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MONDAY | APRIL 2 | 2012

A WIN FOR SENIOR SENDOFF

MADONNA RECLAIMS THRONE

entertainment | 4 sports | 6

Redistricting to combine police forces

Goessling’s to open in summer

UC named one of worst fi rst amendment universitiesJAMES SPRAGUE | CHIEF REPORTER

In the midst of a federal civil rights lawsuit alleging First Amendment violations by the University of Cincinnati, the school received another black eye last week when it was named one of the nation’s worst colleges for free speech.

The Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE) — a nonprofi t educational foundation that promotes individual rights and due process at colleges and universities throughout the United States — named UC to its 2012 list of “The 12 Worst Colleges for Free Speech” March 27. The list — which includes such schools as Harvard University, Yale University, Syracuse University and Michigan State University — was for institutions “severely violating the speech rights of students, faculty members, or both,” according to a statement accompanying FIRE’s list.

UC was the only Ohio college or university named among the 12 schools and was pinpointed by FIRE based primarily on the university’s “Free Speech Area” policy, which FIRE labeled “shockingly restrictive.”

“These colleges and universities have deeply violated the principles that are supposed to animate higher education,” said Greg Lukianoff, president of FIRE. “Sunlight is one of the best disinfectants, and the public needs to know which schools to watch out for.”

The distinction is the latest in what has become a growing issue at UC, which fi nds itself embroiled as the defendant in a federal civil rights lawsuit fi led in February by the UC chapter of Young Americans for Liberty (YAL) with the cooperation of FIRE and Ohio’s 1851 Center for Constitutional Law.

The lawsuit was brought against the university after a request was denied for YAL to gather signatures and speak to students throughout campus regarding support of a “right to work” ballot initiative. The group was instead placed in the campus “Free Speech Area” located in the northwest corner of McMicken Commons.

The lawsuit alleges First Amendment violations on the part of UC and asks for an immediate injunction against the

university’s free speech policy. A temporary compromise was reached in March between UC and YAL, allowing the group to petition throughout most open outdoor spaces on campus without having to reregister with UC’s scheduling offi ce, and a hearing regarding the lawsuit is slated for May 30.

Legal action FIRE previously participated in resulted in the elimination of similar free speech areas at West Virginia University, Texas Tech University and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

The list isn’t the fi rst time, however, UC has been in the crosshairs of FIRE. The organization criticized the university’s free speech policy by naming it “Speech Code of the Month” in December 2007 and also wrote a letter to former UC President Nancy Zimpher in December 2008 regarding the policy, calling it “imperative that Cincinnati immediately revise its illegal and immoral ‘Free Speech Area’ policy” and offering guidelines for how UC could revise the regulation.

UC’s free speech policy details the procedures and regulations that have incurred the wrath of FIRE.

POLICY OUTLINES FREEDOMSFound on pages 14 and 15 of UC’s “Use

of Facilities Policy Manual” is the policy that has garnered UC the recent spate of negative attention.

The university’s “Free Speech Area” is detailed on page 14 as being “the northwest section of McMicken Commons immediately east of McMicken Hall on the West Campus ... Individuals or groups wanting to use these areas must schedule the activity in the Campus Scheduling Offi ce. Anyone violating this policy might be charged with trespassing. No more than one musical or speaking activity is permitted at the same time.”

The area described in the policy constitutes approximately 0.1 percent of UC’s 137-acre Main Campus, one of many areas of criticism by FIRE.

Among other points of contention with UC’s policy are the specifi c times and places allowing the use of amplifi cation, such as megaphones; the amount of time required for notifi cation of a demonstration, picket or rally — 10 days; and such activities being confi ned to the campus Free Speech Area.

The policy also forbids the disruption of classes or administrative functions on campus due to rallies or demonstrations and access to campus buildings for those activities.

Such an occurrence took place in February 2011, when dozens of UC students and faculty, equipped with signs and chanting slogans, marched to the offi ce of UC President Greg Williams to deliver a letter condemning Ohio Senate Bill 5 — the now-defeated bill which proposed collective bargaining reform.

It is the portion of the policy regarding

violators being charged with trespassing, however, which has drawn the most heat. In 2007, FIRE called it “truly shameful” in the fact that the policy “threatens students

with criminal prosecution merely for exercising their constitutionally protected rights outside of the paltry area it has designated for free speech.”

Part of the current lawsuit fi led by YAL against UC alleges that if any members of the student group were found “walking around campus gathering signatures, campus security would be alerted.”

Multiple attempts by The News Record to contact Daniel Cummins, director of Judicial Affairs at UC, to learn the number of students

— if any — who have been disciplined for violating the university’s free speech policy were unsuccessful.

A News Record analysis of the UC Police Division daily call logs shows that since September 2011 — the beginning of the 2011-12 academic year — there have been 20 citations for trespassing on UC’s Main Campus and one trespass warning given.

UC Police Chief Michael Cureton declined to comment on whether any of those citations by the UCPD were given to individuals for violating the policy, due to the current lawsuit pending against the university.

“This issue of free speech is currently in litigation,” Cureton said. “There is likely to be a settlement that moves all parties forward. It would be premature for me to comment until the court has ruled.”

UC DENIES INJUSTICEDespite the recent wave of criticism, the

idea that UC is a repressive campus violating the right to free speech is incredulous, said Greg Hand, UC spokesman.

“I would ask anyone to visit this campus on any given day and walk by almost any point in the campus, and they’re going to see free speech activities going on,” Hand said. “Every single bulletin board, any space that holds a folding table both outside and inside Tangeman [University Center], you have free speech activities going on.”

Hand even cites personal experiences at UC as examples of the university being both open and committed to open dialogue on campus.

“I’ve been witness to semi truck-sized posters of aborted fetuses in the middle of McMicken Commons, seen Michael Moore speaking and been asked for signatures on petitions from every point of the political spectrum,” Hand said.

While Hand was unsure when the policy for a “free speech zone” on UC’s campus was instituted — it was last updated in August 2008 — the idea for it originated in the

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campus without having to reregister with

“campus without having to reregister with

I would ask anyone to visit this campus on any given day and walk by almost any point in the campus, and they’re going to see free speech activities going on.

GREG HAND UC SPOKESMAN

FREE SPEECH UNDER ‘FIRE’

FILE ART | THE NEWS RECORD

EXTENT OF FREEDOM The Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE) named the University of Cincinnati one of the 12 worst colleges for free speech and demonstrations, such as the anti-Senate Bill 5 protest in February 2011 (below).


POWER IN UNITY UC’s East and Main Campuses might see a unifi ed police force as districts 4 and 5 become one district.


MONTHS TO GO The opening of the former IGA on Ludlow Avenue has been delayed until summer.


STUDENTS SPEAK UP An anti-abortion protester sit near a sign on McMicken Commons. UC Young Americans for Liberty voiced their opinions most recently. SEE SPEECH | 2

SEE GOESSLING’S | 2

NATALYA DAOUD | STAFF REPORTER

Keller’s IGA on Ludlow Avenue has been closed for a little more than one year now — and its reopening has been delayed due to funding issues.

