TNR - 1.14.10

THE INdependent student newspaper at the university of cincinnati

Vol. CXXVV Issue 35

thursday , jan . 14, 2010 avatar blues Fans of the film are getting depressed they can’t take shelter on Pandora. page 3

staff ed An effective leader is needed for any institution to succed, right? page 4

big loss in big apple UC blows late lead against St. John’s, drops second straight on the road page 6

Task Force assigned to university athletics UC officials hope to raise more than $10M to alleviate annual deficits, create profit james sprague the news record

The University of Cincinnati athletic department estimates that it could require an additional $11 million increase to its future budgets to be competitive in the Big East Conference and that increase could come at the expense of UC students.

An All-University Task Force on Athletics, a group consisting of both faculty and students, was instituted in August 2009 by Interim President Monica Rimai. The task force released its report last week to UC President Gregory Williams.

The report addressed the athletic

pace, will go further in debt $3.5 million each year on top of the $24 million debt it already has.

These figures are concerning to Williams.

“We’re concerned also that basically we have an outstanding program that’s substantially under funded,” Williams said.

Williams presented the report to his Budget Advisery Committee for analysis and hopes that it assists in evaluating the problem.

“We hope that some of the recommendations that will come out of the present Budget Advisery Committee will help give us a way forward to address those kind of issues,” Williams said.

its budget was also examined in relation to the rest of Big East schools and the report found UC football generated the lowest revenue in the conference, while basketball revenue was in the bottom half of the 16-school conference.

Athletic staffing and operational budget was rated last or second to last in the conference, according to the report.

The only other school in a comparable situation to UC was the University of South Florida, Degen said.

“We’re both at the bottom,” Degen said.

The report also revealed the athletic department, at its current

department and its funding while the university faces the possibility of future cuts in state support.

The report examined many facets of the athletic department at UC such as its revenue, operating expenses, scholarships and rank of importance to the university. It also included recommendations as to how the university and athletic department could increase revenue while narrowing the department’s budget deficit.

“Our role was to identify possible sources of income or places to decrease expenses,” said Sandra Degen, vice president for research and co-chair of the report committee.

The athletic department and

Funds raised for student after serious Ky. accident

see accident | page 2

see task | page 2

DID YOU KNOW?

what class is this?

The University of Cincinnati College of Medicine is starting a phase-1 clinical trials unit. The “Early Stage Drug Development Program” will allow cancer patients to undergo treatments that are still in the early stages of development.

The UC facility is a rarity, as there are no phase-1 units that administer treatments to adults near Greater Cincinnati.

Physicians running the unit will be looking into cancer-killing drugs. The test group will be small, however, because the trials will be the first time the drugs are tested on humans. Those who wish to participate must have tumors that have not responded to “standard therapy.”

There are phase-1 units structured for giving children similar treatments.

taylor dungjen the news record

For the last 50 days, Mike Jarvis has been in hospitals and rehabilitation centers fighting paralysis.

He’s had visitors, lots of visitors, some who have driven to Lexington, Ky., and to Columbus to visit multiple times in one week.

“It definitely helps an incredible amount,” said Jarvis, a second-year student in the College of Business. “It’s helped me get through this and, you know, made it that much easier. Seeing my friends pretty much daily keeps my spirits up.”

Jarvis was hospitalized Nov. 20 after being involved in a serious car accident in Rockcastle County, Ky. He and four other members of Pi Kappa Alpha were headed to a brotherhood retreat when Ryan Atkins, also a second-year student, lost control of the southbound SUV. The vehicle flipped several times and crossed into northbound traffic.

The five men were rushed to the University of Kentucky Medical Center. Mark Wood, Pike president, canceled the retreat when he heard about the accident. Jon Doerger, Kyle Quinn and Dan Rehard, who were all in the SUV, have been released and are back on campus attending classes.

Atkins, who is paralyzed from the neck down, was transported from the Medical Center in late November to a therapy center where he’s been recovering.

Before winter break, he said he felt bed sheets between his legs and, several days ago, Atkins was taken off a ventilator and is breathing on his own, Wood said.

Jarvis was moved from the Medical Center to the Dodd Medical Facility in Columbus where he’s been receiving physical therapy.

Although Jarvis was once only able to communicate only with his eyes, he’s now talking and can lift his arms above his head. He has no mobility in his wrists or hands; he is paralyzed from mid-chest down, Wood said.

Because of insurance limitations, Jarvis is leaving inpatient treatment Tuesday, Jan. 19. He’ll return to his parents’ and will continue outpatient therapy three days per week. To make the transition back home, Jarvis’s parents are putting an addition on to the back of their home and making additional modifications to their two-story house.

The family planned to utilize public handicap transportation, an hour and a half commute, until they heard about efforts being made to raise money for special handicap van. Kyle Neyer, a second-year marketing student, who is also Jarvis’s roommate, created a Facebook group “Handicap van for the Jarvis family,” to spread word of the cause and to ask for donations.

The van will cost $35,000.

In five days, Neyer has raised

One of the suggestions presented by the task force on how to raise revenue for the athletic department was an increase in student and campus life fees. The proposed 1 percent increase in those fees would generate approximately $199,500 in additional revenue for the athletic department.

It is up to the budget committee and the president as to whether they institute the ideas from the report, Degen said.

The possible increase in fees aren’t popular among some UC students.

“I disagree with it entirely,” said Scott Kothman, a social work student.

Kothman said that the athletic department should be held to the same

brief climate when where justin tepe | the news record

remembering an icon University staff, students and faculty watch in MainStreet Cinema Wednesday, Jan. 13, as presenters pay tribute to the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.

King’s legacy honored with annual memorial gin A. Ando the news record

As Martin Luther King Jr. day approaches, the University of Cincinnati continued a tradition by hosting an event honoring the civil rights leader in tandem with congratulating both President Obama and UC President Gregory Williams on their achievements as black Americans.

The event, “Why We Can’t Wait,” was not based solely on the issue of racial discord.

Discrimination due to sexual orientation, religion and the concept of fighting injustice also played a large part in the presentations.

Following King’s assassination, many universities had memorials for the fallen leader, but UC is one of a handful of universities around the country that still pays yearly homage, said P. Eric Abercrumbie, director of African American Cultural and Research Center.

“Those of us who have been part of the revolution can see and feel the dream is still alive,” Abercrumbie said.

The tribute also featured a keynote address from Williams to students, staff and faculty. Throughout his speech, Williams returned to the notion of his upbringing in

“

Those of us who have been part of the revolution can see and feel the dream is still alive.

—p. eric abercrumbie,

director of african american cultural and research center

Muncie, Ind., and the troubles he faced growing up on the black side of a segregated area.

“Today, we are the beneficiaries of a leader who dared to dream,” Williams said. “Please do not ever forget Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King.”

