decided he wanted to become a Bearcat.

“I definitely feel my best fit 100 percent is to be at UC,” Coyne said.

vaughn invited to play in college all-star game

Kenbrell Thompkins, a late junior college signee for the University of Cincinnati football team, practiced with the team for the first time Tuesday, March 30.

“Very, very excited about [Tompkins],” said UC head coach Butch Jones. “I think he’s going to add another dimension.”

Thompkins was considered to be the No. 1 junior college wide receiver last fall at El Camino Community College and originally committed to the University of Tennessee, but never attended classes.

Thompkins has been cleared to practice with the Bearcats and has appealed to the NCAA for immediate eligibility, which would allow him to play at the start of the 2010 season.

Thompkins is 6 foot 3 inches tall, 190 pounds and runs a 4.4 second 40-yard dash.

Former UC guard Deonta Vaughn was selected by the National Association of Basketball Coaches to participate in the 2010 Reese’s College All-Star Game in his hometown of Indianapolis.

Vaughn will join fellow Big East players Scottie Reynolds (Villanova) and Lazar Hayward (Marquette) as part of the Hershey’s All-Stars, who will face the Reese’s All-Stars as part of Final Four Friday, April 2, at 4:35 p.m.

All players in the game are seniors and CBS College Sports will televise the game.

sports.newsrecord@gmail.com | 513.556.5913