The store’s new owner says the store will return to Clifton consumers sometime this summer new and improved.

The grocery store closed Jan. 6, 2011, due to its previous owners, John Vierling and Charles Dugger, owing more than $220,000 in back taxes to the state.

Though Steve Goessling, the new owner, originally planned for the store to reopen in September 2011, its reopening has been delayed for seven months.

“The initial goal would be to have this open by Sept. 1, [2011],” Goessling said in May 2011. “But as I hear more and more of the clamor in the neighborhood for the need for [the store to open], we are trying to come up with a way to open up in phases.”

What delayed the project the most was fi nancing and working out details of the project, said Marilyn Hyland, spokeswoman for Goessling’s establishment.

“That is a question of timing and where the economy really is; getting them to be able to do potential work for locations,” Hyland said.

Goessling has done a $2 million debt-rehab project. It will be LEED [Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design] certifi ed, Hyland said.

The store’s rehabilitation encompasses remodeling and replacing the basics — from new fl ooring to roofi ng, Hyland said.

“Steve Goesling is dedicated to bringing an upscale, really exciting grocery store to Clifton,” Hyland said. “It will be called Goessling’s

A WIN FOR SENIOR SENDOFF sports | 6

THE NEWS RECORDMADONNARECLAIMS THRONE

LANCE LAMBERT | SENIOR REPORTER

The University of Cincinnati community might fall under a singular protection, as a proposed reorganization would combine the UC East and Main campuses into one Cincinnati Police District.

Currently, UC’s East Campus and Main Campus are divided into Districts 4 and 5, making it hard to unite an effort against crime.

Cincinnati Police Department (CPD) Capt. Paul Humphries told the UC Board of Trustees on March 27 that redistricting UC into one district was possible.

The new possible districting would add to ongoing efforts between UC Police

Division (UCPD), and CPD. Redistricting would come hand-in-hand with advanced surveillance and partnered patrols.

Its planned for the university to work with the CPD to add more cameras around the campus, said Michael Cureton, UC police chief.

“We are planning on utilizing our relations with the CPD with the partner car,” Cureton said. “UC police offi cers and CPD will patrol the south and west borders of the campus.”

UCPD is tentatively planning to increase the number of offi cers in 2012, along with more building security and more police on bicycles to increase visibility, Cureton said.

“One of our UC police offi cers [rides along] with CPD and goes on patrol with District 5 in the Clifton area around 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.,” Cureton said.

Though UC is situated across two districts, utilizing the CPD is essential, Cureton said.

“Since [arriving as police chief] at UC, crime patterns in local communities around UC are discussed in weekly meetings with the Cincinnati Police Department,” Cureton said.

Students should expect to not only to see more bicycle patrols, but also offi cers on foot on campus, Cureton said.

SEE POLICE | 2

TNR SPECIAL REPORT


MondayApril 2 | 2012

NEWSRECORD.ORG21960s, he said.

“At the time, there actually was a lot of control on this and other college campuses as far as who was allowed to speak,” Hand said. “The free speech zone was a way to open up speech beyond the immediate campus community.”

Hand references a staff editorial in the Nov. 18, 1965 edition of The News Record — suggesting the need for a ‘free speech alley’ — as an example of how, at one time, UC students wanted an area similar to the one on McMicken Commons that is now in dispute.

The editorial detailed how “with the Free Speech Alley, everyone would have the opportunity to express his opinions and would not have to fear ostracism or unnecessary criticism. This idea has been very successful on many other college campuses, some of them with smaller populations than UC.”

The purpose behind UC’s current free speech zone on McMicken Commons is to give those individuals or groups that don’t meet certain criteria, such as sponsorship by a university organization, an area for their voice to still be heard, Hand said.

“If you’re not part of the community or meet criteria, there’s still a place you can go,” Hand said.

Roughly 90 percent of those who utilize the Free Speech Zone are religious speakers, such as the traveling preacher Brother Micah, Hand said. Hand also receives polarized complaints about the area, he said.

“You always hear the same two things: We don’t like using it, because it’s away from the center of campus, and how can the university allow this offensive speech to take place right in the middle of campus?” Hand said. “That kind of indicates that whoever picked that space found a happy medium.”

The mission of the university, however, isn’t to be an open public forum for everything, Hand said.

“I don’t think there is a lot of disagreement with the concept that [UC] is an educational institution,” Hand said. “It doesn’t exist to provide a public forum. Our job is to provide education, and we have the responsibility that the educational process is not disrupted.”

Even with that responsibility, students are provided opportunity for freedom of expression, Hand said.

“We want people to have access to a free exchange of ideas,” Hand said.

STUDENTS, FACULTY RESPONDWhile the UC administration might view the university’s

policy as one supporting and encouraging free speech, some student groups and faculty feel differently.

“[The policy] defi nitely hampers student expression,” said John McNay, a history professor at UC’s Blue Ash campus and former president of the UC chapter of the American Association of University Professors. “The AAUP strongly supports freedom of inquiry for the student body, but it is diffi cult to have such freedom with such tight restrictions.”

Landon Gray, a third-year history student and member of UC Young Americans for Liberty — which recently contested the proposed tobacco-free campus initiative at UC — agrees with McNay concerning student’s voices being suppressed.

“I fi nd it hard to believe that we really adhere to a system that restricts the rights of students in such a way, especially since we pay to go here, to a public institution,” Gray said. “I fi nd it hard to believe that a public institution is to be in such a violation of constitutional policy, and in doing so violating students, staff and the average citizen’s rights.”

Policies like the waiting period to use a table in TUC are among some of those restrictions UC places on students, McNay said.

“It is not just the free speech zone that is bad,” McNay said. “The wait time before you can occupy a space or even set up a table in TUC is way too long. UC requires fi ve business days while other nearby state universities [such as] Wright State and Ohio University require only 24 hours. Both universities also provide many more locations where free speech can take place.”

McNay also cites a recent movement by college students nationwide to protest the issue of rising student debt as one example of how UC’s policy hampered local efforts.

“By the time UC students were prepared to join the protest, there was not adequate time to apply for a permit,” McNay said.

While UC students have adapted to the policy and are adhering to it, McNay said, it has made student efforts to have their voices heard more diffi cult.

“Students protesting Senate Bill 5 and the charter university concept became very adept at following the rules, but organizing a rally of some kind or collecting signatures should be easy, not diffi cult,” McNay said.

Despite the recent attention, however, McNay admits he has not seen student’s ability to voice their opinions decrease during his tenure at UC nor has seen it negatively affect faculty instruction, due to academic freedom for faculty being a staple of the AAUP’s contract with UC.

“I’ve not seen things get worse, though the incident during [Ohio Gov. John Kasich’s] visit may be a low point,” McNay said.

Kasich’s visit to UC in 2011 drew the ire of both students and faculty — including McNay — when demonstrators protesting Kasich’s support of charter universities and Senate Bill 5 were escorted by UCPD offi cers from outside Baldwin Hall — where Kasich was visiting — to the free speech area on McMicken Commons, due to the demonstration not being sponsored by a university group or being scheduled in advance.

