November 15, 2023

DATE DATE DATE NOVEMBER 16, 2023

ATHENS AMPLIFIED The Houseguest continues to open doors for itself in the local music scene

Amazon grants $15,000 to local business... pg. 4 Student organization presidents face pressure... pg. 12 ‘The Post’s’ best moments from fall athletics... pg. 15

Incoming legal changes affect Athens residents

Mayor Steve Patterson and his watch party taking a group picture at Pigskin Bar, in Athens, Nov. 7, 2023 election night. (CHLOE EGGLESTON | FOR THE POST)

DISHA HOQUE FOR THE POST Changes to state and local legislation are in store for Athens citizens after Ohio voters cast their ballots in favor of Issues 1 and 2 in the Nov. 7 election.

Issue 1 is a constitutional amendment that enshrines abortion and all other reproductive care. According to Ohio Laws & Administrative Rules, the amendment, titled “The Right to Reproductive Freedom with Protections for Health and Safety,” legalizes an individual’s right to make and carry out one’s reproductive decisions.

Aside from Issue 1 legalizing abortion in Ohio constitutionally, the amendment will also have other effects on reproductive care. “(The amendment) includes access to abortions, but also fertility treatment, miscarriage care, with pregnancy and reproductive health justice,” Chris Fowler, the director of the Women’s Center at Ohio University, said.

Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio, an organization that offers safe and reliable reproductive and contraceptive options for

women, celebrated Issue 1 passing and updated its website after election results were released; “Abortion is legal in Ohio. Our doors are open.”

Issue 1 brings in the possibility of more reproductive and contraceptive resources being available outside of the major cities of Ohio.

“The issue passing maybe could open up ways for rural communities like Athens, Southeast Ohio and Appalachian Ohio to get the resources to have abortion clinics,” Stan Yerrick, a junior studying political science, said. “I think it'll open a lot of paths for that.”

Along with voting in favor of Issue 1, the majority of Ohioans also voted “yes” to the installment of Issue 2.

The passing of Issue 2 allows Ohio to “commercialize, regulate, legalize and tax the adult use of cannabis,” according to the Ohio Secretary of State. Ohio lawmakers are now working to regulate adult marijuana usage.

Differing from Issue 1, Issue 2 does not enact a constitutional amendment.

“Issue 2 is interesting since it's not (a constitutional) amendment, so there's still the chance that the legislature could overturn it,”

Julianna Rittenberg, a junior studying political science, said. “I think a lot of people are just kind of waiting to see if it actually comes to fruition or not.”

The laws established by the issue will go into effect Dec. 7.

However, Governor Mike DeWine is hesitant about the new law. DeWine is calling for potential changes and modifications to Issue 2 regarding smoking in public, potency and children’s safety, according to a WKYC report.

Local issues were also on last week’s ballot for Athens County.

The voters of Athens approved an Athens City School Bond Issue. The multi-million dollar bond will fund a new high school and will be paid off over the next 30 years.

Christine Knisley, president of the Athens city council, emphasized the significance of the bond passing for increasing tourism and the Athens population. “(A new school facility is) certainly attractive as new people come to town and for people making decisions about their professional careers,” Knisley said.

She said once the facility is completed, it

could create a strong incentive for people to stay in Athens and raise their families in the city because of the new school.

Along with the bond issue, Athens County also passed a tax levy for EMS operations this fall. The levy, according to the Athens County sample ballot from Nov. 7, would additionally tax Athenians for the next five years. The added tax would go toward funding the operating budget and maintenance of Athens County Emergency Medical Services, or ACEMS. “(The levy is) important for our citizens because we need to be able to adequately protect them in times when they need to call emergency services,” Knisley said.

The levy will also lead to salary increases for ACEMS workers.

“The money from that levy will also help pay for salary increases for the employees,” Knisely said. “That’s important to be able to provide a living wage for employees and people in our community.”

@DISHAHOQUE05 DH390522@OHIO.EDU

COVER PHOTO BY ETHAN HERX | FOR THE POST

2 / NOVEMBER 15, 2023

QuickLoadz’s logo displayed on a shipping container that sits at the entrance of QuickLoadz Container System on Industrial Park Drive Nov. 14, 2023, in Athens.

(ELLE MALTRY | FOR THE POST)

Athens business, QuickLoadz, awarded $15,000 from Amazon SUZANNE PIPER FOR THE POST Every year, Amazon awards 15 small businesses a cash grant, and one Athens-founded business was the only Ohio applicant to win.

Of over 35,000 applicants, Amazon awarded a grant to QuickLoadz. Located at 5850 Industrial Park Drive, QuickLoadz builds and sells automated trailers and truck beds that move heavily loaded ISO shipping containers. ISO containers are cargo containers used to ship products via trucks, boats or trains.

Not only is QuickLoadz the only Ohio business to win, but it is also the only heavy equipment manufacturer.

“We are the only company in the world that builds a trailer that can automatically load and unload,” Sean Jones, chief executive officer and founder of QuickLoadz, said.

Chief financial officer of QuickLoadz, Bridget Lair, said Amazon is coming to film a documentary about the company.

“They’re going to come here and spend a day and a half doing documentary footage and put it all together,” Lair said. “That’s really exciting that this small business team (is) recognized. Our company could potentially be very important.”

QuickLoadz does things a little differently. Simply by pushing a button from your phone, you can minimize the

time and effort of loading and unloading goods or cargo.

“With us, they could save billions of dollars if they just put the container straight on the ground and skip all of those hours of transloading and skip all the damage,” Lair said.

QuickLoadz was first incorporated in 2013, but Jones had been prototyping since 2008.

“We didn’t incorporate until the patents were granted and an outside marketing company said that they thought our total addressable market could be in the hundreds of millions or even billions of dollars,” Lair said.

In 2023, QuickLoadz went from using a gasoline-fueled engine to an electric power pack with solar panels. The next step is to build the trailer into a hybrid.

“You can turn the whole thing into a hybrid electric trailer so that the idea is that on downhill the thing would charge itself; on uphill it’ll help push, and we started working on that as the next step,” Jones said.

The grant Amazon had awarded them was $15,000.

“They said they found our innovation and our story in terms of the way that we have grown the business, just Sean and me right from the bottom up as really being impactful,” Lair said. “Both for the local community because we’re creating jobs and high-tech, advanced heavy manufacturing in Athens, but also that it could have a global impact.”

Jones proudly said they would use that money to raise even more money. He also said they plan to do a crowd-

funding campaign. The team hopes to use the money to keep building their business.

“We’re currently in that stage of growth of production,” Jones said. “Production is our biggest bottleneck still. We’re just trying to grow as fast as we can because the demand is there and it literally could change the way everything the world moves.”

QuickLoadz is one of the small businesses that the Ohio Export Internship Program, or OEIP, partners with. The OEIP is an internship program to create a workforce that helps Ohio expand exports, builds students’ global competencies and makes a difference for Ohio businesses.

“Our goal is to help support small businesses and grow small businesses because they’re kind of the backbone of industry,” export assistance advisor for the Ohio University Small Business Development Center, Donald Hackney, said.

Hackney said Ohio is a strong exporter, and there is a lot of industry here that is important for the country and jobs.

“Particularly in the Appalachian region of Ohio, we’re trying to grow business and, especially for me, we’re trying to grow exports,” Hackney said. “One of the reasons they added OU to this program is because this part of the state (is where) we’re trying to get a broader workforce, more exports, more business.”

SP249021@OHIO.EDU @_SUZIEPIPER THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 3

An Ohio University Police Department patrol car sits in front of Baker University Center in Athens,, Nov. 7, 2023. (JACK TATHAM | FOR THE POST)

Harassment online, burglary at Shivley Hall KENDALL WRIGHT FOR THE POST Classic catalytic converter A catalytic converter was stolen from Johnson Road in The Plains and reported to the Athens County Sheriff’s Office. A report was taken.

Too small of a drive-thru?

The Jackson County Police Department requested assistance from the Athens County Sheriff’s Office in contacting a woman.

The woman had damaged a WesBanco Drive-Thru in Jackson County. She was advised to reach out to Jackson County.

Don’t DM strangers Suspicious activity at True House was reported to the Ohio University Police Department.

A report was taken of someone being extorted for money on social media.

Disorderly all around An intoxicated female at the Marathon in Guysville was reported to the Athens County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies determined the female had been involved in another incident in Guysville.

Officers transported the woman to the Southeastern Ohio Regional Jail for a six-hour hold.

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Grandpa is #1 A reference to harassment on social media was reported to the Sheriff’s Office.

A resident of Porter Lane in Athens went to the Sheriff’s Office and told officers of harassment on social media against his grandchildren.

As of Monday, a report was taken and the investigation is pending.

Not fun for insurance The Ohio University Police Department reported property damage at OU Parking Lot 111.

Officers filed a report for damage done to a vehicle’s back window.

Do you WANT to get towed?

A parking complaint on Wolfe Bennett and Lick Run Road in Nelsonville was reported to the Athens County Sheriff’s Office.

Upon arrival, deputies saw the vehicle parked on the road in an unsafe position.

The vehicle was towed, and officers returned to patrol.

What do you want him to do?

A suspicious vehicle on Five Points Road in New Marshfield was reported to the Sheriff’s Office.

Upon arrival, deputies determined the vehicle had blown a front tire and the owner was not around.

The vehicle was tagged to be towed after four hours if the owner did not return sooner.

He’s so sleepy A man passed out behind the wheel of his vehicle in the parking lot of the Marathon in Guysville was reported to the Sheriff’s Office.

When deputies arrived, they talked to the man and found he was taking a nap.

Freshmen need to learn their limits one way, I guess An ambulance was requested at Gamertsfelder Hall, according to the Ohio University Police Department.

The student who needed the ambulance was also cited with disorderly conduct by intoxication.

Gooood morning!

Athens County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a home on Matheny Road in Nelsonville on a report of a burglary.

The resident told officers she woke up to a man inside her home, but he left before the police made it there.

As of Saturday, a warrant was requested for the suspect in this case.

Lock up that bike A theft was reported at Shivley Hall, according to the Ohio University Police Department.

Officers took a report for the theft of a bicycle.

The Ridges construction date set for 2025

The Kennedy Museum of Art at The Ridges, Sept. 2, 2023 (BECKETT STARK | FOR THE POST)

SUZANNE PIPER FOR THE POST The Ridges Development Strategy is a vision to carry out the 2015 Ridges Framework Plan to preserve and develop buildings for a more purposeful alternative.