Williams also spoke of the inspiration he received from King’s words and how, 40 years later, the words continue to frame his mindset.

He urged the audience to never use adversity as an excuse to fold, recounting anecdotes of his childhood and the complete about-face his life took after being exposed to segregation and prejudice.

“There is certainly less rigidity on the color line than there was 40 years ago,” Williams said. “But we know we have plenty of work.”

King’s contributions were also exalted as a foundation for Obama’s victory.

Obama’s inauguration served as a manifestation of King’s

101 film series

12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 14 MainStreet Cinema

Join UC|Sustainability for a showing of “One Water,” a documentary regarding water problems around the globe.

Director Ali Habashi is scheduled to introduce the film and host a question and answer session following the movie. For more information, call Shawn Tubb at 513-556-3492. weather forecast

THURSDAY

”

42°

words and lessons, Abercrumbie said.

“Excitement and exuberance crossed the color line that day,” Williams said of the day Obama’s victory was announced. “I’m proud to be the 27th president and the first African-American president [of UC].”

Despite the victories blacks have achieved in recent history, Abercrumbie warned the audience that King’s lessons transcended generations and shouldn’t be simply regarded as history.

“That’s really what this dream is about,” Abercrumbie said. “[Martin Luther King Jr. Day] is a holiday a lot of people bled, fought and died for.”

The university was also commended by Mitchel Livingston, vice president of student affairs and UC’s chief diversity officer.

“It takes wonderful people to make extraordinary things happen,” Livingston said. “Dr. King would’ve been proud of this university.”

33°

FRIDAY

44 /32 SATURDAY

39 /32 SUNDAY

42 /31 MONDAY

46 /33 index

1 News 3 Entertainment 4 Opinion 5 Classifieds 6 Sports

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online exclusive

How do you plan on spending the upcoming three-day weekend?

Go to the News Record Web site and check out an online exclusive story about what local economists think the future holds for the country.

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from accident | page 1

approximately $20,000. Of that, he said $5,000 has been from UC students and their parents. Any extra money he is able to raise will be used to help pay for the Jarvis’s home renovations and medical bills.

“I’ve had tons of people contacting me,” Neyer said.

“It’s great to see how far it’s reached.”

The original deadline to collect donations was from musical | page 4

anna bentley | The News record

possible nippert expansion In order to help fund the athletics department, the task force report suggested a possible expansion of Nippert Stadium seating as well as FifthThird Arena. from task | page 1

financial expectations students are and students shouldn’t have to pay the debt.

“The university expects me to keep my

tuition payments in the black or they’ll cancel my classes,” Kothman said. “It’s not fair to expect the students to always pay for things like this.”

crossword find the answers at newsrecord.org

Melchoir as his predecessors, but still managed a very decent performance.

Melchoir is the village rebel: As one of the girls excitedly declares, “He doesn’t believe in God or heaven … not in a single living thing.” His parents support his intellectual and sexual growth to an extent, giving Melchoir an understanding of the world that his peers can’t even comprehend.

Melchoir’s counterpart is Moritz Stiefel, a fumbling, mumbling youth confused to no end about why he keeps from avatar | page 3

character at work and his boss asked him what was wrong. And following a talk about the “Avatar Blues,” his boss sent him home to get his mind off James Cameron’s latest box office killer.

“I was lucky to be on vacation when the depression struck me,” said a member of Avatarforums.com. “If it comes back, I’m going to a doctor and having him write me a sick leave thing, my work is dangerous and if I’m not focused I could hurt myself.”

The Web site’s users are full of helpful tips for one with “Avatar Blues,” citing listening to the soundtrack from cats | page 6

Thursday, Jan. 14, but Neyer said now there isn’t a deadline, although they hope to have all of the money raised by the time Jarvis leaves the rehabilitation center.

“The van is kind of a necessity to be able to get around from place to place,” Jarvis said. “It’s going to help out an amazing amount.”

The entire Jarvis family is thankful for the work Neyer has done.

“It’s a little overwhelming,” said Bob Jarvis, Mike’s father. “Thank you just doesn’t seem enough. Most people have never been in a situation like this. The amount of support we’re seeing and receiving, and in some cases you don’t even know the people. It’s heartwarming … I’m just speechless.

We’ll forever be in everybody’s debt.”

having “sticky dreams.”

Taylor Trensch looks very young for the role and brings out Moritz’s childlike side more than I would have liked. He also lost some of the spastic, neurotic energy that is needed for the character.

The other actors are equally talented: Angela Reed and John Wojda play all adult roles and do a great job. Steffi D as outcast Ilse has one of the best voices, and Andy Mientus plays the devious and sexual Hanschen flawlessly.

“Spring Awakening” is a show that cannot be missed.

While the show is for mature audiences and those who don’t mind seeing masturbation, Epstein’s unclothed rear end or a few homosexual kisses, it is one that virtually everyone can relate to.

Plus, there’s a special deal for students: Show up two hours before curtain and get tickets at half price. It doesn’t get much better than that.

Spring Awakening is playing at the Aronoff Center for the Arts Jan. 12-24.

and acting like Neytiri, one of the main Na’vi characters played by Zoe Saldana, through becoming closer to nature and living as naturally as possible.

More popular among the users, judged by the amount of posts and views, is lucid dreaming, which is when a sleeper is consciously aware they are dreaming and can control the dream without waking up. The forum users say, through lucid dreams, they can visit the world of Pandora and be content.

Strangely, the idea of lucid dreaming runs alongside the plot of “Avatar,” where some humans go to “sleep” inside special chambers, which

enable them to control their artificially created Na’vi avatar on Pandora. Jake Sully, the main character played by Sam Worthington, at one point even says, “Everything is backwards now, like out there is the true world, and in here is the dream.”

Regardless of the depression phenomenon started by “Avatar,” it led last week at the box office with $50.8 million dollars, and is already number four on the all-time grossing film list with over $435 million, which puts it between “Shrek” and “E.T.” Sadly, those with the blues are probably fueling those numbers, as the supposed best way to cure the depression is seeing the movie again.

before the Red Storm could put a point on the board.

A 7-0 run, including a five-point burst from junior D.J. Kennedy, gave the Red Storm their first lead of the night with just more than six minutes remaining in the half.

Cincinnati closed out the first half on a 6-0 run, with a pair of made free throws by freshman Jaquon Parker giving the Bearcats a 24-23 lead that they would take into halftime.

Poor three-point shooting continued to plague the Bearcats. For the first time since March 2002, Cincinnati played an entire game

Across 1 Cribbage pieces 5 Shaving gel alternative 9 More than disliked 14 Power co. product 15 “Tickle me” doll 16 Texas mission to remember 17 Volcano feature 18 Equestrian’s control 19 Organizes alphabetically, say 20 Broadway premiere 23 __-card stud 24 Corp. honcho 25 Natural spring 28 Making lots of noise 33 Genealogist’s chart 34 No-treat consequence?