“Faculty, students and even some local labor leaders who had gathered to question the governor were forced into the free speech zone by UC security,” McNay said. “I don’t think any university should demonstrate this kind of attitude toward free speech or to its faculty.”

McNay hopes the recent situations concerning free speech at UC opens the eyes of administration, he said.

“I hope that the negative attention causes the administration to be open to change,” McNay said. “The UC policy just really stands out as being the most restrictive among public universities. I don’t think that is the kind of recognition or the excellence that we all strive to attain at UC.”

Gray said he hopes it is the attention of students that is gained, in addition to the administration.

“I certainly hope that UC will recognize the fact that universities initially embraced all sorts of ideas, changes and social revolutions … But above all, my most sincere hope is that students realize what an infringement [the policy] is, for if you do not know your rights, you have lost them,” Gray said.

Gray also believes there will be increased opposition from the student body to the policy as time progresses, he said.

“No matter what the court decision is, I believe as the majority of the student population begins to realize what is going on, there will be progressively more resistance to this unconstitutional idea of a ‘free speech zone,’ ” Gray said.

To date, the UC Undergraduate Student Government has not received any complaints regarding the policy from the UC student body, said SG President Alan Hagerty.

“Student Government has received no grievances from students or student groups about the free speech policy,” Hagerty said. “We did encounter one issue with one particular organization soliciting on campus to promote an event. However, the issue was resolved and the solicitation policy was clearly communicated to the organization.”

The policy, however, could be a talking point for SG in the future, Hagerty said.

“Student Government may examine the issue; however, no action has been taken at this point in time,” Hagerty said. “Personally, as Student Body president, I cannot deny that a mere 0.1 percent of our campus is designated as a free speech zone. Moreover, I acknowledge many visits by political leaders are announced after the required 15-day reservation window has closed.”

THE REST OF OHIO’S UNIVERSITIESWhile UC is the only Ohio school on FIRE’s list of the

12 worst colleges for free speech, it is not the only Ohio school being scrutinized by the organization.

A News Record analysis of the 14 four-year state universities making up the University System of Ohio shows that FIRE lists six of those schools — the University of Toledo, Wright State University, Youngstown State University, Ohio University, The Ohio State University and UC — each as a “red light university,” meaning that at least one policy at the university signifi cantly restricts free speech.

Those policies range from free speech areas — such as UC’s — to harassment policies and Internet use policies.

Multiple attempts to contact Kim Norris, spokesperson

for the Ohio Board of Regents — which oversees the University System of Ohio — for comment were unsuccessful.

The analysis also shows that Bowling Green State University has a similar “Speak Out Area” located in front of its student union designated for individuals and groups, while Kent State University has fi ve recommended areas on its campus for groups or non-registered speakers to host demonstrations or marches.

“Kent State has recommended areas for free speech that can accommodate a large gathering of people, but it is not limited to those specifi c areas,” said Emily Vincent, a KSU spokeswoman.

KSU even goes as far as to limit the use of those areas to one-hour time blocks, unlike UC, which doesn’t have

a time limit concerning its “Free Speech Area” on McMicken Commons.

OU has 25 specifi c outdoor areas on its campus that can be reserved for speakers or demonstrations.

“We have not designated any area on campus as a ‘free speech zone,’” said Katie Quaranta, an OU spokeswoman.

“University Policy 24-016 is our only policy on this issue. It lists outdoor spaces that can be reserved for appropriate functions and imposes reasonable restrictions to protect health, safety and university operations.”

Like UC, however, KSU does not allow demonstrations or non-university affi liated speakers to take place inside

campus buildings, Vincent said. In fact, a recurring theme in all 14 universities’

policies was one of preventing disruption of the learning environment on their respective campuses and preventing violations of fi re and safety codes.

Several others Ohio universities have policies similar to UC’s regarding to the amount of time required for reserving space on campus for activities and the use of amplifi cation equipment.

Such schools as BGSU and YSU require a 10-day notice to reserve an area for a speaker or event on their respective campuses, much like UC.

While there is not a designated area for speech, The OSU does require a two-week notice to reserve space on its campus.

“We do as a matter of good practice try to work with any group that desires to express their constitutional rights in a respectful and non-disruptive or destructive manner,” said Amy Murray, an OSU spokeswoman.

Policies like UC’s “Free Speech Area” have also existed previously at some Ohio schools, such as WSU, which had a designated “Speaker’s Corner” between two of its campus buildings before revising its policy.

“Wright State University does not now have a policy restricting free speech activities such as demonstrations or petitions to a specifi c area of campus,” said Timothy Gaffney, a WSU spokesman. “Such a policy existed in the past. The Faculty Senate has revised its Faculty Handbook to refl ect the change in policy.”

That change in policy now allows individuals and groups at any time during daylight hours to collect signatures, distribute material and speak in any publicly accessible outdoor area on the WSU campus.

It’s a change McNay feels would be effective for UC concerning its free speech, he said.

“This section of Wright State’s free speech policy seems to demonstrate a more appropriate attitude,” McNay said.

The current policy already refl ects that attitude, Hand said.

“For the students at UC, I think the issue is that they can just take a look around them,” Hand said. “I can’t think of anybody’s free speech rights being suppressed.”

Either way, it is a subject that FIRE has brought to the forefront at UC.

“Before they sign on the dotted line, prospective college students should consider the free speech record of the school they choose to attend,” said Robert Shibley, senior vice president of FIRE. “Don’t believe universities’ paper promises of free speech if they are violating those promises in practice.”

Gin A. Ando and senior reporter Ryan Hoffman contributed to this story.

”“But above

all, my most sincere hope is that students realize what an infringement [the policy] is, for if you do not know your rights, you have lost them.

LANDON GRAYUC STUDENT

FROM SPEECH | 1

FROM GOESSLING’S | 1

FROM POLICE | 1

Gaslight Market. He’ll have fresh, organic produce, fresh-cut meat, a large selection of wine vendors — basically catering to Clifton and the surrounding neighborhoods.”

Goessling has spent $350,000 on the construction and the building prepared already, Hyland said.

“In the time that it has taken to get to this point, Goessling has revaluated the fl oor plan and actually realized that underutilizing the basement just added 50 percent more shelf space than originally was possible,” Hyland said.

The new store is set to reopen on Ludlow Avenue sometime this summer.

FROM JACKSON | 3

to the show.The low-budget charm of “Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson” and its witty

dialogue make it a great musical for any college student to enjoy. From a historical aspect, it leaves the judgment up to the audience, noting

that Jackson was both a fi ghter for equality and a persecutor of Native Americans, Spanish and French alike.

HOW TO GO:

Where: Know Theatre of Cincinnati, 1120 Jackson St.When: Through May 12, Thursdays-Sundays — show times vary by dateTickets are $15 in advance and $18 starting the week of the performance,

beginning Monday at noon. Tickets can be purchased by calling (513) 300-5669 or online at www.knowtheatre.com.

FROM SHINS | 3

out on “Port of Morrow” establishing a more pop-rock quality. These un-conventional tracks alter the band’s sound, yet fi nd ways to stay true to the original music.