Ohio University partnered with Buckeye Hills Regional Council and Community Building Partners to execute the Ridges Development Strategy.

According to a Ridges Development Strategy slideshow created by the partners, the plan is expected to be a 7-to 10-year progression. The time frame allows for integrating development types, including senior housing, artisan live-work units, attainable home ownership and owner-occupied business opportunities.

“We don't expect any hard construction to occur (until) probably 2025 at the earliest,” Director of Real Estate Dominick Brook said.

Brook said monetary evaluations and surveying will hopefully be done by the end of the calendar year and sent to the state controlling board.

“All of these subject to outside forces that will hopefully occur in March of 2024. If they approve, then we move forward to the closing stage getting all of the deeds ready, the

titles ready, and that could occur sometime in mid-24,” Brook said.

The slideshow also mentioned the plan will be an investment of over $200 million, utilizing innovative public and private financing tools.

Brook said they have exceeded $35 million for the Ridges thus far.

In June, the OU Board of Trustees approved a resolution to designate certain buildings and limited excess areas of land to prepare for the development, according to an OU staff report.

“We are currently in a preparation phase.

We are surveying the land (and) we are having all the buildings and the land appraised,” Brook said. “We are building out condominium declarations, we have set up the new community authority, and that new community authority has had its first meeting.”

Before official construction begins, the state and county legislatures need to pass these plans.

“Once it has transitioned to this development entity at that stage, the true in-depth engineering occurs,” Brook said. “Everything needs to be approved by the new community

authority, and they need to raise funding, get the investments ready, find the developers to actually develop the projects.”

The New Community Authority, or NCA, is a statutory body composed of community, city and developer representatives to have the ability to invest in improvements within the community district, be responsible for overseeing development and issue tax-exempt bonds and levy assessments.

“It's an organization recognized by the state of Ohio,” Athens City Council president and appointee of the NCA, Christine Knisely, said. “We've got good representation on that committee by people who know the unit, that know the Ridges, and also then we have a law firm that is assisting us to make sure we do everything that needs to be done so that we're abiding by Ohio Revised Code.”

Knisely said the NCA will bring the community and OU to work together to preserve these historic and important buildings. She also said developing new buildings will bring in possible retail enterprises and allow the community to thrive economically.

Before becoming a member of the NCA, Knisely was on the Ridges Advisory Board

when she first became president of the Athens City Council.

“In 2022 is probably when some of the first discussions with the City Council occurred regarding the possibility of an entity that could be the grounding organization for accomplishing some development and redevelopment of the Ridges area,” Knisely said.

“That legislation has moved through Council (and) I think there may have been an initial resolution of interest.”

The NCA will be working toward getting designs ready, which will have to go through approval for the zoning through the city’s planning commission, Knisely said.

“We will probably be, as I understand it, developing some areas for building, probably close to the Dairy Lane location and then those new buildings as they're developed and bring revenue in,” Knisely said. “That generates the money to help us begin to get the money together to do the repairs on the main Kirkbride building.”

@_SUZIEPIPER SP249021@OHIO.EDU THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 5

Building a brotherhood as a fraternity president ALYSSA CRUZ CULTURE EDITOR

F

riendship, sound learning and moral rectitude are the three principles of Phi Delta Theta, or Phi Delt. Ohio University has its own chapter of Phi Delt, with around 50 members. The chapter and all the members are led by fraternity president Seth Totten, a junior studying engineering, who seeks to ensure the brotherhood lives up to these three principles.

According to its website, there are around 1,700 students involved in sorority and fraternity organizations at OU, with 11 active organizations in OU’s Interfraternity Council.

Phi Delt has been around at OU since it was chartered in 1868. It was founded by three bobcats, Thomas L. Hughes, Edison B. Miesse and J.W. Shinn.

A Youngstown area native, Totten said the appeal of OU lay within the campus and distance from home. Now about halfway through his third year, he said his experience thus far has been amazing.

“I enjoy every second being here,” he said.

“College Green, Court Street, all that stuff is really fun to me, and this is a great place away from home.”

Totten joined Phi Delt during his freshman year in the fall of 2021. He said he chose to join a fraternity in order to meet new people and make friends. According to him, what set

6 / NOVEMBER 15, 2023

Phi Delt apart from the other fraternities on campus was its value of brotherhood over all else.

“I didn’t really interact with other fraternities,” Totten said. “I only rushed Phi Delt because, for me, it was this or nothing. I didn’t think I was going to join a fraternity, but from what I heard, Phi Delt sounded a lot more like a true, close group of friends.”

Additionally, Totten said Phi Delta is one of the cheaper fraternities on campus. Semesterly dues are $600, with a $50 discount if members pay upfront. The chapter does have a house that is $700 a month per resident for rent and those who are not living in the house must pay a “parlor fee” because it is the fraternity’s responsibility to pay for the upkeep of the house. That parlor fee adds up to around $150 a month, depending on how many people end up living in the house.

Those who have to pay that fee are charged $750 per semester for the parlor fee and dues combined. Additionally, there are occasions when members are charged extra expenses for socials or date parties.

Totten became president in January 2023 and will continue to serve in the position until the next calendar year.

Having a leadership role in the chapter was not new to Totten, as he had been community service chairman and vice president prior to his current position. He said his main goal when he took office was to set the chap-

ter on the right track again.

“The semester before I took the presidency, we only recruited three guys,” he said.

“Right after I took president, we recruited just about 10 guys in the spring. We raised $2,000 for our philanthropy, Live Like Lou, and we were all getting our community service hours in. It felt like a good brotherhood again.”

Totten said although the role is rewarding, being the president of a fraternity is a lot of work.

“The president takes care of every single external factor,” he said. “I take care of things with the university, things with our headquarters, things with just our chapter advisers on campus, along with our alumni.”

Totten said even some of the newer members in the chapter are not aware of the time commitment it takes to run a successful brotherhood.

“I feel like that’s also something that not a lot of members are aware of just because they just see me sitting at the front of the room at chapter telling them what they’re supposed to be doing for the week,” he said. “But then after that, I have three weekly meetings I have to go to with members of the university, my executive board and just other random stuff throughout the week I have to take care of. I call it ‘the shield.’ I have to protect the chapter.”

Totten said his proudest moment as president was when he found out Phi Delt won

a Silver Star Award for Outstanding Chapter Excellence at the Kleberg Emerging Leaders Institute.

“We did really good in the past year,” he said. “We had actually hit our recruitment numbers that GHQ (general headquarters) gave us. We had no money due toward them for our dues, we had zero incidents and I found out that was like the first one (Silver Star Award) we had won in like a decade, so I was really proud of that.”

However, Totten’s life is not all business, as he said his best memories from college so far are the times he has spent with his brothers.

He said his favorite memory was committing two Sundays to watch all “The Lord of the Rings” movies with some of the other fraternity members. Although Totten said the movie marathon ended with everyone vowing to never watch a single one of those movies again, he still looks back on that time with fondness.

Looking back on his presidency, Totten said the sentiment that initially drew him to Phi Delta still rings true today: a true brotherhood.

“I don’t feel closer to anyone besides my blood family than I do with my friends from the chapter,” he said.

@ALYSSADANCCRUZ AC974320@OHIO.EDU

Female-dominated majors encourage advocacy

ABREANNA BLOSE CULTURE STAFF WRITER New-found college students are plagued with an impossible question: What do I want to do for the rest of my life?

Although many students can carefully articulate their aspirations, others grapple with uncertainty. The decision becomes even more complex when influenced by the gloom of societal pressures like gender roles.

According to research by Dalen Foster, an Ohio University institutional research analyst, the most popular majors for female-identifying students at OU's Athens campus are biological sciences, nursing and psychology.

The most popular major among OU women, biological sciences, has 722 female-identifying students. Only 311 male-identifying students are enrolled under the same degree category, according to Foster's research.

Makenna Koogler, a junior studying wildlife and conservation biology, decided to pursue a career in biology after gravitating toward all things outdoors, from hiking to species preservation.

Koogler attributed the female majority within biological studies to the health care field. As she explained, the desire to enter the health care field, a degree in biology, and a caring, nurturing demeanor are all connected.

"I guess just caring and nurturing, wanting to do that type of stuff, I feel like that's why a lot of women choose biology because it kind of gives you more leeway in which

PEARL SPURLOCK | FOR THE POST way you want to go," Koogler said.

In her specific field of biological science, Koogler attributed a female majority to a growing number of women seeking careers as park rangers.

"I feel like it's also just the movement as a whole," Koogler said. "A lot of people are very environmentalist-minded right now."

At OU, women dominate the nursing program, accounting for 85.47% of students.

There are 712 female-identifying nursing students are enrolled at OU, making it the second most popular major among women, according to research by Foster.

Maura Murray, a sophomore studying nursing, first decided to pursue a career in health care when she was in high school.

"I really love the sciences and as cliche as it sounds, I really liked helping people," Murray said.

Murray said her courses typically consist of majority female students. She attributed this factor to socially established gender

roles, specifically, the trait of being caring and motherly.

"It was always a woman's role to help other people and put other people first," Murray said.

According to the National Library of Medicine, in 1900, 91% of American nurses were women. By 1950, that number rose to 98%.

As of 2019, women make up approximately 85% of the field.

Murray said she enjoys moving in the opposite direction of societal standards, traditional gender roles and gender-based stereotypes.

"It's just so ironic I picked nursing because it's kind of the opposite," Murray said.

"I feel like I'm fitting into society's standards."

But as Murray explained, she can still make strides for gender equality in other aspects of her career, even if she is not challenging gender-based statistics.

"I can make movements for women in that regard, to advocate for better payment wag-

es, better staffing and stuff like that," Murray said.

The third most popular major among female OU students is psychology. The field of study accounts for 672 students, according to Foster's research.

Eden Sutliff, a junior studying psychology, discovered a passion for psychology after taking a College Credit Plus course in high school.

"I love psychology," Sutliff said. "I like analyzing behavior. I like learning why people do what they do."

As Sutliff explained, psychology was a field created by men, but currently, it is dominated by women.

According to the American Psychological Association, 69% of the U.S. psychology workforce is composed of women.

Much like Koogler and Murray, Sutliff credits the majority-female workforce to societal perceptions of gender roles.

"I think (it’s) because most of the jobs associated with (psychology) are career jobs," Sutliff said. "I think it's more common among women; nursing, counseling and therapy are all seen as feminine."