35 Speech impediment 39 Arises (from) 42 Till bills 43 Like draft beer 45 1492 Atlantic crosser 47 Start of a wide-area police radio alert 53 Artist Yoko 54 By way of 55 Athletic shoe’s turf grabber 57 Seating for extra guests, maybe 61 Yell 64 __ club: singing group 65 Decisive victory 66 Lower in esteem 67 Name on many Irish coins 68 Far Eastern detective played by Lorre 69 Texas Hold ‘em, e.g., and a hint to this puzzle’s theme 70 Boys 71 British weapon of WWII Down 1 __ Bill: legendary cowboy 2 Romeo or Juliet, marriagewise 3 Swiss city on the Rhone

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4 First part of an act 5 Plant with fronds 6 Designer Cassini 7 Ugandan dictator 8 Seles of tennis 9 Discuss thoroughly 10 Often 11 La Brea stuff 12 CPR giver, often 13 Hair styles 21 MIT, for one: Abbr.

22 Berlin’s land: Abbr.

25 Porous organ 26 Brownish purple 27 Inquires 29 Tax-auditing org.

30 Keep after taxes 31 Davis who played Thelma 32 __-Magnon 35 Bonkers 36 Words before instant or emergency 37 WWII invasion city 38 Good bud 40 Wire diameter measure 41 NBC weekend hit, briefly 44 One doing a pirouette, e.g.

46 Brokerage cust.

48 It’s nothing 49 Thingamajig 50 Security devices 51 Start again, as after a computer system crash 52 Military greeting 56 Wyoming’s __ Range 57 Firecracker cord 58 Hip bones 59 Socially inept type 60 Thousands, in a heist 61 Maple syrup base 62 “True Blood” network 63 Acorn’s destiny 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.

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without making a three-point basket. The Bearcats missed all 12 of their attempts from long range Wednesday night.

Sophomore Yancy Gates scored 12 points to lead the Bearcats, who have now dropped threestraight conference games after opening league play 2-0.

“We still have 13 Big East games to play,” Cronin said. “We’ve got to make sure we come back and get a win on Saturday.”

Cincinnati plays host to Notre Dame at Fifth Third Arena with the opening tipoff set for 4 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 16.

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Weekend Edition Jan. 14, 2010 www.newsrecord.org

entertainment covering campus and beyond

ROBERT’S

RANTS robert kirchgassner

Maguire will no longer be Spider-Man The upcoming movie “Spider-Man 4” has been delayed but Sam Raimi, who directed the previous three films in the franchise, and Tobey Maguire, who played the title role, won’t be returning to the franchise.

For some, this change may be a cause for celebration as “Spider-Man 3” (2007) didn’t generate the level of acclaim as the first two films did.

However, like “Superman” (1978) and “Batman Begins” (2005), “Spider-Man” (2002) is a classic because it takes time to tell the story of the hero’s origins and what drives him to perform his super-heroic acts.

Worst case scenario is if “Spider-Man 4” flops, people are sure to compare the series’ artistic downfall to that of the first four “Batman” films. Many say that series, after “Batman” (1989) and “Batman Returns” (1992), both starring Michael Keaton as the Caped Crusader and directed by Tim Burton, went downhill with its third entry “Batman Forever” (1995), and even further with the next “Batman & Robin” (1997), both of which were directed by Joel Schumacher (for the record, Val Kilmer played Batman in “Forever” and George Clooney donned the mask and cape in “Batman & Robin”).

I like Burton as a director with “Beetlejuice” (1988), “Ed Wood” (1994) and “Sleepy Hollow” (1999) all being classics and I’m looking forward to his take on “Alice in Wonderland” later this year.

However, I always thought both of Burton’s Bat films were as artistically lacking as Schumacher’s. This is mainly due to its lack of emphasis on the title character in favor of spotlighting the villains. Hence none of the first four Batman pictures achieved the greatness of “Superman,” which provided a great star-making showcase for Christopher Reeve as the Man of Steel as well as a nice villainous turn for superstar Gene Hackman as Lex Luthor.

In fairness, I don’t blame Burton for Keaton’s Batman being sidelined in his own movies, but rather the films’ distributor Warner Bros., which, due to its headline-making, once-in-a-lifetime deal with Jack Nicholson, made the decision that much of the film’s focus should be on Jack (as the Joker) chewing the scenery as only he can. This was the biggest factor in making the 1989 film such a smash and the emphasis on villainy continued with “Returns,” which attempted to match the star power Jack gave the first film by giving us not one, but two villains: Michelle Pfeiffer’s Catwoman and Danny DeVito’s Penguin.

While Keaton had slightly more dialogue this time around, the emphasis remained primarily on the villains. The only positive aspects of “Returns” were Pfeiffer’s Catwoman and her scenes with Batman. Burton making the Penguin a mutant freak proved as bad an idea as Rob Zombie making “Halloween’s” Michael Myers white trash.

Hence, Batman’s success as a movie theme arrived with “Begins.” Some have criticized Christian Bale’s tone of voice when playing the Caped Crusader, but, like Reeve and Maguire and unlike Keaton, he was allowed to bring some acting to his role. At the same time, both “Begins” and its follow up, “The Dark Knight” (2008), allowed for emphasis on its memorable antagonists (Cillian Murphy’s Scarecrow and Heath Ledger’s Joker).

It is also noteworthy that “Begins” ignores the events of the previous four Bat flicks, while following year’s Superman revival, the enjoyable if routine “Superman Returns” (2006), acknowledges the events of the first two Super-pictures, even though a different actor (Brandon Routh) portrays the Man of Steel.

I, for one, am sorry that a deal couldn’t be reached with Raimi and Maguire to return to the Spider-fold, but am optimistic that the next entry will be entertaining.

What are your predicitions for “Spider-Man 4”? E-mail slacker.solutions@gmail.com.

Avatar Blues: In search of Pandora’s paradise chip reeves the news record

Director James Cameron’s blockbuster “Avatar,” which has earned more than $1 billion in its first four weeks at the box office, is not only causing excitement and happiness, but depression and suicidal tendencies.

The Web site avatar-forums.com has more than 1,000 posts on the subject of dealing with depression caused by not being able to live on the planet Pandora, the setting for the movie “Avatar.”

The ground-breaking CGI (Computer-generated imagery) and James Cameron’s own invention, a virtual camera, created a practically livable world for the viewers, one some never want to leave.

Avatar-forums.com is full of topics, ranging from asking the general site population if the movie is OK for a 10 year old or discussion over

the Na’vi culture and language. For those who are wondering what a Na’vi is, they are the giant blue alien civilization that are the centerpiece of the film. They share many similarities to humans, such as their emotions, but differ in their language and way of life.