The album ends with “Port of Morrow,” a perfect trance-like conclusion, which seduces the mind, body and soul. It’s the kind of ending that leaves the listener sitting and pondering what to make of the unique sounds echoing in each ear.

For all The Shins fans out there, add this one to the collection, and for casual listeners, start a collection here.

Working with UCPD has been a great help to our efforts, said Lisa Johnson, CPD District 5 neighborhood liaison offi cer for the Clifton area.

Offenses at UC decreased from 525 in 2010 to 371 offenses in 2011, while the Clifton area reported a 6.6 percent increase in offenses.

Life is too short to not wield power with an iron fi st.

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Stop by 509 Swift Hall to pick up your application.

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ENTERTAINMENT3

BEN KITCHEN | TNR CONTRIBUTOR

For Madonna’s Super Bowl performance, the 53-year-old pop icon had it all — cartwheels, cheerleaders, choirs, drumlines, slacklining, massive light displays and guest appearances from LMFAO, M.I.A. and Nicki Minaj.

In the same vein, Madonna is back with “MDNA,” her fi rst album in four years.

Like the tongue-in-cheek title suggests, the album is aural ecstasy for a fan of pop music. “MDNA” could also stand for mitochondrial DNA, and here Madonna proves that she is ingrained in the genetics of pop music as she reclaims her throne.

With the help of DJs Benny Benassi and Martin Solveig, “MDNA” demonstrates the notorious rule-breaker can still keep up with her younger contemporaries.

But Madonna wrote the book on the pop game, referencing herself and her past hits

again and again.The singles “Give Me All Your Luvin’” and

“Girl Gone Wild” prove that Madonna can keep up with current trends, as does the euphoria of “Turn Up the Radio,” while guest appearances from M.I.A. and Minaj offer an

up-to-date spin. Otherwise, Madonna stands her ground as an innovator throughout the rest of the album.

“I’m Addicted” is a dance floor stormer like no other, dangerously addicting with its closing repetition of “M-D-N-A.”

“Love Spent,” one of the six tracks that reunites Madonna with her “Ray of Light” producer William Orbit, manages to

effortlessly infuse a banjo riff with a dance track, then send it through space and back.

“MDNA” isn’t just another pop record. This is her fi rst release since divorcing British director Guy Richie in 2008 and for Madonna, it’s cathartic.

In “I Don’t Give A” she sings, “I tried to be a good girl / I tried to be your wife / I diminished

myself / And swallowed my light.”On bonus tracks “I F**ked Up” and “Best

Friend,” Madonna continues to address the divorce with straightforward lyrics over mid-tempo electronic beats.

The album’s most poignant moment, however, is “Falling Free,” an epic, orchestral ballad about letting go that brings the standard edition album to a close.

The standout track on the album has to be “Gang Bang.” Don’t be misled by the title — Madonna lets her post-divorce rage take center stage as she spits a tale of murder over a pulsating, minimal beat that would fi t surprisingly well in a Quentin Tarantino fi lm — and lend itself to an amazing music video.

Almost 30 years after the release of her eponymous debut album, “Madonna,” the Queen of Pop proves she is still a force to be reckoned with.

“MDNA” is chock full of inventive dance tracks, infectious pop hooks and confessional lyrics — the same DNA that makes up all of Madonna’s albums.

Following the disappointment of 2008’s tough-to-swallow “Hard Candy,” “MDNA” is a return to form and a welcome addition to her legendary catalogue.

Time periods often have much more dimension than they are given credit for, especially when they are referenced for entertainment purposes.

When a fi lm claims to capture the zeitgeist of a particular time, it doesn’t always show the truth.

It doesn’t always illuminate the charming idiosyncrasies, in addition to fl aws, of the moment in history that it is revisiting.

Instead, the fi lm might provide a somewhat shallow view of cultural trademarks from that earlier time, or it might paint an airbrushed picture of some of the iconic fi gures.

As for the cases where period fi lms do attempt to dig a little deeper, there is typically a fair bit of distortion involved; and that is when the wasp’s nest of college professors swarm with rage over the historical inaccuracies, meticulously reciting each error to their hapless students in class the next day.

But unlike professors, fi lmmakers don’t appear to be obsessed with pesky inconveniences like facts and realism when they tell a story.

In place of the truth, what seems to matter more to fi lmmakers is they can forge imagery refl ecting certain expectations about the time period they are delving into.

That way they can successfully channel the vibes of similar preceding movies so viewers can develop a certain familiarity.

That could be why modern day movies attempting to capture the 1920s are made in black and white — even though the full spectrum of colors surely exists in real life.

It’s almost like the primary purpose of period fi lms is to perpetuate the popular façade of a time, not necessarily the real period itself, in order to spark emotional responses like nostalgia. In that case, what difference does it make whether the worlds projected on the screen are artifi cial or authentic, as long as they stir the senses?

Admittedly, some movies that adopt their style from the past might do so with more ambitious artistic motivations than merely the hope of exploiting nostalgia. Recent fi lms like Joe Wright’s “Hanna” and Nicolas Winding Refn’s “Drive” are very admirable for their experimentation. Despite heavily incorporating a conventional ’80s style, there is an ambiguity about when the fi lms really take place.

There is no evidence to conclude that the fi lms operate in a time prior to the modern day, yet along with other elements, both “Hanna” and “Drive” make use of a surreal, electronic fl ood of synthesizer music in their scores. They evoke the ’80s synth-pop ballads, which gave the decade its signature sound.

Other elements include set designs and costumes that are saturated with bold coloration — tight and leathery with funkadelic patterns exuding the vibrant garishness that many people associate with a retro ’80s look.

Though in some cases the directors might have attempted to pay tribute to works from the decade that inspired them, these fi lms don’t purport to be throwbacks to the ’80s. At their heart, both “Drive” and “Hanna” are fresh and progressive, overtly pushing modern day boundaries rather than pretending to explore the past.

A lot of their content is identifi ably contemporary, and there’s no artifi cial grain effect to make the fi lms look old or dated. On the contrary, the visuals are sharp and cutting edge, meant to suit the spectators who are seeking the best that visual technology has to offer.

As a result, what these fi lms accomplish has less to do with a time period — and even less to do with historical context — because the styles are released from their time capsules and spread into a more abstract form.

There is a certain harmony and disharmony to them.

They are re-appropriated backdrops — familiar, yet unfamiliar — that can be used by artists to stir up their ideas about the world and serve them up to receptive audiences.

It’s always interesting to watch a band grow. For many, it’s a short bloom in May, and then they begin to wither away, unable to withstand the harsh realities of a brutal summer.

Change is important, even necessary, but only in small doses. Too much of it creates an unrecognizable sound, which can lead to a shift of audience.

The Shins’ roots have been spreading in the right direction for many years, and the band has

maintained a fi rm placement in the underground garden of indie and alternative rock.

Their new album, “Port of Morrow,” is no exception.