Despite existing gender roles, women at OU are making decisions rooted in their love for their field of study, forging a connection between passion and profession.

ABBYBLOSEE AB532721@OHIO.EDU THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 7

A genre all its own:

The Houseguest amplifies its sound in Athens as the band marks one year of performing STORY AND PHOTOS BY ETHAN HERX | FOR THE POST

A

s winter approaches, concerts are among the best things to turn to for comfort. The warmth of fellow concert-goers provides shelter from the cold, and there is the bonus of supporting live, local music.

The Houseguest, a trio performing in Athens since last fall, is happy to provide that comforting concert experience.

Bending genres with each song, it isn’t easy to put a label on the band. Drummer Sean Pierce, a junior studying environmental studies, said the band does not have one distinct genre.

“We’ve been asked many times,” he said. “Generally you could say indie rock, but I think you can go deeper.”

Indie rock is a broad genre that encapsulates everything from Arcade Fire to Cage the Elephant, but The Houseguest emulates many similar qualities.

Bassist Ben Kloppman, a senior studying early childhood education, said no two songs are alike.

“I wouldn’t really know how exactly to describe the music that we make,” he said. “But it just kind of all sounds a little different in the stuff we write.

We pull from a lot of different places, and so I think that kind of shows up and it kind of makes it a little hard to pin down.”

Whatever the genre or label, the trio brings the warm and fuzzy feelings needed as the frost sets in on Athens. The band can create a blend that almost anyone can enjoy by pulling from many different genres and styles.

Singer and guitarist Leah Marshall, a junior studying environmental geography, said the musicians and bands of the 1990s inspire her.

“I would say my biggest guitar influences and writing influences are Hendrix and John Frusciante,” she said. “I’m also inspired by a lot of ‘90s alternative rock bands, specifically Alice in Chains and

8 / NOVEMBER 15, 2023

Upcoming performances: Nov. 16 at The Union, 18 W. Union St. Nov. 30 at The Union, 18

W. Union St.

Dec. 2 at

Donkey Coffee,

17 W. Washington

St.

Blind Melon.”

On the other hand, not everyone in the band is moved by rock.

“I’m very influenced by jazz,” Pierce said. “I listen to a lot of jazz drummers.

Specifically, I like Joe Morello, especially his mixed-meter work. But (I) also listen to a lot of things. I have a bluegrass background as well.”

The Houseguest is among the many student bands in Athens that are either female-fronted or have female members, much like Roman Candle and Split. However, being in the spotlight has brought

unique challenges.

“I think it honestly surprised me a little how much I would notice,” Marshall said.

“I think there’ve been a couple of incidents where I was a little shocked just by what people have said or how they’ve acted. But I enjoy doing this and I think it’s cool to see other bands with multiple women in it.”

Even after almost a year of performances, the band members still deal with anxiety and stage fright. They just don’t let that stop them.

“After the first open mic, I turned to Leah and I said, ‘That was fun, but I nev-

er want to do that again,’” said Kloppman. “It just freaked me out so much that I’d never been on stage like that before.

And never saw this as something that I would be doing. But the fact that people come to see us play is wild.”

From their first show, an open mic at Donkey Coffee, to being signed by Brick City Records, The Houseguest has drawn in a loyal fanbase.

“We, as every band, started out playing and only our friends were coming,” said Pierce. “Now we’re at shows and people are singing along in the front row and we don’t even recognize them.”

The Houseguest is working on an EP set to be released in the spring of next year by Brick City Records.

The Houseguest has three upcoming shows: Nov. 16 and Nov. 30 at The Union and Dec. 2 at Donkey Coffee. The band can be found on Instagram at @the. houseguest.

@ETHANHERX EH481422@OHIO.EDU

Athens’ drag scene continues to serve really that community element of it, of everyone showing up and supporting something and enjoying something together.”

Linscott said he believed while the scene in Athens is on Art comes in many forms in Athens. With its popular lo- the smaller side, it is still growing and the support for it has cal music, murals across Uptown and musical theater per- no signs of slowing down anytime soon.

Similarly, Wilburn shared his thoughts on the importance formances scattered about, Athens does not lack creativity.

While all of these are the traditional things one may think of of the existence of the scene in a small town like Athens.

“It is so important because there are so many young queer when it comes to art, there is only one form that encapsupeople who are sort of ostralates fashion, performance, music and cized by the larger community a voice for many — drag. of Athens,” he said. “Having that The drag scene in Athens is “small sort of escape and art form for but mighty,” according to one of Athpeople to look up to or sort of ens’ queens, Evelyn Everything. Out of dive into is really valuable and it drag, Evelyn is Jack Wilburn, a junior gives us a sense of community studying classics, from the Cincinnati that I don't think we would otharea where he goes home nearly everwise have.” ery weekend to perform.

Despite the support drag “It is fueled by people who are pashas in places like Athens, Ohio sionate about drag as an art form,” lawmakers are proposing legWilburn said. “They're not really islation that threatens the exthere for the business. They're there istence of drag. According to because they love drag and that is so News 5 Cleveland, House Bill beautiful.”

245 explicitly defines drag Wilburn’s first experience with queens and kings and will prodrag was “Ru Paul’s Drag Race,” where hibit "adult cabaret perforhe took inspiration from many queens mances in locations other than such as Naomi Smalls and Aquaria. adult cabarets." This legislation Wilburn described Evelyn Everything is a cause for fear among drag as “fiery, cheeky and youthful” and artists and the craft they have strives to be well-rounded in all areas designated so much time to of drag and bring everything to the perfecting. Regardless of this table. fear, drag artists are more inAthens’ drag scene is driven by its spired than ever to show everyloyal community and fanbase, allowone what drag really is. ing for it to thrive and grow to reach For many, drag is a creative a wider audience. Another goal many outlet and a way to express have is to inspire others with their themselves with the support of drag. Reed Holt, a junior studying Student drag queen, Evelyn Everything, perothers. For everyone in the drag music production and the recording forms at the Welcome Week Drag Show in community, it is a welcoming industry, strives to achieve this goal.

Baker University Center Ballroom Sept. 1, 2023, in Athens.(MEGAN VANVLACK | STAFF PHOand fierce family.

In drag, Holt is Rayley Saphron, a TOGRAPHER) “There are so many (artists) queen who takes part in pageant drag, for being a little old, Athens, which is seen as more dance-heavy and expensive-looking, said Holt. Rayley Saphron debuted Ohio, in the middle of nowhere,” said Holt. “There's so much representation. I don't think a lot of that sometimes surpriswith Evelyn Everything and has not looked back since.

“It's been a fun journey,” said Holt. “Even doing a lot of es me, but I love having the community, the drag family that self-discovery about who I am, my gender, my self-expres- we have that we have here. It's amazing.”

Linscott, Wilburn and Holt all said to be on the lookout for sion and who I really am and want to be. It's kind of a confidence boost I never knew I needed or could have had. It's upcoming events to spread more love through one of Athens’ just been a whole magical experience seeing the reactions of most expressive and creative art forms.

“It’s good to have a representation anywhere and everypeople and the influence I've had this past year.”

Holt and Wilburn have been proud representatives in the where for the LGBT+ community and drag queens and drag Athens’ drag scene, and when it comes to hosting events in kings and drag artists are viewed as very strong pillars in the the community of Athens, Myke Linscott, general manager of LGBT+ community,” Holt said. “Having art drag artists in just any area is such a beneficial thing.”

The Union, is proud to have local queens on the stage.

“The thing they (people) love the most about the drag show is the community that shows up to support the drag show,” he said. “I think obviously the performer and the perABBYJENKS18 formance is what brings everyone together. But I think it's AJ205621@OHIO.EDU

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Laylay Fantroy is ready to excel in multifaceted role LOGAN ADAMS FOR THE POST Basketball is a game of adjustments. In a game scenario, teams adjust game plans on the fly, making changes big and small to counter the natural ebbs and flows of the game.

From a team standpoint, regardless of the level of play, rosters change at an incredibly frequent rate, causing fluctuation in both a team’s style of play and the role of its individuals.

Freshman Laylay Fantroy makes up one of the plethora of newcomers on a heavily retooled and readjusted roster for Ohio this season. However, amid all the new faces in the locker room, Fantroy is looking at a fundamental role for the Bobcats that is both completely new to her and defying positional standards.

Growing up in Palestine, Texas, Fantroy was a point guard for most of her high school career. As a taller guard at five feet, eleven inches, she was encouraged by her coaches to attack the basket and make plays on the interior.

“I had a coach, Coach Anderson, from high school,” Fantroy said. “She had me playing like I was a point guard, but she had me non-stop driving. She told me no one on the court could stop me from going to the goal, so I kind of stuck with that.”

This aggressive mentality and ability to get to the rim as a go-to scoring option are what helped Fantroy land a roster

spot with the Bobcats, but what will be key for her at the college level is her ability to play a variety of roles for the team.

The Bobcats have an abundance of capable ball handlers and distributors on the roster, leading to a more balanced approach to offense and scoring, which has allowed Fantroy to slip into more of an off-ball role.

“It takes some of the pressure off me knowing that I have scorers around me that can also score the ball,” Fantroy said, “It doesn’t take away from me either … I know what I can do, and if I can’t do that at the time, I can give it to someone who I know can.”

Another area where Fantroy has impressed early with the Bobcats is on the defensive end. As one of the more imposing perimeter players on the roster, it might catch some by surprise when they see Fantroy end an offensive possession by picking up the opposing team’s point guard full-court, sliding her feet defensively all the way up the hardwood.

For Fantroy, this is also something new.

“This is my first time starting on the point guard, guarding the ball,” Fantroy said. “I’m normally an inside guard or I guard the post; I’m kind of a rim protector. I’m starting to take pride in my defense on the ball, rebounding too.”

This kind of defensive versatility is something the Bobcats lacked last season, as they would finish their season with a record of 6-23, conceding 73.4 points per game to their opponents. Fantroy will look to have an immediate impact on that end, and she hopes to work toward defensive improve-

ment and a winning record.

“I definitely want a winning season,” Fantroy said. “I want to win the MAC (Mid-American Conference) championship.”

These are lofty goals for anyone, much less a freshman just starting to dip her toes into college basketball, but Fantroy and the Bobcats have the talent to be the surprise of the season in the MAC. As to how Fantroy intends on doing that from an individual standpoint, Fantroy knows she’s not going to be the epicenter of offensive attention right away, so producing in any way she can is going to be vital for the team.