One group of discussion topics on the Web site all dubbed “Ways to cope with the depression of Pandora being intangible,” is the focal point of CNN’s report, but there are even more topics covering the seemingly inability to cope with Pandora being an unattainable place.

“The Pandora Effect,” “Pandora Depression” and “Avatar Blues” are all threads started by people who want Pandora and the Na’vi to be real.

Another thread title reads “On administrative leave until I’m out of this weird funk.” After a quick check, it seems the author was acting out see avatar | page 2

photo courtesy of mct campus

Pandora’s inhabitants, Na’vi Na’vi look like realistic Smurfs without the white leggings.

When musicals make you feel young, or way too old ariel cheung the news record

Think back to your early teenage years: The ones where you woke up one day and realized the opposite sex didn’t have cooties, your parents weren’t always right and something serious was going on … down there.

Luckily for teenagers, there is an endless number of movies, television shows and books that give us a social norm. By the time we reach those golden years, we’ve seen people kiss, we know how the grown-up world functions.

Now, imagine what those frustrating, confusing years would have been like if you still wholeheartedly believed in the fabled stork.

As thus, the scene is set for “Spring Awakening.” The musical, based on Frank Wedekind’s 1891 play, is a story of the sexual awakening decades of teenagers have experienced in that journey from adolescence to adulthood.

Although the show takes place in 1890s Germany, the plot is full of issues still extremely relevant: rape, depression, challenging authority and sex among them.

Wendla Bergmann, a blossoming, inquisitive young woman, begins the show questioning if her mother has prepared her with the information she needs for the real world.

When she asks her mother how babies are made, her mother, responds that a woman simply has to love her husband very much and, voila, a baby will appear.

Wendla is played by Christy Altomare, a 2008 College-Conservatory of Music graduate.

Altomare was first cast in the role when “Spring Awakening” began touring in July 2008.

Thankfully, that year has not been wasted on Altomare. She has grown into the role and is now one of the best parts of the production, as opposed to being merely a side note.

Her portrayal of Wendla as the supremely naïve innocent is sugary sweet, but Altomare now comes off as endearing rather than stupid.

Her voice is still as clean and clear as ever and her duets with Jake Epstein as lead male Melchior Gabor were a harmonic delight.

Although, honestly, the same holds true for the entire show. Composers Steven Sater and Duncan Sheik are masterminds; each song is supported by a river of harmonies that were always spot on and tuned to perfection.

The alternative rock style of the score is strangely perfect, despite the time warp. It’s the beauty of this musical unlike any other.

“Spring Awakening” has a vibe all its own: From the precise diction used by all the actors to the downtown jazz club feel of the set, it’s a musical that defines those years of sexual awakening perfectly.

Epstein was not as stunning in the role of see musical | page 2

O’Brien may leave NBC if pushed jeremy davis the news record

Last year, NBC took a gamble when it reformatted its late-night programming and now dismal ratings are forcing them to alter their line up once again.

NBC’s “The Jay Leno Show” brought former “Tonight Show” host Jay Leno into primetime, but since its debut, poor ratings and lack of viewership, Leno will be pushed back into late night. NBC announced Sunday that “The Jay Leno Show” will leave the airwaves on Feb. 12 when NBC plans to air the 2010 Winter Olympics.

The decision to reformat their late-night scene will not only affect Jay Leno and his show, but Conan O’Brien’s “The Tonight Show” and his follow up “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon” as well.

Talks of change came about after NBC affiliate stations voiced

concerns over Leno’s lack of viewership, particularly their nightly newscasts. NBC affiliates saw a 30 percent drop in viewers since Leno’s move to 10 p.m., which created tension between NBC and its affiliates. Many affiliates even threatened to drop the show from their local line up if NBC didn’t make a change for the better.

Not looking to suffer even greater declines in ratings, NBC had no choice but to comply and make an effective change. The ideal situation for NBC officials would be to keep Leno, O’Brien and Fallon with the network in a deal that makes everyone happy, although nothing has been set in stone and negotiations are currently taking place with all three hosts.

Although Jeff Gaspin, NBC Universal’s Television Chairman, confirmed that NBC will indeed put Leno back at his old timeslot of 11:35 p.m. sometime after the

The gang’s all here...

But how long can nbc keep everybody?

conclusion of the 2010 Winter Olympics. And if current negotiations go NBC’s way, O’Brien would stay with the network and host “The Tonight Show” at 12:05 a.m. and Fallon’s “Late Night” program would air at 1:05 a.m.

But everything may not pan out the way NBC would like it to.

The latest rumors and reports from insiders say that O’Brien might be weighing his options between staying at NBC as “The Tonight Show” host or leave to make a new home at a competing network such as FOX, which is speculated to be a top contender.

In any event, many believe that when all is said and done, one of the three hosts will have left NBC behind.

This isn’t the first controversial late-night shakeup at NBC. When former “Tonight Show” host Johnny Carson retired in 1992, it was thought that then “Late Night” host David Letterman would take the

helm of the long-running “Tonight Show,” as it’s been said that Letterman was Carson’s personal choice to succeed him. However, NBC had other plans when they instead brought in Jay Leno as Carson’s replacement, resulting in Letterman rightfully ditching NBC and moving to CBS to host his own “Late Show,” which currently tops O’Brien in nightly ratings.

How this mess will ultimately play out essentially rests with O’Brien, and it’s hard to say what route should be taken. It all depends on what O’Brien values being the host of the prestigious “The Tonight Show” and whether he believes sticking with NBC, despite all the troubles they create, would be worth it.

NBC aims to have this issue resolved by the time the Winter Olympics airs, so expect much more speculation as the situation continues to unfold until then. photos courtesy of MCT CAMPUS

Leno, o’brien and fallon The three hosts are in the middle of a sticky situation, with O’Brien claiming he will leave NBC if his show’s time is changed from its 11:30 p.m. timeslot. Jay Leno’s waning popularity seems to be negatively affecting more than just “The Jay Leno Show.”

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opinion discussion board for all walks of life

WRITER’S

BLOC

JEREMY DAVIS

Liberty more important than security Benjamin Franklin once said, “Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.”

These are powerful words in a modern world where we are told all too frequently that we must sacrifice a little of one for some of the other.

Too often Americans are forced to decide among preserving our freedoms, liberties and rights or succumbing to intrusions into our privacy; giving some of it up in order to see the grip of government authority tighten around us.

All the time we hear of how much safer we could be if we would just suffer more of the inconvenience of certain safety measures. In light of the recent Christmas Day bombing attempt, the debate of liberty versus security has once again been brought to the center of American forethought.