One of the main reasons for The Shins success is the unmistakable sound of James Mercer’s voice. The lead singer sooths and fl uctuates notes as naturally as he breathes between lines. His distinct cry can be soft and low, or sharp and high — exemplifi ed in the album’s single “Simple Song.”

Whistles, chimes and the rhythmic strike of a cymbal conceive The Shins’ signature sound as Mercer’s voice hums along with the beat as if it was just another strum of guitar.

Faster, more upbeat songs paired with the band’s deep and meaningful lyrics take “Port of Morrow” to the next level. Instruments such as trumpet, fl ugelhorn, and organ can be heard along with disparate keyboard sound effects.

The alien sounds and variety of instruments separate this album from the group’s past material, giving each song a new and diverse melody.

The fi rst 15 seconds of “No Way Down” are a bit deceiving — is this still The Shins?

Then Mercer’s voice comes in to reassure the audience about the modifi ed sound:

“What have we done? How’d we get so far from the sun? Lost in an oscillating phase, where a tiny few catch all the rays.”

This is not the fi rst Shins’ album to integrate one or two tracks that don’t quite fi t their

usual sound. “Girl on the Wing,” released on

“Oh, Inverted World,” revels in an electronic-rock vibe.

“Bait and Switch” — along with “No Way Down” — are the odd ones

American president rocks out

PHOTO COURTESY OF DEOGRACIAS LERMA

BLOODY ANDREW JACKSON Rachel and her presidential husband cautiously embrace.

UCHENNAONONYE

MEDIAMATTERS

3UCHENNA

ONONYE

MEDIAMATTERS

Retro fi lms utilize ’80s techniques

MADONNA RECLAIMS THRONEPHOTO COURTESY OF MCT CAMPUS

WATCH THE THRONE Madonna performs at Super Bowl XLVI and tries to reclaim her position as the Queen of Pop with the release of “MDNA.”

NOTEWORTHY:“Gang Bang” “I’m Addicted”“Love Spent”

Shins evolve, without losing quality

PHOTO COURTESY OF SONY MUSIC ENTERTAINMENTINDIE KINGS RETURN James Mercer and The Shins return for their fourth album, “Port of Morrow.” This time out, the band’s sound has evolved into a more upbeat rock style. Despite the change, the band delivers a fi ne album.

ARIEL CHEUNG | EDITOR IN CHIEF

If you think Beyoncé and 1800s United States history don’t mix, this is not the musical for you.

However, if four historical fi gures in ruffl ed collars gyrating to “Single Ladies” puts a smile on your face, hasten to Know Theatre for the ongoing production of “Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson.” As the tagline states, this show is where “history just got all sexypants.”

The musical takes a sidesplitting look into the life and presidency of Andrew Jackson, from his multiple battles against Native Americans to his efforts to be “the people’s president.”

With spray-painted scenery (including telling quips like “Cholera kills!” and “James Mon-HOE”) and a pit comprised of band members from The Dukes are Dead, the intimacy of the Know Theatre set the perfect atmosphere for the bawdy rock musical.

The ensemble, jumping into multiple characters at a moment’s notice, had a powerful presence and performed with stellar comedic timing opening night, March 31.

Second-year College-Conservatory of Music theater student Matt Hill, fresh off a

stunning performance as Moritz in CCM’s “Spring Awakening”, was especially enjoyable to watch. His handful of characters were well developed and extremely entertaining.

CCM students and alumni speckled the ensemble, with dramatic performance graduate Kellen York starring as Andrew Jackson. While York’s singing was pitchy at times, he brought an air of sincerity to the character, endearing him to the audience while also kicking ass.

Fellow CCM grad Torie Wiggins shines as the Storyteller, who narrates the story with uproarious asides; third-year CCM theater student Kelsey Crismon is a sweet, sassy Rachel Jackson, as well.

Both script and score allow for 100 minutes of hilarity, as Jackson accuses the Republican party of being “croquet-playing cock gobblers” and candidly asks Vice President Martin Van Buren why he “always has to be such a motherf**ker.”

“The Corrupt Bargain” and “Illness as Metaphor” are two of the funniest songs, while That Guy” and “Second Nature” add sincerity

NOTEWORTHY:“The Rifl e’s Spiral”

“40 Mark Strasse”

“Port of Morrow”

SEE JACKSON | 2

SEE SHINS | 2

MondayApril 2 | 2012

NEWSRECORD.ORG


COLLEGE LIVING

Yesterday was a major holiday for me.

If it took you awhile to remember what yesterday was, I feel a little bit sorry for you. You’re obviously disappointingly sane.

For those of you who do remember that yesterday was the High Holy Day of Pranksters, I hope you emerged both satisfi ed with your own mischievous pursuits and relatively unscathed from those of your friends and/or enemies.

Since I am writing this column with April Fools Day only half over, I can only hope that the same will be truefor me.

I have always loved pranks. My family and friends are painfully aware of this.

My early April Fools Days were spent dumping salt in my mother’s coffee and coloring the milk a sickly green. (That last one never got old — for me at least. My father never quite appreciated it.)

Living in dorms creates a community that can provide support and encouragement, but it also fosters an ideal environment for pranks.

Where else can you go around putting socks on random people’s doorknobs on a Saturday night? (I trust I don’t have to explain the reasoning behind that one.) When else do you have the access to replace someone’s towel with napkins while they’re in the shower and watch them freak out?

And while April Fools Day will be over by the time this column hits stands, the pranks don’t have to end.

Here are some tips for excellent prankery:

1) Find a partner or partners. One of the best parts of prank-pulling is the anticipation of the other person’s reaction, so why not share that delicious anticipation with a friend? And pranks often involve many steps, between the planning, the execution and the fallout.

Two heads are defi nitely better than one when it comes to making sure nothing can go horribly wrong. The worst thing is to plan and plan and then get into the middle of a prank and be discovered.

2) Know your friends’ limits. Everyone has their hot-button issues, whether it is spiders and snakes or public humiliation.

You don’t want to be the a-hole who pulls off the friendship-ruiner. Be sure to test the waters — fi nd out what people will and will not tolerate. Don’t be mean.

3) Expect retaliation. A good prankster doesn’t get pranked, but a great prankster gets pranked and appreciates it. A truly excellent prank is a thing of beauty. Don’t get upset when someone pulls one over on you — just exact your revenge at a later date.

4) Don’t damage property. This should go without saying, but everyone has to live in the dorms. Don’t ruin thingsfor people.

5) Plan and plan, but take opportunities when they are handed to you. Some of the best pranks are thoseof opportunity.

6) Slow-burn pranks can mean days of fun. This can also work well for people who really don’t like being pranked, because you don’t have to actually do anything to them — just make them think you have something incredibly sinister planned for them.

Eventually, they will fi gure it out, but they will be looking twice before going around corners for a little while.

Everyone needs some hilarity in their lives, especially after a hard day of classes. With the proper attitude, pranks can be a great form of stress relief.

If, at the end of this, you still don’t like the idea of pranks, remember that for most freshmen, dorm living is nearing its end. If you haven’t done so already, get to know your neighbors.

Invite people you haven’t talked to for a game night, or a movie. It isn’t too late to form amazing friendships that will last beyond freshman year.