“I definitely want to be one of the leading scorers on the team, and I know I can,” Fantroy said. “I know that I can have a pretty big role on the team, so I just want to make sure my numbers are up and I’m also getting the team involved whenever I can.”

Versatility is the name of the game in basketball, and Fantroy brings it in spades. Following a last-in-conference finish in their previous season, the Bobcats have the opportunity to experiment with the usage of their new-look roster.

Fantroy’s ability to wear many hats for this team – guarding point guards, playing big on the glass and protecting the paint, scoring inside and getting teammates involved – is going to be vital.

@LOGANA_NBA LA486821@OHIO.EDU

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Jordan Greer reaps the benefits of dedication MARC GOLDSTEIN FOR THE POST Everything was riding on this moment for both Ohio and senior heavyweight Jordan Greer. Ohio had wrestled its way back into the match against Chattanooga in the opening match of its Tri-Meet. After facing a massive deficit early, Ohio crept back to make things interesting after a tech fall secured

by Zayne Lehman in the 184-pound weight class, followed by a pin by Austin Starr in the 197-pound weight class. The score sat at 1917 in favor of Chattanooga. As Greer heard his name come over the public address system in The Convo, coach Joel Greenlee whispered a simple message: win.

Greer hails from Avon, Ohio, located between Cleveland and Toledo, just near Lake Erie. He made his mark as a dominant wrestler in high school, earning four varsity letters and a conference title while making it to the state tournament in his senior season.

Greer ended his high school career with a staggering 40-4 record.

Greer made his commitment to Ohio University and sat out his freshman season.

In his sophomore season, he had one of the more interesting years on the mat.

“I started at 197, didn’t feel too great because my natural weight was probably more around 220-230,” Greer said. “In the middle of the season, I made the decision to go up (to 285). The rest of the season, I was at heavyweight.”

Greer’s season upon reaching the heavyweight class was far from smooth. Unlike any other weight class in college wrestling, the jump from 197 pounds to 285 pounds is not only a huge leap, but also the only two classes that feature a difference in weight that is more than 13 pounds.

“I knew that I needed to bulk up because I was a pretty skinny heavyweight,” Greer said.

Greer had mixed results, going a combined 20-11, a record that spanned two weight classes. With all the difficulty that Greer faced in moving up to a whole new division, he used the offseason between his sophomore and junior seasons to prepare to fully convert to being a heavyweight.

Unfortunately for Greer, he suffered one of the most devastating injuries in sports: a torn ACL. Greer had been putting in loads of work in the offseason, eating nearly 5000 calories per day to solidify himself at the accepted weight of his new class. The injury devastated him and shook him to his core.

“I was out for the season,” Greer said.

“That was kind of depressing (for me).”

Injuries are an unfortunate aspect of

PROVIDED BY OHIO ATHELTICS sports. Nary is there an athlete, regardless of the sport, that has not been faced with injuries. Some of the injuries are a bigger deal than others. In the case of Greer, his torn ACL was one that would define his career.

However, the way he approached it was that he could either let it ruin his confidence or he could come back stronger than ever as he looked toward his senior season.

“I rehabbed super hard, trying to get back because I knew I could handle the top guys,” Greer said. “I think I needed that platform really. I have only competed for one (full) season and I am a senior now. I’m here to compete. I want to get my hands on some guys, get some matches under my belt and have some fun.”

Through rehab and practice, Greer headed into the season hungry for success. While he admits that watching from the sidelines was not something he enjoyed, he loved watching his teammates succeed. Additionally, Greer learned the value of patience while sitting in the stands last season.

“That drive to actually compete and have fun again, wrestling 100% (is there),” Greer

said. “If (sitting out) last season makes this season two times better, then that is okay.”

One of the biggest holes for Ohio last season was at heavyweight. Ohio turned to a combination of Jacob Padilla and Drew Harris last season. The pair went a combined 3-25, but injuries hampered them. Greer knows he possesses the skills and technique necessary to improve that weakness for Ohio.

“What I really bring is just offense,” Greer said. “I'm not afraid to hit my knee. I think we’re in a golden age for heavyweights … I’m not afraid to let it go; it doesn't matter what shot it is, I’m going to take it.”

Back in The Convo, Greer shakes hands with his opponent before the opening whistle goes off. While some heavyweight bouts take a while to get going as the wrestlers try to establish a position, Greer wasted no time going after Chattanooga’s Ethan Vergara. In a flash, Greer had Vergara on the mat, reeling.

One minute passed and the referee slapped the mat with a thud.

In the second match of his day, as if it were possible, Greer was even more dominant. This time, he only took an even minute

to pin his opponent, picking up his second win by fall of the day, becoming the only Bobcat to do so during the Tri-Meet.

One of the most unique challenges of being a heavyweight wrestler is the timing of most matches. Usually, heavyweights are the last ones to go; the pressure placed on the shoulders of one match can be immense. Often, it makes even the best wrestlers shrink under the spotlight of a must-win match, much like the one Greer faced against Chattanooga.

“I think if you’re hyper-fixated on winloss, you’re going to wrestle stiff,” Greer said.

Greer has a long season ahead of him, but the first two matches of his season have amazing early returns. Ohio is looking for its first Mid-American Conference title since 2001, and having a reliable and explosive heavyweight is a huge asset to add to an already talented roster.

@MBGOLDSTEIN1107 MG126321@OHIO.EDU THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 11

SPEARHEADING STUDENTS Student organization leaders deliberate pressures, benefits DISHA HOQUE FOR THE POST Mya Smith’s days are packed. Balancing four student organizations on top of her course schedule is about as simple as solving four Rubik’s Cubes with your hands tied.

She takes on the challenge in good company, however. Housing over 600 clubs, extracurriculars and organizations on BobcatConnect, finding a club to call home at Ohio University is hardly a challenge.

For so many activities and organizations to be alive and functioning throughout any college campus, strong and impassioned student leaders are crucial. OU is anything but lacking in student leaders, and many students are involved in multiple activities around campus.

Smith, a senior studying political science pre-law, is a highly involved member of OU’s student body. As vice president of professional development for the Student Alumni Board (SAB), along with holding the position of associate director of Students Defending Students, a member coordinator for the Ohio Innocence Project University, an ambassador for the College of Arts and Sciences and a residential adviser, Smith frequently finds herself with a packed Google Calendar filled with events, meetings and to-do lists.

With over 12 hours a week spent on her numerous involvements and leadership positions around campus, Smith is regularly involved in planning events for OU’s campus and student life. Managing all of her organizational obligations along with a full course load is no easy task and often requires sacrificing other aspects of her life. Although grateful to be able to have such a large influence on campus life and activities, Smith said she frequently finds herself having to prioritize her studies and leadership obligations ahead of her social life due to the demanding nature of her multiple leadership involvements.

“It’s kind of hard to find time to see my friends, who I really care about, outside of my responsibilities,” Smith said. “I take those roles so seriously. I never want to neglect them, so instead I neglect (my) social life.”

Smith, along with other busy student leaders, balances her obligations through rigorous planning and organization techniques.

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“It took me a while to figure out a plan that worked best for me,” Smith said. “I realized I have to have (my schedule) on my computer. I have to have to-do lists on my computer or else I won’t remember that I have things due.”

Smith also uses her computer calendar to maintain her well-being, which allows her to balance all of her needs and activities better.

Alongside the external pressures of busy schedules and frequent deadlines, being an active leader of multiple organizations on

Part of taking care of yourself is not giving 100% to everything that you have to do, which I’ve had to do a lot this semester to balance things – especially running an organization and being a student. That’s honestly just part of being an adult and a human.”

- Maeve Fellerhoff, a sophomore studying studio art and co-starter of OU’s chapter of the Sunrise Movement campus comes with often-overlooked internal pressures as well.

Because student leaders tend to be very passionate about the topics their organizations cover, increased campus obligations often result in fear of failure and feelings of guilt.

Honesty Thomas, the assistant director of Student Leadership at OU, emphasized the passion students in executive positions hold for their organizations can often lead to feelings of internal anxiety or stress, especially

when students find themselves having to navigate new learning experiences in order to run these organizations.

Having to spend time learning about the legal or financial protocols of an organization is a less frequently discussed aspect of stepping into a leadership role and can often be a source of unexpected tension for student leaders.

“Students navigating learning how to handle the finances of their student organizations or officer transitions, you can tell that they are feeling a little bit stressed about those things when they’re new in their roles,” said Thomas. “I think that just comes from students wanting to succeed.”

Students feeling pressure to succeed in a leadership role is very common and can sometimes be amplified if the organization is newly-founded.

Maeve Fellerhoff, a sophomore studying studio art, and Celia Hawk, a sophomore studying environmental studies, recently came together to start a chapter of the Sunrise Movement at OU. The chapter has been wildly successful in hosting campus initiatives to encourage student involvement in climate activism.

Going through rigorous training through Sunrise Movement’s national organization and learning about managing finances and legalities for their chapter was a major learning curve for the two students and also the root of some stress.

“Honestly, the biggest weight on me is understanding all of the different obligations and policies we have,” said Fellerhoff. “I do a lot of our financial stuff, and it’s not a responsibility I really saw for myself. There’s just a lot of added responsibility.”

After experiencing the process of starting a new organization on campus, the co-presidents have insight into the anxieties that could potentially arise when accomplishing this feat.

“There’s a lot of pressure because we started (the organization),” Fellerhoff said. “If it fails, that would come with a lot of disappointment, especially because it’s something we care about a lot.”

These internal pressures, which may seem trivial to an outsider’s perspective, often lead to neglecting personal needs as well.

Sydney Hansen, a second-year graduate student studying geological sciences, finds

herself struggling with feelings of guilt when needing to take a break from her many obligations.

“I oftentimes feel like I have to show up to things (because) if I don’t, then I don’t deserve my position, which I know is not the case,” Hansen said. “But in my head, that’s how I feel. I just feel very pressured to be present, even if I’m very busy or overwhelmed.”

Hansen emphasizes that relying on the other executives in her organization is an important part of managing stress and guilt.

“I have to remind myself that it’s okay to miss things,” she said. “I don’t have to be there all the time. That’s why there are other officers in the club and that’s why there’s other positions, so you don’t have to burden the entire workload on yourself.”

Just as Hansen demonstrates, leadership is often better as a group activity. Delegating work between officers in student organizations not only allows the club to work more efficiently, but also helps prevent burnout, a common consequence of being overworked, among leaders.