As far as the failed “underwear bomber” plot goes, it was more likely a failure on the part of the government and its security bureaucracy that enabled this individual to get as far as he did. The government screws up and now the people are the ones who have to pay for it through increased authoritarian security measures that won’t necessarily make Americans any safer than we are now.

The efforts undertaken throughout the “war on terror” have brought the American people numerous new policies that have restricted our liberty.

The PATRIOT Act is without question the most notorious and controversial side effect of the liberty versus security debate gone wrong. Countless rights protected by the Constitution have been trumped by the call for greater security. The Fourth Amendment, protecting Americans from unlawful searches and seizures, is perhaps the greatest casualty of the PATRIOT Act and can no longer fully protect us from invasions of privacy by the government.

It’s become an almost Orwellian belief of protecting rights by dismissing them.

“The idea that we can trade liberty for security is itself a fallacy. Whenever politicians ask the American people to surrender some of the freedoms that we currently enjoy so that we can have increased safety, they are giving us a false choice” said Chris Morbitzer, president of the University of Cincinnati chapter of the Young Americans for Liberty. “Freedom is not analogous to security, and by trading away freedom, we actually make ourselves less secure. We are no more safe by giving up essential liberty in the name of security than we would have been had we retained it, and in the end, the only change is that we have less freedom.”

And now we hear reports by the media of overwhelming support for the new full-body scanners at airports as Americans clamor for more protection. Unfortunately, many Americans are now willing to support a gross intrusion into their privacy and an erosion of their constitutionally protected liberties to grasp a false sense of security provided by a government that it cannot and should not do it all. It’s utterly impossible for the government to protect us against everything, so the easiest way for governments to broaden their reach is to play on the fears of the people, causing them to exchange liberty for security.

“The only governments which can claim to have such a control of the actions of its residents that the risks of modern life are minimized to the utmost degree are totalitarian regimes,” Morbitzer said. “It is doubtful that many Americans would willingly choose such a lifestyle for the benefits of security, yet we continue to push slowly in that direction, perhaps not recognizing where we are headed.”

Our liberties are the foundation of America. How can chipping away at those foundations keep them strong?

It’s much easier to lose liberty than to gain it and it’s nearly impossible to restore those liberties once they have been lost. It’s been said they when we trade liberty for security, we lose both. Until we come to that realization, our rights will continue to be pushed aside.

Give you liberty or give you security? Let Jeremy know at daj8@mail.uc.edu.

Gay men banned from donating blood Jamie Royce

Donating blood saves lives, and many University of Cincinnati students helped do just that by participating in this week’s Hoxworth Blood Center blood drive. That is, except gay male students.

A 1983 Federal Food and Drug Administration regulation, made at the height of the AIDS epidemic when very little was known about the disease, permanently banned men who have had sex with other men from donating blood because the organization considers this a high-risk behavior for transferring HIV. Consequently, blood centers across the United States do not allow gay men to donate blood and blood products, such as blood platelets, blood plasma and other human blood clotting agents.

“It is the policy of the FDA and we are regulated by the FDA,” said Alecia Lipton, a public relations representative for Hoxworth. The organization must comply with all of the FDA’s regulations to be a licensed blood center. Without this licensing, Hoxworth would not be able to supply blood and blood products to patients and hospitals.

While Hoxworth must comply with the

regulation to function, the organization has championed its stance against the ban on gay men’s blood donations since 1997, joining forces with the American Red Cross and America’s Blood Centers to remove the policy.

Once blood is collected, it is tested for a myriad of reasons, detecting such things as HIV, syphilis and hepatitis. Individual’s blood that test positive for illnesses such as these is deferred and a notice is mailed to the donor. The donor must then call the blood center for the reason why their blood was deferred.

And when tests such as these are in place to ensure that no HIV positive blood is passed on to recipients, why ban gay men from donating? Most gay men are not HIV positive, and anyone who wants to donate blood should not be denied because of their sexual identity.

The questions donors are asked before their blood is drawn are basically answered on the honor system anyway. While the technician may test iron levels by pricking a donor’s finger, there is no homosexual test. A gay man could still donate as long as he says no to the question that asks if he has had sex with other men.

And while 47 percent of new HIV cases are a result of male-to-male sexual content, 44 percent of people with AIDS are black, according to AVERT, an international AIDS charity. Along the FDA’s reasoning, black people should also not be allowed to donate for fear they are HIV positive.

People who are intravenous drug users are also not allowed to donate blood, as the practice accounts for 22 percent of new HIV/AIDS cases. But highrisk heterosexual contact (unprotected sexual contact between a man and a woman), accounts for 24 percent of new HIV/AIDS cases.

The News Record reported in a Jan. 11 article titled “Hoxworth Center thirsty for more,” that the blood center is not meeting the demand for blood.

So why deny someone who could potentially save a life by donating blood the ability to do so? Anyone who donates could potentially have HIV/AIDS, that is why all blood donations are tested.

Individuals who wish to leave the FDA comments regarding this policy should call 800-835-4709.

Jamie Royce is the opinion editor at The News Record and blogs at stuffqueerpeopleneedtoknow.wordpress.com.

low on the totempole

Unemployment: more people stop looking for jobs BETHANY DAVIDSON

Peter Springsteen | THe News record

Families take holiday hit Maria Bergh

It’s been almost two weeks since school started and many students may be breathing a sigh of relief because the month at home is over. It seems stifling to ask to borrow a car, get the third degree about where you’re going and maybe even a reinstated curfew.

Sure, Mom’s cooking is good, but the lure of independence and friends at school is hard to overcome.

College is a clear mark that your parents succeeded. Moving out, living alone and supporting a college education are marks of maturity and stability that are impossible to reach alone. The strength of society is based on citizens who develop communities.

The frustrations and frictions of family life are the forms in which we are molded and shaped, enabling us to become more than we are now. There is little we do to form ourselves apart from this influence.

But society devalues and ignores families. There is a collective groan over in-laws, an involuntary shudder at the thought of family time and the unmistakable increase in divorces and average marriage age. Instead of spending time nourishing and

supporting the people who bore and raised us, as Americans, the trend is choosing a family of our own.

Adults who were once held in loving families as they aged toward death are now installed in senior care facilities, as younger members of the family are too busy to provide support.

At the same time, the government continues to ignore the complexity of families, outlawing gay marriages and repeatedly deporting mothers, fathers or both; leaving parents with a hard choice between maintaining the family unit or providing their children with continued American citizenship.

For many, their dream upon entering this country shatters along with their family life.

America is the place it is because people have been allowed to dream and work here. Our government has displaced different groups throughout history: Native Americans, Spanish, Irish, Italians, blacks, Germans, Chinese, Japanese, communists, anarchists, Mexicans and more.

Nearly all of these groups’ influence on society were or are a real boon, supporting wars, peace, economy, culture, music and politics.