Keep your mind open and enjoy these last nine weeks of being Bearkittens. After all, next year you might have to start thinking about what “direction your life is taking” or something tedious like that.

4MondayApril 2 | 2012

NEWSRECORD.ORG

DIAMOND CRUMPTON-SCOTT | TNR CONTRIBUTOR

Celebrities and scientists alike will mingle Saturday, April 14, to raise funds and awareness for Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders.

The Brian Grant Foundation and the James J. and Joan A. Gardner Family Center at the University of Cincinnati Neuroscience Institute will host the Cincinnati ShakeUp! fundraiser for Parkinson’s disease and movement disorders.

The event will be hosted at the Xavier University Cintas Center, will also be live entertainment provided by Nick Lachey, Brad Johansen and Blessid Union of Souls.

“It all started last January when former Xavier basketball star, Brain Grant, returned to the university to retire his jersey,” said Kelly Lyle, the James J. and Joan A. Gardner Family Center business manager.

The Gardner Center then decided to collaborate with the Brain Grant Foundation

in the crusade for Parkinson’s disease cure, Lyle said.

“We both share the same mission and the entire Gardner Family is involved. Mr. and Mrs. Gardner as honorary Chairs, and their two daughters are co-chairs,” Lyle said.

The Gardner Center is nationally recognized as a leader in Parkinson’s research. In 2009, it was designated a Morris K. Udall Center for Parkinson’s disease research by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.

The Brian Grant foundation was formed approximately two years after the former Musketeer star was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2008.

The nonprofi t foundation works to educate and build awareness of the disease, and to help patients and their families, and support all affected.

“This exciting event supports both our missions of research, education and patient care, and also to be a resource for the newly diagnosed patient,” said Gardner Center

director Freddy Revilla. The Fundraiser is a Black Tie optional event,

which begins at 6:30 p.m.; 6 p.m. for VIPs and sponsors. The dinner and program will beginat 7:30 p.m.

Those interested in attending can RSVP by April 16 at regonline.com/CincinnatiShakeUp.

HOLLY ROUSE | COLLEGE LIVING EDITOR

Celebrities, scientists host ShakeUp!

WORLD CHOIR GAMESMusic competition to fi ll Cincinnati with song this summer

PHOTOS COURTESY OF WORLD CHOIR GAMES

A SINGING CITY [Top] Cincinnati prepares for the seventh World Choir Games with a performance on Fountain Square. The July 4-14 competition is the fi rst to be hosted in the United States. [Bottom] Choirs from around the globe compete in past years’ World Choir Games. This year, more than 360 choirs from 48 countries have registered to participate. There are approximately 80 regional choirs thus far. Choirs are still able to register.

CELEBRATION OF SONG [Left] A children’s choir participates in a previous World Choir Games event. [Right] 2012 World Choir Games manager and special projects coordinator Nancy Riley gives a presentation regarding the event in downtown Cincinnati.. It will be the seventh World Choir Games.

SPRINGTIME

FOR

BEARCATSWith warmer weather on its way and trees and fl owers in bloom, the University of Cincinnati is hosting a number of outdoor activities that are perfectfor springtime.

A game of powderpuff football will take place from 7 to 10:30 p.m. on Sigma Sigma Commons. The Omicron chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority is hosting the event.

As part of the Student Government election, candidates running for offi ce will be grilling free food and answering questions from 12:30 to 2 p.m. on McMicken Commons.

The Aruna 5K is a race around the UCcampus in order to raise awareness about the sexual slave trade in Mumbai, India. It will take place at 7 a.m. on Sigma Sigma Commons.

UC students are invited to raise awareness of the impact a pair of shoes makes on a child’s life by going without shoes. The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on McMicken Commons.

APRIL

APRIL APRIL

APRIL2

12 14

10PowderpuffFootball

Grill thecandidates

Run theAruna 5k

TOM’s A DayWithout Shoes

BRITTANY WEIR

FRESHBRITTANY

FRESH

Taking delight in April Foolsaftermath

PHOTO COURTESY OF SHAKEUP! CINCINNATI

SUPPORTING HIS CAUSE Former Xavier basketball player Brian Grant speaks at a past Cincinnati ShakeUp! fundraiser. Grant was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2008 and created his The Brian Grant Foundation in 2010.

Cincinnati will take center stage as it hosts the seventh World Choir Games this summer.

“It’s the Olympics of choral music,” said World Choir Games manager and special projects coordinator Nancy Riley. “The largest international choral competition coming right to our backyard.”

The competition, which is based on Olympic ideals and is hosted every two years, will take place in the United States for the fi rst time, Riley said.

Running from July 4-14, the World Choir Games will involve more than 20,000 participants from all around the world. More than 400 choirs from approximately 70 countries are expected to participate.

“Cincinnati was chosen for its rich cultural and choral history,” Riley said. “Even though we only have a snapshot of what the choir games will be like in Cincinnati, it is very exciting to know that we will be hosting people from all around the world. It will be the fi rst time in the United States for many of them, making Cincinnati a tourist hub for the summer.”

Competition venues are in a “walk-able grid” in downtown Cincinnati, incuding the Aronoff Center for the Arts, Christ Church Cathedral, Cincinnati Masonic Center, Music Hall and the School for the Creative and Performing Arts.

“There is something for everyone, even if you are not a choral fan,” Riley said. “We hope that all of Cincinnati can fi nd a way to participate and be active in the games.”

Tickets start at $15 with a number of free events around the community, both downtown and throughout the suburbs.

Because of the capacity and importance of the event, the World Choir Games planning committee is looking for volunteers and interns. UC students will play a large role in the event, Riley said.

“Students can and should volunteer in a number of different ways,” Riley said. “Various internship and volunteer opportunities for students in marketing, hospitality, volunteer management and communication are available. Students should visit our website and look for us on other social media outlets to fi nd out more.”

The most important things students can do is spread the word, Riley said.

“We are hoping to get the university even more involved and informed,” she said.

For more information, including ticket information, volunteer opportunities, and a tentative event schedule, visit the World Choir Games website at 2012worldchoirgames.com.

Looking for an apartment? www.ucapartments.com

Now available! 1, 2, and 3 bedroom apartments. Walk to UC. Newly renovated. www.ucapartments.com 513-300-0585.

Now renting for the fall. uc4rent.com. 513-621-7032.

5 Bedroom House for Rent. Great Location on quiet street; 2 Blocks from Campus. Home Security System, New windows, Doors, Furnace, and Deck. Many

custom built-ins. 2547 Vestry Ave (one block behind Deaconess Hospital) Available for August 1st school year.Always rents quick. 508-4001, 309-3032

Now leasing for August. www.ucapartments.com.

SIX-BEDROOM, THREE-BATH, THREE-STORY HOUSE. Two blocks to campus. Just fi nished being COMPLETELY REMODELLED!! Eat-in kitchen with dishwasher, free laundry, A/C, ceiling fans, window blinds, free parking, cats welcome free, available beginning August, $2095.00. Call Jeff at 513-379-5300. “[email protected]” No text messages, please.