According to a National College Health Assessment, over 80% of college students report feeling overwhelmed and exhausted throughout the school year. With the increased obligations that arise from being a heavily involved student, student leaders experiencing symptoms of burnout is not revolutionary. Group delegation and prioritizing well-being are vital in managing a leadership position and avoiding over-exhaustion.

After experiencing burnout herself, Fellerhoff has learned methods to keep a healthier balance among her obligations.

“Part of taking care of yourself is not giving 100% to everything that you have to do, which I’ve had to do a lot this semester to balance things – especially running an organization and being a student,” Fellerhoff said.

“That’s honestly just part of being an adult and a human. Learning how to prioritize things and know that you can’t give 100% of yourself to every task.”

Despite the pressure and stress that frequently accompany leadership roles around campus, OU students still feel drawn to these positions and responsibilities because of the rewarding nature and encouraging atmosphere that leadership roles offer. Supporting a cause that holds personal importance sprouts intrinsic motivation for students and

drives their success in campus involvement.

For Sarah Braun, a sophomore studying art history, spending time with their fellow executives and making plans for organization meetings is often a surprising stress reliever amid their busy schedule.

“I spend so much time on the computer writing papers (and) reading long texts on my screen,” Braun said. “Saying ‘For an hour, I’m putting away my computer and I’m just going to figure some things out with a group of people’ definitely helps me (cope with stress).”

Braun is Cutler Council’s treasurer and is secretary of Capital A, an organization on campus that plans events to encourage cross-disciplinary collaboration within the College of Fine Arts. Because the leadership positions Braun is involved in are topics they are passionate about, the workload that comes along with being a leader in the groups feels worth the hassle.

“Whether it be one person saying (that they) had a good time at (an) event, or one person saying ‘100% I want to be in the GroupMe,’ it seems like it’s such a small achievement, but having people actively be interested (and) be involved is pretty rewarding,” Braun said. “Me and three other people in the study room one day dreamed that (event) up and that actually made other people have fun and want to be involved and find a community too.”

Although these internal and external pressures oftentimes become overwhelming, lightening up activities and allowing room for fun in leadership positions helps student leaders balance their crowded calendars and tough to-do lists.

“I try to find creative ways to make professional development fun while also maintaining professionalism,” Smith said. “I try to make my position fun while also being informative.”

Smith often goes above and beyond in her leadership positions to engage herself and members through organizing workshops, holding office hours and even bringing in copies of the Enneagram test for her peers to complete during a meeting.

Being involved in leadership positions during college also has life and career skill-building benefits as well.

“You develop a lot of skills in (a) student involvement and leadership that are transferable into the workplace,” Thomas said.

“Learning how to work in teams, time management, conflict management. Once you graduate you have to do those same things, and when people start to have families and jobs (they) will always be doing that juggling.

I think student involvement helps prepare students for that once they graduate.”

The pressures that come with being involved in leadership roles around campus are indisputable, but the feeling of accomplishment associated with making an impact on campus is worth all of the stress for many student leaders.

“Even with the pressure, I think having leadership positions is honestly the best thing I’ve ever done for myself,” - Mya Smith, a senior studying political science pre-law with leadership positions in multiple university organizations.

Braun emphasized that being in leadership positions is not about being in a position of power, but rather about showing up for a cause and inspiring others.

“(The executive) board of some clubs might be super strenuous, but for many, it’s really just people who are appreciative for whatever community help they can get,” Braun said. “If having that little title next to your name means that you’re saying, ‘Yeah, I’ll show up and just do what I can every week,’ people are really appreciative of that.”

Hansen reflected on past experiences as president of OU’s Trail Running Club when discussing the most rewarding aspects of her hard work, and emphasized that spreading passion for her interests is the best part of her leadership roles.

“When someone gets to the top of one of those massive hills that we have in Athens and celebrate(s), it just makes me happy to see people excited about what it is that we’re doing,” Hansen said.

Although students involved in leadership positions at OU hold a wide variety of different interests and hobbies, they are all connected through their passion and drive to make an impact on campus. The understanding between leaders helps contribute

to the supportive environment that so many OU Bobcats feel a sense of belonging in and helps build the culture and spirit of the university. The opportunity to have a lasting impression on OU makes all of the pressure that potentially comes from taking on extra stress worth it for these student leaders.

“Even with the pressure, I think having leadership positions is honestly the best thing I’ve ever done for myself,” Smith said.

“It makes me feel more connected to my (organizations). It makes me have a better understanding of what we really do. If I didn’t have a leadership position, I wouldn’t be as happy here because of the connection that those positions have given me. The pressure can add up and it can suck, but at the same time it’s amazing and I wouldn’t trade my experience.”

@DISHAHOQUE05 DH390522@OHIO.EDU

NICOLE REESE | FOR THE POST

THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 13

Ohio’s difficult nonconference schedule is beneficial for MAC play BOBBY GORBETT SPORTS EDITOR Ohio (1-1) tested itself with a road game against Cleveland State, a preseason top-5 Horizon League team, and lost on Saturday. The Bobcats took on a risk when scheduling one of the better mid-major programs in college basketball on the road rather than a low-major program or even a Division II program. While there is a place for programs like Ohio to take on an easier opponent and stack a couple of wins under its belt to ease into the season, there is just as much of a necessity to be tested against a talented and proven program.

At the end of the season when the selection show announces the 68 teams that will compete in the NCAA Tournament, Ohio's fate will have almost certainly already been decided. If the Bobcats are the last team standing in the Rocket Mortgage fieldhouse in March for the Mid-American Conference Tournament, they will be in. If not, as a member of what has been a one-bid conference for over a decade, Ohio will likely be left out.

Of course, there is more to college basketball than making the NCAA tournament, and Ohio losing early season games will hurt the team's chances for the NIT or the CBI, but ultimately, what Ohio needs to do to achieve its ultimate goal re-

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Guard Jaylin Hunter (12) jumps and shoots against Troy at The Convo at Ohio in Athens, Nov. 8, 2023 (ETHAN HERX | FOR THE POST)

mains unchanged. The more difficult opponents Ohio takes on during this point of the season the more the team will find out about its strengths and weaknesses. Ohio will have quality experience facing a variety of high-level offenses,

different schemes, different pressures and defensive looks, which Ohio will be better prepared to go against come the all-important conference play.

Ohio is set to take on a different Horizon League opponent, Detroit Mercy, in its next game Nov. 18. Although Detroit Mercy hasn't gotten off to an ideal start, it will still provide Ohio with a Division I test in its second home game.

Ohio will take on George Washington soon after in the first game of the Nassau Championship. George Washington, a team off to a 4-0 start, predicted to finish in the top six of one of the best mid-major conferences, could easily defeat Ohio. Ohio's last nonconference opponent, Davidson, wasn't given the same honors that George Washington was in the preseason Atlantic 10 poll but has already defeated Maryland in the Asheville Championship.

Ohio's record may not be pretty coming out of its difficult nonconference slate, but the experience the team will gain from playing against a variety of different styles in close games will benefit Ohio when it matters.

@GORBETTBOBBY BG238320@OHIO.EDU

Action in Athens Highlights from Ohio athletic events during the 2023 Fall Semester

(From left to right) 1. Kurtis Rourke (7), quarterback on Ohio’s football team, waits for the offensive drive at Peden Stadium in Athens, Oct. 28, 2023 (JOE HALLQUIST | FOR THE POST) 2. Ohio players celebrate at the Ohio vs. Eastern Michigan University Senior Day volleyball game, Nov. 4, 2023. (SKYLAR SEAVEY | FOR THE POST) 3. Ohio senior Meela Kopp (5) passes the ball vs. Miami University at Pruitt Field, Oct. 6, 2023.

(AMBERLEE GLADWELL | FOR THE POST)

4. Ohio first-year, Ellie Greenwall (31), fights off a Kent State player for the ball at Chessa Field in Athens, Sept. 21, 2023. (JACK TATHAM | FOR THE POST) 5. Defender John McLaughlin (11) shoots toward the goal during the second period of the Bobcats' home game against Syracuse University, Nov. 3, 2023 in Bird Ice Arena.

(BECKETT STARK | FOR THE POST)

THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 15

Dissecting the NBA’s first 10 games of the season Charlie Fadel Every NBA team has played about 10 games in the 2023-24 season. The season is still very young, but here are some of my takes after watching the first portion of games: Daryl Morey wins yet again General managers don't typically crowd headlines and news stories about any professional sport, especially basketball. However, this does not apply to Philadelphia 76ers General Manager Daryl Morey.

Morey was back in the headlines following comments made by James Harden on a press tour in China. Morey and Harden have been connected since their days in Houston, and Morey has been Harden’s biggest supporter since first acquiring him in Houston.

The last time Morey dealt with an unhappy superstar, he got James Harden from Brooklyn in exchange for the disgruntled Ben Simmons. While Harden wasn’t the final piece to completing the process in Philly, it was still a lopsided trade in favor of the 76ers.

This time, Harden played the role of the unhappy superstar on the 76ers, and Morey pulled the trigger again, trading him to the Los Angeles Clippers for Nic Batum, Robert Covington and draft capital. The Clippers have yet to win a game since adding Harden to the team, while the 76ers are currently 8-1 at the top of the Eastern Conference, and Tyrese Maxey has grown into a superstar in his fourth year. Things are looking up for the

76ers more than ever before, partly due to Morey.

Tyrese Haliburton is the best guard in the East The path of Tyrese Haliburton has been far from conventional. Haliburton was drafted with the 12th pick in the 2020 NBA draft by the Sacramento Kings, a team notorious for missing on draft picks. This time, however, it looked like Sacramento got it right as Haliburton was flourishing as a young guard next to De’Aaron Fox in Sacramento.

Things took a massive and unexpected turn when the Kings traded Haliburton and Buddy Hield to the Indiana Pacers for a package centered around all-star big man Domantas Sabonis. Haliburton said he wanted to “build a legacy in Sacramento” before he was traded to Indiana in a piece for The Players Tribune. The trade allowed Haliburton to be on his own team and develop further as a player.

He has done that and more in his fifth season in the League. He is currently averaging more than 23 points and 12 assists per game, both being career highs. The Pacers are sitting at 6-4 after 10 games, good for third in the East. Haliburton has completely shown that he is the No. 1 option on a playoff team. In my opinion, he is the best guard the Eastern Conference has to offer.