It is important to recognize that

family teaches us to accept and support each other; if we have not been a part of effective families it is hard to realize that value is not a function of comfort, utility or homogeneity. Even in close-knit families, it is difficult to include members different from ourselves, making communication between family members nearly impossible.

But, despite this, in accepting and affirming the families we could deport and break down, we also respect and affirm the family of America as a whole. When we take care of our country, we enable our lives to become richer, peaceful and more fulfilling. In this recession, in a sudden bout with illness, in the birth of a disabled child, there is a sudden reordering of priorities and recognition that survival of the fittest is a harsh and harmful policy. Life is not a matter of achieving freedom, wealth or power by disempowering others, but by achieving stability and support for all.

Maria Bergh is a fourth-year architecture student, currently working for Habitat for Humanity, helping to rebuild Texas after Hurricane Ike.

Williams vists TNR, says nothing

The News Record was bamboozled. We were a victim of politics. Politics that, dare we say, were almost as good and as convincing as Brian Kelly. But who are we kidding? We’ve seen this done before — we’re not stupid.

Monday, Jan. 11, University of Cincinnati President Greg Williams visited our office with Greg Hand, UC spokesman, in tow. The purpose of their visit was to give News Record editors the opportunity to ask Williams all of our itching questions, questions so nagging that not even the most powerful Cortizone cream could alleviate the sensation.

It was our goal to ask important questions. We hoped to receive even more important answers so we could inform the students, faculty, staff and the Cincinnati community who have an interest in our new president’s decision-making process, of what’s next for UC. What we have to report is a whole lot of nothing. Almost every question we asked Williams had an ambiguous answer, if any answer at all.

“Do you have specific plans to increase diversity?” asked Jamie Royce, News Record opinion editor.

It was a fair question, one that seemed to be of zero consequence.

Williams’ answer: “I’ve met with the diversity council and I look forward to meeting them again.

There are a number of issues I’m interested in.”

Students can rest easy knowing their tuition dollars are going to use; Williams is doing his job. He’s being the positive politician the university

Staff Editorial

needs him to be. After one hour of asking questions important to the university’s students — questions about tuition, athletics, diversity, sustainability, keeping students at the center and faculty satisfaction, to name a few — we were nowhere near having anything worth reporting.

Oh, but if you’re interested, we could tell you that Williams went to the Sugar Bowl, thought UC’s presence in New Orleans was unmatched and, well, that’s pretty much it.

Many of Williams’ responses started with “When I was at City College,” or “When I was at the University of Iowa” or “When I was at Ohio State.” Not one answer started with, “While I am at the University of Cincinnati I want to (fill in the blank here).”

Although Williams has received much praise for the things he accomplished at other universities, he’s no longer at those other institutions.

We’re no longer interested in the things he did while he was the president of City College. We want to know what he’s going to do here.

We want to know what he’s going to do for the city of Cincinnati, how he plans to elevate the status of our university and how his tenure and legacy will impact the students who are at Cincinnati now and those who will choose Cincinnati in the future.

Whenever Williams decides to show up on the steps of McMicken Hall to start delivering and stop living through past accomplishments, we’ll be ready. We’ll send our news editors and a photographer to take in the action. But, until then, if all Williams focuses on are his been-there experiences, we have to ask if he’s really the right man for the job.

opinion.newsrecord@gmail.com

justin tepe | the news record

Uc President Greg Williams visits The News Record for a roundtable-style interview.

Despite our questions and our follow up questions, and the questions to follow up the follow ups, we couldn’t tell you what Williams’ goals are, what his main ambitions are or how he wants to accomplish anything. All we know is that he’s “in the process.”

We asked students on Twitter and Facebook what they wanted us to ask Williams. More than half of those who responded wanted to know how Williams and his administration would keep students at the center.

We hope our hour-long interview with Williams isn’t an indication of how he plans to keep students at the center; we feel awfully out of the loop.

| 513.556.5913

Everyone knows times have been tough; the economy has been sloping downward since 2007. When Obama was elected president in 2008, most Americans hoped the economy would finally be restored. Two long years later, many are starting to lose that optimism.

For those who have been laid off from their jobs and are struggling to find new work, it’s almost impossible to be optimistic. While the economy has been showing signs of improvement, employment rates are plunging.

During the past month, 85,000 jobs were shed and the nation’s unemployment rate is currently at 10 percent. If things continue on this way, the unemployment rate could rise to 11 percent, which would be the highest it’s been since World War II. Right now, the rate of unemployment would actually be higher if more people hadn’t become so discouraged. When a person gives up looking for a job, they aren’t technically counted as unemployed any longer. If the economy shows signs of concrete improvement, then many people will start eagerly searching for work again and unemployment rates will become higher than ever.

It’s hard to look for work when you know you’ll be competing with sometimes dozens of other applicants for one position. This makes people apply for jobs that they once would be considered over-qualified for. The fact that these people are accepting jobs they normally wouldn’t be interested in means they will be making significantly less money.

The economy will continue to decline as individuals with new, lower-paying jobs start having to make cuts in their spending habits, since their new job might barely cover the most necessary bills. People are afraid to spend money when jobs are scarce and their own future might not be as secure as they’d once thought.

When someone loses their job and starts to look for a new one, their window of opportunity quickly begins to narrow.

Being unemployed for a couple of months can make it impossible to catch up to where they used to be and they might lag behind for years.

Employers don’t want people who have been unemployed for extended amounts of time; they want someone who is fresh with the qualifications that they are searching for. That makes it a desperate race for the applicants, who often find themselves applying for a position along with dozens of other hopefuls.

As the job situation grows dimmer each passing day, people are looking to the president for answers. Obama acknowledged the unemployment numbers in a Jan. 8 address saying it is a “reminder that the road to recovery is never straight,” and he would “explore every avenue to accelerate the return to hiring.”

We can only hope that this promise for a better economy, resulting in a wider selection of jobs, is going to truly play out, and soon.

News of unemployment is a sober reminder to college students who are spending years of their lives preparing for a good, stable career only to see how bleak the job market is looking.

Approaching graduation suddenly looms above students’ heads; those who can afford it are starting to wonder if they can apply to graduate school in the hopes of an edge over other job applicants, as well as time to wait until the job market is more welcoming.

In 2009, employers cut a total of 4.2 million jobs, ending the year with an average unemployment rate of 9.3 percent. We can only wonder if 2010 will be any better. The future certainly looks bleak as nearly 15.3 million people are scrounging for jobs that don’t exist.

Employers are wary to hire anyone, and when they do select a lucky applicant, they are likely to pay only a fraction of what the job once offered and half the amount of hours.

Obama is now giving $2.3 billion in tax credits to companies who manufacture clean energy technology, which will create approximately 17,000 jobs. Maybe these new job opportunities are a glimmer of hope in an otherwise bleak economy.