SPECTACULAR SEVEN-BEDROOM, FOUR-BATH, THREE-STORY. Remodeled house, two blocks to campus, 16’x20’ hardwood living room with fi replace. 16’x24’ eat-in kitchen with dishwasher. BONUS COMPUTER ROOM. Free laundry, A/C, ceiling fans, window blinds, two-car garage +additional free parking, cats welcome free. Available beginning August. $2095.00. Call Jeff at 513-379-5300. “[email protected]” No text messages, please.

FOUR-BEDROOM, THREE-BATHHOUSE. Three blocks to campus. Beautiful new eat-in kitchen with dishwasher. Restored hardwood fl oors, free laundry, A/C, ceiling fans, window blinds, PRIVATE DECK! Free parking, cats welcome free, available beginning August. $1495.00. Call Jeff at 513-379-

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FIVE-BEDROOM, THREE-BATH, THREE-STORY HOUSE. Three blocks to campus. Remodeled eat-in kitchen with dishwasher. Hardwood fl oors. Free laundry, A/C, ceiling fans, window blinds, free parking, cats welcome free. Available beginning August. $1695.00. Call Jeff at 513-379-5300. “[email protected]” No text messages, please.

Beautiful 3 bedroom apartment available for August rental. Located on Graham Street right across from Bellevue Park. 513-378-7919 or virtual tour at www.qcr4rent.com.

University Investments apartments and houses for rent. 1 through 6bedrooms. 513-403-2678.

Three bedroom apartment. $700.00 + electric. Internet, laundry, near UC shuttle route. 513-281-4855. Photos at www.egepropertyrental.com

4-5 bedroom houses. 3 baths. Equipped kitchens. Basement with laundry. Off -street parking. On UC Shuttle Bus route. $1300-$1750 plus utilities/month. www.egepropertyrental.com / 513-307-6510.

Studios and 1 bedroom. Equipped kitchens. On UC Shuttle Bus route. Studio/1 bedroom Ohio Avenue. Short-term lease available. www.egepropertyrental.com / 513-307-6510

Available August 1. Extra-large three bedroom, two full bath. Short

walk to UC. Recently renovated. Full kitchen with new appliances. Built in 42-inch LED TV. Hardwood fl oors. Carpeted bedrooms. New HVAC. Parking. Must see! $1125 per month. 513-266-6567 for appointment.

FRITO LAY is hiring part-time team members for our West Chester, Ohio distribution center! Part-time opportunities start at $14.20 per hour. Please go to our website to submit an online application. www.fritolayemployment.com. Take advantage of a great fi nancial opportunity and taste the success! Please- no walk-ins, phone calls, or resumes accepted in person. Equal Opportunity Employer (M/F/D/V)


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CLASSIFIEDS POLICY1 All ads must be prepaid.2 Out-of-town advertisers must send check with copy.3 NIU’s must be signed and fi lled out before acceptance of ads.4 All ad changes are due two days prior to publication.5 No refunds unless a mistake by The News Record’s staff occurs in the advertisement. Refunds are not granted for ads placed, then cancelled. Adjustments are limited to the portion of the ad which is incorrect. Under no circumstances will an adjustment be issued greater than the cost of the ad.

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ESCLASSIFIEDSMonday

April 2 | 2012

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EDITOR-IN-CHIEFARIEL CHEUNG

MANAGING EDITORSAM GREENE

BUSINESS & ADVERTISING MANAGERKELSEY PRICE

ASSISTANT BUSINESS MANAGERJARED HOWE

NEWS EDITORSANTHONY OROZCOSCOTT WINFIELD

SPORTS EDITORSBRITTANY YORKJOSH MILLER

OPINION EDITORJASON HOFFMAN

COLLEGE LIVING EDITORHOLLY ROUSE

PHOTO EDITORPATRICK STRANG

MULTIMEDIA EDITORBLAKE HAWK

CHIEF REPORTERJAMES SPRAGUE

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SPORTSMondayApril 2 | 2012

NEWSRECORD.ORG

Cincy sweeps weekend6

Cats won’t play at Paul Brown StadiumBRITTANY YORK | SPORTS EDITOR

The University of Cincinnati football team will play all home games at Nippert Stadium this season, as opposed to making the trip to Paul Brown Stadium to face big-name opponents.

UC played at PBS once in 2010 and twice during the 2011-12 season against Big East opponents Louisville and West Virginia.

Nippert Stadium, which holds 35,000 people, is preferable to head coach Butch Jones and the Bearcats players, according to ESPN.

Athletic director Whit Babcock said the two-year experiment with games at PBS didn’t work out as well financially as the school initially expected.

“I think it was a good move to go down the road and explore it,” Babcock told ESPN. “We may do it on a case-by-case basis; but fi nancially, it was good — but not great — for us. I’m not saying we’re

not going to go back, but we prefer to play on campus. Right now, we don’t have any plans to play future games there [PBS], but that could change.”

UC’s games at PBS this past season drew crowds of 40,791 and 48,152 fans respectively, which was not enough to justify playing more games there in the upcoming season.

“Is it better to sell out Nippert [Stadium] at 35,000 and create some demand for tickets, or have 40-42 thousand that looks half full at Paul Brown?” Babcock said.

UC’s goal is to focus on renovating Nippert Stadium, which includes plans for premium seating, according to ESPN.

“We’ve started getting the ball rolling on plans and drawings and options and price,” Babcock said. “We don’t have a timetable for it.”

The Bearcats will open their 2012-13 season at 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 6, at Nippert Stadium, when they take on the University of Pittsburgh.

JOSHUA MILLER | SPORTS EDITOR

The University of Cincinnati men’s and women’s track and fi eld squads claimed team titles at the 2012 UC Oliver Nikoloff Invitational Friday and Saturday.

The men’s team fi nished with a fi nal tally of 156 points to top the 13-team fi eld, which included local rivals Xavier, Miami (OH), Dayton and Northern Kentucky University. Miami took second place with 123 total points.

Freshman Tariq Sanders — a Cincinnati native and Lockland High School alum — claimed two victories for the Bearcats, winning the long jump (7.14 m.) and the triple jump (14.25 m.).

Also earning fi rst-place fi nishes for the men’s team were Dailyn Moore in the 110 meter hurdles (14.41), Chris Littleton in the discus throw (52.85 m.), Brian Zimmerman in the javelin (222-02.25 feet) and Eric Finan in the 5,000 meter run.

With his time of 14 minutes and 19.46 seconds, Finan — who earned all-American status in the 5,000 last season — currently ranks seventh in the country in the event.

The UC women were dominant throughout

the two-day meet. With a tally of 191.5 points, they were nearly 100 points clear of the second-place team, fellow Big East conference competitor Marquette, which fi nished with 102 points.

Senior Kathy Klump — who also earned all American accolades for her accomplishments last season — paced the Cats with a pair of wins in the 800 (2:09.69) and 1,500 meter runs (4:33.93).