The Timberwolves have arrived Minnesota has long been a basketball purgatory, devoid of any playoff success and

known for being a team where its star players often leave and go on to have massive success elsewhere. See Kevin Garnett and Kevin Love winning championships on other teams and the infamous tirade of Jimmy Butler that got him out of the Twin Cities on bad terms. Butler is now the number one option on a team that just made the NBA Finals.

Thankfully for Timberwolves fans, there has been a basketball reset in Minnesota, thanks partly to fourth-year phenom Anthony Edwards.

The first pick in the 2020 draft out of Georgia is as scorching-hot of a star that Minnesota has seen since a young Garnett, a former MVP. Minnesota’s front office realized this and moved to contend in the 2022 offseason, acquiring a three-time Defensive Player of the Year, Rudy Gobert. The move was seen as an overpay at the time and could still be seen that way today, but much like the Sun blinds people with its red-hot rays, Edwards has blinded critics of the trade with his red-hot play, leading Minnesota to a 7-2 record so far this season. Timberwolves fans finally have a team that could legitimately make noise in the playoffs with the way they are currently playing and have a young star to rally around for the first time since Garnett.

The Grizzlies' season is as good as over The previous two years have seen a basketball revolution in Memphis. A nucleus of Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond

Bane looked like one of the league’s brightest young cores. They had the play to back it up, making the playoffs three straight years.

The revolution came to a screeching halt last season after the first-round exit to the seven-seed Los Angeles Lakers in the first round of the playoffs. Even more concerning was the behavior of the Grizzlies’ franchise player, Ja Morant. Morant was involved in many incidents, including pointing guns at the Pacers’ team bus, and flashing a gun on Instagram Live. Following the Instagram live, the NBA suspended Ja Morant for the first 25 games of the 2023-24 season. The Grizzlies made trades to combat this loss, such as trading for former DPOY Marcus Smart and signing an old but still productive Derrick Rose. The outlook was still to contend for a championship at the start of the year, but that goal has deteriorated significantly.

Memphis didn’t win a game until its seventh of the year and are now 2-8 through 10 games and sitting at dead last in the Western Conference standings. Memphis still has 15 games until Morant returns, and with the way the season has gone so far, that return won’t matter much to their playoff chances.

Charlie Fadel is a freshman studying journalism at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnists do not reflect those of The Post. Want to share your thoughts? Let Charlie know by emailing or tweeting him at @CharlieFadel or cf111322@ ohio.edu.

Islamophobia, antisemitism are not solutions Layne Rey The Israel-Hamas war is a long-standing and complicated conflict that cannot be addressed with hateful generalizations of antisemitism and Islamophobia. With both reactions on the rise in the U.S., curating understanding and solutions for this conflict is moving even further out of reach.

Antisemitism, or hostility and discrimination against Jewish people, has had an upward trend since the war began. Israel and Judaism-based hate is not only inappropriate, but also incorrect. Ordinary Jewish citizens are not the ones fueling the fire.

In fact, there have been plenty of protests in Israel and protesters — who one might assume would side with Israel — demanding a ceasefire in Gaza. During one protest in Washington, D.C., Jewish protestors wore T-shirts that read “Jews Say Cease-fire Now.” This demonstrates Jewish and people of Israeli culture’s ability to separate themselves from the actions of Israel’s government.

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Outsiders should make the same separation and not flock toward antisemitism.

Antisemitism as a result of the war in Gaza has additional implications beyond those borders.

For example, the New York Police Department reported that about 70% of recorded hate crimes in the last month have been directed toward Jewish people. Also, the Anti-Defamation League received reports of 312 antisemitic incidents between Oct. 7 and Oct. 23. Of those, 190 were said to be linked to the Israel-Hamas war.

Condemning the Israeli government, its actions and the history of apartheid is the proper way to promote ideas of progress without generalizing against and harming innocent people.

Islamophobia, or prejudice against Muslim people, has deep roots in U.S. history.

The reactions to the Israel-Hamas war have deepened generalizations that need to be unlearned in order for productive conversa-

tion and speech to take place.

Hamas is the organization that is holding hostages and killing Israeli people, not Palestinians or Muslims. It is an incorrect generalization.

More than 100 law firms in the U.S. sent a letter to top universities as a warning to suppress antisemitic happenings on campus.

Several Muslim bar associations, along with others, found their lack of acknowledgment of anti-Arab and Islamophobic sentiments’ presence on the same campuses to be blatantly hateful — and it is.

Acknowledging Israeli lives lost without acknowledging Palestinian lives lost is offensive and perpetuates Islamophobia in places as diverse as law firms and universities, which makes it seem inherently normal. That is completely dangerous for the state of our country, for Gaza and for every Palestinian and Muslim.

Palestinian American Congresswoman, Rashida Tlaib, was recently censured for her comments on the Israel-Hamas war

by House Republicans. No one, especially not government representatives, should be allowed to perpetuate Islamophobic and hateful speech, especially in this setting. As the sole Palestinian with family living in the occupied West Bank, Tlaib is a rare voice in Congress who offers a perspective like no other.

Recognizing the hateful generalizations stemming from the Israel-Hamas war and counteracting them with educated, empathetic speech during wartime is the only way that ordinary Palestinian, Muslim, Israeli and Jewish people will not be wrongfully targeted.

Layne Rey is a sophomore studying journalism at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnist do not reflect those of The Post. What are your thoughts? Let Layne know by tweeting her @ laynerey12.

Snoopy is at the top of his game

Freedom of the Press A First Amendment Workshop for Journalists

Mackenzie Shuman I always appreciate someone with a variety of interests. Specifically, someone who likes root beer, reading “War and Peace,” collecting art, writing, and even pretending to be a World War I fighter pilot. Somehow, there seems to be only one character who has all these qualities. And that character is the beloved, talented, adventurous beagle named Snoopy.

Since the beginning of the Peanuts comic strips, Snoopy has been capturing hearts as the loyal and adventurous sidekick to Charlie Brown. Recently, however, Snoopy has been front and center with his own Apple TV show and merchandise collaborations with brands like Wet n Wild, Aeropostale and L.L. Bean. Even while planning shows for other members of the Peanuts gang, producers are constantly wondering how they can capitalize on America’s love of Snoopy.

Snoopy and his friends have been popular for decades, but this new spike in interest indicates a genius marketing campaign. Taking a well-loved icon and selling products with his cute face on it is a surefire way to make millions. The best part is that people of all ages are entranced by Joe Cool.

Cedar Fair amusement parks experienced an influx of parkgoers, even in off seasons, after the introduction of their Planet Snoopy section. The parks soon developed a deeper involvement with the Peanuts brand by adding a Camp Snoopy park section, merchandise and holiday events, all of which have been successful.

Peanuts has also been marketing Snoopy products to adults, capitalizing on nostalgia. Now unavailable, Wet n Wild launched a limited edition Peanuts collection around Christmastime in 2022. The makeup collection included a bronzer palette, eyeshadow palette, lip products, makeup sponges and other cosmetic products. The products made their way all over TikTok and Youtube with influencers swooning over the adorable packaging.

The Red Cross also jumped into the action with a shirt picturing Joe Cool leaning up against its logo above the slogan “Be cool. Give blood.” After volunteers gave blood, they were given the shirt for free.

This shirt went viral on TikTok and suddenly adults were eager to give blood so they could get the free shirt. The Red Cross saw a major spike in blood donations, all because Snoopy said it was cool.

9:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17 Baker University Center, Ohio University Athens, Ohio

ABBIE KINNEY | ART DIRECTOR I, myself, have fallen victim to the magnetic lure of Snoopy. Of course, I watched all of the Peanuts specials as a kid, but I was never a huge fan. However, all of a sudden, I have been hypnotized by that big-headed, adorable beagle. There are so many cute and trendy products involving Snoopy that remind me of happy childhood memories.

It is easier to convince a consumer to buy a product when the product induces serotonin, which is exactly what Snoopy is here for.

Best of all, the character designs have hardly changed. Often when popular items or characters get updated looks, fans are unwilling to adapt to the changes and sometimes lose interest altogether. If one were to compare the Peanuts comics from the ‘60s with the designs of new merchandise and TV shows, one would find few differences.

Peanuts fans can feel at home, even with new products, because Snoopy will always look like the friend they know and love.

Ultimately, Snoopy symbolizes Peanuts’ expertise in marketing. It also symbolizes consumers’ weakness when it comes to cute packaging. A plain blanket may not necessarily entice shoppers, but a blanket with their favorite cartoon character might. Few other companies have been able to make their popularity last over seven decades.

Peanuts has successfully adapted through time and partnered with popular corporations to keep Snoopy and his pals on America’s center stage.

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Kenzie Shuman is a freshman studying Journalism at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnists do not reflect those of The Post. Want to talk more about it? Let Kenzie know by emailing her at ms667222@ohio.edu or messaging her on Instagram @zieshuman.

THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 17

Take care of your mental health, avoid burnout Among all of the different majors and student organizations on Ohio University’s campus, there is one thing that unites all students: burnout.

Whether it’s chalked up as senioritis or mid-semester blues, the pressure to be academically and extracurricularly successful gets to us all at some point. It’s important to take care of one’s mental health to prevent burnout but also be aware of how to cope with it, especially as the end of the semester inches closer.

Burnout is defined by Merriam-Webster as, “exhaustion of physical or emotional strength or motivation usually as a result of prolonged stress or frustration.” While burnout can occur at any point in the semester, it is more frequent during midterms and finals. Large projects and exams all due within the same week or two can be very overwhelming, especially in addition to any stress in one’s personal life. Sometimes it really feels like all of one’s bad luck comes together to make life feel terrible, which can also cause one’s stress to manifest into physical symptoms of distress.

Although burnout is not a medical condition, the World Health Organization, or WHO, classifies it as an occupational phenomenon. WHO does not consider burnout to be an illness or health condition, but it can influence one’s health status or decision to contact health services. It results from chronic work-related stress that is not being successfully managed by an individual.

According to WHO, burnout can cause energy depletion, feelings of mental distance from one’s job and a lack of professional efficacy. If anyone has ever felt or been made to feel

before 1 a.m. Just one additional hour of sleep or time to not think about school can be a game changer. Also, being aware of how one operates under stress and planning accordingly based on upcoming assignments can help manage burnout before it starts.

With the countdown to finals rapidly dwindling, remember self-worth is not based on academics. Yes, it’s important to always put one’s best foot forward, but sacrificing one’s mental well-being for an assignment is not necessary. There are exceptions to this, but it’s okay if the grade on the assignment is a little lower if it means you don’t feel like a shell of a human by the time it’s done.