Bethany Davidson is a third-year journalism student.

5

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We e k e n d E d i t i o n Jan. 14, 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

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$0.60 $0.70

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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.

FOR RENT ONE, TWO, THREE, FOUR BEDROOMS AND STUDIOS. WALK TO UC. FREE HEAT. CARPET, HARDWOOD, LAUNDRY, DISHWASHER, PARKING. SECURITY ALARMS ARE AVAILABLE. DEPOSIT SPECIAL WITH APPROVAL. Call 513-651-2339.

EFFICIENCY, 1-BEDROOM, 2-BEDROOM in HYDE PARK for rent in excellent condition. New appliances including dishwashers, A/C.

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 HEAT and WATER paid. Balcony, pool use, 10 minutes from UC. New kitchens and bathrooms.

Laundry, off-street parking/garage.

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FOR RENT Rooms for rent in a fully furnished house includes high speed internet, cable, ALL UTILITIES, fully equipped kitchen, gardner and HOUSEKEEPING service for common areas. Newly remodeled, upgraded and painted. Great location, nice neighborhood. 1 mille from UC Campus. Available early September. $300 to $425, depending one size of bedroom and floor. Off street parking. Porch.

Driveway. Backyard.

Call 513-288-1189 or for appointment.

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2-3 bedroom house, quiet street, walk to UC, washer/dryer, AC, $700/month, 1 year lease and deposit. Call 513886-0094.

FREE Heat, Electric & Water! Newly renovated! Large 3 & 5 bedroom, 1 to 2 bath apartments available a couple miles from UC! Great kitchens, large bedrooms, A/C, laundry facility, private parking. $375/ person. Call Seth 513-383-9435 or sgdimling@aol.com ROOMMATE WANTED. Westwood. Shared 2 bedroom 2 family home. Newly remodeled, on bus

FOR RENT line. Rent $290/ month. Utilities included. Call John, 513-551-6424.

EMPLOYMENT experience, flexible hours. 10+/hour. Call 513-381-2800 #7778.

VACANCIES. A Leading Company in the manufacturing of arts and galleries components requires suitably qualified candidates. General Requirements: ComFREE Heat, Electric & Water! Newly puter Proficiency in relevant software. renovated! Large 3 Age - 18 years and & 5 bedroom, 1 to 2 bath apartments avail- above. Experience Not less than a year able a couple miles from UC! Great kitch- in a similar position.

Educational Qualifiens, large bedrooms, cation - Some ColA/C, laundry facillege/BSC in a ity, private parking. related discipline. $375/person, Call Seth 513-383-9435 or sgdimling@aol.com HELP WITH CHILDREN WANTED IN THE $375-450 1 & 2 HOME. Enthusiastic bedroom - $299 individual wanted to Moves-U-IN!! Inhelp with homework cludes HEAT! Balcony, Spacious! 5107 and to provide a safe Colerain Avenue next after-school environto the Forest entrance. ment for 13, 10 and 7-year-olds in our ONLY 3 Left!! Call home in Northeast 513-429-3428, 513Cincinnati 3:00 p.m.

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BARTENDING. $250 /DAY POTENTIAL. No experience necessary, training provided. Call 1-800965-6520 ext 225.

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We e k e n d E d i t i o n Jan. 14, 2010 www.newsrecord.org

sports covering all uc sports

TICKEL

YER FANCY HUNTER TICKEL

Donovan can lead US to World Cup run Landon Donovan, the greatest American-born soccer player, set foot on an English pitch at Emirates Stadium Saturday, Jan. 9, in his Premier League debut.

The 27 year old is playing at the highest level of his career. Against Arsenal on Saturday, Donovan didn’t resemble the same player that had failed to impress fans in his three previous stints in Europe.

Donovan finally caught a break with Everton, as he was given a chance to start his first game in arguably the world’s best league.

Donovan played inspiring soccer against Arsenal, a world powerhouse. He assisted on Everton’s first goal in the 12th minute with a perfect delivery off a corner kick.

He played with pace, helped his teammates on defense and, most importantly, he played with the same confidence and swagger he showed when playing in America.

His efforts contributed toward Everton earning its first tie against Arsenal since 1996.

But Donovan isn’t the only American on Everton making his presence felt.

Goalkeeper Tim Howard was recently named by the team as one of the top-12 Everton players of the decade, and he continues to prove that he is one of the best goalkeepers in soccer.

Howard could start for any team in the world, but U.S. fans will be fortunate enough to have him starting for their team come June.

We’re just five months away from this summer’s World Cup in South Africa. Not every player’s spot on the U.S team is secured, and several players currently playing abroad are still looking to earn their place on the national team.

Clint Dempsey shouldn’t have too much to worry about.

The Fulham midfielder is currently tied for the top scorer on the team with six goals, one shy of the 10th leading scorer in the league. He was the only goal scorer for the U.S. at the last World Cup, and even more will be expected from him this summer.

Jozy Altidore, a forward for Hull City, has cemented his place in the starting lineup with his club as expected, but it may not be enough for him to get significant minutes in the World Cup. He has yet to score in 15 league games.

Midfielder Stuart Holden has a crucial decision to make after finishing up his contract with Houston, making him a free transfer for European teams.

There are rumors circulating that Rangers in Scotland is interested, but if he cannot get playing time immediately, he would be better served to stay in the United States for the time being.

Many players in Europe are making a late push to make the cut for the U.S. team. The determining factor will be whether or not these players can get a regular playing team with their clubs leading up to the World Cup. An American duo, midfielders DaMarcus Beasley and Maurice Edu is currently playing for Rangers.

Beasley saw a huge drop off in form with Rangers last year and has not made an appearance for the U.S. national team since last summer, but as of late he has re-emerged with two goals and four assists in his last five games with Rangers.

I’m guaranteeing right now that Beasley will make the U.S. national team and start at least one game in the World Cup. Edu made his return to soccer in December after a knee injury sidelined him for seven months.

If he plays at the level he was performing at before the injury, not only will he make the team, he will be starting for the United States.

If there is one American whose bubble is close to bursting, however, it’s the talented - yet disappointing - midfielder Freddy Adu. Adu was once dubbed the most talented young player in the world and the savior of U.S. soccer, but he has failed to be consistent.

Adu is on his third loan in as many years, this time with Aris, of Greece. If he is unable to break into the first team, Adu may be out of options. A to return to the states may be in order if this loan fails.

American players are sprinkled all over Europe and, playing time or not, it has to be a positive sign for U.S. soccer moving forward.

With some of America’s best players making their presence felt across Europe, I like our chances against Europe’s and the rest of the world’s national teams this summer in South Africa.