Earning single event victories for the UC women were Kaitlyn Good in the heptathlon (5,150 points), Morgan Gordan in the 200 meter dash (24.52), Shanay Portis in the 400 meter dash (55.86), Michelle Elby in the pole vault (3.75 m.), Jasmine Cotten in the 100 meter hurdles (14.06) and the 4x100 and 4x400 relay teams.

Cotten said it was a bittersweet moment for her and the other Bearcat seniors.

“It’s a little sad to be at the last home meet. Before coming here today, I hesitated, [thinking] I didn’t even want to go because I know it’s over,” she said. “Once I ran, I realized [it was] my last time doing this at home. It’s always sad to end your last home competition with your teammates, but it’s a great feeling to be out here; and

I look forward to coming out and watching my fellow Bearcats compete in the years to come.”

UC will be in completion once again next weekend, with representatives competing at the USF Invitational in Tampa, Fla., as well as the Miami Invitational in Oxford, Ohio.


Bearcats seniors dominate season’s fi nal home meet


SENIORS FINISH STRONG The 2012 Oliver Nikoloff Invitational was the final home meet for University of Cincinnati seniors.

RAPIEN’S

JAMES RAPIEN

REMARKS


CATS ON CAMPUS UC’s football team will not play at Paul Brown Stadium as it has the past two seasons.

MICHAEL WYLIE | SENIOR REPORTER

On Monday night, the two schools with the most wins in NCAA basketball history will collide with an NCAA National Championship on the line.

It’s the place with some of basketball’s strongest historical roots, versus the place that’s been obsessed with it each and every day since its invention.

The Kentucky Wildcats will meet the Kansas Jayhawks for the second time this season, but the stakes will be much higher.

Kentucky (37-2) will be in the championship game for the first time since 1998, when they won their seventh national title.

The Jayhawks (32-6) have won three national championships and last went to the championship game in 2008, when they defeated the Memphis Tigers, who were coached by current Kentucky coach John Calipari.

The Wildcats made their way to the championship game by defeating in-state rival Louisville 69-61 behind AP player of the year Anthony Davis, who led the Wildcats with 18 points.

Kentucky shot 57 percent from the fl oor Saturday night, the highest shot percentage in a Final Four game in the past 15 years.

The two blue bloods met earlier this year, a game in which the Wildcats dominated throughout, holding the Jayhawks to an abysmal 34 percent shooting.

The Wildcats are favored to win their

eighth national championship — the biggest reason being 6-foot 10-inch tall freshman Anthony Davis, who is the consensus No. 1 pick in this year’s NBA draft.

The nation’s leading shot blocker troubles opposing teams’ offenses with his presence alone, giving the other team’s offense indigestion with his ability to impose his will on defense; and he’s not too bad on offense either.

Davis averages 14 points and 10 rebounds per game — his .639 fi eld goal percentage is ridiculous — but when you are as long and tall as he, is why not constantly throw down thunderous dunks?

Don’t count the Jayhawks out of this game, though, as they have a good team and more experience than Kentucky.

While everyone is talking about the Wildcats, Kansas entered the tournament as the No. 4 team in the nation and has a big man of its own in Thomas Robinson, who was a candidate for player of the year and is projected to be a top-five pick in the draft.

So if anyone can match up with the Wildcats, it’s Kansas. The Jayhawks have a seven-foot center of their own in Jeff Withey, but he isn’t as mobile as Davis; and it’s hard to fi gure out who will guard Michael Kidd-Gilchrist or how a good or not-great offense will fi nd its rhythm against a very good Kentucky defense.

The two juggernauts will match strengths, with Kentucky’s offense versus Kansas’ defense.

Despite what happens Monday night,

the storied traditions of both Kentucky and Kansas basketball will go on, and another banner will be lifted into the rafters at either Rupp Arena or Allen Fieldhouse.

Tip-off is set for 9:23 p.m. at the New Orleans Superdome.

The NFL off-season calls for teams to rebuild and reload, and each year, a team goes back to the drawing board, regardless of its record from the year before.

The Cincinnati Bengals have had attention-grabbing off-seasons in recent years.

Past fi reworks have included the signings of Terrell Owens and Antonio Bryant, in addition to trade demands of former Bengals Carson Palmer and Chad Ochocinco.

The attention wasn’t always positive, and the Bengals might have fi nally learned that headline-grabbing deals in free agency do not necessarily translate to wins.

In recent weeks, the Bengals have signed average players in free agency. They haven’t signed a big name back up wide receiver to complement rookie sensation A.J. Green. They didn’t grab the best offensive lineman or cornerback available.

Instead, they signed some mid-level players on defense and a slightly above-average running back named Benjarvus Green-Ellis. Green-Ellis, nicknamed “The Law Firm,” played his first four seasons in the NFL with the New England Patriots.

People in Cincinnati have criticized the Bengals for not becoming major players in free agency, however. The common thought is that the Bengals have a lot of cap room and should use it.

Well, who was the last team that had big free agent signings and won a Super Bowl? The Packers, Steelers and Patriots are legitimate Super Bowl contenders every year, yet they don’t feel the need to make big moves in free agency. Those teams draft well and develop from within. Then, after the guys they draft are established, they reward their own players with good contracts.

The Bengals seem to be modeling themselves after some of the best franchises in all of sports, though, I am not sure if I completely believe they will continue the trend of drafting well, like they have in recent years. However, I’m surely not going to criticize them for it.

Regardless of their history, the Bengals have made some great moves in the past year. In fact, many Cincinnati fans called this past off-season the worst one in history, until they saw the product on the fi eld. The team replaced Ochocinco with the younger, more talented A.J. Green.

They replaced Palmer with Andy Dalton, who proved in his fi rst season that he was NFL worthy. Bengals owner Mike Brown traded the “retiring” Palmer to the Oakland Raiders for fi rst and second round draft picks, and Palmer wasn’t even playing at the time. Brown practically stole draft picks away from the Oakland Raiders.

The team went on to have a very successful season, winning nine games and making the playoffs for just the third time in 22 seasons. This is no time to criticize Brown or head coach Marvin Lewis. The organization might fi nally be making moves that differ from those that have doomed them in the past.

I am not saying the addition of free agents would hurt the team, but the path to a championship is having an organization that builds through the draft and develops its own players. Winning the headlines in March does not help you win games in January.

There is a reason that the Bengals were able to sign Green-Ellis and take a weapon away from Tom Brady and the New England Patriots. Cincinnati didn’t overpay for “The Law Firm,” who accepted a three-year, $9 million contract from the Bengals.

Green-Ellis doesn’t just have a cool nickname. He has plenty of talent left at only 26 years of age, and he had to see something within this organization to accept a contract with the Bengals. Cincinnati is a team on the rise, and this is the perfect time to model itself after top-tier teams in the NFL.

Who knows, it might not work out; but the Bengals have to become perennial contenders at some point. Maybe that time is closer than many think.

Bengals looking at league’s elite teams

NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP SHOWDOWN

VS.UK and KU face off in NCAA National Championship

PAST NCAA CHAMPS

2011: CONNECTICUT

2010: DUKE

2009: N. CAROLINA

2008: KANSAS

2007: FLORIDA

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TNR 4.2.12

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