In line with being self-aware of stress, take advantage of breaks when they’re provided. If there is something that absolutely has to get done over the break next week, get it done. But, make sure to use the rest of the time to catch up on sleep, reminisce with loved ones and mentally prepare for the final weeks of the semester. Having a clear headspace going into finals will work wonders.

The Post wishes a break for good food and rest upon evEMMA MCADAMS | ASSISTANT ART DIRECTOR eryone, and please take care of your mental health this finals like their burnout shouldn’t affect them as much as it is, just season. know WHO considers it significant due to its effects on one’s mental health. Your stress is valid.

Editorials represent the majority opinion of The Post’s exThe key to avoiding burnout is recognizing the early stagecutive editors: Editor-in-Chief Katie Millard, Managing Edies of it and taking action sooner rather than later. For examtor Emma Erion and Equity Director Alesha Davis. Post editople, if feelings of stress begin to be overwhelming and take rials are independent of the publication’s news coverage. up one’s daily thoughts, carve out some time for self-care.

Call it an early night, do something to relax and go to bed

Editor-in-Chief | Katie Millard Managing Editor | Emma Erion Equity Director | Alesha Davis EDITORIAL News Editor | Madalyn Blair Asst. News Editor | Donovan Hunt Culture Editor | Alyssa Cruz Asst. Culture Editor | Abby Jenkins Sports Editor | Bobby Gorbett Sports Editor | Robert Keegan III Opinion Editor | Tate Raub Asst. Opinion Editor | Meg Diehl The Beat Editor | Grace Brezine Asst. The Beat Editor | Grace Koennecke Projects Editor | Hannah Campbell Investigative Editor | Alex Imwalle Copy Chief | Addie Hedges Slot Editors | Arielle Lyons, Ashley Pomplas, Aya Cathey, Tre Spencer ART Art Director | Abbie Kinney Asst. Art Director | Emma McAdams Director of Photography | Alaina Dackermann Photo Editor | Zoe Cranfill DIGITAL Director of Web Development | Tavier Leslie Audience Engagement Editor | Logan Jefferies Asst. Audience Engagement Editor | Jenna Skidmore Director of Multimedia | Cole Patterson Asst. Director of Multimedia | Kendall Timms BUSINESS Media Sales | Gia Sammons, Molly Wilson Director of Student Media | Andrea Lewis 18 / NOVEMBER 15, 2023

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Disney’s ‘Snow White’ live-action movie sparks controversy CAMI SEYMORE FOR THE POST Disney's live-action version of the classic tale "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" is still in production despite the uproar of backlash the film has received and disruptions in production due to the recent SAG-AFTRA strikes.

The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, also known as SAG-AFTRA, unionized in July to fight for better pay and fair contracts.

They also sought to improve working conditions, especially with streaming and artificial intelligence continuously altering the media production landscape.

The strikes halted production on many blockbuster films, including "Deadpool 3," "Wicked," "It Ends with Us" and the live-action adaptation of Disney's "Snow White," which was initially set to release March 22, 2024, but has since been delayed to March 21, 2025.

However, the issues with the film's production are deeper than just the strikes.

While some fans are excited to see "Snow White" come to life, many are worried about the creative liberties taken with the beloved story.

The remake is titled "Snow White," dropping the "seven dwarfs" from the title altogether. The film will only feature one actor with dwarfism, Martin Klebba, while the rest of Snow White's crew is composed of "companions," none of whom have dwarfism.

The casting choice immediately sparked backlash, amplified when "Game of Thrones" actor Peter Dinklage, a prominent actor with dwarfism, discussed the casting of the dwarfs in his appearance on a podcast with Marc Maron.

"Literally no offense to anything, but I was sort of taken aback," he said. "They were very proud to cast a Latino actress as Snow White, but you're still telling the story of 'Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.' Take a step back and look at what you're doing there. It makes no sense to me. You're progressive in one way, but you're still making that f—-ing backward story about seven dwarfs living in a cave together. Have I done nothing to advance the cause from my soapbox? I guess I'm not loud enough."

A Disney spokesperson responded to backlash about the casting choices, hoping to appease the public and Dinklage's concerns.

"To avoid reinforcing stereotypes from the original animated film, we are taking a different approach with these seven characters and have been consulting with members of the dwarfism community," the Disney spokesperson said.

Many fans wish the film could've given

opportunities to aspiring actors with dwarfism, an underrepresented group of people, particularly in Hollywood. On top of that, the dwarf roles weren't the only casting choice criticized by the public.

When the film was announced, Rachel Zegler received racist backlash from those who believed Zegler's skin was too dark to play Snow White. Zegler, of Colombian and Polish descent, responded to the backlash on X, formerly known as Twitter.

"Extremely appreciative of the love I feel from those defending me online, but please don't tag me in the nonsensical discourse about my casting," Zegler said. "I really, truly do not want to see it. I hope every child knows they can be a princess no matter what."

On the other hand, some found Zegler's comments about the film off-putting, and the actress received flak online. In another interview with Entertainment Weekly, Zegler commented on her previous experiences with the original film.

"I was scared of the original cartoon," Zegler said. "I think I watched it once and then I never picked it up again. I watched it for the

first time in probably 16-17 years when I was doing this film."

In another interview with Variety, Zegler discussed changes being made in the live-action from the original film.

"It's no longer 1937 ... (Snow White) is not going to be saved by the prince,” Zegler said.

“And she's not going to be dreaming about true love. She's dreaming about becoming the leader she knows she can be."

Discourse circulated online about Zegler's comments, with many users calling her disrespectful to the original classic tale.

Between the casting choices and creative liberties taken, some believe the film is too far gone to be saved.

While some viewers enjoy seeing their favorite classic films come to life, others have grown fatigued by Disney's adaptations. The company has faced backlash in recent years for its uninspired plots, often opting for a remake of an older movie over a fresh storyline.

Many have called out Disney for continuously recycling old characters and storylines and relying on nostalgia for a cash grab instead of producing new and original content

to enhance Disney's cinematic universe.

Because of this, Disney's recent movies have been tanking at the box office, and the company is struggling financially. Between the divisive casting choices and ongoing strikes, rumors quickly spread that Disney canceled production of the movie completely, and the company planned to scrap any previous content.

However, as of Nov. 9, a negotiation was reached, effectively ending the SAG-AFTRA strikes and resuming production on the anticipated upcoming releases.

As of now, Disney has not canceled production on "Snow White." The film is set to premiere in 2025, albeit arguably without some features that made the original "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" an enduring Disney masterpiece.

@CAMISEYMORE CH525822@OHIO.EDU

MIA PISHOTTI | FOR THE POST THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 19

Here’s what your favorite ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ character says about you ELIZABETH TALAGA FOR THE POST With the ending of both the writers’ strike and the actors’ strike, production of season 20 of the hit medical drama “Grey’s Anatomy” is officially allowed to begin. The show has seen many characters come and go during its historic television run, so here is what your favorite character says about you.

Meredith Grey The world revolves around you, whether this is a good thing or not. You probably have deep family trauma that affects every relationship you try to pursue. Despite all of that, you are the center of your loved ones’ world and you have managed to rise above all that you have been through.

Dr. Cristina Yang You are bold, loud and fearless. You have never let anything stand in your way. You know your worth and do not settle for anything less than. You are probably in pursuit of some challenge, and you will stop at nothing until you have achieved everything you ever wanted.

Lexie Grey You are a rule-follower down to your core. You have never skipped class, never taken a random day off work and you deeply feel this has paid off in some way. You have a bright energy that draws people in, although they may become jealous of your talent and work ethic.

Dr. Derek Shepherd Just like your favorite character, you are a hotshot in whatever career, degree or life path you are embarking on. You ooze confidence, sometimes to the point of arrogance, and demand attention whenever you enter the room.

Amelia Shepherd People are awed by your seemingly natural talent, but deep down you are constantly wondering if you are good enough. You are extremely resilient and can bounce back from everything. You are probably in a competitive field and often feel overshadowed by your peers despite the outstanding work you are doing. You joke your way through every uncomfortable or tough situation in your life and are often mistaken for a comedian because of this.

Owen Hunt You do not take no for an answer. You think everyone should follow what you do and say exactly as you say and do it. You have 20 / NOVEMBER 15, 2023

EMMA MCADAMS | ASSISTANT ART DIRECTOR probably been in or are working toward a big management or leadership position and you make this your entire personality.

Miranda Bailey You have had to work extremely hard to get to where you are, and despite all the odds, you made it. You have natural leadership traits, and while this sometimes gets mistaken as you being bossy, those traits are vital to your success. You can command the attention of an entire room with just the sound of your voice. You are also an extremely good person with good intentions and you fight hard for those around you.

Alex Karev Life has not been kind to you. For a while, this defined you and held you back, but now you have moved past all the hardships and have gotten yourself to a much better place in your life. You care deeply about the people in your life, and deep down you are scared they may leave. You have made many mistakes but have learned something important from each one.

George O’Malley You have always been seen as the underdog. You mistake people making fun of you

for jokes and compliments and are somehow unaware of the cruelties of the world. You try so hard to be perfect and while you are far from it, you always keep trying to better yourself and your skills. You are a good samaritan and are always trying to do something good. You probably rescue every stray cat you see.

Izzie Stevens You always give people the benefit of the doubt. You are sometimes a pushover and have the tendency to let people walk all over you. You try so hard but are never fully where you want to be. You are a kind and genuine person at heart, but get caught up in circumstances that tend to paint you in a bad light.

Dr. Mark Sloan You have some big faults and may come across as a bad person on the outside, but on the inside, you are sensitive and loving. You did not have much of a family growing up, so now that you are older, you have built a family of your own through friends you would do anything for. You are an extremely passionate person and you take your work seriously.

You are confident on the outside but on the inside, you struggle with your self-worth.

April Kepner You know your values and morals and never stray away from them. You place family above everything else and are a deeply empathetic person. You long to help people and sometimes find yourself giving unsolicited advice because of this. You know what you stand for and your opinions are not easily changed. You are loving almost to a fault and give way too many second chances.

Arizona Robbins You are sunshine in human form. You are upbeat and can find the good in the worst situations. People know not to mistake your kindness for ignorance though. You are not afraid to put people in their place, even if you have confrontation issues.

Callie Torres You have had many personal ups and downs and are always trying to get back to what makes you happy, whatever that may be. You are constantly in search of something greater and a bigger purpose in life.

You are a fun person to be around and are always down for a good time.