Cincinnati collapses down stretch — again sam elliott the news record

Lance Stephenson wasn’t expecting a warm welcome home from the crowd in his native New York.

Now, there might not be one waiting for him in Cincinnati, either.

In his highly anticipated return to Madison Square Garden, the Cincinnati freshman tallied only seven points on 3-of-9 shooting, all while turning the ball over six times in the Bearcats’ 52-50 loss to St. John’s Wednesday, Jan. 13.

But Stephenson’s final turnover of the night hurt Cincinnati most.

With seven seconds remaining in a 50-50 tie, Stephenson failed to

successfully inbound the ball St. John’s (11-5, 1-3 for UC. Big East) took advantage St. John’s Dwight Hardy of Cincinnati’s inability to intercepted Stephenson’s hold onto the basketball ill-advised pass and gave all night, scoring 25 points the Red Storm their off the Bearcats’ final two points of 21 turnovers. the night from the “[This was] the free-throw line. toughest loss I’ve Just seven seconds S T ORM ever had as a coach earlier, with Cincinnati just because of leading by two, Rashad the way [we] gave Bishop attempted to the game away,” heave an inbounds Cronin said.

C AT S pass behind the entire Hardy led all St. John’s defense. scorers with 19 points Deonta Vaughn was and St. John’s became waiting for the pass near the the second-consecutive team opposite free-throw line, to earn their first Big East but Hardy hustled back for win of the season against the interception. the Bearcats.

“That play is not in our Cincinnati (11-6, 2-3 repertoire,” said UC head coach Big East) jumped out to a fast Mick Cronin. “That play was not start early, scoring six straight called; we don’t run that play.” see cats | page 2

52 50

kareem elgazzar | the news record

get over here Wins over UC remain the only Big East victories for Seton Hall and St. John’s.

New president weighs in on Kelly, Jones

G

“

garrett sabelhaus the news record

reg Williams knows the importance of athletics at the University of Cincinnati.

The president of UC also insists that academics come first, which is why he is enthusiastic about new head football coach

Butch Jones.

“Before we hired Butch Jones, he and I sat down and we talked about what his goals were for the team,” Williams said. “[He understands] that we are an academic institution and academics are important.”

Williams, more than two months into his presidency, wanted to make sure the players know how important hitting the books is at Cincinnati.

“I had a chance to talk to the recruits that they brought in and [Jones] was up there making the same statement to the recruits and their families about the importance of academics,” Williams said. “I think sometimes you lose sight of that when you talk about athletic programs.”

Jones’ best asset may be his commitment to UC, Williams said.

In a conversation with Williams, Jones said he wants to be a Bearcat for the —greg williams, long haul. uc president “He sees this as a destination school, not a school on the way to somewhere else and so I expect him to be here for a long time,” Williams said.

Jones reiterated those same thoughts, saying Cincinnati is a great place to raise his three young boys.

Jones has been in this situation before, when he replaced former UC head coach Brian Kelly at Central Michigan when Kelly came to Cincinnati.

Although Williams was displeased with how the situation surrounding Kelly’s departure was handled, he expressed his gratitude for the progress Kelly made at UC and said he heard of Kelly’s decision shortly before it was announced.

“You have to deal with situations as they occur,” Williams said. “It was a situation that I was sorry that it happened like it happened. I think the reality is that our athletes dealt with it very well.”

As unfortunate as the situation was, Jones and his new staff have been through it before and it will help them with the transition process. Jones also said the time of his hiring was important in keeping recruits committed to UC. “Every situation is unique in itself, but I’m really excited about our players,” Jones said. “I don’t think it’s about one individual, it’s about a program. We’ve been through it and we went 22-3 at Central Michigan in Mid American Conference play and that doesn’t happen by chance.”

As well as his first few weeks with the new job have gone, Jones realizes a lot of work has to be done. But when asked if he saw Cincinnati as a destination school, Jones responded, “No question.”

It was a situation that I was sorry that it happened like it happened.

”

kareem elgazzar | the news record

uc’s newest fan Greg Williams took over as president of the University of Cincinnati Nov. 1, 2009. Williams believes UC football coach Butch Jones willl be in Cincinnati for a long time.

shoes need filling Butch Jones is taking over a program that has lost just one conference game in two seasons. pat strang | the news record

Roudebush leads Cats to battle in Jersey Tom Skeen the news record

The University of Cincinnati women’s basketball team is set to play the Rutgers Scarlet Knights Saturday, Jan. 16, in Piscataway, N.J. The Cats come in on a high note after beating St. John’s Sunday, earning their first Big East victory of the season.

UC senior guard Kahla Roudebush is averaging 18 points during the last five games, including a 25-point performance against St. John’s. She was named to the weekly Big East Honor Roll Monday.

“In the last four games, she has been the best player on the court,” said head coach Jamelle Elliott.

“She is playing with confidence and like a leader; she has made my transition this year a lot easier.”

Cincinnati (8-7, 1-2 Big East) is limiting its opponents to 57.2 points per game and 39.8 percent sam greene | the news record shooting from the field, but the Cats are managing just 57.7 points wait for it Kahla Roudebush waits per game. for a defender in UC’s 62-49 win against “We must score to win,” Elliott Eastern Kentucky University Friday, Dec. said. “If we can score 65 points, I 18, at Fifth Third Arena. think we will have a chance to win the

game.”

Senior forward Michelle Jones has been all over the boards this year for the Cats, averaging 6.7 rebounds per game.

Rutgers (10-7, 2-1 Big East) is riding a two-game winning streak and have won six of its last eight games.

Led by legendary head coach C. Vivian Stringer, the Scarlet Knights are solid defensively, allowing just 54.4 points per game and limiting their opponents to 30 percent shooting from the field.

“They take pride in guarding guys and are really stingy on defense,” Elliott said.

Senior guard Brittany Ray leads the Scarlet Knights averaging 17.3 points per game, the only Rutgers player averaging double-digit points.

Ray comes in shooting 41.6 percent from the field; fifth in the Big East, and 44.2 percent from behind the arc. Her 38 three pointers ranks fifth in the Big East and are more than the rest of the Scarlet Knights combined (30).

Ray has scored in double-digits in all but one game this season, including the last 12 games. “[Ray] is shooting the lights

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“

We must score to win. If we can score 65 points, I think we will have a chance to win the game.

”

—Jamelle elliott, uc head coach

out,” Elliott said. “She is going to be someone we have to zero in on and make the shots she takes difficult.”

Sophomore Chelsey Lee leads the Scarlet Knights on the boards, averaging 6.9 rebounds per game.

Rutgers is averaging 58.5 points per game and is shooting over 40 percent from the field, a tough challenge defensively for the Bearcats according to Elliott.

“They are very methodical on offense and make you work very hard on defense,” Elliott said.

Tip-off is set for 2 p.m. Saturday.