ET029322@OHIO.EDU

EVENTS CALLIOPE 2023 FALL CONCERT

A Place by the Fire for Everyone

Athens First Presbyterian Church

Calliope is looking forward to sharing beautiful music with you at our fall concert, A Place by the Fire for Everyone! Singing music by The Bengsons, Ayo Awosika, The Highwomen, MaMuse and more, we will be joined by guest musicians Sharell Arocho-Wise and Iris Cooke, and by accompanist Nancy Pierce.

Reserve your tickets through eventbrite and pay with cash or check at the door, or pay online using our red donation button on our “support” page or below (scroll all the way down).

Paying at the supporting level allows a community member to pay what they can to share this experience.

Basic: $10-$30 Community-supported: < $10 Supporting: $30 - $50 ASL Interpreting is provided; if you require other accommodations to attend, please contact our accessibility team by Nov 15 at calliopefeministchoir@gmail.com attn: Accessibility

Fri. Nov. 17th 7:30 pm Sat. Nov. 18th 4:00 pm

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Same great vendors in a NEW space. Now located at the Athens Community Center. Parking Available at the Community center and the City Pool lot. If walking to the market, PLEASE use designated crosswalks to cross East State Street.

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Wednesdays & Saturdays 9am - Noon

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JACKSON PELLINGTON | FOR THE POST

THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 21

Ali Coyle’s sentimentality drives new single SOPHIA ROOKSBERRY FOR THE POST Ali Coyle is a queer Irish-American musician whose style dances on the border of dream folk and indie rock. Coyle’s new single, “Dreamkiller” is just the latest addition to her discography of singles and EPs that champion her one-of-a-kind artistry. Each original song in her repertoire is a blend of delicate emotion and unique decision-making in the studio.

Coyle gravitated toward music from an early age as she fought to celebrate her identity as a queer, first-generation American growing up in Orange County, California.

She began by learning classical violin, then the electric guitar, both of which would be influences in her career as a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist.

Coyle spent some formative years living in artist warehouses in Los Angeles before finding a home in the artist community of Santa Ana, California. Her debut studio EP, “Songs For My Therapist” was released in 2021 to critical acclaim from the Los Angeles Times, Guitar Girl Magazine and Atwood Magazine. The last of which praised Coyle for creating “poetic and moody music that speaks to your soul,” a sentiment that is exemplified in all of the artist’s work.

Other highlights associated with Coyle’s debut were opportunities such as headlining a tour along the West Coast and performing at Los Angeles’ legendary venue, The Troubadour. Coyle’s music has amassed over 500,000 streams, and she is in the process of recording more music to accompany that success.

“Songs For My Therapist” is a thought-provoking six-track EP that succinctly introduces Coyle’s signature style to the music industry. Her technique is evident from the first track, “Trust Me,” an unconventional package that masterfully delivers Coyle’s reassuring and playful personality.

The trippy guitars and satisfyingly off beat percussion offer a background around which Coyle’s voice dances in a lofty croon. The inclusion of violin and brass instruments provides moments of lyricism and whimsy to the otherwise rhythm-based track.

One of Coyle’s main strengths as a musician is her ability to evoke musical imagery that heightens the message of her songs, with “Clear Water” serving as a perfect example.

The song features a background sprinkled with pinging notes that are emblematic of water droplets against a still pond, the perfect backdrop for her voice to paint an illustrative vocal picture. The song introduces choral humming and immersive sound effects as the song continues until it is fully evolved.

22 / NOVEMBER 15, 2023

“Clear Water” also features a callback to an earlier song on the EP, titled “Paradise.”

Both songs feature echoing background vocals leaning toward an upbeat and rhythmic style, complete with synths and quirky sound effects thrown in, seemingly at random. The song is a lush soundscape that, in line with her demonstrated talents, creates beautiful imagery for the visual of the song title.

Coyle’s sound is characterized by her haunting and angelic voice, a talent that none of her songs are complete without, though some feature her vocalizations more prominently than others.

Songs like “Jacaranda,” which is named after the tropical flowering plant, prominently display her masterful vocals, as well as melodic techniques that highlight her skills even further. In this particular song, the descending and quickpaced repetition of the song’s title is one of those techniques that allow her vocal precision to shine.

“On My Way Again” is Coyle’s most popular song on Spotify, and for good reason. The track is strangely devious, as if the artist is sneakily aware of her mischievous sensibility. Lyrics like “Wine and whiskey / followed by water and coffee / followed by wine and whiskey” are examples of her dry sense of humor and ability to translate the many facets of her personality into her music.

Like much of her other work, the song features distorted electric guitar hooks and odd sound effects to round out the number.

Coyle’s most recent musical endeavor is a single titled “Dreamkiller,” an ironic love letter to universal fears. It is playfully dark, yet empowers listeners with the idea that they are not alone in their journeys. The song shows growth and maturity from the artist, with the same

shimmering delicacy of her other work being elevated to a new level. Her lyrics are a focal point of this song, demonstrating traces of sarcasm and sentimentality. “Dreamkiller” is a combination of late ‘90s indie rock and harmonic 1950s soul, with finishing touches of modern synths.

“Dreamkiller” is accompanied by a music video directed by Sarah Vargas and Michael Klein and edited by Justin Green. The video is a suitable companion to the song, sharing a complex narrative journey of camaraderie and empowerment, all told with dark and humorous undertones.

Ali Coyle is a fresh new artist with exciting things on the horizon. Recently, she performed for Apple TV+ at the advanced

screening of “Flora and Son,” an Irish film directed by John Carney (“Once,” “Begin Again,” “Sing Street”). She has also grown as a performer since her debut release, bringing her live shows to a level of catharsis that she shares with her audience.

Her listeners find solace in the tough questions that Coyle’s music poses, and her ability to tip-toe on the brink of the avant-garde genre without ever quite crossing the line is an impressive feat, one that the future of the music industry will surely benefit from.

@SOPHIAROOKS_ SR320421@OHIO.EDU

EMMA MCADAMS | ASSISTANT ART DIRECTOR

Patrick Dempsey named 2023 ‘Sexiest Man Alive’ SOPHIA ANNESS FOR THE POST Last week, Patrick Dempsey was finally named People Magazine’s 2023 “Sexiest Man Alive.” The decision was pleasantly surprising as Dempsey was up against some pretty tough contenders such as Pedro Pascal, Timothée Chalamet and Jason Kelce, among others. With Dempsey’s looks and charm, it is no surprise he was often chosen as second place for the title in past years, and now, in 2023, it is finally his turn.

The announcement that Dempsey had been awarded the title was made to the public during “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” on Nov. 7, when Dempsey was a surprise guest on the show. When Dempsey was named 2023’s “Sexiest Man Alive,” he said he was shocked that it was finally his turn to be recognized.

“I started laughing, like, this is a joke, right? I’ve always been the bridesmaid!” said Dempsey to People Magazine.

Dempsey succeeded the 2022 winner Chris Evans, and it’s not surprising that he is deserving of the title. After almost 40 years in the acting industry, Dempsey is finally receiving the recognition he deserves.

There is no doubt that Dempsey is best known for his role as Dr. Derek “McDreamy” Shepherd in “Grey’s Anatomy.” Most call it his breakout role, but his acting career began 20 years before the television show hit screens.

Dempsey’s first-ever acting gig was in 1985 in a horror/sci-fi film called “The Stuff,” and his role was “Underground Stuff Buyer #2.” The role was so small that it isn’t even listed among the movies he’s been in. Young Dempsey can be seen in the very last scene at approximately 1:24:25 into the movie.

He began landing bigger roles during the mid-to-late 1980s. He played Corbet in “Heaven Help Us” (1985), Ronald in “Can’t Buy Me Love” (1987) and Michael in “Some Girls” (1988). He was often cast as the nerdy, quirky love interest in his early films.

One movie Dempsey had a supporting role in was “With Honors” (1994). In the film, he played Everette Calloway, a young college student and radio DJ. He was cast alongside the main characters Brendan Fraser as Montgomery “Monty” Kessler and Joe Pesci as Simon B. Wilder. Dempsey’s performance in this movie is one of his more captivating ones, as audiences get to see a type of character that he has never played before.

Throughout the ‘90s and early 2000s, Dempsey was no stranger to the big screen.

He was cast in multiple projects, but it wasn’t until 2005 when he got the role of Dr. Derek Shepherd in “Grey’s Anatomy” that he saw his fame skyrocket.

“Grey’s Anatomy” was – and still is – quite the phenomenon, as its popularity continues to grow almost two decades after its original release. Dempsey only starred as Shepherd for 11 seasons, but he’s made multiple cameo appearances in the later seasons.

In the show, he was nicknamed “McDreamy” by his on-screen girlfriend Meredith Grey, who is played by Ellen Pompeo.

The nickname was well-deserved as the heartthrob with the great hair, charming smile and ferry boat scrub cap made his way into audiences’ hearts.

Throughout his 10-year run on “Grey’s Anatomy,” he dabbled in the world of Disney, starring in “Enchanted” (2007) and “Brother Bear 2” (2006). He reprised his role as Robert in “Disenchanted” (2022). In the “Enchanted” series, watchers saw a new side of Dempsey as he got to sing and dance a little bit, something that audiences don’t see from him often.

Recently, Dempsey has not slowed down.

Just this year, he is coming out with two new movies: “Ferrari” and “Thanksgiving.”

“Thanksgiving” is set to release next week, and “Ferrari” will be released on Christmas.

Though Dempsey is well-versed in acting, he also has a lot of experience in philanthropy. Dempsey founded the Dempsey Center in Maine in 2008. The “Dempsey Center” is a non-profit that has the goal of improving the lives of people impacted by cancer. Dempsey wanted to begin the organization after watching his mother battle ovarian cancer.

The Dempsey Center said, “Patrick created a space where those impacted by cancer could find relief, comfort, resources and support—all at no cost.”

Dempsey has had such a prolific career in general, and it has not gone unnoticed by the media. He has been in the industry long enough to be recognized as a star in the eyes of fans. With Dempsey’s kind heart and phenomenal acting skills, his status as “Sexiest Man Alive” is not just earned, it is deserved.

@SOPHIA_ISABELLA0415 SA425522@OHIO.EDU

THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 23

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2 Bedrm

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to view all of our properties *Security deposits are per person, monthly rates are per person/per month

$500*

$525*

$500*

$500*

CALL to schedule a viewing TODAY!

740.594.9098 • OUrentals.com